Times of Tunbridge Wells 28th March 2018

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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No-shows hurting our restaurants INSIDE OFFICE SQUEEZE

Shortage of space puts business at risk Pages 4-5

FIREWORKS BONANZA

PHOTO: Lee Smith

Charities benefit from the Dunorlan display Page 3

EASTER TREATS

Four pages to help you get out and about Page 66

UPSET: Five restaurant managers gathered to protest about customers not turning up after booking tables. They are (L-R) Mark Harper, owner of Rendezvous, Jason Fanti, director of Don Giovanni, Ivan Di Santo, co-owner of Soprano and Coco Retro, Franco Biscardi, co-manager of Il Vesuvio, and Martin Haymes, owner of The Warren

Exclusive by William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

INDEPENDENT restaurants are losing thousands of pounds a week because of a growing trend in the town of ‘noshows’ where people book tables and then fail to turn up.

The Times can this week reveal that one in five tables sometimes stay empty costing individual owners hundreds of pounds. Jean’s Kitchen on St John’s Road said it could lose up to £600 in one night.

The revelation comes at a time when the hospitality trade is under increasing pressure. Even national brands

such as Carluccio’s, Frankie & Benny’s and Prezzo are suffering badly and fighting for survival.

Hard-pressed restaurateurs in Tunbridge Wells are calling on customers to end the no-show practice and support independent eateries by honouring reservations, or at least cancelling in advance.

They have also warned of another growing trend where people reserve tables at different places and then decide on the night which booking to honour.

The Times initially talked with five well known restaurateurs at Soprano Wine Bar, in the High Street, which is co-managed by the brothers Ivan and Mauro Di Santo, who also own the

nearby Coco Retro on Vale Road.

The others were Franco Biscardi, comanager of Il Vesuvio, Jason Fanti, director of Don Giovanni, Mark Harper, owner of Rendezvous and Martin

‘We can’t survive like this - it is eating into the profits’ Mauro Di Santo, Sopranos Haymes, owner of The Warren.

“Without no-shows we would be able to offer better quality, employ more local people and there would be less frustration and stress,” said Ivan Di Santo.

“It has been more of an issue for the

last three to four years.”

Mr Fanti [Don Giovanni] said Tunbridge Wells is beginning to follow a ‘London trend’ with customers looking to offer their friends a choice of two or three restaurants.

“The practise hurts morale, profit and the economic position of the business. You go into business to make money and feed your family – otherwise what is the point?

“People go to a restaurant because there is a vibe to it, ambiance is a massive factor and that is lost when there are less customers because of no-shows.”

Continued on page 2

ENGLAND DEBUT

Tunbridge Wells cricketer wins her first cap Pages 86-87

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Application for more homes near cinema ANOTHER 86 homes could be built at Knights Park in Tunbridge Wells.

Developer Dandara is looking to add to the Knights Wood development, which is next to the cinema site in High Brooms.

Last week Tunbridge Wells Borough Council received a planning application, which stated only two of the new builds would be classed as ‘affordable housing’.

These latest homes would be considered the fourth phase of Knights Wood, resulting in a total of 599 properties. This is higher than the originally proposed 550.

Dandara commented: “It should be noted that whilst only two affordable apartments are proposed within Phase 4, there has been an increase in affordable housing within Phase 3.”

Of the 86 new builds, 31 would be threebedroom houses, 30 would have four beds, 14 would have two beds with the rest either two or five bedroom.

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Not turning up may force tough cutbacks a problem than chain restaurants who rely on long life products.

Mauro Di Santo added: “We can’t survive like this, it is eating into the profits. We would like to raise awareness.”

Mr Fanti also said: “Everyone says they love independent restaurants, but if these things continue we could have to start cutting costs, getting rid of staff or having smaller portions.

“Then someone who has come to you for two years says ‘oh, hang on, you gave me three pieces of veal but now it is two and I am not going to

Continued from page 1

RESERVATIONS Tunbridge Wells Bar and Grill General Manager Valentin Nitu

SOPRANO The first to warn about no-shows The group agreed that 10 to 20 per cent of bookings can end up as being no-shows. It is generally accepted that the average spend for a meal with wine is between £20 and £39 per head.

Mr Haymes [The Warren] said that on one recent occasion 20 out of 68 reservations were no-shows although some of these did phone ahead and cancel.

Deposits HOME TRUTH An artist’s impression

Paving stone honours war hero at Memorial A CELEBRATED hero of the First World War will be honoured in Tunbridge Wells, 100 years after he died in service.

Major Eric Stuart Dougall, who grew up in the town, won the Victoria Cross just four days before he died on April 14, 1918.

A paving stone will be unveiled next month at the War Memorial on Mount Pleasant as part of the First World War Centenary Campaign.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is organising the laying of the stone and said the aim is to ‘provide a lasting legacy within the community’.

Major Dougall is buried in a cemetery near Ypres.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626

“One sad thing, as well, is that you are depriving another customer of that booking and their chance to enjoy the restaurant,” he said.

Mr Biscardi [Il Vesuvio] said independent restaurants’ use of fresh ingredients made it more of

come any more’.”

Different restaurants deal with the issue in different ways.

Valentin Nitu, General Manager of Tunbridge

‘We have established a reservation system that shows an alert if somebody who was previously a no-show tries to make a booking’ Wells Bar and Grill, said: “We have established a reservation system that shows an alert if somebody who was previously a no-show tries to make a booking.

“We will call them a couple of hours before and ask them if everything is still okay.”

Sam Goode of Tonbridge Old Fire Station, which hosts pop-up dining events, said: “We take full payment up-front.”

But deposits are not a universally popular suggestion with Mr Harper stating: “If a customer has a choice of two restaurants, with one that charges a deposit, they will go for the one that doesn’t.”

Giuseppe de Bernardi, Manager of The Pantiles restaurant Gastronomia, was also against the idea, stating it could betray an important ‘trust’ with a customer.

Restauranteur Matthew Sankey said no-shows were part of a symptom of a ‘throwaway mentality’ which he said was plaguing the industry.

HOW WE CONFRONTED THE NO-SHOWS… RENDEZVOUS Owner Mark Harper was so angry when a group booked a table at his restaurant and then went to another, without cancelling, that he went and found the group and told them what he thought.

In an event that typified the frustration restauranteurs have with no-shows, the manager proved a point by interrupting the group’s meal in their new, nearby location.

He recalled: “We had a table of 17 that didn’t show up because they didn’t want to preorder.

“I could have taken a deposit but we didn’t.

It was a Saturday night and on the Saturday morning the woman organising emailed to say they were coming and gave me half the order.

On the night they didn’t turn up, all 17 of them.

“Where do 17 people go? I was so disgruntled. I checked a few places and I found them in another restaurant.

“My wife says ‘let’s go and speak to them’.

They had eaten their meal. We went and found them. I was wearing a black shirt and trousers and asked if they had all enjoyed their meal.

WE ENDED UP CALLING THE POLICE…

They said they had.

“I said ‘oh good, because you weren’t supposed to be here tonight, were you? You were supposed to be at another restaurant’.

“The mood changed. They said ‘you can’t do this,’ but I said ‘no, you can’t do what you have done’. It is just so wrong.

“It was awkward but we said our piece.”

The incident was a one-off, but demonstrates the lengths managers have gone to in their battle with foodies not turning up.

The Owner of Jean’s Kitchen and Wine Bar said that a booking became so out-of-hand that he needed to call the police.

A group of around 20 people failed to turn-up to their reserved table at the venue in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Owner Garry Jefferey flagged this with Kent Police, but said the inquiry had eventually ‘come to nothing’.

He said: “There is a problem and I would say around 10 per cent of bookings are no-shows. It is quite damaging if we are turning people away.

“In one evening we could lose up to £600 if a large booking does not turn-up.

“With this one we had to get the police involved.

“It happened when a group of around 20 people, who had made a booking, did not come.”

Kent Police said they would be unlikely to investigate civil matters unless there was suspicion of a crime or an aggravating factor.

If you’ve fallen victim to no-shows, email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com

WHY NOT NAME AND SHAME THE NO-SHOWS

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

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Forgive the pun but the restaurant sector is hardly sizzling at the moment. Across the UK the number of eateries with major money problems has over the last year passed the 11,000 mark.

They’re battling soaring costs and weaker consumer spending with people being ever more cautious about what they splash out on.

There are some famous names seeing margins eaten away: Jamie’s Italian, Prezzo, Frankie & Benny’s and Carluccio’s to name but a few.

If the big boys are struggling, imagine what it must be Iike for the smaller independents? Many of them are family affairs.

And this week the Times reveals [Pages 1/2] that in Tunbridge Wells restaurateurs face the added headache of dealing with no-shows people who book a table and then fail to turn up.

As many as one in five tables can remain empty at a cost of up to £600 a night if large parties

don’t show. That’s a significant loss when margins are already tight and if it continues it could well put some places at risk.

What a loss that would be for a town that prides itself on the wide choice of places to eat, from fine dining to the informal sharing of platters. There’s something for all tastes.

These independents offer such great alternatives to some of the bland High Street brands and the fact they might be put at risk by the actions of a few thoughtless individuals is enough to make one choke.

Believe it or not, some people even book two restaurants and then decide on the night which one to honour with their presence, neglecting to tell the others they will not be coming along.

Maybe all the restaurateurs should take a leaf out of the book of Rendezvous owner Mark Harper. When a party of 17 failed to show he

tracked them down to a nearby establishment, walked up to their table and let them know his thoughts on the matter. Bravo!

Apparently the mood at the table quickly changed. They told him: ‘You can’t do this’. He told them: ‘No. you can’t do what you have done – it is just wrong’.

That’s the point, no-shows without a call to cancel the booking are just plain wrong and those that are guilty of such selfish practises should blush with shame.

There’s an idea, maybe they should be publicly named and shamed. This newspaper would be happy to oblige.

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

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Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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ALL SMILES Recipients of fireworks donations with Mayor Julia Soyke

Charities benefit from sparkling display

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MENTAL health and homeless charities were among those to benefit from £30,000 raised in donations from the Dunorlan Park fireworks display.

Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table presented a share of the takings to 33 separate causes at a giveaway event at the Royal Wells Hotel on Sunday [March 25].

Around 12,000 people attended the 60th annual display on November 4 last year, which was

enjoyed, despite persistent rain.

The money came from both ticket sales and donations made on the night.

In Round Table tradition, charities were then invited to apply to receive a share of the money raised. Mayor Julia Soyke made the presentation.

Worthy Recipients included the Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal, Imago Community, Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource, Nourish Community Foodbank and The Bridge Trust.

Individuals who will also receive a share include Stanley Jump, who suffers with cystic fibrosis and Louis Bishop, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

James Darrer, Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Round Table, said: “After a very successful 60th firework anniversary, we were in the position of being able to donate to a variety of worthy individuals and causes.

“The time and effort that these volunteers put into their respective charities is commendable.

“I’d also like to thank the Mayor Soyke, law firm Buss Murton and TS Brilliant [Royal British Legion] for their support.”

James Rose, Round Table committee member, added: “This year we are concentrating our funding and community project on mental health and homelessness.

“This is due to severe spending cuts in these important areas. Mental health affects one in four of us, so the need for resources and support has never been greater.”

The Round Table is offering individuals the chance to improve their CVs and learn life skills with a community project starting on April 21.

For more information, search www.royal-tunbridge-wells.roundtable.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

New Tonbridge Bishop

Funding for potholes

Motorists face delays

Stroke care consultation

TONBRIDGE has a new Bishop after two and a half years. Simon Burton-Jones had his appointment announced by 10 Downing Street yesterday (March 27).

The 55-year-old former Rector of St Nicholas, Chislehurst will be consecrated in London on July 3.

The father-of-two will focus on evangelism and growth, in line with the Diocese of Rochester’s vision ‘Called Together’.

ROADS in East Sussex will be repaired after a £1.2million government investment.

This is the authority’s share of a £100million national spend to fill potholes after the Beast from the East storm.

Wealden MP Nus Ghani said: “The state of the roads remains a source of significant frustration for families and businesses, and I know that this extra money will go a long way to helping improve the condition of our roads.”

ROADWORKS in Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells, are set to cause travel disruption for another two weeks.

Temporary traffic lights are installed on the stretch as UK Power Networks carries out works, expected to last until April 10.

Disruption along Yew Tree Road in Southborough is expected to come to an end tomorrow [Thursday] after eight days with SGN fitting gas line modifications.

HEALTH chiefs are still seeking opinion as a consultation, into which Kent hospital should be fitted with a hyper acute stoke unit, continues.

Residents have just four weeks to share their views with Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury among the infirmaries listed as possible beneficiaries. Darent Valley Hospital, Medway Maritime Hospital, William Harvey Hospital and Maidstone Hospital are also being considered.

To take part visit www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk

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Force rated as ‘good’ despite stress warning

Report highlights major problems posed by disappearing office space

GOVERNMENT inspectors have rated Kent Police as Good for Effectiveness at a time when UK forces are coming under ‘significant stress’.

Zoe Billingham, Her Majesty’s Inspector for Constabulary, praised the county’s ‘strong performance’ amid a wider warning that forces are over-stretched.

Effectiveness is one of three key-areas of inspection, which are made at different times, and Kent Police is also rated Good for Efficiency and Outstanding for Legitimacy.

Last week’s result also highlighted the pressure Kent Police is under with data showing call handlers dealt with 286 incidents last year, per 1,000 population, higher than the England and Wales average of 282.

By William Mata

Concerns The county also saw 78 crimes recorded per 1,000 population, compared to the England and Wales average of 77.

Ms Billingham said: “Kent Police should be commended for another strong performance in our Effectiveness inspection this year.

“I know that the force is not complacent and that it strives to achieve continuous improvement in the way that it serves and protects communities across Kent.”

Matthew Scott, Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC] for Kent, also praised the result, although need for improvements were noted.

An inspector wrote: “The force should ensure that all investigations are completed to a consistently good standard and in a timely manner so that victims receive an appropriate level of service.”

HERE TODAY Calverley House will become housing after AJ Bell leave

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE viability of Tunbridge Wells as a centre of business has been questioned in a report that shows hundreds of offices have closed since 2013 and been converted into residential accommodation.

Estate agency Durlings published findings last week which also showed many of the workplaces available are ‘woefully inadequate’ and could fail environmental tests.

The Borough Council commissioned the market review after concerns that relaxed Permitted Development rights had enabled landlords to easily convert office space into more profitable housing. The council is largely powerless to stop the change of use applications.

‘The situation is turning into a nightmare’ Durlings found that since the laws changed in May 2013 there has been a loss of 65,000 sq ft of office space, around 10.5 per cent of the then total 609,000. That is the equivalent of losing more than 320 average sized offices.

Craig Strong, of Capital Currencies, said his firm has been forced to move from Lonsdale Gardens to Calverley Road and then to the High Street because developers exercised a change of use.

“The report has said the office space is woefully inadequate and the situation is turning into a nightmare,” he said.

“I have suffered twice on the back of this and I am peeved. It does hit the SME [small and

IN USE: 7 Vale Avenue was listed as office space that is occupied medium enterprise] market and has sucked the life and soul out of the town centre.

“We have a massive shortage of houses but if we destroy the centre of business you are not build-

ing around value, you just have a dormant satellite town.

“It is very sad. I have been here 15 years and watched the town deteriorate.”

A further 114,000 sq ft, equivalent to 570 offices, is also set to be lost if permitted development applications that have been logged are approved.

Added to this is the combined 82,000 sq ft of office space set to go when Vale House and Calverley House, currently home to AJ Bell, are redeveloped.

Durlings also noted that 19 per cent of current office space of 544,000 sq ft is occupied by AXA PPP across three large Tunbridge Wells buildings.

A researcher from the agency wrote: “The majority of the purpose built stock is between 25

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to 40 years old and falls a long way short of the current BREEAM ratings one would expect.”

BREEAM ratings analyse the specification and sustainability of a building. Data shows an average rating of Tunbridge Wells office space would fall within the UK’s lowest 25 per cent.

The report showed that Bank House and Carriage House in Tunbridge Wells are also in danger of failing to meet the minimum energy efficiency standard of grade E by April, which is the government’s new legal requirement.

What can be done?

Durlings stated the aim of the study was to assist the council in ‘determining whether to use the legislative powers available to it to limit Permitted Development rights’.

The second aim was to ‘consider where there may be opportunities in the Town Centre to provide additional space, by change of use, or new development, to meet future requirements’.

The researcher wrote: “It is strongly recommended that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council considers implementing an Article 4 Direction [that would give the council more power] on the

basis of the findings.

“Advice should be sought from a planning expert as to whether these findings would constitute the necessary ‘exceptional circumstances’ needed to impose the order.

“The only known potential opportunities open to the council to replace lost office space with new are: The new Civic Centre development, the redevelopment of the Town Hall and the development in the Vale Avenue Area of Change.

“The council should consider all other land and buildings in their control for office development, or short term office use, whether within or outside the study area.”

A council spokesperson said: “The council is extremely concerned about the loss of office space to residential dwellings.

