Times of Tunbridge Wells 24th April 2019

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Mixed reaction to the surprise sale of cinema site for retirement apartments

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Con artist shows followers how to get away without paying for meals

By Robert Forrester BUSINESSES in Tunbridge Wells were yesterday [Tuesday] warned to be on the lookout for a local online con artist who is offering tips to his 380,000 followers on how to rip-off hoteliers and retailers.

On Monday, the man who calls himself Digit Davis posted his latest stunt, in which he walked into a popular Tunbridge Wells hotel, ordered a full English breakfast for himself and his girlfriend, then left without paying.

He recorded the whole scam on his mobile phone.

Boasts

New plans include fewer retail units and larger flats for ‘older people’

By Richard Williams THE company that was developing the much-maligned former ABC Cinema site at the top of Mount Pleasant Road, has sold off the land to a retirement home developer. And this week there’s been mixed reaction.

Altitude bought the infamous ‘grot spot’ in 2016 and unveiled plans to convert the derelict land into a mixed-use development that would feature more than 100 homes, a boutique cinema, along with shops and a restaurant.

Progress on the Belvedere project has been slow, and despite telling the Times earlier this year that work would begin during the summer, it was announced last week that Altitude has sold the plot to retirement home developer Elysian Residencies for an undisclosed sum.

Elysian, the sixth company to own the site, say that the Belvedere project is still going ahead, but with ‘minor revisions’.

A spokesperson for the council said: “This high profile scheme will join other major developments planned for the town bringing investment and wider economic benefits to those who live, work-in and visit our borough.”

Council Leader David Jukes admitted

‘I am assured that Elysian have the funds to carry out their ambitions’ Leader of the Council David Jukes

that thew Elysian scheme was ‘not exactly’ what he ‘would have wanted in the site’.

“However, I am assured that Elysian have the funds to carry out their ambitions,” he added. “And also of equal comfort is the fact that they reckon they can start at the end of this current year and get the job finished in two years.”

If this is the case it would be ahead of

the project completion date set by Altitude.

With council elections taking place on May 2 the sale has become political:  The Lib Dems believe that ‘commercial entities will continue to buy the site, explore possibilities and then sell it on when they decide it isn’t economically viable.’  Labour take the view that ‘Elysian Residencies build top-end, expensive homes for the elderly’.  Tunbridge Wells Alliance ‘are opposed in principle to the conversion of commercial premises in the centre of our towns to residential accommodation’.

A spokesman for Elysian told the Times this week that no new planning application will be sought, which would have delayed any building work.

Continued on Page 2

The three minute video, shows ‘Digit Davis’ with his partner, as they pull up in a car to Salomons Country Estate. The online prankster then boasts how they will get away without paying for the £30 meal: “We are going to into a hotel in the early morning and get a free breakfast.”

Continued on Page 2

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY: ‘Digit Davis’ ordered breakfast without paying

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Mixed reaction to ABC Cinema site sale Continued from page 1 He said: “Elysian Residences is not putting in a fresh planning application – instead they are proposing to work within the existing planning consent to deliver the Belvedere scheme, which was given planning consent by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in February 2018.

“All Elysian Residences are proposing is a number of minor revisions in order to update the scheme.”

The company builds primarily retired living accommodation but also develops mixed-use schemes. It said that retail will remain a ‘central and key element’ to the scheme, but admitted there will be less space for shops as there will be a reallocation of accommodation on the upper floors and the proposed apartments will be larger.

million to build and will generate between 20-30 full time jobs both during construction and long term operations. Additional employment will be generated by the new retail units, restaurant and cinema.

Mark Curry, Head of Development and Planning at Elysian Residences said: “For nearly 20 years this important mixed-use development site in the heart of Tunbridge Wells has remained vacant and unused.

“Elysian Residences are confident, once the changes are approved, of delivering a vibrant mixed-use scheme for the people of the Royal Town of Tunbridge Wells to be proud of, contain-

ing an exciting and much demanded retail offering, along with exceptional homes for the older residents of Tunbridge Wells, in heart of town, where they can enjoy an unrivalled lifestyle.”

He continued: “Unlike a developer who builds, sells and moves onto a new site, Elysian Residences creates schemes where we remain active operators, directly managing the staff and amenities within our projects.

“Therefore with the Belvedere project we will invest in and participate in the Tunbridge Wells community for the long run.”

The news will be welcomed by many in the town. The ABC Cinema closed down nearly 20 years ago, and attempts to build on the plot of land, has been fraught with delays ever since.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

DIGITAL CROOKS: Continued from page 1 He explains in the video clip how easy the con trick is to pull off by saying how he will tell waiting staff that he is staying in a room at the hotel.

The social media trickster then walks into the hotel, tells staff he is staying in ‘room 106’, and then orders himself and girlfriend a big fry-up, which the pair soon polish off.

After finishing their free meal, the internet duo walk out, get back into their car before boasting to camera: “Mission complete. What a delicious breakfast that was.”

The clip has since been shared hundreds of times, and is among a number of controversial videos made by ‘Digit Davis’, a self-proclaimed rapper who claims on his Instagram page that he is ‘the guy that sneaked into Babestation [an online soft pornography channel].’

Downsizer

Stunts

These bigger apartments, admit the company, are aimed at the over 65 ‘downsizer’, and not younger property buyers.

And while the company claim the cinema will remain a ‘central part of the scheme’, there will be fewer retail units because the revised plans will see the removal of the upper level of shops.

Elysian say this ‘has been driven by the current challenging commercial environment’ and that the old scheme would ‘not be in keeping with the current retail environment’.

The new revised plans will also see some ‘community amenities’ including a 3,000 sq ft restaurant/café on the corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Church Road.

The development will still cost around £80

Numerous lewd videos adorn the Facebook page, as do references to drug taking and other stunts partaken by ‘Davis’ and his girlfriend.

A spokesperson for Salomons said: “We want other local businesses to be aware of the activities of this individual and his partner. They might think it funny and amusing but what they are doing is illegal, it’s theft.

“They have made it abundantly clear that they intend to target other hotels, shops and restaurants, some of whom may already be facing financial challenges without being deprived of income by this pair.

“If other people follow their example and rip-off businesses the loss of revenue could put jobs at risk.

The full identity of ‘Digit Davis’ is not known although he is said to be a well-known ‘character’ living in Southborough. His car complete with number plate can be clearly seen in his footage.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “We would encourage anybody to report any suspicious behaviour by calling us on: 01622 604100.”

CORRECTION: GROVE HILL STORES

On April 10 the online version of this newspaper carried a brief story about an HMRC raid on shops in Tunbridge Wells as part of a clampdown on the sale of fake cigarettes and illegal alcohol. The article stated that one of the places raided was Grove Hill Stores on Grove Hill Road. This was incorrect. Grove Hill Stores which has been trading successfully for 35 years, was not the subject of any raid and has never been the target of any raid. We apologise to the owner Mr Sanjay Masrani for the error and for not meeting our own expected high standards of accuracy.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com

GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES The former ABC Cinema site has been sold – again

WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THE NEW SCHEME… Lee Colyer, Director of Planning, Policy and Development at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “For far too long the former cinema site has sat empty as various developers have reneged on their plans and traded the site as it were a commodity.

“When Altitude acquired the site in 2016 we were keen to ensure that they had undertaken the technical due diligence the site requires and that they had sufficient funding in place.

“This approach has paid off and we are really pleased that Elysian Residencies have sufficient confidence in Tunbridge Wells to start development this year, once the changes are approved.”

He continued: “This high profile scheme will join other major developments planned for the town bringing investment and wider economic benefits to those who live, work-in and visit our borough.”

James Rands, who is standing for election at the borough elections on May 2 for the Liberal Democrats in Culverden ward, in which the proposed development sits, said: “The growing number of assisted living residences in Tunbridge Wells indicates there is clearly a market for them, but it hardly helps us develop the town centre.

“The cinema site is the break between the bottom and top of town. A stranger won’t wander beyond that site unless they know

what’s ahead. The main road doesn’t look like a High Street right now. The promised bars and restaurants and ‘boutique cinema bridges the gap. A development for the elderly doesn’t.”

He continued: “Moreover, does anyone really believe this is going to happen.

“It seems inevitable that commercial entities will continue to buy the site, explore possibilities and then sell it on when they decide it isn’t economically viable. The only option to sort out this site seems to be a public body moving in and taking it on with modest plans.”

Labour’s Hugo Pound, who is standing for election in Sherwood, added: “The development of the cinema site by any developer is to be welcomed, but Elysian Residencies build top-end, expensive homes for the elderly. And who knows how much each apartment will cost on this site?”

He added: “Expensive apartments will always sell but there is no thought or planning for all the people who will be required to provide all the services these privileged few will enjoy. The Council panders to those who can afford it - and does little for those who can’t.”

Elysian are holding a public exhibition between May 9 and 11 at the Trinity Theatre Bar and Café in Tunbridge Wells, where local residents are invited to find out more about the current proposals.

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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PARTNER IN CRIME: The girlfriend of ‘Digit Davis’ after finishing her stolen breakfast at Salomons

HAS THE CINEMA SITE SAGA TURNED INTO A LONG RUNNING FARCE? YET again the people of Tunbridge Wells have been let down by a builder who pledged time and again to turn the old cinema site into a flagship development at the very heart of our town.

Last Thursday the Times broke the news on its website that Altitude had sold the plot of land to another developer called Elysian.

They are the sixth company to take control of the site since the ABC cinema closed almost 20 years ago.

Each of the others had also made promises that turned out to be hollow.

Now Elysian has emerged from the woodwork to announce that if/when the Belvedere project goes ahead it will cut the number of shops in favour of larger apartments for ‘older people.’

That’s code for apartments that younger people can’t afford.

Nothing against ‘older people’ - this writer is one - but the development will hardly be in keeping with the vibrant trendy image the town is attempting to portray.

Just like Altitude, Elysian promises to consult with local residents to find what they want. How about delivering the scheme that emerged after all the other consultations?

So, another developer and more promises. Is it any wonder residents will be hanging their heads in disbelief having been misled, and that’s a polite word, so often?

More than once in recent months this newspaper put it to Altitude that it was planning

to sell the cinema site. On each occasion Altitude scoffed at the very idea.

Perhaps we should take a leaf out of the Book of Cynics that’s probably on the shelf of the Council Leader David Jukes.

When Altitude started talking up their plans the wily old hand declared: “I’ll believe it when I look out of the window of my office in the Town Hall and see them start digging.”

Don’t hold your breath sir...

Richard Moore Editorial Director PS: Maybe, like Brexit, we all have to accept the idea of a compromise or risk waiting another 20 year for the digging to start.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Administrators holding meeting into failed firm ADMINISTRATORS for the failed investment firm, London Capital & Finance [LCF], are holding a meeting today [Wednesday] at the City Temple in London to update creditors on the progress in trying to get back some of the £237million lost to investors.

More than 11,500 people lost their lifesavings and nest eggs when LCF, which had been selling mini-bonds offering rates as high as 8 per cent, collapsed at the beginning of the year.

Administrators, Smith & Williamson, have been using enforcement powers to demand information from those connected to the company and its advisers, including the former Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Conservative Association, Simon HumeKendall.

The serious fraud office is also investigating LCF and has arrested four people in connection with the failed firm.

Trespass comes to RVP ONE of the UK’s most successful outdoor clothing retailers is opening a new store in Royal Victoria Place.

Trespass, which opens a new 2,000 sq ft shop at the retail centre this weekend, will sell a range of outdoor clothing, footwear and gear, including waterproof jackets, ski clothing and walking boots.

Nicky Blanchard, Centre Manager of Royal Victoria Place, said: “We’re particularly looking forward to the launch weekend and seeing what they have in store for our shoppers over the coming months.”

Shakespeare Project A FORMER Royal Shakespeare Company actor is hoping to bring the Bard to Tunbridge Wells with a new theatre company that will perform at the Victorian Theatre in Salomons.

Peter Basham says he fell in love with Shakespeare while he was a pupil at Mascalls School in Paddock Wood.

He said: “Tunbridge Wells is crying out for a good professional theatre and we hope that ‘the Shakespeare Project’ can build a lasting legacy for the people.”

He added that he is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for the project as well as hosting a charity gala night at Salomons Estate on November 9.

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Jazz festival banners slashed

By Richard Williams BANNERS advertising one of the town’s most popular summer events have been cut down and slashed.

Around nine street advertisements promoting the Jazz on the Pantiles festival have been cut to pieces, and it is not known who is responsible.

The banners, situated in and around The Pantiles, including over guard railings on the road circumnavigating the shopping area, were erected last week and according to event organiser, Julian Leefe-Griffiths, were attacked last Thursday.

He said: “I spent all last weekend putting them up, and then on Thursday we saw that somebody had been going around with a Stanley Knife and cutting through them.”

And he claimed it isn’t just banners advertising the popular outdoor live music event that have

been targeted either.

“I’ve noticed for the last few months that somebody had been cutting the corners from banners, including some from Hospice in the Weald and one advertising Legally Blonde, and then last week all our banners were cut down,” he said.

Mr Leefe-Griffiths admits that he has no idea who might be attacking the banners but believes it is somebody unhappy with either the event or banner advertising.

“I think it is just somebody miserable and angry who wants Tunbridge Wells to be stuck back in the 1950s.

“The annoying thing is the summer events like Jazz on the Pantiles are the lifeblood for businesses down here.”

He added that he is reporting the incident to the police.

Jazz on the Pantiles takes place every Thursday night from May 2 to September 26.

ORGANISER Julian LeefeGriffiths

First sign of major facelift at RVP shopping centre A LICENSING application submitted for a new food hall at Royal Victoria Place is seen as the opening move in the long awaited revamp planned for the Tunbridge Wells shopping centre.

Up until now, British Land, who bought the shopping plaza in May last year for £96million, has remained tight-lipped about the refurbishment. Now a company looks set to install a new food hall in Ely Court.

A licensing application submitted by Londonbased Central Market Ltd, outlines the plan to turn the ailing Ely Place into a ‘food court’ with the addition of bar.

The application was submitted to Sevenoaks District Council, who do the central administration for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the shared-service of licensing. It stated that the food court will be ‘made up of separate units operated by individual operators, selling food and non-alcoholic drink. There is a communal seating area for customers’.

It continued: “A separate unit will act as a bar, selling alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drinks for consumption by customers on the premises.

Another separate unit will act as a wine shop, selling wine for consumption on and off the premises

Discussions Central Market, which runs popular London restaurant The French Corner, has also requested a license for playing films and both live and

recorded music.

A spokesperson for British Land confirmed the plans. She said: “We are in discussions with Central Market Limited about EMPTY PLACE developing a new food Ely Court last week and leisure offering at Ely Court.

“A licencing application has been submitted to the council, and they are seeking feedback from the local community on the plans.”

The news will be welcomed by many, as the 13 vacant units in Ely Court have stood empty long before British Land took ownership of the 280,000 sq ft shopping centre last May. After buying the flagship mall from previous owner Hermes, the first thing British Land did was shelve the £70million plans for a cinema and restaurant extension.

The property developer, which is the UK’s second largest, argued that the plans were ‘outdated’ but promised to bring in more retailers and said they would be ‘investing money in the centre’.

But twelve months after buying Tunbridge Wells’ main shopping centre, the company had not announced any firm plans as yet.

A spokesperson for the FTSE 100 company told the Times last week that any long-term plan for RVP ‘will take some time’ but they were ‘likely’ to conduct a refurbishment of the centre, which they hoped to announce very soon.

BRITISH LAND Like many major retail centres, Royal Victoria Place has struggled in recent years. More than 20 units sit empty in the main centre, while Ely Place has 13 vacant shopfronts.

When British Land, which also owns the Meadowhall in Sheffield and Southgate in Bath, acquired the shopping plaza in May last year, it was hoped that plans to turn around RVP’s fortunes would soon be announced.

But as the retail sector continued to struggle across the country, the UK’s second property developer has been reluctant to make any announcements.

The company has just sold 12 Sainsbury’s stores [see page 15] and has cut more than £2.8billion from its retail portfolio in the last five years. It also recently combined its retail and office arms into one department focused on mixed-use ‘campuses’ that combine shops, homes and office space.

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Organiser says Calverley Square protest is not party political

By Richard Williams THE organiser of a march arranged for the weekend to oppose the council’s £90million Calverley Square development says the protest is not party political.

