Times of Tunbridge Wells 22nd March 2017

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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NOBEL PRIZE LAUREATE MALALA YOUSAFZAI INSPIRES TWO LOCAL STUDENTS Page 21

Playground dream comes true as its fundraisers beat deadline by one day

By Andrew Tong The team behind the project to create the Calverley Adventure Grounds playground are celebrating this week after hitting their fundraising target of £225,000. And they did it with 24 hours to spare.

In partnership with the Friends of Calverley Grounds (FOCG), they achieved their ambition last week after more than two years of hard work and dedication.

Celebrating The deadline had to be met because the fund received two major grants worth £75,000, which had conditions attached about the appointment of contractors.

The campaign was boosted by more than £20,000 which was raised by two variety performances at the Assembly Hall on Sunday March 12.

Rhiannon Harfoot, Trustee of Friends of Calverley Grounds (FOCG), who initially approached the council in 2012, about creating a playground on the disused bowling green in the town centre said: “I have been totally stunned and humbled by the way the community has rallied to support us over the last 12 months.

“Watching donations and sponsorship pour in, in the last few weeks of our campaign, demonstrating widespread

Continued on page 2

COMEDIAN JON RICHARDSON PLAYS THE ASSEMBLY HALL – JUST FOR LAUGHS Page 74

THE TIMES BUSINESS AWARDS – CHEF DANIEL HATTON ON WHY HE’S ENTERING

COURTING CONTROVERSY? LOCAL SOLICITOR WARNS OVER PLANS FOR NEW COURT PAGE 5

Page 8

Business leader claims council’s INSIDE planning laws hamper growth FIGHTING TALK

MEP Anneliese Dodds meets her supporters Page 6

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE head of Kent’s largest business network has called for planning to be simplified as the current system is creating ‘barriers’ to job creation.

The comments, by Jo James, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, come after proposals to convert a disused industrial unit on Chapman Way in High Brooms into a go-karting track and laser tag centre were rejected by the Borough Council.

The £3.5million project was expected to create 25 full time and part-time jobs.

But members of the council’s planning committee took the decision on March 8, on the recommendation of planning officers, to turn down the application partly on the

grounds of the applicant’s refusal to pay £52,000 in Section 106 ‘developer contributions’.

However, Mrs James, whose organisation represents 1,200 members, criticised the way in which these Section 106 agreements, could hamper economic growth.

‘All too often planning creates barriers that stop the growth of new businesses and jobs’ She added: “Often these, and other planning conditions, hinder rather than help development. They slow down decisions and put another financial burden on development, which can undermine the business case for it going ahead.

“We recognise that developers need to con-

tribute to the delivery of infrastructure, but all too often planning creates barriers that stop the growth of new businesses and creation of new jobs. There has to be a simpler and better way.”

Applicant Markerstudy Leisure refused to pay the contribution to Kent Highways on the grounds of what it believed to be previous precedents involving similar schemes nearby having their contributions waivered.

In addition the application was turned down as the type of jobs to be created were in leisure and not light industry. Planning officers also said there had been a failure to explore if the new facility could be located elsewhere in the town or if there was still demand for use of the premises as an industrial unit.

The company has now said it will pull all further funding for planned projects in the

Continued on page 2

MUM’S THE WORD The best present ideas for Mother’s Day Page 72

FUN AND GAMES

Rose Hill welcomes Team GB hockey star Alex Danson Page 78

Continued on page 2

ON THE WATERFRONT Beautiful Bewl Country Park reopens for spring Page 76

KICKER: Caroline Roberts, Jim Kedge, Nat Bere, Nick Pope, Lisa Grant, Sarah-Kate Tempest, Kate Bourne, Jennette EmeryWallis, Rhiannon Harfoot

HIGHLY CRITICAL Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce’s Jo James

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Local News

New town could be built in the borough

By Adam Hignett THE council is considering the radical option of creating a ‘new town’ or ‘garden village’ within the borough in order to meet local housing needs.

Members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council fear decisions over where housing may go could be ‘taken out of our hands’ and directed by central government if they are not seen to be building enough housing.

Their statement comes in response to a petition which has been launched criticising the authority over allowing ‘numerous large scale developments’ and their impact on local infrastructure.

Started last week on Change.org the petition urges people to sign on the basis that: “Our planners and councillors are not listening to experts so it’s time for the community to be heard.”

It adds: “Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is allowing developers to fill our town with inappropriately largescale property developments, with second rate architecture and little to no parking.

“Development is being permitted with very little consideration to whether the infrastructure can cope.”

It lists proposals such as the 110 room Premier Inn

hotel on London Road, 112 flats planned at Calverley House and 127 flats at Union House on The Pantiles as examples.

However, the council said many of the planning policies complained about in the petition stem from ‘national government’ – including the ability for developers to convert offices into flats without any need for planning permission.

The council statement said: “The petition implies that too many homes are being built; in fact, far fewer homes are being built in Tunbridge Wells than in other parts of the county. If we don’t meet our local needs, decisions could be taken out of our hands.”

It added Tunbridge Wells had not been awarded ‘a single penny’ for infrastructure in the last round of funding allocations.

However, the council has said a consultation will be launched ‘shortly’ to ask residents how they want the authority to meet these challenges, stating: “Possible ways forward include concentrating new homes in the town, across the borough, along an A21 ‘growth’ corridor or thinking about the possibility of a ‘new town’ or ‘garden village’ in the borough.”

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Planning restrictions can hinder development and the creation of jobs Continued from page 1 town, predicted to be worth £10million, and reallocate the resources elsewhere in the South East.

Former Council Leader and one time member of the planning committee Roy Bullock, said members of the committee could have overturned the officer’s recommendation and approved the proposal ‘in the overall interests’ of the town.

He said: “The members of the committee do have the individual and collective right not to

follow officers’ recommendation and could have recommended approval in the overall interests of the town as it brings significant economic development to the area.”

However, a spokesman for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council defended the decision to reject the proposal, despite admitting it would, ‘increase the leisure provision within Tunbridge Wells and would bring in additional visitors which will have wider economic benefits.’

They added: “The highway network in the area is heavily congested, particularly at peak times during the week and at weekends. The advice from KCC Highways and Transportation

Friends of Calverley Grounds celebrate their record fundraising achievement Continued from page 1 support, was incredible.”

FOCG Chairman Nick Pope, said: “The team are over the moon. We were concerned that we were going to be £10,000 to £15,000 short – or more before the performances on Sunday. But we hit the target 24 hours early. It was such a relief.

“We can’t thank everyone who has supported this project enough. It has come in many forms, not just money. The support has been overwhelming.

“It is fantastic to see so much support from the community for a project that started with an idea back in 2012, which Rhiannon Harfoot wouldn’t let go of.”

The project’s treasurer Lisa Grant, said: “It’s amazing to think that only four months ago we still had £125,000 to raise but with the huge support of the community and local businesses we have broken through the target and this inspirational playground will become a reality.”

Kate Bourne who has been responsible for coordinating the task of raising the £225,000 said: “No one could have anticipated just how many hundreds of people would play their part in raising the funds; in many ways it’s become so much more than creating a playground and more about uniting a community.”

Contractors have already put in their tenders, and the group will assign one of them next month to start work at the beginning of the summer, with a view to completing the play area by September.

HOW THEY RAISED THE MONEY… Fundraising kicked off on March 22 2016 with a launch in Royal Victoria Place to local businesses.

Five days later, local residents were invited to help raise funds by taking part in an Easter Eggstravaganza on the site of the former bowling green in Calverley Grounds.

Over 1,500 people enjoyed a day that saw

is that the proposed development would generate a significant amount of additional traffic that would coincide with the existing peaks.

“In order to mitigate the impact of this additional traffic, KCC Highways and Transportation required a Section 106 contribution of £52,000 for the review and implementation of future phases of the ‘Masterplan for highways improvements for the North Farm area’. The applicant did not agree to this, and accordingly the application was recommended for refusal on this ground.”

The Times newspaper is part of the Markerstudy group.

Easter egg rolling brought back to the town centre park for the first time in 30 years.

“The egg rolling saw the community breathe new life into Calverley Grounds for the first time in many years. It gave them a taste of what could happen if we all worked together,” said Caroline Roberts, who played a key role in organising the event.

Almost £6,000 was raised by local children across the town who were invited to collect loose change in the Jam Jar Challenge during the month of June.

An additional £28,000 was raised from the project’s most glamorous fundraiser which saw over 200 people attend a dazzling evening event at Salomons. Guests were entertained by A.J. Magic, a string quartet from Skinners’ and The Violet Jive and bid for numerous prizes in a live auction.

Successful grant applications included Veolia Environmental Trust, Suez Communities Trust, Councillor James Scholes, Councillor John Davies, Whitehead Monkton, Aviva and Heart of the Community contributed in excess of £85,000.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 CHIEF REPORTER ADAM HIGNETT adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576051 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779580 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews IF YOU HAVE A STORY WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Contact details above

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tunbridge Wells 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

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WINNING TEAM: Caroline Roberts, Jim Kedge, Nat Bere, Nick Pope, Lisa Grant, Sarah-Kate Tempest, Kate Bourne, Jennette EmeryWallis, Rhiannon Harfoot

WHERE NEXT FOR THE CROWD THAT HAVE GIVEN US CALVERLEY ADVENTURE GROUNDS? Whatever way you look at it, the achievements of the various individuals involved in creating the children’s playground under the banner of Calverley Adventure Grounds is quite remarkable.

From a standing start on March 22 last year they have managed to beat a given deadline, because of contracts and agreements, and raised a staggering £225,000. And they did it with 24 hours to spare.

They threw everything at the fundraising efforts from the opening launch to businesses at Royal Victoria Place followed five days later by the first Easter Egg Rolling Event in Calverley Grounds for 30 years. More than 1,500 people turned up.

Children got involved by collecting loose change and putting it into jam jars, that raised

£6,000, while grown ups donned their finery and went along to a glittering gala night that raised £28,000.

But this was not just about depositing money into a bank account. It was about pulling people together. As one of the team members Kate Bourne put it: “In many ways it has become so much more than creating a playground and more about uniting a community.”

Obviously there is still much work for the team to do. Contractors are being appointed and someone needs to oversee the actual project. But once the collective sigh of relief at hitting the target starts to fade the question should be: “What next?”

Because what we have discovered with Calverley Adventure Grounds is that within this

town there is a considerable untapped source of talent; a new generation of achievers and fundraisers. Nothing wrong with the Old Guard which is much appreciated and much needed.

But where might the New Guard take us?

On another note, we cannot refrain from comment on former chancellor George ‘six jobs’ Osborne taking on the role of Editor of the London Evening Standard while remaining a ‘full time’ MP. If ever further proof were needed of an out of touch Westminster elite this is it. The man sees no conflict of interest, just a lot of big pay packets and the chance to build a political powerbase. Has he no moral compass?

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

Local News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

West Kent councils are not planning a merger THERE are no plans to replicate boroughs in the east of Kent by creating a merged council in the west of the county, a local authority leader has confirmed.

Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, said he was a ‘confirmed localist’ and talks about merging his local authority with the boroughs of Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells have not taken place.

His comments are in response to a series of town hall meetings taking place tonight [March 22] in the east of the county over merging Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet into one large district council within the next two years.

Fighting the night flight KENT County Councillors have criticised the Department for Transport (DFT) for its failure to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise.

Discussing a report drawn up by the authority last week in response to a Government consultation on night flights, members of KCC said the current number of night flights permitted from Gatwick was ‘unacceptable’ to those living in the west of the county.

The DFT proposes retaining night flights, which depart between 11.30pm and 6am, at their current levels of 3,250 in winter and 11,200 in summer.

Birth Centre open day MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is inviting the local community to an open day at Crowborough Birth Centre to mark its first anniversary under the Trust’s management.

The event will take place on Friday March 24 from 10am to 2pm.

Weekend rail disruption PASSENGERS travelling from Tunbridge Wells to London are set for disruption as four train stations close this weekend.

Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Cannon Street and London Bridge will be closed all weekend as part of the ongoing rebuild of London Bridge.

NEWS

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Murder victim ‘would be alive today’ if homeless charity was properly funded

By Andrew Tong

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A LACK of funds to provide help for local homeless people indirectly lead to the death of a Tunbridge Wells man who was allegedly murdered in a town centre car park.

The chief executive of a local homeless charity has said Giles Metcalfe would not have died if his organisation had been able to provide its usual level of accommodation.

The victim, who was found dead in Torrington Road car park in the early hours of Tuesday March 7, was sleeping rough for the first time that night.

John Handley of The Bridge Trust in Tonbridge, which provides accommodation to the homeless for up to two years, said his organisation was ‘swaying between sadness and anger’.

“We had to sell one of our houses, which means we lost four beds,” he explained. “If we’d had our funding maintained, he would be alive today. We would have had a room available.”

Mr Metcalfe had been referred to the Trust by the Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter after the organisation ceased its two-month homeless provision on Sunday March 5, two days before he was killed.

“We interviewed him and processed his application and accepted him,” said Mr Handley. “But we had to put him on a waiting list because we had no beds. Supply is outstripped by demand.

“Our statutory funding has flatlined for the last six years, and we’ve lost the equivalent of 20 per cent if you take inflation into consideration. We sold the house to keep the charity going.”

Reverend Jim Stewart of St James Church, a key organiser of the Winter Shelter, said his team and those using the shelter were in a state of ‘shock’ over the tragic death of ‘a model guest’.

Dangerous Revd Stewart said that the Winter Shelter is ‘well supported’ by the Borough Council, local businesses and individuals, but it was agencies further up the chain that were suffering.

“All agencies work together but we face a problem like hospitals with bed blocking. People cannot move straight into housing.”

He said Mr Metcalfe’s death came when ‘it really looked as if he was sorting his life out’.

He added: “Everyone was hopeful he was on a path that WAITING LIST John Handley of would see him secure.”

Mr Handley agreed: “Giles The Bridge Trust

was holding down a part-time job locally with Tesco. He was so close, making all the right moves to get his life back together.

“We’ve often been told by rough sleepers that it is dangerous out there – and we’re not an inner city, it’s calm and picturesque here,” he said.

“But there is an unsavoury scene for the homeless, Tunbridge Wells has a big drug problem and they are prone to being manipulated by predators.”

James Marshall-Gunn, 29, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge and Dean Lewis, aged 34 and of no fixed address, have been charged with murder.

Mr Metcalfe, who was sleeping in a stairway, died from the effects of a fire and the prosecutor, Martin Yale, told Maidstone Crown Court last week that the killers had used a bottle of accelerant.

Another homeless man found his bedding and clothes torched in the Great Hall car park in Tunbridge Wells on December 1.

A pre-trial hearing will be held on May 4, and Judge Philip Statman ordered that a psychiatric report be compiled on Marshall-Gunn. The trial is set for September 6.

Mr Metcalfe’s family said: “We are devastated and shocked at what has happened to Giles and the way he has died. Giles was loved very much by family and friends.

“He was kind at heart and very generous. Giles loved all animals and will be missed by all that knew him in and out of his workplace.”

Monopoly set passes go as votes flood in

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PEOPLE in Tunbridge Wells have been so enthusiastic over having their town commemorated as an edition of Monopoly that the company behind the customised set said it had already received over 500 submissions suggesting what should fill the empty spaces.

A spokesman for game wholesaler Winning Moves UK, which selected the town over rivals Royal Leamington Spa and Windsor, said they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the response.

He added: “It has been fantastic to have so many people submit ideas in the first few days. We have enough to fill the board many times over but we

are still hoping for more responses before the polls close.”

The announcement on March 15 has led to a raft of suggestions including having a local charity represented as Community Chest, putting the council buildings on White Hall or an antique shop for Old Kent Road.

However, suggestions such as sending players to Tonbridge instead of jail have met with some resistance. Joshua Cook, posting on the Times Facebook page, defended the neighbouring town.

He said: “Send to Tonbridge instead of jail? Maybe the board could feature Waitrose? Oh actually that’s Tonbridge… or a castle! Nope, Tonbridge again.”

Robert Osborne, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK – who produce the game under license from Hasbro – thanked all those who have

submitted their ‘wonderful suggestions’ so far.

Votes and ideas should be sent to rtw@winningmoves.co.uk or by traditional post to Monopoly Royal Tunbridge Wells Edition, Winning Moves UK, 7 Praed Street, London W2 1NJ. Polls close on March 31.

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Local News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Pupils enjoy the ‘freedom’ of life without mobiles and social media

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk BENENDEN SCHOOL has announced that its Phone Fast – a short-term ban on pupils using mobiles – will become a ‘regular occurence’ after the overwhelming success of its three-day trial.

From Sunday night until Wednesday lunchtime last week, pupils lived without their devices and social media was blocked on the school network.

The initiative, which was developed in partnership with Sixth Formers at the girls’ independent school, was aimed at helping students to reduce their reliance on digital technology.

‘They haven’t struggled to adjust at all, and have actually enjoyed the freedom’ And the feedback has been so positive that the school is now looking to maintain the momentum by repeating the Phone Fast.

It is an issue facing all schools, but Benenden felt it was in a special position to try the experiment because of its boarding environment.

Headmistress Samantha Price said: “The response from the girls has been tremendous. The message from them has been clear – they haven’t struggled to adjust at all, and have actually enjoyed the freedom that being without their phones has brought.”

Mrs Price, who also surrendered her phone for

CALL IT A SUCCESS Students at Benenden enjoy their phone-themed party after the ‘fast’ ended the trial, added: “The girls have been playing games with their friends, chatting with one another and enjoying the magnificent grounds we are lucky to have here.

“In short, they have been having fun – instead of constantly seeking affirmation through social media ‘likes’.

Under 35s given a helping hand TOWN & COUNTRY HOUSING is piloting a scheme that will allow two under 35s to share accommodation when the ‘Local Housing Allowance cap’ limits the amount of financial assistance available.

Whilst house shares are commonplace in the private sector, ‘Smart Sharing’ will be the first scheme of its kind in Kent on offer to social tenants.

The project will see the

building of two bedroom, two bathroom properties, suitable for two under 35s to share where the costs will be within the limits of £77.39 per week currently allowed in Tunbridge Wells. The first properties in the scheme will be delivered within the town and in Paddock Wood.

Colin Lissenden, Development Director at the housing association said: “We have been able to

consider this approach because of our continued efficiency savings, the support of the Home and Communities Agency and partnership working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

“We have a long way to go to solve the housing crisis in Kent, but we believe our approach may be one option for young people unable to afford a home any other way.”

“The feedback from our pupils has been incredibly positive, so much so that we will now be making Phone Fasts a regular occurrence.”

The first attempt officially came to an end at 1pm on March 15, and was marked by a phone-themed party, with cakes featuring app icons and a giant phone screen where the girls to take pictures of one another.

Mrs Price said: “All of us in modern society rely too heavily on phones and digital communications and the girls have shown us that breaking that habit can be enormously beneficial.

“I would encourage everyone – including parents, teachers and young people – to give up their phones for a few days, just to see what a difference it may make.”

Victoria Molloy, Benenden’s Head Girl, said: “I think a lot of the girls found life without their phones much easier than they had expected.

“Everyone has been saying to me that they have really quite enjoyed not having the constant pressure of checking their phones in the evening.”

Benenden already has strict rules about the use of mobiles: Until girls reach Year 11, they hand their phones in at night – and no mobiles are allowed in school during the day.

However, Sixth Formers are allowed to use their phones during the day, though they are not allowed in lessons without permission.

