Times of Tunbridge Wells 24th July 2019

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

THE FUTURE Apprentices, many from Auto Windscreens, outside One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells where they celebrated graduating from the Markerstudy Apprenticeship Learning Programme (ALEX). Full story page four

MP’s political career hangs in

the balance after Boris vote

By Richard Williams THE high flying career of Tunbridge Wells MP, Greg Clark, was thrown into doubt last night [Tuesday] after bookmaker’s favourite, Boris Johnson, succeeded in becoming leader of the Conservative party.

Mr Clark, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, backed rival Jeremy Hunt to take over from Theresa May to become both party leader and the next British Prime Minister, but he has now said that while Mr Johnson was not his choice, he wants him to succeed.

Writing in his monthly column for the Times, the local MP said yesterday [Tuesday]: “Boris Johnson has formidable abilities – personal and intellectual – which, if deployed in bringing people together and finding a good solution, with energy and creativity, mean that

he could succeed where Theresa May did not.”

Mr Clark added that he had been ‘clear and consistent’ in his view that the best course of action was for Britain to secure a deal with the EU before leaving on October 31, and that he was ‘not going to change them for political convenience’.

Legacy “Boris has said that he wants and expects to reach the good deal I want. He told me so to my face as recently as Monday,” revealed the MP. He added: “To secure such an agreement, and to help the United Kingdom overcome its divi-

sions, will be a fine legacy and I wish Boris the very best in the historic task ahead.”

Despite this, Mr Johnson, who has pledged to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal on October 31, is expected to form his own Cabinet as one of his first tasks as British Prime Minister.

It is expected that the Business Secretary will be among a number of MPs that face being replaced as Mr Johnson forms his own government, and prepares for the challenge of taking the UK out of the EU. Mr Clark has remained critical of any plans to take Britain out of the EU without a deal. Only last

See page 2

Father of seven has change of luck with

£250,000 lottery win A TUNBRIDGE WELLS father of seven who recently spent more than six months in hospital recovering from a near fatal road traffic accident, has had a change of luck – scooping more than £250,000 on the lottery.

Businessman, Stephen Cole, 65, won the Euromillions lottery draw on July 12, when his Lucky Dip ticket matched five main numbers and one Lucky Star.

Lotto executives handed Mr Cole his cheque on Monday [July 22] at the Nevill Golf Course in Tunbridge Wells, where the lucky winner told reporters: “Early on Saturday morning I took my coffee into the study to check my emails and spotted a ‘good news from The National Lottery’ message.

“Logging into my account, I was

Continued on page 2

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Local News

this week…

THE APPRENTICES: Young trainees celebrate graduation from Markerstudy scheme at One Warwick Park Hotel p4 ACROSS THE CHANNEL: A local law firm sets up shop to help ex-pats in the South of France deal with complex separation laws p6

WINNING WAYS: Tunbridge Wells based Mental Health Resource lauded in Kent Charity Awards p8

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

MPs and campaigners warn of Gatwick expansion

By Robert Forrester TENS of thousands of extra planes could soon be flying over Tunbridge Wells each year and prove to be ‘a significant further threat’ to the environment of the town and the surrounding countryside.

That’s the view of those campaigning against plans to open a second runway at Gatwick.

Last week, the airport announced it is to press on with plans to use its current standby runway into a second departure route by mid-2020 following the end of its consultation period.

Gatwick’s ‘master plan’ will enable the airport to service 55,000 more passengers each year.

Opponents say the move will see departure traffic increase by 36 per cent, leading to more than 100,000 extra flights travelling along the airport’s departure routes, flying either west over Surrey, or east over Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells.

“It is a second runway by stealth,” said campaigner Sally Pavel, who chairs CAGNE [Community Against Gatwick Noise Emissions].

She added: “It will see more aircraft over the departure routes – a 36 per cent increase in aircraft numbers is huge. Currently there

are around 283,000 flights a year, this would see an extra 100,000 departures.”

Tunbridge Wells Anti-Aircraft Noise Group [TWAANG] added that the plans posed ‘a significant further threat to Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area’.

“Those on the West side of town such as Langton Green, Rusthall and Speldhurst have already experienced greatly increased disturbance from Gatwick since 2013 and this will extend into the town with the increase in flights as the volume forces arriving aircraft Eastwards,” said a spokesman.

He continued: “Tunbridge Wells is an attractive town surrounded by some wonderful countryside. This is in danger of being spoiled even further by Gatwick’s excessive ambitions.”

The airport, which French firm Vinci Airports bought a majority stake at the beginning of this year for £2.9billion say the plans were necessary to meet demand.

Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick’s global connections are needed more than ever.”

He added that the master plan had received ‘strong support’ from the 5,000 responses they received during their consultation period.

MPs: CARBON EMISSIONS WILL INCREASE The Gatwick plans have been roundly criticised by a group of MPs including Greg Clark, and Tom Tugendhat.

In an open letter, also signed by MPs Sir Paul Beresford [Mole Valley], Crispin Blunt [Reigate], Gillian Keegan [Chichester] and Sir Nicholas Soames [Mid Sussex], they said: “Over the past few years Gatwick Airport has continually under invested in the local amenities and social infrastructure that would be required to support a project of this size and scale.

“We cannot support expansion of the Airport without a comprehensive investment in the

local area which would ease pressure on the over-stretched road and rail systems serving the airport.”

They continued: “At a time of increasing concern about the environmental impact of global aviation growth, the proposed expansion plans would see a marked increase in carbon emissions, with clearer environmental consequences for us all.

“We should not be looking at unchecked expansion at our local airports but seeking managed growth that is proportionate to our other national priorities.”

Independent commission set up to break theatre deadlock

By Richard Williams

PULLING THE STRINGS: Pupils at St Barnabas Primary School get ready for local puppet festival p17 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF

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

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

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THE Town Forum is to investigate the council’s controversial £90million theatre and civic centre development at the edge of Calverley Grounds in the hope it will break the political impasse that has seen the project grind to a halt.

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum was created in 2005 as a partnership between ward councillors and residents’ representatives and acts as an independent body to address local issues in light of there being no parish council representing the town.

The Forum, which is made up of councillors who represent wards in the town, as well as residents associations, local trading bodies, and business and community groups, has been asked by the borough council to look at its Calverley Square project and possibly any alternative solutions that are put forward.

Current chairman of the Forum, Adrian Berendt, says the council has approached the group to form a ‘commission’ as they are independent and have not yet taken any position on the project.

It is hoped the independent commission might

solution to the ailing town hall, which is too large and needs a major renovation to ensure it is an adequate space for council officers to work in. The Assembly Hall Theatre also needs redeveloping and is currently subsidised to the tune of £480,000.

Council Leader, Alan McDermott, has said that be able to reach a decision on whether the renovating both existing buildings could cost project is beneficial to the town or not, without around £50million, more than twice their asset influence from party political allegiances. value.

Mr Berendt, confirmed to the Times: “It is early If no alternative can be found, the council may days. We are at the beginning stage. have no choice but to continue with the “As chair of the Town Forum, I have not yet Calverley Square project, regardless of its taken a position on the development but we are political unpopularity. an independent group.”

At last week’s Full Council meeting, an attempt to scrap Calverley Square Stalemate was again voted down by councillors, but the Liberal The Forum is well used to consulting on Democrat Group, led by Cllr Ben council matters. The body already provides Chapelard [St James’] managed to several working groups that responds to secure an assurance from the various council activities such as the annual Cabinet that the project would not be budget, as well as transport and planning restarted without a Full matters.

Council vote taking place The commission is being formed as first. the council remains in a stalemate However, any vote will over Calverley Square. But any be non-binding on the findings will not be binding on the Cabinet, which could council. overrule the council Currently, the project is on pause and press ahead while alternative proposals are with plans if no put forward and examined. alternative is found.

The council needs to find a ADRIAN BERENDT

GREG CLARK: Continued from page 1 week, he was one of four ministers who defied the party whip and abstained in a vote that would allow any future PM to suspend Parliament to push through a no-deal Brexit.

He defended his decision at the time saying he ‘couldn’t support the idea that we would allow the doors of Parliament to be locked against MPs at this crucially important time’.

If Greg Clark is replaced, it will be the first time since the Conservatives were elected into power under David Cameron that the Tunbridge Wells MP will not have a government job.

He has served in the Cabinet since 2015, first as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government before becoming Business Secretary in July 2016.

Before that, Mr Clark held a number of junior minister roles and was also a member of the shadow front bench during Cameron’s opposition.

Mr Clark served as Shadow Minister for Charities, Voluntary Bodies and Social Enterprise.

He has been the serving member of parliament for Tunbridge Wells since 2005.

Read Greg Clark’s Times column on page 18.

LOTTO WINNER: Continued from page 1 expecting to see a couple of pounds, instead there was a magnificent £286,532 staring back at me.

“I could pretend I coolly took it all in my stride but in fact, I couldn’t do anything and simply sat there giggling.”

The family man added: “To be honest, following the two years my children and I have lived through, a moment of giggling seems only reasonable.”

Mr Cole said he was involved in a near fatal car accident in 2016, which left him having to learn to walk again.

“As a family we have been

through some very tough times in recent years so maybe this little piece of magic is Lady Luck giving us a boost,” explained Mr Cole.

The owner of a successful software development company, Collective Clarity, said the win was ‘fabulous news’.

“I’ve always worked hard growing my businesses so we are comfortable, but the win is still fabulous news and means we will enjoy a few family adventures much sooner than planned.

“Top of the bill is a family holiday to Barbados, something we were working towards for 2020 but now we can do later this year,” he said.

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hottest day of the year forecast for this week SCORCHING weather is expected to continue throughout the rest of the week as Britain is blasted by warm Saharan air that could see temperatures across the south of England hit 100°F. Temperatures reached 32°C [90°F] yesterday in Tunbridge Wells, and while the mercury is expected to fall slightly today, we could see highs of 37°C [98°F] tomorrow [Thursday], making it the hottest day of the year so far, before things cool down before the weekend.

Public Health England (PHE) and the Met Office have jointly issued a level two ‘alert and readiness’ warning amid fears of a rise in heat-related health problems.

Tonbridge line death A MAN died after he was hit by a Southeastern train between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks at the weekend.

The incident disabled power to the track and trains were unable to pass through Hildenborough until 4pm the following day.

Emergency services arrived at the scene just after the incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 20, at around 9 pm.

Kent Police said the incident was not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for the coroner.

Theatre’s sad farewell A funeral mass for theatre veteran Michael Elliot is being held at St Augustine’s Church today [Wednesday July 24] at 12.30pm.

Mr Elliot, who along with his late wife Caroline, was instrumental in the history of Trinity Theatre, helping turn the former Decimus Burton church into a thriving community arts centre, passed away earlier this month aged 82.

Tails wag at dog show THIS year’s Tonbridge Dog Show will be held at the Racecourse Sportsground on Sunday [July 28] as part of national Love Parks Week.

The free event runs from 10am to 4pm, though there is a £1.50 fee to enter a dog in one of the categories, which includes Beautiful Rescue, Best Trick, Fabulous Family, Cutest Puppy, Best Oldie, Fancy Dress and Waggiest Tail.

Proceeds from the show, which is being organised by Dog Warden Lorraine Basden, go to homeless charity The Bridge Trust.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

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M-Factor kicks off with a battle of the bands talent search

By Robert Forrester UP AND COMING local bands are being invited to platform their music in front of a 4,000-strong audience and be in with a chance of winning £1,000.

The Times has teamed up with Markerstudy Group for a ‘battle of the bands’ event to be held at Bewl Water in September.

Known as M-Factor, the competition will see five local artists or bands perform on stage in front of Markerstudy staff, family, friends and partners who will all be encouraged to take part in the judging process to decide the winner.

Markerstudy, who at previous staff gatherings has hosted such acts as Craig David, The Script, Kaiser Chiefs, Tony Hadley and Peter Andre, are looking for solo singers, duets or vocal groups to participate in the music competition, which takes place at Bewl on Sunday, September 8 from 11am to 4pm.

That’s the same weekend as the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

The five artists or bands chosen to perform will also receive ten entry wristbands for the event for friends or family, and will be profiled in the Times before and after the MAKE SOME NOISE weekend. The event Rick Parfitt Junior is itself is private. to headline the event The £1,000 top prize will be awarded to the winning artists by the RPJ Band [the Rick Parfitt like this were a ‘fantastic opportunity’ for up and coming bands to get noticed.

Jnr Band], who are headlining the festival.

He said: “Any platform that provides local Rick, son of the legendary late Status Quo guitarist, has performed to over 1 million people bands with an opportunity to perform to a good across the world, and will be accompanied by his audience is a great thing and to play in a location bandmates Jo Webb, Alex Toff and Shannon such as Bewl Water is a fantastic opportunity.”

Places for the M-Factor are limited, so please Harris who have collectively toured and performed with ELO, Take That, Wheatus and submit your application before midnight on Friday August 2 by going to: https://www.surveyJack Savoretti.

Local musician, promoter and music columnist monkey.co.uk/r/M-FACTOR M-Factor is open to anyone over the age of 18. for the Times, Paul Dunton, said competitions

Plans for street food market with bars and a pop-up cinema are announced WORK began yesterday [Tuesday] to turn the empty arcade at Tunbridge Wells’ shopping centre into a thriving bar and food market.