More than a hundred people are estimated to be joining the march on Saturday [April 27] in Tunbridge Wells, which begins at the War

Memorial at 2pm before making its way down to Calverley Grounds, and while numerous members of various political parties are expected to attend, the organiser says she has no affiliations.

Emily Stevens, a mother of three from Rusthall, said she was not a member or supporter of any political party but wanted her voice to be heard.

The 52-year-old told the Times: “I’ve been living in Tunbridge Wells for 20 years and I think the

plans from the council have just been too covert and too quiet.”

She said she was ‘alarmed’ at how few people know about the development. “I work as a fitness instructor and when I ask my clients about it, most have them have not heard about it. That can’t be right,” she said.

She is not against the idea of a new theatre or civic centre in principle but objects to ‘where it

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is, the cost of it and the council’s expectations that don’t stack up’. “There is so much more the council should be concerned about. Council tax has gone up, bus fares have risen – I can no longer afford to send my children to grammar school by bus, and I now have to pay for my garden waste. I’m a single mum and just want my voice to be heard.”

People know we hold the council to account

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE GREEN PARTY are fielding 10 candidates in Tonbridge wards at the local elections on May 2, their push for power reflecting some of the most burning issues in the town.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s [TMBC] draft Local Plan which includes proposals to build 480 houses on Green Belt land around Haysden Country Park.

Pollution is a problem, with concerns about air quality in that area of South Tonbridge, Judd ward, where there are a lot of schools clustered, and also on the High Street.

And Keep River Lawn Green is campaigning to stop the council selling off the public green space. The chair of the protest group is Mark Hood, who is running for a seat in Judd ward.

Before Christmas the 50-year-old father of two, who works as a gardener, perched in the branches of a chestnut tree on River Lawn as part of a weeklong vigil to save it from being felled by developers of the Tonbridge Medical Centre next door.

What do you think are the major issues facing Tonbridge?

We need to balance building new homes with protecting the Green Belt, protect the economic

health of our High Street and encourage inde- accountable that they can relate to and who they trust to create a better world for everyone. pendent small businesses.

We need to provide support for an emerging There are 480 homes scheduled to be built on programme of community, arts and leisure the Green Belt. It’s a shame, but don’t we desevents. And our traffic and transport system perately need more housing?

All the homes proposed in Judd could be accomneeds to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Do the Greens have enough support and clout modated at Vale Road next to the Royal Mail to make change happen in the borough?

Sorting Office.

We have raised our profile since the last We urge TMBC to redesignate brownfield elections, people know we hold the counland there for predominantly residential cil to account and offer cost-effective, use to prevent its use as a retail park, common sense alternatives to the current which would jeopardise our High Street administration. and increase pollution.

We will work with progressive councillors We also need to provide homes for local to get this local authority’s finances back families on all income levels; the counon track. People know we can win cil has simply stopped providing social housing. here now and once we have our It fails to achieve the targets set first councillors more will follow. for affordable housing and the The days of voting Green as a new Local Plan has clauses which token gesture are over. allow developers to make moneDo you think people are getting fed up with conventional tary contributions instead of propolitical parties? viding them.

You are heavily involved in the Locally and nationally we can campaign to stop the sale of see that one-party domination GREEN SHOOTS leads to complacency, secrecy River Lawn to developers. Are Mark Hood says and an unwillingness to govern by voting for the party is there not more pressing matters consensus. that need attending to? not a token gesture People want politicians who are River Lawn belongs to the people of

Tonbridge, it was bought specifically to protect it from development. This council is guilty of environmental vandalism.

The campaign has exposed the way the council works. It has shed light on the short-sighted policy of selling property assets rather than repurposing or redeveloping them to raise revenue by leasing them.

Higher returns can be made by directly managing property than by gambling with institutional property investments.

The new medical centre, where the land was sold at half its market value, could have been built by the council – who will now miss out on the £245,000 annual rent.

Tonbridge High Street has poor air quality – what can be done to improve it?

Tonbridge High Street is an Air Quality Management Area yet each change introduced has made the situation worse - including the infamous bus stop which we warned about.

We propose making the High Street one way from Vale Road to Medway Wharf Road with restrictions allowing only bus and cyclist access southbound.

We would introduce a box junction at the end of Angel Lane to help the flow of traffic.

The progress would be monitored and subsequent measures considered after the initial trial.

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

LIZ ORR

Illegal election leaflets posted through people’s letterboxes

By Richard Williams

WEP and TWA join forces THE Women’s Equality Party has teamed up with the Tunbridge Wells Alliance to voice their opposition to the Calverley development.

Last week, Liz Orr and Céline Thomas, the Women’s Equality Party candidates, delivered a giant cheque to the Town Hall, made out for £90 million and signed ‘the people of Tunbridge Wells’, in protest at the cost of the proposed civic project.

Liz Orr, who is standing for Culverden in this year’s local election, said: “While Kent County Council is refusing to guarantee funding for vital services like Age UK, at borough level, councillors have already spent at least £4million on expert advice and plans for the civic project.

‘The Tunbridge Wells Alliance and the Women’s Equality Party have agreed to join forces’ “The overall borrowing required for the project is estimated to exceed £77million. It will be local people who have to shoulder the repayment through their council taxes and cuts to local services.

“Both I and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance are standing against the civic project, and in Culverden ward the Tunbridge Wells Alliance is standing aside to endorse my candidacy.

“Together we can hold the council to account on this issue. If elected, I would be an independent voice on the council and would ensure that local residents are heard and represented properly.”

A spokesman for the Tunbridge Wells Alliance added: “We have agreed to join forces in an effort to stop the Council from spending any more taxpayers money on this unwanted, unneeded and ridiculously extravagant project.

“We share an interest in getting councillors elected who will challenge the current complacent Conservative majority, and who will listen to local residents, instead of ignoring them.”

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PEOPLE are being urged to report illegal election leaflets that are being posted through voters’ letterboxes in the run up to May 2 elections, urging people not to vote Conservative.

The leaflets, which have been posted through doors in areas that include Speldhurst and Forest Road, are in clear breach of election campaign rules and could land both the printer and distributor of the leaflets in court.

The Electoral Commission has strict rules governing campaign material during the run up to an election.

During the six-week registration period leading to an election, all material from a political party or an independent candidate has to adhere to strict spending limits.

In addition, there has to be a clear and transparent ‘imprint’ on the leaflets.

While the posters contain the names ‘S. Green’ and ‘C. Thomas’ who describe themselves as ‘2 concerned residents’ this information is not enough to satisfy the Electoral Commission.

It is not the first time illegal election material has been distributed around Tunbridge Wells.

The Times reported how illegal election fly-posters were being posted up in and around the town centre in January.

At the time, a spokesperson for the Electoral

Commission said: “This material is from what is called a non-party campaigner.

“Imprints are required to be on all election material and this literature falls into that category. Imprints help to ensure that there is transparency about who is campaigning, and must therefore be clear and visible.”

He explained that an imprint not only has to have the name and address of the printer of the material, but also the name and address of who-

‘An imprint must show who is resposible for the production of the material’ ever is promoting the material, as well as the name and address of any candidate or party on whose behalf the material is being printed.

While the name of the printer is attached to the imprint of the leaflets, no address of the promoters or any information on whose behalf they are distributed is on the flyer.

The company that printed them, Kent Creative Solutions in Camden Road, could even find themselves in court over the election leaflets, as Electoral Commission rules stipulate: ‘It is an offence for a printer or promoter to publish printed election material without an imprint.’

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Yesterday, manager at Kent Creative Solutions, Graham Noakes, said: “Data protection prevents me from identifying the person who ordered the leaflets, but it did not appear to be anybody connected with a political party.”

He added that the company has printed election material for political parties before, but this woman that ordered the posters just ‘walked in off the street’.

“Normally a political party will ask for a documented receipt made out to the party. This wasn’t the case with these leaflets. As far as I can tell she was just somebody that walked in off the street,” said Mr Noakes.

He added that he will be happy to surrender any information to the police or Electoral Commission if requested.

Returning Officer and Chief Executive for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, William Benson urged concerned residents to report illegal election material to the police.

“Electoral Commission guidelines stipulate that an imprint must show who is responsible for the production of the material including the name and address of the printer and the promoter.

“If anyone has concerns about election material, they should refer it to the police who are responsible for investigation and prosecution of imprint offences.”

We are more than just about fighting the theatre project THE political party set up to oppose the Council’s £90million Calverley Square development have said there is more to the Tunbridge Wells Alliance than opposition to the theatre project.

The borough’s newest political party, which already has one seat on the council in the shape of Nicholas Pope [Park ward], is fielding six candidates in this year’s local elections.

Among them, John Smith, is standing in his home ward of Frittenden and Sissinghurst, a seat being vacated by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s current only independent councillor, James Hannam.

But Mr Smith is not new to politics. He first became a councillor in 2002 as a member of the Conservative Party and was re-elected for the fourth time in 2011 as an independent.

“Way before the theatre, I could see the way things were going,” said Mr Smith, who also became mayor as the Independent member for Frittenden and Sissinghurst in 2011.

He continued: “The Conservatives in Tunbridge

Wells are all powerful and there is only weak opposition, and when you have that situation you do not have good scrutiny of the council.

Pledges “We want more consultation and transparency.

The council do not properly consult. They may send out a letter or point people to their website, but that is not proper consultation.”

While opposition to the Calverley development galvanised several former Conservative councillors to form the Tunbridge Wells Alliance [TWA] in 2018, including former council leader, Robert Atwood, 55-year-old Mr Smith denied claims that the new party are just ‘Tories who oppose the theatre’.

“We are a cross-party group. The theatre was just the straw that broke the camel’s back,” he claimed.

He added that in Frittenden and Sissinghurst, there are some particular issues he hopes to address if he is elected.

He said: “Rural areas do not get a lot from the borough council. We have our own unique problems and the council has cut funding for things such as the Citizens Advice Bureau yet we are paying and getting less.

“The key issues around here are development.

We are on the boundary of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“The council does not have a local plan so any developer that submits a planning application will most likely be given the right to build housing here because the overriding focus is on building houses.”

The TWA manifesto pledges include: improvement to public consultations, improvement to the Council’s planning process, resistance to government pressure to build large scale housing developments, and more emphasis on waste reduction, lowering pollution and improvements to public rights of way.

Standing against John Smith on May 2 will be Andrew Fairweather [Conservative] and Brian Guinnessy [Liberal Democrat].

6

BUSINESS

Local News

Foreign firms still keen to invest in UK LEADING Tunbridge Wells law firm Cripps has said foreign firms are still keen to invest in Britain despite the uncertainty that surrounds Brexit.

The firm, which merged with Pemberton Greenish last year, has just advised on its second major UK-French deal.

ADDEV Materials, which is headquartered in the French city of Lyon, employs 500 people, and has a turnover of 110million Euros (£95million), used the corporate team at Cripps for its purchase of Hampshire-based Graytone Limited.

The materials company has plans to become a leading international player in aeronautics, space and defence. The acquisition of Graytone is a move towards realising that ambition.

Cripps partner Julie Hughes, who advised the French company on its transaction, said: “Despite the current uncertainty around Brexit, we are continuing to witness strong cross-border commercial activity with foreign firms keen to invest in the UK.”

Businesses would not change Brexit votes NINE out of ten business leaders in the UK would not change the way they voted in the Brexit referendum if it were to be held again, according to research by a Tunbridge Wells law firm.

Thomson Snell & Passmore, based in Lonsdale Gardens, conducted a survey of 140 businesses across all key sectors, and found the majority of respondents would not vote differently – regardless of whether they voted Leave or Remain – despite the turbulence of the last few months.

Joanne Gallagher, Partner and head of the law firm, said: “Business leaders are optimistic about accessing their supply chains after we exit the EU and said that they would not vote differently.”

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Property prices fall in South East for first time in more than seven years

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PROPERTY prices across the South East of England have fallen for the first time since 2011, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics [ONS].

Across the region, the value of residential property has dropped by 1.8 per cent in the year to February 2019.

While house prices in the region, and in London, have been dropping steadily for the last few months, this is the first time there has been an annual decline recorded in the South East in more than seven years.

Nationally, prices are still rising, with the property market particularly strong in the North East of England, but growth overall has slowed to around 0.6 per cent, according to the ONS. This is the lowest annual rate since 2012, when it was 0.4 per cent.

London continues to be affected the most by the big slowdown in the housing market, with prices in the capital shrinking by 3.8 per cent for the year up to February.

Tunbridge Wells has so far been immune from the drop, with analysts suggesting its role as a

commuter town has been sheltering it from the falling property prices of London and elsewhere in the South East.

However, property website Zoopla is showing a fall of 1.3 per cent in the value of properties in the area over the last 12 months, although the prices are well above the national average.

Mid-range properties are fetching around £448,000 – close to double the national average of £242,964. While the average price of a property in the South East is now £315,700.

Miles Shipside, Director and Housing Market Analyst at the website Rightmove, which lists properties from multiple estate agents, said: “On average, properties are still coming to the market at slightly lower prices than a year ago.

“It’s one of the most price-sensitive markets that we’ve seen for years, with buyers understandably looking for value, or for homes with extra quality and appeal that suit their needs.”

Investment director makes top under-30s list AN INVESTMENT director with Tunbridge Wellsbased Brooks Macdonald has made it on to the ‘Top 30 Under 30’ list of one of the wealth industry’s leading publications.

Sam Durnell, who joined the Mount Ephraim firm in 2012, and manages bespoke discretionary portfolios for a range of clients, was named by financial publishers Citywire.

Their list highlights people in the finance industry under 30 years of age who excel in their field, and is based on a range of criteria, including professional qualifications, academic achievements, and the

responsibilities held by the individuals.

Sam said: “I was delighted to be recognised in Citywire’s ‘Top 30 Under 30’, amidst an impressive array of young professionals in wealth management across the UK.

Support “Following graduation, I returned to my home town of

Tunbridge Wells and was fortunate enough to join Brooks Macdonald’s graduate training scheme, where I have received tremendous support.”

Howard Crossen, Senior Investment Director and Head of Brooks Macdonald, added: “We are delighted Sam has received this accolade.

“Sam continues to make a significant contribution to our growing discretionary investment business.

“We are committed to employing young talent, and Sam is a great example of the success of our Sam Durnell graduate training scheme.”

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BUSINESS

Times Awards

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Deadline is extended for the 2019 Times Business Awards DUE to the sheer volume of enquiries we have received, the deadline for getting forms back to enter the Times Business Awards 2019 has been extended – but only by one week.

The unprecedented demand for entries to the awards means the event’s gala evening next month is set to be another winner.

More than 100 forms covering all ten categories have been sent out for the event, and to ensure people have enough time to get their entries back

to us for judging, we have extended this year’s deadline by seven days.

This means the closing date to get your entry forms in for consideration is next Wednesday May 1, 2019, and shortlisted entrants will be announced the following Wednesday, May 8.

Remember, the business awards are a unique opportunity to showcase yourself and your company alongside some of the outstanding businesses and business people within the boroughs

of Royal Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling and the district of Sevenoaks.

Winning a prestigious business award will add credibility to your company, raise your profile through valuable media coverage, generate new business, inspire your staff and provide an exclusive networking opportunity for you at the awards ceremony on May 30 at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells.

To enter, call Eileen Sweeney on 01892 779583 or visit timesbusinessawards.co.uk GALA NIGHT Some of the winners and entrants at last year’s awards

Times LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

2019

Three great sponsorship opportunities remaining THERE are still a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remaining for this year’s business awards. Three categories are available. These are: Creative Business of the Year – This category is for any creative company over two years old in any sector that can not only demonstrate creativity but also how they have added value to the success of their business.

Young Business Person of the Year – The award for business people under 30 [by the closing date of May 1, 2019] that have shown a clear vision/strategy for their business and are committed to growing it.

Best Business 1-25 Employees – The award that recognises owner-managers and small businesses employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance.

Sponsors are guaranteed editorial coverage in both editions of Times Local Newspapers, exposure to over 220 guests from the local business community at the black tie gala awards ceremony, inclusion within the editorial coverage in SO Magazine, and extensive coverage on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Judges for business awards announced ENTRANTS to each business award category are carefully scrutinised and assessed by our expert panel of judges.

The judges for the Times Business Awards 2019 come from a range of sectors, and each judge has been selected to bring their own unique take on not only what makes a good business, but also what makes them a good business for the area.

We have been honoured each year to have had some fantastic judges, all leaders in their respective fields, and 2019 is no different.