The Children’s Commissioner, Anne Longfield, has recently warned that social media companies were not doing enough to ensure children understood the ramifications of sharing their personal information.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Small boost for school funding in borough?

A SLIM majority of schools in Tunbridge Wells will receive additional funding if the Government’s proposed new funding formula is given the green light.

Analysis by the Education Policy institute found 19 schools in the borough will benefit while 15 will lose out.

Collectively the borough sees its funding increase by 1.6 per cent to £56.7million, meaning a per-pupil spend of £4,017.

Tonbridge & Malling will receive an additional 2.5 per cent in funding, meaning a per-pupil spend of £4,219.

Of the schools in this district 29 will see an increase and 15 will face cuts.

Hitler photos sold PREVIOUSLY unseen pictures of Adolf Hitler were sold at a Tunbridge Wells auction house for almost double their guide price last week.

Depicting the Nazi dictator at home and posing with crowds, the images fetched £34,000, against an estimate of £18,500.

The collection is believed to have belonged to Hitler’s mistress Eva Braun.

Claimant count rises THE number of people in Kent claiming unemployment benefit jumped by 680 to 19,130 in February, as seasonal work ended.

Every district in the county recorded an increase in its claimant count. Tunbridge Wells recorded 590 claimants, up 30, while Tonbridge saw its count climb by 15 to 745.

Local News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Town Hall will now double up as a courthouse for one day a week

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk SESSIONS of the county court are now being held in the council chamber at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall on one day a week.

The ‘innovative’ way ‘to provide local justice’ is designed to address issues of access raised by the closure of the County and Family Court at Merevale House on London Road in January.

The borough council and HM Courts & Tribunals Service signed the agreement following a successful trial of the new arrangements in the latter months of 2016.

Until the move residents across the borough faced having to travel to Maidstone, Hastings or London to attend hearings.

Paul Barrington-King, the council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for finance and governance, said: “This is an innovative arrangement that benefits all involved through the use of the Town Hall.

“We have secured a service in our area, avoiding the need for people who may not have the means or time to travel a considerable distance to access a court.”

But a leading Tunbridge Wells law firm has criticised the plans. Kirstie Law, a partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore and a specialist in family law, said the move will not help the most vulnerable clients – especially those seeking emergency resolution.

“As far as I understand it, there will be one judge sitting on one day a week, where we used to have two or three judges five days a week,” she said.

“People who work can’t just drop everything to make the time of the hearing.

‘This is all about access to justice’ “For people who have emergency cases, such as family issues or domestic violence, there are no judges sitting there able to slot them in where necessary, as used to be the case.

“And there isn’t going to be the support system to carry out paperwork straightaway if required. The judge is sitting in isolation in the council chamber.”

She believes the new arrangement will not eliminate the problem of needy families having to travel to distant alternative venues.

“It’s better than nothing – but nowhere near what we need,” she said. “This is all about access to justice.”

HM Courts and Tribunal Service’s Chief Executive, Susan Acland-Hood, said: “Tunbridge Wells Town Hall is an excellent example of how existing local facilities can be used innovatively to provide local justice when there aren’t enough cases to fill a courtroom day in and day out.”

The old County and Family Court is due to be demolished if planning permission is passed to build a Premier Inn on the site.

SOUND JUDGMENT? Only one judge will be present once a week

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Thieves charged with magic shop burglary THREE men who broke into a well-known magic shop in Southborough have been charged by the Metropolitan Police.

The incident, during the early hours of February 8, saw the men smash through the front window of AJ Magic using a bin before stealing the shop’s iMac. The total damage was estimated to be around £5,000.

Csanad Dora (22) of Wyndham Road, SE5; John Holloway (28) of Long Lane, SE11 and Tony Weeks (18) of Manor Estate, SE16, will appear at the Inner London Crown Court on March 24. All three are charged with two counts of burglary.

Firms to shape strategy BUSINESSES across Kent are being urged to give their views on the Government’s proposed Industrial Strategy by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).

The consultation lasts until April 17 and companies can comment on the importance of any aspect of the strategy. To take part visit: www.gov.uk/government/consultations

Town’s affairs in order

FAMILY MATTERS Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Kirstie Law

TUNBRIDGE WELLS tops the UK for the dubious honour of being named the country’s most adulterous town.

Data compiled from IllicitEncounters. com, which is the country’s leading dating website for married people with over 1million users, found 2.2 per cent of the town’s adult population cheat on their partner – equivalent to 1,146 people.

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Local News

Mr Men author displays the other side of his art

By Andrew Tong

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ADAM HARGREAVES, son of the Mr Men author Roger, has an exhibition of his oil paintings on show at the Fairfax Gallery in Tunbridge Wells until Friday [March 24].

Mr Hargreaves, who took over the children’s franchise after his father’s death, lives in Heathfield, East Sussex, and has been painting full time for a decade.

According to the gallery on The Pantiles, ‘Adam has a particular affinity with the British Landscape and his own recognisable style of portraying his subject’.

Hargreaves Jnr can take credit for originating the series when he asked his father one of those difficult questions children ask ‘What does a tickle look like?’.

The resulting illustration evolved into the first of the celebrated series, Mr Tickle in 1971. There have been 90 further titles since, as well as many offshoots and special editions.

BLUEBELL CARPET Spring Warmth, oil on canvas

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Women’s rights could be at risk after Brexit – warns local MEP

By Murray Jones

mjones@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A LABOUR Member of the European Parliament [MEP] has criticised Prime Minister Theresa May for her ‘very poor’ start to Brexit negotiations.

Speaking at a women-only local party event in the Manna Café, Tunbridge Wells, last Friday [March 17].

Anneliese Dodds warned of ‘frustration’ from MEPs at the Government’s stance on the rights of EU nationals living in the UK. She said: “When I speak to people in Brussels they say ‘we might have had a more favourable position to Brits in our country but if your government is saying they want to use EU nationals as bargaining chips then we are going to have to look at it in that tit-for-tat way’.

“It’s a very poor negotiating tactic – aside from what you think about the issue it is a very negative way to start off the negotiations that is switching off potential allies.”

The South East MEP was invited to discuss the topic of women’s rights after Brexit, with Article 50 to be triggered on Wednesday March 29. She argued that from a legal point of

view, the future remains unclear, explaining: “Equal pay is underpinned by EU legislation as are lots of other measures as well.

“The Minister for Brexit, David Davis, has said he will maintain workers’ rights. At the moment, within the EU we have a way of guaranteeing those rights because we can go the European Court. When we leave the EU it is not clear how we guarantee those rights.

“In some areas [of women’s employ-

ment rights] we can see the progress is actually going backwards. When it comes to sexual harassment it is a lot harder for people to take cases now because the tribunal fees have increased substantially so the number of people taking cases has gone down.”

Concern She also expressed concern over recent evidence which suggested that pregnant women are more likely to

WORDS OF WARNING MEP Anneliese Dodds (centre) at the Tunbridge Wells Labour Women’s Forum

be dismissed from their jobs compared to a few years ago. A government-commissioned report last year found that one in nine mothers reported they felt forced to leave their job because of their employer.

“With pressure on business at the moment, some of that is being taken out on pregnant women.”

In terms of solutions, she believed lowering the costs for employment tribunals would ensure that less women were blocked from fighting against harassment.

Dodds admitted that it had been ‘quite strange’ to be an MEP after Brexit, although she will stay be in her position until March 2019. Elaborating on the mood of non-British MEPs she said: “They don’t want a deal that will harm Britain but they want to protect their constituents. At the same time there is a lot of frustration on the rhetoric that is coming out of Britain.

“If it is presented as Britain versus the EU then if the EU looks like they’re being soft they are going to be criticised by their voters.

“So really what May should be doing is pulling the heat out of the situation but she seems to want to just stoke it up, it’s making things worse.”

Local News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Planning director switches to private sector as the council seeks savings…

By Phil Spacey

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE borough council’s Director of Planning and Development, Jonathan MacDonald, will be leaving the council at the end of this month, just before the new financial year begins.

It’s understood that he will be moving into the private sector as a consultant.

Mr MacDonald joined the council in 2010 and was in charge of a wide range of departments, including planning, property, environmental services and economic development. He oversaw a number of projects and initiatives, including a £14m asset disposal programme and improvements to infrastructure and the street scene.

Council Leader David Jukes said: “Jonathan has delivered a number of important priority projects and worked well with councillors, staff and partners alike in often controversial areas, such as planning and major regeneration projects.”

The news comes as a result of the council facing significant challenges in terms of its revenue budget. It has lost its complete government grant of over £4.6million over the past six years, but still aims to deliver a new theatre, as well as office accommodation and additional car parking for the town.

NEW Mr MacDonald’s DIRECTION departure from Jonathan the senior MacDonald Management Board, which

goes from three directors to two, will, according to a council spokesperson, ‘deliver a significant contribution to the savings required’. It is estimated that £120,000 will be saved per annum.

Challenges Council Chief Executive William Benson commented: “As director and Deputy Chief Executive, Jonathan has helped the council navigate some significant corporate challenges – particularly in the areas of planning, property and regeneration. We wish him well for the future.”

While the council has a large number of projects in train, it has invested additional resources in its property department and has established a Programme Management Office to oversee these projects. Responsibilities for service delivery and project oversight will pass to the council’s remaining two directors.

Planning and Property will move to Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, while Policy and Development and responsibility for Environmental Services and Environmental Health will go to Paul Taylor, Director of Change and Communities.

Mr MacDonald said: “I have enormously enjoyed my time at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – it is an ambitious council with some incredibly dedicated and hardworking staff and councillors.

“I will miss working with them, but believe it is time to explore new challenges.”

NEWS

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BUSINESS

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Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Michelin chef throws his hat into the ring for 2017 business awards Eight months after setting up shop on The Pantiles, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Hatton has seen his business go from strength to strength. Buoyed by the overwhelming support of customers, Hattons has put its name forward for the Times Business Awards 2017, to be held in a ceremony at Salomons on May 18. The closing date for entries is April 13 FAMILY-RUN Hattons is a deli with a difference. On the one hand it offers the traditional fare, ranging from bowls of breakfast granola and berries to roast beef ciabatta and brie and cranberry bagels. On the other, it’s an array of homewares, including luxury cushions, mercurial glass ornaments and chic crockery.

‘I want to offer beautiful home products, not just a cramming of tables’ The fusion of the two has only served to boost the appeal of the store, which was set up last July by Daniel and Lisa Hatton, who got the idea for the combination while visiting a café in Scotland.

Since then, the couple have expanded into new fields, including catering and events, and most recently they established The Wine Company. The pair sold 160 cases in the first two weeks.

Mr Hatton said the company was suc-

cessful because it is not a ‘one-trick pony’, and said the division of the shop is around 90 per cent retail and just ten per cent café.

He added: “I want to offer beautiful home products, not just a cramming of tables. People come in for a £2.20 cappuccino and can then enjoy browsing.

“They can come here for a bottle of wine, a sandwich, or to buy some coffee beans. We do the lot.

“We might not pull in the most people, but the average spend is far better as we offer so much. Staff costs are less, too, as a result of this.”

The Michelin-starred chef said he was looking forward to taking part in the upcoming awards, and a win in his chosen category of New Business of the Year would be a vindication of his hard work and that of his staff.

He added: “Winning will not just promote us but also the other independent shops in this part of town. I am Tunbridge Wells born and bred and I believe in the service we offer, so I am very excited about the coming event.”

ON TO A WINNER Daniel Hatton

Meet the sponsors who make it all possible Every awards ceremony needs the support of sponsors for both the event itself and the various categories.

Times local newspapers are fortunate to have secured the backing of some of the most respected companies in the area, and for that we are extremely grateful. The following are four of the local companies that have put their weight behind the Business Awards 2017. Details of others will be published over the coming weeks

Childrensalon

Digitom

SPONSOR: BEST SMALL BUSINESS Childrensalon is the world’s leading multi-brand retailer of luxury designer childrenswear and sells to customers in over 160 countries.

Founded in 1952, and online since 1999, Childrensalon.com offers 250 of the world’s most desirable brands, including Karl Lagerfeld Kids, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Stella McCartney Kids and Roberto Cavalli.

The company remains family-owned and has more than 250 members of staff in its Tunbridge Wells head office.

Recent accolades include a 2016 Drapers Digital ‘Best Multichannel Retailer – £25m-£200m’ award, plus a place in the Sunday Times’ ‘Fast Track 100’ for the third year running. www.childrensalon.com

SPONSOR: WELCOME DRINKS Digitom is a multi-award-winning video content agency based in Tunbridge Wells. Founded in 2010, it has established a solid reputation for producing high-quality content for clients across a wide range of sectors, including education, brewing, charities, property management, transport, public sector organisations, pharmaceutical and financial services.

Well versed in delivering a client’s artistic vision, Digitom works off decades of broadcast experience to achieve the desired outcome, collaborating closely with clients on briefs.

The agency frequently works in association with communication organisations in the UK and abroad, providing video and animation expertise to global organisations. www.digitom.tv

Distinct Business Insurance SPONSOR: NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Distinct Business Insurance is a broker set up and run by experienced insurance professionals.

Specialising in assembling products that include commercial and business insurance, the company aims to arrange competitive cover with a professional and personal service. Protecting businesses from accidental damage, fire, theft, vandalism, flood and storm damage, the firm is able to tailor its policies to include cover for buildings, contents, machinery and plant alongside business equipment and stock.

Cover can also be selected for business interruption to cover profits, public and products liability, employers’ liability and more. www.dbinsurance.co.uk

Gemini Print Group SPONSOR: BEST TECH BUSINESS Formed in 1991, Gemini has over 40 years’ experience providing outstanding print, marketing and fulfilment solutions, and is widely considered to be one of the leading eco-friendly printers in the UK. Both their digital and lithographic printing services are backed by a series of environmental credentials that allow them to work under the ‘Green Printing Label’.

Gemini Print operate on the belief that the key to a successful project is the combination of outstanding business strategy, technical expertise, quality control, timing and an unfailing commitment to exceptional customer service.

Gemini manage each job personally from start to finish. www.gemini-print.co.uk

10

BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Has the carnage of Brexit made markets immune from shock?

ANDY BELL Keen for the country to move forward

It has been a year since the Times talked to Andy Bell, founder of stockbroker AJ Bell Securities, a major financial services employer in Tunbridge Wells, as part of our popular Market Watch series. Back then, it was China that was rattling the markets. Many things have changed since then

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THAT Britain would be about to negotiate its exit from the European Union by triggering Article 50 was a hypothetical thought experiment when we interviewed Andy Bell almost a year ago.

David Cameron was attempting to renegotiate Britain’s membership of the EU, and the general outlook was that, despite winning very few concessions, the Remain vote would win come June.

Likewise, it would be months before Donald Trump was to be selected as the Republican candidate, and even many of those who thought this could happen would have scoffed at the idea of him eventually taking up residence in the White House.

So far-fetched did the idea seem that when the original Market Watch interview was taking place this outcome was not discussed at all.

DONALD TRUMP One of the year’s big surprises

Local Business News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

D A s d r a w e A s a z ple Bi

BREXIT Don’t tie the Prime Minister’s hands behind her back

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

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A lot has changed since then, and previous assumptions have been turned on their heads.

Few industries are more influenced by human sentiment than those of finance. And in particular, those which make their money from the world’s stock markets.

Having gown his company from a small two-man operation in 1995 to one which now manages £31.8billion of assets, Mr Bell knows the industry inside out, and even he has been surprised by how well the market has fared since June.

“Considering the past year, we have had both the stock market and the economy holding up better than expected,” he commented. “The stock market is up around 16 per cent since the vote to leave, and we have had some encouraging months.”

‘Domestically, the economic outlook is reasonably stable, but my instinct is that volatility will return’ However, Mr Bell warned against being complacent: “People must remember we have yet to start the [Brexit] exiting stage, and we have two more years of uncertainty ahead.”

One of the main reasons why the economy has remained so buoyant is because the underlying fundamentals remain strong and the fall in the pound has acted as a ‘shock absorber’.

Sterling’s fall is beneficial for the FTSE 100 index as two thirds of earnings are from overseas, and this is helping to increase the value of those companies which are listed, he explained.

He added it was a ‘possibility’ that in time this will have the desired effect of ‘rebalancing’ the real economy, but said it was necessary to keep an eye on the downsides, such as increasing inflation stifling wage growth.

Another factor behind the bullish sentiment in equity markets is Donald Trump, even though Mr Bell says in reality the new President has ‘not really done a lot yet’ and is effectively accelerating trends which were already there. Trump will also face challenges getting his programme through Congress and the Supreme Court, Mr Bell said.

But pledges on deregulating the economy, tax cuts and increased infrastructure spending are helping to drive markets higher, he adds.

He also thinks markets have become rather immune to shock.

“It was absolute carnage in the hours after the

BUSINESS

Brexit vote. The market effectively shut down. But it recovered very quickly, and by the time it got to Trump’s election two thirds of trades were those wanting to buy.”

Democracy For the foreseeable future, when it comes to the main indices, a ‘substantial’ amount of activity will be dictated by what happens in the US, Mr Bell believes.

These rising stock markets and robust transaction volumes are certainly good for business at AJ Bell, but its founder said he will take ‘nothing for granted’, adding: “Domestically, the economic outlook is reasonably stable, but my instinct is that volatility will return.”

It is against this domestic backdrop that Chancellor Philip Hammond produced what he had organised to be the UK’s last spring budget, pledging to have enough ‘gas in the tank’ to help weather what could potentially be a turbulent Brexit process.

Mr Bell was relieved that the budget was ‘incredibly light’, as large budgets are often full of regulation that is bad for business and makes the system more complex.

Most of the policy changes had been announced in previous budgets.

He is also ‘delighted’ that there was no more news on pension tax relief or schemes that make ISAs more complex.

And on the issue of getting on with Brexit, Mr Bell admits he had a tortuous decision to make during the run-up to the referendum.

Having said one year ago that if he was thinking in terms of ‘purely selfish reasons’ he would vote to leave, he also said that, upon reflection, he would have to think of his friends whose industries may well be ‘decimated’ by leaving the EU. Mr Bell confides that as the referendum drew closer he did indeed start to worry about the impact of leaving, and stepped away from a position of voting for it.

However, now the deed is done he wants the government to get on with it.

“I think it is ridiculous to try and tie the Prime Minister’s hands behind her back,” he said.

“We have to be prepared to walk away. Anyone who has ever done high level negotiations knows you cannot do it in public.

“I am not in the camp that wants to rerun the referendum. We live in a democracy and now we need to get on with it.”

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Community News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Daley grind to be ready in time for London Marathon SIMON COURT from Langton Green was put through a gruelling regime ahead of his participation in the London Marathon on behalf of Barnardo’s next month.

Simon had the chance to train with Olympic decathlon double gold medallist Daley Thompson as part of his preparations for the race on April 23.

They are both part of the Barnardo’s marathon team, raising money to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

Simon, Chief Executive of London management consultancy Value Partnership, will be running his first full marathon in memory of his father, who died in 2010.

“Dad was an orphan and was taken in by Barnardo’s from an early age, in the 1920s,” said Simon. “It gave him a home and saved his life.

He added: “He was later adopted and went on to become a Royal Navy officer in the war, a headmaster at Claverham Community College in Battle, warden of the Pestalozzi Children’s Village in Sedlescombe – and a brilliant dad.”

If you would like make a donation, search for Simon-Court4 at www.justgiving.com

HARD YARDS Daley Thompson (left) puts Simon through his paces

‘BIG FAMILY’ B&Q staff remember Tommy Clancy

B&Q help cancer charity in honour of popular manager STAFF at B&Q Tunbridge Wells have helped to raise £11,707 for charity in memory of one of the company’s regional managers.