Royal Victoria Place [RVP] has said the new street food and entertainment market in Ely Place will be open this summer after outside company, Central Market, signed a deal to take over the area of the shopping centre.

As reported in the Times in April, a licensing application was submitted by London-based Central Market and outlined plans to turn the ailing Ely Place into a ‘food court’.

Central Market runs a similar pop-up market on the South Bank in London, called The French Corner.

The proposals have now been formally

approved by British Land, owners of RVP, and a pop-up cinema along with a number of chain restaurants, bars and eateries will ‘offer locals an exciting dining, cinema and live music experience in Tunbridge Wells’.

The new venue, which will be called ‘Central Market’, is scheduled to open to the public later this summer.

Once opened, a whole host of upmarket street food stalls will be on offer, including Wok and Sushi, serving a range of authentic Japanese dishes; The Argentinian Grill, which specialises in smoked meats and South American inspired sides; and The Fish Grill, cooking up fresh seafood dishes daily.

‘Royal Victoria Place’s Central Market also plans to host weekly live music nights along with a pop-up luxury cinema that will also be situated within Ely Court’

An artisan dessert pop-up and boutique ice cream shop, Rolling on Ice, will also take up residency in Central Market, with many more vendors set to be confirmed ahead of the opening.

Coupled with the dining offerings, a fully licensed bar will be open, alongside a specialist cheese and wine cellar.

Royal Victoria Place’s Central Market also plans to host weekly live music nights along with a luxury cinema that will also be situated within Ely Court.

Nicky Blanchard, centre manager at Royal Victoria Place, said: “We are so excited to welcome Central Market to Royal Victoria Place, and can’t wait to offer our shoppers something completely new.

“With dining options from around the world and lots of fun events planned for the summer, visitors will be spoilt for choice. Whether you fancy a quick bite to eat, or a night of entertainment with family and friends, there will be something for everyone.”

The development of Ely Court, which has sat empty since British Land took ownership of the shopping centre in May 2018, is the second recent announcement by the retail developer, who has just confirmed an £11million upgrade of the shopping centre with new flooring, lighting, seating areas as well as an art installation.

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Apprenticeships help young people to ‘build a legacy for the future’ WINNING TEAM Graduates and others at the Tunbridge Wells celebration, including Tom Hearnden from Tunbridge Wells [front far left]

THE success of the Apprenticeship Learning EXperience (ALEX) initiative was highlighted last week when 28 young people graduated from the 2018 programme operated by the Markersudy Group.

Twenty one will continue with employment within the organisation.

Among them was Tom Hearnden who lives in Tunbridge Wells and attended St Gregory’s Catholic School. He completed an Autoglazing Apprenticeship and now works out of the local fitting centre.

In celebration of their achievements, the Group CEO Kevin Spencer and the HR & Talent Development Director Tanya Gerrard-White hosted a prestigious graduation ceremony lunch at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday week (July 18).

The apprentices, many from Auto Windscreens, were applauded for their overall success, before three special prizes were presented to those who

‘demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to their development throughout the awardwinning programme’.

Some of the graduates completed an apprenticeship which included undertaking an NVQ level 2 in Automotive Glazing. It also involved

‘With their positive attitude, increasing skills and knowledge they will continue to excel’ Markerstudy’s Tanya Gerrard-White

training in repair and fitting of windscreens as well as customer service and skills such as time management to enable them to take on roles as mobile technicians. Others completed Customer Service Apprenticeships over the 12 month period.

Auto Windscreens Technician Sam Cox was crowned Apprentice of the

Year 2018, while Millie Madin, a Group Contact Centre Process Co-ordinator, and Jack Meazza, another Auto Windscreens Technician, received Special Commendation awards.

Tanya Gerrard-White commented: “Our ALEX apprenticeship programme enables us to build a legacy for the future and I’m proud of these young people who have chosen to earn while they learn with Markerstudy.

“With their positive attitude and increasing skills, knowledge and experience I’m sure they will continue to excel during their careers.”

Markerstudy Group’s ALEX initiative is now in its third year and is fully endorsed and regulated by OFSTED, with inspectors highly commending the programme earlier this year.

Previous graduates have gone on to have successful careers and 25 undergraduates are already in place for the 2019 ALEX apprenticeship starting in September.

WHAT IS ALEX? THE ALEX (Apprenticeship Learning EXperience) programme, which received a glowing OFSTED inspection result earlier this year, is designed to provide apprentices with key skills and knowledge through a variety of e-learning and face to face training.

Along the way, apprentices learn much needed computer skills such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint training and qualifications, as well as customer service, leadership and management, project management, time management, and presentations training.

Designed to kick start careers for those that have opted not to do a university degree, ALEX

offers an alternative route to both an academic qualification and a career in a large, wellestablished company.

There are no formal qualification requirements to enter the ALEX programme, but candidates do have to demonstrate drive, a positive attitude and a desire to succeed.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED… People can apply for ALEX apprenticeships through the government apprenticeship portal or through Markerstudy Talent Acquisition team: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship talentacquisiton@markerstudy.com

Garden waste plan is on track to raise an extra £700,000

By Richard Williams THE council’s garden waste scheme is on target to raise the necessary money outlined in the annual budget thanks to a surge in demand.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been banking on money collected for garden waste removal, along with savings made from reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill, to raise around £700,000. It would be part of its £2.3million cost savings announced at the last budget.

The budget changes were planned to fund the £90million Calverley Square development.

The introduction for garden waste fees has

been a controversial move, and many suspected the council would not get the money it had hoped for from the scheme.

However, the council’s cabinet member for sustainability, Cllr Dr Ronen Basu, says they ‘are on target’.

Discounts He told members at last week’s Full Council meeting that so far 9,156 people had signed up to the council’s early bird scheme that offers a £10 discount on the annual £52 charge.

The Culverden councillor added that in the week prior to the meeting they had seen a surge in demand for the discounts, with more than

400 people signing up to the scheme, which ends next week [August 2].

He said the council had targeted around 13,000 people to sign up to the scheme in advance.

“We are on target,” said Cllr Basu, as he urged members of the public to take advantage of the discount scheme before it closes.

If the council hits the 13,000 target, it is set to raise around £546,000, and says it plans to raise the rest of the necessary money through shared savings with Kent County Council from reduced landfill waste.

From September, the council begins its glass recycling scheme in the borough.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Staffing shortage means stroke unit is forced to close ahead of schedule THE stroke unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital has had to close because of a lack of specialist nurses.

The unit at the Pembury hospital was earmarked for closure in March 2020, in favour of three specialist hyper-acute stroke centres in Maidstone, Ashford and Dartford.

But the Trust that runs the hospital says a lack of specialist nurses means they have had to shut the unit early, and while they say the move is only ‘temporary’ they doubt the centre will reopen.

A spokesman for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW] said: “While we have improved our overall vacancy rate following a robust recruitment drive, we continue to have a high number of specialist nursing vacancies on the stroke ward at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and we face recruitment challenges to our Thrombolysis service.”

The Trust has received stiff opposition to the changes to stroke provision in Kent, with Medway Council considering a judicial review over the decision.

The MTW spokesperson continued: “Uncertainty around the implementation of the hyper acute stroke units and acute stroke units for Kent and Medway has added to our recruitment challenges at Tunbridge Wells and some staff, understandably, have sought more certainty in other roles both within and outside of the Trust.”

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KENT IS FASTEST GROWING FORCE

High price tag for police station opens the doors to developers

By Richard Williams THE borough council has lost out on the chance to buy the town centre police station which is now likely to be sold to developers.

Councillors were told last week that the authority would now not be bidding for the police station as it was too expensive.

As revealed in the Times in May, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC], Matthew Scott, wants to sell off the police station as a money saving exercise.

Police no longer need the building since officers were moved to nearby Tonbridge Police Station last year.

At the time, Mr Scott’s office said Tunbridge Wells Borough Council would have ‘first refusal’ on any sale of the

1930s Art Deco building in Crescent Road, which sits next to the councilowned Assembly Hall Theatre.

But at last week’s Full Council meeting, it emerged that Mr Scott wants £2million for the building, four times its worth according to the Valuation Office Agency and far more than the council can possibly pay for it.

Valuer Pembury councillor, David Hayward from the Alliance, had insisted the building could be part of an ‘alternative’ to the controversial £90million theatre and civic centre complex proposed for the edge of Calverley Grounds.

But Cllr Bob Backhouse, told him from the Conservative bench that buying the

police station was a ‘red herring’.

The Sherwood councillor said: “The council were very keen to buy the police station. The District Valuer said it was worth around £500,000. They are selling it for £2million.”

He added: “We as a council or any public body are not allowed to buy any building over what the District Valuer says, so bringing the police station into the equation is a red herring.”

The news means that Matthew Scott will be forced to find another buyer for the listed building if he presses on with plans to sell the property, which would most likely see it sold off to developers.

The sale is part of ‘efficiency savings’ announced by the PCC earlier this year for his drive to introduce more rank and file officers to the region.

The Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC] Matthew Scott announced last week that Kent Police is now the fasting growing force in the country, having recruited 291 police officers in the last year alone, taking the number of full time officers to 3,553.

To pay for these officers, Mr Scott recently put up the police precept part of council tax from £169.15 for a Band D property to £193.15, adding an extra £1million to the council tax bills of Tunbridge Wells’ residents who now pay around £10million a year on funding Kent Police.

Recruiting Mr Scott said: “Residents told me they wanted more police on our streets and so I took the difficult decision to raise council tax to enable the Chief Constable to recruit 200 more officers.

“I congratulate the Kent Police recruitment team on not only delivering on that number, but on making an early start on recruiting the further 180 police officers for this year.

He continued: “Kent Police is on course to increase its police officer strength to 3,632 by next March. We will have 450 more police officers in spring 2020 than when I took office in spring 2016.”

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Tunbridge Wells lawyers open a French connection

Multi-million-pound boost to bring millions more tourists to South

By Richard Williams

AN AMBITIOUS £21million tourist project aimed at delivering 24 million extra visitors and bringing more than £130million of additional visitor spend to both the south of the UK and the north of France has just been given the go-ahead.

The Interreg Experience is a joint project led by Norfolk County Council alongside partners Visit Kent and the Kent Downs AONB, and aims to extend the tourism season through the development of off-season bookable experiences, with an emphasis on overnight stays.

The project, funded by the EU to the tune of ¤23.3million, has been secured against any potential Brexit by the UK Government until 2023.

A LOCAL law firm has set up shop in the South of France to help British ex-pats cope with the country’s archaic divorce laws.

Family lawyers Thomas Mansfield, based both in Calverley Road and on Mount Pleasant, opened the French office because the laws of divorce in the two countries differ so wildly.

Managing Partner Neill Thomas explained: “There’s a big difference between UK and French divorce law.

‘It is going so well that we are planning on opening a similar practice in Spain next year, and the year after that we are looking to Dubai’

Strategy Kent will benefit from around £3million of additional funding, which will help shape a strategy to encourage international and overnight visitors to the county during the quieter October to March period.

Deirdre Wells, OBE, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, said: “Tourism has an increasingly important role within the Kent economy, generating £3.8billion a year and supporting more than 77,000 jobs.

“The Interreg Experience will help maximise the tourism industry’s already significant economic impact on the area, focusing on an increase in overnight stays to cultivate jobs and additional spend through high value, low volume tourism in the area.”

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr Mark Dance, added: “Through the delivery of more year-round jobs and visits outside of the busy high season, this project will create a more sustainable tourism economy, enhancing its positioning as a great place to live, work and visit.”

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

ENTENTE CORDIALE: Local lawyers Anthony Kiernan [left] and Neill Thomas

To begin with, in France children are automatically entitled to inherit property, so this brings up problems if a divorcing couple want to sell their house.”

He continued: “There’s also no right to spousal maintenance in France, which is why many people choose to file their divorce in English courts. But French lawyers do not know English law so they end up hiring a UK solicitor anyway. We are just making this

process much simpler for people.”

He said the company began their South of France operation after they hired Kent family lawyer Anthony Kiernan, one of a handful of English lawyers who is a member of the French Bar Association.

“Anthony had an office already in the South of France,” explained Mr Thomas. “When he came to work for us he said he had had some good cases from ex-pats and suggested we take over the office.”

Mr Thomas said the company began a process of research and discovered there were more than 250,000 British ex-pats living in the South of France.

“Mainly, these people are fairly affluent and own their own property, so they are our target market, and this convinced us to take over the practice,” he explained.

The office space is rented from French advocates Alvarez & Arlabosse, with whom Anthony Kiernan has had a long association, but it is run by Neill Thomas and his team in Tunbridge Wells.

The practice, which is located in Frejus, opened earlier this month and is already proving popular with British people living in the region who face the unhappy prospect of a marriage breakdown.

“It is going so well that we are planning on opening a similar practice in Spain next year, and the year after that we are looking to Dubai,” Mr Thomas added.

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Mental Health Resource is honoured as Kent’s disability charity of the year

By Andy Tong TUNBRIDGE WELLS Mental Health Resource has been named as Disability Charity of the Year at the fifth annual Kent Charity Awards.

ITV Meridian’s Sangeeta Bhabra hosted the ceremony at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone.