The judges for this year are: JO JAMES Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the county’s only accredited Chamber of Commerce that services more than 1,300 members’ businesses across Kent. Jo James also represents

business on the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. She is Chair of the judging panel.

GAVIN TYLER Managing partner of Cripps since 2013, the leading law firm that has recently merged with Pemberton Greenish. Gavin Tyler qualified as a solicitor in 1986.

Over the years, he has developed various specialisations within contentious practice. He has been top ranked by Chambers Directory in both professional indemnity and employment.

DARREN AUSTIN Partner/Owner of Synergee, the chartered accountants and business advisors. Darren Austin is a chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience, most of which has been

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

gained working closely with owner-managed businesses covering all industries, although there have been one or two multi-nationals along the way.

TRACY MOORE A Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor and the current Cabinet member for Economic Development and Communication.

Tracy Moore is a graduate of Georgetown University and is one of the driving forces behind business developments across the town, including the £90million Calverley Square project.

JAMES PRIORY The Headmaster of Tonbridge School.

James Priory’s first teaching post was at Bradford Grammar School, where after two years he became Head of Year 7.

He moved on to Portsmouth Grammar School, being appointed as Head of English in 2000, and was subsequently promoted to Senior Teacher and then Assistant Head with responsibility for the Sixth Form, before becoming the first internally appointed Headmaster in almost 200 years. James Priory is a governor of a number of preparatory schools and a London independent day school. He was involved in launching HMC’s magazine Insight as Co-Editor and Chair, and is a team inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

RICHARD MOORE Editorial Director of One Media, publishers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells, Times of Tonbridge and SO Magazine. He is an award-winning journalist who has been News Editor of the Sunday Mirror, a current affairs producer with BBC Radio 4, and a financial journalist in Bermuda. He also ran a political lobbying company in London, worked on US Presidential election campaigns, and in 2008 helped to launch the popular SO Tunbridge Wells Magazine.

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NEWS

Community News

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Friendship will continue with partners in northern France…

MEETING OF MINDS: Members of SHDOFA from both sides of The Channel assemble at Meadows School THE Southborough High Brooms and District Overseas Friendship Association [SHDOFA] welcomed six guests from their twin town of Lambersart in northern France for its Annual General Meeting at Meadows School.

SHDOFA Chairman Cllr Alain Lewis led the proceedings along with the President of the friendship association, Cllr Zulhash Uddin, who

is also the current Mayor of Southborough.

After lunch, the guests were entertained by Richard Griffin, who was a protection officer for both The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

At the meeting a resolution was passed expressing determination that the friendship between Southborough and Lambersart will continue into the future, even against the backdrop of current

political events surrounding Brexit.

A programme of activities presented to the association includes a proposed trip to northern France and Belgium to visit World War I sites and memorials, which is planned for September.

If you would like any more information on the association, contact Alain Lewis on 07736529170 or email: amblewis@hotmail.com

Purple with a purpose as The Noise quietly goes about improving town

DASH OF COLOUR The young people gather at The Gatehouse THE annual Easter activity called The Noise saw young people in Tunbridge Wells come together again for the Christian social action project that sees them undertake a variety of projects to benefit the community.

For three days from April 10-12, more than 50 members of 14 churches gathered in their trademark purple T-shirts at The Gatehouse in Market Square, which is owned by the New Life Church in Southborough.

They litter-picked across the town, edged paths, weeded pavements, gardened at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, and cleared up The Common.

They also ran a Panna Cage football project as well as running a children’s club at Tunbridge Wells Christian Fellowship.

And they baked and hosted a tea party for residents at St Stephen’s Court retirement housing, and befriended the elderly in Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.

The Noise 2019 was organised by Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ in partnership with local churches The Gatehouse, Tunbridge Wells Christian Fellowship and Church of Christ.

The event was generously supported by Cllrs David Scott of Culverden Ward and Joy Podbury of Rusthall Ward, the Town Forum, and local businesses, including Tesco.

For more details about Youth for Christ, visit tunbridgewells.yfc.co.uk/noise

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Citizens Advice launches service to help applications for Universal Credit A NEW service called Help to Claim has been launched by Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells & District for those in the borough who need assistance in applying for Universal Credit.

Residents will now be able to get support from the charity as they submit their Universal Credit application for their first full payment.

Help will be tailored to the individual and includes assistance with the online application form and help with providing supporting evidence, such as childcare costs.

A survey found that more than a third of the people the charity has helped struggled to provide the evidence needed to complete their claim.

It has already helped more than 40 people in and around Tunbridge Wells with problems relating to Universal Credit – nationally, the figure stands at 230,000.

Universal Credit, which was introduced in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge last year, combines six benefits into one, including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Working Tax Credits.

Expertise It is now fully rolled out across the UK, and when fully implemented, around seven million people in England and Wales will be receiving it.

Liz De Villiers, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells & District, said: “We offer free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to people in the community every day and have developed an expertise in dealing with Universal Credit.

“We have seen first-hand what can happen when people struggle to make a claim and payments are delayed. We encourage anyone who needs help with their application to get in touch.”

Face-to-face support is offered at the office at Monson House in Monson Way, Tunbridge Wells, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and in Cranbrook Library at the same hours on ­Wednesdays and Fridays (Tel 01580 714936).

Help is also available by phone on 0800 1448 444 and online through webchat and advice content by visiting citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/ universal-credit

Community News

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Angels strike up a bond with local autism centre

DREAM TEAM PACT pupils lead out the Angels at Longmead

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TONBRIDGE ANGELS have forged a partnership with The Phoenix Autism Centre Tonbridge [PACT] to raise funds and help children with autism to come to them and enjoy the football.

Children, families and teachers from PACT were guests of honour at the Angels’ home game against Harlow Town, with some of the children leading out the two teams at Longmead.

The visitors were able to watch the match in the relative calm of the Sponsors’ Lounge, which has a private deck overlooking the pitch.

Jim Rowe of Tonbridge Angels said: “A football ground may not be considered the best environment for young people who have autism with, naturally enough, lots of noise being generated and supporters getting excited in a goodnatured way.

“However it has to be remembered that these children often love football and would love the chance to be involved in some way.”

PACT messaged the club afterwards to say: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported PACT

at the Tonbridge Angels FC match.

“We collected an amazing £173.04 – thank you so much for your generosity and special thanks to all the players and supporters for making our children and their families feel so welcome!

“Well done to Tonbridge Angels on your 3-1 win.”

Amy Weaver, Angels Director for Community Affairs, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have PACT as our guests.

“Hopefully some of the children can come and watch the team training in the evening in the summer, especially those who were unable to come to the game.”

The centre is a specialist resource provision for pupils with autism at Cage Green Primary School.

Accredited by the National Autistic Society, it provides support and outreach to families and other schools in the area.

PACT focuses on the development of social communication, learning and play skills.

It has a dedicated therapy room to support pupils’ sensory, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language needs.

A soft space and sensory room also gives children the space to address their additional sensory and physical needs.

Air cadets pick up the big baton to support RAF Benevolent Fund AIR cadets from Tonbridge School have completed the traditional challenge of running a marathon while carrying a large log to raise money for charity.

They combined to raise more than £800 for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare organisation.

Senior cadets from the school’s Combined Cadet Force ran with five ash poles around the school’s athletics track for a combined total of 26.2 miles, completing the task in just over an hour.

Flight Lieutenant Stefan Hargreaves, the commanding officer of the RAF Section, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve raised over £800 for this fantastic charity, and we’re proud that the funds we’ve raised will support RAF servicemen and women, veterans, and their families.

“The RAF cadets made a great effort on the day, and it is inspiring to see such promise and commitment coming from the boys in support of charity.”

Heather Kemp, RAF Benevolent Fund Regional Fundraiser, said: “It’s fantastic to see these young Air Cadets organising such a great challenge in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“2019 marks the Fund’s centenary, and to mark this milestone we are launching a campaign

POLE POSITION The Air Cadets get to grips with their log to double the number of people we help.

“But we simply could not do the work we do, looking after the ‘RAF Family’, without the support of fantastic events like this.”

Last year, the RAF Benevolent Fund supported more than 50,000 people with a wide range of

welfare needs, from relationship counselling and the Airplay youth support scheme to care home top-up fees for elderly RAF veterans.

To make a donation to the Aid Cadet Log Marathon, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/ tonbridgeschoolrafmarathon

NEWS

11

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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Local News

NEWS

13

Forum plans input from young architects on expansion

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE town’s most iconic music venue has announced plans to extend its building on Tunbridge Wells Common.

The Forum, which over the past 26 years has played host to such notable acts as Adele, Ellie Goulding, Biffy Clyro, Muse, Coldplay and Oasis, wants to increase its capacity from 250 to 400.

‘When Stuart first suggested working with younger architects, it seemed like an obvious fit’ While no plans have yet been submitted to extend the former public toilet, the award-winning live music centre has teamed up with local architect Stuart Page, and is supported by the local branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects [RIBA].

As a first step to bring the plans into fruition, the venue is holding an ‘Ideas Day’ on Saturday May 18, where young local architects will hear ideas from local people for the new space and how it could be used.

Forum co-founder Jason Dormon said: “This project has the potential to safeguard The Forum’s future. By increasing the capacity to around 400, we will be able to attract more acts to perform at the venue. ‘’When Stuart first suggested working with younger architects to us, it seemed like an obvious fit given the work we already do with emerging artists working in music and other disciplines.’’

Stuart Page added: “In common with so many people around here, local architects and architecture students have a special place in their hearts for the Tunbridge Wells Forum.

“They are very excited to have the opportunity to provide The Forum team with some initial ideas and literally to draw out the public’s thoughts about the next steps for this iconic venue.”

Jenny Peterson, Architectural Communities Manager for RIBA in the region, also commented on the Ideas Day plan.

“Recently there have been inspiring examples of architects and local communities working together to reimagine public buildings, often with constraints of space and funding,” she said.

“Architects are problem solvers, trained to respond to those and to listen to their client communities. They are really looking forward to sparking inspiration at The Forum.”

Tonbridge chosen for launch of exciting new series of festivals

CHANGE TO STATUS QUO Rick Parfitt Jnr’s band will headline on Saturday night A NEW music festival is coming to Tonbridge for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, featuring three days of different styles on Castle Lawn.

The event on May 3-5 is organised by a company called Time Off, who are putting on a series of festivals across the south of England for the first time this summer. The festivals were originally called Time Out but underwent a name change.

Friday night will be a club night, with a roster of leading DJs, while Saturday sees bands

playing rock and rhythm & blues and Sunday is a ‘family day’, featuring pop music and children’s entertainers. The music starts at 2pm on the first two days and midday on the Sunday.

The club sets will include DJs such as Tall Paul, Seb Fontaine, Slipmatt and Kiss FM’s Justin Wilkes.

Rick Parfitt Jnr, son of the legendary Status Quo frontman, will be headlining on Saturday with his RPJ Band. Nine Below Zero will be providing the blues, and local act Randy and the Rockets are also on the bill.

The family offerings on Sunday include DJ Dave Goodings of Capital Radio, Jason Dupuy and the Abba Tribute Band. There will facepainting, small fairground rides, a silent disco and treasure hunts.

Proceeds from tickets sold to children on that day will go to Time Off’s chosen charity, Tree of Hope, the Tonbridge crowdfunding organisation that supports families with children who require specialist medical care.

Tonbridge Castle will be Time Off’s inaugural festival, to be followed by other venues in Beckenham, Lingfield and Haywards Heath.

The company has been set up by cousins Mark

ICONIC VENUE The Forum wants to accommodate larger live music audiences

and Garry Smith-Halvorsen and Robert Whell.

The decision to stage festivals came after running a large hospitality unit for 200 people that they used to set up at motorcycle meetings around the country.

Garry said: “It was born out of the hospitality unit. We thought we’d get involved in festivals because we all like music – quite a few family members are in bands.

Motorsport “I’ve worked in advertising for 28 years and I’d been living in New York for ten years. I felt like a change of direction and I wanted to spend time with the family.”

Mark spent 25 years in the City and was chief executive of a money markets business dealing in foreign currency.

He became involved in motorsport on the bike racing scene and rode in the World Endurance Championship. Then he was team principal of the successful British Superbikes outfit JG Speedfit Kawasaki, which featured luminaries of the sport such as Leon Haslam.

He later moved over to the catering side, and said: “We are new to organising music festivals, but we do have

extensive experience in both outdoor motorsport events hospitality and large-scale drinks supply and distribution.

“Based on these resources and a desire to become involved in the festival world, we have set up a company, business and team to take this on full-time. We have been working on this for well over six months now. I’ve got a real passion for it and I’m very excited to be involved in this sector.”

So why did he choose Tonbridge to start the venture off? “We spent a long time looking for venues and speaking to owners and administrators.

“The first time we saw the castle and met the people acting for the local council, we fell in love with it.

“The town has a good reputation and vibe to it, and with the location being so central it felt like a great site to not only host our first event, but also kick off our summer series of music events.”

Tickets cost £26.25 for adults, with discounts of £13.13 for 13 to 17 year olds, and £2.63 for children up to 12 on the Sunday.

Go to timeofffestivals. co.uk/tickets EXCITED Mark SmithHalvorsen

See also Page 59

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NEWS

National News

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New IRA apologises for journalist’s death THE New IRA has admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry.

A 57-year-old woman has been arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with her death.

Miss McKee, 29, died after she was shot on the Creggan estate on April 18.

In a statement given to The Irish News using a recognised code word, the group offered ‘full and sincere apologies’ to her family and friends.

The statement added: “We have instructed our volunteers to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy, and put in place measures to help ensure this.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood called it a ‘disgrace’ and responded: “Their so-called instruction to their ‘volunteers’ to ‘take the utmost care’ when engaging in violence is utterly sickening and devoid of any humanity.”

MP faces by-election after expenses claim A CONSERVATIVE MP who admitted faking two expenses invoices has been told he faces a fight to save his political career.

Christopher Davies, the MP for Brecon & Radnorshire, was told the electorate will be left to ‘judge’ whether he must now face a by-election.

He was convicted of submitting forged claims for £700 worth of landscape photographs to decorate his new office.

His party said it was ‘right that the people of Brecon and Radnorshire now get to have their say about whether they still support Mr Davies’.

Southwark Crown Court heard the 51-year-old was legally entitled to spend money on his office but that submitting false documents was illegal.

He was handed a £1,500 fine, told to pay £2,500 towards costs and ordered to carry out 50 hours’ community service.

RACHEL JOHNSON has insisted that standing as a candidate for pro-Remain party Change UK is ‘not a vote against’ her brother Boris.

The writer (pictured) is aiming to become a member of the European Parliament [MEP] for Change UK – The Independent Group in the South-west.

Appearing with fellow candidates at We the Curious, a science museum in Bristol, she said: “I’m sure that Boris understands why this is not a vote against Boris.

“This is a vote for change,” she added.

“We need to move the dial. People need to have a say.”

Trump will visit UK in June US PRESIDENT Donald Trump is to make his long-awaited state visit to the UK in June.

The news was greeted with condemnation and threats of mass demonstrations.

Prime Minister Theresa May hailed the visit as a chance for the UK and the US ‘to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence’.

The White House said it would ‘reaffirm the steadfast and special relationship’ between the two nations.

Values Confirmation of the trip was condemned by shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, who said the president ‘systematically assaulted all the shared values that unite our two countries’.

Security around the visit is expected to be high and the organisation Stand Up To Trump said campaigners have pledged to mobilise huge numbers in protest.

Mr Trump will hold talks with Mrs May at Downing Street from June 3-5, and will take part

in commemorations in Portsmouth marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Buckingham Palace formally announced the state visit as the Queen is the President’s host, and it is understood the palace will be the venue for the traditional state banquet.

But the president is not expected to stay at the palace because of renovations being undertaken in the East Wing, part of a long-term project to refurbish the royal residence.

Mr Trump was expected to visit the UK in 2017 but he reportedly told Mrs May he would not come to Britain until he is sure of getting a ‘better reception’.

His working trip last summer, when he met the Queen at Windsor Castle, was also greeted with demonstrations.

After the event in Portsmouth, the Prime Minister, the president and his wife Melania will travel to Normandy on June 6 for further Normandy commemorations.

Mrs May will be attending a number of other events including the inauguration of the British Normandy memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Farage party targets Labour in heartlands NIGEL FARAGE has vowed to target Labour heartlands with his new Brexit Party.

The former Ukip leader was in Westminster to launch another slate of Brexit Party candidates, including Claire Fox, a former member of the Revolutionary Communist Party.