Fourteen stores across Kent and Sussex have raised the sum in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK after Tommy Clancy died from the disease two years ago.

Tommy had worked for B&Q for over 30 years and was a much-loved and respected member of the do-it-yourself chain of stores.

The Tunbridge Wells branch took part in a sponsored cycling challenge, clocked up 562 miles on a rowing machine in the store and held a successful raffle, raising a total of £1,292.

Shell out £1 for your chance to win giant Lions Easter egg

Round Table’s fireworks fund supports 42 causes THE Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table donated more than £30,000 to 42 different worthy causes out of the proceeds of the Dunorlan Park fireworks last year.

The show is the largest event in the town’s calendar, and all the money raised is distributed to local charities or individuals who apply to the Round Table.

The beneficiaries include community support groups, adult and children’s health services, youth development and individuals.

Rob Butcher, Head of the Round Table’s local charity committee, said: “We’d like to thank the Mayor, Buss Murton and TS Brilliant for their support of our giveaway event.

“But particular recognition is due to all those who continue to do great work in our community.

“It’s a privilege that we are able to support them in this way. The 2017 Dunorlan Fireworks will be the event’s 60th year and we hope that

Tunbridge Wells will again join us to support great local causes.”

RTW Round Table Chairman Daldeep Jaswal, added: “The people of Tunbridge Wells and beyond continue to amaze us by turning up in their droves to our fireworks event each year.

“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to provide support to the many charities and good causes that need our help.”

HELPING HAND Round Table Chairman Daldeep Jaswal The group beneficiaries: Rotary, St John Ambulance, TWGGS Ghana Education Project, Friends of Dunorlan Park, Broadwater Scouts, Lumbercats Scouts, B-eat, Tunbridge Wells Crisis Recovery, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Crossways Community, Compaid, Samaritans, The Counselling Centre, CREATE, Stroke Association (South East), Headway West Kent, Ashdown Evergreens, Young At Heart Club, TW District Scouts, Look Ahead, Home-Start South West Kent, St Matthew’s Scouts, The Forum, Nourish, 3H Fund, Demelza, Heart of Kent Hospice, Hi Kent, Friends of Broomhill Bank School, Southborough Archaeology, Cruse Bereavement Care, Community Car Service, Baby Café, Rotherfield St Martin and St Matthew’s School.

Paul Ritchie, the Unit Manager at B&Q in Tunbridge Wells, said: “It’s great to see how our fundraising efforts have contributed to such a significant donation for Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of Tommy.

“I’d like to thank the team here at B&Q Tunbridge Wells for getting stuck into the rowing challenge, as well as our customers and friends of the store who donated so generously.”

Gary Hatton, B&Q Regional Manager for Kent and Sussex, added: “Tommy was an inspirational leader and encouraged so many colleagues to work harder and strive to be better people. We all remember him fondly. B&Q feels like a big family.”

CRACKING IDEA Elaine Lawrence at Café Bliss in Southborough

THE Southborough & District Lions Club have begun their annual fundraising drive for Easter, in aid of the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust.

Organised by the club’s President, Sylvia Fuller, they have placed 15 large chocolate Easter eggs in pubs, bakers, restaurants and clubs across the region from Pembury to Groombridge.

Customers are invited to spend £1 for a chance to win one of these eggs. The air ambulance will receive £1,100 if all the tickets are sold.

First art show raises £18,000 for hospice

A TWO-DAY exhibition called Art for Art’s Sake, hosted by Hospice in the Weald in Pembury, attracted 600 visitors and raised

more than £18,000 for the organisation.

Over 300 paintings by local artists were on display, and guests had the opportunity to chat with exhibitors and buy their art. The event included creative workshops for children and adults.

The exhibition was the first of its kind run by the hospice, and was supported by developer Prime Place and its partners, marketing agency Think BDW and Express Photo Services.

Ben Alonso, Deputy Fundraising Director at Hospice in the Weald, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Prime Place, who have been part of this event from the very beginning.

“Hospice in the Weald relies on the generosity of organisations such as Prime Place, and we look forward to working with them again in the future to create more successful events that help to raise vital funds for the hospice.”

Andrew Hinkins, Head of Development at Prime Place, added: “It was a pleasure to come together with our partners to support such an important local cause, which is at the heart of the community, and we are delighted that it was such a great success.”

For further information on Hospice in the Weald, or to make a donation, visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk

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National News

NEWS IN BRIEF

Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter dies at 86 COLIN DEXTER, author of the Inspector Morse books, has died aged 86.

His publisher issued a statement saying: “With immense sadness, MacMillan announces the death of Colin Dexter who died peacefully at his home in Oxford.”

His series of 13 Morse novels, written between 1975 and 1999, were adapted for the long-running ITV series, starring John Thaw.

Grand National strike WORKERS at three rail operators are to stage a fresh 24-hour strike on the day of the Grand National in bitter disputes over staffing and the role of conductors.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union at Southern, Merseyrail and Arriva Trains North will walk out on April 8, causing fresh travel misery for hundreds of thousands of passengers.

Eagles mascot punched CRYSTAL PALACE’S American bald eagle football mascot faced a punch by a rival fan, Croydon Crown Court has heard.

Kayla, a 25-year-old bird of prey, was targeted by a Charlton Athletic supporter when violence broke out during a cup tie at Selhurst Park in 2015.

Charlton fan Daniel Boylett, 36, of Eltham, sout-east London, denies attempted criminal damage in the alleged attack on Kayla.

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Terrorist commander or peace-maker – McGuinness leaves troubled legacy FORMER Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness has died.

The 66-year-old Sinn Fein veteran, who was diagnosed with a rare heart condition at the end of last year, died in hospital in his home city of Londonderry.

Tributes from political leaders have been mixed with strong words from IRA victims not prepared to forgive the republican for his paramilitary past.

Mr McGuinness completed an extraordinary political journey from an IRA leader in Derry to sharing power and a remarkable friendship with erstwhile foe, Democratic Unionist leader Dr Ian Paisley.

He also struck up a warm relationship with the Queen, whom he praised for her contribution to peace.

Mr McGuinness, who lived in the Bogside area of Derry his whole life, is survived by his wife Bernie and four children.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said his lifelong friend had been a ‘passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country’.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr McGuinness ‘played a defining role’ in leading the republican movement away from violence.

But Stephen Gault, whose father Samuel died in the IRA’s notorious ‘Poppy Day’ bombing in Enniskillen in 1987, said he would remember Mr McGuinness only as a ‘terrorist’.

“If he had been repentant my thoughts might have been slightly different,” he said.

Key political figures in the peace process, including former prime minister Tony Blair and ex-Irish pre-

mier Bertie Ahern, credited his efforts to bring about an end to violence.

“Once he became the peace-maker he became it wholeheartedly,” said Mr Blair.

Former taoiseach Mr Ahern commented: “In negotiations when there is a lot at stake and it can’t be a ‘winner takes all’, Martin understood compromise.”

President Bill Clinton, influential figure in the peace process which led to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, said: “When he decided to fight for peace, Martin was calm, courageous, and direct. And when he gave his word, that was as good as gold.”

END OF A JOURNEY Martin McGuinness is carried to his Bogside home in Derry

Mr McGuinness’s last major act as a politician was to pull down the powersharing executive at Stormont when he resigned as deputy first minister in January in protest at the Democratic Unionists’ handling of a green energy scandal.

Ten days later, showing signs of physical frailty, he announced his retirement from front line politics.

The Queen is to send a private message to the widow of Mr McGuinness, Bernie.

She shook hands with him at a charity event in Belfast in June 2012, an event which would once have been unimaginable.

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NEWS

National News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Referendum block ‘wrong and unfair’ says Sturgeon SEEING RED Nicola Sturgeon addresses the Scottish Parliament

NICOLA STURGEON has insisted it would be ‘wrong, unfair and utterly unsustainable’ for Westminster to deny Scotland a second independence referendum if MSPs back her call for another ballot to be held.

The First Minister said it was ‘entirely legitimate’’ for the UK Government and opposition parties at Holyrood to ‘robustly’ oppose independence.

But with the Scottish Parliament expected to back her call for another referendum in a vote tonight (March 22), she insisted she has an ‘unques-

tionable democratic mandate’ for such a vote to take place.

Ms Sturgeon and Prime Minister Theresa May are engaged in a constitutional stand-off. The SNP leader wants another vote to take place between autumn next year and spring 2019, when she says there will be clarity over the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

Mrs May has declared ‘now is not the time’ for another ballot, indicating the UK Government will reject the SNP’s preferred timetable.

With the PM due to trigger Article

50 and start the formal two-year-long Brexit process on March 29, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “As a country, we can’t avoid change. But we can choose what kind of change we want.”

The First Minister spoke out at the start of a twoday debate at Holyrood in which MSPs are considering a motion to mandate the Scottish Government to take forward discussions with the UK Government on the details of a section 30 order the mechanism to transfer the legal powers for a vote.

Scottish Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians have already made clear they will seek to block another referendum.

But the pro-independence Scottish Greens, who have six MSPs, will give the First Minister the support she needs for her motion to be passed.

Ms Sturgeon said: “In the circumstances we now face, for the UK Government to stand in the way of Scotland even having a choice would be, in my view, wrong, unfair and utterly unsustainable.”

The First Minister has already said she was forced to move for a second referendum as a result of Westminster intransigence.

She is waiting for a formal response to ‘compromise’ proposals which would have kept Scotland in the single market and handed more powers to Holyrood.

“The UK Government is taking decisions entirely unilaterally that I and many others believe will be deeply damaging to our economy and standing in the world,” she said.

“The decision about the kind of country we are and the path we take can only be made by the people of Scotland.”

Keep ‘cowboys’ who fine drivers out DRIVERS need greater protection from ‘cowboy finers’ handing out unfair charges in private car parks, a Tory MP has said.

Kevin Foster called for tighter regulation of independent car parks that issue charges to drivers on breaches of contract, such as overstaying by a few minutes or filling in their details incorrectly.

MPs heard how vulnerable and

elderly people were being intimidated by official-looking demands from these companies.

They pursue drivers for payments using details obtained from the DVLA, a government body responsible for maintaining a database of UK drivers.

Some of these firms base their business model on catching people out in minor errors, the MP for Torbay claimed.

He said: “We need to take action on a growing scandal where more and more people receive invoices that look very official, that are only able to be issued in terms of contract enforcement due to the active cooperation of a body of the state giving the information for them to do so.

“There does need to be a change in the relationship.”

Waitrose ‘refines’ members’ claims for a free hot drink WAITROSE is making a ‘refinement’ to its offer of free hot drinks for members of its loyalty card scheme by handing them out after they have paid for their shopping.

Currently, myWaitrose card-holders can collect their teas and coffees as they enter the supermarket and drink it as they shop in the aisles.

But now they will be asked to confirm they have made a purchase before picking up their free drink from April 3.

A spokesman said shoppers will be given a cup as they go through the checkout.

There will continue to be no minimum spend requirement.

Waitrose said the change was ‘just a

ON A PEDESTAL Michael Rakowitz with his Lamassu

refinement’ to the offer.

The email to customers says: “Our myWaitrose free tea and coffee offer is one of the ways we thank our customers for shopping with us - and we want all our customers to be able to enjoy a free hot drink when they shop with us in our branches.”

In 2015 Waitrose scrapped a free-for-all which allowed myWaitrose members to enjoy a hot drink for nothing in its cafes even if they had bought nothing else.

Members of the scheme were told that if they wished to enjoy a free tea or coffee in one of its cafes they must also purchase a ‘treat’ such as ‘a sandwich, cake, biscuit or piece of fruit’.

Statue destroyed by IS to be revived on fourth plinth A RECREATION of a protective deity destroyed by Islamic State in Iraq will go on display on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth.

Lamassu, a winged bull which guarded the entrance to the Nergal Gate of Nineveh from 700BC, will be remade out of empty date syrup cans from Iraq. It was destroyed in the Mosul Museum in 2015.

US artist Michael Rakowitz has remade over 7,000 artefacts looted from Iraq in a project entitled The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist.

18

BUSINESS

National Business News

LETTUCE PREY Bad weather has hit the price of salad crops

Food and fuel prices cause rise in inflation above two per cent RISING fuel and food prices have pushed inflation beyond the Bank of England’s two per cent target, hitting its highest level since September 2013.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the Consumer Price Index measure of inflation reached 2.3 per cent last month, up from 1.8 per cent in January. The move is the first above-target rise since November 2013.

The price of food rose by 0.3 per cent between last month and February 2016, after falling on the year for 31 consecutive months.

The supermarket price war had kept prices under control, but food is now becoming more expensive as producers begin to pass down soaring import costs triggered by the pound’s slump since the EU referendum result.

Overall food prices lifted 0.8 per cent between January and February, in contrast to a smaller rise of 0.1 per cent a year earlier, after shock weather conditions in southern Europe ravaged crops.

The ONS said the price of iceberg lettuce has jumped 67.2 per cent this year.

A jump in transport costs was also driving inflation higher, with motor fuels rising 1.2 per cent month-on-month in February.

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Post-Brexit pound leads to demand for British goods MANUFACTURING output has risen at its quickest pace for more than two years as the Brexit-hit pound boosts overseas demand for British goods.

The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) industrial trends survey said output volumes saw their fastest acceleration since July 2014, with a balance of plus 23 per cent in March.

The survey, which gathers responses from 423 companies, said a strong demand in the pharmaceutical and mechanical engineering sectors also pushed export order books to highs not seen since December 2013.

Robust It found that export order books had reached a balance of plus 10 per cent for March, with 24 per cent of companies reporting above normal levels and 14 per cent seeing a fall in demand.

Total order books showed a balance of plus eight per cent over the period, the CBI said.

Sterling’s slump against many major currencies since the EU referendum helped export demand by making UK goods cheaper for overseas buyers.

Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said the data showed that March had been a ‘strong month’ for manufacturers, with robust production growth and rising overseas demand.

“The past fall in the pound seems finally to be helping lift demand for UK manufactured exports, which rose at one of the fastest paces in this survey’s history,” said Ms Leach.

“And manufacturers are positive about the quarter ahead, expecting output to grow at the fastest rate since February 1995.”

Despite providing a helping hand to exports, the pound’s collapse has also hit manufacturers as the cost of importing materials has soared.

The CBI said average output prices were on course to rise over the next quarter, as manufacturers pass down rising import costs to consumers.

It said 35 per cent of firms expect to see output prices rise and seven per cent believe they will fall, leaving a balance of plus 29 per cent.

Samuel Tombs, Chief UK Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, believes the data revealed a brighter picture for exports.

He said: “The CBI’s survey indicates that exports are picking up rapidly, softening the blow to manufacturers from slowing domestic demand.

“Producers are benefiting both from the improvement in global trade flows and the weaker pound.

UK manufacturers, however, are heavily reliant on imported inputs.”

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Public sector borrowing fall is best in a decade THE Government borrowed its lowest amount in February for 10 years, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Public sector net borrowing excluding state-owned banks fell by £2.8billion to £1.8billion last month.

Government borrowing, excluding banks, for the financial year to date dropped by £19.9billion to £47.8billion compared to the same period last year.

Goldman Sachs move GOLDMAN SACHS will start relocating staff from London to EU offices within the next 18 months as part of the US banking giant’s Brexit contingency plans.

Richard Gnodde, the bank’s Chief Executive, said it will expand offices in EU countries where it holds banking licenses, in order to serve continental clients.

“We’re going to upgrade those facilities, we will be taking extra space in a number of them and we will be increasing our headcount,” he explained.

£13k rise for housing

KEEPING ORDER The pharmaceutical sector has benefited

HOUSE prices started this year £13,000 higher on average than they were 12 months earlier, according to official figures.

At £218,000, the average UK property value was £13,000 higher than it had been in January 2016, the index released jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Land Registry and other bodies said.

World News

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

WORLD IN BRIEF

Boris meets Bannon to discuss wiretap row THE UK Foreign Secretary met with senior figures from the Trump administration in Washington DC yesterday [Tuesday] to draw a line under the diplomatic row sparked by claims Britain spied on the President.

Officials are believed to be satisfied by reassurances from White House officials that the US will not repeat allegations of UK wiretapping Trump Tower, which were described by GCHQ as ‘utterly ridiculous’, in a rare public intervention.

Joy for paintings’ return THE Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has welcomed home two paintings by the Dutch master, 14 years after they were ripped off the museum’s wall in a night-time heist.

The 1882 View of the Sea at Scheveningen, and 1884-85 work Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen were stolen in 2002 but discovered last year in Naples.

Thieves wrapped the artwork in cotton sheets, hid it behind a wall in a toilet before escaping with the famous works.

Actor faces backlash ACTOR Tim Allen has been asked to ‘apologise to the Jewish people’ after comparing being a conservative in Hollywood to living in 1930s Germany. Speaking to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, he said: “You’ve got to be real careful around here or you’ll get beat up.

“If you don’t believe what everybody believes, this is like Thirties Germany.”

UK-bound passengers ‘facing ban on devices in hand luggage’ AIRLINE passengers travelling to the UK from Middle Eastern countries are to be banned from carrying laptops and other large electronic devices on board, Downing Street has confirmed.

The ban affects direct inbound flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia and covers devices which are larger than a typical smartphone measuring 16cm by 9.3cm by 1.5cm, which will now have to go in the plane’s hold.

The move was ordered by the Prime Minister on Tuesday in the latest of a series of meetings on aviation security. Affected airlines were informed immediately, but may take a few days to implement the new security measure, said Number 10.

It follows a similar measure announced on Tuesday by the US authorities affecting flights originating in a longer list of eight mainly Muslim countries.

In February last year an explosive device concealed in a laptop was used to bomb an airliner after it took off from Mogadishu airport in Somalia, east Africa.

Mrs May’s official spokesman declined to discuss whether the new rules were prompted by specific intelligence, while the US government cited unspecified ‘threats’.

UK airlines operating direct flights which will be hit by the new measures are British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson, while overseas airlines affected are Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Middle East Airlines, EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air and Saudia.

Air industry consultant John Strickland said the ban would cause ‘headaches for airlines and customers’, but carriers had ‘no choice but to put security first’.

RESTRICTED Flyers will face even tighter security

NEWS

19

RIGHT ON The Ganges is now a living entity

India gives Ganges the same rights as a human TWO of India’s most famous rivers have been given the status of living entities to save them from further harm caused by widespread pollution.

The High Court in the northern state of Uttarakhand ruled that the Ganges and Yamuna rivers - considered sacred by nearly a billion Hindus in the country - be accorded the status of living human entities, meaning that if anyone harms or pollutes them, the law would view it the same as harming a person.

The judges cited the example of New Zealand’s Whanganui River, revered by the indigenous Maori people. The Whanganui was declared a living entity with full legal rights by New Zealand’s government last week.

The Uttarakhand court, in the Himalayan hill resort town of Nainital, appointed three officials to act as legal custodians responsible for conserving and protecting the two rivers and their tributaries.

Environmental activists say many rivers across India have become dirtier as the country’s economy develops, with city sewage, farming pesticides and industrial effluents freely flowing into waterways despite laws against polluting.

20

NEWS

Letters

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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 No fan of this government, but…

I was interested to read [March 15] of the new scheme that has been launched which aims to double the number of apprentices in Kent – if they pull this off I’ll be very impressed.

I’m no fan of this government, but I really think their enthusiasm in pushing apprenticeships and practical

training is one of the best things that they have done.