Mental Health Resource provides safe spaces and mental health support for more than 950 people who have complex long-term mental health conditions which mean that they struggle with low self-esteem and lack skills to manage stressful life events.

The charity is based at 2A Grosvenor Park, where it runs The Hub, a wellbeing centre which offers a wide variety of activities three days a week, including art and craft groups, needlework, an allotment, swimming and IT. The Hub also hosts Mental Health Resource’s Serenity Café, an out-of-hours service which runs on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

The charity also offers a Reachout programme for adults and young people across West Kent.

These fortnightly outreach sessions are held in Tunbridge Wells, Southborough, Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge.

And its Assert service gives free, confidential advocacy for people who have been detained under the Mental Health Act, or are subject to its restrictions in the community.

It also organises training workshops for local businesses, schools and organisations to promote wellbeing.

Jen Williams, Mental Health Resource’s Fundraising Manager, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our small charity and helps us continue to shine a light on mental health awareness.

“Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to reach those in our community with long-term

WORKING HARD: George Harvey receives his award from David Brown of the Charities Aid Foundation

mental illness, so to have this recognition for their hard work is invaluable.”

Mental Health Resource was nominated in its category alongside Spadework, a charity in Offham which gives training and work experience to more than 90 people with learning difficulties and other disabilities.

The trainees develop independence and personal skills through social interaction, growing plants and food that are sold in Spadework’s Garden Centre, café and farm shop, making items in craft and woodwork, and providing IT training.

George Harvey was named as Trustee of the Year at the awards ceremony for the 32 years’ service he has given to Spadework.

To find out more about fundraising or volunteering opportunities, email Jen at: jennyw@ mentalhealthresource.org.uk or call 01892 615552 or visit mentalhealthresource.org.uk For more about Spadework, visit spadework.net

SHINING A LIGHT: Mental Health Resource’s Rachel Corry (second left) and Jen Williams (right) with Sangeeta Bhabra and David Brazier, former Chairman of Kent County Council

WITH ONE VOICE: Resident Muriel Preece, 78, with seven-month-old Lexi Twigg and mum Niomi

Songs & Smiles brings young and old together A CARE home in Tunbridge Wells is bridging the generation gap between the elderly and the young with a weekly sing-along for babies and toddlers and their parents.

Chamberlain Court Care Home on Mount Ephraim is hosting Songs & Smiles every Tuesday for children up to four years old with the not-forprofit social enterprise The Together Project.

The free hour-long sessions are designed to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and tackle ageism. Songs & Smiles aims to engage young and old through singing, movement, instruments, coloured scarves and bubbles.

Chamberlain’s Suzanne Goodman said: “We are delighted to be hosting a weekly Songs & Smiles activity as we know that intergenerational activities can help to improve both the residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

The founder of The Together Project, Louise Goulden, said: “Our first session at Chamberlain Court was such a wonderful experience.

“To see the residents and children enjoying each other’s company, all with huge smiles on their faces, was beautiful to watch.”

For further information, email: songs@thetogetherproject.co.uk

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NEWS

Community News

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Citizens Advice’s walk for justice raises funds for free legal advice

By Andy Tong

POOLING RESOURCES: Martin Guyton (second left) with his tmactive fundraising team in Larkfield

Busy year for tmactive helps to keep Air Ambulance flying LEISURE provider tmactive has donated £2,500 to its chosen charity for the year – Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex – after a busy year of fundraising events.

The not-for-profit organisation runs the Angel Centre, Tonbridge Swimming Pool, Poult Wood Golf Course and Larkfield Leisure Centre on behalf of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

Donations Working with both staff and customers, tmactive hosted a Golf Day at Poult Wood, a Les Mills Spin Masterclass evening, gym challenges and a quiz night.

Customers were also able to donate their tmactive Reward Points to provide prizes for the charity to use as raffle prizes.

The air ambulance emergency medical service

relies on donations to operate its two helicopters and reach the most critically ill and injured people across the South East.

Their pilots can deliver the medical teams to any part of the three counties within 20 minutes, and each team has a paramedic and a doctor.

Last year they helped nearly 1,500 people, with around half of those being taken to regional major trauma centres.

More than 100 patients were given vital blood products at the scene before reaching hospital.

“This is the first time we have partnered with a charity, and we have enjoyed getting involved in organising events to raise funds for this worthy cause,” said Martin Guyton, Chief Executive of tmactive.

“We look forward to working with the Heart of Kent Hospice, our charity of the year 2019-20.”

For more on the air ambulance, visit aakss.org.uk

CITIZENS ADVICE volunteers took part in the annual London Legal Walk to raise money to make it easier for people in North and West Kent to obtain free impartial advice and support.

More than 20 people from branches across the region, including many from the Tonbridge Castle office, took part in the 10K ‘walk for justice’, which is held in St James’s Park, Green Park and Hyde Park, among other landmarks.

The group completed this year’s walk in a record time of two hours.

They raised more than £600, which will go towards tribunal appeals for disabled clients,

organised by the Welfare Rights team which is based in Tonbridge.

Angela Newey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice in North and West Kent and former manager at the Tonbridge & Malling branch, was among those who took part.

She said: “This is a terrific event which benefits charities such as ourselves who provide people with free legal advice when they are their most vulnerable.

“Not only did our volunteers raise muchneeded money for our organisation, but they also completed the walk in record time.

“I can’t thank them enough for their efforts and I look forward to doing it all over again next year.”

PAVING THE WAY: Volunteers have a refreshing drink in Chancery Lane after completing their trek

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National News

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Iran pledges it will protect ‘our waters’

WINNING HANDS DOWN Boris Johnson enjoys his victory

IRAN has warned Boris Johnson it will protect its waters after the UK set out plans for a European force to defend shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, accused the British of ‘piracy’ and insisted that Iran was responsible for ‘security and freedom of navigation’ in the Gulf.

Congratulating the new Prime Minister, Mr Zarif said: “Iran does not seek confrontation. But we have 1,500 miles of Persian Gulf coastline. These are our waters and we will protect them.”

Kent boy befriends Messi on his holiday A MOTHER from Kent has said she was ‘humbled’ after her 11-year-old son played football with Lionel Messi while on holiday in Antigua.

Anna O’Neill, from Canterbury, filmed her son Mackenzie playing with the Barcelona forward and three other children, including Messi’s son Thiago – who Mackenzie befriended during their stay at the private Caribbean resort.

“It was such a sweet experience,” she said.

“They’re just a very normal family.”

LIFE’S A BEACH Lionel Messi with Mackenzie

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

New PM Johnson vows to meet Brexit deadline with ‘new spirit’ BORIS JOHNSON promised he will ‘energise the country’ after his landslide victory in the Tory leadership contest.

The new Conservative Party leader also said he would meet the October 31 Brexit deadline with a ‘new spirit of can-do’.

Mr Johnson secured more than two-thirds of the votes in the contest, comfortably defeating Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Mr Johnson said: “I know that there will be people around the place who will question the wisdom of your decision.

“And there may even be some people here who still wonder quite what they have done.”

Mr Johnson secured 92,153 votes – 66.4 per cent – to defeat Mr Hunt, who was backed by 46,656 Tory members – or 33.6 per cent.

He takes over from Theresa May as Prime Minister today [Wednesday] and has begun appointing allies to his top team.

Mark Spencer will become his chief whip, a key position as Mr Johnson attempts to govern with a working Tory-DUP majority of just two.

After his victory was announced he said: “We are once again going to believe in ourselves and what we can achieve,” he said.

“And like some slumbering giant, we are going to rise and ping off the guy ropes of self-doubt and negativity, with better education, better infrastructure, more police, fantastic full-fibre broadband sprouting in every household.

“We are going to unite this amazing country and we are going to take it forward.”

Mr Hunt said the new Tory leader would be ‘a great PM for our country at this critical moment’.

DUP leader Arlene Foster, whose 10 MPs prop up the Tories, said the deal remains in place – although its terms would be reviewed, a possible sign that the party could demand more cash for Northern Ireland.

US President Donald Trump said Mr Johnson would be a ‘great’ Prime Minister.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said Brussels looked forward to ‘working constructively’ on ratifying the Withdrawal Agreement, which Mr Johnson has said is dead.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ivanka Trump mocked over ‘United Kingston’ IVANKA TRUMP has been mocked after congratulating Boris Johnson on becoming the next Prime Minister of the ‘United Kingston’.

The tweet from the US President’s daughter and close adviser was up for around half an hour before being deleted, giving Twitter users plenty of time to poke fun at the mistake.

The tweet closely follows an error by her father Donald Trump in which he described meeting the ‘Prince of Whales’.

May appoints Mann IN ONE of her last acts as Prime Minister, Theresa May has appointed Labour MP John Mann as an independent adviser on anti-Semitism.

The Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on anti-Semitism will provide independent advice on how to tackle it.

Mrs May said: “Anti-Semitism is racism. It has absolutely no place in our society and we must fight its bitter scourge wherever it rears its head. John Mann is, without exception, a key voice on this matter.”

Shock for UK panda ONE of only two giant pandas in the UK has suffered an electric shock from a fence in its new enclosure.

Edinburgh Zoo’s male panda Yang Guang was seen running back to his den after being zapped by the barrier.

The panda and his female companion Tian Tian were moved to new living quarters earlier this month from their previous glass-walled enclosure.

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BUSINESS

National News

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Supermarkets record the first sales downturn in three years SUPERMARKET sales fell by 0.5 per cent over the last quarter in the first overall decline in the sector since June 2016, figures show.

Falling sales reflected last year’s record summer as spending on traditional hot weather staples such as alcohol and ice cream declined in comparison, according to Kantar.

The data company says sales fell year-on-year at all of Britain’s big four supermarket groups over the 12 weeks to July 14.

Tesco saw a 2 per cent drop, while Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons suffered 2.3 per cent, 2 per cent and 2.6 per cent falls respectively.

All of the big four lost market share to Aldi, whose sales were up 6.7 per cent, and Lidl, up 7 per cent.

However, e-commerce specialist Ocado was the standout retailer with its customers buying online more frequently than last year.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: “The main factor behind the sales drop-off is shoppers heading out to stores less often.

“Last year people shopped more frequently and closer to home as they topped up the cupboards while enjoying the sunshine and the men’s football World Cup. “This year households are making one fewer trip, which may not sound like much but is enough to tip the market into decline.”

Consumers spent £75million less on alcohol

this year compared to last, with beer down 11 per cent and cider down 13 per cent. Soft drinks sales fell by £56million and ice cream by £55million.

Analysts Nielsen also recorded a 0.5 per cent sales drop over the last four weeks despite the start of warm summer weather at the end of June and the UK sporting season.

Creative Shoppers also spent less per visit compared with the same period last year, the figures show.

Mike Watkins, Nielsen’s UK head of retailer and business insight, said: “Our latest data shows that some of the weakness in recent grocery spend is linked to the strong summer of 2018, where the warm weather peaked and consumer spirits were high on the events of the World Cup. “This year, retailers have had to work harder to drive shoppers to spend.

“The increase in press and TV advertising spend proves that retailers are looking at more creative ways to achieve this.”

He added: “However, the drop in sales is also a sign that consumers are starting to change how they spend. This suggests that with the summer holiday season now under way, retailers will need to push hard to encourage shoppers to keep spending – particularly while the sun still shines – as there may well be clouds on the horizon.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cussons to wash hands of their non-core brands PZ CUSSONS, owner of soap brands Imperial Leather and Carex, has recorded a slump in profits of more than 30 per cent, blaming weak economic conditions in Nigeria and poor sales in Australia.

The company said it would refocus its attentions on core brands after revealing that pre-tax profits fell 37.5 per cent to £37million for the year to May 31, compared with £59.2million in the previous 12 months.

Revenues were down 6.8 per cent from £739.8million to £689.4million.

Santander’s profits fall FIRST-HALF profits at Santander’s UK business fell by more than a third as the mortgage price war reduced its income.

Intense pressure in the UK mortgage market has led to the Spanish-owned lender post a 36 per cent profit slump in the first quarter.

UK pre-tax profits fell to £575million in the half-year to June as the intense competition over mortgages pulled down income for the period.

Income slipped by 8.4 per cent to £2.1billion during the half-year, but the company held firm on its outlook for the rest of 2019.

Fraud investigation sees De La Rue shares plunge SHARES in De La Rue dived after it emerged that the Serious Fraud Office [SFO] has opened an investigation into ‘suspected corruption’ related to the company’s business in South Sudan.

The Basingstoke-based passport and bank note manufacturer saw shares dive 12 per cent after it informed shareholders in a statement.

De La Rue said the SFO ‘has informed De La Rue that it has opened an investigation into the De La Rue group and its associated persons in relation to suspected corruption in the conduct of business in South Sudan’.

It said that it intends to co-operate with the SFO in relation to the investigation and will provide a further update when appropriate.

But it added that it was too early to know what effect the probe would have on the company.

De La Rue has worked in South Sudan since first designing and manufacturing a new currency for the country’s creation in 2011.

They made headlines last year after losing the UK passport contract to Gemalto.

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

16

NEWS

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG New parking charge at cinema is not good news for opera lovers For years my wife and I have been customers of the Odeon cinema in Tunbridge Wells, going on average at least once a week, and sometimes combining our visit with a meal at the adjacent pub.