Vowing to campaign in Labour heartlands of south Wales, the Midlands and the north of England, Mr Farage said he had set his sights on Labour voters and said the party was already ‘doing very well’ with Conservative supporters.

Fellowes...on football PRODUCTION has started on a new Julian Fellowes series charting the origins of modern football.

The English Game is a planned six-part Netflix series exploring the class divide facing those who created the game, and raised it from a hobby to a global phenomenon.

The Netflix original series is written and produced by the Downton Abbey creator.

Plane that breathes air A SOLAR-powered aircraft that can stay in the sky for prolonged periods of time by ‘inhaling’ air to move has been created by scientists in the UK. The Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicle is able to propel itself forward autonomously, repeatedly switching from being lighter than air and heavier than air to generate thrust, a new type of variable-buoyancy propulsion. Five British universities are working on the project.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Putin set to meet North Korea leader

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BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Thomas Cook takes off after takeover reports THOMAS COOK shares have surged following reports that a number of potential suitors are considering a takeover of the company.

Shares in the UK’s oldest package holiday provider jumped 17 per cent to 28.5p in early trading yesterday [Tuesday].

The debt-laden company has struggled because of a fall in demand for package holidays and intense online competition.

Share value has fallen by around 80 per cent over the past 12 months after a ‘disappointing’ year saw it post profit warnings in September and November.

Mixer hits Fever pitch THE founder of Fever-Tree will take home a pay packet of almost £4million after the mixer maker posted another record year.

Chief executive Tim Warrillow will receive £3.98million, compared to from £844,000 the previous year.

The award is based 75 per cent on turnover and 25 per cent on underlying earnings.

The increase follows the introduction of a Long Term Incentive Plan three years ago.

Since it was granted, turnover growth was 301 per cent and earnings growth was 332 per cent exceeding the maximum target.

NEWS

15

40 arrests as Sri Lanka mourns dead GRIEF STRICKEN: Mourners bury two of the victims in Colombo

WORLD: RUSSIA’S President Vladimir Putin

will host the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a meeting in the far east of the country tomorrow [Thursday].

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told Russian news agencies that the much-anticipated talks between Mr Putin and Mr Kim would be held in Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean and would focus on North Korea’s nuclear programme.

Local media have reported preparations and strict security measures undertaken in the city, where the Korean leader is expected to arrive by train.

Mr Kim had two summits with US President Donald Trump, but the latest one in Vietnam in February collapsed because North Korea wanted more sanctions relief than the United States was willing to give for the amount of nuclear disarmament.

Moscow is interested in gaining broader access to North Korea’s mineral resources, including rare metals.

Pyongyang needs Russia’s electricity supplies and wants to attract investment to modernise its Soviet-built industrial factories, railways and other infrastructure.

World/Business News

WORLD: POLICE in Sri Lanka have arrested 40 suspects in connection with the bombings on April 21.

They include the driver of a van that was allegedly used by the suicide bombers and the owner of a house where some of them lived.

Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena gave the military wider powers to detain and arrest suspects yesterday [Tuesday].

Such measures were used during the 26-year civil war but withdrawn when it ended in 2009.

The death toll has risen to 321 – including at least 45 children – with around 500 wounded, and the President declared Tuesday to be an official day of mourning.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing but offered no evidence to back the claim.

The extremist group made the claim yesterday via its Aamaq news agency, saying: “The perpetrators of the attack that targeted nationals of the countries of the coalitions and Christians in Sri Lanka before yesterday are fighters from the Islamic State.”

Sri Lankan officials have blamed a local Islamic extremist group.

On Monday officials disclosed that

warnings had been received about the possibility of an attack by the organisation.

Sri Lanka’s prime minister said there were more explosives and militants ‘out there’.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said some officials are likely to lose their jobs over intelligence lapses surrounding the attack.

He acknowledged that there had been a prior warning, and said India’s embassy was eyed as a possible target.

Meanwhile the state minister of defence has said the nine attacks on churches, hotels and other sites was ‘carried out in retaliation’ for the shooting massacre at two New Zealand mosques last month.

The minister, Ruwan Wijewardene, told the Sri Lankan parliament the government possessed information that the series of bombings were carried out ‘by an Islamic fundamentalist group’ in response to the Christchurch attacks.

British Land sells Sainsbury’s sites to reduce its stake in troubled retail BUSINESS: PROPERTY giant British Land is selling off 12 Sainsbury’s superstores from its joint venture with the supermarket under plans to slash its exposure to the troubled retail sector.

The firm, which has bought Royal Victoria Place in May 2018, is selling the stores to Realty Income Corporation for £429million.

Its share of the proceeds will be £193.5million, representing a ‘modest premium’ to the book value recorded last September.

It comes as part of wider plans to cut retail assets to around 30 to 35 per cent of its portfolio, down from around half currently.

The group has already exchanged on or completed the sale of nearly £1billion of retail assets since April last year.

It said it is focused on further sales of retail assets that are ‘not aligned to our strategy and continue to make good progress’.

It added: “We have a clear view of the value of our assets and despite the clear challenges currently in the

retail market, we remain opportunistic and proactive.”

The latest deal to offload retail assets will reduce its superstores exposure to around 1.3 per cent of its portfolio, with six standalone stores remaining.

British Land will see net proceeds of around £95million from the sale, after repayment of debt and fees.

Failures It wants to concentrate on three areas of business – campus-focused London offices, a smaller, refocused retail business and residential, largely in the build-to-rent sector.

Its recent retail sales include the Debenhams store in Clapham and the Spirit pubs portfolio.

British Land’s rental income took a hit last year on account of a string of failures in the retail industry.

As well as Royal Victoria Place, its portfolio also includes Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre and several major London developments.

WHAT’S IN STORE? British Land’s flagship Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield

16

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Graffiti Artists To Conjure Up Crazy Kart Creation In Tunbridge Wells Town Centre we have loads planned for the kart race itself. As well as wanting to help support the charities, we are really looking forward to giving something to the community and running a workshop for kids from our hometown to get them involved.

“I went to Skinners and met my colleagues at the Graffiti Wall, a wall in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park which the council gave permission in 2016 to paint however we wanted. I am so grateful for this as I had no idea that I could be doing the

“We would love people to come along and see us decorating the kart this Saturday”

Flower Power [L-R] Hugh Whitaker and Josh Piehl A CELEBRATED team of graffiti artists will be putting on a piece of live performance art in Tunbridge Wells this Saturday (27th) – as they conjure up a wacky creation for the upcoming Crazy Jeans Kart Race.

The talented spray painters, known as the Paint Mechanics - whose colourful artwork and murals are well known and celebrated throughout the town - will be seen designing and decorating a soapbox kart under the Millennium Clock from 9am.

The artists, who are made up of ex Skinners schoolboy Hugh Whitaker, 23, aka Humor, and two colleagues known as Mr Skosh and Orbs, will lend their skills in making the unique, eyecatching kart for organisers ahead of the races on June 8th and will also be running workshops and

demonstrations on the day itself.

The kart will be one of 50 taking part in the annual wacky Tunbridge Wells fundraiser, which sees local businesses, organisations and residents go head to head on a specially made racetrack through Dunorlan Park.

Prior to Race Day, each team is given a basic kart to “pimp up” in any way they like before racing as fast as they can round chicanes and over jumps - with the fastest four battling it out in The Grand Final.

As well as being keen to help promote the event and support this year’s charities Hospice In The Weald and Taylor Made Dreams, Tunbridge Wells resident Hugh is also looking forward to this Saturday’s design challenge which fulfils his passion for regenerating blank spaces and objects

while seeing the public’s reaction to his art.

Hugh has worked collectively with Orbs and Mr Skosh on a range of projects from murals in town centres, schools and cafes, to being hired privately to decorate vehicals and bedrooms.

They also run graffiti workshops for a variety of clients, from private to corporate and educational as well as hosting team building events and parties.

Recent projects include tshree commissions by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to bring colour and vibrancy to the town centre whilst promoting Tunbridge Wells In Bloom with murals outside the derelict BHS building, on Crescent Road and in Dunorlan Park.

He said: “We would love people to come along and see us decorating the kart this Saturday and

Wacky Races [Pictured] Nicole Piesse Turner and Tanya Sena

work I am doing now, if I hadn’t had the public space to paint.”

Organiser of the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race, Nicole Piesse Turner, whose PR firm Chatty Hatter will be racing Hugh’s skilfully designed kart down the hair-raising track, said: “We are incredibly honoured to have Hugh and the Pain t Mechanics decorate our wacky soapbox kart and we can’t wait to see how he works his magic on Saturday.

“We would welcome anyone to come down and see a real piece of artwork evolving from essentially a blank canvas to something really special…the kart will be getting its second viewing at the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race itself, when we will be racing it down the specially-made, nail biting race track with pride!”

The Crazy Jean’s Kart Race hopes in its second year to raise tens of thousands pounds again for local charities.

TV chef Rosemary Shrager is returning to host the day again alongside star commentator Tom Swift of Wicked Productions.

Aside from the charity race itself, a range of wacky family friendly activities include an inflatable village, a kids cinema, crazy golf zone, a mountain boarding and parkour wall and mini football activities.

For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race on Saturday June 8th please visit www. crazyjeansevents.com.

To discover more about Hugh Whitaker and the Paint Mechanics team see www.paintmechanics. co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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Letters

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17

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Out of one hole and into another Cllr Jukes, our dear Leader, is on record as saying that the proposed Civic Complex would be a ‘matter for his small works department’, leaving one to wonder what he did in his private business life: Nuclear power stations?

Hydro-electric schemes?

Thus, as we watch the next phase of his grand scheme to pedestrianise the town’s centre, we should cast back our gaze to his first essay into these projects: Smaller than

he’s used to, barely worthy of his attention, but they do consume a lot of my money.

After numerous attempts to replace and repair the damaged stone slabs running from the Fiveways clock to Camden Road/Monson Road, we’ve thrown in the towel. Now we just dig them out and chuck in some asphalt.

Never look back. There are bigger and better holes to dig, and more of them.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells PAVING THE WAY Fiveways’ stone slabs have been repeatedly dug up

13th of the ‘best places to live in the South East’.

I’m not sure how this helps our community – other than for some, the fortunate ones – to experience that warm glow from the reassurance provided by high comparative property values.

Clearly, the statements made are largely superficial, choosing to ignore any hint of deterioration that those of us who live here, and have experienced this, have witnessed. It is a privilege to be able to live here, but, as seems to be endemic recently, it does this town and its inhabitants no favours to gloss over the reality.

Undeniably, this town has many historic attributes – and many remain today. However, very little has been achieved by this council, who have watched over the decline of our town this past decade.

Consultation with the public and creative thinking have been absent, but perhaps this cannot be a surprise when Tunbridge Wells Borough Council remains constituted by a gang of elderly Tories and cries out for an injection of new blood. This May there might just be an opportunity to change this.

Martin Dawes Via email

Sound investment in the future

Park and ride will help air quality London has just tightened its air quality rules on traffic entering the city, and newspaper column inches are full of the damage vehicle exhaust fumes do to health.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, counterintuitively, is expanding car parking space in the town’s centre – enticing in more traffic.

Many roads are car parks, reducing traffic to one-way flows. Drivers must repeatedly brake and stop for on-coming traffic.

This stop-start process increases fuel consumption and air pollution. At peak times traffic sits idling in tailbacks, adding further to the pollution.

The council is proposing to spend £90million on a new Town Hall and theatre, but wouldn’t it be better spent on park-and-ride schemes, with a fleet of gas-fuelled buses? For £90million, three schemes with change over could be achieved.

Instead of arguing over a CPO for Hoopers’ car park, wouldn’t time and money be better spent on CPOs for park and ride?

Robert Moore Tunbridge Wells

It’s time for action, not just words Local Friends of the Earth groups are asking candidates in May’s local elections to sign a Climate Action Pledge and commit to implementing measures to combat climate change if they are elected.

Maidstone Borough Council has already declared a Climate Emergency, and we want Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge to do the same.

Scientists have warned that we have just 12 years to turn words into action and start making significant cuts to our emissions levels or we will face climate chaos with more extreme weather that, according to Kent County Council, will have a disproportionately high impact on this county.

We are calling on successful candidates to put into place concrete plans to combat climate change. We would like to see major improvements to public transport, a better cycling infrastructure, increased investing in renewable energy, a speeding up the rollout

of charging points for electric vehicles, and all new developments conforming to the highest possible building standards, which will help cut people’s energy bills and combat fuel poverty.

By doing all of this, local authorities can make a positive contribution to the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The time has passed for pious words but no action. We have a duty to the next generation to do all we can to leave them with a liveable world.

Candidates can commit to action on Facebook @ClimateActionTMBC and @ClimateActionTWBC We hope all of them will sign and, more importantly, take action.

Howard Porter Tonbridge & Malling Friends of the Earth

Exit stage left to rumble of trains One of your readers asked why Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can’t build our new theatre on the site of the old cinema [April 10].

While we all agree the old cinema site is an eyesore, the plot is privately owned and a valuable piece of town centre real estate.

The council tried to buy it in the past, but government valuation rules restricted what it could pay. Therefore the council was outbid (by a long way) by a private sector buyer.

The plot is also directly above a railway tunnel.

This causes vibration that increases construction costs and limits what can be built on the site.

This vibration would also affect theatre-goers and deter production companies from visiting.

The RSC, for example, may not appreciate their world-class performances being interrupted by the rumble of trains on their way to Hastings.

We are all desperate for the old cinema site to be developed, and thankfully this is due to happen later this year. But the plot has never been a viable location for a new theatre.

Cllr Peter Oakford Conservative candidate for St Johns

Warm glow and the cold reality Many thanks for an interesting and informative edition last week. Tunbridge Wells is considered

For the past decade, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, like all other local authorities and public services, has had some tough choices to make. Demand for services has increased, and it has to be funded by some means.

One of the best ways to do this is to invest wisely in short-term investments. Since the council was elected in 2015, the interest alone from these has generated approaching £1million.

In addition to that, investments made in property funds since June 2017 have added £75,000 during 2017-18 and £118,000 for the first three quarters of 2018-19.

This is money we have put back into the town to keep Tonbridge a great place to live. It also shows our strategy is working. It’s been used for improvements to the riverside at Town Lock, new Christmas lights, and flood defences on the River Medway, amongst other things.

But, most importantly, it’s helped to tackle the really important issues facing our community.

One of the things we are most proud of is the new temporary accommodation, which means those without a permanent home can stay closer to friends and family before they find a longterm solution. It helps keeps families together.

It would not be possible if our finances were not in good shape.

One of the biggest challenges for the next four years is sound financial management of the borough. We are proud of our track record and would like to continue this.

Martin Coffin Cabinet member for Finance, Innovation and Property, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council

What has happened to democracy?

As the electioneering ramps up this month and the fur flies about Calverley Square, don’t turn off. Think yourself lucky. In Sevenoaks District, apparently, everything is so rosy in the garden that we don’t even need to vote on anything.

I am a resident of Penshurst, picturesque, sleepy, chocolate box village, preferred location for period drama productions. And the Parish Council seats are uncontested, as is the district council seat for Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone.

Same goes for Cowden and Hever, and Leigh and Chiddingstone Causeway. How lucky I must

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be to live in a part of the world where everyone is so blissfully happy.

But I have to say, certainly on a district level, it rather beggars belief that there’s nothing at all to talk about, let alone get hot under the collar about.

I suppose we do have our bins collected every week (oh yes), but after a decade of austerity followed by the spectre of the Conservative Party tearing themselves apart, almost literally, over Brexit, you would have thought that there might be some kind of opposition.

I wouldn’t say that our cute Wealden villages have buried their heads in the sand, but it is all rather suffocating. I’m not sure this is what democracy is supposed to be all about.

Then again, perhaps I should have put my hand up and stood as a candidate.

Russell Hodges Penshurst

Election coverage is balancing act In your feature on next month’s local elections [April 10], you tell us that in Tunbridge Wells there will be about 80 candidates standing for 18 seats in 16 wards.

You then, on the facing page, have an article of about 400 words on one candidate for Park Ward. This reads like a personal manifesto. It is certainly not a news item.

I trust that in the interests of balance, and to avoid the accusation of bias by your paper, you will permit all the other Park Ward candidates the same amount of coverage prior to polling day.

Ian Metcalfe Tunbridge Wells [Ed: Each week we are featuring a representative of different parties in different wards]

New school here was rubbish idea Last week you reported that gas had been detected at the site of a new school being built on a rubbish tip in Hawkenbury.