“We strongly believe that local councils are STILL GOING: Wallside best placed to deterHouse in Mount mine where and how Ephraim Road has housing targets are met been mantained and to ensure that we as an office balance housing growth with local jobs.”

Craig Strong added: “It is driving businesses away and it is having a knock on affect.

“I’m not sure why the council has undertaken this survey, it does seem a bit horse and bolt and a bit obvious.

“What is going to happen now? How are businesses going to be enticed back to town?

TEST TIME: Bank House in Calverley Road was said to have an F energy performance standard rating

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Taxi-style bus service could serve villages

By Phil Spacey newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Once businesses go, it is hard to get them to come back to town.”

‘Other towns are moving ahead’ The report also noted that 50 per cent of those working in Tunbridge Wells live in the borough but noted the ‘congested’ Pembury Road and the A26 as reasons why the town may be struggling to attract new business.

Combined available office space for Tunbridge Wells and Pembury was found to be 19,200 sq ft, a figure below Tonbridge [32,150] and Crowborough [41,150].

The researcher added: “Royal Tunbridge Wells now competes on a sub-regional basis with Kings Hill.”

Ron Roser, Chairman of Langton Business Services, commented: “It is a good report, the trouble with the planning is that it can become pendulous.

“Twenty-five years ago it was all about converting properties into office space, like Mount Ephraim, but now it is the other way. People are living in the town centre.

“My hope is for a middle ground.

“Demand for office space is now outstripping supply. My concern is how business and employment will be affected by this.

“It is now a probability that we will be overtaken by Kings Hill.”

KENT COUNTY COUNCIL is considering a dial-aride service to replace rural bus routes.

The authority has partially u-turned on plans to end subsidies for 78 services, including 23 in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

The council is now focusing on their Big Conversation initiative which ‘invites ideas’ about alternative delivery models to rural bus routes.

This could pave the way for further modifications or cuts to services in the future.

Council Leader Paul Carter said: “What we envisage is replacing the conventional subsidised bus services and, in its place, provide greater access for rural residents.

Community “This could include a taxi-bus style service which links rural communities to main-line commercial bus routes or community-led transport services.

“We need to look at the bigger picture affecting rural residents and see what is going to work best for people.”

These dial-a-ride services have been rolled out in other local authorities to save money with volunteers often running them. Critics fear there may not be enough volunteers.

Residents would call for a specific time and location to be picked up and delivered from.

There will be full local consultation in April on the proposed changes.

To find out more visit http://www.kent.gov.uk

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Veterans needed to meet demand for Penshurst inspired silhouette project

LIGHT AT THE END Services will become more reliable

Tunnel work means replacement buses through the summer

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk WEEKEND train services to and from London will be severely affected throughout the summer as Network Rail carries out major upgrades to the Sevenoaks tunnel.

While the works are taking place, Southeastern services on the Hastings line, which passes through Tunbridge Wells, will be diverted via

East Croydon and Redhill, a much longer journey. There will also be replacement buses operating between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks.

At almost two miles, the 150-yearold structure is the longest mainline railway tunnel in the south-east.

But leaks and poor drainage have been a major issue for the Victorian engineering feat since its completion in 1868.

The build-up of water has damaged the track, signalling and power

HOW IT ALL STARTED… THE Sevenoaks tunnel was built at the same time as the Polhill tunnel under the North Downs, with work starting in 1863.

The geology of the hill is characterised by clay meeting greensand, which means it is subject to ground movement and water springs.

Borings carried out by the railway’s surveyor failed to identify the problem, and water leaks

meant that constant pumping was required to prevent flooding.

An air-flow shaft at the northern end of the tunnel near Oak Lane was so badly affected by water seepage that the contractor John Jay (1805-72) used it to supply the town with water.

He formed the Sevenoaks Water Works Company and had the water pumped to a reservoir at Bayley’s Hill.

THE manufacturers of the ‘Tommies’ project have been so inundated with orders that they have issued a plea for volunteers to help out.

The 10 inch statuettes for the There But Not There scheme are being made mainly by former servicemen to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. As featured in the Times this month, the initiative comes from an art installation in Penshurst and its St John the Baptist Church by local artist Martin Barraud.

He created silhouettes of soldiers for hedgerows and Perspex heads for the pews of the church in November 2016 to commemorate the 51 servicemen from Penshurst who died in the Great War. supply, which cause faults, delays and speed restrictions.

The upgrade will begin on Good Friday (March 30) and is set to continue over a period of seven months – it is due to end on November 4, though the disruption will mostly be over by September 23.

The line will be affected over a total of 13 weekends, including the Easter and late May and August bank holidays.

The work is being carried out as part of a £300million government-funded programme to tackle ‘delay hotspots’.

Struggle Initially the final section of old drainage will be excavated and a new, gravitational piped-drainage system installed. Then the track, signalling and power supply will also be replaced.

Steve Kilby, Network Rail’s Programme Manager, said: “When the tunnel was built in the 1860s, the engineers weren’t aware of just how much water they would encounter underground.

“It’s been an ongoing struggle to keep services running reliably through the tunnel since.

“Thankfully, we now have the funding to sort the drainage once and for all and replace the track, signalling and power supply – meaning better, more reliable journeys for passengers.”

NOT ANOTHER RAIL STRIKE… A YEAR after construction of the tunnel began, the workforce went on strike in April 1864 because of their overcrowded and unhygienic living quarters.

There were also riots when the dire conditions led to outbreaks of disease, including smallpox.

The workers and their families were billeted in huts built by contractor John Jay, who also provided a tin church at Tubs Hill which doubled as a school.

DATES OF DISRUPTION March 30-April 3 May 19 May 26-28 June 2 June 23-24 July 14-15 August 5 August 18-19 August 25-27 September 1-2 September 9 September 23 November 4

Recruit The creation has gained global recognition as part of a campaign to raise £15million for armed forces and mental health charities.

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), which is based in Aylesford has been commissioned to produce the smaller-scale model Tommies through its Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

This social enterprise employs more than 100 people, 70 per cent of whom are either ex-service personnel, have a physical or mental disability or both.

However, the demand for this product has been so high that RBLI are seeking help from other veterans to join the production line.

“Due to a surge in orders RBLI are looking to recruit volunteers. Any hours you can commit will help us deliver this amazing project.”

The 10-inch-tall Perspex model Tommies cost £29.99 including commemorative packaging, and can be purchased online at shop. therebutnotthere.org.uk LEST WE FORGET: How it all started

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The characters celebrated for leaving a remarkable impression INSPIRED: Writer Anne Wagstaff and photographer Mark Wilkinson

HEADS are being turned this week by a new exhibition celebrating the Remarkable Characters of Tunbridge Wells.

Photo portraits and short biographies of 40 personalities who have made difference both locally

and globally are now hanging on the walls of Woods restaurant in The Pantiles.

The free exhibition will continue until September 9, with donations being made to support the work of Fegans, a charity based in St James’ Road, Tunbridge Wells, who provide children’s counselling and parent support.

A book is also on sale for £18 from Waterstones, Hall’s Book Shop and Tunbridge Wells Museum,

with the profits also supporting Fegans.

Photographer Mark Wilkinson took the photos for the book, while writer Anne Wagstaff provided the words and carried out the interviews [both pictured left]. The aim was to find a mixture of ages and personalities from all walks of life.

This week, the Times offers an exclusive look at 16 of the portraits, with short biographies provided by Anne Wagstaff.

WILL BAYLEY – PARALYMPIAN Determined winner of a Gold Medal at Rio 2016 and Silver at London 2012 Paralympics for Table Tennis, despite being born with arthrogryposis, a condition that causes his muscles to waste and contract

ANNA-MARIE BUSS – ARTIST AND DESIGNER One of 90 Kent Ambassadors for the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Anna-Marie is also a business owner and vibrantly creative artist and exuberant dresser

ERROL FULLER – ARTIST Fine oil painter inspired by Rembrandt works and the The Natural History Museum. Specialises in painting extinct animals and is the illustrator of David Attenborough’s book on Birds of Paradise

KATE GRIFFITHS – MAKE-UP ARTIST Special effects make-up artist fascinated by horror. She has been working in film with trauma scenarios for the NHS and fire services as well as directing and producing her own thriller, Rockabilly

MAXINE HALLETT – FEGANS DEPUTY AREA MANAGER Former heroin addict, helped by Fegans and now Deputy Area Manager for the charity working to support other parents

LOUISE JAMESON – ACTRESS Actress, writer, producer, director. Best known for her roles in EastEnders, Tenko, Doctor Who and Bergerac. Patron of Tunbridge Wells charity DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services)

BEAU LANE-WINCH – YOUNG VOLUNTEER Award-winning young volunteer for his work on the Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons

JOE LLOYD – COFFEE BREWER Coffee brewer at his own company, Perk and Pearl, and actor, including in the Harry Potter films and as Jude Law’s stand-in for the Harold Pinter stage play Sleuth

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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ROGER PEDRICK – RACING DRIVER TURNED PAINTER Named top English racing driver in 1977, that same year he broke his neck at Brands Hatch.

Exhibitor at Royal Academy Summer Exhibition after developing mouth-painting skills

NICHOLAS POPE – FRIENDS OF CALVERLEY GROUNDS Contributor to the community through work with Friends of Calverley Grounds and the new political party Tunbridge Wells Alliance

JULIA SOYKE – MAYOR OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS Hands on farmer, caring for livestock, ploughing and combining whilst a mother and caring for a menagerie of dogs, puppies, horses and foals.

Now the borough’s Mayor

TIM TEMPEST – CHARITY FOUNDER Co-founder of The Sherwood Shed – a place of leisure where men come to work together

RING PULL MAN – FUNDRAISER Town’s own superhero, collecting ring pulls from drinks cans for recycling into sellable products in the Philippines. Has philosophy of helping others

MATTHEW SANKEY – RESTAURATEUR Sankey’s is a name synonymous with fish. Matthew heads the brand and loves motor racing – perhaps after being babysat by Sir Stirling Moss.

YVONNE VINALL – MODEL Highly regarded life model who worked with many 20th-century artists. John Pelling wrote that she ‘felt herself to be in the battle of creation with the artist’

ED WESSON – HEADMASTER OF THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL Headmaster of The Skinners’ School, enjoying a hugely satisfying career and work/life balance

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

SPRINGING UP An artist’s impression of Oakley Park in Edenbridge

Developer’s turnover boosted by plans for 10,000 new homes

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk DEVELOPER Bellway Homes is on track to build a company record 10,000 properties by the end of its financial year.

The housebuilder is advertising homes at eight developments across Kent which have been completed recently or soon will be, with six further projects lined up for the county.

These include homes at the 1,811 development in Powder Mills, Tonbridge, Hawksview in Hawkhurst, Oakley Park in Edenbridge and Sixty Three in Kings Hill.

Bellway recorded a boosted turnover of 15% in the six-month period to the end of January, by which time 4,741 homes had been completed.

Analysts put the increase down to low interest rates and support from the Help to Buy scheme, which both make it easier for buyers to get on to the property ladder.

Bellway Chairman John Watson told reporters:

“In the context of these market conditions demand for Bellway product remains resilient, with customer confidence seemingly unaffected by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming exit from the EU.”

Target The FTSE 250 firm was also helped by low unemployment and low interest rates, which meant people were able to buy homes more easily.

Homes provided by Bellway have gone some way towards the government’s target for 300,000 to be built every year.

The news follows comments made by Prime Minister Theresa May that housebuilders were overkeen to engage in ‘landbanking’.

This refers to developers who buy and sit on land that has planning permission while it increases in value, rather than building homes.

Bellway’s Finance Director, Keith Adey, said that, instead, housebuilders ‘were held back by the planning system’.

Local Business News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Award recognition for law firm’s campaign on new data protection

By Duncan Audsley MANAGERS of Tunbridge Wells law firm Cripps are celebrating the recognition of their General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR] campaign.

The Mount Ephraim-based company were presented with a prize at this month’s LexisNexis Legal Awards 2018 in London’s Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel.

Cripps won the Award for Business Development, which honours those responsible for pioneering and implementing exceptional business development and marketing programmes.

The GDPR campaign, which was launched in September 2017, was designed to assist clients

and contacts with their preparations for the new Eropean-wide data protection law, which comes into effect on May 25.

Irfan Baluch, a partner in the commercial team who is leading the initiative, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted to pick up this award.

Complexity “Our approach to the campaign has been focused on our clients’ needs, cutting through the complexity of GDPR and telling them what they really need to know.”

He added: “This has been a true team effort and

Rise in jobseekers bucks national trend UNEMPLOYMENT figures have bucked a national trend by rising in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

Data released last week by the Office for National Statistics data shows unemployment dropped nationally from 4.4 per cent to 4.3 per cent from the start of 2018.

Reductions It also showed wages grew from 2.5 per cent to 2.6 per cent across the country in the same period.

But the number of jobseekers at Job Centre Plus in Tunbridge Wells rose by 110, or 19 per cent, to 695 from this time last year.

In Tonbridge, the figure rose by 60, or 8 per cent, to 800 looking for work.

Andrew Holmes, of West Kent Job Centre Plus,

said: “There have been reductions going on [nationally] but we have affected West Kent too much.

“There has been a slight slowdown but we still have lots of employers who are recruiting. We recently held a job fair in Sevenoaks and there are still vacancies out there.”

For 16 to 24 year olds, the number of people signing on rose by 44 per cent in Tunbridge Wells and by 9 per cent in Tonbridge during the same period.

This brought the figures for 16 to 24 year-olds for both towns to 115 and 175 respectively.

Mr Holmes continued: “Traditionally, Tunbridge Wells has been a buoyant market.

“We have had had very low figures of unemployment at times.”

BUSINESS

we are delighted with the success of the campaign so far, and this award reaffirms that we are getting it right.”

Cripps is a UK Top 100 firm with a turnover of £29.2million and also has offices in Kings Hill and London.

The firm said their GDPR campaign took ‘a multi-channel approach’ and included the development of an online guide to data protection.

Barrister-Direct, CMS and Womble Bond Dickinson were also finalists for the award.

Mr Baluch added: “The materials provided in the campaign were supported by workshops, seminars and a social media campaign.”

All entries to the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2018 were judged by 26 legal experts, including Martin Barnes, Chief Executive of LawWorks and Tim Bellis, of Cambridge Judge Business School.

For entry information about the 2019 awards, visit www.lexisnexislegalawards.co.uk

SUITED AND BOOTED: Cripps enjoy LexisNexis Legal Awards in London

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Walking into a business boost FIRMS based on the route of long Tunbridge Wells area Circular Walk could benefit from a new business promotion.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] is hoping to link shops, pubs, hotels and other traders in the walk, ahead of the summer season.

The 27-mile route passes through Groombridge, High Rocks, Eridge, Frant and High Weald, and it is already promoted by the Long Distance Walkers Association.

Railway stations at Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms, Frant and Eridge can be used to connect to the walk.

A TWBC spokesman said: “We are looking for businesses to join us in the campaign this year.”

To register an interest, please email: stephanie.cavey@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

Promotion to director for finance man Sam

STRUGGLING Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s is trying an unusual tactic to increase footfall this weekend. Customers can enjoy a free breakfast at any outlet before 11am on Saturday [March, 31] but only if you are wearing a dressing gown.

Carluccio’s is reportedly looking for a sale and approaching private equity. The Tunbridge Wells branch is on Mount Pleasant and opens at 8am.

Consultation is set to be launched on business improvement district

By William Mata PROPOSALS to create a Business Improvement District [BID] within Tunbridge Wells are to be discussed by the town’s firms.

Trade group Royal Tunbridge Wells Together is leading calls for the scheme to be considered and is to send a questionnaire to businesses. A consultation would then be held as to whether a BID should be created.

The BID would see companies pay an extra levy on their business rates to fund improvements in the town centre.

This may include funds to pay for cultural events to draw people into the town, therefore creating better business for all. The levy could

INVESTMENT management firm Brooks Macdonald has announced Sam Durnell’s new position as Investment Director of their Tunbridge Wells branch.

The Mount Ephraim-based company, who manage funds of £11.6billion, have promoted Mr Durnell to the role, which will see him manage bespoke discretionary portfolios for clients.

Pam Beith, Head of Brooks Macdonald in Tunbridge Wells, said: “This promotion recognises Sam’s continued hard work, as well as his increased responsibilities and value to the company.”

see an extra payment of anything between £50 to hundreds of pounds, depending on business size.

Collaborate Karen Pengelly, Manager of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, told the Times at the November launch of the BID idea: “When businesses collaborate and work together, things tend to be improved.

“It is now about starting that process over the next few months, asking businesses for Karen Pengelly

Success for designers

their input, and it is very much the start of the conversation.”

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is helping to publicise the consultation, which will involve ten to 20 per cent of businesses in the town centre.

The BID agreement is voted on by businesses and lasts for five years before being put up for tender again.

There are 270 BIDs nationally.

Schemes elsewhere have seen Christmas lights erected, food festivals held and areas pedestrianised.

Royal Tunbridge Wells Together is not directing the BID. Instead, it would be driven and agreed by local firms.

Please email: karen@ tunbridgewellstogether. co.uk to register an interest in taking part in the consultation.