We have a massive skills shortage in this country. Far too many people going to university to do degrees which don’t equip them for real-world jobs. I honestly think so many people’s potential is wasted doing these academic courses when they could be learning skills just as valuable elsewhere.

My only concern with the big apprenticeship push is that Mickey Mouse employers may see an opportunity to take young and naïve people, who are eager to learn, and simply use them as cheap labour, neglecting their progress and giving them a terrible introduction into the working world.

Malcolm Jenkins Via email

Is the Civic Complex a step too far?

Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells

It [the Civic Complex] will be paid off just at the time our future leaders start declaring that it is ‘not fit for purpose’. Meanwhile, we’ll have reverted to horse and cart because of the state of the roads.

It’s a bit rich for Cllr Jukes [the council Leader] to advocate its build. He lives outside the area and gets his new toy for nothing.

He claims that the costs are outweighed by the (unspecified) benefits, but the long-term tenants he had lined up have cut and run, leaving a large red hole in the scheme.

He speculates on inflation and talks of ‘peanuts’, but the borough’s speculative ventures to date have been spectacular under-performers. And what are ‘peanuts’ to him is more than mere small change to the rest of us.

Comparing a new Town Hall to the Royal Victoria Place investment is not relevant: This was private money being speculated, though the council took a punt on it and it had tenants lined up; Cllr Jukes does not.

Another couple of million earmarked for the next stage means we will soon reach a critical pass when the cry will be: ‘We can’t afford to pull out’.

Cllr Tracy Moore joins those councillors who are determined to compare running a local authority with a private corporation.

Tracy Moore – read my lips: It’s not, it’s about service and spending within your means.

Her other comments include reference to ‘experts’ and ‘supporting documents’. Well, we all know about experts and dodgy dossiers.

John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

I am appalled by our local MP’s decision to vote against the Dubs amendment [on unaccompanied refugee children].

The government scrapped Dubs last month, meaning that only about 350 unaccompanied child refugees (UCRs) can come into the country instead of 3,000.

And now they have voted against a call for local councils to reveal that they are able to take more children – as many have freely said they can since last month’s decision was made.

I can understand that Greg Clark decided to vote in favour of the Brexit bill, even though his constituency proudly voted to Remain in the EU. At the end of the day you have to stand by the decision of the majority of the electorate and just get on with the job.

But the issue of offering salvation to UCRs is an ethical matter, surely beyond party politics. And I really cannot believe that Mr Clark is such a dreadful man that he thinks we should abandon these children to their harrowing fate. If he is such a man, then so be it. But he can stop being our local representative, because I doubt very much that he is reflecting the views of the people of Tunbridge Wells.

And we live in the county that has taken in more UCRs than any other place in the UK, so for a change we are not the blustering old colonels who are out of touch. But I, for one, am properly disgusted.

Roger Cassidy Via email

What’s the point of Big Brother?

On reading [March 15] that the council is now considering scaling down the amount of CCTV cameras across the borough in order to save around £100,000, I have to ask what is the point of having these Big Brother-style monitors in the first place?

You report that incidents will still be monitored but not ‘observed’. So my question to the council is why have them if they’re not going to help spot criminal activity?

What happens, for example, if someone gets stabbed or robbed at knifepoint? Surely the attacker has an incredibly good chance of never getting caught if the police cannot be immediately alerted to the scene?

The same goes for anyone committing things like fly-tipping, speeding or graffiti.

It seems to me that this is a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but then again it never ceases to amaze me what the powers that be will think of next.

Robert Stevens Via email

Is the council using Monopoly money?

I realise that Tunbridge Wells is one of many towns to be featured in a Monopoly set, but there does seem to be something curiously appropriate about the decision.

After all, West Kent is full of silly money, with people driving around in cars that cost as much as houses in other parts of the country. And living in houses that are as big as hotels.

And, frankly, the borough council splashing out £72million on a new Civic Complex makes me wonder whether they are using Monopoly money rather than the real thing.

They certainly seem to be taking a chance with the Community Chest.

Anthony Donolly Via email

Hospital drives me round the bend A couple of weeks ago my neighbour fell over the Hoover in her lounge and broke her arm quite badly. Being a good neighbour, I offered to take her to the fracture clinic at Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, wait until she’d seen the consultant and bring her back home.

It wasn’t the wait to see the doctor that was the problem, it was finding a space in one of the various car parks. For more than 45 minutes I drove round in circles before eventually finding one. Goodness knows what it did for my blood pressure.

Thought I might end up in A&E myself.

Martin Coombes Via email

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

CALVERLEY’S mention of the Odeon cinema a couple of weeks ago prompted a fair bit of feedback. Like the comment from the person who used to be in charge of selling popcorn and other things that appear to be overpriced.

Cinemas don’t make money on the actual screenings, it’s all the little extras. Anyway, according to our field agent a sack of raw popcorn, when they were on the kiosk, cost 90p. It would make ‘50 to 60’ cartons of popcorn sold at £3.60 each. That’s a profit of £179.

Obviously that’s a lot, so it must be wrong.

OFF to the rugby at Twickers to see England beat Scotland. Sorry for the delay in reporting back, but only just recovered from the celebrations. Himself went with his kiltwearing, 6ft 8in, call me ‘Jimmie’ friend from the other side of the border. Countless young ladies accosted said friend and asked if it was true about what is worn under the kilt – ie nothing. Cheekily, he invited each to find out for themselves. Eventually, one brave woman did just that, and the look on her face when she reached beneath the kilt told it all.

Surprise!

HIMSELF is somewhat bemused to see that Crowborough was named last week by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the South East. Good for them. The problem is, not a lot really happens in the so-called ‘market town’. At least, that’s the case if you happen to be a bouncer at Wetherspoons, where one of the guardians of the doors quit because he found the work just ‘so boring’. Suppose he got fed up watching the traffic lights outside the pub change colour. Hey, for Crowborough that’s exciting.

SIGN of the times. Apparently, schoolchildren are no longer allowed to take part in ‘brainstorming’ sessions. The PC brigade believe that such phrases are out of date and can be hurtful in some cases. Students today attend ‘mind mapping sessions’. And quite right, too; bit of a no-brainer really.

Chin, chin readers

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

21

WITH THE

Education’s future is looking bright thanks to these inspiring students Two pupils from Skinners’ Kent Academy, Emily Raj and Sam Wheeler, had the honour of interviewing Malala Yousafzai, the 19 year old girl from Pakistan who was almost killed by members of the Taliban for pursuing her right to an education LIFE LESSONS Malala Yousafzai with Emily and Sam

THE recent Annual Conference of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) in Birmingham was hosted by the Executive Principal of the Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust Sian Carr who is also this year’s ASCL President.

She invited two of the Academy’s sixth formers Emily Raj and Sam Wheeler, to co-host the conference, which was also attended by Malala Yousafzai, the 19 year old student from Pakistan who was almost killed by the Taliban as she journeyed from school. The Taliban believe that girls have no right to an education.

Sian Carr said: “As President of ASCL this year I was delighted that Malala Yousafzai agreed to be the closing keynote speaker at our annual conference. As Executive Principal of Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust I was equally delighted that Sam and Emily were able to join me as co-hosts of the conference and for them to have the opportunity to interview Malala. As I

said in my closing remarks [these are] three special young people on the cusp of the next step in their education, our future is bright and safe with them as the next generation of leaders. It was a moment of great pride for me as an educator.”

‘Malala was amazing and very inspirational’ Sam and Emily’s role as student presenters at the conference was to introduce the speakers who included Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education, Amanda Spielman, Her Majesty’s Chief inspector of Schools and Baroness Sue Campbell CBE, Chair of the Youth Sport Trust.

The conference culminated with a panel interview session with Malala who was awarded the

Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her ‘struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education’. From the age of eleven Malala fought for girls’ right to education in Pakistan where she was born. In 2012, whilst travelling home from school, she suffered an attack on her life by Taliban gunmen and was flown to the UK for treatment.

Emily Raj said: “Nobody else was allowed to know we were interviewing Malala as it was top secret. As we are the same age, we were able to ask her questions we ourselves are asked on a daily basis such as ‘what are your plans for the future?’ Malala was amazing and very inspirational. She talked about her life in Pakistan and how her father is a big influence in her life. She also said that girls studying or going to university is not the norm in Pakistan.”

Sam Wheeler added: “Malala was really interested in our school life and the subjects we are currently studying. She asked us how our exam preparation is going and everything she said on stage had a deeper meaning and purpose which will one day change the world.”

Matthew Tompkins, Principal of The Skinners’ Kent Academy commented: “We have known about the exceptional qualities of our young people. To see Sam and Emily presenting with such confidence on such a significant stage filled me with pride. As we continue to develop and improve the opportunities at the academy, I am excited by the prospect of working alongside our next generation of leaders.”

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Martin Betts

Labour Party member Martin Betts lives in Southborough and has long been active in local politics. He retired after a long career in the Civil Service, where his last job at the Department for Work and Pensions was in communications. He qualified at Leicester University in human resources and training and development. The Times also publishes regular opinions from Conservative and Liberal Democrat Party members

Labour Party local campaign co-ordinator

The Budget – unfair, complacent, out of touch WHEN the Chancellor’s Budget is described as a ‘disaster’ by the Daily Mail and a ‘shambles’ by the Daily Telegraph, Philip Hammond must know that he is in real trouble.

His humiliating U-turn on the announcement to raise £2billion by raising National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed highlights still further the chaos that is at the heart of this government’s economic policy.

But this isn’t our main criticism of the Chancellor’s efforts. The Budget has unfairness at its very core, paid for by those who can least afford it.

The Chancellor made his priorities clear. Half a million people with disabilities are losing over £1billion in personal independence payments, corporation tax is being cut and billions handed out to the very wealthy.

The chief executives of big companies are now paid 180 times more than

the average worker and taxed less.

Big corporations are making higher profits and are being taxed less, and the wealthiest families are being taxed less due to cuts in inheritance tax.

All this adds up to £70billion of giveaways over the next five years, to those who need it least, and which Labour will reverse.

‘A million households have to claim housing benefit because their wages aren’t enough to pay the rent’ The Chancellor has said he is on the same side as working people.

If this was true, he could have raised the living wage to £10 an hour. He could have ended the public sector pay cap which has operated since 2010. He could have put a ban on zero

hours contracts and helped 900,000 workers who live from week to week not knowing how many hours they will be working.

U-TURN Chancellor Philip Hammond

Women The real state of modern Britain is that there are a million households having to claim housing benefit because their wages aren’t enough to pay the rent. There are three million working families who rely on tax credits to make ends meet.

Child poverty is forecast to rise every year in this Parliament.

In the month celebrating International Women’s Day, women’s lives have been made more difficult through the policies of this government – 81 per cent of tax increases and benefits cuts are falling on women, and the 19 per cent gender pay gap continues.

Across the country councils are

Daniel Minett Investment Management Director Brooks Macdonald, Tunbridge Wells

Daniel Minett is the Investment Management Director and Deputy Head at the Tunbridge Wells office of Brooks Macdonald, an independent company that specialises in providing investment management services in the UK and internationally. This is the first in a series of personal comment columns

There will be challenges ahead but ultimately global growth will prevail LAST year, 2016, was the year when things changed. It was the year when politics, rather than economic data or corporate results, would have the greatest bearing on financial markets.

In both the UK and the US, half the voters were so disillusioned by the perceived state of their country that they voted for a step into the unknown, whereas the other half were aghast at the outcome. The result of the Brexit vote and American election demonstrated that the populist revolution was in reality even bigger than the opinion polls suggested, and has begun to make us question the stability of the developed world’s political structures.

We still think 2017 will be a volatile year as the market battles the major uncertainties that currently exist, however, given that interest rates are so low, it no longer seems a sensible strategy to leave your money in the bank and wait for the dust to settle.

As investment managers, we seek to make returns by investing in a range of assets that can provide us with an income stream and growth of

our capital. In order to achieve this we must employ the tools at our disposal, namely diversification of assets and long-term focus.

Successful investing requires resolve, but also requires flexibility and open-mindedness. You can never be sure if the economy will grow or recede, whether the markets will rise or fall, or whether a particular investment will meet your expectations. We seek to find the most compelling assets to invest in, but by remembering that we might be wrong we diversify our portfolios for a range of outcomes.

When looking to diversify a portfolio, it doesn’t pay to buy the opposite of what you like, but to buy something complementary.

We now live in a world of 24-hour news and constant social media, so it is important to try to take a step back from the ‘noise’ and retain a focus on some of the long-term trends that are affecting the global economy, to identify the investment opportunities that may arise.

In times of technological and industrial change it is often the case that the rate of change is

facing enormous problems with a 79 per cent cut in their funding.

In Kent we are seeing the result of this as our public services are being ruthlessly cut back.

Many young people are saddled with huge student debt, high rents, and low wages.

We have a massive housing shortage which is a product of under-investment, under-funding of local authorities, not building enough council housing and not regulating the private sector.

The budget did not provide the funding necessary to deal with any of these issues. Nor did it deal with the crisis in the NHS or the need to provide decent affordable care for the elderly and most vulnerable.

The Budget is fundamentally unfair.

It has done nothing to tackle low pay; nothing to solve the dire problem of people needing health and social care now; and nothing to make a fair economy that works for everyone.

Examples include:  Healthcare  Robotics  Alternative energy  Technology  Infrastructure

overestimated in the short term, but underestimated in the long term. Over the coming months we will dig a little deeper into some of the long-term investment themes that are shaping the global economy, and how they fit within our investment portfolios.

The world has experienced 30 years of globalisation, a billion ‘cheap’ workers have entered the workforce and demographics have fundamentally changed. This is not fake news.

Politics will continue to dominate our news feed, with Europe set to take centre stage this year.

The road ahead will be beset with challenges, but we ultimately feel that global growth will prevail.

A balanced approach to portfolio construction will remain key to reducing investment risk and we will endeavour to identify undervalued investment opportunities or those exposed to positive longer-term trends.

Daniel Minett represents only Brooks Macdonald. Brooks Macdonald is a trading name of Brooks Macdonald Group plc used by various companies in the Brooks Macdonald group of companies. Brooks Macdonald Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, more details of which are set out in their website at www.brooksmacdonald.com

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FEATURES

Advertising Feature

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

A helping hand for local business With the potential turbulence facing businesses, serviced offices like Tunbridge Wells’ Pantiles Chambers are working round the clock to make sure that all companies have the support they need for continued growth. Hannah Patterson met up with Centre Manager Hannah Tillett to discover how they are supporting local start-ups and making office space affordable It’s been almost a year since we last caught up. What’s been happening since then?

Well, there have been big changes in the team since we last spoke. I took over in January this year, after running a successful business centre in Kings Hill.

The Pantiles Chambers is also in the process of undergoing a significant refurbishment, including an update of our security. For example, at present the building is accessed by key, but soon it will be electronic. Making sure the building is secure for our clients is always top of the priority list for us.

Aesthetically, the building is being painted and decorated from top to bottom, as well as refurbishing the washrooms. By the time this goes to print, we will be well underway with having new carpets fitted.

It’s all part of our mission to make the experience of the clients here at the Chambers all the better.

Apart from that, we’ve been fully booked for the past few months, with a noticeable increase in the number of virtual customers, too.

BUSINESS SUPPORT (l-r) Centre Manager Hannah Tillett with staff members Sarah Schlieder, Diane Hillary and Business Manager Fleur Record-Smith

Virtual customers?

You can start and run a business from anywhere these days – home, a local café or serviced offices like ours.

They are the clients who need additional support, but don’t need an office space yet.

‘Every company is different, and every company has different needs and requirements’

WELCOMING The consulting room for Pantiles Psychotherapy

There are many different configurations of what you can have here, and the main thing we ensure we do is keep things as bespoke as we can. Every company is different, and every company has different needs and requirements. We don’t force packages on people who don’t need them. There are a lot of individual services that can be utilised if and when the clients need them.

The virtual side of our business involves a number of elements. For example, customers set up their company’s mailing address with us, so that we function as their registered address.

We have the same option for telephone numbers if clients are busy or on holiday.

Advertising Feature

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Our staff will answer any calls, and however you would like them to.

There are systems in place that mean if you are out of the office for the day, the details will pop-up on our screen instantly to notify our staff if we receive a phone call for you.

We can really behave like we work for the company, as we work so closely with them.

FEATURES

25

PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE A range of internal and external services are available

I imagine that gives the impression of a start-up being bigger than it is…

I’d say so, and that’s a huge benefit. First impressions count for everything with start-ups.

Having a professional service when you’re too busy or away can make all the difference.

As these services are aimed at small businesses, is it affordable?

The mailing address service starts from £33 per month plus VAT, and telephone answering starts from as little as £25 pounds per month.

This contributes a lot to the popularity of our services. The prices make us ideal for start-ups and small businesses.

We see a lot of companies start with the telephone answering services before expanding into hot-desking and offices as they begin to experience growth.

We often see clients doing business amongst themselves once they become residents of our offices. It’s so rewarding to see the Chambers being used for networking.

How many offices do you have here?

We currently have 20 offices. It’s a lot bigger than it looks! Our building extends over the newsagents and Oxfam, and is three floors in total.

As well as all our offices, we’ve got our meeting room, which is really popular with both internal and external clients.

Some of the local shops here have used it as a place to hold interviews as it’s only £16 an hour and has all the necessities, such as Wi-Fi and refreshments.

Do you find you have a specific client base or a wide range?

It’s definitely a mix. Our fully serviced unique offices offer character and a great location in central Tunbridge Wells for businesses.

We work on a monthly contract basis, but there are some semi-permanent hot desk users, and there have been a couple of companies who had been here for almost ten years.

The flexibility and inclusion of utilities really appeals to people.

Hot desking is a monthly contract of £199 that includes your internet, lockable storage and 24/7 access to the building.

‘As well as all our offices, we’ve got our meeting room, which is really popular with both internal and external clients’ How many staff do you employ to manage so many different aspects?

There are five of us in total, and there are generally always three of us in reception to answer any calls that come through.

It’s great to have us in reception as we offer a lot of secretarial services, as well as pop-in facilities.

We can do typing for people who aren’t as good with computers, we have a photocopier and scanner available for the public’s use, and we also offer binding services.

I’m not sure everyone realises that we offer those services, but we are putting a lot of emphasis on social media and raising awareness of these parts of our business at the minute.

Since we last met, there have been big changes that could affect business on a national and international scale. Did you notice any changes after Brexit?

As a business, we haven’t felt any real effect.

I suppose the uncertainty Brexit caused for some businesses may actually have made us more appealing as a flexible place of work, with a shorter lease. It is a more comfortable choice during times of uncertainty.

Business rates are a hot topic at the moment.

Do you have any fears for the future?

I’m assuming that small business rate relief will carry on for another 12 months, but obviously for us it will take a huge toll if it’s eliminated.

We have a lot of small businesses and start-ups here, so we’d hate to see any of them not being able to afford to be here any more as a result.

It could have a devastating impact on so many businesses, and it would be awful to see it become not viable for our smaller businesses to grow here. You have started to see the effect ATTENTION TO DETAIL Meeting rooms offer facilities for all the necessities

already in the town, with independent companies closing up shop.

It should be made easier for small companies to see growth, not harder.

I hope that we are helping with the growth of independent businesses in our own small way.

PANTILES CHAMBERS 85 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XP 01892 506960 www.pantileschambers.co.uk

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28

PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to

LANGTON ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£700,000

UNDER £250,000 SOUTHFIELD ROAD, ST JOHN’S

£180,000

A first floor apartment on the market for the first time in many years. The entrance hall has ample space for coats and shoes, which in turn leads to the living room with two windows and a kitchen/diner

with a range of fittings and room for a breakfast table. The bedroom overlooks the garden at the rear and there is also a bathroom, which is in need of upgrading. The property is being sold chain free.