However, recently we discovered that the car park, hitherto free, has been handed over to a company that has imposed a limit of four hours, without the option to extend one’s stay.

Although this is sufficient for an average film, it presents a problem when broadcasts of operas are shown, as a Wagnerian production can easily extend beyond four hours, while the chance of eating beforehand is now not possible.

This seems insane when the cinema is in an out-of-town location, so necessitating the use of a car, and when it may soon be facing competition from a new venue in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

Why on earth has this decision be taken, and by whom?

Colin Bullen Via email

MOVIE ON Parking is only allowed for four hours

Pay-as-you-park can boost high street Tunbridge Wells Borough Council continues to be totally disingenuous over their parking charges. They boast about keeping fees competitive, but this is in fact something to be ashamed of.

The high streets in many towns are dying and just raising parking charges will drive the remainder away.

Royal Victoria Place talks of regeneration, but if parking charges continue rising then the new outlets will also disappear. The council just does not seem to have any cohesive thinking.

We get told the increased charges go towards road maintenance. That is bunkum, as when anything is required it is handled by Kent County Council. As for other services – what are they? Nearly everything is franchised out.

One could be more cynical and say these charges go towards the council executives’ huge salaries and their pensions.

Why the complicated method of parking at the various sites? Have [a sysem] like they have at Tunbridge Wells Hospital: Take a ticket on entry and then on departure pay whatever it shows.

For short stay car parking, say up to 30 minutes, it could be free, or maybe a nominal 40 or 50p. That way, so many would not choke up the side roads looking for a parking spot, as it would be simpler to go to a parking site right in the heart of town and be in and out quickly.

The council may actually collect a lot more revenue. Those who wish to stay on can then just pay for time spent. This will encourage people to visit the town and use the facilities.

John Pearce Southborough

Regenerate our town before theatre The council has espoused a policy of ‘cultural regeneration’ for Tunbridge Wells. However, experience in this country and abroad demonstrates that cultural development can only succeed on a foundation of civic rehabilitation.

An environment, over time, begins to reflect the behaviour of the people who live in and use it.

If plastic bottles are thrown from cars; if cars

Yet the residents of Tunbridge Wells didn’t all hop on a train, en masse, and decamp to Hyde Park. We went to the local festival, attracted by lower prices, shorter travel times and greater all-round convenience.

I am sure the residents in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas will be equally as enthusiastic about our new theatre.

Lawrence Heasman Tunbridge Wells

Moving the bus stop won’t help traffic There is a little irony in bus stop G in Tonbridge High Street being relocated to its old position (Times of Tonbridge, July 3) in other month-long and costly traffic management operation.

But there is, in my opinion, a child-like naivety in the belief that a lay-by that accommodates only 75 per cent of the standard size bus will not balk traffic trying to pass when it halts for passengers to board, or when, particularly in peak times, it is tailed by another vehicle waiting to enter the lay-by.

Our traffic ‘experts’ appear incapable of assimilating the simple fact that if you widen pavements, you narrow the carriageway, which in turn affects the flow of vehicles.

But at the end of the day, it is not their money that is being spent!

Tony Russell Tonbridge and commercial vehicles are parked on every square foot of the pavements; if broken street tiles remain broken; if potholes go unrepaired; if litter is left to accumulate; if graffiti is not immediately effaced, then the remorseless process of deterioration into urban squalor and decay gathers pace, as we have seen in the town over the last decade.

What is the point of spending millions of pounds on a new theatre when the first experience of patrons leaving the railway station is of people lying on the pavement and sleeping in the doorways of empty shops on Mount Pleasant, the main avenue of the town a hundred yards from that theatre?

A 12-month campaign on a relatively small fraction of the cultural budget could transform the appearance of the town, making it more attractive to visitors and new business.

However, it cannot be emphasised too strongly that unless the essential resources – financial, human and electronic – are put in place before the start of a regeneration policy and maintained consistently, such a campaign will merely add another example to the long list of failed development plans of the past decade.

Anthony Pearce Tunbridge Wells

No need to hop on train for culture The recent success of the Pub in the Park festival showed the strong demand local people have for high-quality cultural events.

The council has supported these initiatives, and has plans to further develop Tunbridge Wells as a cultural destination. The new theatre in Calverley Square is an important part of the strategy, and is expected to attract between 350,000 and 400,000 theatre-goers per year.

Opponents often say there is no demand for a theatre in Tunbridge Wells because we can all ‘hop on a train’ to the West End. Yet the success of local events shows the weakness of their argument.

The Pub in the Park was held at the same time as the larger British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park, featuring top acts including Florence and the Machine and Robbie Williams.

So, obviously it’s absolutely brilliant Roger Sayers’ complaint in a recent letter re Calverley’s ‘out the door’ [July 3] is timely.

Too many ‘cool’ expressions are finding voice and popularity: “Can I get?” should be met with: “No you can’t, I’ll get it for you, that’s my job here.”

‘So’ as an opener to every answer to a question.

Others are simply a bad or lazy use of the language: ‘Obviously’ when it’s not.

‘Hopefully’ does not mean I hope, but to be full of hope.

‘Decimate’ does not mean destroy.

‘Absolutely’ and ‘definitely’ when a simple yes will do, or even something else for a change – emphatically, perhaps.

‘Brilliant’ – everything is, it seems, yet there are dozens of synonyms available.

And the interrogative uplift to a statement makes me wonder if I should have an answer ready.

I could go on, and very often do about this sort of nonsense.

Ben Hardy Tunbridge Wells

Developing a sense of entitlement Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area are blighted by hundreds of signs advertising new homes on lampposts and traffic lights.

It has been confirmed by Kent County Council [KCC] that the vast majority of these signs have been illegally fly-posted by the developers, Berkeley Homes (Hollyfields) and Countryside (Regency Grange).

At the end of May, KCC issued the developers with an order to remove all illegally-posted signs. Since then nothing has happened. The signs are still there, along with many advertising Royal Wells Park from years ago.

Why do Berkeley and Countryside think they are above the law? They are making millions from these developments. They should be forced to remove the signs immediately and fined in accordance with the law.

Ian Rennardson Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

HIJACKED! That’s the only way to describe last week’s full meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Word reaches Calverley about the first appearance in the public gallery of one Robert Chris, the new Chairman of the political party the Alliance.

He’s the man with the sole mission of stopping the £90million Calverley Square theatre complex being built on his doorstep, and here’s apparently what he did…

• Insisted on addressing the Council Chamber from the gallery no less than seven times on various issues.

• More than once overran the three minutes allowed for comment from the public gallery.

• Barracked a Tory councillor with shouts along the lines of ‘not true’ and ‘rubbish’ when he disagreed with a point being made.

• Expressed the view that others should listen to him because he has a doctorate in climate change.

• Repeatedly broke with protocol in the Chamber by whispering orders into the ears of his elected Alliance councillors.

• Eventually, the Mayor ordered him to stop.

And it seems not before time.

As one observer later recounted over a large brandy: “Mr Chris – sorry Dr Chris – is clearly not a man hindered by self doubt or any respect for freedom of speech.”

Interesting times ahead…

VOCAL Dr Chris

CHILDREN can be so cruel, as evidenced by this scene outside school gates. Dad turns up to collect his son when a young lad trots up and asks: “Are you Simon’s dad?” When told this is correct, he responds: “Wow, you must be really old with all that grey hair.” Dad is in his late 40s. Young mums standing nearby turn away to hide their smiles.

DISTURBING. That’s the only word to describe the actions of two senior police officers, one of whom was involved in a bungled operation that saw an unarmed suspect shot dead. The pair, said to be in a relationship, exchanged almost 100 personal text messages in a single day – the day of the operation, according to media reports.

The story speaks volumes about the impact of social technology on daily lives. Mind you, moves to curb its use at work will probably provoke claims of denial of human rights.

Pass the smelling salts.

REGULARS will know that Calverley has deep concerns about the ongoing slipshod use of the English language. This week’s moan is about the word ‘gonna’. Even TV presenters are using it when talking about people ‘going to’ get a ticket, or whatever. It’s gonna drive Calverley mad! Or make him even more mad.

Chin Chin, dear reader

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Education

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

EDUCATION

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17

St Gregory’s wins Best Secondary School Library in Kent THE Kent Literacy awards ceremony crowned St Gregory’s Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells with a number of top prizes earlier this month. The guest of honour was children’s author and illustrator Nick Butterworth who was on hand to award the OFSTED Outstanding school three key awards. They were for Best School Library in West Kent, Best Secondary School Library in Kent and also the Champion of Champions award.

Inspirational The Kent Literacy Awards celebrate and share best practice in primary and secondary schools across the south east by recognising initiatives that develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Nick Butterworth, who has penned numerous books including the Percy the Park Keeper collection and sold 15 million copies of his books in 30 languages, was given the task of choosing the Champion of Champions Award. He chose St Gregory’s as the overall winner and then presented a hand-drawn and signed illustration to Kim Stanley, the school’s librarian.

Mrs Stanley said: “These award evenings are so important to celebrate literacy and to promote the people who work so hard to motivate students in our schools. The whole evening was so inspirational listening to other people’s initiatives; they are so creative and imaginative.

In this time of school funding shortages it is wonderful to see so many people thinking outside the box with ways to enthuse students at very little cost.”

BROUGHT TO BOOK: St Gregory’s School librarian Kim Stanley receives her award from children’s author and illustrator Nick Butterworth, left, and representatives from the Kent Literacy Awards committee

Pupils pull all the right strings for puppetry project

TEAMWORK St Barnabas pupils at Age UK Tunbridge Wells

In advance of the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival coming to town this October, St Barnabas primary school has been working on a special intergenerational and creative collaboration.

Eileen Leahy learns more about it…

AS PART of the preparations for this year’s Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival (TWPF) organisers have been working with teachers and pupils from St Barnabas Primary School on a special outreach programme with Age UK and puppet theatre company Rust & Stardust.

The group’s latest work is entitled Sea of Stories and takes the theme of the sea as its starting point. Over the past few months children from St Barnabas’ Year 3 Maple Class have been working alongside Tuesday guests of Age UK Tunbridge Wells during a number of sessions in order to invent stories, sing shanties and create puppets to bring their stories to life.

Aiming to reveal what the young and old can learn from each other, this art and performance project

offers further development of literacy, arts and crafts and independent learning to children, and the opportunity for conversation and craft for adults living with dementia.

“Bringing together different generations encourages communication, respect and trust through the sharing of stories and experiences,” a TWPF told the Times.

“The puppetry at the heart of these special sessions also builds the fine motor skills of those taking part. The children have been busy practising their stories and have made some wonderful mermaid and fish puppets which were used in their final session earlier this month when they did a performance for parents and other guests.”

Linda Lewis, Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival creator, commented: ‘Seeing the children come bounding in with excitement and anticipation, and getting ready to work with the adults in their groups, has been fantastic.

Communication The adults have enjoyed the younger company, chatting and helping each other in designing and making their puppets, and relationships have definitely been made here. One of the ladies used to be a teacher and told us it brought back memories of the children she had taught. The conversation and laughter between the two generations has brought a great energy to the group

and put a smile on everyone’s face.”

Jo Marks Dementia Support Service Manager, Age UK Tunbridge Wells, added: “Our clients have really taken to working with the children. They arrive on a Tuesday and ask, ‘Are the children coming today?’, so we know that the activity has increased their enjoyment of the Day Centre. It’s good to see how both sides learn to communicate with each other – especially the children, who have no preconceived ideas about dementia, and so have a natural acceptance of communication differences. Our clients also benefit from the cognitive stimulation of learning something new.”

This year’s Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, which runs from October 11-13, is being supported by many of the

town’s organisations and businesses including the Dulverton Trust Fund, the Pargiter Trust (through Kent Community Foundation), AGE UK Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council and Arts Council England.

And there will be many more collaborative projects to follow ahead of the festival.

The TWPF spokesperson added: “For 2019 the festival is taking on an international flavour, with acclaimed puppetry from Spain, Italy and Poland joining the very best from the UK to bring an exciting three-day programme of world-class puppetry to the Kent community and visitors to the town through shared enjoyment of live performance.”

18

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Weekly Comment

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Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Greg Clark was first elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Boris won fair and square and I want him to succeed THIS afternoon I will be in the House of Commons as Theresa May takes her final Prime Minister’s Questions before heading to Buckingham Palace to offer her resignation to the Queen.

Boris Johnson will meet with Her Majesty shortly after, and by the end of the day the United Kingdom will have a new Prime Minister.

Faced with the single biggest political challenge in post-war British history, and under immense personal pressure, Theresa May always tried her best to deliver on the result of the 2016 referendum.

But despite my own desire to see her succeed, the deal she struck with the EU, which would have allowed us to leave on time in March – and which I voted for each time – was rejected three times by Parliament.

It was right that she should have stepped down to make way for someone else to try and break the impasse. If she had continued in office beyond the summer, it is hard to see how the deadlock could have been broken, and the uncertainty and unease would have grown relentlessly.

A change at the top gives a new opportunity to reboot relationships, restart discussions and refresh the atmosphere.

Boris Johnson has formidable abilities – personal and intellectual – which, if deployed

in bringing people together and finding a good solution, with energy and creativity, mean that he could succeed where Theresa May did not.