Well who’d have thought that? What did they expect to find, fresh spring water?

What parent is going to send their child there!

Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells

Things are looking up at the library Many residents will welcome Kent County Council’s decision to make improvements to Tonbridge Library, thanks to the town’s County Member, Richard Long.

They have improved the ground floor and the Avebury Avenue entrance, and made the library more accessible for the disabled.

The cleaning of the facades on the High Street and Avebury Avenue is showing off the architecture of the building and making the library more welcoming. Well done Richard.

David Cure Conservative candidate for Judd Ward, Tonbridge

Thank you on behalf of lifeboats The RNLI Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch thanks everyone for their generosity during the two-day collection in Tesco, Grosvenor Road, on April 12-13. A super total of £689.29 was raised.

Thank you to our dedicated team of collectors, without whom our collections could not take place, and also to Tesco for their continuing support for our branch and the RNLI in general.

The RNLI receives no government help and costs around £177million to fund the lifeboats annually nationwide. As a branch we do our utmost to raise funds for our favourite charity.

Joan Hamilton-Smith RNLI Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch

Calverley is still opening his Easter eggs…

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Education

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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EDUCATION Times

Meet the classroom canine Preparatory pupils take a paws for thought as their school dog passes its training exam STAFF, pupils and parents from Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School in Five Ashes, near Mayfield, are celebrating as their school dog, Lottie the Labrador, has passed her final assessment with Dogs Helping Kids.

Dogs Helping Kids is a UK-based charity that trains and assesses dogs purely to work in school environments as both educational and therapeutic aids for pupils.

‘Lottie plays a huge part in school life at Skippers Hill’ After three years of training, Lottie has become a fully certified Educational Assistance Dog. To achieve this, she was required to pass eight assessments over three years. Now fully certified, Lottie must be assessed annually in her working environment.

At Skippers, Lottie has four main roles as the school dog: Listening Canine, which includes reading with the children one to one; Reward Canine, which includes visiting classes to look at excellent work and spending special time with

children who have done something brilliant; Classroom Canine, which simply includes relaxing in the classroom whilst the children have their lessons; and Therapy Canine, where Lottie spends time with children going through difficult times, who have emotional issues, or are scared of dogs.

Mark Hammond, Headmaster at the school, said: “Lottie plays a huge part in school life at Skippers Hill.

“She interacts on a daily basis with children from Nursery to Year 8.

“She has not only helped individual children struggling with emotional and behavioural difficulties, but has also inspired reluctant readers and helped our pupils to understand how to care for and be safe around dogs.

“We are extremely proud that Lottie has passed her final assessment to become a fully certified Educational Assistance Dog. “I extend a huge thanks to Dogs Helping Kids for ensuring Lottie, and school dogs across the country, are highly trained and rigorously assessed to ensure that they are competent and safe to work in the educational environment.”

For more information, visit dogshelpingkids.co.uk

Dance has all the right moves BEACON DANCE is celebrating achieving second place and an impressive number of awards at the Southern regional heats of UK Rock Challenge 2019.

The event took place at The Hawth in Crawley, where a team of more than 50 students from Beacon Academy in Crowborough took part in the national competition.

They worked together as dancers, backstage and/or production crew to create, choreograph and perform a powerful piece of dance that

LOTTIE THE LABRADOR Schooled to help children

explored mental health in young people.

The students scooped an impressive ten awards for excellence, and achieved second place overall for their skilled and creative production, entitled Let’s Talk About This.

Judges on the panel commented that the choreography of the piece was ‘emotional, incredibly well thought out and put together’.

The Head of Performing Arts at Beacon Academy, Mrs Caroline Thomas, said: “It was a huge achievement to receive such recognition from

choreographers in the performing arts industry.”

Rehearsals for the competition began in September, and since then the large cast of 50 dedicated students have attended rehearsals every Tuesday after school, sometimes rehearsing until 5pm.

Poem Beacon’s success at the event was a truly collective effort. The award-winning set was created by Year 10 AQA Performing Arts students, while the poem recorded over the accompaniment had been written by Year 10

A SHINING BEACON Students at the academy celebrate their success

students Holly Fry and Emma Kelly and Year 12 student Beth Campbell.

Mrs Thomas said: “The poem was powerful, hard hitting and emotive. It really helped to drive home the final message of the piece, which was to encourage young people to talk about matters that may be affecting their emotional health and wellbeing. A huge well done to them all.”

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Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association, and also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015, and was elected Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017.

Investing in public spaces isn’t all council is doing TONBRIDGE is such a wonderful town. We are lucky to live here. The exceptional weather over the Easter weekend showed the best of what we have to offer.

But we don’t need great weather to show what a great place to live it is. Our excellent schools, strong transport links, great bars and coffee shops and fantastic parks make this a town people want to come to. And, of course, we have brilliant people who work hard to make these things happen.

Some of their work you’ll see first-hand, and some will impact your life without you ever seeing it or knowing who did it. But it all helps make Tonbridge a better and more enjoyable place to live.

Even in a place as welcoming as ours there are challenges, and that’s what I’m tackling. Building on our natural strengths means enjoying the river for the views and walks it gives us, but also the Medway gives us the risk of flooding.

We know of the Leigh Flood Storage Barrier and Hildenborough Embankment and the work that it does to protect hundreds of homes. Many have invested heavily in this project, not least Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, who pledged half a million pounds to keep us safe from flooding.

I vividly remember the impact of the floods over Christmas 2013, and while we should enjoy our

town in the hot weather, we need to make sure the flooding problem is sorted, too.

There’s another reason to protect our river. The improvements at Townlock, River Walk and the castle have brought more people to enjoy it with family and friends. Again, the council have contributed heavily to this, pursuing schemes that make the town and riverbank look great. They deserve credit for their excellent work to give us public spaces that we can all enjoy.

TONBRIDGE CASTLE Just one of the town’s attractions

Recycling Like all good councils, investing in our public spaces isn’t the only thing they do, it’s also about keeping our streets clean and free of litter.

Tonbridge continues to be one of the cleanest towns around and, while it is not perfect yet, the new contract the borough council started a few weeks ago is clearly making a difference so far.

A part of the new contract to start later this year is the new recycling collections. This is great news, long overdue, and will make a significant difference to all of us. Bottles, plastic, electrical waste and textiles we used to have to take to Sainsbury’s or Longmead to recycle will now be collected from our own homes. That will help

make us all a bit more environmentally friendly and help our community to recycle more.

Congratulations to the council for negotiating such an important change, and I look forward to it being implemented. Not that the town’s efficient waste disposal can be improved much, though – 99.96 per cent of waste properly disposed of is turned into energy to help our environment, which shows that, as a town, we are at the forefront of sustainability. Long may this continue.

The Easter weekend weather brought home to me how much there is to enjoy in our wonderful town, why people flock to the river, and the ways the council and others are making it as sustainable as possible.

They deserve our thanks and support for the role they have played in making Tonbridge great.

That’s why I’m backing the councillors who have delivered for us.

They did it and they deserve the praise.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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Home with a hot tub

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AIRY BARN FULL OF RUSTIC CHARM

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Fabulous forest farm that’s ideal for equestrians Page 22

NEW WEALDEN CHARACTER HOMES

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Best property buys for...

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

The HALL…

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Shawhurst Farm Marsh Green Coleman’s Hatch Nr Hartfield

Guide price

£1,695,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk This pretty period farmhouse, with its distinctive hall and other character features, is a fabulous family home with superb equestrian facilities and perfectly placed for riding across Ashdown Forest. Offering nearly 12 acres of land, the farm was originally part of the Holly Hill Estate.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Conservatory n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Gardens and grounds, including a stream n Gated driveway, double garage and workshop n Stables, manege, tack room, office and hay store n Further detached outbuildings providing a barn, byre and storerooms n Paddocks n In all about 11.67 acres

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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The PRICE…

The OPEN-PLAN LIVING

Lakewood Drive Tunbridge Wells

Price range

£199,000-£210,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

A recently constructed, high-specification, purpose-built apartment.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Living room with access to garden n Fitted kitchen n Bedroom with access to garden n Bathroom n Private area of garden n Off-road parking

Paygate

Maidstone Road Horsmonden

Guide price

£1,500,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk

The open-plan living area, with a part including roof lights, is simply stunning in this extremely stylish, modern, 6-bedroom rural family home.

Outside, it has landscaped gardens and an L-shaped paddock bordering the grounds, and even comes with a hot tub.

Maltings Close Hadlow

£345,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Reception hall n Sitting room with double-sided Parkray wood-burning stove, open to study

Delightful modern semi-detached house near village centre and bordering bowls club.

n Superb open-plan kitchen/breakfast/family room with island and two sets of French doors

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n New garden room with underfloor heating

n Contemporary kitchen/breakfast room

n 2 en-suite bedrooms

n Conservatory replaced circa two years ago

n 4 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

n 2 spacious double bedrooms

n Landscaped garden with terrace and hot tub

n Family bathroom

n Gated driveway, Heritage-style triple garage

n Garden with terrace and views across adjacent bowling green

n Enclosed paddock n In total about 1.25 acres

n Airy living room with dining area

n Driveway parking and garage

SOLD properties.

Forest Road TN2

Stephens Road TN4

1

1

An attractive Victorian semi-detached house close to Tunbridge Wells town centre. EPC: E. Guide price £695,000 Freehold

Farmcombe Road TN2

1

A substantial 1920s family house in the southern part of the town with potential to enhance.

A family house ideally located approximately 0.9 miles to mainline station. EPC: E. 5

Guide price £1,250,000 Freehold

3

3

Guide price £850,000 Freehold

Wybourne Rise TN2

Hurstwood Lane TN4

ddress

1

1

Ground floor apartment of approximately 3,200 sq ft requiring modernisation. EPC: E. Guide price £600,000 Share of freehold

Badgers Holt TN2

1 Attractive 3 bedroom terraced modern house close to Dunorlan Park. EPC: C.

Contemporary living in the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells.

Guide price £435,000 Freehold

Guide price £1,450,000 Freehold

4

3

4-5

Call the Tunbridge Wells team on 01892 310997, we'd love to help you. knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

SOLD properties.

Mayfield TN20

Robertsbridge TN32

1

1

A beautifully presented thatched house with a one bedroom detached annexe. EPC: E. Guide price £1,295,000 Freehold

Warren Road TN6

1

A substantial country estate in the heart of the village with approximately 24 acres.

Guide price £2,250,000 Freehold

An attractive cottage with character features in a peaceful semi-rural location. EPC: F. 10

3

5

Guide price £795,000 Freehold

Biddenden TN27

Staplehurst TN12

1

1

A detached Grade II listed farmhouse with separate barn conversion annexe.

Guide price £995,000 Freehold

Crowborough TN6

1 A detached family house in a convenient location for access to the amenities of the town. EPC: D.

A detached Georgian style property within the Cranbrook School catchment area.

Guide price £799,999 Freehold

Guide price £1,495,000 Freehold

6

3

4

Call the Tunbridge Wells team on 01892 310997, we'd love to help you. knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Penshurst TN11 Attached Grade II listed period farmhouse in an idyllic setting in approximately 5.32 acres.

• • •

1

Views over countryside Swimming pool In approximately 5.3 acres

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2

3

5.32

Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £1,395,000 Freehold

Tenterden TN30 An impressive Grade II listed Queen Anne house with elegant and classic proportions.

• • •

1

Outbuildings Walled garden Approximately 1/4 mile to Tenterden centre

6

4

5

Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,475,000 Freehold

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Brenchley TN12

Horsmonden TN12

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A most attractive black timber clad Grade II listed barn with spectacular views.

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Open plan, vaulted living space Village approximately 0.6 miles away In approximately 1.57 acres

A major portion of a 15th century Grade II listed farmhouse in approximately 2.37 acres.

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1.57

Guide price £975,000 Freehold

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Rural setting Includes large unconverted barn Within Cranbrook School catchment area

01892 310997

Madeira Park TN2

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simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Mayfield Road TN4

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A contemporary stylish and well presented detached house in a popular location.

Spacious modern kitchen/breakfast room Excellent entertaining space Mainline station approximately 0.4 miles

Beautifully presented Edwardian family house situated in a sought-after position.

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Spacious modern kitchen area Landscaped gardens Mainline station approximately 0.75 miles

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Guide price £1,150,000 Freehold ross.davies@knightfrank.com

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Guide price £1,200,000 Freehold

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

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Guide price £1,700,000 Freehold 01892 310997

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Woodpecker

Barn

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AT A GLANCE WOODPECKER BARN WICKHURST FARM LAMBERHURST n Attached, Grade II-listed barn conversion n Sitting room with working open fireplace, underfloor heating and French doors to garden n Dining room with oak flooring and French doors to side n Stunning hand-built, solid wood fitted kitchen designed by Jonny Grey Studios with five-oven oil-fired Aga, overhead hanging rack, central island and door to side n Breakfast room with oak flooring n Home office with flagstone flooring n Ground floor bedroom & shower room n 4 further bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom featuring a free-standing roll-top bath and twin basins n Family shower room n Driveway and parking area n 300ft garden with sun terrace n Attached outbuilding n High-speed fibre broadband and ADT security system

Striking 18th-century barn that will have you beaming

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

£1,200,000

CONTACT • Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 701900 • fineandcountry.com

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Advertorial

Garden kitchens are fast becoming hot property

It’s time to get gardens ready for the summer – with cooking in mind – says Simon Prince, owner of Tunbridge Wells firm Kitchens Outdoors WITH even warmer weather just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to eating outside in the garden, so why not take it a step further?

In the 13 years I’ve been designing and building outdoor kitchens, I’ve seen the market grow, as well as the range of products you can include.

Whether it be a simple built-in barbecue or everything and the kitchen sink, this really is a great addition to any garden. Gone are the days when there was only a built-in barbecue – now there are outdoor fridges, pizza ovens of all sizes, teppanyakis (a Japanese iron griddle), gas side burners, smokers, warming drawers, plus that sink. All built to be durable for the outdoors and to be used all year round.

Planning an outdoor kitchen is a lot like planning an indoor one. You will be asking many of the same questions: What space is available?

What do you like to cook? Is there enough room for preparation or a servery area? Then you decide on equipment and, of course, your budget.

The construction is normally masonry to withstand the British weather. You can achieve a subtle look using sympathetic materials similar to your home or patio, or we can make something standout for a statement.

I like to pick the best materials for the job – granite and marble are great for worktops, as are tiles or quartz if looking for a cheaper alternative.

As for the look, pretty much anything is possible. I am passionate about creating the vision you have for your outdoor kitchen, while making sure that it is completely funtional and safe to use for cooking.

For enquiries please call: 01892 530325 Or visit: kitchens-outdoors.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

New Homes

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Property Focus

NEW HOMES

Bloomsbury Gardens Common Road Sissinghurst

PRICES START FROM

£329,995 FOR A TWO-BEDROOM HOME CONTACT

• Countryside Properties • 01580 239101 • countrysideproperties.com A stylish collection of new two to fivebedroom homes in Sissinghurst village which take their influence from Bohemian poet Vita Sackville-West, who lived at Sissinghurst Castle and was part of the iconic Bloomsbury Group.

The houses, which come from Countryside Properties, take further inspiration from traditional Wealden architecture, and the development’s landscaping incorporates a pond and large green open spaces.

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A WEALDEN DESIGN WITH LITERARY INSPIRATION Homes with a nod to famous village resident Vita Sackville-West

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Contemporary-styled Commodore kitchens, ergonomically designed and well-equipped n Media sockets in reception rooms n French doors to gardens (some homes have bi-fold doors) n Chic bathroom suites with white Roca sanitaryware n Plenty of hanging and storage space n Subtle designer lighting n Gas-fired central heating n Wired for Sky Q television (subject to future connection by purchaser. Aerial not supplied) n Landscaped front gardens and turfed rear gardens n Within easy reach of Cranbrook and Tunbridge Wells as well as Tenterden and Maidstone n Mainline trains to Tonbridge and London from either Staplehurst or Headcorn Stations n Within the Cranbrook School catchment area

READY TO VIEW With minimal fuss, and with good incentives for first-time buyers

The Holly

Knights Way Tunbridge Wells HOUSE TYPE PRICED FROM

£360,000 TO £370,000 CONTACT

• Dandara, Knights Wood • 01892 800580 • dandara.com The Holly is a newly opened 2-bedroom ‘view unit’ at Knights Wood that can help buyers to visualise their dream new home.