CREATIVE agency Yoyo Design is celebrating securing contracts with esteemed new clients.

In the past five months, the firm based in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, has struck a deal to produce materials for clients such as The Woodland Trust, the University of Southampton and the ICE Benevolent Fund.

Jenny Kitchen, Managing Director of Yoyo Design, said: “The hard work is continuing and I cannot wait to see the results in the coming 12 months.”

Marketing clinic plan BOOKING is now open for a Marketing Clinic to be held at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on May 17.

Face-to-face consultations can be arranged with Lisa Beaumont, who is offering advice about marketing-related problems.

To find out more, visit www.lisabeaumontmarketing.co.uk

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Community News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Inspire Allstars’ Wild Spirit are at the top of the pyramid in southern cheerleading REACHING THEIR PEAK Wild Spirit perform the pyramid routine

ing in London for almost ten years. She also manages one of six national teams and her squad brought home one of the two golds that England won at the World Cheerleading Championships in the United States last year.

All Star cheerleading is a fast-paced, multidisciplinary sport that combines elements of gymnastics, dance and athletics in routines that last two and a half minutes.

Olympics

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Inspire Allstars senior cheerleading team from Tonbridge produced a dazzling display to be crowned champions in their category at the Future Cheer southern regional competition held this month.

The Wild Spirit squad topped the standings in the Senior Level Two competition at the Spotlight Showdown in Maldon, Essex on March 10.

They are one of five competitive Inspire Allstars teams who train at Weald of Kent Grammar

School, where the programme also hosts ­ recreational classes.

The programme has roughly 70 athletes regularly participating, aged seven to 21. Wild Spirit has 23 athletes aged 12 and above.

Inspire’s Head Coach, Joey Cuthbert, said: “We are so thrilled for the girls. The hard work certainly paid off.

“The competition was extremely high and the girls were really nervous, so to perform such a flawless routine and take first place is a real achievement.”

Inspire Allstars was started four years ago by Ms Cuthbert, who had been coaching cheerlead-

Ms Cuthbert added: “It is a physically challenging, high-energy sport that combines jumps, tumbles, stunts, pyramids and dance to create daring, wow-factor performances.

“Becoming a cheerleader not only gives young people the chance to master new physical skills, but also provides vital life skills that will stay with them far beyond their time on a squad.”

She explained: “A child who practices good sportsmanship is likely to carry the respect and appreciation of others into every other aspect of life.

“They learn what it means to be a team player, to commit to excellence and success, to be focused on creating goals and working hard to meet them.

“And they develop into responsible, empowered young adults who are ready to go out and inspire other people.”

The sport recently received preliminary IOC Olympic status, meaning it will now be considered for inclusion in the 2024 Olympics.

This summer, all five Inspire All Stars teams will take to the floor for the International Championships at the O2 arena in London.

If you would like to find out more about Inspire Allstars, please email: joey@inspireallstars.com

Fairy tale as Lea-Rose is crowned princess for a day at Hever Castle A LITTLE girl saw her dream come true when she spent the day as a princess at Hever Castle with the Make A Wish Foundation.

Lea-Rose Officer-Hamilton has returned to school after four rounds of chemotherapy for stage three non-Hodgkin lymphoma last year. At one point, the seven year old had to spend nine weeks in hospital.

Lea-Rose loves Disney princesses, so her family applied for her to become a princess through the Make a Wish Foundation, which fulfils ‘lifechanging wishes’ for children with critical illness.

They enjoyed a horse and carriage ride around the grounds of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home before meeting Disney’s ‘Ariel’ – played by Grace Liston from Melody’s Princess Parties – to play games and learn about becoming a princess.

Lea-Rose, from Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland, had her own throne in the spectacular dining hall and enjoyed a feast of chicken wraps, princess shoe biscuits and ice cream cupcakes.

Her mum, Amy, 24, said: “She thinks she is a princess and wanted to be a princess for the day.

For me, it’s good to see a smile on her face, for her to get that experience.”

HIGH TEA: (L-R) Lea-Rose enjoys a feast on her throne with Ariel and sister Katelyn

Community News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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ellenor and Crossways receive county charity award honours

SPOT THE BALL Scrum time in Chiddingstone

Real football returns for rural rough and tumble THE Chiddingstone Real Football match kicks off again on Good Friday [March 30] with more than 200 players expected to take part in the hurly-burly encounter.

Starting at 2pm and lasting for around four hours, the charity event sees a round ball kicked or thrown over fields, rivers and woodland, with more than a mile between the two goals.

These targets are sited at two local pubs which each field a team of around 100 – The Castle Inn in Chiddingstone and The Rock at Chiddingstone Hoath.

The rivalry between the Castle Crusaders and Rock Inn Rollers can be intense, and the rough and tumble is fuelled by plentiful Larkins ale from the local brewery.

The event has been running for

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seven years, and last year’s match raised £5,500 for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, Demelza Hospice Care for Children and the redevelopment of Chiddingstone Causeway village hall.

This year, the proceeds will go to the League of Friends of Edenbridge Hospital, Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance and West Kent Mind.

The rules are scant: Participants must not cross any roads, the ball must not be hidden in a bag or carried by a moving vehicle or ‘four-legged animal’, and players must not ‘intentionally cause harm to others’.

It costs £10 to enter, which includes a team shirt (competitors must be over 16). An after-match party featuring live music will be held at The Castle in Chiddingstone.

TWO local charities were recognised at the Kent Charity Awards at Priestfield Stadium in Gillingham on March 15.

The hospice organisation ellenor was named Care Charity of the Year, and Crossways Community in Tunbridge Wells won the Supporting Services Charity of the Year Award.

The Care award recognises ellenor’s commitment to its patients and their families in delivering high-quality care and support when it is needed most. ellenor is the only charity in the county to provide free hospice care for people of all ages in their place of choice. Last year it supported more than 2,500 families.

It was shortlisted alongside the Kent Autistic Trust and Pilgrims Hospices.

Claire Cardy, ellenor’s Chief Executive

said: “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to win Care Charity of the Year and for it to be recognised that our personalised approach to care is making such a difference to people’s lives.

“I am incredibly proud of the whole team and I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for everything they do.”

She added: “My special thanks also goes to our faithful and committed supporters, who enable us to raise the necessary funds to provide our services free of charge to patients and their families.”

PROUD MOMENT Chris Munday of Crossways Community

QUALITY CARE: The ellenor team receive their award at Priestfield Stadium

Training Crossways Community provides residential care and support for adults aged 18 to 65 with acute to moderate mental health issues. The Christian organisation also runs mental health awareness training for schools, businesses, churches and community groups.

Crossways was nominated along with YouCan Youth Cancer Support, Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service and Space 2 Be Me, for disabled young people.

Chris Munday, Crossways’ Chief Executive, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the organisation and we feel very proud of the recognition.

“Crossways has been doing great work for 50 years and it’s wonderful to receive this award. I am very proud.”

To book training, email: chris.munday@ crosswayscommunity.org.uk For information about ellenor, call 01474 320007 or visit www.ellenor.org

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NEWS

County News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Animal ambition for vet Work on a long-awaited council running city’s marathon building yet to begin as costs rise BIRD IS THE WORD Fundraiser Daniella

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A VET who works with exotic animals is to run next month’s Virgin Money London Marathon dressed as an ostrich.

Daniella Dos Santos, of Maidstone, will complete the 26.2-mile run on April 22 to raise £2,000 for the Animal Welfare Foundation [AWF].

She chose to run as the fastest bird on land after a majority of friends selected the costume choice from an online poll.

Ms Dos Santos will become the

first person to run the marathon in aid of the AWF charity, which aims to eliminate animal suffering.

She said: “Those who know me will be aware that running is not among my favourite activities, but I am stepping up to the challenge to raise much-needed funds for this fantastic charity that’s making a real, tangible difference to animals worldwide.”

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ DaniellaDosSantos

Investment for homes sought by authorities THOUSANDS of homes could be built in East Sussex if a bid for £32million in capital funding is successful.

Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council are jointly pressing for the investment.

This could see a new primary school in Hailsham, improvements to the A22/A295 corridor and 4,500 new homes in Wealden, primarily around Hailsham.

The local authorities have put the Accelerating Wealden Delivery proposal to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

It is expected a final decision will

be made in the summer.

Wealden MP Nus Ghani said: “I recently met with Communities Secretary Sajid Javid to raise funding for vital infrastructure in Wealden, covering issues from roads to rural broadband.”

She continued: “I am pleased that Wealden has been granted this opportunity to secure much needed funding to support local homes and local people.

“Accelerating Wealden Delivery will unlock Wealden’s potential, developing our infrastructure and delivering more homes where they are needed.”

FOUR years after Sevenoaks Town Council launched designs for its new Community Centre, one councillor says he’s concerned it will not happen as planned.

Cllr Tony Clayton, who represents the authority’s Eastern Ward, has criticised the slow progress as costs spiralled.

The proposed centre, near to the existing one alongside Bat & Ball railway station, would include a community hall, council offices, a council chamber and meeting rooms.

The proposal was included in the local authority’s Community Investment Programme, published before the 2015 General Election.

It had an initial cost estimate of £1.8million.

Underestimated Cllr Clayton told the Times: “In 2016, they realised that they had underestimated by £1million. By the end of 2017, the price had shot up to £4.5million.

“The council has spent at least £250,000 on plans and a public con sultation. It has also had at least two goes at housing plans for the centre site, and for the site of its existing

HOPE OR EXPECTATION? The proposed Sevenoaks Community Centre

offices, which it had planned to sell.

“These would have produced ten much-needed homes on each site, but it looks as if these have been abandoned.

“There are some questions to ask about what happened to the costs and what is going to happen.

“Council members are disappointed and others are puzzled.”

Cllr Clayton suggested that scaled down proposals may be considered, or the council could look to instead refurbish their existing chambers.

He added: “When I was Finance Chairman of Sevenoaks Town Council in 1993, we bought the community centre for

£15,000 and built the current offices on time and on budget for £380,000. How times change.”

Sevenoaks Town Council is also refurbishing the Victorian Bat & Ball railway station after achieving a £750,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

A ‘senior’ member of the Royal Family has been tipped to cut the ribbon when it reopens, after two community rooms, toilets and a café are installed.

Cllr Clayton said this is likely to happen in October this year.

The Times has also approached the council’s Deputy Clerk for a comment but is awaiting a reply.

STANDING ON CEREMONY In Canterbury Cathedral

Commonwealth celebrated in the Civic Service Steadfast commitment was the theme as the Lord Lieutenant of Kent led his annual Civic Service at Canterbury Cathedral.

Viscount De L’Isle celebrated the county’s ties to the Commonwealth nations last week, a few days after The Queen delivered her Commonwealth Day Message.

Representatives from Australia, Nigeria, Singapore and South Africa also read extracts about the ties between the nations.

The Lord De L’Isle thanked The Queen for her ‘attention to the Commonwealth family’.

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County News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Passengers take a ride into the future as electric bus is trialled CHARGE FOR CHANGE The electric model is being trialled in Kent

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk AN ELECTRIC bus service is being trialled for seven weeks by Kent County Council.

The vehicle will run every hour between Greenhithe, Bluewater and Dartford and is powered completely by batteries.

In between drop-offs, the driver will plug the 7900e-model bus into a specially designed OppCharge device at Greenhithe railway station.

It takes around six minutes to fully charge.

Benefits If the route was lengthened in the future, additional charging stations could be placed at bus stops for a 30-second power-up.

Kent County Council has become just the second local government authority to trial the vehicle.

The bus is made by car manufacturer Volvo and engineering firm AAB, and the firms chose to trial it in Kent at no expense to the county council.

The experimental service is running in addition to existing routes.

Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter hailed the initiative, which will run along the route until

May 9, as he cut the ribbon on the bus last week.

He said: “The aim of the trial is to try this new innovative electric vehicle technology for ourselves and to show that electric buses with limitless range can work for the county.

“It has great benefits for improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions, which are important to all of us, and will allow us to provide evidence that electric vehicles can provide both financial and environmental benefits for the council in the longer term “If this proves a success, it will allow us to build a case to roll out similar schemes across the county.”

The county council did not confirm any plans for an electric bus service to run in West Kent.

The first permanent use of the OppCharge technology in the UK will be in Harrogate, and is expected to go live in May. Frank Muehlon, of AAB, said: “The 7900e bus, which is part of the Volvo Electromobility range, has been making great strides throughout Europe with successful operations in Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg.

“Increasingly, vehicles and technologies are creating a new era in passenger transport which offers a choice to customers and a variety of options to operators.”

THINGS TO COME An artist’s view of the Kemsing development

Green light for flats to be built in village MORE than 50 apartments are set to be built in Kemsing, offering semi-supported living to residents aged over 55.

Last week, Sevenoaks District Council approved plans for developer Rapport Housing to build on land in Nightingale Way. Work will begin in the autumn on constructing 31 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom properties.

The district council is offering some of these with an ‘affordable rent’ option.

A Rapport spokesman said: “The apartments would suit anyone over 55 who would benefit from care or support.”

With two other extra care housing schemes currently on site, and a third due to commence shortly, the Kemsing development will see a further continuation of the company’s plans.

Once completed, these will see the provision of 235 new extra care apartments across Kent.

Bus parade for double Winter Olympics winner SHE has won two gold medals for sledging at more than 70mph, but Winter Olympics champion Lizzy Yarnold will be cheered at a slightly slower pace next month.

Sevenoaks District Council intends to honour the 29 year old with a bus tour around her home town on April 18.

Ms Yarnold backed up her Skeleton gold from Sochi 2014 with another winning performance in the Pyeongchang games in South Korea.

Inspiring The tour will begin at 9.30am at the council’s offices in Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, and the bus will travel to Swanley High Street for 11am.

On route, it will also pass through Otford, Eynsford and Horton Kirby before finishing in West Kingsdown.

Along the way, the public will have chance to wave and possibly meet Ms Yarnold, who was born in Sevenoaks.

The tour will include stops at several local schools, with the emphasis on inspiring a new

GOLDEN GIRL Lizzy Yarnold with her medal

generation of young athletes.

Ms Yarnold, who went to school in Otford and Maidstone, was initially a heptathlete, but started Skeleton in 2009 after a UK talent search for promising athletes to join the British Winter Olympic programme.

At the time, Sevenoaks District Council awarded her a grant to help with her transition to a new sport.

Ms Yarnold said: “It still hasn’t really sunk in that I am now a double Olympic champion.

“The last four years has been tough, and at times I wasn’t sure if I would be able to defend my title.

“But it just shows you if you dream big and work hard then who knows what you can achieve?

“I can’t wait to come and visit, and show as many young people as possible my two Olympic gold medals – dreams can come true.”

For more information about Lizzy Yarnold’s celebratory bus tour round the Sevenoaks district, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

National News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Commissioners told to take over failed council LOCAL Government Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered commissioners to take control of a troubled Tory-run council.

Mr Javid, speaking in the Commons, agreed with an independent report that found Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) ‘failed to comply with its duty’ to deliver services.

Max Caller, who led the Government investigation, concluded his report stating: “The problems faced by NCC are now so deep and ingrained that it is not possible to promote a recovery plan that could bring the council back to stability and safety in a reasonable timescale.”

Basics Mr Javid, who quoted Mr Caller extensively in a Commons statement, said: “I am therefore minded to appoint commissioners to oversee the authority.

“From day one I propose that they take direct control over the council’s financial management and overall governance, getting these basics right must be the first step in stabilising the authority.”

Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary Andrew Gwynne argued local government ‘cannot be allowed to collapse on this Government’s watch’.

He said: “The best value inspection of Northamptonshire Council of March 15 makes very sorry reading and it is an indictment of mismanagement locally but also of eight years of intransigence and austerity nationally.”

He added: “This is what happens when a Government has created a £5.8billion gap in local government funding.

“When everyone is saying that social care is on its knees and when children’s services need an additional £2billion.

“Local government cannot be allowed to collapse on this Government’s watch.”

REPORT FOR DUTY Lord Bob Kerslake looked at the emergency response

Manchester fire chief says sorry over two-hour delay A FIRE chief has made a public apology for firefighters being delayed two hours before joining in the response to the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Dawn Docx, the interim Chief Fire Officer of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said she apologised unreservedly for the failures in the previous leadership of the service at the time of last May’s atrocity.

Desperate “It is clear that our response fell far short of what the people of Greater Manchester can expect,” she told a press conference following the publication of a report by Lord Bob Kerslake into the emergency response to the attack.

“I apologise unreservedly for that,” Ms Docx said. “There were clearly failures in leadership and poor decisions made.

“As a result firefighters themselves, desperate on the night to attend the incident, were let down by some of their senior colleagues.”

The fire service was left ‘outside of the loop’ of

the police and ambulance emergency response.

Firefighters trained in first-aid and terror scenarios with specialist equipment did not receive permission to go to the scene, despite the nearest station being half a mile away.

‘Strategic oversights’ by police commanders led to confusion with other 999 services over whether an ‘active shooter’ was on the loose and poor communications between Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) meant the ‘valuable’ assistance of fire crews was delayed by two hours and six minutes after the bombing, which left 22 dead and scores injured.