CONTACT Andrews 01892 515 144 www.Andrewsonline.co.uk

UNDER £350,000 BATCHELORS, PEMBURY

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £300,000

main bedroom and one of the two smaller bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. The bathroom has storage space. There is driveway parking for two cars, and there are southerly gardens with a decked terrace.

A modern end-of-terrace home with a large entrance hall, a modernised kitchen/dining room with feature ceiling spotlights, and a utility room. CONTACT The sitting room has oak flooring and Barnes Kingsnorth 01892 822880 double doors to a conservatory. The www.bkestateagents.com

To suit your budget

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

PROPERTY

29

great properties by price range…

Under £450,000 SOUTH VIEW ROAD, HIGH BROOMS GUIDE PRICE

£400,000

This three-bedroom property includes an extended ground floor offering an open-plan ‘hub’ comprising of a dining area, breakfast bar, log-burning stove and vaulted ceiling with Velux windows.

Additionally, there is a separate living room. The main bedroom has built-in wardrobes and an en-suite shower, and the other bedrooms overlook the garden.

There is also a bathroom and a loft with roof windows and storage space.

Outside, the garden has a decking, a shed, a children’s playhouse and lawn.

CONTACT Andrews 01892 515 144 www.Andrewsonline.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 GROSVENOR PARK TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£500,000-£550,000 A period townhouse in central Tunbridge Wells. Set over three floors, and with four bedrooms, this property is in need of some renovation. A hallway leads to the reception rooms and kitchen. The lounge includes front aspect glazed windows and a tiled fireplace, and the dining room has sash style windows and rear aspect.

Outside, there is a walled front garden with side access to the rear garden, which has a raised area.

CONTACT Connells 01892 547 966 www.connells.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 LANGTON ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

UNDER £1MILLION YARDLEY CLOSE, TONBRIDGE

£700,000 A former coach house set back from the main road and next to The Spa Hotel. The property is accessed by a driveway and has space for two cars. The entrance, at the side of the property, leads to a living room with dual aspect windows and open fire, as well as a dining room with a further fireplace, a kitchen and a cloakroom. Upstairs, the landing leads to three bedrooms and a

£825,000 - £875,000

bathroom. Outside, there is also the benefit of a large garden.

CONTACT Andrews 01892 515 144 www.Andrewsonline.co.uk

A detached house with the benefit of four double bedrooms, one of which is a master with en-suite shower. There is also a family bathroom. The ground floor includes a lounge, a second reception room, a study, a kitchen/ diner and a cloakroom. Outside, the garden has a raised deck with steps leading down to a lawn. To the front of the property there is parking for three cars and access to a garage.

CONTACT Ellis & Co Sales and Lettings 01732 770077 www.ellisandco.co.uk

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Yew Tree House

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Substantial character home with a large self-contained annexe

AT A GLANCE YEW TREE HOUSE ERIDGE GREEN ■ Reception hall ■ Cloakroom ■ Study ■ Sitting room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Utility room ■ Family room ■ Rear lobby ■ Master bedroom with en-suite bath/ shower room ■ Guest bedroom with en-suite shower room ■ Three further bedrooms (one en-suite) ■ Family bath/shower room Annexe: ■ Bedroom with en-suite wet room ■ Kitchen ■ Sitting room Outside: ■ Detached twin-pitched roof double garages ■ Gardens and grounds

£995,000 Available for sale through Mansell McTaggart Crowborough 01892 662668 www.mansellmctaggart.co.uk

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Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Interior Design

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

HAVE

you ever longed to follow your heart in your home and create a space that truly reflects your taste?

If so, there's a fresh, new decor cocktail, which allows you to mix individual old and new ingredients, and could be just the ticket for shaking up rooms.

Her new book, Modern Vintage Style, opens the door to homes where owners have

“

PROPERTY

embraced this approach, to create inspiring fun, quirky and personality-filled settings.

Even better, the style won’t break your budget, as many vintage pieces cost next to nothing and can be found in flea markets, jumble sales, car boot sales, second-hand shops or church fairs. “When you find them, it’s like winning the style lottery,” says Chalmers.

IN WITH THE

& ”

I love that modern vintage look that doesn't come from a catalogue. Without a little vintage, sleek modern interiors can seem soulless. And without a modern context, vintage pieces seem fusty and staid. Yet when they come together for this style, interiors become completely fresh enthuses interiors stylist Emily Chalmers.

OLD NEW

By Gabrielle Fagan

WORK THE LOOK

"Nothing has to match because your own taste will bind everything together. Discard all the 'rules' except one - contrast," advises the stylist and author, who has six previous books under her belt.

"When you choose a modern piece, think vintage, and whenever you're going too traditional, it's time to inject a touch of the contemporary.

That way, you'll strike a balance and introduce wit, flair and personality into your home."

Contrast your decorating style with your furniture to promote that old-and-new atmosphere, she says, so distressed rag-rolled walls could be the perfect foil for streamlined modern furniture, or juxtapose Sixties graphic wallpaper with pieces such as antique wooden chests.

GET THE MODERN VINTAGE LOOK

FOLLOW CHALMERS’ TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR OWN OLD-MEETS-NEW INTERIORS FURNITURE FIXES: Pieces which share a design ethic can help bring visual harmony; mid-century modern connects well with minimalist Japanese, while modern country furniture sits well with antiques. A Sixties graphic throw, a piece of old lace, or a crocheted blanket can give a modern high street sofa an injection of vintage.

RING THE CHANGES: If you like a piece but it’s not quite right, consider ‘style surgery’. Replace a fusty floral seat cover with one in a bold colour or a striking pattern. An item with chipped paint, worn corners or in an outdated finish can be quickly reinvented with a coat of brightly coloured paint.

LET IT BREATHE: If you find a vintage roll-top desk, an old sewing machine or an exquisite Chinese wardrobe or another treasure, let those pieces stand alone and enjoy the limelight, rather than cluttering them with accessories. They’ll be particularly eye-catching placed in formerly redundant corners, like stair landings or hallways.

FABRIC-WISE: Retro-istas in the know refer to ‘vintage’ as the period between 1920 and 1980, while post-1980 fabrics are deemed modern.

Old beads, pom poms, ribbons or sequins sewn onto favourite cushions or curtains will add flair to modern fabrics. Vintage quilts, particularly old hand-sewn crib quilts, make stunning wall art or curtains.

PAINT THE PAST: Reflect an era in wall colour. The Fifties were all about soft pastels (such as baby pink, apple green, sky blue); the Sixties went psychedelic (hot pink, deep turquoise, dark purple); and the Seventies became all warm and neutral (olive green, burnt orange and fresh mustard). A classic pairing, like white and blue, is timeless, while monochrome evokes a midcentury yet modern look.

PAY AND DISPLAY: Indulge a passion for collecting whatever takes your fancy, from kitsch creatures to zany toys and hip art, and make a display of finds.

Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers and Ali Hanan, photography by Debi Treloar, is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99. Available to readers for £14.99 (inc p&p); call Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quote ref KC5

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PROPERTY

Loriners

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

AT A GLANCE LORINERS PEMBURY NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Entrance lobby n Inner hall n Cloakroom n Dining room n Fitted kitchen n Reception room n Raised study area n First floor landing n Dressing room n Master bedroom n 3 further bedrooms n Bedroom 5/playroom n Main landing n Family bathroom n Integral garage n Front and rear gardens with courtyard and raised decked patio

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ625,000 Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

A former coach house in an idyllic location opposite a village green

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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PROPERTY

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PROPERTY

Ryewood

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

AT A GLANCE

RYEWOOD SEVENOAKS n New build n Entrance hallway n Open-plan kitchen n Dining area n Living room with boxed bay window n Kitchen n Utility room n Built-in storage n Master bedroom with en suite, dressing area and private balcony n Four further bedrooms n Two bathrooms n South-facing rear garden n Adjoining garage

£995,000 Available for sale through Berkeley Homes Dunton Green, Sevenoaks 01732 740402 www.ryewood.co.uk

Final, fabulous five-bedroom property at a landmark development unveiled

‘The landscape includes the hills of the High Weald, and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is just a stone’s throw away’

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FEATURES

Food and Drink

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Make your mother’s day on Sunday by treating her to some locally sourced gifts There’s no need to panic about buying a Mother’s Day present, says Bruce McMichael.

All the inspiration you’ll need is right here on your doorstep at your farmers’ market…

R

OAST lamb with all the trimmings is a popular treat for families to share on Mother’s Day, which this year falls this coming Sunday [March 26]. Many will gather around their dining table or book Sunday lunch in a restaurant or pub as a special treat.

This wonderful annual celebration of motherhood dates back over 400 years and gives the arrival of spring an extra boost. When it falls, make sure you have visited either the Saturday morning Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market or the Thursday morning Shipbourne one beforehand in order to pick up some lovely food and drink treats Macarons

to pamper your mum with.

In fact, during the countdown to Mother’s Day, markets across our region will have stallholders tying pink balloons and ribbons to their stands in order to highlight all the wonderful fresh produce and well-priced gift options.

At Tunbridge Wells market there’ll be homemade chocolates and macarons from Star Noir Bakes, and delicious bites of fudge in tempting, colourful boxes from Fudged Up. Or perhaps you might go for a box of delightful marshmallow from Faye Chrystal at Marshmallow Heaven?

All of these make fantastic, thoughtful and original gifts.

Plants and flowers are always joyfully received on Mother’s Day, and nurseries such as Low Wood and Rapkyns can advise on what plants would give instant colour to the garden, while florists such as Flowers & Daughters offer the most beautiful bouquets.

Chocolates are another popular present option, and handmade ones are even better.

Patisserie chef Louise Marsden has just recently launched her own company, Star Noir Bakes, after finishing a sixmonth cooking course at the famous Ashburton Cookery School in Devon.

Her prettily decorated stall at the Tunbridge Wells market is brimming with deliciously colourful macarons and thin slices of chocolate studded with candied bits of oranges and lemons.

Louise reveals her ethos: “To provide

people with a little slice of heaven each time they treat themselves to a little something sweet.”

She adds that on Saturday she will have a ‘range of macarons so you can choose your favourites to make a wonderful gift for mum on Mother’s Day’.

Buying fresh fish from Botterells of Rye, or Arcade Fisheries of Hastings, can create a delicious breakfast or brunch alongside a poached, free-range egg from Philpotts Farm. Or perhaps you could make scrambled eggs with a generous dollop of butter from PJ’s Farm Shop, and some smoked salmon and crusty sourdough bread from bakers Flour Power City.

IN THE MARKET For treats and gifts galore

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

There are plenty of events happening around the region, so perhaps prepare a picnic with some goodies from your local farmers’ market. I’d suggest pâté or scotch eggs from Jo at Naked & Ready, paired with an organic loaf, such as white cottage open tin – or something more unusual, such as a chilli and lavender bread or a seaweed bloomer.

You’ll find plenty of inspiration at the numerous bakery stalls wherever your market happens to be.

So, as you can see, there is no need to panic in the lead-up to celebrating your mum’s big day as there’s plenty of inspiration right on your doorstep thanks to your local farmers’ market.

Food and Drink

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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Treat your mum’s tastebuds to these delicious bites on Mother’s Day BREAKFAST CEREAL BARS Prepare: 15 Minutes Cooling Time: At least 1 hour By adding butter, white chocolate and marshmallows to your favourite breakfast cereals, you can have ‘breakfast’ all day long!

Makes 32

What you need: 40g unsalted butter 200g white chocolate 200g mini white marshmallows 250g of your favourite breakfast cereals (a combination of 3-4 different kinds works best – such as Lucky Charms, Cheerios, Cornflakes and Rice Krispies) 30g sprinkles A 33 x 23 x 5-cm/13 x 9 x 2-inch cake pan, greased

INDIVIDUAL NO-BAKE COOKIE BUTTER CHEESECAKES

What you do: Melt the butter in a very large saucepan over a medium heat.

Chop the chocolate into small pieces, and once the butter has melted add the chocolate to the saucepan still on the heat. Once the chocolate has melted, add in the marshmallows.

At first, the chocolate will form a paste around the marshmallows, but as the marshmallows melt the whole mixture will come together into a pale yellow thick, marshmallowy glue.

Once you have your marshmallow glue, take the pan off the heat and pour in the breakfast cereals. Work quickly to ensure that all of the cereal is coated.

Prepare: 15 minutes refrigerate: at least 3 hours (or overnight) What you need: 100g/3½ oz cookies (digestive biscuits/Graham crackers work well) 25g/1¾ tablespoons unsalted butter ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon light brown sugar 350g/1¾ cups fullfat cream cheese

200g/1 cup cookie butter, such as Biscoff or Speculoos 150ml/¾ cup double/heavy cream 80g/½ cup icing/ confectioners’ sugar, sifted To Serve cookie crumbs 4 whole cookies 4 glass dessert bowls, sundae glasses or ramekins Makes 4

Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared cake pan and use the back of a spoon to make sure that the whole pan is filled. You can also use a sheet of baking parchment to push down on the mixture to make sure the top is flat.

Sprinkle the top with sprinkles and push them into the cereal using the baking parchment.

Cover the pan with clingfilm and leave to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before slicing.

NOTE: These are best eaten on the day they are made, but can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

What you do: In a food processor, blitz the cookies until they resemble fine breadcrumbs.

Alternatively, put them in a food bag, wrap in a clean kitchen cloth and bash with the end of a rolling pin.

Melt the butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds at 800W. Pour the melted butter, cinnamon and light brown sugar into the food processor and pulse until all of the cookie crumbs are wet.

Alternatively, mix well with a wooden spoon in a large mixing bowl.

Spoon the cookie crumbs into the serving bowls, so that each bowl has an equal amount.

Use a teaspoon to push the crumbs in and give them a flat surface.

Recipes courtesy of Miracle Mug Cakes by Suzy Pelta, Ryland Peters & Small (£9.99) Photography by Adrian Lawrence © Ryland Peters & Small

Empty the cream cheese and cookie butter into the bowl of a free-standing mixer with a whisk attachment, or a mixing bowl using a handheld electric whisk, and whip until fully combined and pale. Pour in the cream and sifted icing/confectioners’ sugar and whip again on a medium speed for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the cookie bases so that each bowl has an equal amount, then put in the fridge for at least 3 hours (or overnight).

Just before serving, top with cookie crumbs and a whole cookie.

NOTE: These cheesecakes should be stored in the fridge and eaten within 3 days.

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FEATURES

Travel

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Lego of reality in fun-filled Dubai Lego has expanded its empire into the Dubai desert with the opening of its latest theme park – making Josie Clarke’s five-year-old son very happy indeed HALT! WHO GOES THERE? Entrance to the Kingdoms

L

IKE most children, Arthur loves Lego as well as playing in the sun and water parks.

So when the chance comes to escape the British winter for Dubai to immerse ourselves in all three at once, there’s no turning it down.

The world’s newest Legoland has recently opened within a huge development about a 30-minute drive from downtown Dubai, and is attempting to corner the market for young children – two to 12 year olds specifically – in a city already boasting more than its fair share of theme and water parks.

In true Dubai fashion, it has cherry-picked all the best rides and attractions from the other Legolands around the world.

This means your visit can combine Legoland Windsor’s fantastic Submarine Adventure, with its up-close views of stingrays and sharks (in our opinion, the best child’s ride anywhere, ever), with Legoland Florida’s speciality Granny’s Apple Fries, which taste even better than they sound.

There are five zones – Adventure, Imagination, Miniland, Kingdoms and City – within a compact layout that makes the entire park very doable within a single day.

The wow factor is the incredible Miniland, housed within a giant air-conditioned dome. I’m walking behind Arthur as the glass doors slide open and he sets his eyes on it for the first time.

He shouts in amazement as towering, illuminated

replicas of the Middle East’s most recognisable landmarks stretch out before him – made with a combined total of 20 million Lego bricks.

Even by Dubai’s standards, it’s an extraordinary sight. Arthur happily spends a full hour running back and forth alongside a replica of the city’s train system as it weaves around skyscrapers.

We could stay here all day, but I insist we head outside to make the most of the longed-for 25°C temperatures. We make a beeline for the ‘big boys’ Driving School, where Arthur is measured up and hears the joyous news that he is finally tall enough to go for his licence, and we listen carefully to the safety briefing.

‘I keep telling Arthur to remember this day, and that he will never again have an entire water park to himself’ Admittedly, I’m a little concerned that this experience could either go very well or very badly, but happily the little drivers put their parents to shame with their courtesy, helped by the odd toot of their mini horns.

The cost of his licence is an exorbitant 100 dirhams – around £25 – and I baulk at the price, but Arthur’s face lights up when he finally receives it, complete with his photo, and it’s a great memento of Legoland Dubai.

He’s never happier than when he’s using bricks to build his own creations, so we set off to find the Build & Test site in the Imagination zone, where children – and plenty of parents – are building their own Lego racing cars and sending them speeding down a track. Again, we could spend hours here, and nearly do – breaking away only to grab some of those apple fries with a huge dollop of sweet cream, just for enough energy for

the short stroll back to the hotel.

We head off the next day for the Legoland Water Park, which is part of the main park but has its own entrance and entry fee.

The weather is making headlines for being overcast rather than the usual ‘guaranteed’ sunshine – although it’s still beautifully warm – but we are stunned to find we have the park entirely to ourselves.

We probably ride the slides 30 times – at a conservative count. I keep telling Arthur to remember this day, and that he will never again have an entire water park to himself.

Eventually he needs a rest, so we seek out an area where he can build his own Lego ships and send them into a water race at the pull of a lever. It’s the equivalent of pooh sticks, Lego style, and obviously the

best fun a young can have – as well as being perfectly positioned to allow parents to watch while eating lunch in peace.

On our final day we meet up with Legoland master builder Muhammad Zahid, who has a treat in store for us. He helps us make mini figures of ourselves – surprisingly tricky – and leads us back into Miniland, where he places them at the main doors of the Burj Khalifa.

Arthur can’t believe it – especially when we are told they’ll be staying there forever.

If you visit the park, check us out. We’re pretty lifelike – except for the pink rah-rah skirt I’m wearing.

Oh – and the yellow faces!

HAVING A SPLASHING TIME In the water park

TRAVEL FACTS  Josie Clarke was a guest of Emirates (www.emirates.com) who operate 126 non-stop flights per week to Dubai from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Economy return flights from London Gatwick to Dubai cost £599.

 A one-day ticket for Legoland costs £50; combined tickets with the water park cost £90. Visit www.legoland.com/dubai  Hotel & Theme Park packages can be booked via www.lapitadubaihotel.com or www.dubaiparksandresorts.com

LEGO MINI-ME Josie and Arthur with Lego figures of themselves, which will stay at the park ‘forever’

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Motoring

FIRST DRIVE:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé aims to offer all of the luxury and refinement found in the larger S-Class Coupé. Does it achieve this?

Jack Evans finds out

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

‘The car looks hunkereddown and squat on the road, with a far sportier appearance than the previous generation’

Motoring

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

WHAT’S NEW?

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

The latest car to slot into Mercedes’ ever-expanding line-up is the E-Class Coupé. Coming as a smaller version of the decadent S-Class Coupé, but larger than the C-Class Coupé, it aims to give drivers all of the luxury associated with the German manufacturer’s highestspecification cars, but with a sleek, raked-back design.