Unlike fully-furnished show homes, view units only have blinds, so are perfect for buyers who would like to see a blank canvas.

This house type, from Dandara, is also ideal for first-time buyers thanks to money-saving incentives.

The Marketing Suite is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Open-plan, fully-fitted kitchen/dining/living room with double doors to garden n 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom n Fully tiled contemporary family bathroom n Off-road parking for one vehicle n Full stamp duty paid for first-time buyers on all plots n Help to Buy available on selected properties

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Life&Times

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

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

Spring uncorked

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Three top tipples to enjoy now page 61 WE MEET AUTHOR JOANNE HARRIS

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WINNIE THE POOH AND FRIENDS

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THE WEEK’S BEST MUSIC GIGS

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Easy as pie

How to enjoy guilt-free desserts page 60

SAIL AWAY ON AN ADVENTURE

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

More than words… O

NE of the highlights of next weekend’s Chiddingstone Literary Festival will be Chocolat author Joanne Harris talking about her life and work – and a return to her best-known characters in her new novel The Strawberry Thief – in conversation with local writer and BBC journalist Julia Wheeler.

This is Joanne’s fourth novel following the life of Vianne Rocher and her fellow villagers in Lansquenet-sous-Tannes; a series that includes Chocolat, which was turned into an Oscar-winning film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, The Lollipop Shoes and Peaches for Monsieur Le Curé.

Joanne is an Anglo-French author of 14 novels, two cookbooks and numerous short stories.

Next weekend, the Chiddingstone Literary Festival sees the likes of writers Giles Milton, Ana Sampson and Hunter Davies speaking, alongside a number of theatre and children’s workshops. Ahead of her guest appearance, Joanne Harris Chocolat author Joanne Harris tells Eileen Leahy all about her new book, The Strawberry Thief

Can you tell us how you came to be involved with the Chiddingstone Literary Festival?

I was invited! I’m touring for The Strawberry Thief.

What are you looking forward to most about being part of it?

Meeting readers and sharing my new book with them, as well as visiting a beautiful part of the country for the first time.

Will you mainly be talking about The Strawberry Thief?

Yes, but I’ll be taking questions on all aspects of my work.

AN IDYLLIC SETTING FOR A FESTIVAL Chiddingstone Castle

Main Image: David Bartholomew

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Can tell us what the new book is about?

Six years have passed since the last book, Peaches for Monsieur Le Curé. Vianne has settled into her new chocolate shop and is living there with her youngest daughter, Rosette. But the death of a friend, a legacy, and the arrival of a mysterious new neighbour start to threaten her ordered life. And the wind is blowing…

How do you find inspiration to carry on the beguiling story of the life of Vianne Rocher?

From my own life, and members of my family.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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Arts & Culture

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CULTURE CLUB – Who else to see at Chiddingstone Literary Festival 2019

What do you enjoy most about doing events such as this one?

I always enjoy meeting readers, booksellers and festival-goers.

Do you have plans to see anyone else talk at festival and if so, who?

I wish I could but authors on tour rarely have time.

In a world that’s becoming ever more reliant on digital devices for seeking entertainment and sourcing information, do you think it’s more important than ever to champion books?

I think digital devices give us even more opportunities to explore means of storytelling!

We should be using them, not demonising the technology.

HUNTER DAVIES WITH DAVID LOUGH Happy Old Me: How to Live A Long Life, and Really Enjoy It Happy Old Me is a moving yet uplifting account of one year in Hunter Davies’s life, navigating bereavement and finding hope in the future. Three years ago, Margaret Forster, his wife of 55 years, lost her life to cancer. As Hunter discovers what it means to be single again, coping with grief and being elderly (he still doesn’t believe he is), he shares his wisdom and the lessons he has learnt. His book is a heartfelt tribute to the love of his life, and an amusing and informative read about an age, and stage in life, which we might all reach someday.

David Lough is the author of Darling Winston and No More Champagne.

OZ CLARKE WITH NANCY GILCHRIST, MASTER OF WINE Red & White: An Unquenchable Thirst for Wine Oz Clarke is one of the world’s leading wine experts, and he pops the cork on his lifelong love affair with wine. Red & White combines a fast-paced, witty memoir with a passionately opinionated guide, explaining how, why and where he

discovered wine, how it is grown and made today, and how to taste and enjoy wine whatever your budget. Oz has won all the major wine-writing awards and is a regular on TV and radio.

Master of Wine Nancy Gilchrist runs courses such as ‘Académie du Vin at 67 Pall Mall’ in London.

ANA SAMPSON WITH EMMA HARDING She Is Fierce: Brave, Bold and Beautiful Poems by Women Ana Sampson has compiled a powerful collection of poems written by women, ranging from the ancient world to the present; it includes poems from suffragettes to schoolgirls, from spoken word superstars to civil rights activists, and from aristocratic ladies to kitchen maids – all with voices worth hearing. Immerse yourself in poems by Wendy Cope, Maya Angelou, Ysra Daley-Ward, Carol Ann Duffy, Jackie Kay, Imtiaz Dharker and many more.

Ana will share her passion for poetry with Emma Harding, a BBC radio producer and writer. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/ literary-festival-2019-programme

ALSO APPEARING Gogglebox stars Giles Wood and Mary Killen

FUN FOR YOUNG AND OLD The Pericles Theatre Company

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, where striking new puppet show Flux will be shown at 7.30pm. In last week’s Times, Eileen Leahy caught up with co-artistic director Hattie Thomas, who told us all about this experimental play. Set in the 1980s, protagonist Kate is an aspiring physicist who dreams of new ways of creating energy. Using life-sized puppets and a bespoke musical score, this is sure to leave an impression. Tickets cost £15 and can be booked online at emftheatre.com Once again, the Royal Wells Hotel will be hosting an Out of Bounds Comedy Night. This adults-only evening includes up-and-coming Lenny Sherman and surrealist Fred Barber.

The headline act will be musical demon Andy Askins, whose dry wit and dark parodies of popular songs have made him a sought-after performer. The doors open at 6pm if you fancy some steak and chips before the main event, and the comedy starts at 8pm. To book tickets, which cost £20 with a meal and £10 without, visit outofboundscomedy.co.uk

FRIDAY

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY… See how Winnie the Pooh was born in Ashdown Forest in Goodbye Christopher Robin at Groombridge Village Hall

WEDNESDAY

Asghar Farhadi’s latest film, Everybody Knows, will be screened at Trinity Theatre from 8pm.

Secrets of a family and the community are revealed as the tension rises after a woman’s daughter is kidnapped at a wedding. The Spanish-language thriller stars Penélope Cruz

and Javier Bardem, who have both been praised for their performances. Tickets cost £11 for a standard ticket and £10 for concessions. To book, visit trinitytheatre.net

THURSDAY Try something a little different tonight at The EM

From 7.30pm, Trio Lavolta will be playing at The Church of King Charles the Martyr. The trio features Joyce Fraser on violin, Felix Buser on cello and Simon Marlow on piano. They will be playing a number of well-loved pieces, including Mozart’s Trio in G Major and Trio in B flat Major

by Dvorak. Tickets cost £12.50 but entry is free for under-18s. To book, go to ticketsource. co.uk/mkctw Comedian Lucy Porter is bringing her new show Lucy Porter: Pass It On to Trinity Theatre.

You’ve probably heard Lucy on OUT OF BOUNDS (EXCEPT FOR ADULTS) BBC Radio 4’s The Comedian Andy Askins News Quiz, The is at the Royal Wells Hotel Now Show and

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

seen her on TV in QI and Live at The Apollo. Her new show tackles the problems of inheritance, dodgy knees and global warming. The show starts at 8pm and tickets, which cost £15, can be booked at trinitytheatre.net

SATURDAY

This is the opening night for The Pitmen Painters at The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge. After an unlikely meeting, an art professor and a group of miners find their worlds intertwining. Unable at first to understand each other, the painting master and the miners embark on one of the most unusual experiments in British Art, as the pitmen learn to become painters. The performance starts at 8pm and will run every night until Satruday May 4. Tickets cost £11 and can be booked by going to oasttheatre.com The Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells are putting on a do at the High Rocks Inn tonight from 7pm. In support of local charity Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource [MHR], this is a 60s and 70s-themed night, with awards for the best dressed. But it’s possibly best not to go as a prawn cocktail! Tickets cost £25 and include a two-course set menu. For more information and to book, go to twmhr.org.uk/events The EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge will be showing a new musical adaptation of Wuthering Heights (but without any Kate Bush singing!) The timeless story of passion transcending life and death is brought to the stage by a cast of five and a live band.

The criticallyacclaimed play will be at the Edinburgh Festival this

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

year, but this is a chance to catch it in town.

Tickets cost £10 and can be bought online at emftheatre.com

SUNDAY The Groombridge Film Society will be showing Goodbye Christopher Robin at Groombridge Village Hall from 7pm. The story tells how AA Milne and his young son Christopher discover our much-loved Ashdown Forest together, leading Milne to become inspired to write the tales of Winnie the Pooh and his friends. The doors open at 6.30pm and there will be a licensed bar plus nibbles to tuck into. The screening starts with a couple of short films as an introduction to the main feature. Tickets cost £2 for members, £6 for guests, and are half price for children.

MONDAY

It’s National Gardening Week, so go to the Green Fingered at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park afternoon EVERYBODY KNOWS The Spanishlanguage thriller is at Trinity Theatre

at the drop-in centre from 2.30pm till 4.30pm.

To get those fingers green, you will be making cress or grass heads, as well as wildflower seed bombs. Suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free with a suggested donation of £1. For more information, you can email Emma Peters at: emma.peters@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Going Out

Life&Times

57 THE PITMEN PAINTERS An unusual play at The Oast Theatre, Tonbridge

TUESDAY Hole Park in Rolvenden is the perfect place for a walk because the Bluebell Spectacular is in full bloom. Enjoy the stunning seas of blue flowers as you take the woodland. Standard admission fees apply. For more information, go to holepark.com The Lady Boys of Bangkok are in town at The Assembly Hall Theatre from 7.30pm. The muchloved show promises to bring glitz and glamour in a fun-filled cabaret night. It is performed by 16 ‘girls like no other girls’ and tickets cost from £24.75 from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK: Vintage and Craft Market

Chiddingstone Causway Saturday, April 27 10am till 4pm

The Vintage and Craft Market is back at Chiddingstone Causeway.

There will be more than 40 stalls selling art, crafts and vintage pieces, and children can enjoy the Craft Workshop and outdoor games while you browse. There will also be local food and drink vendors supplying brews, a hog roast and handmade cakes.

You can really make a day out of this event.

Tickets cost £1 and under 16s enter for free.

For more information, visit vintagecraftmarket.com

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Going Out

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live music With Paul Dunton

T

onight [Wednesday], renowned singer/musician Joe Longthorne returns to The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, and James McMaster headlines The Grey Lady with support from Mark Chase and Miar Murphy. The Forum’s Stable showcase has a rockin’ line-up: Dead Kaczynski, Fortune Favours, Nod Loves Dogs in Eden and The Calveras.

Friday night sees Mike Wilton at The Spa Hotel, The Acoustic Varlies at The Nelson Arms in Tonbridge and Nicky Hart as Elvis at The Bedford.

Plus Will Watson & The Wave are at The Forum with support from The Grey Owls. Fans of classical music can enjoy the superb Trio Lavolta at King Charles The Martyr Church.

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

On Saturday night look out for Disco Odyssey at The Beau Nash and The Velvet Goldmine returning to The Royal Oak. The Local & Live Sessions return to Trinity Theatre with my orchestra and The Anna Howie Band.

Groovestar make their debut at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge and The Stag Theatre hosts The Tina Turner Story. For something alternative, At World’s End, Confessions of a Traitor, Scars Of Sense and Stonehand are at The Sussex Arms Basement.

On Sunday, Steffan James celebrates his new EP, People Talk, with a free live show in Trinty Theatre foyer with Mike Wilton, and singersongwriters Marie White, Laky and Katy Virgoe are at The Grey Lady.

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Website pdag.co.uk Wednesday James McMaster, Mark Chase, Miar Murphy Friday Lipstick & Beatniks Saturday Dino Baptiste Sunday Marie White, Laky, Katy Virgoe

Music from 8.30pm More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday Nicky Hart is Elvis

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Tunbridge Wells Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday The Stable: Dead Kaczynski, Fortune Favours, Nod Loves Dogs in Eden, The Calveras Thursday Vennart Friday Local & Live Presents: Will Watson & The Wave, The Grey Owls Saturday Back to the 80s Easter Party Tuesday The Murder Capital, Egyptian Blue

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS BAR & GRILL High Street. Music from 4pm-7pm Friday Anton Browne & Bob Bernard

THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks. All event details and tickets available at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Wednesday Joe Longthorne Returns Saturday The Tina Turner Story MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Play it Again: Adult band workshop, all levels welcome, booking essential 01732 350629

THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Music from 8pm in Zagatos Bar Friday Local & Live Presents: Mike Wilton

KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH Nevill Street. Full concert details and tickets available at kcmtw.org Friday 7.30pm Trio Lavolta NELSON ARMS Cromer Streeet, Tonbridge Music from 8pm Friday The Acoustic Varlies THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews. Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Saturday At World’s End, Confessions of a Traitor, Scars Of Sense, Stonehand THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road. Music from 7.45pm

SACKVILLE THEATRE Sevenoaks School. Full details at thespacesevenoaks.co.uk Thursday 7.30pm Sevenoaks School Jazz Club. Tickets £7 THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim. Music from 8.30pm Friday Soul Night Saturday Disco Odyssey THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street

Dino Baptiste

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Saturday The Velvet Goldmine THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Music from 8pm Saturday Groovestar Tuesday Gez Gold THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB 26 Priory Road, Tonbridge. Members free. Guests £5. Doors open 6.30pm Saturday Tom Jones Tribute Night TRINITY THEATRE Church Road. Event details & tickets available at trinitytheatre.net Saturday Local & Live Sessions: Paul Dunton Orchestra, Anna Howie Sunday 2pm Steffan James EP Launch.

Free foyer show, with Mike Wilton ROSE HILL SCHOOL THEATRE Coniston Avenue. Details at codatw.co.uk Sunday 3pm CODA Presents: Anthony Zerpa-Falcon (piano) VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Music from 6pm. Event details available at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday Rosie Horne

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Life can be sweet – with less sugar Now Easter is over, and all those chocolate eggs have been eaten, it’s time to think about how we can restore some balance. Eileen Leahy asks registered public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire the best way to get back to a healthy equilibrium

O

VER the past week or so you’ve probably consumed a large amount of delicious but calorific chocolate eggs, and a good few sugary mini ones, too, in celebrating Easter. If so, then your sugar intake has undoubtedly skyrocketed.

A recent Safefood survey which looked at the sugar content of Easter eggs revealed that one medium chocolate egg provides around 23 TIPS Dr Emma Derbyshire

teaspoons of sugar, while extra-large Easter eggs with supplementary chocolate bars included in them contain a whopping 73 teaspoons. And smaller chocolate bunnies provide anything between 13 and 28 teaspoons.

Government advice is that younger children aged four to six years should have no more than 19 grams (about five teaspoons) of sugar daily.

Older children aged seven to ten years should have no more than 24 grams daily (around six teaspoons), and adults no more than 30 grams daily (about seven teaspoons).

So it is very easy to see how sugar benchmarks can be exceeded several-fold during Easter.

To get your diet – and dental – regime back on track, we asked public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire for her tips on lowering sugar intake – without having to completely sacrifice the sweet stuff…

TIP 1 – If you still have eggs left over, then break them up and distribute them to children (and yourself) bit by bit over the course of a week instead of consuming a whole one in a day.

TIP 2 – Mix chocolate up with fruits such as blueberries, blackberries or strawberries to put chocolate and fruit on the same level playing field.

TIP 3 – Do some swaps. Having a hot chocolate made with cocoa powder and semi-skimmed milk only provides 6.5 grams of sugar compared with 56 grams found in the equivalent amount of milk chocolate (100g)

TIP 4 – When it comes to cake or cupcake decorating, stay away from the sugary additional decorations and use berries instead.

Here’s a couple of delicious recipes to inspire you to introduce more berries into your sweet treats:

Two berry-rich recipes to try…

White chocolate mousses with strawberry and black pepper sauce Adding just a hint of cracked black pepper to puréed strawberries adds a real kick. Combine this with a white chocolate, lime and white rum mousse and you will wow your friends. Also, make extra sauce and freeze in sections of an ice cube tray, defrost as many ice cubes as you need in the microwave, and drizzle over a scoop of vanilla ice cream to give it the star treatment.