The 226-page report by Lord Bob Kerslake concluded the emergency response was ‘overwhelmingly positive’. But he described the failure by fire chiefs as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘incredible’.

The then £155,000-a-year Chief Fire Officer, Peter O’Reilly, has now retired, keeping his pension with no action taken against him.

Ms Docx added: “We are very much a learning organisation. We are not seeking to go down a discipline route.”

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National News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

‘Teacher’ who groomed terror children is jailed for 25 years AN UNQUALIFIED teacher who trained a ‘mini militia’ of children for terrorist attacks in London has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years.

Islamic State (IS) fanatic Umar Haque, 25, planned to use guns and a car bomb to strike 30 high-profile targets including Big Ben, the Queen’s Guard and Westfield shopping centre.

He enlisted helpers at the Ripple Road mosque in Barking, east London, where he secretly brainwashed 16 children as young as 11 through terrorism role play and exercises.

The boys have been left ‘traumatised’ from being shown gory IS propaganda by Haque.

The defendant had also admitted playing an IS film to pupils at the Lantern of Knowledge feepaying school in Leyton where he had worked, the Old Bailey heard.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said Haque wanted to do ‘something big’ and his ambition was ‘extreme and alarming’.

The deliberate and sustained grooming of children went on without the knowledge of their parents, who had paid for after-school classes at the mosque.

DANGEROUS LIAR Umar Haque is a ‘very real’ threat

He is a ‘very real’ threat to the young and old alike, the judge said, adding: “Haque was a dangerous liar. He is intelligent, articulate and persuasive with an easy smile. He is narcissistic and clearly enjoys the power he wields over others.”

Fundraiser Abuthaher Mamun, 19, who was said to have ‘renounced’ Haque’s extremist view of Islam, was jailed for 12 years with a further year on extended licence.

Haque’s confidant Muhammad Abid, 27, a qualified cupping therapist, was handed four years and three months in prison for failing to report the plot.

The trial had heard how police and MI5 had known about Haque since he tried to travel to join IS in Syria in April 2016 but was stopped at Heathrow.

One of the groomed children told police: “Umar has been teaching us how to fight, do push-ups, given strength and within six years he was planning to do a big attack on London.

“He wants a group of 300 men. He’s training us now so by the time I’m in Year 10 (aged 14-15) we will be physically strong enough to fight.”

May says ‘unprecedented expulsions’ show Kremlin that it cannot flout international law THERESA MAY has hailed the ‘unprecedented series of expulsions’ of Russian diplomats across the globe in the wake of the nerve agent attack in Salisbury.

She was speaking after Ireland became the 24th country to join the the UK in diplomatic action against the Kremlin.

With Downing Street saying that more than 115 Russian diplomats had been ordered home by friends and allies, Dublin has now added one more to the list.

Mrs May’s spokesman said the PM told the Cabinet the expulsions have ‘demonstrated to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate their attempts to flout international law, undermine our values or threaten our security’.

The Prime Minister added: “It is also important

to note that our partners are not only taking these measures out of solidarity with the UK, but also because they recognise the threat that these Russian networks pose to the security of their own countries and the pattern of Russian aggression which has affected us all.”

Nato has withdrawn accreditation from seven members of the Russian Mission attached to it and said it would reject requests from three others.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels the move sent a clear message to Russia that its actions ‘had costs’.

He added: “What triggered this was the Salisbury attack. But it is part of a broader response by Nato allies to a pattern of unacceptable and dangerous behaviour by Russia.”

COUNCIL PUTS DUCKS IN A ROW DUCKS have been not moved on from the stream next to where former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were found poisoned in Salisbury, the leader of the local authority has said.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Jane Scott said suggestions that the ducks had been relocated were untrue.

She said: “No one is feeding them so they have moved elsewhere.

“If someone has told you someone has taken all the ducks it’s not true.”

Queen pays homage to the Mighty O ALL ABROAD The ship’s company form a guard of honour in Plymouth

THE QUEEN has paid tribute to the Royal Navy’s largest operational warship at a decommissioning ceremony in Plymouth.

HMS Ocean, or the Mighty O, as she is known throughout the fleet, has been sold to the Brazilian navy for £84million.

She most recently carried out humanitarian work in the Caribbean following the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in British overseas territories.

The Queen - the helicopter and amphibious assault craft’s lady sponsor - was greeted with a 21-gun salute as she arrived at Devonport Naval Base.

She said: “Throughout her life, HMS Ocean has been at the forefront of global operations, bringing together the men and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force in their common purpose of defending our nation’s interests and spreading peace and prosperity across the world.

“It is a testament to the unique nature of this ship and her crew that her success on operations as an amphibious helicopter carrier, in Sierra Leone, Iraq and Libya, has been matched by her capacity to deliver vital humanitarian aid, from the very beginning of her career to her final deployment last autumn.”

National News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Commission looks at ban The missing million who on credit cards for bets populated the Amazon THE Gambling Commission is considering banning people from using their credit cards to place bets.

The regulator’s report on how to make online gambling safer said concerns had been raised that using credit cards increased the risk that consumers would gamble more than they could afford.

The commission said it will explore if such a move would steer gamblers towards using payday loans before taking action.

The use of credit cards on gambling websites is treated as a cash advance, so it is subject to a transaction fee and a high rate of interest.

Seller stole rare Potter AN ITALIAN bookseller has been convicted of stealing a £1,675 Harry Potter edition by swapping it with a novel of “very little value” on a shop shelf.

Rudolf Schonegger, 55, pocketed a rare copy of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, signed by author JK Rowling, at Hatchards in central London, on New Year’s Eve. CCTV showed him browsing the shop before making the audacious switch while a staff member had her back turned.

PARTS of the Amazon previously thought to have been almost uninhabited were actually home to thriving populations of up to a million people, researchers say.

Archaeologists from the University of Exeter have uncovered evidence of hundreds of villages in the rainforest, away from major rivers, that were home to different communities speaking a variety of languages.

It had been assumed that ancient communities preferred to live near waterways.

A team from the University of Exeter have found the remains of fortified villages and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs, man-made ditches with square, circular or hexagonal shapes.

DLR strike green light A 48-HOUR strike on London’s Docklands Light Railway will go ahead from 4am today (March 28) after talks failed to avert the action.

Transport for London has warned it is unlikely that any DLR services will run during the walkout by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union.

A second phase of action will coincide with the London Marathon next month.

MP summons Zuckerberg again as claims swirl around EU vote FACEBOOK founder Mark Zuckerberg’s refusal to appear before a parliamentary probe into fake news has been branded ‘absolutely astonishing’ by the inquiry’s chairman.

The social media billionaire offered to send senior executives in his place to give evidence to MPs about the alleged abuse of Facebook users’ personal information.

Illegal But the Chairman of the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Damian Collins, insisted that Zuckerberg himself was ‘the right person to give evidence’ and repeated his call for him to face MPs either in person or by video link.

He was speaking after the committee took three and a half hours of testimony from whistleblower Christopher Wylie.

Mr Wylie is a former employee of Cambridge Analytica (CA), which allegedly used data gathered from Facebook users in its targeted messag-

ing on behalf of Donald Trump’s election campaign in the US. He said the closely linked Canadian company AggregateIQ (AIQ) had played a ‘very significant’ role in securing a Leave vote in Britain’s 2016 EU referendum.

AIQ took 40 per cent of the spending by the Vote Leave campaign to target messages at a ‘very specific cohort’ of voters who they believed could swing the result, he said.

He claimed that a representative of the company told him that its activities were ‘totally illegal’, and he ‘absolutely’ believed that AIQ drew on CA databases in the campaign.

Mr Wylie said it was clear when he made a pitch for work with Vote Leave in late 2015 that the campaign had no database to work from, but that the situation changed after it hired AIQ shortly afterwards.

“My question is where did you get that data?

How do you create a massive targeting operation, in a country that AIQ hadn’t previously worked in, in two months?” he asked.

RED-HANDED Cambridge Analytica’s Christopher Wylie gives evidence

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Former BHS owner Chappell is banned from directorships

Clark steps in to ensure Melrose stays committed

FORMER BHS owner Dominic Chappell is set to be banned from serving as a company director for up to 15 years, the Insolvency Service (IS) has said.

But Sir Philip Green will escape action over the chain’s controversial demise.

The IS wrote to Mr Chappell and three other former BHS directors informing them it intends to bring proceedings against them following its investigation into the retailer’s collapse.

Sir Philip – who sold BHS to Mr Chappell for £1 in 2015 – has been told he will face no further action in a move that brings to an end regulatory probes against him over the chain’s failure.

Mr Chappell, 51, can now make representations to IS before it files formal court proceedings.

He was hit last month with a bill of around £10million by the Pensions Regulator after it launched proceedings to claim back the cash owed to the failed retailer’s pension schemes.

In January he was convicted of failing to give information about BHS’s pension schemes to investigators after it went into administration in April 2016 with the loss of thousands of jobs and leaving a £571million pension deficit.

GREG CLARK has written to Melrose Chief Executive Simon Peckham over the turnaround specialist’s £8.1billion bid for UK engineering giant GKN. The MP for Tunbridge Wells, who is Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, also met the Melrose boss last week.

It was their second conversation – they first spoke a day after the bid for GKN was launched.

Mr Clark explained he had ‘similar conversations’ with the GKN Chief Executive and also had a briefing from the head of US firm Dana, which is looking to buy GKN’s Driveline business.

BARGAIN HUNT: Dominic Chappell bought BHS from Sir Philip Green for £1

Defence The letter lays out concerns over long-term investment in GKN, particularly in light of the firm’s state defence work.

“I recognise that any listed company may be subject to future takeover and so cannot guarantee its ownership indefinitely,” said Mr Clark.

“However, I am concerned that a shortterm approach to ownership may not be compatible with maintaining the longerterm relationships which characterise the best interests of the defence field.”

He added: “In the light of this I would expect to see a commitment to continuity of ownership and strategic investment specific to the defence-related business of GKN and to exclude the option of a short-term sale of this business without the consent of the Government.

“I am aware you are

separately discussing with the Ministry of Defence the terms of an agreement that would satisfy any concerns that the Defence Secretary may have.”

Mr Peckham replied insisting Melrose ‘are a great British success story and are totally transparent about our ambitions and intentions’.

He stated: “To demonstrate the strength of our commitment to ensure that its improvement and investment programme are not unduly interrupted, we are willing to make a legally binding commitment to you... that subject to below, Melrose will not sell the Aerospace Division before April 1, 2023.”

He added that this approach was ‘in direct contrast to the fire-sale being undertaken by the current GKN board’.

But in Commons Mr Clark said he wanted Melrose to set out its intentions towards wider stakeholders more clearly and called for it to make commitments in ‘legally binding’ form.

He told MPs: “With the deadline of the offer period closing on Thursday [March 29], and without prejudice to my use of enterprise act powers which operate, as I said, according to a longer timetable, I believe Melrose should set out more clearly its intentions towards wider stakeholders and specifically to make commitments concerning them in a legallybinding form before the opporLETTER OF THE LAW tunity is lost with Greg Clark has the closure of the written to Melrose offer period.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

RBS returns to buy software company ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND has bought accounting software firm FreeAgent, marking the lender’s first acquisition since its controversial crisis-era deal to buy ABN Amro.

The taxpayer-owned bank said it had agreed to buy the company for around 120p per share, valuing it at £53million.

The decision comes weeks after the company reported its first profit in a decade and as the Government prepares to start selling off its 72 per cent holding.

H&M is feeling chill HIGH street fashion giant H&M has seen its shares hit a 10-year low after first-quarter profits tumbled following the recent cold snap and moves to slash prices in order to shift stock.

The Swedish group posted a slump in pre-tax profits to 1.3billion Swedish krona (£112billion) for the three months to February 28, down from 3.2billion Swedish krona (£275million) a year earlier.

It said group sales dropped 2 per cent and were unchanged in local currencies.

Banks reveal pay gap BANK OF AMERICA and Credit Suisse have announced gender pay gaps of 30.5 per cent and 28.9 per cent respectively.

They are the latest in a string of banks to reveal such figures.

Both lenders said the imbalance was caused by the high number of men occupying senior roles.

In the top pay quartile, 81.0 per cent of Bank of America’s employees are male, as are 85.4 per cent of those at Credit Suisse.

World News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

ICC rules out examining Ashes tampering claims THE International Cricket Council (ICC) will not examine claims of ball-tampering during last winter’s Ashes series.

In the wake of the Australia captain Steve Smith’s admission of guilt about tampering during the recent Test match in Cape Town, claims have surfaced about his players during their home series against England.

But the world governing body’s rules state that complaints for such breaches of the Laws must be made ‘prior to the start of the following day’s play or the start of the next relevant international match’.

Appeal to Hammers fans WEST HAM captain Mark Noble has pleaded with supporters not to repeat the crowd trouble which marred the Burnley game.

Angry fans invaded the pitch and congregated below the directors’ box to protest against the club’s owners David Gold and David Sullivan, with the latter being struck by a coin.

A further protest is planned outside the London Stadium before Saturday’s match against Southampton. A security barrier will be installed next to the directors’ box.

Players not ‘cup-tied’ TEAMS in UEFA’s club competitions next season will be able to field new signings who have already played in the tournament for their former sides and make a fourth substitute in extra time.

Clubs that reach the Super Cup and the finals of the Champions League and Europa League will be able to have 12 substitutes on the bench, up from the usual seven.

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Rumours spread about rare Beijing visit by North Korea

Third bail-out for Greece is agreed following reforms

SPECULATION about a visit to Beijing by the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is running high amid talk of preparations for a meeting between the North’s reclusive leader and US President Donald Trump.

The arrival of a special train in Beijing yesterday (March 27) and unusually heavy security at a guesthouse where prominent North Koreans have stayed in the past have fuelled talk that Mr Kim was making his first visit to China as his country’s leader.

Such a trip would be seen as a potential precursor to Mr Kim’s planned summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April, fol-

EUROPE’S bailout fund has approved a 6.7billion euro (£5.9billion) loan instalment to Greece as part of its third international rescue programme.

The European Stability Mechanism said the approval came following the Greek government’s completion of a series of required reforms.

The funds will be used to service the country’s debt and clear domestic arrears. £5billion is to be disbursed immediately with the remainder coming after May 1 if the country ‘makes progress in reducing its stock of arrears’.

Greece has depended on international rescue loans since 2010. Its third bailout ends this summer.

lowed by his anticipated meeting with President Trump by May. Analysts, however, questioned whether Mr Kim would make the visit to Beijing himself rather than send an envoy.

While there has been no word of a meeting with Chinese leaders, China has been one of North Korea’s most important allies even though relations between the two nations have chilled because of Mr Kim’s development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.

On Monday, heavy security was reported at the Friendship Bridge on the Yalu River marking the border between China and North Korea before a train passed.

Motorcade Japanese broadcaster NTV reported that the green and yellow train appeared very similar to the one that Mr Kim’s father and predecessor as North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Il, took to Beijing in 2011.

Video that aired on NTV also showed a motorcade of black limousines waiting at the train station and rows of Chinese soldiers marching on what appeared to be a train platform.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked whether Mr Kim or another North Korean official was visiting Beijing, said, “I know you’re all very curious but I have no information on that.”

Past visits by Kim Jong Il to China were surrounded in secrecy, with Beijing only confirming his presence after he had crossed the border by train back into North Korea.

ARCH RIVALS? A motorcade arrives at Beijing Railway Station

Catalan protestors block motorways DEMONSTRATORS angered by the detention of former leader Carles Puigdemont have blocked highways across Catalonia and roads in central Barcelona.

Transportation authorities in the northeastern Spanish region said a main motorway remained blocked in Figueres, near the border with France.

Protestors also stopped traffic along another major highway leading to the city of Lleida, and a national road between Tarragona and Valencia.

Mr Puigdemont was detained on Sunday, shortly after crossing the border into Germany from Denmark.

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Letters

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

TAKE CARE The existing Cornford House near Pembury

But we don’t have the funds for such a basic need. Surely, a reassessment of the council’s priorities is needed?

Martin Dawes Via email

Learn from sad tale of our new ‘Hub’

New care home for Cornford Lane – Chairman went against the grain I attended a council meeting to consider a planning application for a 68-bed care home on green belt land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornford Lane, Pembury.

Despite strong objections being raised by residents, the local GP surgery, Pembury Parish Council and our elected representatives on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the application was approved.

However, it is the manner in which the decision was reached that is most concerning.

There was very little debate about the concerns that had been expressed by the objectors before a vote was called.

Of 11 councillors present, five voted in favour – including Cllr Lawrence Heasman, the acting Chairman of the meeting – and five voted against. Cllr Bob Backhouse was unable to

decide one way or the other and abstained.

This meant that Cllr Heasman was granted a second vote as a casting vote. That in itself is extraordinary, but he should also have recognised that a majority of six had not voted in favour of the application and used his casting vote to reject it.

Instead, he reaffirmed his original decision.

Thus, a building of such magnitude that will affect so many people was approved by a minority. Cllr Heasman abused his position as Chairman by pushing his own view forward at the expense of the majority.