It’s no secret that Boris was not my choice to be Party Leader. I backed Jeremy Hunt from the beginning – favouring his professional experience and temperament. But Boris won fair and square and I want him to succeed.

reach the good deal I want. He told me so to my face as recently as Monday.

To secure such an agreement, and to help the

United Kingdom overcome its divisions, will be a fine legacy and I wish Boris the very best in the historic task ahead.

Divisions I strongly believe that when we leave the EU it should be on good terms. We must maintain a close trading relationship with our nearest neighbours, working together for the security of our shared liberal democracies, and allowing our citizens to continue to travel easily and cordially between our countries.

As Secretary of State for Business I have seen for myself in companies small and large how vital it is to their operations – and to the jobs that depend on them – to aim high and not to accept barriers to international trade.

Based on the evidence, I have been clear and consistent in my views and I am not going to change them for political convenience. I will continue to respectfully – but firmly – make sure they are heard.

Boris has said that he wants and expects to

Fran Long Co-Chair, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

FAIR FIGHT Jeremy Hunt congratulating new Leader Boris Johnson yesterday

Fran Long is a retired nurse, founder member of Tonbridge Bicycle Users Group, Treasurer of Tonbridge & Malling Friends of the Earth, and an active member of the Angel Community Gardeners

Every aspect of climate change must be addressed RECENTLY, the UK Government and Kent County Council [KCC] both declared that we are in a Climate Emergency and set a target of 2050 to achieve zero carbon emissions.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] went further by declaring a target of 2030.

At first sight, these declarations and targets seem like wonderful news for environmentalists, but without action to back the fine words and aspirations, they are quite meaningless.

Inconsistency Many countries are missing the targets set after the 2015 Paris Climate Talks. The UK seems to be doing better than other nations at cutting emissions, but the figures disguise the real facts.

The apparent reduction in emissions is based on the CO2 from the manufacture of goods in a country, rather than from the quantity of goods and services consumed in that country.

This obviously favours the high-consuming industrialised nations in Europe over developing nations, where most manufacturing now takes place.

If emissions figures were based on consumption, the UK and other Western countries would be exposed for polluting the world with our throw-away culture, frequent flying, and taste for meat, dairy and foods flown in from abroad.

Greg Clark, MP, recently wrote in his column in the Times of Tunbridge Wells and Times of Tonbridge that he is proud that the UK is becoming a ‘global leader’ in working towards zero carbon emissions, but in my opinion we should not feel complacent and superior.

It is difficult to reconcile his statement with the fact that the latest annual report from UK Export Finance (a government agency which provides financial support for international trade) showed over £2billion was given to support fossil fuel industries abroad, an eleven-fold increase compared with the previous year.

It is inconsistent to declare a UK climate emergency but increase VAT on solar energy to 20 per cent while keeping VAT on domestic coal (the dirtiest of fossil fuels) at five per cent.

It is inconsistent to consider opening a new opencast coal mine in Druridge Bay, Northumberland, but ban land-based wind farms, which produce the cheapest form of electricity.

It is inconsistent to support fracking, which is just another way of obtaining climate-wrecking fossil fuels.

And it is inconsistent to encourage flying by opening a third runway at Heathrow, but allow train fares to spiral out of control.

Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat has said it is up to individuals to change their behaviour in order to limit their impact on the environment.

TIME FOR CHANGE Climate change protestors outside Maidstone’s County Hall last month

This may be true up to a point, but both national and local government must also play their part in enabling citizens to protect the environment.

Our councils could support citizens in making greener choices.

For example, a water fountain in Tonbridge Park would reduce consumption of bottled water.

Cutting the price of the Freedom Pass for children, rather than increasing it from £290 to £350, would encourage bus usage by young people.

TMBC’s Local Plan could insist that new homes

are energy-efficient and have solar panels, and that a network of public electric vehicle charging points is created.

We could prioritise safe walking, cycling and good, cheap public transport because reduced car use helps cut emissions and improves air quality and health.

It is a good start to admit the existence of the Climate Emergency, but we must also ensure that all levels of government actually do something about it.

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

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BEAUTIFUL BALCONY FOR BREAKFAST

Patio perfection in an oast among the orchards Page 20

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COMPANY’S COMMUNITY PLANTERS

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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 PATIO GARDEN…

Crockhurst Farm Oast Crockhurst Street, Tudeley

£1,250,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com A beautiful oast house with possible further potential in a small village close to Tonbridge.

Character features such as vaulted ceilings blend with contemporary styling, and it has an unusual and appealing roundel kitchen and bedroom, the latter also boasting a mezzanine bathroom.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Entrance hall with oak staircase n Sitting room with inglenook fireplace and double doors to garden, plus separate family room

n Bespoke roundel kitchen/breakfast room with central island and range cooker within chimney recess. Open to:

n Lovely dining room overlooking garden n Roundel master bedroom with crafted oak staircase to mezzanine bathroom

n 3 further bedrooms with countryside views, two of which share a ‘Jack & Jill’ shower room

n Landscaped gardens of just under half an acre, including terrace and lawn

n Electric gates opening to wide drive with extensive parking

n Double open-barn garaging, plus a store and log store

n 1,295 sq ft of former cowsheds. The owners are presently in discussion with the local authority for planning permission to convert these to a two-bedroom annexe

An impressive property which has been tastefully renovated and upgraded over the last ten years by the current owners

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

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The PRICE…

The BALCONY…

Warwick Park Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

£190,000 (Share of freehold)

CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A top floor apartment priced for some cosmetic updating.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Own side entrance n Reception with sloping ceilings and views n Kitchen n Double bedroom with partially sloping ceiling into dormer and treetop views n Bathroom with sloping ceiling n 0.7 mile from Tunbridge Wells Station

Huckleberry

Perrymans Lane, High Hurstwood GUIDE PRICE

£975,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk

Clystlour Corseley Road, Groombridge

A remodelled family home close to Ashdown Forest with a superb balcony overlooking a gorgeous garden. Plus it has a handy annexe.

GUIDE PRICE

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

n Kitchen/dining room with island, dual-fuel range oven and bi-fold doors to conservatory

n Drawing room with vaulted ceiling, woodburning stove and double doors to front garden

n Study with double doors to front garden

£575,000 A bright extended bungalow priced for some updating.

n Large conservatory/orangery

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Master bedroom suite, including dressing

n Living room with large picture window

room and new contemporary balcony

n 3 further bedrooms (one en-suite) and bathroom n Half an acre of landscaped gardens, including patios, outdoor fireplace, water feature and pond, vegetable beds, greenhouse and three sheds

n Kitchen with arch to: n Dining room with picture window and patio doors to rear n Bedroom/study with door to extension

n Gated driveway with parking, plus garage with

n 2 further bedrooms, one with shower

electric door, workshop area and loft storage

n Attractive 106ft garden with fruit trees

Annexe apartment

n Driveway and attached garage with door to dining room

n Kitchen/living room, bedroom and wet room

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COMMUNIT Y GARDENING

Round Wood gets around a market town to plant some supermarket cheer ROUND WOOD of Mayfield has added to our local area’s community spirit this summer, by recently helping to dress a Sainsbury’s and a Waitrose with landscape planters as part of the Brighter Heathfield initiative.

The non-profit organisation Brighter Heathfield Volunteers has worked tirelessly for two years to make the market town a prime example of how a little TLC really does go a long way.

Committee member Sue Young has, with her fellow volunteers, come together to achieve the initiative’s primary objective: “To clear litter and improve Heathfield.”

Round Wood, based in Newick Lane just outside the town, was very happy to offer their help by supplying a selection of planters from their extensive range, which includes fibrestone, clayfibre, terracotta and polystone pots.

The Brighter Heathfield Volunteers meet once a week outside their local Co-op at 10am to discuss that week’s goals. Whether it’s litter picking, clearing gutters, or giving a permitted garden area some attention, everyone

oiled machine. Committee members provide the required equipment to the volunteers and everyone gets stuck in.

And this community effort is really paying off. Sue can do nothing but sing the praises of those involved and those recognising and respecting the work they have achieved.

‘They have really made a difference… The planters are much appreciated by passers-by. We got several compliments, even when we were just potting them up!’ can get their hands dirty – for all the right reasons!

Like all non-profit organisations, it’s the sense of community, achievement and love for the cause that allows them to make a difference. Brighter Heathfield volunteers is a welcoming and well-

“Very sincere thanks must go to the Parish Council for grant funding, as well as various other groups who have made generous donations, shops and premises who have given water, our jacket sponsors, and Round Wood of Mayfield.”

ROUND WOOD ROUND-UP Round Wood of Mayfield offers a wide range of high-end products and the firm consists of several strands, including Oak Framed Buildings, Quality Decking & Cladding, Oak Flooring, Joinery, and Home and Garden Features.

Their building team has supplied and erected thousands of bespoke structures over the last 20 years, ranging from gazebos and single-bay garages right up to storage complexes and full houses. Standard garage kits and garden rooms are also available.

The majority of decking and cladding products are cut from hard-wearing hardwoods with an eye-catching natural appearance. Ipe, for example, will last 100 years without treatment, and features intense colour sparks. The company also offers thermo-treated decking and cladding boards which boast outstanding environmental credentials.

And their home and garden ranges provide luxurious finishing touches. These include planters, statues, burners and water features.

One of the biggest challenges the volunteers face is how to make the most of communal areas with a small budget. This is where Round Wood was able to step in and offer their support.

The traditional crafting company have donated three classy fibrestone trough planters, which have found new homes outside Heathfield’s Sainsbury’s and Waitrose supermarkets to cheer shoppers on arrival.

The Fibrestone Contemporary Trough Planters were selected in a classic yet contemporary grey to complement both supermarket brands and to make a timeless statement of their own.

Fibrestone is an ideal material for planters. While it offers the durability of fibreglass, it still holds a solid and heavy feel provided by the stone powder mixed into the composite.

Along with being durable, these planters are low maintenance, making them an excellent choice

for commercial use, with the added bonus of being a fraction of the cost of equivalents made in lead.

These one-metre planters are also UV and frost-protected, allowing the Brighter Heathfield Volunteers to keep the local area bright and cheery all year round.

Crisp Sue said of the planters: “They have really made a difference to the areas outside Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.

“The grey gives a crisp contemporary look that contrasts well with the store colours and the plants that were used.

“The planters are much appreciated by passers-by. We got several compliments, even when we were just potting them up!”

For further information about Round Wood of Mayfield and its products, call 01435 867 072, or visit roundwood.com

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

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Pride and joy

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Experience the magic of the Masai Mara Page 48

AUTHOR ON LOVE AND LOSS

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MUSIC IN MAASTRICHT

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TRADERS SERVE UP NEW EVENT

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Embarking on a journey When Wendy Jennings’ parents died within a matter of months of one another the local author felt bereft – but writing her story of loss and finding love has helped her heal, as she explains

H

AVE you ever had one of those days where one phone call changes the pattern of the rest of your life?

That happened to me on December 19, 2011, when I received a call from my dad explaining that mum was in severe pain. A few weeks later she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Then, to add to that, my dad was diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer the following May. By September 2012 I had lost them both.

For a while afterwards I thought I had no purpose; I was no longer a daughter, I’m not a parent, and I don’t have siblings. At that time I wasn’t in a relationship, either, so who was Wendy? I had no idea and, moreover, I didn’t have a clue how to work it out either.

It wasn’t until spring 2014 that a plan flicked into my head – literally a light bulb moment in the early hours of the morning when I thought: “WENDY, GO TO AUSTRALIA!” I have family there, so it wasn’t such a ludicrous idea, and gradually that idea became reality. During that time I started a blog to keep friends and family updated about my plans.

I never dreamed I would write a book, but I got persuaded by my readers to pull on big girls’ pants and do just that.

‘From Cancer To Coddiwomple: A Story of

Love, Loss and Daring To Dream’ chronicles my parents’ journeys with their illnesses with laughter and tears, and how I rebuilt my life after losing them both.

The reader then travels with me to Bali and Australia during the year of 2015-2016.

‘And if you’re wondering what on earth coddiwomple means, well it’s English slang that means to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination’ And if you’re wondering what on earth coddiwomple means, well it’s English slang that means to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.

Compiling this book has shown me that a metaphorical phoenix really can rise out of the ashes when all feels lost.

My overarching mission now is to inspire others and show it is in fact possible to enjoy life after loss, and to bring a ray of hope to people who might be going through something similar.

I also want the reader who maybe feeling stuck to have somewhere to turn. Therefore,

NEW-FOUND CHEER Wendy Jennings

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from grief to happiness…

RELAXING Wendy has found writing therapeutic

I invited people who are experienced in their fields of expertise – that can assist and support people in various stages of loss, grief, ill-health or need – to place their business details in a ’Help Directory’ in the back of the book. They are all very dedicated and passionate about what they do and are known to me personally.

My inspiration is to help support St Barnabas House in Worthing, who looked after us.

I am delighted to say that I recently sent off my first donation to them raised from my book sales, and I look forward to being able to send more in the future.

The book’s second purpose is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can be easily missed.

Plus it means my parents will live on through my words.

I now happily live in the heart of the Kent countryside, near Tunbridge Wells, with Tim; my soulmate, best friend and ‘Coddiwomple Companion’. I grew up in Tunbridge Wells and lived in Sussex from 2009-2015, so I feel like I’m home again.