SERVES 4 Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 5 minutes Chill: 3-4 hours WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE n 200g (7oz) white chocolate, broken into pieces n 1 lime, grated rind only n 2 eggs, separated n 2 tablespoons white rum n 150ml (¼ pint) double cream STRAWBERRY AND BLACK PEPPER SAUCE n 50g (2oz) caster sugar n 75ml (21/2 fl oz) water n 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, roughly crushed n 225g (8oz) strawberries, hulled, sliced n ½ lime, juice only n Few extra small strawberries to decorate 1) To make the mousse, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of very gently simmering water, making sure that the base of the bowl isn’t touching the water.

2) Take the bowl of chocolate off the saucepan and stir in the lime rind, egg yolks and rum until smooth. Lightly whip the cream until it forms soft swirls then fold into the chocolate mix and spoon into 4 small glasses. Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours until set.

3) Meanwhile, make the sauce, add the sugar, water and pepper to a medium saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, then simmer for 3 minutes. Add the strawberries and lime juice and cook for 2 minutes, then leave to cool.

4) Purée the sauce in a liquidiser, or using a stick blender, until smooth. Pour into a small jug and pour over the tops of the mousses just before serving. Serve on small plates with extra halved strawberries, if liked.

Ruby berry nests A healthier alternative to the little chocolate cupcakes, so why not get the kids to help making these extra fruity alternatives? There’s no pastry to make, just cut out squares of ready-rolled filo, bake and fill with custard and glazed red berries.

MAKES 12 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes n 50g (2oz) butter n 270g pack of 6 frozen filo pastry

sheets (defrosted) – use 3 sheets (each 46 x 21.5 cm) n 150 ml (¼ pint) double cream n 400g (14oz) can low fat readymade custard n ½ orange, grated rind and 1 tablespoon juice n 450g (1 lb) mixed berries (whole raspberries and blueberries and strawberries, halved or quartered) n 3 tablespoons strawberry jam n Icing sugar (sifted) to decorate

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

For more information on how you can include more delicious berries, and to find more inspiring recipes, log on to lovefreshberries.co.uk/home

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61

Spring uncorked with just the right wine

1) Warm the butter in a small saucepan until melted, and use a little to grace a 12-section deep muffin tin. Separate the pastry sheets, brush each one with a little butter, then cut into 12 rectangles.

2) Lay one piece in each section of the muffin tin then arrange a second and third square at a slight angle to the previous one to give a jagged, nest-like effect.

3) Bake at 180°C / 350 °F / Gas mark 4 for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Leave in the tin to cool.

4) Take the pastry cases carefully out of the tin and arrange on a large serving plate. Whip the cream until if forms soft swirls, then fold in the custard and orange rind. Spoon into the pastry cases.

5) Warm the jam and orange juice in a small saucepan, stirring until the jam has melted. Add the berries, coat in the jam glaze, then spoon into the tarts. Dust the top edges of the pastry with a little sifted icing sugar and serve.

As we’ve been seeing, spring is well and truly in the air. Welcoming the warmer and sunnier days, Times’ Drinks Editor James Viner raises a glass to springtime with three bright and tempting wines 1) THE PERFECT APERITIF: A MUST-TRY LIGHT, CRISP & BONE-DRY SHERRY The Society’s Fino Sherry, Sánchez Romate, Jerez, Spain (£6.75, The Wine Society) Sherry’s one of the greatest wines in the world, and a personal favourite.

With green apples spliced with sourdough, iodine and hints of smoke and jasmine, this tangy, textbook, lowish-acid fino is simply dazzling.

Try it with green olives, jamón Ibérico, salted almonds, Manchego, oysters, esqueixada, paella, tortilla, gazpacho, mezze/tapas, anchovies, fish curry, fritto misto, smoked salmon, sashimi, vinaigrette-laden salads and ratatouille! Refined and appetising, it’s built for an Adonis cocktail (a lighter interpretation of the Manhattan). Once opened, drink within two to three days, serving well chilled.

Alc 15% Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

2) MUST-TRY ENGLISH SUPERMARKET WHITE 2018 Exquisite Lyme Block English Wine, Lyme Bay Winery, Devon (£9.99, Aldi) From a stupendous vintage, this is a zingy homegrown bacchus-based treat for the

tastebuds. Its gentle flavours – think grapefruit, lime, melon, hawthorn and nettles – are overlaid by appley acidity, making it sufficiently energising to drink as an aperitif on a warm spring evening. Pop it in the shopping basket along with some asparagus, fresh seasonal plaice or oysters. If great

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value for money spring-to-summer pale dry rosé is what you want, Aldi’s cracking salad-and sushi-loving Terres de Brume Cap d’Agde Rosé ’18 (£4.99) has your name on it, and is the steal of steals of rosés on the UK’s shelves. Nab both these wines while you can. Alc 12.5% 3) JUICY, GULPABLE, GRANITIC FRUIT-DRIVEN GAMAY RED 2017 Louis Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages ‘Combe aux Jacques’, France (£10.31-£11, The Drink Shop/Fareham Wine Cellar/WinePig/Tesco) Bursting with violets and crunchy cherry, raspberry, redcurrant and damson plum fruit, this medium-bodied gem from hilly, northern Beaujolais is perfect for sipping al fresco on the initial warm days of the season. Way too easy to sink into, and propelled by an enlivening vein of acidity, it’s a class act that seems to pair with any food you throw at it. Make it your go-to smart spring dinner party or picnic bottle. Hello, roast guinea fowl, aubergine parmigiana, roast duck/duck breast salad, main course veggie dishes, tuna/salmon steak, grilled salmon, pâtés and charcuterie.

Lightly chill.

Alc 13%

3

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

You’re invited to a Corker of a garden party A couple of years ago, Alice and Mick Corker rebranded their Paddock Wood garden business Corker Outdoor Living. We catch up with their sons, Harry and Ollie, who help to run the family firm, just as they are about to celebrate Corker’s second birthday…

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY (L-R): Harry, Ollie, Alice and Mick Corker

Ahead of your second birthday celebration, can you tell us about the business?

Today, we like to think of ourselves as a cross between a builders’ merchant and a garden centre which can cater for both tradesmen and retail customers. What we offer is truly unique because we sell such a wide range of products, including those for landscaping and gardens.

People love to come to our yard and spend the day here just looking at the show gardens and choosing products from our range.

We always go out of our way for our customers to help them with whatever they need. I think this attitude is essential to the success of Corker.

We offer a service from start to finish, selling everything from the foundation materials to the furniture when the garden has been landscaped.

People have really started to want to come to Corker, and they value it as a brand.

Can you tell us about the new product ranges you have added recently?

We are always keen to be on top of the latest trends in landscaping and gardening.

For example, we have been getting a lot of enquiries about outdoor kitchens recently, which is great because it shows how people are now starting to see their gardens as extensions to their homes. We are keen to make these available to our customers as they can also add value to a property, as well as being a great way to cook in the summer.

Another new range we’re expanding at the moment is our porcelain paving slabs. Porcelain is really popular. Traditionally, the choice has always been sandstone, but the downside to this is it can be very difficult to clean. Sandstone is very porous but porcelain is far easier to wash.

Porcelain complements our new contemporary range and is a great choice for people looking to create a garden with clean, modern look.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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We feel we have a good brand presence offline, but it is more important than ever to have a large internet footprint as well. This will let tradesmen and our business grow together online.

We’ve also got two new gardens currently being added to our show area – one from Green Oak Services and another from Fairweather Garden Construction.

Our show gardens are a real attraction for customers and it’s a good way of demonstrating what we can do. We are strong believers in growing not just our own brand but also the brands of the other businesses we work with so that we are stronger together.

So how did the company start, and what are your plans for developing and promoting the brand?

When we started out several years ago we were happy with our original name, Small Loads, because it summed up what we did as a small-scale tipping company.

But as we expanded, we felt we wanted a name that better showed what we now offer to customers.

We chose our new name from a huge list, eventually realising that the simplest choice was the best choice – because Corker Outdoor Living shows we are a family business and that we can help you create an astonishing garden.

Something we are very excited about for our brand is the up-coming Corker TV! We are currently shooting footage for the first film, which will be an introduction to the business and what we do.

We’ll be shooting our own videos and content, filming clients and their plans for their gardens.

We will then return and film the project halfway through, and again on completion.

We really enjoy getting the chance to film and show people what we are about, including our friendly atmosphere and the fantastic results we get from working in tandem with local businesses.

All these videos will be uploaded on to YouTube and our social media channels.

What other things are you planning to roll out in the future?

It’s early days, but we want to start offering a range of DIY products, much like other larger companies in this sector, which will be great for customers.

People enjoy coming for a whole day to our yard to see what we have, and so we are also looking into having a café for customers so they can eat, drink and relax when they come here.

Corker is a business that is first and foremost about building relationships with our customers, who we hope will be joining us for our second birthday party on the Early May Bank Holiday.

That sounds exciting – can you tell us more about your big birthday party?

On Monday May 6 we will be celebrating two years of Corker Outdoor Living.

We will be having a gourmet barbecue, cakes, tea, coffee and a bar, as well as offering a ten per cent discount on all of our products.

This is a way for us to say thank you to all our customers, and to have some fun on the bank holiday, so we hope you will join us.

CORKER OUTDOOR LIVING Westdene, Whetsted Road, Paddock Wood TN12 6SD Tel: 01892 833325 Web: corker.co.uk YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: @CorkerUK

TAKING STEPS Garden built by Jason Lardner of Outdoor Innovation

A COSY STONE CIRCLE AROUND THE FIRE PIT Garden built by Rick Porter of Strata Landscapes

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travel

64

THE ‘BALCONY TO THE AEGEAN’ – Imerovigli on the Greek island of Santorini

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

On the crest of a wave The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in travel, offering a massive range of new ships and exciting destinations, which you can discover at the fantastic #CruiseInspirations Show at Bewl Water this coming Sunday…

HEADING TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD Cruising to Alaska

G

LOBALLY in 2019, the number of people to take a cruise is expected to reach 30 million – an increase of six per cent from 2018. The number of CLIA-member cruise ships in operation is 272, with over 24 new ocean ships launching this year, bringing over 40,000 new beds to fill. So there are plenty of opportunities to cruise, and choices to appeal to every traveller.

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES Cruise lines are increasingly focusing on delivering the best possible cruise experience, asking themselves: “What will our guests love?” to create holidays that offer extraordinary experiences both onboard and ashore.

When listening to today’s cruisers talk about their holidays, you’re more likely to first hear about the incredible things they enjoyed, such as amazing evening theatre shows, bars staffed by robots, cooking classes given by celebrity chefs, special guest lecturers, and a raft of adventurous adrenaline-filled activities, such as zip lining, ice skating or skydiving.

In the past, guests may have focused on the onboard facilities, such as how many bars and pools there were, but today it’s much more about experience and enrichment.

ONBOARD SMART TECH Technology has become a huge part of daily life, and this is no exception for the cruise industry, with lines adopting

ITALIAN SUNRISE Over Florence

the latest tech to ensure guests are provided with a highly personalised travel experience both on and off the ship.

A significant trend in the industry is the development of new technology in order to create better-connected voyages, and cruise lines will continue to race to become more advanced than ever. Such technologies range from complex infrastructure to create ‘smart ships’, to digital personal assistants and apps downloaded on guests’ personal devices – all to create a seamless cruise experience.

Cruise lines are also investing in new technologies to make ships ‘greener’, such as using solar panels as well as liquified natural gas to reduce emissions.

Eleven ships will have launched by 2027 that use LNG at sea as well as in port – seven Carnival-branded ships and two from both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.

SOLO TRAVEL The number of Google searches for ‘solo travel’ and ‘travelling alone’ is at the highest it’s ever been. It’s easy to imagine that the majority of lone travellers are twentysomething backpackers, but this is not the case. Last year, the average age of the UK solo traveller was 57.

Cruises offer both space for solitude and opportunities for social interaction, taking the stress out of solo travel.

And as lines do more to attract this market through special offerings, such as dedicated social events, solo cabins and deals waiving single supplements, the number of people choosing to cruise on their own is growing.

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

EXPEDITION CRUISES Travellers are setting sights on destinations that were previously out of reach but are now accessible by cruise ship, such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica.

Expedition cruises have a completely unique offering – the chance to visit and explore the furthest parts of the world that are only accessible by ship. Because of this, the popularity of small ship cruises to the polar regions is rising.

These types of cruises appeal to a wide range of travellers – from seasoned cruisers looking for a completely new experience to wildlife enthusiasts, ‘walkers and trekkers’, naturalists, and those who would not normally consider a mainstream cruise as a holiday option.

With ten new expedition and adventure ships launching in 2019, and a further five in 2020, you can certainly expect to start hearing more about expedition cruises in the next year.

CRUISE SHIP DESIGN Cruise ship design is changing significantly, with the aim of delivering the best possible experience onboard. Shipbuilding techniques are evolving, and as an increasing number of lines invest in new onboard facilities and state-ofthe-art technology, and partner with non-cruise designers, these holidays will appeal to even more travellers, both yet-to-cruise and repeat guests.

INSTAGRAMMABLE TRAVEL This leads on to another trend in the industry as a whole – ‘Instagrammable travel’. Instagram photos are driving interest in travel all around the world, with people always on the search for somewhere to take their latest photo. Cruise guests are filling Instagram feeds with diverse experiences both onboard and on land, and cruise lines are ensuring that the ship design will offer the perfect backdrop.

CHOOSING YOUR CRUISE The amount of choice in the world of cruising can be overwhelming, so why not allow the experts

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk to guide you? Each of the eight branches of Baldwins Travel have cruise champions in store who keep abreast of all of the advances in cruise technology, hear about the current offers first, and can help you narrow down the options based on your own personal requirements.

Why not take the opportunity to meet them all – and many of the most popular cruise lines and travel companies who handle cruises – at a onestop ‘shop’ – the #CruiseInspirations Show?

This superb travel event tales place on Sunday, April 28, at Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, and will be open from 10am to 3pm.

Entry is free and you could even be the lucky winner of a Royal Caribbean cruise for two – just for attending! Baldwins Travel hope to see you there.

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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE See the Aurora Borealis over Tromsø in Norway

ISLANDS IN THE STREAMS The spectacular view of Venice from Academia Bridge

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Motoring

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Motoring News

This week… n E-cars on the up n Car theft warning n A standout hatch

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Limited-run Ford Fiesta ST Ford Performance Edition revealed

Signal-blocking key pouches may not always stop thefts

UK sees dramatic rise in number of plug-in cars THE number of plug-in hybrid and fully electric cars rose by 76.6% in 2018, according to new data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders [SMMT].

The data shows that there are now 195,410 plug-in vehicles on UK roads.

Ownership of alternatively-fuelled vehicles [AFVs] also rose by 30%, meaning that combined there are more than 620,000 hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell and fully electric cars in the UK. However, that is still a fraction of the total number of all types of cars in the UK, with 34.9 million now registered.

The increase in popularity of AFVs, combined with advancements in petrol and diesel engines, means that the average CO2 levels

across manufacturer fleets have fallen to the lowest on record – a reduction of 17.8% compared with 2008 – 143.9g/km compared to 175.1g/km.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “Thanks to massive investment from manufacturers in delivering a wide range of models across all fuel types, to suit all driving needs, environmental gains are now being delivered across the UK… Technology makes every new generation of vehicle more efficient than the last.”

Looking forward, he added: “We need a world-class package of incentives and infrastructure to give motorists the confidence to buy the latest, cleanest cars, whatever the fuel type, in the greater numbers we need to meet environmental challenges.”

MOTORISTS are being warned that signal-blocking pouches and boxes designed to thwart hi-tech car thieves may not work as advertised.

The devices, sometimes called Faraday pouches, have become popular to combat so-called relay theft – where thieves boost the signal from a car’s keyless entry fob to get into the vehicle without the key.

The pouches contain a wire mesh, known as a Faraday cage, that can block radio signals from the keyless entry system. However, some thefts have been carried out when the keys were in the pouches.

On cheaper items, it’s possible to damage the mesh through constantly taking the keys in and out, while others don’t have protection

applied to all their compartments.