Let your readers be in no doubt about the implications of this decision. A precedent has been set, residents’ views can be ignored and green belt land in and around Tunbridge Wells is now open for ­development.

Gary Purdy Pembury

Paddock Wood is being inundated

Ideology – or pedestrian crossings?

As a new political party, Tunbridge Wells Alliance will bring common sense and a breath of fresh air to the council if any of their candidates are elected to serve in the May elections. I wish them good luck and they have my support.

As far as I am concerned, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has a history of passing many planning applications without taking on board well-meant objections and advice.

There have been three separate planning applications totalling 1,000-plus dwellings to be built on separate sites in Paddock Wood, without first addressing the infrastructure required to support these developments.

At a Development Plan Document meeting, the government inspector indicated, because of the scale of development in Paddock Wood and the objections locally with regard to exacerbating the sewerage and surface water flooding in the town, that these applications should be considered together. His advice fell on deaf ears.

In their infinite wisdom the borough council considered all three applications individually. As a result, the cumulative effect on the sewerage and surface water system in Paddock Wood has been underestimated or completely ignored.

C A Godsave Paddock Wood

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Leader David Jukes, yet again, shows his arrogance by calling the Tunbridge Wells Alliance a single issue party [March 14]. However, in one sense he may have something, and that is their single-minded approach to bring local ­democracy to this borough.

All the energies and future funds of his administration are consumed by the ideological, unwarranted pursuance of a new Civic Centre.

This council is prone to pay serious sums of money to consultants, but is not prepared to test Cllr Jukes’ assertion that ‘there is a silent majority in favour’ of this project, by asking the people whom they are supposed to represent for a clear mandate to proceed.

Meanwhile, the fabric of this town continues to deteriorate, which is testament (presumably) to the fact that money is short. Yet they advocate spending £90million which we do not have.

I have asked, without success, for a new pedestrian crossing outside the Baptist Church and doctor’s surgery in Upper Grosvenor Road.

Four of the roads that feed Fiveways have crossings, but not Upper Grosvenor Road. Yet there is an equal case, as a high flow of traffic meets the need for many pedestrians to cross into town, the church or the surgery. There is also an issue of routinely speeding vehicles.

I have just had what I would consider a genuine ‘state-of-the-art theatre experience’ which, for just £22million, Nicholas Hytner has created at [The Bridge Theatre] Tower Bridge.

Hytner, who has managed the Royal National Theatre’s three auditoria for many years, believes that the only kind of new theatre worth building in the 20th century is a totally flexible and adaptable one – as is his exciting, vibrant theatre – and that our traditional West End theatres, built for production requirements circa 1900, are already out of date.

Indeed, several are currently being gutted inside, while retaining their historic facades, to create greater flexibility.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s projected design of the theatre is old-fashioned already; so by the time it opens its doors to its first show, it will be totally obsolete. Those who are promoting this vanity project will argue that top theatre architects have already been consulted (and paid).

They should learn from the sad tale of the Southborough Hub Project, which also paid some reputed theatre architects, who have now been sacked. We know not why as the meetings were all held, at that time, in secret.

What is sadly clear, though, is that Southborough is not going to get its ‘state-ofthe-art’ theatre as promised by MP Greg Clark.

Neither is there a magic wand with which we can conjure back The Royal Victoria Hall.

Fiona C Brown Southborough

Town council would know its limits It is disappointing that Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Leader Nicolas Heslop cannot welcome moves to provide a town council to represent its residents in future [Times of Tonbridge March 14].

Fearmongering on the grounds of cost misses the fact that a new council would limit its obligations and it would be very unlikely that it would take on the responsibilities of Dover Town Council. Other parishes within Tonbridge and Malling would be a fairer comparison.

Maybe if the extra level of government is so expensive he can explain why someone in Higham Wood is currently paying more than someone in Hildenborough with full access to all our facilities.

To find out what the options are, come along to our meeting in the Scout Hut in Lamberts Yard tonight [March 28] at 8pm.

It is worth pointing out that had Tonbridge already had a town council, the land at River Lawn and River Walk could have been in its possession and free from the asset-stripping undertaken by the powers at Kings Hill.

Mark Hood Tonbridge

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

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

PERCHED on a bar stool at a local ale house (no surprise), Calverley did a double-take on glancing at the chap sitting quietly in the corner. He looked just like that deep baritone Rag’n’ pop person Bone Rag’n’Bone Man. Man There was a reason for that. Turns out he was that very person, aka Rory Graham from Uckfield. Nice, unassuming young man. Regular readers will recall (yeah, right) his first hit single Human.

Calverley promised (sort of) not to tell anyone he bumped into the singer at The Blackboys Inn near Heathfield. Oops.

LESSON to be learned by all those people with remote key fobs for cars. Chap was left stranded at the bottom of Lonsdale Road in TW when his Audi A5 Sport stalled in the snow and ice. He could not restart the engine because the fob was still miles away at his home. He’d left it on the hall table, which was close enough to allow him to start the car and drive off to work. How embarrassing was that?

His wife happily jumped in her car with the key. When we say ‘happily’, that may be a bit of an exaggeration.

EVERYONE gets them. The guests who outstay their welcome. Himself is no exception. Management (Mrs Calverley) invited friends to stay who had, it must be said, healthy appetites and small wallets or purses (there were five of them). Not an issue or a problem until day five, when they sauntered downstairs, opened the kitchen cupboards and complained: “You’ve run out of cereals and eggs…” Guess who won’t be on the card list this Christmas? And no, that’s not about being a Scrooge.

VOLUNTEERS are crucial to the success of most sporting events. Take the World Indoor Athletics Championships earlier this month in Birmingham. Scores of people, some from this part of the world, gave up a week’s holiday then paid their own travel costs and accommodation to be there. They spent their days as stewards, taking care of athletes and visitors. But when it came to getting a seat to watch the races, organisers made them stand in line and pay for their tickets. There’s gratitude. How many on the organising committee or their friends paid for seats?

Chin Chin, readers

Education News

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

More practical lessons for effective exam preparation In part two of our Easter revision special, Eileen Leahy asks teachers from some local schools for their top tips to ensure test prep success you, asking ‘Why?’ This will help consolidate their learning through better understanding, and it is also more likely to be remembered.”

At the Beacon Academy in Crowborough, the school’s Behaviour, Safeguarding & Welfare Manager, Jane Prowse, advocates the mantra ‘healthy eating supports healthy results’.

“Eating healthily is so important, and never more so than at exam time,” she says.

“A common mistake many make during this crucial period is to eat poorly and unhealthily.

Junk food, lots of chocolate, energy drinks and crisps are often eaten in place of normal meals to keep energy levels up.

“However, this is not only harmful to your longterm health, but can also negatively affect your exam performance.”

Alertness

THE Easter holidays are a time when most students realise that there is a limited amount of time left to study for their impending exams. And whether it’s for end of year tests or GCSEs and A Levels, it’s essential to have a plan in place in order to ensure effective and efficient results.

There are numerous revision techniques to adopt, and obviously the key is to find the one that works for you. But many teachers agree that parents can be enormously beneficial to their children’s revision planning, too.

Jessica Andrews, Head of Years 5 and 6 at Marlborough House School in Hawkhurst, believes that in fact they, along with a teacher’s support, are integral to a pupil’s exam success: “Parents have a large part to play in helping to alleviate children’s anxieties in the lead up to exams by firstly having a realistic view of their

child’s ability. A strong teacher/parent relationship is central to developing an understanding of how a child learns best, so that tailored revision plans can play to their strengths.”

Hannah Knowles, Assistant Headteacher at St Gregory’s Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells, has the following advice for parents: “Make sure your son or daughter has access to some quiet private space for them to do independent study and revision at home, and gently encourage them to plan their revision schedule.”

She goes on to say that a ‘little and often’ revision technique is also important: “Short, focused periods of 20 minutes are better than struggling to focus on revision for hours on end.

“If you have time, get your children to teach you what they have learned, and rather than repeating learned information, get them to explain it to

She suggests eating certain ‘brain foods’ as they contain vital nutrients, protein and vitamins which can do everything from help convert glucose into energy to stimulating brain cells.

“Eggs, peanut butter, salmon, sardines and dark leaves are all good brain foods,” she explains.

“Fish contains lots of protein and omega 3 – essential to keeping a functioning brain working well, and broccoli and spinach are packed with vitamin K, which helps build pathways in the brain.

“You will also get a healthy amount of vitamins B6 and B12 from some of these vegetables, which are associated with improvements in alertness and memory.

“Dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning,” continues Ms Prowse.

“A regular supply of water to your body helps your brain work at a better pace and helps you concentrate. Upping your intake to at least two litres of water a day and avoiding energy drinks will help combat headaches and fatigue.”

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Weekly Comment

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff.

As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association. He also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. He was elected as Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017

We are lucky to live in a community with such beauty LAST week was English Tourism Week, and to mark the occasion I was invited to Hever Castle & Gardens. But it wasn’t just to look around, I was asked to step into the shoes of a Visitor Experience Assistant.

My assignment was to greet a group of young schoolchildren and escort them to their guided tour. It was a joy to see the excitement on their faces as we approached the castle.

We have so many amazing tourist spots in our community, places that link us to the past and give pleasure to our kids, and even more in Kent as a whole. Many of them reveal fascinating parts of our history, and provide great fun for the whole family.

Tonbridge alone is surrounded by fantastic tour-ist spots. We’ve got Ightham Mote, Penshurst Place and Hadlow Tower all within a short drive, and not forgetting our very own Tonbridge Castle, one of the best examples of a motte and bailey castle in England, and it’s right on our doorstep. Many of these can be visited for free, or for a small fee.

I still remember being taken to the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and to Leeds Castle when I was a child. We live in a magical county.

Not only are these places fascinating for us to see some of our local history, teaching both adults and children alike about how our ances-

tors lived, but they also help shape our future by bringing interested tourists to our community to discover more.

But it’s not just our historic landmarks that attract tourists. Tonbridge town itself is enticing many people in its own right. There are already a lot of events to attract people, such as the many events at Tonbridge Old Fire Station and the wonderful Tonbridge Creates pop-up shop project,

WORTH A VISIT Tonbridge Castle

‘I would encourage you all to go and conquer a castle or ride on an old railway’ which I hope will find a more permanent home soon. We also have some fantastic local events coming up in the summer, from Tonbridge Music Weekend in July to Tonbridge Calling in August, there are lots of things going on.

Events like these are vital, not just to show people what we have to offer, but to encourage the brilliant economic regeneration that has already begun. We have a fantastic town with many wonderful things for everyone. That’s why we’re so proud to share it and welcome people here.

Although English Tourism Week has now drawn to a close, we’re now coming up to the Easter

holidays, and then summer, with better weather and longer days, so even more chances to get out and explore our local area’s past, and its future.

Many local historic sites are holding Easter Egg hunts this weekend, and this is the perfect opportunity to discover somewhere you haven’t been

before. I would encourage you all to go and conquer a castle or ride on an old railway.

I still remember my adventures across Kent when I was younger. There are some wonderful places to go, and I would encourage you all to enjoy being a tourist in Tonbridge.

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

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AND IMPROVING IMMORTALISED IN A BOOK AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

Going solar in a new build Page 28

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

GEORGIAN GEM WITH COTTAGE

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TO LET IN BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

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Kitchen karma Fill it with character

REMODELLED VILLAGE MARVEL

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CREATING A SUMMER PARADISE

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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UNDER £300,000

n Open-plan living room/kitchen

UNDER £500,000

BOYNE PARK TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n 2 bedrooms n Newly fitted bathroom

COPPERFIELDS TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£290,000

n Residents’ parking

GUIDE PRICE

n Chain-free

£485,000

n Ground floor apartment off Mount Ephraim n Share of freehold n Private entrance n Period property with high ceilings and sash windows

n Millwood designer property CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

n Second floor apartment n Entryphone system and alarm n Entrance via lift n Reception room

n Kitchen/dining area with granite kitchen worktops and porcelain tiled flooring n Master bedroom with en suite n Fitted wardobes n Second bedroom n Shower room CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

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great properties by price range…

OLD MOOR COTTAGE CROWBOROUGH GUIDE PRICE

£999,950

UNDER £600,000 UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

OIEO

£525,000 n Victorian home n Reception room n Kitchen n Dining room/family room/second reception room n Cloakroom n 3 bedrooms n Bathroom n Rear garden, including patio, deck and a summerhouse CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £750,000 EAST CLIFF ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£650,000 -£700,000 n Popular St John’s location n Entrance porch n Hallway n Living room with bay window n Dining room n Conservatory n Kitchen n 5 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n Garden with patio and lawn CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 UNDER £1MILLION OLD MOOR COTTAGE SCHOOL LANE CROWBOROUGH

n Shower room

GUIDE PRICE

n 4 further bedrooms (2 en suite)

£999,950 n New build n Entrance hall n Kitchen/living/dining room n Family room n Utility room

n Master bedroom with en suite and dressing room n Family bathroom

HARDINGE AVENUE TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£775,000 n Extensively modernised

n Double garage and storeroom

n 3 reception rooms

n Solar panels n Lawned garden

n Kitchen/dining room n Separate utility room

CONTACT Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

n Modern bathroom

n 5 bedrooms (3 with en suites) n Large rear garden n Off-street parking CONTACT Flying Fish Southborough 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

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Advertorial

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Set up shop in Tunbridge Wells The commercial property market is booming and here we take a look at some of the ideal spaces that are currently on the market…

KENWOOD HOUSE, 1 UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Durlings are pleased to be able to offer two refurbished open plan office suites in this purpose built office building, in a town centre position.

Each office is 1265 sq ft, on the 1st & 2nd floors, and at the front of the building. The offices have internal kitchens, carpeted and have suspended

KNIGHTS WOOD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS With all the commercial units now under offer at Knights Wood, Durlings are pleased to confirm the first sale has now completed to Prospect Arts.

With other units close to completing we are looking forward to also welcoming a mini market, coffee shop and a beauty salon.

MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Earlier this month Durlings successfully negotiated acquired a bank and residential investment on behalf of a client. The property comprises a bank premises, leased to TSB Bank, over ground,

basement and first floors, together with 2 self-contained apartments over the 2nd and 3rd floors. The property also benefits from planning consent to convert and extend the upper floors to create 6 apartments.

FORMER NATWEST IN SOUTHBOROUGH This building on the London Road was sold at the end of last month to a residential developer.

The building benefits from planning consent to extend to create 5 no. 2 bedroom flats with ground floor office space. Work has commenced.

RESTAURANT TO OFFICES – ROYAL VICTORIA HOUSE, THE PANTILES Works are due to complete on the conversion and refurbishment of a former restaurant to new offices in this Grade II listed building in the heart of The Pantiles.

The space has already been leased to a local company who are relocating from the High Street.

The premises compromise over 5000 sq ft, principally over the first floor, with ancillary ground and basement space.

ceilings with integral lighting.

There is a lift in the building, and onsite parking to the rear.

There are already two other companies who have recently taken occupation - Adaptive Telecom and Ice Org. Rents are from £23,500 per annum, exclusive of all other outgoings.

Durling Tunbridge Wells 22 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN1 1ED t: 01892 552 500 | f: 01892 535 526 e: office@durlings.co.uk

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Claremont Road

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

CLAREMONT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n End-of-terrace Victorian house in Claremont School catchment area immortalised by author John Cobb in his Still Life, Sketches from a Tunbridge Wells Childhood as ‘The big house on the corner’ n Development opportunities n 2 reception rooms, one with French doors to garden n Kitchen/breakfast room and cellar n 4 double bedrooms n 2 shower rooms n Courtyard garden

GUIDE PRICE

£900,000

Available for sale through Flying Fish Properties Southborough 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

Notable four-bed Victorian house in Claremont School catchment area

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High Cross House

A well-maintained country house with a newly-laid tennis court and a large Victorian walled garden

Georgian grandeur with cottage and sophisticated pool house

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

AT A GLANCE HIGH CROSS HOUSE ROTHERFIELD n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Study n Play/cinema room n Gym, boot room, cellar, larder n Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite n Second en-suite bedroom n 4 further bedrooms n Family bathroom Self-Contained Cottage: n Sitting/dining room n Kitchen n Bedroom/study n 2 further bedrooms n Family bathroom and WC Outside: n Pool house with Neptune kitchen, entertaining space with open fireplace and shower room n Heated swimming pool n Tennis court n Victorian walled garden and arboretum n Paddocks n Triple garage n Approximately 10 acres

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ3,500,000

Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 772942 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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Advertising

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Holden Road

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AT A GLANCE HOLDEN ROAD SOUTHBOROUGH COMMON n Detached house built using local sandstone and featuring oak beams n 2 automatic gated entrances n 42ft kitchen/breakfast area featuring a Mark Wilkinson-designed kitchen and patio doors to rear terrace n 28ft drawing room with fireplace n Study/playroom with bay windows and fireplace n Formal dining room with double height ceiling and galleried area n Utility room n Gym/games/cinema room n 5 en-suite bedrooms, with the master bedroom also having a dressing room n 2 further rooms n Double garage n Garden

ÂŁ6,750 PCM + fees Available to let through Belvoir! Tunbridge Wells 01892 6153333 www.belvoir.co.uk

Secluded 5-bed designer property to let off Southborough Common

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Tanglewood

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

TANGLEWOOD UCKFIELD LANE, HEVER n Remodelled and extended to a high specification n Sitting room with full-height windows and double doors to decked terrace n Family room n Kitchen/dining room also with double doors to terrace, and utility room n Ground floor guest suite

Features include exposed wooden oak floorboards, full height windows and vaulted ceilings

Improved New England-style home tucked away in Hever

n Master bedroom with dressing area, en-suite bathroom and balcony n 2 further bedrooms n Shower room with sauna n Garden with shed and summerhouse n Driveway and double garage n Planning permission to develop outbuilding n Approximately 2.7 acres

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ1,297,500

Available for sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

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Interiors

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

A recipe for

success

I

F YOU’RE thinking about selling your house, then it’s a known fact that the one space that will sell it quicker than you can say ‘estate agent’ is your kitchen. Ensuring yours looks the part will immediately impress any potential buyers and, of course, any visitors dropping by for a cup of tea or to enjoy dinner.