Inside, the coupé uses the same infotainment system as the standard saloon, but that’s no bad thing – we loved it in that car and it looks just as good here.

However, there are some touches that aren’t included in the E-Class. The vents, for instance, are completely new in design and they help to give the interior a bespoke look.

The exterior is a real triumph.

Pillarless and raked, it’s exactly what you want in a large, executive coupé.

As a coupé, you’d expect practicality in the E-Class to be pretty limited.

However, those in the back get 74mm more legroom than those in the car it replaces, while headroom isn’t bad either – though very tall passengers may have a bit of trouble thanks to the car’s sloping roofline.

The boot is a decent size too, and can be expanded thanks to folding rear seats.

Up front, there’s a good amount of room. The entire cabin has a great sense of space about it, owing in part to large, pillarless windows and the sunroof.

It’s a relaxing place to be, and one that certainly feels worthy of the MercedesBenz badge.

LOOKS AND IMAGE As mentioned, the exterior of this car is a thing of real beauty. There’s just one trim – AMG Line – but that does help to keep things simple.

All cars come with large 19-inch alloy wheels plus LED headlights and tail lights, which help give the E-Class a distinctive visual appeal.

However, this model doesn’t just benefit from unique styling touches.

It’s also 143mm longer than the one it replaces, as well as 74mm wider.

What does that mean though? It helps the car to look hunkered-down and squat on the road, and certainly gives it a far sportier appearance than the previous-generation E-Class Coupé.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Large luxurious coupés such as this have a difficult job on their hands. They need to be cosseting and relaxing to drive, but involving and sporty when you want them to be.

The E-Class does an admirable job of ticking the vast majority of those boxes. On standard springs, it rides very well. Yes, at slower speeds it can be a touch jostling, but when up and running it soaks up bumps in the road impressively.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine under the bonnet is a crucial part of the Mercedes-Benz range, and you can see why.

It’s really very refined, and settles down nicely at cruising speeds. There are a few grumbles at

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FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel TRANSMISSION: Nine-speed automatic PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds, 149mph top speed ECONOMY: 61.4mpg (combined cycle) EMISSIONS: 119g/km CO2 PRICE: From £40,135

lower speeds and around town, but that’s to be expected of a small-capacity diesel.

A wider rear track than its predecessor does help it corner nicely, but go into the bends too hard and it will be inclined to understeer.

That’s understandable, though – it makes no claim to be an out-and-out sports car.

VALUE FOR MONEY Prices for the E 220d Coupé start at £40,135.

For that, you get parking sensors and a reversing camera, as well as an 8.4-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation.

Though it’s expensive, we’d be inclined to pay £1,495 to upgrade

that system to Mercedes’ premium Comand infotainment, which replaces the standard screen with a large 12.3-inch unit. For an additional £495 on top of that, Mercedes will add a second 12.3-inch display, creating a truly widescreen viewing area. It’s an extra that completely transforms the inside of the car, and one we’d pick in a heartbeat.

You also get heated front seats and steering wheel-mounted touchpads included, adding to an already comprehensive equipment list.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The E-Class Coupé is ideal for those who want a luxurious, well-specified and premium way of getting around. With three engine choices – and two more on the way – there should be a powertrain for just about everyone, while high levels of standard equipment mean there shouldn’t be too many boxes to tick when the options list comes out. It’s also a fine car to drive, a fine place to sit and – importantly in this class – a fine vehicle to look at.

Books

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

FEATURES

TIMES REVIEWS

Book some time off…

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few suggestions for your reading…

Paperback by Portobello Books, priced £12.99 (ebook £6.49) In Yoko Tawada’s British debut, the Berlin-based Japanese novelist has taken inspiration from the story of Knut, a bear who became an international sensation.

Split into three chapters, Memoirs Of A Polar Bear charts the lives of three generations of bears: grandmother, daughter and son. These humanised bears move around in society and in chapter one, the grandmother introduces herself. We see her as a young cub being coerced into entertaining. But when she begins to write her story, she becomes a literary success, leading her to leave her native Soviet Union and settle in Canada. The tale moves on to Tosca, who takes a job at the circus, and ends with Knut, the son born into a content life in captivity. However, he struggles to find his place in the world.

The alienation that Tawada expresses is heavy, the blur between human and bear is, to begin with, jarring, but grows into an emotional bond.

The empathy for these magnificent bears, from the cruelty foisted on them, of which they are unaware, to the love poured on them by those who care for them just drips off the page. A heartfelt read.

(Review by Rachel Howdle)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Lincoln In The Bardo by George Saunders Hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £18.99 (ebook £10.54)

Short-story maestro George Saunders combines the real with the surreal in his long-form debut to bring us a joyous, comically macabre exploration of love, death and loss.

When Willie Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of US president Abraham Lincoln, died of a fever in 1862 Washington DC, his distraught statesman father visited his entombed body several times the night after his funeral. Into this historical fact, Saunders weaves a masterful fictional tale of young Willie’s arrival in the bardo, the Buddhist transitional realm between the living and the dead - and his meeting with its eclectic inhabitants. The story draws on real historical - and often contradictory - accounts of the US president’s despairing reaction to his son’s death and mixes them into a paranormal tale narrated by the other spirits inhabiting the bardo.

The death of a child and the battle for his immortal soul is not the most obvious theme for a comic novel.

But Buddhist Saunders delivers a pacey, unconventional work - with an unorthodox layout that takes a little getting used to - that is bursting with life. He handles the characters with such a light and loving touch that he has created an utterly absorbing tale that is as much about those other people inhabiting the limbo, their lost lives and unexplored futures, as it is about Willie and his father’s knife-sharp grief.

(Review by David Wilcock)

6/10

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

See You In The Cosmos by Jack Cheng

9/10

The Joy of Big Knickers

by Kate Garraway

Hardback by Blink, priced £14.99 (ebook £5.75) Kate Garraway has always been one of my favourite breakfast TV presenters; she’s smart, down-to-earth and great fun. In her first book and on the cusp of turning 50, the Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio host brings her nononsense charm to the business of aging gracefully.

Tackling tricky subjects like plastic surgery and sex, through to the menopause, finances, healthy eating and ultimately facing our own mortality, she draws on her own experiences and that of others to challenge pre-conceived ideas. She uses amusing and interesting anecdotes and advice from experts to to find some answers in the midst of information women of a certain age are bombarded with. Upbeat, positive and humorous, this book is about how women in midlife should cherish their age and celebrate it.

(Review by Roddy Brooks)

Memoirs Of A Polar Bear

by Yoko Tawada

8/10

Paperback by Puffin, priced £6.99 (ebook £3.99).

Jack Cheng’s compelling debut is a clever twist on our current fascination with setting ‘stuff’ in space. Alex Petroski is an 11-year-old would-be rocket scientist from Colorado, who leaves behind his seemingly idle mum to attend a rocket convention in the New Mexico wilderness, with his dog Carl Sagan (named after the astronomer). He’s soon on an impromptu road trip that takes him to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In the true tradition of the bildungsroman, Alex’s journey is much more than physical and largely shaped by the people he meets along the way, from Buddhist Zed, who’s taken a vow of silence, and his entrepreneurial friend Steve, to 19-year-old waitress Terra, who may or may not be his half-sister. All the while, Alex records his adventures and encounters in a series of ‘new recordings’ for extra-terrestrials on his iPod, which he’s desperate to send into space. It’s no coincidence the book is from the same publishers who brought us The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time - and Alex is every bit as particular and endearing as Christopher. It’s not flawless Alex has to fill us in on plot in the recordings, while simultaneously having conversations, which doesn’t always work, and there are passages that could have been shortened, but Cheng boldly tackles the big questions of who we are and why we’re here, making it the sort of book you’ll want to pinch from your children. Quite possibly a modern classic.

(Review by Kate Whiting)

8/10

w

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Peppa Pig: Peppa Loves World Book Day! World Book Day 2017 Where’s Wally? The Fantastic Journey by Martin Handford

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FEATURES

Advertising Feature

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Is it time to go private?

West Kent boasts some of the finest private hospitals in the country. They offer you the peace of mind that comes with a bespoke health service which will cater for your every need – whatever you wish, whenever you want. We profile two…

Horder Healthcare Richard Bentley Operations Director

St John’s Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1XP 01892 665 577 www.horderhealthcare.co.uk info@horder.co.uk What are the benefits of going private with regard to healthcare?

Horder Healthcare private treatments can be accessed in two ways: Insured or self pay. Private healthcare is right for you if you do not want to wait for your procedure or you want to schedule treatment for when you are ready.

With a dedicated ‘fast track’ service, private patients can enjoy appointment times to suit them and are guaranteed to see their consultant at their specified time. It is even possible to arrange

‘Horder Healthcare are experts at understanding patient care and recovery within its varied fields of expertise’ Richard Bentley

surgery within two weeks of initial consultation if you need it and you are fit and well.

Private guests can expect Horder Healthcare to pay attention to the smallest details, which can make the world of difference to your treatment experience and recovery.

If you have private medical insurance and want to choose Horder Healthcare for your treatment, check with your insurer that you are covered for what you need, including outpatient appointments. Horder Healthcare is recognised by the majority of medical insurance companies.

Patients can self pay, which means paying for their own procedures and services, following an initial consultation. You will get a tailored, inclusive price for treatment based on your condition. Initial consultation and pre-op diagnostics are not included

in the treatment package price.

At Horder Healthcare, patient care does not stop once you have left hospital. As a self pay patient you can enjoy 120 days of guaranteed cover after your procure should you need further treatment.

What makes you unique in the private healthcare sector, and what key services do you offer?

With a highly therapeutic approach to patient experience, and as a specialist provider with more than 60 years’ knowledge, Horder Healthcare are experts at understanding patient care and recovery within its varied fields of expertise.

Furthermore, across Horder Healthcare’s entire portfolio of hospitals and clinics, it excels at patient care, and its standards of service are reflected in its patient feedback.

What does the future hold for your organisation?

Horder Healthcare is currently carrying out an £8million refurbishment programme of The McIndoe Centre.

The recently opened state-of-the-art theatre is one of the first steps in an ambitious project which includes three new theatres and a six-bed recovery area, as well as diagnostic and ophthalmology suites. A brand new x-ray suite has already been installed, and other plans include upgrading parts of the centre’s infrastructure and treatment rooms, refurbishing all ward bedrooms and providing a new outpatient area.

The new theatre means orthopaedic surgery, such as knee and hip replacements, has now been introduced at The McIndoe Centre, in addition to the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for which it is renowned.

Advertising Feature

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Benenden Hospital

Denise Telford Director of Business Development and Performance Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX 01580 240 333 www.benendenhospital.org.uk What are the benefits of going private with regard to healthcare?

Book an appointment as a private patient at Benenden Hospital and you will be seen quickly and can avoid a long waiting list. You can see a consultant of your choice and you can have your operation or treatment on a

day and time that suits you. So why wait and put your life on hold?

The hospital is currently offering a free initial consultation to private patients who book before April 14. The consultation must take place before May 19 (offer excludes physiotherapy).

Coming to Benenden as a private patient you can be confident that you will be cared for in an ultra-clean, modern facility where infection control is rigorously maintained. Our high-tech and methodical approach to infection control means we offer a safe, clean environment where there have been no cases of bacteraemia or septicaemiarelated MRSA, and no cases of C. difficile (as defined by the

Department of Health) since 2002.

A range of clinical services are delivered in a way that is focused on the needs of our patients. Staff are caring, considerate and dedicated to doing all they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Everyone at Benenden is fully committed to excellence in healthcare.

What makes you unique in the private healthcare sector, and what key services do you offer?

Benenden Hospital celebrated its 110th anniversary in March. Over the years, the hospital has diversified and expanded and its current redevelopment will ensure the hospital is poised to

meet future healthcare needs.

Benenden offers a wide range of treatments across a range of medical and surgical specialities, including general surgery, orthopaedics, cataract surgery, gastroenterology, gynaecology, urology, ENT surgery, dermatology and cardiology.

The hospital has recently introduced a new weight-loss surgery service offering gastric bands and gastric sleeves. Leading the bariatric surgery team is Consultant Bariatric Surgeon Ahmed Hamouda. Patients are supported throughout their treatment for up to two years with a specialist team working to NICE guidelines.

Our varicose veins team is led by Eddie Chaloner and Aaron Sweeney, who are leaders in their field. We treat varicose veins with EVLT (endovenous laser treatment), which can be carried out under local anaesthetic with no surgical incisions and with no overnight stay required. Post-operative discomfort and bruising is less than with conventional techniques, EVLT has a lower rate of recurrence and patients return to work faster than after traditional surgery.

What does the future hold for your organisation?

Benenden is nearing completion of a multi-million pound redevelopment.

Phase One opened in May 2016 and the second and final phase is due for completion this year.

The redevelopment has already provided new single patient en-suite rooms, three new state-of-the-art theatres and an endoscopy unit. Once the second phase of the redevelopment

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is complete, there will be a new outpatient area, new consulting rooms, a new eye unit, new physiotherapy facilities, a pharmacy within the main hospital building, a spacious and welcoming reception and improved free parking adjacent to the hospital.

Almost £2million is being spent on new diagnostic imaging equipment, including a CT scanner and an MRI scanner, which will allow the hospital to offer an enhanced patient experience in a dedicated unit.

Moving forward, Benenden Hospital will be introducing a range of new services for private patients. Our private patient team are working closely with our consultants and clinical teams to introduce new and safe treatments in the coming years.

‘Benenden offers a wide range of treatments across a range of medical and surgical specialities’ Denise Telford

FEATURES

Puzzles

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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.

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

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★III

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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 next week’s paper

3 5 2 4 8 7 1 9 6

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Life & Style

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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THE OAST YOUTH THEATRE HAVE CREATED A PLAY FROM SCRATCH The Oast Youth Theatre, based in Tonbridge, have developed a new play from scratch that will be premiered on the Oast stage from 29th March to 1st April.

The play, entitled ‘Oast Made: After Show’ has been created using the experiences and words of the cast and wider group, focusing on their fears, growing up and friendships at the after show party of their latest production.

The process has been led by Robbie Rickard and Daniel Holden, two current youth theatre members, with assistance from the youth theatre director, Jason Lower, himself a former member of the group.

Robbie says “This has definitely been the toughest challenge during my time at the Oast, and yet for that it has been among the most rewarding.

“When Dan, Jason and I started on this project we had nothing more than ambition and a keen and inspired cast, and so this production has really been developed from the ground up. The sheer scale of a project like this one, coupled in with other commitments has really made this a challenging experience, however it is all the more rewarding for that.”

Dan Holden, who has taken a lead on filming, says “Last year, before our annual Oast Youth residential we created music videos in small groups. These were of such good quality that we decided to do something similar for the play. Trying something new like this is always fun, even if it is a learning process! Thankfully as of writing they are turning out very well, and are the final challenge to overcome before the performances.”

He adds: “Creating a play as challenging, relatable, and interesting as this one has been an incredible experience. I’m hugely grateful to everyone involved for all the passion and talent they’ve put into it, as well as the patience of our cast (waiting for their words to be cemented on the page), and of course the opportunity to take such a large role within the creative process.”

The play appears as part of a double bill with their recent festival play ‘Stolen Secrets’, which was nominated for its direction in the Southern Counties Drama Festival.

‘Oast Made: After Show’ / ‘Stolen Secrets’ runs from 28th March to 1st April. Tickets can be bought from www.oasttheatre.com or by calling the Box Office on 01732 363849.

LEGRYS INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS MAKES THE SHORTLIST IN BIGGEST AWARDS FOR ESTATE AGENTS LeGrys Independent Estate Agents has been recognised for its outstanding customer service to its clients by the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

The ESTAS sponsored by Zoopla determines the best estate agents in the UK through research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent during the home moving process. This year saw record entries making the competition the toughest yet and one of the biggest surveys in the UK property industry with 34,000 customers completing one of the online ESTAS surveys.

Estate Agents have been shortlisted in 25 regions around the UK. The regional and national winners will be announced at the 14th annual ESTAS ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 12th May. The awards will be presented by TV property expert Phil Spencer in front of 1,000 of the UK’s top property professionals, Spencer said “Any firm that enters The ESTAS has already sent a clear message that they are passionate about customer service so to make it on to the shortlist is a huge achievement in itself”.

Simon Brown, founder of The ESTAS says, “Our job is to highlight agents who are providing exceptional levels of customer care through the moving process. At the ESTAS we believe the one way to judge the performance of an agent is to ask the clients who have experienced the whole service through to completion. It’s often later in the transaction when a firm really shows their worth and at those times it’s their experience and professionalism that gets the deal back on track.”

Mark Goddard, managing Director of headline sponsor Zoopla said, “This is our seventh year sponsoring the ESTAS and we are delighted to be once again supporting this key industry event.

Customer feedback is essential to any organisation and it is fantastic to see the best in the industry being recognised for their efforts. Good luck to all those taking part and I look forward to meeting the winners on stage in May!” Bill LeGrys, Managing Partner commented “ We are really chuffed to have made it on to this year’s shortlist. We are passionate about service levels and this just re-affirms the hard work that all the team put in really does pay off. Having also won The British Property Awards back in October ’16 where we won Best Agent for Tunbridge Wells and Best Agent in the South East clearly indicates that our client base is being well looked after from start to finish”.

The awards are organised by The ESTAS Group Ltd. www.theestas.com

For more information contact us on 01892 610398

BRACHERS WINS PRESTIGIOUS MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARD Firm recognised for ‘Best collaboration across the management team’ at a glittering awards night in London.

Brachers was delighted to win Best collaboration across the management team at the 2017 Managing Partners’ Forum (MPF) Management Excellence Awards in conjunction with Harvard Business Review and The Financial Times - the only competition that highlights management’s contribution to strategy and leadership, client excellence, operational excellence and responsible business.

The MPF is an organisation dedicated to helping professional firms grow by providing insights to improve performance. Its Management Excellence awards have become well-established and receives entries from firms across the UK. The black tie gala dinner and Awards ceremony took place at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square on Wednesday 8 March 2017.

Brachers was the only professional services firm in Kent to be nominated for the awards.

The firm’s entry in the Best collaboration across the management team category highlighted the new internal structures that had been put in place to support the firm’s strategic objectives, aligning the business plan to best serve the needs of clients rather than thinking in practice area silos. The result has been to promote better teamwork across the firm, which has also improved staff engagement.

The firm was also delighted to be shortlisted for Best corporate culture following our ‘With You All The Way’ campaign designed to ensure we take a really bespoke approach to each client’s needs and that staff behaviours are tightly aligned to business strategy.

Joanna Worby, Managing Partner, said: “We are very proud to win this coveted award. It was a great night in superb company. I’m really pleased that, against some of the best professional service businesses in the country, we flew the flag for Kent and won the Best collaboration award. For us, collaboration, teamwork and engagement are what it’s all about – so that we can really put our clients first and help them meet their business challenges.”

Somerfield House, 59 London Rd, Maidstone ME16 8JH 01622 690691 www.brachers.co.uk

NEWS

Recruitment

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Recruitment

NEWS

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 779624

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FEATURES

Kids’ Corner

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

A great song and dance for your youngsters We select the area’s best pre-school dance clubs, music sessions and activity classes for any budding ballet star or wannabe pop idol you may have at home, which will give them that all-important first step into the magical world of entertainment GETTING your children into ballet, singing or even some gentle gymnastics from an early age will not only benefit them in terms of learning a new skill and getting some extra exercise, it’s also a great way of expanding their social circle and boosting their confidence. Participating in an extra-curricular class at least once a week will make a big difference to your little one, and also give you the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy seeing your child flourish at doing something they love, or thrive at mastering new talent.