Please remember that however dire our situations may seem, it is always OK to dream!

Find out more about the book and Wendy at thecoddiwomplelady.com The book, From Cancer To Coddiwomple, is available from Wendy’s website priced £12.99. You can also find her on Facebook: The Coddiwomple Lady and Twitter: @WJCoddiwomple

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goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD… At Groombridge Place

WEDNESDAY Winner of 2018’s Britain’s Got Talent Lee Ridley, also known as Lost Voice Guy, will be at Hever Festival Theatre this evening at 8pm. Lee is the first stand-up comedian to use a communication aid and, by his own admittance, is still working on being able to stand up. In the short time he has been on the comedy circuit, he has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe and made many

television appearances. Tickets, which cost £19, can be booked at heverfestival-tickets.co.uk THURSDAY The Friends of Dunorlan Park are organising a Bat Walk this evening at 8.45pm. Bat expert Val Sutton, from the Kent Bat Group, will be leading the expedition and giving insights into the lives of these airborne nocturnal nippers. Attendance

is free, but donations are welcome. Booking is essential, so please email Judy Guest at: judy.guest@hotmail. co.uk

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

SILENT FRIGHT Try to spot a common pipistrelle on the Dunorlan Bat Walk

FRIDAY Today is the last day of The War and Peace Revival at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood.

The military and vintage festival features displays of classic cars, tanks, artillery, armoured cars and lots more, and also offers live music, a vintage marketplace and even a vintage hairdresser’s. Plus live vehicle demonstrations, re-enactments and living history displays. Ticket prices vary, so for more intel, go to warandpeacerevival.com As part of a local initiative, Rusthall Community Arts are putting on a new play, Legends Of The Rocks, this evening at 7.30pm. Celebrating their 50th community play, Claque Theatre will be telling a fantastical tale of four reluctant heroes who find themselves in a parallel world under the toad of Toad Rock.

Expect songs, dancing puppets and the unexpected. Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-want basis and can be booked online at wegottickets.com/ ClaqueTheatre or for more information, visit communityplays.com Lee Ridley SATURDAY To mark the end of a French tour, The Lydian Orchestra Summer Concert will be held at Tonbridge Parish Church tonight at 7.30pm.

Conductor Christoph Nielbock has come from Tunbridge Wells’

twin town Wiesbaden to perform a programme including pieces from the tour and Hector Berlioz’s Nuits d’Été. The orchestra is now in its 43rd year of giving young musicians the opportunity to experience orchestral playing and performance. Tickets, which are available on the door, cost £12 for adults, £6 for students and under-18s can attend for £1. For more information, you can visit their website at Lydian.org.uk From 10am this morning, you can pop down to Market Square for A Taste of Tunbridge Wells with Local & Live. Free to enter, the event is a showcase of some of the best local food, drink and music in the area. Restaurants, including The Giggling Squid, Ill Vesuvio and Sankey’s, will be serving from their own menus, alongside regular stallholders and food producers.

Fuggles will also be on hand providing drink, and Paul Dunton and other talented acts

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

THE MAESTRO FROM MAASTRICHT Watch André Rieu and his orchestra at Trinity Theatre

from Local & Live will be providing the musical accompaniment. The market finishes at 6pm and will also run tomorrow [Sunday] from 10am-4pm.

Brandon Thomas’s seminal farce Charley’s Aunt is on for the last night at the Oast Theatre in Tonbridge. When Lord Fancourt Babberley agrees to impersonate the aunt of friend Charley, no one anticipates the danger of the real aunt turning up, or an elderly fortune hunter attempting to woo Babberly. The farce runs in three acts of complete chaos and hilarity. This production is set in the Roaring Twenties. The madness starts at 8pm and tickets cost £11. To book, go to oasttheatre.com SUNDAY Join André Rieu for a majestic summer waltz at a live screening at Trinity Theatre of his Maastricht Concert: Shall We Dance? The world famous violinist and conductor made his name by bringing the classical waltz to life and this concert promises to be no different. The Dutch maestro invites you to put on your dancing shoes for his spectacular hometown concert. The screening starts at 3pm and tickets, which cost £20 for adults or £19 for concessions, can be booked online at trinitytheatre.net

You can view this, along with Chiddingstone’s other collections, for the price of a standard ticket, which costs £9.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. For more information, go to chiddingstonecastle.org.uk TUESDAY Follow the yellow brick road to Groombridge Place today to see The Wizard of OZ. There will be two live performances every day until August 11, with a West End cast singing, dancing and transporting the children to the land of the classic children’s novel and film. The characters will also be walking about the grounds, and you can visit all the other attractions of the estate, too. Tickets cost £14.95 per adult and £12.95 per child. For more information, visit groombridgeplace.com DAOIST GOD ZHENWU At Chiddingstone

MONDAY Chiddingstone Castle has been lent a fascinating Chinese ceramic statue – the seated altar figure of the Daoist god Zhenwu (known as Xuan Wu) the Perfected Warrior, who is also known as Xuanwu, or Dark Warrior, ruler of the north direction. It probably dates from the 18th century and will be on display there until October 30.

PICK OF THE WEEK: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

Weds & Thurs July 24-25 EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge

Wade through the swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the oozy squelchy mud to find the ever-elusive bear. The hit production of the much-loved picture book promises music, rhymes and laughter. Recommended for children ages three and up. Tickets, which cost £12.50, can be booked online at emftheatre.com

Going Out

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live music With Paul Dunton

F

OR a great midweek outing tonight [Wednesday], renowned local acts Beyond the Vinyl, Sean de Burca and Will Watson & The Wave will all be performing at The Grey Lady Music Lounge.

Thursday night brings the excellent Unit 7 to Jazz On The Pantiles, and the hugely enjoyable Folking In The Strawberries continues at Stonepitts Farm near Sevenoaks with Shep, The Breretons, Ty & Ayesha Watling and Will Varley all performing.

Friday night’s shows include Into The Blue at The Grey Lady and the internationally-praised Sugar Hill Gang are at The Forum.

Saturday night is busy with The Carole King Songbook at Trinity Theatre, Super Duper & The Ya Ya’s at The Beau Nash Tavern, Platform 4 at The Royal Oak, Lee Mead at Hever Festival Theatre, and the ever popular Soul Train returning to The Pantiles Bandstand.

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

The summer music carries on with A Taste of Tunbridge Wells, in association with The Farmers’ Market, which runs at The Market Square, Camden Road this weekend and features an incredible array of Local & Live acts. They include Stuart Evans, Joe Ackerley, Jack Mackey, The River Flows, Steve Hewitt, Charlie Rivers, Son of Kirk, The Good Ship Band, Infrared, Steffan James and Ryan Weeks.

You can close out the weekend in style with The Second Wind Jazz Band on the lawns of Tonbridge Castle on Sunday afternoon, and Owen Donovan appearing across the High Street at Verdigris on Sunday evening.

Looking ahead to next week, The regular TWUNT Ukulele Jam session takes place on Monday night at The George, and the excellent Missouri Gutts are at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge on Tuesday evening.

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Saturday Platform 4

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Beyond the Vinyl, Sean de Burca, Will Watson & The Wave Friday Into The Blue Sunday Harry Whitty, Ryan Weeks, Sophie Harmsworth Monday Singers Night THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Word Up Friday The Sugar Hill Gang A TASTE OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS WITH LOCAL & LIVE The Market Square, Camden Road Live music from 11am-5pm Free entry, food & drink stalls, All welcome, family friendly Thursday 11am Stuart Evans 12noon Joe Ackerley 1pm Jack Mackey 2pm The River Flows 3pm Steve Hewitt 4pm Charlie Rivers Sunday 11am Son of Kirk 12noon The Good Ship Band 1pm Infrared 2pm Steffan James 3pm Ryan Weeks THE PANTILES BANDSTAND Donations welcomed Thursday 7pm Jazz On The Pantiles with Unit 7 Saturday 7pm Soul Train FOLKING IN THE STRAWBERRIES Stonepitts Farm, Seal, Nr Sevenoaks

THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB Tonbridge Doors open 6.30pm, Music from 8pm Saturday Word of Mouth

Son of Kirk Music from 6pm-9.30pm Entry price is per car Thursday Shep, The Breretons, Ty & Ayesha Watling and Will Varley MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome HEVER FESTIVAL THEATRE Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge Friday Michael (Michael Jackson tribute featuring Ben Bowman) Saturday Lee Mead: My Story. An evening with the star of Joseph and many other shows THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Friday Soul Night Saturday Super Duper & The Ya Ya’s TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Event information at trinitytheatre.net Saturday The Carole King Songbook

TONBRIDGE CASTLE Tonbridge High Street Free entry Music from 3pm-5pm Sunday Second Wind Jazz Band Concert VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Free entry, music from 8pm Sunday Owen Donovan THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm All welcome Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Missouri Gutts Into the Blue

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Savour a taste of Tunbridge Wells The Independent Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market is hosting a special family foodie festival this weekend, which also includes Local & Live music on the bill.

The idea, says the market’s co-founder, Jo Jeffery, is to celebrate not just the local produce on offer, but also the Camden Road area where the market is held

T

HITTING THE RIGHT MARKET… (L-R) Morag Hopkin, Paul Saxby and Jo Jeffery

HIS weekend foodie fans are invited to Market Square in the town to enjoy two days of specialist food shopping, fabulous feasting and live music courtesy of ‘A Taste of Tunbridge Wells’.

The free-to-attend event is being put on by the collective behind the town’s twicemonthly Farmers’ Market, which relocated there from its original Civic Way site in March.

“Due to the success of the new market we wanted to expand on this

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and create an event which would involve the whole community,” explains Jo Jeffery of Naked & Ready Foods, who co-runs the market along with fellow traders Paul Saxby and Morag Hopkin.

“We also wanted to involve nearby restaurants located in and around Camden Road in order to promote the whole area, not just our market, as it’s a great spot for interesting places to eat.

“We see A Taste of Tunbridge Wells as an opportunity for local food producers, restaurants, food outlets and bars to showcase their produce, food menus or drinks to a wider audience.

‘We also wanted to involve nearby restaurants located in and around Camden Road in order to promote the whole area, not just our market, as it’s a great spot for interesting places to eat’ “We are encouraging businesses to have a taster menu so it will be a real celebration of what Tunbridge

WHO IS PLAYING WHEN AT A TASTE OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS:

Food & Drink

Life&Times

MARKET SQUARE The new home of Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market

Saturday: • 11am Stuart Evans • 12noon Joe Ackerley • 1pm Jack Mackey • 2pm The River Flows • 3pm Steve Hewitt • 4pm Charlie Rivers Sunday: • 11am Son of Kirk • 12noon The Good Ship Band • 1pm Infrared • 2pm Steffan James • 3pm Ryan Weeks A Taste of Tunbridge Wells runs from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, and takes place in Market Square, just behind Royal Victoria Place Wells has to offer.”

Restaurants participating in the food and drink special event include The Giggling Squid, St John’s Yard, Il Vesuvio, Sankey’s and The Guinea Butt, who will all have a presence at the market serving up tasty treats from their restaurant menus. Fuggles will also be serving beers and wines.

But that’s not all. In addition to delicious food and drink, Local & Live organiser Paul Dunton has arranged a bill of live music, so as you shop and savour you can listen to an array of talented musicians play.

Why did Jo and co think that music was an essential ingredient for their food festival?

“We have a huge local music scene, so we thought why not complement great food with some great music?”

Seems like a recipe for success to us, too…

It’s cocktail o’clock Is the heat turning your thoughts to summer cocktails? Times Drinks Editor James Viner guides you in the right direction. Whether you’re having a barbecue, cocktail party or you’re just hanging out in the garden, here are three easily assembled and delicious thirst-quenching drinks to wow party guests, and relish yourself through the summer 1) COCKTAIL FOR NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY (JULY 24) ‘El Diablo’ with Olmeca Altos Plata Blanco Tequila, Mexico (£19 offer until July 29, Tesco; £21 offer until August 13, Waitrose; Alc 38%) Be ready to stir up a storm as it’s #NationalTequilaDay today, and what better way to mark the occasion than concocting a mouthwatering tequilabased cocktail? This classic should be learnt by all bartenders, and can easily be scaled up to share from a jug with friends. One nip of this fruity cocktail and you’ll be transported to a beach somewhere far, far away. Salud!

Ingredients: • 50ml non-mixto (100% blue agave) Olmeca Altos Plata blanco tequila • 15ml Crème de Cassis, e.g. Lejay, which makes a purple haze • 15ml Fresh lime juice • 100ml Quality ginger ale/beer, e.g.

Fentimans

How To Make It: Add finely strained peach puree to a flute. Using a bar spoon rested inside the lip of the glass, pour Prosecco over the spoon to avoid excessive foaming.

Stir to combine.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine its pink colour reminded him of a saint’s robe he had seen in one of his paintings. I recently enjoyed a house Bellini made with Bottega Gold Prosecco at Birmingham’s Bottega Prosecco Bar and Restaurant. It’s fragrant and breezy with all the sparkle of a glitter ball, and really looks the part in a gold bottle that shields against ‘lightstrike’ (or ‘goût de lumière’ in French), the detrimental effect that light can have on wine.