But before you start checking out paints, pots and pans, the first thing you need to do is dispel the myth from your mind of kitchens being shiny havens full of glistening chrome and gadgets in order to look any good. Kitchens need character; it’s what makes you want to stay and linger at the table. If it feels too pristine and clinical

LIGHTS, CROCKERY, ACCESSORIES… The House of Fraser look

LIGHTEN UP Grey pendant light, £198, Nest, www.nest.co.uk

NOW GET THE LOOK

MUG SHOTS Set of four tankard mugs, £12, JD Williams, www.jdwilliams.com

PRINTS CHARMING Belsize Bouquet set of two tea towels, £12, Cath Kidston, www.cathkidston.com

CHINA GIRL Selection of Chicken Fine Bone China Range, prices from £12, The English Beagle, www.thenenglishbeagle.com

then you’ll be less likely to hang around.

The other thing to remember is that you don’t have to shell out a fortune buying a totally fitted design. In fact, by mixing in different elements – an antique armoire to house all your crockery, for example, or a standalone range – you are in fact creating a unique look that will immediately give your kitchen personality instead of a bland identikit feel.

At the top end of the kitchen market there are companies such as Fired Earth who will create a stylish yet informal space for you, working in handcrafted cabinets, wooden or the currently on trend marble worktops, enamel sinks and

Creating the kitchen of your dreams is easy as pie when you know how, says Eileen Leahy

elegantly painted Shaker-style furniture.

Plain English is another specialist who will create beautiful bespoke pieces for your dream kitchen, and locally we have a plethora of places to visit for that all-important visual inspiration.

Try any of the following the next time you’re wanting to glean some ideas: Tom Howley and Martin Moore are on the High Street, while Krieder is in Chapel Place, and you could also try Rencraft, John Lewis of Hungerford and Harvey Jones, also in town, or David Haugh and Woodwork in Bells Yew Green and Southborough respectively.

If you’re sold on a more unified, fitted look,

then explore the likes of Howdens Joinery and Magnet. If your budget is tight, you can still achieve a fabulous fitted kitchen courtesy of Ikea’s excellent economic selection.

Once your kitchen design is sorted it’s time to think about tiling and flooring. The current trend for herringbone flooring and statement tiles shows no sign of waning, and you’ll find inspiration at specialists such as Bert & May and Baked Tiles.

There’s plenty to see in the mid-market offering, too, so make sure you have a look at the current collections at Tiles DIY and Topps Tiles.

If gutting your kitchen isn’t an option, then you can still make an impact courtesy of a few hacks such as repainting your kitchen cupboards, replacing tiles and introducing some statement lighting or a hero shelf with some of your favourite crockery perched upon it.

Have a browse through your favourite magazines and websites for inspiration, and always keep an eye out on department stores’ seasonal offerings. House of Fraser has some very covetable kitchen accessories in for spring, including the stunning pendant lights pictured here and artisan-style crockery.

You could also look to Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Dunelm for more kitchen treats that will suit all tastes but won’t break the budget, thus leaving you with enough change to cook up a celebratory meal.

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Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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Gardening

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

CREATE YOUR OWN OASIS In which to hide away from the world and relax

A LITTLE

alfresco The lighter evenings are returning (hurrah!) and Victoria Truman has just the ticket for getting your garden ready for those summer nights Here are some ideas to give you food, ahem, for thought. Whether you have, or are planning to add, a dining area to your sprawling lawn, a tidy patio or even a roof terrace, here are some recommendations for making the most of it…

MAKE USE OF A TREE Let nature do the hard work of setting the scene.

Not only can a mature tree provide dappled shade for a leisurely summer lunch, but it can also be employed to support bunting, fairy lights or even candle-filled lanterns.

There is something magical about being surrounded by lush grass, too, rather than hard landscaping; but if you don’t have a lawn, throw down a few rugs to create a soft surface underfoot.

CREATE A SENSE OF SECLUSION Tall fences, corner trees, a pergola waiting to be covered with verdant climbers… this is how to create a hidden spot for dinner in an urban garden that would otherwise be overlooked.

Building a structure like a pergola also gives plenty of opportunity for atmospheric lighting.

Fix up-and-down lighters to your posts, or drape outdoor festoon lighting to create a twinkling canopy. Plants such as wild grasses that will rustle in the breeze will also add enchantment to the evening.

GET OUT THERE The spot right outside the back door is often the most obvious place to set up a dining table. But by thinking outside the box or, rather, outside the terrace, you can make the experience of eating outside much more connected to your garden.

This idea could work on a smaller scale, too,

with a folding table and chairs for two and everything scaled down. The principle of extending out decking or paving into the beds and lawn area is what’s important.

INTRODUCE INTEREST FOR THE EVENING One of the benefits of having a small garden or courtyard is that you can potentially afford to spend less on absolutely packing it with plants; and what could be more soothing than dining in the middle of your very own verdant oasis?

A courtyard garden with strategically positioned lighting will ensure all the greenery adds to the atmosphere after dark. Think about the details in your garden that you want to pick out with light, and the lighters you can position in pots or beds.

YOU DON’T NEED A LAWN TO CREATE A LUSH GARDEN And flowerbeds aren’t necessary, either. A low-maintenance ‘flooring’ option such as gravel is great for small gardens. Add lots of pots filled with everything from the tiniest flowering plants to tall and bushy trees.

Finish off with some garden furniture and you’ll have the perfect spot to enjoy a summer’s day.

A SMALLER PLOT NEEDS GREATER ATTENTION TO DETAIL AS EVERY INCH COUNTS Make use of a fence to add colour and greenery.

Climbing plants and trellises are a great solution for small gardens as they lift flowers and foliage up off the ground.

A pretty fence will do a lot to detract attention from a teeny plot; after all, if you or your visitors are focusing on beautiful roses rambling up a trellis and across a fence, you will embrace the small space, which will also be filled with scent.

Use an evergreen jasmine like Trachelospermum jasminoides; it’s excellent for introducing scented glamour into courtyards, city gardens or roof terraces.

WHO NEEDS FLOWERBEDS? You can work wonders with gravel and pots

ROOF TERRACES Designers create amazing roof terraces of different styles with gardens, fireplaces and dining zones.

Here you may spend the most relaxing, wonderful and philosophic moments of your life.

If the surrounding nature is picturesque, enjoy a calm dinner with candles; if you live in a big city, the light of the city at night will be great.

A wooden deck is a classical variant, so add

some modern furniture and a glass fireplace.

With plants, you can easily create a privacy fence to protect you from harsh urban environments.

Built-in benches and planters make a terrace look modern and stylish whilst utilising all the space effectively.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS An outdoor kitchen gives an opportunity to enjoy staying outdoors, not only whilst eating but also whilst cooking. It allows you to prepare food for your guests and socialise at the same time.

If you want a functional outdoor kitchen, think about a large prep space, a sink, some storage space, and even an outdoor refrigerator.

FIRE PITS AND SCULPTURES Why not finish your dining space with either a beautiful fire pit or a sculpture? Or, indeed, you could have two in one with the completely unique fire pits from The Fire Pit Company, who I saw at the Chelsea Flower Show last year.

I was very impressed by their level of design and creativity; turning the norm into something impressive and functional at the same time.

VICTORIA TRUMAN Landscape and Garden Design www.victoriatruman.com 07711 620 000

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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

Feasting for Easter The best food and drink Page 72

Echo that!

New tech Page 81

FOOD & DRINK

It IS Rocket Science!

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Hospital radio single launch Page 70

CREAM OF THE GOING OUT CROP

74

WELLNESS WITH THE WOW FACTOR

82

Of Mice and Men Battling it out on stage for survival Page 64

CITROËN SHAPES UP WITH NEW C4

86

ALICE’S WINNING ENGLAND DEBUT

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arts

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Friends reunited L

et’s start with a brief synopsis Of Mice and Men for those not familiar with the plot…

Two ranch workers, George Milton (who I play) and Lennie Small, have a dream of owning their own farm. Due to Lennie’s mental disability and lack of understanding about some of his actions, and George’s over protectiveness of him, they keep moving from ranch to ranch in the hope of building up enough money to buy their dream. Their arrival on a ranch where tensions are already building – between the owner’s insecure son and his new wife, and the fractious dynamic between the other workers – leads to tragic consequences.

Why I think it such a special play to perform

GIRL WITH NO NAME Rosemary Boyle is just known as ‘Curley’s wife’

Any play is about human connection (from the very fact of the audience watching the actors), but one where a friendship is placed at the heart of it, and is written in such a way that is so detailed and nuanced, is particularly special.

Also, it feels on stage that the production supports the action in every way courtesy of the design, the lighting, the sound, and

TELLING IT HOW IT IS A scene from the play with Matthew Wynn as Lennie (left)

All this week you can see a stage version of John Steinbeck’s classic novel Of Mice and Men, set during America’s Great Depression, performed at the Assembly Hall. Richard Keightley (left), who plays George, told Eileen Leahy all about the show, and the secret to ensuring this classic stays relevant for a contemporary audience

Arts & Culture

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

carry the show forward throughout the run.

Each stage is built upon the last, and a weakness in any of those layers can cause a show to be unbalanced, inconsistent or patchy.

I’m very proud to say that I feel this show ticks all of these boxes!

What I hope the audiences at the Assembly Hall theatre will come away with after seeing Of Mice and Men

enhances everything the company came up with in rehearsals.

Why I think this particular story is still so relevant today The writing is so expertly done that, while John Steinbeck focuses on a single friendship that runs through the core of the play, he touches upon so many issues that are still unresolved today. These include social isolation, attitudes to migrant workers, racism and misogyny, to name but a few. Sometimes during the story we can see how far we have come, and at other times it is painful to see how little we have moved on.

A bit more about the play’s tour…

We opened in Canterbury nearly two months ago and I’m loving the chance to visit so many towns and cities I’ve never been to.

I’ve never performed in a single one of the venues we’re touring, so there’s lots of new places to discover, and I also get to see those friends and relatives who live near where we’re touring who I don’t get to see so much.

We’re a cast of ten – and a dog.

The audience’s general reaction The reaction we receive is extremely positive, and considering the brutality of the world the

characters inhabit, it is testament to the writing, direction and acting that there is a surprising amount of humour in the show.

There are a couple of fairly visceral moments, which always seem to get a good reaction from the audience.

It is always interesting to see where audience sympathies lie – different audiences seem to sympathise with different characters and their situations – it changes every night.

What I’m looking forward to about coming to Tunbridge Wells I used to live in Sevenoaks over 30 years ago, and have very hazy childhood memories of the town. So I am looking forward to discovering Tunbridge Wells as an adult – and maybe finding myself having some wanderings down memory lane!

The secret behind a successful stage show The most important thing about any show is that the story is being told as well as possible.

This starts with good writing, which we definitely have, and then it depends upon the director’s vision and how they make that manifest with the creative team.

Built upon that is the casting of the show, then the rehearsals, and finally how the company

Hopefully a depiction of the strength of friendship and the human spirit.

As heartbreaking a story as it is, it is also uplifting to see how we can face up to challenges in our lives, whatever form they may take.

Also, at the very least, you get what is described in the film Shakespeare in Love as what all audiences want: “Love, and a bit with a dog.”

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FIVE FACTS ABOUT OF MICE AND MEN

1

Just like George and Lennie, John Steinbeck also worked as a ranch hand or ‘bindle-stiff’, as they were known. In an interview with The New York Times in 1937, he described how it inspired him to write about this profession as no one else in literature had covered it.

2

We’ve all used that classic line ‘my dog ate my homework’, but legend has it that the reason there is no first draft available of the first draft of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is because… you guessed it, his dog ate it!

3

4

Steinbeck’s character Lennie Small was based on a real person the author knew while working on a ranch.

Steinbeck once told a journalist: “He didn’t kill a girl, he killed a ranch foreman.”

The original title the author gave his now classic piece of American literature was Something That Happened, before he changed it to Of Mice and Men.

5

The title Of Mice and Men is an homage to Scottish poet Robert Burn’s 1785 poem To A Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough.

Of Mice and Men is on every day at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, until Saturday March 31. For tickets and times, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance WEDNESDAY Trinity Theatre Gallery’s current exhibition is by photographer Phil Andrews. The show, which is open to the general public every day from 10am until 10pm, is free to attend and showcases the work by this local photographer, which is ‘inspired by architecture, nature and events which surround us rather than a contrived setting’. For more details, see www.trinitytheatre.net

By Eileen Leahy

Staying with Trinity, they are showing the quadruple Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water three times today, at 11am, 2pm and 8pm.

Starring Sally Hawkins and directed by Guillermo del Toro, who picked up one of the statues, it tells the story of a deaf woman employed in a high security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured humanoid amphibian creature.

For ticket deals, see www.trinitytheatre.net You’ve only got a couple of days to catch the Tonbridge Art Group Spring Exhibition, which is being held at the Tonbridge Castle chamber until tomorrow. Open from 10am to 4pm, admission is free and everyone is welcome.

It’s also the last couple of days to catch Gringo, which is currently showing at The Hop Farm’s Moonlight Drive-in Cinema. Starring David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton and Amanda Seyfried, it follows the demise of law-abiding citizen Harold Soyinka (Oyelowo) into a wanted criminal after a trip to Mexico goes horribly wrong… Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. See www.moonlightcinema.com

THURSDAY

FIND THE EASTER BUNNY At Hever Castle

LAST CHANCE To catch this movie at the Hop Farm’s Drive-in Cinema

There’s still time to visit the Tonbridge Creates pop-up arts hub. The aim is to help local artists showcase and sell their work and regenerate some of the empty shop units. There will be everything from paintings to jewellery and ceramics to see and purchase. For more information on the event, visit www.tonbridgecreates.com Penshurst Place kicks off its Easter fun today

with its Feverishly Fickle Friend event. As well as children’s crafts sessions (from 11am to 4pm), there will be an Easter egg hunt and live-action storytelling sessions run by Aardvark Productions. And on April Fool’s Day (Sunday), there will be an extra special storytelling session.

For more details, see www.penshurstplace.com The G&C gallery in Camden Road will be hosting a special launch tonight, to showcase the work of the late Italian artist Francesco Caccamo, and then it will be on display there for the next couple of months. For further information, visit www.gcgallery.co.uk

GOOD FRIDAY A lot of our local attractions launch their Easter activities this weekend, and once again Hever Castle’s holiday fun focuses on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny, which children can follow around the glorious grounds in order to earn

HAPPY POTTERING Live-action storytelling at Penshurst Place

Going Out

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Cream Teas on the Train

Spa Valley Railway, Good Friday (March 30), 3.20pm

Penshurst Village Hall TN11 8BP

What better way to spend the afternoon than indulging in a delicious cream tea while enjoying a return heritage train journey between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge?

Well now you can, courtesy of the Spa Valley railway, which is offering afternoon tea on its 3.20pm service on Good Friday.

Arrive at Tunbridge Wells West for 3pm and take a look inside the Victorian Engine Shed before boarding the heritage diesel train to Eridge, where you will feast on scones and cake as you journey through the Wealden countryside. Once at Eridge Station, you’ll

31st March 1st and 2nd April Early entry Saturday 9.30am Public 10.30am-5pm Entrance £2 Come and find fashionable vintage, French brocante & antique treasures in charming Penshurst.

Enjoy delicious food from Fish Story and specialty coffee from The Only Way is Coffee

WEDDING MEMORIES At St Thomas à Becket Church

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PICK OF THE WEEK:

Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair

a chocolate treat. There will also be plenty of other things to entertain them, including an Easter bonnet craft workshop and traditional parade. For more information on activities and prices, take a look at www.hevercastle.co.uk Groombridge Place is open for business again, and this year hosts a very special production of Alice in Wonderland. On from 10am to 5pm daily, there will be regular performances of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, as well as lots of fun-filled activities with a circus themed twist. For ticket prices and further details, head to www.groombridgeplace.com St Thomas à Becket Church in

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Capel is holding a weddingthemed photographic exhibition from 10am to 4.30pm of all the people who have married at the church – 113 in total. To find out more, pop along, or email: christine. langridge@tinyworld.co.uk Visual Arts students from Tonbridge Grammar School’s sixth form are currently exhibiting their work at Royal Victoria Place in the old O2 store premises. Do go along and see the talented creations on display until the end of the month.