Dynamic Dance Title of Class: Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Funky Street Dance, Musical theatre Age Range: All Price: £5.50 for one class, discounts for multiple classes Location: Tonbridge, Golden Green and Tudeley Requires Parental Supervision: No Phone Number: 01732 357518 Website: www.dynamic-dance.co.uk Dynamic Dance is an established and friendly dance and theatre school with classes in Tonbridge and the surrounding villages, catering for students who love dancing for fun as well as those who aspire towards a career.

There are many ex-students of the school now working in the profession. Students have

multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year, including the Annual Show.

Exam sessions are very popular and provide a good sense of achievement, and Dynamic Dance work hard to minimise stress.

Higher-level exams attract University Clearing points, which are added to academic records and can help with applications.

All teachers are passionate, qualified dance teachers, and Dynamic Dance is a recognised school with the Council for Dance Education and Training [CDET].

The first trial class is free

Jumping Beans Title of Class: Jumping Beans Age Range: Babies from 3 months to walking, and walking to 3 years Price: £6 Location: St James’ Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells Requires Parental Supervision: Yes Phone Number: 07768 038172 Website: www.jumpingbeans.co.uk At Jumping Beans, baby and pre-school classes exercise little bodies and minds in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Gentle exercises can make a big difference to a child’s physical and mental development from as early as three months old.

Jumping Beans helps babies and small children develop strength and co-ordination, confidence and imagination.

It focuses heavily on the importance of social interaction, praise, encouragement and fun!

With brightly coloured play equipment, songs and rhymes, sensory activities and lots of enthusiasm, there is constant encouragement for little ones to make the most of their growing abilities.

Baby Classes: Using a combination of sensory stimulation, music and gentle exercises to help your baby develop, baby classes blend learning with quality time for you to spend with your child in a social environment. The sensory stations change every week, allowing babies to explore different textures, colours and sounds.

Walking to 3 years: This class is perfect for busy toddlers that love to run around. Following a different make-believe adventure each term, children can learn new songs and rhymes whilst doing different movements. There is a variety of colorful equipment in both structured and free play, which includes balls, hoops, tunnels, slides, beanbags, quoits, etc. Children are encouraged to learn new skills, such as balancing, counting, throwing and catching and colour sorting in a fun and active way.

Kids’ Corner

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Little Notes Title of Class: Little Notes Age Range: 0-5 Price: £7 per session/£5.50 for newborn class Location: Tonbridge School Sports Centre/Bells Yew Green, near Frant and Tunbridge Wells Requires Parental Supervision: Yes Phone Number: 01892 300103 Website: www.littlenotes.co.uk

Puddle Ducks Title of Class: Puddle Ducks Baby & Pre-school Swimming Lessons Age Range: 6 weeks to 4 years Price: Average of £13.50 per lesson (£108 per 8-lesson booking) Location: Fosse Bank School, Mountains Country House, Noble Tree Road, Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 8ND Requires Parental Supervision: Yes – a parent/carer is in the water with every child in the class Phone Number: 01892 617246 Website: www.puddleducks.com/westkent Puddle Ducks are launching a brand new session at Fosse Bank School in Hildenborough on Friday afternoons – current classes at this venue are full, so this new session is the only way for you to attend lessons without joining a waiting list first!

Every Puddle Ducks swimming lesson has been carefully devised to fit each individual child’s

Little Notes offer music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Classes are run by professional musicians, so they are bursting with live music. Blending real instruments with new and classic children’s songs, as well as exploring a whole variety of musical styles, there is 40 minutes of fun musical activities, with puppets, percussion and other stimuli.

With Little Notes, you and your children will love music right from the start!

developmental stage, with lots of songs, games and activities geared toward getting your little one to swim independently, safely and happily, both above and under the water. Most of all, each class is a lot of fun.

Puddle Ducks recognise that every child is different and learns to swim at their own pace. It prides itself on being the only swim school that delivers tailored activities in lessons designed to grow with each child.

Puddle Ducks also runs local classes at pools in Otford, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, and near Tunbridge Wells.

Musical Bumps Title of Class: Musical Bumps Age Range: 4 different stages: Babies under a year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years. Some mixed-age classes are also available Price: Variable depending upon class (please contact them for details). Freet trial classes are available Location: Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Langton Green, Hildenborough, Sevenoaks and Westerham Requires Parental Supervision: Yes Phone Number: Tunbridge Wells areas 07812 495020; Tonbridge & Sevenoaks areas 07736 244142 Website: www.musicalbumps.com Musical Bumps offers music classes, singing and fun for babies, toddlers and pre-school children

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with their parents and carers every day of the week in and around Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. The classes focus on the use of music to support development of speech, language and communication – along with social skills – through fun sessions led by experienced and well-trained teachers and musicians.

Classes are tailored to different stages of development and there are a range of options available, including specially developed, relaxed and calm baby classes. All sessions also include refreshments and the chance to chat and make friends.

Here are some kind words Musical Bumps has received from happy parents: “So interactive, and always so enthusiastically delivered.”

“It’s the best class we have been to.”

“The educational value of Musical Bumps is amazing.”

Free trial classes are available

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FEATURES

Gift Guide Special

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Mother’s Day slipped your mind? Mum’s the word…

FRESHWATER PEARL PENDANT WITH 18CT WHITE GOLD FITTING AND CHAIN Available from G. Collins & Sons | £650 www.gcollinsandsons.com

With not long left until Mothering Sunday, it’s easy to think you’ve missed your chance to make it extra special. To restore hope for the forgetful amongst us, Hannah Patterson has the answers for how to save the day locally, and some last-minute gift ideas FLOWER BOUQUETS Available from Astilbe and Sorrel | Price on request www.astilbeandsorrel.com

VYERA SWAROVSKI EMBELLISHED WISTERIA DROP EARRINGS Available from Ted Baker | £59 www.tedbaker.com

COFFEE CUPS COTTON TEA TOWEL SET Available from ethical.market | £25 | www.ethical.market Have a lovely DAY CLOCK Available from Art Rookie | £27 www.artrookie.co.uk

AROMAWORKS 200ML REED DIFFUSERS Available from Pure.

Therapies | £28 www.puretherapiestw.com TERRA BRACELET Available from Terra Bracelet | £39 www.banbayu.com

SHERPA KHOCHEN SCARF – TIKA. Available from Sherpa Adventure Gear | £25 www. sherpaadventuregear.co.uk

LADY PLUME Satchel Bag (M) Available from Lipault | £69 www.lipault.co.uk

What’s On Special

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

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MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS AT A GLANCE | SUNDAY MARCH 26 FACE-PAINTING FUN At Groombridge Place and Chafford Park

a sweet tooth, you can always opt for an afternoon tea featuring a selection of seasonal sandwiches, homemade scones and some sweet treats. If you want to make a day and night of it, you can pay the little extra for a stay in the luxury hotel.

A TASTE OF LUXURY At One Warwick Park

www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

GROOMBRIDGE PLACE The day will be packed full of activities to appeal to all the family. Take a stroll through Groombride Place’s very own enchanted forest and glorious formal gardens, which are particularly splendid in the spring. Face painting is available for children and adults alike, as well as a bouncy castle. There is even a free gift available for all mums on the day. www.thelittleboxoffice.com/ groombridge

ONE WARWICK PARK One Warwick Park will be hosting a special Sunday lunch at their L’Amore Restaurant.

The menu includes a starter, main and a mouthwatering iced honeycomb parfait for dessert. Champagne and Prosecco will be available to those who want to add some bubble to the occasion. If you have

BEWL WATER Enjoy the country air and springtime weather at Bewl Water for an active alternative. With bike hire available and picturesque walks, it’s certainly an appropriate option for these warmer months. The Boat House Bistro will be serving a three-course lunch and the price includes a free ride on the Bewl Belle boat for every mum. The restaurant offers spectacular views of the reservoir and is well worth a visit. www.bewlwater.co.uk

SALOMONS ESTATE Nothing says ‘I love you’ like lunch at a sumptuous country estate. Ideally located just a short drive from the centre of Tunbridge Wells, and boasting a beautiful terrace overlooking the grounds, Salomons is a grand option. The restaurant will be serving a three-course carvery lunch that includes a free surprise gift for mum. If you fancy something different, there’s also a Sparkling Spring Tea with delicious cakes, finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.

Hever Castle MOTHER’S DAY is fast approaching – at Hever Castle you can have an unforgettable day out and spoil mum with a special Mother’s Day present which she will treasure.

Shop from a range of beautiful gifts in the Hever Shop – perfect for those showstopper items, and the little gifts which mean a lot.

Shop from a vast and luxurious range of Heyland & Whittle toiletries. Purchase gifts for the home which mum can enjoy every day, with pretty little gifts from Gisela

Graham, Romney Marsh Wools and soft furnishings.

And if she’s the kind of mum who says: “I don’t want anything”, but you just can’t resist a gift, shop from fancy teas, mum’s mugs, card wallets, glasses cases and much more.

The castle staff are very excited to have the Anne Boleyn collection in store.

With luxurious drawer liners, candles, reed-diffuser and perfume, you can share an eau’d to Anne, Hever’s greatest heroine.

www.salomons-estate.com

MOTHER’S DAY #WILD_CHILD FAMILY DANCE PARTY Saturday March 25 Fancy letting your hair down?

If mum’s a Hever Castle & Gardens lover, treat her to an Annual Membership so that she can enjoy Hever all year round. Enjoy discounts across accommodation, golf, eating, and shopping within the Hever Castle Estate.

For the more extravagant Mother’s Day gift, vouchers towards a 5* stay in the Astor Wing can be purchased for any room type for either a Sunday to Thursday stay or a Friday and Saturday stay.

If mum is a wannabe golfer, a voucher for ladies only golf tuition, ‘Golf like a Girl’, are guaranteed to blow her away.

More information: 01732 865 224 or www.hevercastle.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Held at the beautiful barns at Chafford Park in Fordcombe, this party is perfect for those looking to do something a little different. The ticket covers everything you could want from a party, including a DJ spinning Motown, Soul, Funk and 80s tunes, a free glow bracelet, free Mother’s Day craft activities for all ages, free photo booth and dressing up, free hula-hooping workshop, bubbles, a giant parachute, a colouring wall, a baby zone, face painting and so much more. www.mumstheword.online

NOSING OUT THE TRUTH Pinocchio at Trinity Theatre

THACKERAY’S RESTAURANT This is fine dining without the pretention in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Thackeray’s offers up a real treat for mums everywhere. The venue is certainly worth a look. It was once the residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray and is more than 300 years old. The food itself is unique.

Applying classic European culinary philosophies to modern dishes, the offerings available will impress every palate. They have concocted a special five-choice, three-course meal especially for Mothering Sunday. www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk

TRINITY THEATRE Is your family full of culture vultures? Then head to the theatre for a live and lively telling of Pinocchio.

The Cat’s Grin Theatre Co are regulars on the children’s programme at Trinity Theatre, and for good reason. They specialise in expertly crafting engaging retellings of classic tales that are curriculum-friendly. With maximum energy and plenty of wit, this is a must-see for any family with children aged four to six years old. Be prepared for plenty of audience participation! www.trinitytheatre.net

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Arts and Culture

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

An old head on young shoulders Popular comedian Jon Richardson is coming to the Assembly Hall on Saturday with his new Old Man show. The Times finds out what the star of such top TV shows as Live at the Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats has to say about life and becoming a father

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tand-up comedian Jon Richardson likes emphasising the power of comedy: “I can’t believe I get to do this job! As I get older, I’ve got more and more to talk about and I have more and more confidence,” says the man who has been described by the national Times as ‘One of our most individual and interesting stand-ups’, and by Time Out magazine as ‘sublimely brilliant, stunning’.

“I love the privilege of looking back on my life every three years, turning it into a comedy show and sharing it with an audience. It’s incredibly cathartic. It’s a way of converting the difficult elements of life into comedy. None of us know what’s going on at the moment, so to be able to laugh at it in unity for two hours is absolutely great.”

Since last touring the country, Jon has become a husband and father, watched as the UK voted to leave the EU and witnessed the inexorable rise of Donald Trump to the American Presidency.

All of which prompts one key question: Why does it seem that no one else alive can correctly load a dishwasher?

As well as this pressing matter, Jon will be covering an array of other hilarious comic topics in his new show. The British Comedy Award nominee will, for instance, be discussing the impact his new baby daughter has had on his life.

“I’m determined not to talk about my baby in a

way that’s alienating,” he says. But it’s been such a big change in my life that I can’t not talk about it.

It’s also nice to have something new to stress about. I can really get my teeth into this stress!

“When you’re single, you’re not beholden to any-

‘It’s such a buzz. The instant reaction you get from the audience is such a privilege’ one, and you can shut down more easily. In the past, I had the idea that I’d live in a caravan with a dog near a pub with no responsibilities. But now when bad things happen in the world, I feel responsible for them because they’re going to impact on my daughter.”

One of Jon’s main worries is that she will grow up resembling him. “What I’m dreading is raising her to be like me. If I hear her saying, ‘I can’t eat that chip because it’s touched those baked beans’, I’ll know she’s got too much of me in her!”

Stress is a constant theme in Jon’s brilliant act. “I got shingles on the day of the EU referendum. It’s good to see that my stress has got worse as I’ve got older and that now there’s a physical element to it!”

Cleanliness – or the lack of it – is also a cause of stress in his life. Jon admits that: “When the

kitchen is not clean, it gets to me. I’m much he adores the experience of live comedy. quite methodical, while my wife is “It’s such a buzz. The instant reaction you get more creative!” from the audience is such a privilege.

Another very amusing element of Old "Each show is a very honest portrayal of Man is that Jon uses Twitter to interact how I’m feeling that night. It can go off in with his audience. The comic, whose any direction. The show is different every bestselling book It’s Not Me, It’s You, time and that makes it much more was published by HarperCollins exciting. Every evening is unique.” in 2012, recollects: “Recently, But, much as he loves touring, I talked to a man in the Jon reveals he’ll have a break audience, and he was over the summer. shocked because I knew “People would rather be out where he had been that in the sun than inside listenmorning, what football team ing to a whingeing moron!” he supported and what his And when the Old Man wife’s name was. tour finally comes to an end, It’s a good about-turn.

Jon discloses what he will That’s the joy of Twitter.” do next. “I’ll be back at Jon adds: “That man had home, concentrating once messaged me earlier, but again on being a dad and a people don’t always realise pernickety husband!” that when you Tweet you’re building a public record of Jon Richardson’s Old Man yourself. It’s nice to have all that show is on at the Assembly free material. It means I can spend Hall on Saturday [March 25] at more time with my daughter and 8pm. Tickets from £24.50 plus FUN TIME just take the mickey out of £1.75 per ticket booking fee.

Jon Richardson someone in the audience!”

Box office 01892 530613 or Jon proceeds to reflect on how www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Arts and Culture

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

FEATURES

75

This operatic troupe is on song with its latest dramatic stage production

H DARK TIMES Ian Beadle plays The Dark Fiddler

New Sussex Opera is celebrating its 40th anniversary with A Village Romeo and Juliet, which it will perform at the EM Forster and Stag theatres at the end of this month. Eileen Leahy talks to its General Director David James about the group’s history, and why they chose to perform this relatively unknown work by composer Frederick Delius

EARING David James talk about the New Sussex Opera’s latest production, A Village Romeo and Juliet, it’s clear that it varies significantly from Shakespeare’s play of the same name. The operatic society’s General Director says it has all the hallmarks of the Bard’s original story of feuding families and doomed love, but the characters and setting are different as is the overall tone, which veers to the slightly sinister side thanks to the central supernatural character of The Dark Fiddler.

This relatively obscure play is the creation of 19thcentury English composer Frederick Delius and the plot centres around Sali and Vrenchen, children of two rival farmers Manz and Marti, respectively, who have battled over a piece of overgrown land that has divided their farms for years.

Like Shakespeare’s tale, the two main characters meet relatively young and form a firm friendship.

Unlike the original, though, there is another key character, who turns out to be the catalyst for everything that happens to Sali and Vrenchen.

“The Dark Fiddler is the rightful owner of the disputed land, but he cannot exert control over it because he is illegitimate and thus without legal rights,” explains David.

“One day, Sali and Vrenchen meet the Dark Fiddler, who tells them he knows that each farmer is surreptitiously taking an extra furrow out of his land. ‘When it is all ploughed and no longer a haunt of birds and animals, then beware,’ he warns.”

This macabre caution is the starting point for all the dramatic action which unfolds.

TOUGH LOVE Kirsty Taylor-Stokes and Luke Sinclair

What does David think audiences will enjoy most about their production of A Village Romeo and Juliet?

“It’s a different twist on the familiar story, loosely based on Shakespeare and set to the ravishing music of Delius,” he says.

Music rehearsals for the chorus element started last December, while the principal soloists began rehearsing at Glyndebourne three weeks ago.

“Getting used to the ingenious, multi-faceted set has been quite a challenge,” reveals David. “Once you see the production you’ll know what this means!”

The New Sussex Opera [NSO] formed in 1978 and are based in Lewes. Their previous productions have included Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars, Tchaikovsky’s The Enchantress and Offenbach’s The Rhine Fairies.

“We were founded by a group of local opera lovers and our aim is to present an interesting

range of opera, usually the lesser-known works,” says David.

“We want to produce high-quality performances and provide valuable opportunities for professional, amateur, local and young singers, players and for those in production.”

David adds that they also have another goal, and that is to ‘attract a new audience to live opera and to develop and sustain interest in the art form’.

The NSO also get involved in education through workshops for schools.

So what attracted them to this particular piece?

David says the NSO chose it because ‘it’s in English, not in the common repertoire, and has a strong choral element’.

He states that the NSO’s musical conductor, Lee Reynolds, has described the rich sound composer Delius created for A Village Romeo and Juliet as being ‘as decadent as slipping into a warm bath’.

The NSO put on one major production in the local area each year, with an in-house fundraising one on a ‘less ambitious’ scale happening in between.

When I ask David if they’re keen on welcoming new members, he swiftly replies: “Yes of course!

Either to sing or to share in the vast variety of tasks involved in the staging of an opera. Love of opera and enthusiasm are a good start!”

A Village Romeo and Juliet plays at the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge on March 26 at 4pm, and The Stag, Sevenoaks on March 31 at 7.30pm.

For prices and full booking information, visit www.newsussexopera.org

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FEATURES

What’s On

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

>> WEDNESDAY Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park are asking people to come along and join in their event to celebrate World Water Day. The park’s volunteers will uncover what lurks in their newly created wetland area, and visitors will have the chance to try out some pond dipping. The event, which takes place after school, is free to attend but booking is essential. Email: steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells. gov.uk. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Trinity hosts a new exhibition this week entitled The Rabbit Whole. The show is by Benjamin Steel and will be the first public viewing of a selection of the artist’s abstract creations done in various styles, including acrylic, spray paint, oils and watercolours. For more information, visit www.trinitytheatre.net Hilden Grange School’s production of Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies – a tale of tights, fights and footlights – is on at the EM Forster Theatre today and tomorrow. This performance journeys into the depths of Sherwood Forest to discover the funny side of Robin and his band of Merry Men. The shows are at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for LOVE HURTS children. To See Loving at Trinity book,

PICK OF THE WEEK Bewl Water GRAND REOPENING FOR SPRING Beautiful Bewl, a stunning park located in 800 acres of tranquil Wealden countryside just outside of Lamberhurst, is open for business again in this its 40th year. An ideal spot for lots of outdoor pursuits, such as walking, cycling and watersports, it has also just begun its new

call 01732 304 241, or visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk >> THURSDAY Photographer Sean Hawkey has travelled extensively, documenting the lives and diverse communities dotted around some of the poorest and most remote parts of the globe. In his current exhibition, he turns his attention to capturing portraits of everyday people using the Mozart Victorian method of photo development known as the collodion process. See the Capturing on Collodion show at the Tunbridge Wells Museum, which is on from Tuesday to Saturday until May 20.