Cin cin!

2) CUMBRIAN GIN COBBLER ‘The Lakes Cobbler’ with Bedrock Gooseberry & Elderflower Gin, Cumbria (£29.95, WineBuyers & Bedrock Gin, 50cl, Alc 40%) An American creation and back in favour with the recent cocktail renaissance, cobblers are an offshoot of the punch family tree that consists of sugar, spirit (or wine), crushed ice and fruit, typically served with a straw.

This cocktail was devised for me by Vince Wilkins, who founded Spirit of the Lakes Ltd, the brand owner of Bedrock gin, just outside Keswick in the Lake District in 2008 (it’s produced at the Langley distillery in the Midlands). His Gooseberry & Elderflower Bedrock Gin uses the base spirit of his award-winning Bedrock London Dry Gin made with Cumbrian spring water and kiln-dried oak bark. It’s then sensitively flavoured with gooseberry and elderflower for summery serves.

Ingredients: • 100ml fresh peach puree. Yellow peaches are fine but in-season Italian white peaches are best. Remove the stone and the skin and pulp gently in a blender. Peach puree freezes well so you can enjoy Bellinis out of season.

• Bottle of quality chilled Prosecco, e.g.

Bottega Gold

How To Make It: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the tequila, crème de cassis and lime juice. Fine-strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer, garnishing with a lime wedge and/ or fresh blackberry.

CULINARY CUISINE Lots of local produce will be available

47

2) CLASSIC VENETIAN COCKTAIL The ‘Bellini’ with Bottega Gold Prosecco, Veneto, Italy (£20-£25, Selfridges/Whisky Exchange/ Amazon, Alc 11%) Effectively an Italian version of a Kir Royale, the great drink of Venice (other than Aperol Spritz) was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in the 1930s and named after the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini because

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Ingredients: • 35ml Bedrock Gooseberry & Elderflower Gin • 5ml Cloudy Apple Juice • Dash of fresh lemon juice How To Make It: Combine ingredients and serve with plenty of crushed ice, a sprig of mint and a dusting of icing sugar. Cheers, Vince!

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Travel

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

All hail the magical Kenyan kingdom

where lions reign supreme

A remake of The Lion King is sure to reignite our passion for a species in worrying decline. Sarah Marshall finds a glimmer of hope for the beautiful big cats in the Masai Mara

CUTE CUBS from the Oldikdik pride

O

VERRUN by his offspring, Olerai grunts, growls and grinds his chiselled jaw, but is far too weary to summon a roar as excitable lion cubs tug at his tail.

As he raises an eyelid to survey the granite outcrop where his restless pride has gathered, wind rustles through the formidable male’s mane and sun glints where crown jewels should shine. But ruling a dominion is tiring work, and a king surely deserves his sleep.

A source of daily drama in Kenya’s Masai Mara, pride politics are fascinatingly complex. Love, loyalty, betrayal and deception frequently shape nail-biting plot lines which resonate with all the poignancy of a Shakespearean tragedy.

When Disney’s The Lion King animation was released in cinemas 25 years ago, audiences quickly identified with young lion Simba and his quest to reclaim the Pride Lands from his scheming uncle Scar. The film spawned a franchise of TV shows, video games and one of our most successful musicals.

Featuring the voices of singing star Beyoncé and comedian Donald Glover, a new live-action version is set to be a box-office hit, fuelling our love of Africa’s lions once again.

Although scenes of Simba and his father Mufasa surveying their homeland from an escarpment are inspiring, in reality the future of their species is dangling from a precipice.

In two decades, Africa’s lion population declined by an alarming 42 per cent, and the king of the jungle is currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Loss of habitat has been the biggest culprit, leading to increased conflict with human communities when lions attack their livestock.

It’s a bleak picture, but one pocket of success is Kenya’s Masai Mara ecosystem.

Home to the Marsh pride, who starred in Jonathan Scott’s Big

Cat Diary and David Attenborough’s Dynasties, it’s thought to have one of the highest lion densities in Africa.

Scott, who was in the Mara last year filming for Big Cat Tales, admits most of the footage was captured in the Mara’s conservancies – community-owned land surrounding the National Reserve where tourism is carefully controlled.

I also find myself tripping over muscular golden cats when I visit Olare Motorogi Conservancy, where I’ve joined Kelvin Kamango, a research assistant at the Mara Predator Conservation Programme [MPCP] on an early morning game drive.

An initiative supported by The Kenya Wildlife Trust, MPCP conducts a lion count twice a year. Their data shows numbers in the Mara ecosystem have risen

PIC: PA Photo/© 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc

from 418 in December 2014 to 464 in 2017.

Using an app on his mobile phone, Kelvin records the GPS co-ordinates of sightings, and identifies individuals by their whisker count – a unique ID akin to a fingerprint. Other distinguishing features also help to classify individual characters. Olerai, for example, has a gash on his nose.

Warrior In this conservancy, the Oldikdik pride is flourishing, and brothers Olerai and Olekiti are enjoying a supreme and largely unchallenged reign. Sons of legendary warrior Notch, the pair migrated from the Reserve in 2015 and took control of three different prides.

Now their energies have been focused into one big powerful dynasty, and they have the best hunting ground here.

Prowling a rocky gully where

animals like to drink, a lioness sneaks behind a croton bush and waits for her moment to strike.

Later that afternoon, when I return on a game drive, the pride is feasting on a fresh wildebeest carcass – presumably secured by their leading lady’s patience and skill.

A complicated family tree with fruitful boughs and tangled branches, the Mara’s network of characters is a stand-alone study.

MPCP has created a photobook to help safari guides identify key feline players, a tool used by the excellent team at Kicheche Bush Camp, who have followed many of the resident animals through various stages of their lives.

There have been births, deaths, brawls and epic showdowns. Males have battled for supremacy, and impassioned mothers have fought to protect their young until the bitter end.

It’s a soap opera set amidst spirited plains and foreboding skies, with episodes unfurling a matter of minutes away from camp.

Guests staying with Kicheche have an opportunity to visit MPCP’s HQ on the OMC border, where computers whirling with data and graphs illustrate the research team’s findings to date.

The success of lions in the Mara’s conservancies is largely due to healthy habitat and co-operation from surrounding communities.

Senior Programme Scientist Niels Mogensen shows me a new type of boma (enclosure), which MPCP is encouraging pastoralists to use for corralling their livestock.

PURE MAJESTY A scene from The Lion King

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Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Made from recycled plastic bottles, the sturdy poles offer a far better line of defence than traditional enclosures made from branches and thorns.

Poisonings are a common form of retaliation for slaughtered sheep and cattle, so proving that lions are a valuable resource, rather than a threat, is key to safeguarding the future of the species.

Changes in attitude are best illustrated by a series of sketches from local schoolchildren. In 2013, their artistic interpretations of wildlife showcase lions and cheetahs getting speared; five years later, safari vehicles dominate the frame.

Along with education and awareness, the concrete reality of cash flow has been the lions’ saving grace. Providing improved healthcare, clean water provision and livelihood opportunities for women, several projects have been implemented by the Maa Trust, a non-profit organisation receiving financial support from Kicheche and other camps in the conservancy.

A new visitor centre will be open soon, but for now it’s possible to visit their workspace and handicraft shop neighbouring MPCP. The employment of Maasai in the safari industry has also helped communities forge a connection between wildlife preservation and financial reward, and many have adapted their lifestyles accordingly.

Kicheche guide Johnson, who works at Valley Camp in the neighbouring conservancy, Naboisho, admits he now has fewer cattle – a response to the increasing pressure grazing puts on wild habitats.

Like the rest of us, he has also

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grown extremely fond of lions.

Sat alongside a shallow stream, we spend an hour quietly watching lioness Simaloi and her suckling brood of cubs – with no one else around. Detached from the main Enesikiria pride, the skilled hunter and mother has chosen to live alone.

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FULL OF PRIDE Lioness Simaloi with her cubs

Risk It’s an idyllic scene, and I half expect a gospel choir to appear singing Lion King classic the Circle Of Life. But happy endings are only guaranteed in Disney scripts, and the future of Simaloi’s male cubs is uncertain.

When old enough, they’ll be pushed out to find their own prides – a task made harder by a booming human population, blocked wildlife corridors and shrinking space.

The Maasai Mara is home to some of the continent’s oldest lions, but Niels suggests their unchallenged hegemony could pose bigger problems further down the line – without new blood to maintain a healthy gene pool, prides all over Africa are at risk.

Endowed with near legendary status, many of these old timers are now celebrities – and the truth is, it’s hard to let them go.

MPCP will continue to conduct their census, but counting predators has become much more than a numbers game.

Fleshed out with history and heritage, a sleeping lion is no longer a lazy two-dimensional cat.

For now, Simbas roar all over Africa, but their grip on the jungle is slipping. They are no longer the undisputed kings.

HOW TO GET THERE

THE REAL LION KING Olerai, the leader of the Mara’s Oldikdik pride

The Ultimate Travel Company offers three nights at Kicheche Bush Camp and three nights at Kicheche Valley Camp from £4,459 per person (two people sharing). Includes full board, shared game drives, services of a highly qualified guide, laundry, conservancy fees, British Airways economy class flights, Nairobi transfers, bush flights and an overnight stay in Nairobi. See theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk

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Motoring

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Motoring News

This week…  Ducati celebrates  Autonomous tests  Tap and zap!

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Tap and zap at electric car charge points…

Ducati marks 25 years of 916 with a limited-edition Panigale V4 S TOP motorbike maker Ducati has unveiled a special-edition version of its Panigale V4 S, designed to pay homage to 25 years of its 916 sport bike – often called one of the world’s most beautiful motorcycles.

Limited to just 500 units, the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916s uses the same 1103cc, 211bhp engine as you’ll find in the regular bike – but a variety of modifications have been made to give it even more of an edge.

It utilises the lighter front frame from the V4 R, as well as that bike’s dry clutch.

It also benefits from Marchesini Racing forged aluminium wheels and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust silencer, which shaves off 0.5kg compared to the one found on the standard V4 S. A complex Traction Control

EVO 2 system is fitted, capable of detecting a loss of grip to maximise traction when exiting corners.

There are eight individual traction settings – six for dry and two for wet – and there’s even a data analyser included for riders to measure elements such as throttle application and lean angles.

The exterior of the bike has been finished in a new livery which harks back to that applied to four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty’s championship-winning 996 bike from 1999.

Fogarty completed several parade laps around Laguna Seca – the first time that the rider has been to the track in 20 years.

Prices for the limitededition bike start from around £37,619.

Toyota to test autonomous vehicles on European roads

TOYOTA is bringing its autonomous vehicle development programme to Europe as it announces a 13-month public road trial in Brussels.

A heavily-modified LS saloon from sister firm Lexus will make repeated journeys around a fixed route in the Belgian capital, following successful simulator tests and further public road testing in Japan and America.

Gerard Killmann, Toyota Motor Europe Vice President of Research and Development, said: “Toyota’s ultimate goal is zero casualties from traffic accidents, and the main goal of this pilot is to study complex and unpredictable human behaviour and its impact on automated driving system requirements.

“Responding to the complexity and diverse population of an urban environment like Brussels is key to

understanding human behaviour.

“After successful trials on public roads in Japan and the US, we are now adding European conditions to the technology’s understanding.”

The Lexus LS started life as a standard production model, but Toyota’s engineers have fitted various sensors to the roof that can ‘see’ the road ahead, with the data interpreted by on-board computers that react appropriately.

The LS is fitted with LIDAR (laser imaging detection and ranging), radars, cameras and a high-precision positioning system that work together to create an accurate computer model of the vehicle’s surroundings.

A human operator remains in the driver’s seat at all times to take over in case of an emergency.

ELECTRIC car charging stations should offer contactless payment by next spring, the government has announced.

The move would let people pay for charging their electric vehicle with a credit or debit card, as well as existing methods .

Future of Mobility Minister Michael Ellis said: “The government’s vision is for the UK to have one of the best electric vehicle charging networks in the world, but we know the variety of payment methods at the moment is a source of frustration for drivers.

“It is crucial there are easy payment methods available… This will help even more people enjoy the benefits electric vehicles bring, and speed up our journey to a zeroemission future.”

The government has backed the installation of more than 20,000 public charge points across the UK, including more than 2,000 rapid chargers. There are now more places to charge an electric car than there are petrol stations.

This comes alongside an announcement by BP Chargemaster, which operates the UK’s largest network of charging sites, that it will introduce card payment options on all new 50kW and 150kW chargers. In addition, it will be retrofitting UK-made rapid chargers with card readers over the next 12 months.