Continued on page 68

alight briefly to look at the steam locomotive which will be taking passengers back up the hill to Tunbridge Wells. Trains arrive back at Tunbridge Wells at approximately 4.40pm.

Included in the ticket price of £18 for adults and £12 for children is one return journey from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge with a steam and/or heritage diesel.

A traditional cream tea of two scones, clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea will be served on board in one of the heritage carriages.

For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

The moving and very poignant war movie Journey’s End is on at Trinity this evening at 8pm.

RC Sherriff’s classic play about the desperation and slaughter of the First World War has been described by critics as ‘powerful, passionate and superbly acted’. Tickets cost £11 per person.

Book at www. trinitytheatre.net

HUNT FOR EASTER EGGS Through Grosvenor and Hilbert Park

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

The National Trust’s International Garden of the Year exhibition is currently on at Sissinghurst Castle for the fourth year running. Open until April 13, it showcases everything from portraits to panoramic shots of horticultural scenes, and intricate flora and fauna details from both

professional and amateur photographers. To find out more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle-garden If rain stops your Easter play, then head over to Jump In, Tonbridge – the area’s only trampoline centre, which offers toddlers to teens lots of jumping fun. For more information, visit www.gojumpin.com

TUESDAY

Bewl Water’s popular children’s camps are on once again for the Easter holidays. So if you find it a challenge to keep your little ones occupied then this club really steps it up a gear, courtesy of its exciting outdoor activities aimed to keep FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHY At Sissinghurst Castle’s International Garden of the Year exhibition

EASTER SATURDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

If you’d like to get fit for spring, then why not There will be various Easter church services join the popular weekly park runs which happen taking place today. From St Saviour and St Peter at both Dunorlan park and the Castle Street and St Paul in Tonbridge to Saint Augustine’s, recreation ground in Tonbridge? They’re free Saint Peter’s, King Charles the Martyr and the to enter, all you have to do is register your Baptist Church in Tunbridge Wells, there will be a details beforehand so you can participate in religious ceremony to suit all denominations. See the 5k circuits, which start at 9am. For more the church websites for details of their services. information, see www.parkrun.org.uk From 2pm, join the Friends of Grosvenor and Today sees the start of the Penshurst Vintage & Hilbert Park for an Easter egg hunt. Starting at Antiques Fair, which runs over the whole of the the Oast house, this free event, which is suitable Easter bank holiday weekend. It’s open from for all ages, will encourage young and old to 10.30am to 5pm and entrance costs £2 per search the park in order to seek out chocolate person. As well as lots of French brocante treasures. No booking is required, but treasures, vintage finds and unusual all children must be accompanied antiques to trawl through, visitors by an adult. can enjoy the refreshments on offer.

The Royal Opera House The current exhibition on at celebrates the centenary of the Thompson Spare’s art gallery is birth of legendary American Sarah Seymour’s Skyscapes. The classical composer Leonard artist, who works from her studio Bernstein with its latest in Dungeness, paints incredible production. The all-Bernstein scenes. But don’t just take our ballet programme features word for it, go along to the the work of the company’s gallery, located in the three associate independent estate agents choreographers, on the High Street, and see Wayne McGregor, Liam for yourself.

Scarlett and Christopher There’s another chance Wheeldon, and for fans of to see Gary Oldman in his both ballet and Bernstein superb Oscar-winning role is not to be missed. You as Winston Churchill in have the chance to see it The Darkest Hour tonight tonight at the Odeon in at Trinity Theatre. The film Tunbridge Wells. Tickets starts at 8pm and tickets cost £23.75.

IT’S ALL ABOUT APPLES cost £11 per person.

See www.

At Grosvenor and To book, visit www. odeon.

Hilbert Park trinitytheatre.net co.uk

Going Out

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

youngsters fit and entertained, as well as helping them make new friends. Activities include bike riding, nature hunts, walks, Mini Rover safaris, sports and games. Full day activities run from 8.30am to 5pm and half-day activities are also available. For further information, see www.bewlwater.co.uk There will be a national fruit show event happening at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park from

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LOG ALL THE HOLIDAY FUN At Bewl Water’s children’s camps

10.30am to 1pm. It will be held in the park’s hub and will offer visitors free British apple tastings and the chance to juice their own apple as well as take part in apple-based crafts. This is a free event and suitable for all ages. No booking is required, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The children’s animated film Coco

is on at Trinity Theatre at 2pm today.

This award-winning movie from Disney Pixar is about a young boy called Miguel who, despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz… sweet and heartwarming. Tickets cost £8.50 per person. See www.trinitytheatre.net

RELIVE THE DARKEST HOUR At Trinity Theatre

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Going Out

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7.

Websites www.paulduntonandguests. com and www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Andy Twyman, Charlie Rivers, David Migden & The Twisted Roots Good Friday Local & Live Showcase Easter Sunday Iona Gutherie, Katy Virgoe, Harley & Woods (full band) Tuesday Max Walker, Sofia Ford, Abi Hudson, Alex Beharrell

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

live music With Paul Dunton

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onight (Wednesday), The Stable returns to The Forum with a great line-up of local acts, including The Alley Devils, The Flowing, John Mclane and Oscar Roche. And you can catch the exceptional David Migden & The Twisted Roots at The Grey Lady with support from Charlie Rivers and one-man blues band Andy Twyman.

On Thursday, the talented Lyrae Duo will be at The Trading Post.

Good Friday sees popular soloist Steffan James at The Spa Hotel, while Higgs & The Bosons and Monkey Trap will be rockin’ The Royal Oak. On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, renowned jazz singer Liane Carroll will be at Scallywags, supported by

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

Earl Okin. Also on Saturday, you can see Acoustic Atlas at The Beau Nash, Sean Fennessey & Friends at The Bedford, and do support the launch of the new Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells single at Grub & Liquor from 1pm till late with ten acts performing and Ryan Weeks headlining.

If you fancy dancing, then try Boogie Nights at The Forum or the Lunar Rhythms at The Sussex Arms.

Easter Sunday brings The Harveys & Friends at The Royal Oak, Suncharmer at The Forum and Harley & Woods at The Grey Lady, while The Sussex Arms hosts a stellar alternative/rock night.

On Tuesday, don’t miss the highly entertaining Ukelear Fallout at the Punch & Judy in Tonbridge.

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday Alley Devils, The Flowing, John Mclane, Oscar Roche Thursday Pharoahe Monch Good Friday Ice Cream Indie Disco Easter Saturday Boogie Nights Easter Sunday Suncharmer

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews. Open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm. More information at www.twforum.co.uk Easter Saturday Lunar Rhythms Easter Sunday Anavae, Veridian, Orestea

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Easter Saturday Acoustic Atlas Easter Sunday Open Mic Night

GRUB & LIQUOR Nevill Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 1pm till late Easter Saturday Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells Single Launch: ‘Rocket Science’ – Live music from Emily Izen Row, Isabella Coulstock, Harry Whitty, Charlotte Rose Ellis, Amber Anderton, A Man Called Dave and A Lady Called Sophie, Benjamin Lewes, Lizzie Arkell Music, Chasing Shadows, Ryan Weeks

Steffan James

Easter Saturday Duvet Dogs Easter Sunday The Harveys & Friends

THE TRADING POST 5 Culverden Down. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Thursday The Lyrae Duo

SCALLYWAG CAFÉ

Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm until 10pm, booking advised, dining available 01892 520331 Good Friday Local & Live Presents: Steffan James

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

For more information, visit www.scallywagcafe.co.uk Good Friday Earl Okin, The Liane Carroll Trio Easter Saturday Earl Okin, The Liane Carroll Trio

THE BEDFORD

MERCURE HOTEL

2 High Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Easter Saturday Sean Fennessey & Friends

8 Tonbridge Road, Pembury.

Arrival from 7pm, dinner 7.30pm.

To book, call 01892 628298 or email: events@mercuretunbridge.co.uk Good Friday Adele Tribute (with dinner)

THE SPA HOTEL

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Good Friday Higgs & The Bosons, Monkey Trap

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge. Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm Tuesday Ukelear Fallout Liane Carroll

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drink

72

Food & Drink

Cracking wines for an Easter feast

With Easter just a few days away, it’s time to think about what you’ll serve with your Sunday celebration lunch.

This week, Times wine columnist James Viner selects four wines that are sure to put a spring in your step…

(1) Brilliant Bubbles from Cool-Climate California Quartet NV Brut, Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, California, USA, The Wine Society/The Wine Reserve, £24 All feasts should start with bubbles, shouldn’t they? An exceedingly distinguished bottle from the northern Californian coastal region the Anderson Valley, this stylish traditional method fizz is produced by Roederer, the celebrated family-owned Champagne house renowned both for its early connections with the Russian court and for its sizeable vineyard ownership (they also make Cristal). This sings with pear, honeysuckle,

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Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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spice, brioche and hazelnut, with all these flavours presenting as a fused whole. The elegantly refined texture and delicate, impeccably integrated dosage confirm the excellent craftsmanship. Perfect for fish/white meats with creamy sauces, oysters, sushi, smoked salmon or crab. Fizz punching superbly above its price that’s certain to impress. Alc 12% (2) High-Street Aromatic White Choice for Seafood 2017 Exquisite Collection Marsanne, Languedoc, France, Aldi, £5.99 A richly-flavoured Languedoc gem that is a

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crowd-pleasing delight. This magnificently scented 100% marsanne is a classy affair with pear and almond blossom aromas, pungent citrus tones and a hint of honey. If you’re not familiar with it, then marsanne is a light-skinned white Rhône variety that’s usually blended with roussanne and/or viognier. Often tough to achieve, but Jean-Claude Mas has got this one spot-on. Pour it for seafood and white meats, especially belly of pork. It’s attractive and incredibly quaffable, and one to seek out on your next Aldi visit. Alc 13%

(3) Classy Claret, Easter Lamb Ahoy!

2014 Château Sénéjac Cru Bourgeois, HautMédoc, Bordeaux, France, Co-op, £14.99 offer Located close to the vineyards of Margaux, Château Sénéjac is one of the better known Crus Bourgeois of Bordeaux’s Haut-Médoc. With pleasing boysenberry, herbal, cassis and foresty aromas, this classic and supple Cab-Sauvignonforward red is a colossally tasty find for the price.

A top claret for a classic roast leg of lamb, roast fillet of beef or steak tartare and it tastes divine

with a cheese course, especially mature cheddar and Comté – sheer gastronomic heaven! Make sure you decant it for an hour to let the black fruits unfurl. Serious class and a steal at the splendid Co-op offer. Alc 13.5% (4) Sumptuous Organic Sweet Red Tailor-Made for Easter Chocolates Domaine Pouderoux Maury Grande Reserve NV, Roussillon, France, Waitrose, £11.49 (50cl) Have you ever pondered which wine complements chocolate desserts? Well, look no further than this gloriously spicy, plummy and figgy sweet Vin Doux Naturel based on powdery, old-vine grenache from Domaine Pouderoux. Try with dark chocolate eggs, chocolate parfait, a red-fruit based chocolate gateau or a cheese platter. It’s an egg-cellent match and certainly tried and tested – Robert Pouderoux’s family have been vignerons in Maury since 1826.

Joyeuses Pâques! Alc 16.5%

Follow James on Twitter: @QuixoticWine

Food & Drink

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

An Easter classic Now you’ve read all about which wines to choose for your Easter lunch, try this traditional roast lamb recipe to enjoy with your tipple of choice…

Honey mustard lamb & parsnips 1½ tablespoons wholegrain mustard 2 tablespoons warm water 5 parsnips, peeled and sliced lengthways into thirds 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary SERVES 4

METHOD:

1 2

Take the lamb out of the refrigerator an hour before you are ready to cook it. To make the marinade, mix the tamari, honey, mustard and warm water together in a bowl.

Put the lamb on a sheet pan with high sides and pour the marinade over the top. Leave to marinate for 1 hour, turning over a couple of times whilst marinating. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Gas 6.

3 4 5

Put the parsnips and rosemary in the sheet pan with the lamb and tuck under the lamb.

Spoon a little of the marinade over the lamb.

Put the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the lamb for about 55 minutes for rare, adding another 10 minutes for medium.

A delightful mix of honey and mustard that serves to keep this lamb moist and flavoursome. A quick-win as far as roasts go, too.

Remove the lamb from the oven and leave to rest, covered in foil, for 10 minutes, before serving with the parsnips. The parsnips can remain in the oven in the residual heat whilst the lamb rests.

INGREDIENTS ½ leg of lamb, roughly 1kg/2¼lb 60ml/¼ cup tamari 2 tablespoons honey

Buy the book:

Recipe courtesy of Sheet Pan Cooking by Jenny Tschiesche, photos by Steve Painter and published by Ryland Peters & Small. Times readers can purchase the book for the special price of £10.99, including postage & packaging (rrp £14.99), by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference NS5.

WHERE TO SOURCE LAMB LOCALLY To ensure you treat your tastebuds – and guests – to the finest cuts of lamb, check out these two specialists who supply our farmers’ markets and independent shops as well as selling direct Renhurst Farm

Four generations of Padfields have been farming at Renhurst Farm, Mark Cross. The family specialise in producing native breeds of cattle, pigs and sheep. The latter are Suffolk and Romney breeds and, like the other livestock, are reared on grass and cereals.

Farmer Annabelle Padfield says: “We ensure the quality of our stock by feeding them wholesome (non GM) food and allow our animals to range freely on their meadows, and we take special care of the meat once the stock is slaughtered.

“Hanging the meat properly maximises flavour and tenderness.

“Lamb and pork are hung for at least seven days and beef for over 21 days.”

Juddwood Farm

Based in a picturesque spot near Bidborough, the Farm Assured Juddwood stocks home produced and local beef, pork and lamb which can be cut to your specification.

Their lambs are bred from two different breeds of ewe, Lleyns and North Country Mules, and are crossed with either a Texel or Charolais ram, resulting in a prime quality, lean lamb.

A spokesperson comments: “Our lambs are born in March and April and are fattened over the summer on the farm and fed on clover-rich grassland and on stubble, turnips and hay as winter fodder.

“The lambs slowly mature and are available from August to the following spring.

“The lambs are killed and prepared locally, keeping the ‘food miles’ (the distance the meat travels from the farm to the customer) to a minimum.”

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travel

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Travel

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Eat, drink and exercise at a wellness retreat in

calming Kefalonia Proving you can balance indulgence with healthy living, Greek island escape F Zeen is a breath of fresh air, says Jemma Crew

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and relaxing poses, but guests can use the equipment whenever they like. For the more adventurous, aerial yoga sessions can be arranged.

A split-level outdoor gym – complete with cardio machines, free weights, personal training sessions and a sublime sea view – is also available.

Steps away from the retreat at F Zeen’s on-the-beach activity hub, where guests can take out paddleboards and kayaks for no extra cost.

Guests can also borrow bikes and maps of local hikes.

S I SET up my mat between the ancient trees that poke through the circular wooden Armonia yoga deck (armonia means harmony in Greek) – my lungs are grateful for the fresh mountain, forest and sea air.

I perform sun salutations while birds chirp away in the treetops above, and waves end their journey with a soft crash on the shore below.

I’m watched solemnly by one of around a dozen adopted cats that roam the F Zeen resort.

Hidden away on an Ionian hillside, and nestled into the sloping forest that rolls down on to Lourdas seafront, F Zeen is an adult-only wellness retreat and it enjoys the best of Kefalonia’s bewitching landscapes.

What’s the spa like?

Why is Kefalonia a recharge retreat?

Kefalonia – the largest of the cluster of Ionian Islands dotted along the west coast of the Greek mainland – is also one of the least densely populated.

It is incredibly green and lush, with Mount Ainos – the dramatic backdrop that towers above F Zeen – classified as the only national park on a Greek island.

An earthquake in 1953 caused widespread damage to the island, leaving 90 per cent of its buildings in pieces and causing many islanders to flee.

The Kefalonia that was rebuilt from the rubble is equal parts charm and tradition, and relatively unspoilt compared to the more developed Greek islands that are popular with Europe’s younger crowd.

What’s the F Zeen story?

F Zeen was a term in ancient Greek used to sum up ‘the good life’, and the resort does everything it can to promote an ethos where, as Hippocrates said: “Everything in excess is opposed to nature.”

Open for its first full season in 2016, it’s truly a family affair, with mother, father, sons and daughter all involved in its day-to-day running.

Matriarch Suzanne Koumoudos, who with her

MISTY-EYED VIEW Mount Ainos

DECKED OUT For yoga sessions Greek husband Dennis owns a sprawling collection of luxury Kefalonian villas, tells me that food has always been a huge family passion, and that when they went on holiday, they were always looking for a hotel with a gym so they could indulge.

So the idea for F Zeen was born, set in the midst of 20 acres of cypress, eucalyptus and pine trees that have been in the family for hundreds of years.