The Pantiles Decorative Fine Arts Society will be hosting a talk this evening at Holmewood House School from 7.45pm. The lecture will be given by Martin Lloyd, who will be talking about The Secret Art in the Passport, which will reveal some of the visual techniques employed to fox the forgers. Tickets cost £7, or you can subscribe to an annual membership fee for £45. For more information, see www.pantilesdfas.org.uk Vittle and Swig is hosting another of its popular monthly comedy nights from 8.30pm. The Lone Star will be hosting the event and introducing funny routines from Tim Clark, Mark Simmons and fishing season. The impressive lake is now positively brimming with fish, including pike and perch. There are also up to 7,600 rainbow trout ranging from 2lbs-3lbs. The site’s Coulam fleet has been completed and now includes 24 new boats.

But if angling isn’t your thing, don’t worry, as there are two amazing eateries to dine in. Enjoy a relaxed vibe at the Waterfront Café, which serves sandwiches and light bites – but if you fancy something more decadent for your dining, try The Boatyard with its fine array of fancy food.

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

ART ATTACK Trinity hosts The Whole Rabbit expo

Russell Hicks. Visit www.vittleandswig.co.uk >> FRIDAY Trinity Theatre is screening a live transmission of Joan of Arc at 7pm.

Starring Gemma Arterton in the lead role of George Bernard Shaw’s classic play, it will be broadcast direct from London’s Donmar Warehouse. The story is of a young country girl (Joan) who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. Described as an ‘electrifying’ production this is one not to be missed.

Tickets cost from £17.

Over at the Assembly Hall, from 7.30pm you can see Stand By Me – A Musical Story of Ben E King and The Drifters. The highs and lows and challenges and conflicts of this iconic band are laid out in a musical feast of a show. Tickets cost £26 and can be booked via www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk There’s also a new Laser Quest facility opening this Easter. And on Saturday [March 25], the Bewl Belle boat relaunches. So after an exhilarating cycle, busy fishing session or sumptuous lunch you can simply sit back relax and enjoy the beauty of Bewl.

For more information, visit www.bewlwater.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells’ newest hotel, One Warwick Park, is now hosting live music events every Thursday to Saturday night from 7pm. Acts include Melissa Lucy, Bella Penfold and Steve Salt. Why not pop along for a drink, or stay a while and enjoy the musical entertainment while you dine in the hotel’s chic L’Amore restaurant? Tonight they’ll also be hosting a Mix Your Own Cocktail event from 6pm at a cost of £20 per head. More information at www.onewarwickpark.co.uk >> SATURDAY If you’re a music fan, then make sure you head down to King Charles the Martyr Church Hall today as there will be another Revolver Record Fair on from 10am until 4pm.

The Children’s Book Festival at Knole kicks off today and runs all weekend. So if you want to get your little ones into reading to discover the magical allure of books, then make sure you pop along. Guest speakers include Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child, How to Train Your Dragon’s Cressida Cowell and local author Philip Ardagh, he of The Little Adventurers and The Grunts fame. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.co.org/knole The EM Forster Theatre welcomes the Tonbridge Philharmonic with their Mostly Mozart concert from 7.30pm. Conductor Matthew Willis will take the orchestra through their musical paces with pieces such as Cherubini’s Overture in G and Mozart’s Requiem and Piano Concerto 22. Lasting two and a half hours, this promises to be a full to the gills evening of wonderful live entertainment.

Tickets cost £15 per adult and £7 for students and can be booked by calling 01732 304 241 or through the website: www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk >> SUNDAY New Sussex Opera takes its production of A Village Romeo and Juliet to the EM Forster Theatre

LEISURE CLUB: Watersports and dining delights

What’s On

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

today. It’s Frederick Delius’s dark, skewed retelling of the classic tale and sees childhood sweethearts Vrenchen and Sali torn apart by their feuding fathers. For more on this, turn to page 75 for our exclusive interview. Tickets cost from £15 and can be booked at the usual EM Forster box office website.

Trinity Theatre is screening the much acclaimed Loving today at 5pm. Starring the Oscarnominated Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton as husband and wife, it tells the real life story of one interracial couple’s strength and fight to live together in the racist, predominantly white southern state of Viriginia, USA, in 1967. Life affirming, sad and emotional in equal measures.

Tickets cost £10.50 from www.trinitytheatre.net >> MONDAY Both the Duke of York and Royal Oak pubs in Tunbridge Wells will be hosting an open mic night from 8pm, so if you’re a keen singer or musician make sure you pop along. >> TUESDAY If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, then you can catch the big Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island at the Hop Farm Paddock Wood’s Moonlight Drive-in Cinema tonight and tomorrow at 8pm. Starring Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and John Goodman, it’s a fully immersive celluloid experience which follows a team of explorers as they seek out a dangerous primordial island in their bid to find the King of the Apes.

Tickets cost £25 and can be booked via the website: www.moonlightcinema. com

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77

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music It’s another busy week across the local musc scene with an array of fantastic gigs, all detailed below…

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk

WEDNESDAY John Forrester, John McLane, Josie Lee, Rosie Pennie THURSDAY Jack Clarke, Harry Whitty FRIDAY Katy Virgoe, Kyla & Nat, Marie White SATURDAY Project 5 SUNDAY Music Station presents, Jono Harrison MONDAY Open Mic Singers Night TUESDAY Vispers, Annie Chew, Dave Shep!

Sheperd, Son Of Kirk TRINITY THEATRE Church Road, information on times and tickets at www.trinitytheatre.net

SATURDAY Local & Live Sessions: Roberto Picazo Band, Frampton Sisters, Holly Stanford THE JUNCTION INN Open all day, music from 8pm onwards Tickets £11 from The Junction Inn 01892 864275 or Fran Collier 01892 520205

FRIDAY Julie Felix SATURDAY Julie Felix

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

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

WEDNESDAY The Virginmarys and The Hyena Kill THURSDAY Helen’s Music For Dementia: The Gallerys, Raised by Raptors, Hava, Alibi and Mark Morriss (from The Bluetones) FRIDAY Black Honey and FREAK SATURDAY The Kast Off Kinks THE CROSS KEYS St John’s Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

SUNDAY Move Over Dali THE RUSTHALL CLUB 5 St Paul’s Street, Rusthall Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards

SATURDAY Spoilage THE DUKE OF YORK The Pantiles Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

MONDAY Open Mic Night

FRIDAY Roland Chadwick MONDAY TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

IL VESUVIO RESTAURANT Camden Road, 7.30pm, £5 dining supplement, under 12s listen for free! Booking recommended 01892 534420

SATURDAY Red Rooster

THURSDAY Lyrae Duo – voice, violin & piano

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from early evening on

TUESDAY Dave & Sophie

SATURDAY Shine MONDAY Open Mic Night

THE MARTYR CHURCH Nevill Street, near The Pantiles Ticket information and concert times at www.kcmtw.org

KING CHARLES

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

SATURDAY Sean Fennessey & Friends

Harry Whitty

SATURDAY The Imperial Male Voice Choir

78

NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wood double leaves men one victory away from winning league

SPORT IN BRIEF

TWGSB beat Harvey to win Under-16s Kent Cup TUNBRIDGE WELLS Grammar School for Boys Under-16s won Kent Cup after beating Harvey Grammar School from Folkestone 3-0 at K Sports in Ditton.

Ewen Jeffery opened the scoring in the first half. Then Jack Gallagher added a second from the penalty spot in the second half, and Louis Collins completed the scoring.

It is the third time that this school year group, coached by Bob Price, has won the competition in the last 10 years. More than 60 schools took part across the county.

New karate club opens A JINDOKAI karate club for adults and over12s has opened in Tunbridge Wells, based in the Camden Centre on Victoria Road.

All funds raised are donated to local charities. The club is run by Chris Storey, former senior instructor at the University of Kent club with than 20 years’ experience.

He says: “Our main target is families. It’s great for group exercise and activities as well as teaching great life skills.”

The club runs on Thursdays from 6.308.30pm. Free taster sessions are available.

Find out more on Facebook at FB.com/JTWKC.

Bronze for girls relay TONBRIDGE Swimming Club came ninth out of 22 teams in the Kent Team Relay Championships at the Olympic Pool at Stratford, east London.

The 12 and Under girls, Caitlin Ebbage (backstroke), Holly Geake (breaststroke) Erin Nisbet (butterfly) and Maddy Holland (freestyle), secured a bronze medal in the 4 x 50m medley. The team also made finals in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay, finishing fifth.

The 13/14 Years mixed medley team came eighth in their final, consisting of Dan Brice (backstroke), Noemie Thomson (breaststroke), Harvey Thatcher (butterfly) and Elle Nikhwai (freestyle).

Edwards’ sevens heaven FORMER Tunbridge Wells 1st XV player Will Edwards helped England defeat South Africa in the final of the Vancouver Sevens to seal their second victory on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series this season.

The England team beat South Africa 19-7 to win the event following a record 40-7 win over Fiji in the semi-finals.

Two Langton courses FOR the first time AWSS will be holding two courses at Langton Green Recreation Ground.

The courses will be held from Tuesday April 7 to Friday April 10.

The cost for the week is £60, or you can book a full day at £15 or a half-day at £8.

The AWSS is open to children aged 5 to 13.

For more information, call 07414833138 or email info-awss@mail.com

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

Eastbourne 1 Tunbridge Wells Men 3

By Brandon Begg

STICK AT IT Alex Danson with the young players

Olympic champion Danson inspires Rose Hill children HOCKEY: OLYMPIC gold medal winner Alex Danson came to Tunbridge Wells last week to coach aspiring young hockey players at Rose Hill School.

The Team GB forward began by taking assembly for the whole school, showing footage of the team winning in Rio last summer and sharing stories about the Olympic village.

She told them about the obstacles she had to overcome to achieve her success, and the importance of having a goal in life, persevering and never giving up.

Then she described the

emotions she had experienced during the final, the gruelling and disciplined training and the importance of teamwork.

She said the victory over the Netherlands was particularly sweet after their disappointment at going out in the semi-finals on home turf at London 2012.

Alex, who brandished her gold medal, maintains their success was down to a collective vision: “Be the difference. Create history. Inspire the future.”

Alex ran a series of training sessions focusing on basic skills with Years 3 to 6 and more

advanced shooting techniques with Year 8.

The Rose Hill Year 8 keeper, Horatio Thomson, bravely stepped up to defend the goal against the formidable Danson strike.

The Head of PE and Boys’ Games, Simon Hinchliffe, said: “This was an amazing opportunity for the pupils. To have an athlete of Alex’s stature spend the morning with us was truly a privilege.

“Alex stressed how effort and resilience can overcome talent and ability. It was an unforgettable visit.”

Young Juddians in treble chance

By Gareth Withers

stretch their lead c­ ourtesy of Tom Kendrick.

Gardner converted to see TJs comfortably home.

TJs play now Old Elthamians in the Kent Cup Final at Ashford on Sunday April 2 as they attempt to win their second Kent League and Cup double in three years.

Before that they face Finchley in the National Cup quarter-final this Sunday.

RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS Under-17s followed up last weekend’s impressive victory over London Irish in the U17 National Cup with a 19-11 win over Westcombe Park in the Kent Cup semi-final.

With the Kent League already secured, the win kept TJs on track for the treble.

TJs started well, maintaining ­possession and building phases, and Guy Kennedy crashed over to give them an early lead.

But the hosts slotted two penalties to take a 6-5 lead, and a Combe try followed 10 minutes before half-time.

In the second half Bobby Bratton’s try and James Gardner’s conversion put TJs back in front at 12-11.

As in the first half the wind played an important part and Combe found themselves penned in.

DOUBLE VISION Despite their brave defence, Juddians TJs Under-17s are chasing league and cup titles scored the all-important third try to

HOCKEY: DESPITE sitting at the top of the league, Tunbridge Wells knew their hosts would match them throughout the pitch. They hoped that superior tactics would bring them victory.

Good marking meant Eastbourne had few opportunities from the back. This pressing was what led to the first goal, when Callum Hunter calmly slotted the ball home.

Wells continued to play beautiful hockey.

Continual movement, combined with clinical passing from David Judge and Simon Hare, meant they were applying constant pressure.

From an Eastbourne short corner Kyle Mathieson ran down the flicker and quickly passed out to Jack Garwood on the left.

A quick interchange along the sideline found Wood unmarked at the top of the D, and he bagged his second with a shot that flew into the net.

Eastbourne came out with more desire in the second half and created more chances.

Having had several short corners saved by James Harris in the Wells goal, the hosts eventually reduced the arrears to 2-1.

Wanting to ensure they took one step closer to promotion, Wells picked up the pace once more and a goal from Ben Allberry ensured the win.

Tunbridge Wells now only require one win in the last three matches to secure the title in Kent and Sussex Regional Division One.

Ruthless Folkestone are lethal on counter-attack Folkestone 4 Tunbridge Wells Ladies 3

By Brandon Begg HOCKEY: FOLKESTONE always prove tough ­ pposition for Wells and were sitting just below o them in the East Region Division One South table.

Wells enjoyed the early pressure attacking down both flanks, and midway through the first half they converted a well-worked short corner.

Jen Hunt passed to Jemma Stephenson in space on the left, who had a shot and Bertie Organ deflected the ball neatly past the keeper.

But the momentum shifted and Folkestone scored three goals in quick succession from swift counter-attacks.

They came out a different side in the second half and scored early with a good attack on the right.

Player of the match Georgia Whitaker slipped a pass neatly back to Ana Glubb, who finished in the bottom left-hand corner.

A second goal quickly followed, this time down the left. Laura Blaxland passed to Hunt, who fed the ball quickly for Becky Bradbury to score.

With the score at 3-3 and five minutes remaining, the hosts again scored from a ruthless counter-­ attack, putting the game out of Wells’ reach despite their grit and determination.

Sporting Times

Wednesday March 22 | 2017

NEWS

79

McKimm calls for ‘more effort’ after deadlock against Hamlet Tonbridge Angels 0 Dulwich Hamlet 0

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: THESE two sides were meeting for the second time in five days at Longmead but this time it was league points at stake.

During midweek, Angels had secured their place in the Ryman League Cup final with a 3-1 win against the Hamlet.

It seemed the sides knew too much about each other with the outcome that they cancelled each other out with few genuine chances.

Former Angel Nathan Green saw his cross almost diverted into his own goal by Sonny Miles. And on 26 minutes Dipo Akingyeah saw his header hit the Tonbridge crossbar.

On the right flank Hamlet’s Sanchez Ming was starting to see a lot of the ball and his crosses proved testing for the Angels goalkeeper Jonny Henly and his defenders.

STAR QUALITY: (Back, l-r) Jade Blackburn, Sandra Kolodziej , Ta’Yani Clark, Haylee Miller, Anne Pedersen, Milly Watkins, Kaitlyn Lewis; (front) Dani Lozzi, Shelby Greig, Gabby Nikitinaite, Cat Carr, Renee Busch

Sevenoaks Suns rise to their highest point BASKETBALL: SEVENOAKS SUNS won their first Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) title when they beat the Leicester Riders 82-67 in the Trophy final.

Cat Carr scored 24 points for the Suns and Anne Pedersen 21, ably supported by Gabi Nikitinaite (13).

Riders took the lead early on but the Suns established a 10-point cushion in the third quarter and left their powerful Midlands opponents behind.

“It was a great win for us, we deserved it,” Pedersen, who was named Most Valuable Player, told BBC Sport.

“We came out a bit slow, but we got into our rhythm and started to play our game. Once we got going, I thought we played very well.”

“This is the highest level we’ve ever reached,” said coach Len Busch, who has been in charge of the club since it started 12 years ago.

Since then the Suns have won numerous national championships at Under-16 and Under-18 level, and the second division of

the national league. “We’re very proud but the emphasis is still on the development of junior players. We had two of our Under-18s in the starting line-up for the final.

“So it’s been a mixture of young players coming on really well and we also have a good core of five senior players.

“We have two Americans, Cat Carr – who has been at the club for four years, a terrific allround player – and Ta’Yani Clark, and one girl from Denmark, Anne Pedersen. They are outstanding people and outstanding players.”

Leicester Riders coach Matt Harber paid tribute to the Suns, saying: “The game played out perfectly for them. We turned the ball over 25 times and they’re a very dangerous team in transition.”

Len acknowledges that basketball is not a major participation sport in this country in comparison to the US – especially given the popularity of netball among girls – despite its emphasis on youth culture and its exciting cultural background.

“It’s a bit of a struggle, but it’s a great game and most people who come and watch it fall in

love with it,” he says. “It’s really good for girls too because it’s got the same rules as it has for boys. Plus it’s an Olympic sport – and you can get scholarships to go to the US.” Originally from Chicago, Len is proud of the number of girls from the club who have won scholarships to attend school in the States – 16 in total, including three this year alone.

“Schools over there are looking out for players all the time, boys and girls, and they are reaching out to us.”

He adds: “I’m extremely proud, they’re a great group and they work really well together. This achievement is above and beyond anything we had ever hoped for.

“Every year we have been getting a little bit better and I’m hoping we can continue to improve like that.”

The next challenge is to reach the play-offs for the league season. Currently sitting fourth in the WBBL, they are on course for a home quarter-final tie.

The club is also open to boys.

If you would like to join the Sevenoaks Suns, visit www. sevenoakssuns.com or contact Len Busch on 07834 356565 and lenbusch@aol.com.

HIGH ANXIETY Angels put pressure on Hamlet’s defence

PHOTO: David Couldridge

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@ timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

The second half started with a great chance for Tonbridge to take the lead when Nicky Wheeler crossed for Alex Akrofi at the near post but the shot was mistimed.

From the resultant corner Mitchell Nelson was just wide at the back post with a header.

A long throw from Luke Blewden was back-headed by Nathan Elder but the Hamlet keeper just about held on to the ball.

Angels manager Steve McKimm was critical of his players’ performance during the first half: “We just weren’t good enough and bearing in mind we are now at the business end of the season I expect more effort.”

He added: “We improved in the second half and I’ve got to be pleased with the clean sheet.”

For the visitors, manager Gavin Rose said: “I’m a bit disappointed not to win especially as we had the better of the first half but all in all a draw was probably a fair result.”

Rusthall face test of character Sutton Athletic 2 Rusthall 0

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL:

RUSTHALL’S dream of promotion suffered a blow at the hands of a lively Sutton Athletic side who still have an outside chance of securing a top-two slot in Southern Counties East League Division One. Having sat proudly at the top of the table for most of the season the Rustics could find themselves falling off of the summit if they lose to title favourites Glebe in their rearranged midweek

game at Jockey Stadium tonight (March 22).

Rusthall struggled to get to grips with their lively opponents on a superb playing surface.

Sutton went ahead in the seventh minute when keeper Sean Ingleson’s attempted clearance was charged down by Chris McGinty.

Rusthall looked ragged and seemed unable to hold on to the ball. The home side doubled their lead on 27 minutes through Dan Gummer.

The Rustics must get back to the high standards they have achieved during most of this amazing season if they are to complete the promotion dream that has been looking so likely up until the last two games.