A spokesperson for security firm Thatcham Research told Auto Express that owners should be cautious when shopping for a Faraday pouch: “We have tested a few of the pouches and the ones we’ve assessed have worked, but we can’t guarantee they all will. Some pouches have two pockets, for example, only one of which will block signals, while there are so many on the market it’s simply not possible for us to test them all.”

Owners are advised to test a device’s ability to block signals before using it, by standing next to their car and ensuring it doesn’t unlock. Some carmakers are also taking steps to make their cars safe from relay theft.

ONE of Britain’s most-loved hot hatches has been enhanced in a new limited-edition release. The Ford Fiesta ST Ford Performance Edition has been treated to a full suite of upgrades from the manufacturer’s performance parts catalogue.

Emblazoned in an unmissable ‘Deep Orange’ paintwork, it’s based on ST-3 trim with the Performance Pack – comprising the widely regarded Quaife limited-slip differential, launch control, and performance shift light indicators.

Added to that is the introduction of 18-inch Ford Performance alloy wheels – said to be 7kg lighter than the standard-fit items – along with a new coilover suspension pack.

This upgraded suspension has been honed on the famed Nurburgring racetrack and lowers the car by 15mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. It also has manually adjustable bump and rebound settings, allowing owners to fine-tune the driving experience. Plus the car has standard-fit LED headlights and a B&O audio system.

Order books open in June, and the firm says the car will carry a premium of ‘at least’ £3,000 over the standard – so expect it to be north of £25,450. Deliveries are scheduled for September, and just 600 cars will be sold.

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Recruitment

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Wednesday April 24 | 2019

WITH THE

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

Fill your vacancy now in print or online

From just £99 For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779650

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD

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

2

3 7 6

4 1 9 7 6 3 3 6 4 2 7 5

Codeword:

1 3 3 6 4 2 9 8 8

9

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

2 3

12 18

4

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★✩✩✩

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9 8 6 4 8 6 4 9 7 4 1 9 6 7 1 4

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★✩✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

P E A C O C K P E P Y S

S A L M J U T I U L A D D I N R W K L I V E E N E R N O C K S S R O U L L E Y S A Q W E N G U A B D I L T O P P E D

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

Sudoku:

3 5 2 4 8 7 1 9 6

6 8 9 1 2 5 3 7 4

7 1 4 3 6 9 5 2 8

9 4 8 7 1 6 2 5 3

2 6 3 9 5 8 4 1 7

5 7 1 2 4 3 6 8 9

1 2 6 8 7 4 9 3 5

4 3 7 5 9 1 8 6 2

8 9 5 6 3 2 7 4 1

8 2 1 5 4 3 6 9 7

2 3 7 4 5 9 1 8 6

1 8 9 7 2 6 3 5 4

3 9 6 1 8 5 4 7 2

5 7 4 6 3 2 9 1 8

Jigsaw Sudoku:

9 4 5 2 1 8 7 6 3

7 1 3 8 6 4 5 2 9

4 6 8 9 7 1 2 3 5

6 5 2 3 9 7 8 4 1

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

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Sport

FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Williams aims for first title after last year’s success

By Andy Tong CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS 1st XI will look to emulate their achievement of finishing third in the Kent Cricket League Premier Division last season – and may even have what it takes to win the title for the first time.

Finishing third last time under the leadership of Chris Williams constituted their joint highest placing in the top flight, achieved previously in 1998 and 2009.

They would have had a shot at the top spot but they suffered a few setbacks during their August programme which culminated in a damaging two-wicket defeat by Lordswood.

The title went to Blackheath for the first time in 34 years, by a single point from Lordswood, with Wells 15 points further back and Sevenoaks Vine in fourth place.

There has been little player movement during

South Africa, picking up 22 wickets in six matches, including figures of 5 for 49 against KwaZulu Natal last month.

Much is expected of another young paceman, Isaac Beppey, the young left-armer who played a handful of games for the First XI last season.

The O’Riordan brothers, Marcus and Julian, will be mainstays of the side with bat and ball after their outstanding careers at Tonbridge School.

There has been upheaval all through the Kent League after Hartley Country Club decided to pull out of the Premier Division in February.

The move has come as a shock to the county game since the club, which nurtured the talents of Sam Billings and England women’s captain Charlotte Edwards, is a well-established powerhouse.

Hartley have been the league’s most successful club of recent times, winning six Premier Division titles in nine years.

the close season, but the first team has lost its wicketkeeper Graham Francis, who has gone to play up the road at Linden Park.

However, the club is welcoming back an old friend in Simon Routh, who looks set to take the gloves in the Premier Division.

The 55-year-old veteran first played for the club in 1980 as a 16-year-old and has more than 1,000 victims behind the stumps.

Firebrand He spent three years at Hayes Cricket Club as a keeper with some coaching duties but has now decided to return to the Nevill.

Wells’ hopes of repeating their success are boosted by the return of overseas player Ari Karvelas, a firebrand fast bowler.

The 25-year-old has been playing first-class cricket over the winter for Gauteng in his native

Stone turns up to head Tonbridge into play-offs

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS confirmed their place in the Bostik League Premier play-offs with a late winner against the team who had leapfrogged above them three days before.

It is the second time that Angels manager Steve McKimm has achieved this feat during his five-season tenure at Longmead.

All that remains is to secure a home tie for the semi-finals by finishing in second or third place.

Tonbridge are currently third with Haringey Borough one point ahead of them.

The final fixtures on Saturday could see Merstham overtake the Angels.

Crucially Carshalton have to play Bishop’s Stortford; they the only other two sides who are capable of moving above 70 points – thereby guaranteeing Tonbridge’s play-off berth.

McKimm picked the same starting XI that earned a crucial point in the draw at Worthing – yet another play-off hopeful in this tight division.

The first period saw the Angels enjoy the majority of possession but they created very few clear-cut opportunities.

In the eighth minute Sonny Miles was unable to convert a chance at the back post from a corner.

Miles set up Joe Turner on 24 minutes but his pile-driver flew just wide of the left-hand post.

The Robins defence stood firm and seemed content to soak up the pressure.

Carshalton emerged for the second half with more intent but the Angels defence was also in a mean mood and there were no clear-cut chances.

On 53 minutes, Turner’s free kick provided openings for Tom Derry and Chinedu McKenzie but the strikers could not take advantage.

Gradually the home side seemed to gain control with corners and other set-pieces, and were urged on by the impressive holiday crowd of 861.

The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute when an excellently delivered Turner corner was headed on across goal by Miles.

‘I am so pleased for the players, and indeed everyone who backed me earlier in the season’ Defensive midfielder Craig Stone had arrived unnoticed at the back post and he was able to head the ball into the top right-hand corner.

The home side had to hang on for the remaining 11 minutes plus stoppage time. But the Robins seemed to have largely run out of ideas in the face of the Angels’ sensible game management.

Derry could have made the game safe late on when he was put through but he was muscled off the ball by a defender.

Tonbridge hung on for a plucky victory. McKimm

RIGHT ON TIME Craig Stone heads in the winner at the far post

PHOTO: Wes Filtness/KLM Sports Photography

Tonbridge Angels 1 Carshalton Athletic 0

The 1st XI were champions in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, finishing runner-up twice and third once before going down in 2017.

They won promotion back to the top tier last year but it is understood that every player has now left the club, while only two from the 2nd XI remain – in total, 24 members have moved on.

Chairman John Tucker has said a generous donation to the club was a ‘bone of contention’.

After the first-team players left, sources say those who were set to take their places were worried about the standard of the Premier Division.

Their demise means that all the third-placed teams from Division One downwards have been promoted, and Midland Bank are taking their place in the top flight.

Hartley have reformed their 1st and 2nd XI, who will now start in Division Five, the lowest tier.

Tunbridge Wells’ first fixture is at home to Beckenham on Saturday May 4.

said: “I’m so pleased for the players, and indeed everyone who backed me earlier in the season when following a defeat at, ironically, Carshalton I questioned my own future with the club.

“We’ve won nothing yet and the first thing to do is concentrate and plan how to get maximum points at Potters Bar Town next Saturday.”

The Angels secured a valuable draw at Worthing on Good Friday but they saw the chance of three points snatched away by a late equaliser.

With third taking on fifth, there was a large attendance of 1,322 at Woodside Road, which included Bostik League’s Chairman Nick Robinson.

It turned out to be a highly entertaining game in which both sides went for the win.

The first half was goalless but then Tonbridge found more space and began to create chances.

In the 63rd minute Derry was put through but unselfishly passed to the unmarked Turner, who drilled the ball into the net.

With nine minutes left Worthing’s David Ajiboye jinked his way past three Angels defenders and scored with a shot from 10 yards out.

The visitors had to work hard to prevent a home winner at the death but they kept their hosts a crucial three points below them.

The Angels travel to Potters Bar Town on Saturday [April 27, kick-off 3pm] for the last league match.

The play-off semi-finals are on Thursday May 2.

Rusthall are relegated after physical contest with rivals Hollands & Blair 3 Rusthall 0

BRIGHT PROSPECT Raul Powell-Downing shows pace and power for Rusthall

FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL’S relegation from the Southern Counties East League Premier Division was confirmed on a disappointing day against their rivals for the drop, Hollands & Blair.

The pitch was bumpy and the hosts were a large, physical side whose main tactic was goal-kicks that reached the Rusthall penalty area.

Hollands & Blair scored after two minutes. The ball was played down Rusthall’s left and Justin Ascheri scored from the ensuing cross.

After 20 minutes Rusthall got into the game.

From a corner Ryan Styles fired a shot just wide and then Raul Powell-Downey saw an attempt go just over the bar. Rusthall’s Aaron McGuigan had to be alert to tip over a dipping shot.

Hollands & Blair were given a free kick just outside the Rusthall penalty area and Steve Radcliff put it over the wall and into the top corner, making it 2-0 at half-time.

Rusthall came out ready to compete in the

second half and were soon awarded a penalty.

However, Steph Harper, the regular penalty taker, had gone off injured just before half-time and the penalty kick was missed.

Rusthall dominated play in the second half and as they pushed forward, Hollands & Blair broke away and Jack Simon scored a third.

Chances still came Rusthall’s way. Charlie Clover missed out in a one-on-one with the keeper.

With Punjab winning at AFC Croydon, Rusthall were confirmed in second-to-bottom place, 10 points adrift of Punjab and Hollands & Blair.

On Easter Monday, Rusthall went down 1-0 at home to Glebe with former Tunbridge Wells player Jack Harris heading in the winner.

Rusthall’s chairman Joe Croker said: “We have a well-respected manager in Jimmy Anderson who has built a young team which, if starting now, would comfortably stay in this division.

“Rusthall is a Premier Division club, and relegation is merely a setback to establishing outselves there.”

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 24 | 2019

Sport

Dylan ready to move up to next level after first tournament win SNOOKER: LOCAL snooker prodigy Dylan Smith

has taken an important couple of steps in his burgeoning career.

The 11-year-old from Paddock Wood has won his first tournament, taking on players several years old than him. And he will now move up to playing longer competitive matches.

Dylan enjoyed a highly successful weekend, winning the Kent Under-16s Summers Cup and then reaching the last eight of the All Sussex Handicap Championship on consecutive days.

The Kent event at Welling Snooker Club featured two other players, both aged 14, and the trio played a round-robin best-of-three format.

WINNING SMILE Dylan Smith celebrates with the Summers Cup

Ruthless In his first match Dylan beat Nicky Trowell 2-0.

He began confidently, winning the first frame 70-15. He was in ruthless mode, and at one stage put his opponent in three consecutive snookers, taking the second frame 78-30.

His match against defending champion Jimmy Matthews was a much tougher contest.

Dylan made an emphatic start, running away with the first frame 80-27.

The second was a much closer affair with some excellent safety play and inspired potting.

Leading by just five points, Dylan needed the final black to take the title. He potted it under pressure but was unlucky to see the cueball follow through into the same pocket, handing the frame to Jimmy 54-52.

Neither player held back in the decider and both had their chances before Dylan held his nerve, winning the title on the final pink.

Adrian Frisby of the Kent County Billiards and Snooker Association said: “Many congratulations to Dylan for becoming Kent Under-16 Champion for the first time at just 11 years old and for achieving his first ever tournament win.

“We hope we’ll see him again when he moves up to play in the Under-21 championship.”

Dylan told the Times: “I felt very good, and I’m extremely happy because it was my first win ever, which made it that much more special.

“Winning a tournament will make me better. It will give me quite a lot of confidence. It makes me know that I can do it.”

At the Sussex Handicap Championship at the Castle Snooker and Sports Bar in Brighton there was a much bigger field, with 38 players in the main draw – of all ages and abilities.

He beat Fred Mitchell 3-0 in a best-of-five

Be part of croquet’s growing future HOOP LOOPY Calverley Grounds has three croquet lawns

CROQUET: THE Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club is holding an open day in Calverley Grounds on Sunday May 12 to mark National Croquet Day. The club’s chairman Jon Diamond said: “We’re celebrating the continuing increase in the number of people playing croquet, as are many other clubs around the country.

“Of course we’ll be teaching people to play, but in addition there will be competitions with prizes, and light refreshments for everyone who takes part throughout the day, so why not give it a go?”

The free event runs from 11am to 4pm with a programme of challenges for novices. For more information visit tunbridgewellscroquet.org.uk The club also runs one-day introduction courses this Saturday [May 4] and on June 1, July 20 and August 10. The courses cost £20 per person.

And this summer the Calverley Grounds venue will be hosting the Simon Carter Golf Croquet World Championship from July 27 to August 4.

Golf Croquet is the simpler form of the garden game where there are no bonus shots; each side

plays alternate strokes and tries to be the first to score the next hoop.

Its more traditional cousin, Association Croquet, is based on break play like snooker, which means the striker can keep playing until he misses.

The sport is enjoying growing levels of interest and this year sees the inaugural University Championship being held at Sheffield University.

In Golf Croquet men and women compete on equal terms. With a handicap system beginners and skilled players can play each other in competitive matches.

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club, which has more than 60 members, was founded in 1965 and moved to its current location with three lawns in Calverley Grounds in 1995.

The club provides a full range of free coaching options to members throughout the season by qualified coaches, from beginner level upwards.

It runs several internal tournaments and two Open events from June to August, as well as beginner competitions.

format, then defeated Spencer Flowers 3-0.

But he bowed out at the quarter-final stage with a 3-1 defeat to Paul Norris.

Norris, who has represented England at Senior and Masters level, has won five county titles.

Patrick Adams, general manager at the Castle Club, said: “Dylan played with the composure of someone well beyond his years.

“Paul was a bit too experienced for Dylan but he said how hard he had to battle to win.

“Both Paul and everyone at the Club can see what a bright future Dylan has ahead of him, both on and off the table. He’s a great lad with an attitude and composure that belies his age.”

Back-to-back competitions made for a rigorous weekend, involving five hours of play each day and 19 frames in total.

“It is hard work but obviously I like playing a lot. When I’m on the table I’m happy,” he said.

Dylan believes he is making rapid progress. “I think I’ve improved in a few ways. My positioning has got better, and so have my long pots.

“I guess there’s always room for improvement but maybe I need more playing under pressure.

But I am getting better at that.

He will now move up from playing best of three frames to the best of nine, and could find himself up against rivals almost twice his age in Under-21 tournaments.

Meanwhile he is avidly watching the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.

Dylan recently took on Mark Williams, last year’s champion, at an exhibition evening at the Victoria Snooker Club in Tunbridge Wells.

But this year he is rooting for Mark Selby, the world No 2 who has won three world titles.

“I like him because he’s got a lot of fight and spirit and he doesn’t give up,” said Dylan.

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Wells look to retain regional Sevens title RUGBY: THE eighth annual Whiting & Hammond Kent Sevens takes place at Tunbridge Wells RFC this weekend [April 27-28].

This year’s event will see a record number of entries over the two days with high quality rugby and plenty of entertainment.

On Saturday, the competition forms part of the national Secure Trading Sevens Series, which is open to all club and invitational sides.

The Secure Trading Sevens Series is the ultimate competition for men’s and women’s amateur sevens teams in England, with the national finals held in Nottingham.

Tunbridge Wells Sevens will be attempting to defend the title they won at last year’s regional qualifier.

Then the Kent County Girls Sevens take centre stage on Sunday, with over 30 teams competing from Under-11s to Under-18s.

Games start at 10am on Saturday and 9.45am on Sunday with the finals taking place at around 3pm both days. Entry is £5 per car and £2 per spectator.

WELLS DONE Mike Doherty lifts last year’s Sevens trophy

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Andy Tong

Life&Times