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Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

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

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8 1 2

14 10

Codeword:

8

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

5 6

1

5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩

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4 3 5 2 8 5 6 4 3 6

2 1

4 5 9 6 5 2

© 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

F A T E F U L I N P U T

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

L I C E D E H O E X A C T D N E S I G N S E A B R I C L R Q A N T A A I W E N C I L D E E A I R E D

Sudoku:

8 9 2 1 7 3 4 6 5

3 6 5 9 8 4 7 2 1

1 4 7 6 5 2 9 3 8

4 3 1 2 6 7 8 5 9

6 7 9 5 3 8 1 4 2

2 5 8 4 9 1 3 7 6

9 2 4 3 1 6 5 8 7

7 1 6 8 4 5 2 9 3

5 8 3 7 2 9 6 1 4

5 4 8 7 1 3 9 2 6

2 8 7 4 5 6 1 3 9

8 5 1 9 2 4 7 6 3

9 6 3 5 8 2 4 1 7

7 3 4 1 6 5 2 9 8

Jigsaw Sudoku:

4 2 9 6 3 7 8 5 1

6 1 5 8 7 9 3 4 2

1 9 2 3 4 8 6 7 5

3 7 6 2 9 1 5 8 4

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday July 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

Mighty Karvelas feasts on Sandwich Tunbridge Wells 254-7 beat Sandwich Town 132 by 122 runs

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: A STUNNING all-round performance from Ari Karvelas propelled Tunbridge Wells to a comprehensive victory on the Kent coast.

The 25-year-old fast bowler, who has played four times for Kent Second XI over the past month, hit six sixes batting at No 8, then caused havoc in the home side’s top order.

Despite the overnight thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, The Butts was playable and Wells captain Chris Williams chose to bat first after winning the toss.

The skipper was once again in fine form, recording his third consecutive Kent League fifty at a very healthy pace, and adding half-century stands for the first two wickets.

But 154 for 2 became 164 for 5 as Williams was

bowled for 91 off 94 balls with seven fours and two sixes, and Matthew Von Poppel (4 for 45) took three quick wickets.

Sam Stickler (47) steadied the ship with brother Will, but with four overs left the visitors had only reached an under-par 198 for 7.

At that point Karvelas produced a pyrotechnic display of hitting power, hitting an unbeaten 47 from 18 deliveries including that half-dozen sixes, and the total rocketed up to 254 for 7.

The fiery South African-born paceman Karvelas then grabbed two wickets in two balls in the first over of Sandwick Town’s reply and they were reduced to 0 for 2.

Home captain Cameron Fletcher (32) slowly put the innings back together in a half-century stand with Finley Beaman but Wells counterattacked with three quick wickets.

There was more resistance as Rory and Alex Smith (40) ground out 57 for the sixth wicket but once they were gone five wickets fell for 13 runs.

Sandwich Town were all out for 132 with 12 overs unused, losing by 122 runs. Alex Williams snapped up 2 for 29 and Ian Mclean took 2 for 18, while pride of place went to Karvelas (3 for 23).

Wells retained their fourth place in the Kent League Premier Division while Sandwich slipped to sixth as Lordswood swept past them with an impressive run-chase against third-placed Sevenoaks Vine.

League leaders Bexley now travel to Tunbridge Wells on Saturday (July 27), on Vice-Presidents’ Day at the Nevill.

CLEAN SWEEP FOR WELLS Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club set a record at the weekend when all four of its top teams won for the third time this season. The clean sweep was engineered by respective captains Chris Williams, Sam Watts, Amos Kemp and Charles Walker.

Florence is riding high with gold on her England debut

By Andy Tong EQUESTRIANISM: ELEVEN-year-old Florence Marriott won a gold medal on her first international outing as England’s showjumping team gained top marks at the Scottish Home Pony International in West Lothian.

As featured in the Times last week, the Tunbridge Wells rider was taking part in the 128cm competition – the height of the fences – with her pony Gelvin Castle Grey.

Her mother Lucy van den Broek was thrilled with the display and said: “It was my proudest moment when the girls were standing on the podium for the prizegiving with the National Anthem playing.”

She described the events of a dramatic weekend, saying: “Flo had a selection class on Thursday as although five are always selected, the Chef d’Equipe has to then select four from the five.

“This is done on performance in the selection class, ie. least number of faults, style and performance, and Flo and three of the other riders got selected and one got dropped, which is quite harsh.”

She continued: “On the day, they do a course walk altogether with the team Chef d’Equipe to discuss strategy.

“They parade with the England flag and then each team member from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland jumps.

“Each round has points for whatever has been done or hasn’t been done correctly, and this is done twice.

“If two teams are level in points after this, then one team member from each of those teams goes head to head in a jump-off to get the quickest round.

“Luckily England were quite a few points up on

UNBRIDLED JOY Florence Marriott celebrates with Gelvin Castle Grey

Scotland, who ended up with silver, and the rest of the teams so we won without having to even do the jump off.

Last year Florence won the 11-and-Under National Championship at the age of nine, and qualified for the Horse of the Year Show at the

By Stuart Clarke CRICKET: AFTER an excellent victory over league leaders Harvel, Cowdrey were looking to build momentum but suffered a poor defeat at Gravesend.

After heavy overnight rain the match was reduced to 30 overs a side, and when Ryan Addison won the toss he inserted the home side.

Opening bowler Thom Brown was the pick of the attack and at the halfway point Gravesend had been restricted to 65 for 2.

Then Daoud Khalid (43) and Arun Rana (38) starting attacking and it was up to Cowdrey’s new boy Khan Maroofkhail to put the brakes on, picking up 3 for 45.

With a late cameo from Adnan Pervaiz Gravesend reached 167 for 7 off their 30 overs, a tough but gettable target on a good deck.

Cowdrey’s chase proved to be a major disappointment and only the opener Jason

Billings on mend as Spitfires make flying start in T20 CRICKET: KENT captain Sam Billings hopes to return to action for the Spitfires in the T20 Blast after being out of action since the end of April.

The county have started their campaign in style, beating this season’s form team Somerset in the opener, then winning at Hampshire.

Keen to improve on their quarter-final berth last year, they next face Essex Eagles at Canterbury on Friday evening [July 26].

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was born in Pembury and went to school in Sevenoaks, missed out on England’s World Cup triumph after dislocating his shoulder.

Having undergone surgery, the Indian Premier League star is now back in the nets and aiming to play in Spitfires’ south group clash with Middlesex at Lord’s on August 1.

The 28-year-old, who grew up on a fruit farm near Hartley, intends to work his way back to full fitness by turning out for Sevenoaks Vine in the Kent League Premier DIvision.

“I’m working hard in the gym and hitting 200 to 300 balls a day in the nets, so I feel like the comeback is within touching distance now,” said Billings.

“I’m hoping to play my first game for Sevenoaks Vine in the Kent League and am very much looking forward to getting back out in the middle.

“So, I’m trying for August 1 but, like with any long-term injury, you have to be fluid and realistic and if I’m not quite right then I’ll have to tick over and bide my time.”

‘Whatever has been chucked at the young lads, they’ve dealt with it. I’ve no doubt that will continue’

NEC in Birmingham and the Mini Major at Olympia.

The Beechwood Sacred Heart pupil will now try to qualify for the two showpiece events again, with the Welsh Home Pony International and the nationals respectively.

Gravesend bring Cowdrey back down to earth Gravesend 167-7 beat Cowdrey 98 by 69 runs

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

Carver, with 45 off 73 balls, put up any resistance until he was run out.

The Gravesend attack impressed, with Kieran Wells (2 for 15) bowling with pace and overseas player Utkarsh Mahajan (3 for 19) ripping out of the middle order.

Cowdrey were dismissed for 98 with one ball remaining to lose by 69 runs, Arun Rana (3 for 11) cleaning up the tail.

A win is now imperative for the Tonbridge side against Bexleyheath at Swanmead on Saturday (July 27).

The captaincy issue has become complicated.

With Billings sidelined, Kent planned for Heino Kuhn to lead the Spitfires in this short format.

But Kuhn missed the start of the T20 Blast while under concussion protocols after he was hit in the neck by Fidel Edwards in the Championship match against Hampshire.

With Joe Denly training with the England Test squad, the mantle was passed to Daniel BellDrummond, who had never captained the side before; he has impressed onlookers with his leadership in the first two games.

Billings said: “It’s funny in a way that over the last three or four years when people looked at Kent’s T20 side it was our batting that caught the eye, but when you take Joe, Heino and myself out, that may not now be the case.

“But our absence will create opportunities for young lads like Zak Crawley, Ollie Robinson and Jordan Cox, and the temperament of those guys so far has been most positive and impressive.

“Whatever has been chucked at them, they’ve dealt with it. I’ve no doubt that will continue.

“On top of that we’ve made three or four great signings in the bowling department, which has been our slightly weaker suit in recent years.

“We’ve signed Hardus Viljoen on Kolpak terms who can bowl heavy pace in the mid-sections, and Kiwi Adam Milne, who has been the best performer in the last two Blast tournaments.”

“We’ve now got a left-arm option with Fred Klaassen and spin from Mohammad Nabi.

People will say, well Nabi’s only an off-spinner, but he has incredible skill and nous.

“With his skill set he can bowl in the powerplay, in the middle or even at the death, so he and the other guys bring us plenty of options.”

Billings added: “Batting gets you into a position to win games but it’s bowling units who go a long way to winning you tournaments by getting you over the line in matches that you may not quite think you’re favourites to win.

“We will give it our very best to win the Blast 2019, but it will be a squad task with different people chipping in and holding their hands up at various stages of the competition.”

Wednesday July 24 | 2019

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55

RUSTIC CHARM: The Rusthall Legends with junior mascots, Alan Rogers, Mark Lester, Wayne Balmer, Paul Stevens, Phil Hassell, Paul Brazil, Robbie Brown, Ian Balmer, Phil Hawkins, Jamie McKenna, Lewis Howard, Colin Smithers, Dan Manktelow (physio), Stu Hunter, Stu Gray, Martin Millins, Dave Jackson, Jon Penny, Nick Coxon, James Larkin (not pictured, Andy Constable)

Charities are the winners as Rusthall draw with Arsenal FOOTBALL: ALMOST 500 supporters came to the Jockey Farm Stadium on Sunday [July 21] to watch an Arsenal Charity XI take on the Rusthall Legends.

The Gunners side was made up of former

players Ian Selley, Jimmy Carter and Omar Riza, and celebrity supporters.

The event raised funds for the Arsenal Foundation, Hospice in the Weald and Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex.

ATHLETICS: TONBRIDGE Athletic Club’s Chris Olley ran the second fastest 5,000 metres time in the club’s history when he recorded 13min 40.35sec at the Sunset Meeting at Azusa, near Los Angeles.

He finished 16th of 32 starters in a top

PHOTO: Richard Owen

Olley moves up rankings with 5,000m record RUN ON THE BANK: Lucy Reid and Henry Pearce

Harriers hit the front at Eastbourne

By Andrew Deighton ATHLETICS: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Harriers women’s team won the Eastbourne Golden 5k, while Sonja King set a new club Female 35 record for the Golden Mile event.

King produced a time of 7min 2sec on the pancake flat course, and her team mates finished

neck and neck, Nicola Morris finishing in 6.23 with Hayley Larkin a second behind in 6.24.

In the men’s Mile race, Tom Woolley was the quickest Harrier in 5.05 followed by Ian Bracken (9.24) and Bob Lawrence (10.11).

On the same evening in the Harriers’ monthly summer 10k handicap, Billy Hobbs beat the long standing course record with a time of 32.49.

Spokes in the wheel at Owler TRIATHLON TUNBRIDGE WELLS Triathlon Club had three members participating in Owler events on the south coast – with mixed fortunes.

Richard Bysouth and Stephen Dunkerley competed in the Aquabike (1.9km swim and 90km cycle) with Graham Hubbard taking part in the Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run).

The race, one of the fastest in the South East, started with a swim in Lydd Lake, then a flat bike route on scenic country roads through Lydd, Brooklands and Camber.

Eventful The cycle section was eventful for all three competitors. Dunkerley crashed on a roundabout but still completing the race before requiring medical attention.

Meanwhile Hubbard missed a turning and rode an extra 10km, while Bysouth had a near-miss with a rabbit at high speed.

Bysouth (M40-44) finished second in his age category in 3hr 8min 13sec and Dunkerley (M55-59) came third in age group with a time of 3:24.16.

Both are hoping to use these impressive results to qualify for the 2020 European Championships in Austria.

COASTING HOME: Richard Bysouth (left) and Stephen Dunkerley

The fans witnessed an enjoyable spectacle, with some good football on show from both sides.

Rusthall took the lead from the spot after Constable won a penalty and then converted it.

Arsenal struck back when Selley scored from

close range and they took the lead when Joe Baker struck a superb volley into the top corner.

The hosts hit back late on when Lewis Howard forced the ball home from close range to equalise at 2-2.

international field, taking 7.6sec off his personal best which moves him to sixth place on the UK rankings this year.

At the same meeting James West continued his great form, finishing third over 1500m in a time of 3:37.78, just ahead of Olympic medallist Nick Willis of New Zealand.

West went on to record a personal best in the Emsley Carr Mile at the Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, finishing 13th in 3:56.79.

Olley has recently graduated from the University of San Francisco but will remain in the United States after securing a job in the city.

Lucy Reid won the Standard Chartered Great

City Run 5km women’s race for the third year in a row, while clubmate Henry Pearce was second in the men’s race.

The route starts and finishes at the Honourable Artillery Company Ground, taking in St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall and the Bank of England.

Both athletes have come through the age groups at Tonbridge AC and now pursue careers in the City of London.

Reid completed the course in 17min 6sec while Pearce finished in 15.11.

Also racing were fellow club members Harry Paton (16.38), Ben Reynolds (16.59) and Nichola Evans (19.52).