With pared back yet luxurious, natureinspired rooms, three freshwater swimming pools, Jacuzzis, a spa and daily group gym and

‘It’s an inspiring place to slow down and reconnect with yourself’ yoga classes, it’s an inspiring place to slow down and reconnect with yourself.

What activities are on offer?

Yoga teacher Anastasia Koumoudos gently guides groups through a series of rejuvenating

The spa uses organic seaweed from the Irish Sea, sourced by the family-run company Voya.

A small team of therapists use hand-harvested leaves in treatments, including baths, massages, masks and wraps, for their antioxidant and anti-ageing properties.

My city-polluted skin is treated to a detoxifying Anti-ageing Restorative Facial (E90/£79) which I enjoy, notwithstanding the pungent marine aroma which assails my nostrils as strips of slimy seaweed are slathered on to my neck and chest.

For sun-scorched skin, a must-try is the spa’s After Sun Oasis (E50/£44) – a heady mix of lavender, aloe vera and avocado oil, forming a perfect soothing combination to calm and nourish.

What’s the food like?

F Zeen now boasts two restaurants which offer healthy Greek dishes with a modern twist, using recipes passed down by the Koumoudos family’s grandmother.

Many of the herbs used in dishes and the impressive range of teas are grown on site, and vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus are guided by the seasons.

Breakfast can be enjoyed at the Gaia restaurant, where dining tables overlooking the

Travel

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Ionian Sea are decorated with stray petals from a shocking pink ceiling of bougainvillea through which shards of sunlight stream, while the new Selini restaurant is open all day.

But the real stars here are the drinks: Dozens of wellness teas; zingy green juices; smoothies as far from the pureed sugary pulp found in supermarkets as you can get; and alcohol-free health shots which pack a hefty punch to the gut and kick-start a sluggish digestive system.

Can you sleep in perfect harmony?

Don’t think you’ll be away from nature once you head to bed. The calming rooms feature neutral furnishings; some boast spacious private balconies, while newer rooms have their own Jacuzzis.

The new ‘Raw’ wing, due to open in 2018, will almost double the Greek island resort’s size – making 53 rooms in total.

What else is there to do?

Kefalonia is famed for its honey, and a trip to the nearby Dias Apiary (E16/£14) – a 20-minute drive from the retreat – proves to be an unexpected delight.

I don a head-to-toe white bee suit with trepidation as I approach the ever-increasing hum from the darkened inside of one of dozens of sealed wooden boxes.

We hear fascinating anecdotes about the winged creatures ‘dancing’ and even, after much direction from our patient guide, manage to identify the queen bee – the largest of the insects.

We are shown how to extract honey from the hives, before tasting the wax, royal jelly, propolis (a mixture of bee saliva and beeswax) and pollen.

After drinks and a selection of dripping honey cakes and sesame treats, I make a beeswax candle to take away as a souvenir.

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If bees aren’t your thing, a plethora of other activities are on offer and there are fascinating historic sites to visit. The ruins of the Sissia monastery are just over a 30-minute walk away.

The monastery, which was destroyed in the earthquake, is believed to have been founded by St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century.

How to get there

LINKS WITH ST FRANCIS The ruins of Sassia Monastery

PUSH THE BOAT OUT A Kefalonian kayak

CASUAL DINING In the poolside restaurant

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Rooms cost from E180/£158 per night on a B&B basis; Raw Wing rooms cost from E209/£184 per night on a B&B basis.

Visit www.fzeenretreat.com British Airways is launching direct summeronly flights to Kefalonia from London Gatwick on Tuesdays and Saturdays between May 15 and October 6, with return fares starting from £118. www.britishairways.com

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Advertorial

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Welcome to Baselworld 2018 If you’re a watch enthusiast, or horologist as they’re often called, you’ll know this month saw journalists, retailers and consumers flock to a usuallysleepy corner of Switzerland for the largest and most impressive watch and jewellery show in the world: Baselworld 2018

F

OR a few days a year, Basel, normally a modest provincial city on the Swiss border with Germany and France, becomes undoubtedly the centre of the watch world. This year is particularly strong in terms of new models revealed; from the luxury high-value brands such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Rolex and Omega, to more affordable pieces from Nomos, Swatch and Longines.

Here we bring Baselworld 2018 to you, as renowned Tunbridge Wells jeweller, G Collins & Sons, highlight some of the simply exquisite new timepieces available right here in town.

Golden Ellipse REF: 5738/R-001

Following the launch in 1968 of the Golden Ellipse with a yellow-gold case, the Ref. 5738 ‘Jumbo’ model in platinum was introduced in 2008 to commemorate the 40th anniversary. Now reaching its 50th birthday, Patek Phillipe is presenting a new rose-gold version of the legendary timepiece. Featuring an ebony black sunburst with gold applied hour markers, this offering is causing waves at Baselworld 2018.

Water resistance: Up to 30 metres Case dimensions: 34.5 mm × 39.5 mm Height: 5.9 mm

Complications REF: 7234R-001

Calibre 240: SELF-WINDING Diameter: 27.5 mm Height: 2.53 mm Parts: 161 Bridges: 6 Jewels: 27 Power reserve: Over 48 hours Rotor: 22K gold, off-center mini-rotor Balance: Gyromax® Vibrations/hour: 21 600 (3 Hz) Balance spring: Spiromax® Hallmark: Patek Philippe Seal

The watch giant has unveiled its first ever self-winding Travel Time piece as a ladies’ wristwatch. A feminine interpretation of the 2015 men’s wristwatch, the Ref. 7234R-001 boasts a case of rose-gold with a brown dial and a subtle black gradation toward the periphery, as well as a second time zone and a local-time date.

Water resistance: Up to 30 metres Diameter: 37.5 mm Height: 10.78 mm

G Collins & Sons, Tunbridge Wells, say: “The brand new release of the ladies Pilot Calatrava is a very exciting prospect. We are seeing more ladies wanting to wear larger watches in similar styles to the more masculine designs. This beautiful watch is a slightly scaled down version of the extremely in-demand 5524 Pilots watch launched in white gold in 2015. It is the first Travel Time with self-winding movement for women.”

Timepieces from Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève 2018

Patek Phillipe:

Patek Phillipe:

Calibre 324 S C FUS: SELF-WINDING Diameter: 31 mm Height: 4.9 mm Parts: 294 Jewels: 29 Power reserve: 35 to 45 hours Central rotor: 21K gold, unidirectional winding Balance: Gyromax® Vibrations/hour: 28 800 (4 Hz) Balance spring: Spiromax® Hallmark: Patek Philippe Seal

WHAT ELSE IS NEW:

Patek Phillipe:

Nautilus REF: 5740-1G-001

For the Nautilus collection, this is their first grand complication model, meaning a truly unique combination of sports appeal and technical sophistication. It is the ultimate in watchmaking artistry. Showcasing a subtle elegance with a white-gold case, this watch also has the technological complexity to automatically recognise the number of days in each month as well as the periodically recurring leap year.

G Collins & Sons, Tunbridge Wells say: “This year we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its enigmatic Golden Ellipse, with the special Ref: 5738R in Rose-gold. With a diameter of 34.5mm x 39.5mm. This legendary timepiece is the perfect sophisticated model to be added to any watch collection.”

Water resistance: Up to 60 metres Diameter: 40 mm Height: 8.42 mm Calibre 240 Q: SELF-WINDING Diameter: 27.5 mm Height: 3.88 mm Parts: 275 Bridges: 8 Jewels: 27 Power reserve: 38 to 48 hours Rotor: 22K gold, off-centre mini-rotor Balance: Gyromax® Vibrations/hour: 21 600 (3 Hz) Balance spring: Spiromax® Hallmark: Patek Philippe Seal G Collins & Sons, Tunbridge Wells, say: “The spectacular 5740/1G is this year’s new Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar model. Showcasing a striking blue dial.

The first ‘Grand Complication’ in the Nautilus collection is undoubtedly one of the favourites of Baselworld 2018.”

G Collins & Sons 76/78 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB www.gcollinsandsons.com 01892 534018

NEW RELEASE: Santos de Cartier Collection

DETERMINATION, freedom, comfort: The myth of the Santos de Cartier watch has been maintained throughout the successive decades since its creation in 1904 and goes way beyond the legend of Alberto Santos-Dumont. In the age of engineering, at the dawn of the 20th century, its revolutionary design and usage echoed the spirit of speed and progress. Its distinctive aesthetic symbolised the modern era.

The new Santos de Cartier watch stays true to this original philosophy by reflecting the innovative, ever changing spirit of its own age.

Bringing the first modern day wristwatch up to date, featuring a patented quick switch strap mechanism to alter look from day to night with effortless ease, this creation is truly mesmerising.

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Advertorial

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Awash with success:

A fresh take on the laundrette industry

With a grand opening on April 5, we meet Head of Commercial for Photo-Me PLC Stephen Lynch, who took us through the spin of things and told us how they will be bringing their modern and innovative range of worldwide selfservice kiosks to Tonbridge in the form of a new laundrette named Laverie Tell us a little about KISWash and your ethos Here at KISWash we are providing laundry solutions as part of the larger Photo-Me PLC. The Photo-Me ethos is to provide self-service vending kiosks, such as photo-booths and laundrettes, that are simple solutions to people’s everyday needs. We’ve been around since 1958 and pride ourselves on being ahead of the game.

KISWash itself, the laundry division of the business, was launched in 2010, and the concept of a self-service laundrette correlated with the decrease in old-fashioned standard laundrettes.

What inspired you to launch a new alternative to the traditional laundrette?

We launched the first one in France back in 2012, and now we’ve got 2,000 laundry units installed worldwide, so we always knew it was filling a massive gap in the market.

It was another part of the puzzle in diversifying our portfolio at Photo-Me and continuing our success as the world leader in vending kiosks.

KIS stands for Key Independent System, and we are always thinking of new ways to apply this innovative technology.

How do you select locations, and how do you plan to provide a service that suits Tonbridge?

Our main objective is always to supply where there is demand, and we felt Tonbridge was a fantastic place with a growing population that would benefit from our services.

The nature of our business, being a staff-less zone, means that we have to rely solely on the appearance of our sites to attract customers.

That means visibility from the outside looking in is key, and the laundrettes are decorated in a way that makes our services clear.

Our prices are on the door, our windows are full length and the walls are a bright orange colour with clear instructions on them.

Tell us a little about the facilities within the laundrette We have a range of both 8kg and 18kg washing machines which are fitted with built-in hypoallergenic washing liquid pumps and vented dryers. On top of the facilities themselves, it’s important to us that we are economic in our services; it’s just £4 for an 8kg wash, £8 for an 18kg wash and £1 for the dryer. You can use the

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

‘We launched the first one in France back in 2012, and now we’ve got 2,000 laundry units installed worldwide, so we always knew it was filling a massive gap in the market’ 8kg for most regular loads, or the larger wash for your duvets, throws, curtains and pillows.

As well as being economical, we make an effort to be conscious of the environment with a controlled power consumption unit.

How do you assist customers without having direct personal contact?

Laverie will be equipped with touch-screen displays that help customers to follow the simple, on-screen instructions. We also operate an in-house call centre team who are always on hand if a customer needs personal contact.

Our engineer will visit the site once every week to report on any issues should they arise – and we do, of course, have a strong social media presence.

Advertorial

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Are people-free services the future?

It’s driven our success for over 50 years now, so we’ve been well ahead in the movement.

Nowadays, people want quick and easy access to services they need. It goes without saying, though, that even behind a people-free service there is a huge team of people making it happen and always happy to help.

We plan to continue in the direction we are going and branch out into additional European locations with KISWash. The bigger picture, for the whole of Photo-Me PLC sees us hoping to reach 6,000 installations by the end of 2020.

It’s a very exciting and innovative journey for us, and we welcome people to join us at our launch day in the Tonbridge KISWash on April 5 to come and try out our machines, meet some of the behind-the-scenes staff and find out more.

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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Powered by

THE HAIRDRYER TREATMENT

Whether you want to find a rare recipe, play some new music or find out the latest sports scores, this clever little gadget can do it all for you. Echo Plus, £139.99, www.amazon.co.uk

This clever Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer, which boasts the Quiet Mark seal of approval for noise reduction, is acoustically tuned for conversation, and the powerful motor is produced to one inaudible frequency. £299.99, www.johnlewis.com and www.quietmark.com

tech

YOUR OWN PERSONAL ASSISTANT

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GET ON YOUR (DIGITAL) BIKE: The Watt bike aims to revolutionise the concept of indoor cycling courtesy of its clever ‘real ride’ technology, cutting edge analysis and unrivalled accuracy. £1,499, www.wattbike.com

Must-have gadgets State of the art technology

The Know brings the latest tech and clever time-saving gadgets and widgets to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Eileen Leahy picks her top tech essentials

MEET THE MULITASKER This clever TV comprises Freeview, catch-up and a built-in DVD player as well as DTS sound and HDMI and SCART sockets. Alba 24-inch HD Ready LED TV/DVD Combi, £149.99, www.argos.co.uk MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Make your listening enjoyment even more pleasurable courtesy of these Sony Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones.

Beige, £329.99, www.very.co.uk

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Motoring

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE:

Citroën C4

Cactus

The original was a true love-it-or-hate-it Marmite car – but with the latest C4 Cactus model, Citroën is chasing greater appeal.

Tom Wiltshire gives the innovative new hatchback a go…

WHAT IS IT?

From the daft name to the eye-catching ‘airbumps’ strewn across the side panels, everything about the previous generation Citroën C4 Cactus was designed to be just a little bit different. But with the new C3 Aircross taking its place as the mini-SUV in Citroën’s range, the C4 Cactus has moved upmarket to fill the void left when its former self was taken off sale last year.

That gives it a mixture of mini-SUV and hatchback styling cues, and a price tag somewhere between the two market sectors. It also debuts some innovative new tech that will eventually be rolled out to most of Citroën’s cars.

WHAT’S NEW?

The big news is Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ system. Anybody who’s driven a Citroën built in the 90s or earlier can’t help but remember the pillowy ride bestowed by the sophisticated hydraulic suspension – and that’s what the brand has tried to recreate on the Cactus.

It’s not a full hydraulic system, but it gains hydraulic dampers on either side of the usual shock-absorber to help reduce the impact from bumps, while still keeping the car stable.

Advanced Comfort also brings added soundproofing and some excellent new seats, which are very comfortable indeed and a real highlight of the car’s interior.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The petrol-focused line-up consists of three versions of the 1.2-litre PureTech engine. The entry-level car has just 81bhp, which is fine around town but gutless on the motorway. The higher-powered 109bhp unit is the pick of the range with plenty of punch, though it’s mated to a baggy five-speed manual gearbox. The six-speed ’box that comes with the 128bhp engine is far superior. There’s also a diesel unit,

MODEL AS TESTED:

0-60MPH:

Citroën Cactus

9.0 seconds

ENGINE:

MPG: 58.9 combined

POWER: 109bhp TORQUE: 205Nm

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The trick suspension is clever, and gives the car a comfortable ride over all surfaces, but it’s not the quantum leap we were hoping for. Also, while it copes well with bumpy roads, the suspension is uncomfortably floaty on motorways and A roads.

We suspect it might make a few backseat passengers car sick. Head into a corner with a bit of speed and the Cactus remains quite flat, but the lifeless and over-light steering doesn’t inspire much confidence. It’s certainly not a sports car, but most buyers won’t care about that.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

This toned-down new model has smaller airbumps, while the remainder of the body has been smoothed over, and there are new 3D-effect taillights. The stacked front headlight arrangement remains, with LED daytime running lights set above them, while the distinctive grille includes Citroën’s double chevron logo.

Inside very little has changed, except a mild redesign of the centre console. It’s still fairly stylish though, with a suitcase-style glovebox and leather straps acting as door pulls.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

THE KNOWLEDGE

1.2-litre petrol

which offers incredible fuel economy, but the petrols are so good it’s not really necessary.

There’s also a six-speed automatic available on some models, but it’s not the best either – hesitant at take-off and has a tendency to jerk when you put your foot down.

One thing common to all models is the lack of a rev counter – an irritating omission.

EMISSIONS: 104g/km PRICE From £16,575

OTR RRP

Everything’s controlled by a large central touchscreen, which sounds like a good idea, but in practice having vitals such as air-conditioning

on there makes it awkward to adjust settings on the move, and the screen isn’t sufficiently responsive to justify this.

The cabin is roomy and very comfortable. The new seats use a clever arrangement of varying density foam, so while they look flat and unsupportive, they’re remarkably body-hugging.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The main trim levels are ‘Feel’ and ‘Flair’, which are both generously equipped. Base spec ‘Feel’ gets a seven-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, air-conditioning, cruise control and electric front windows. But the rears simply pop-out. ‘Flair’ adds satnav and a reversing camera, while all models can be personalised with exterior colours, different wheels and interior ‘moods’.

VERDICT

In losing some of its quirky charm, the new Cactus won’t be an immediate love affair as the first one was. However, it’ll undoubtedly appeal to more people, and the new hydraulic suspension gives it a seriously comfortable USP. There are still irritating quirks, but it’s interesting, decent to drive and cheap to own.

Motoring News

Thousands of lives could be saved by auto braking CAR safety experts have claimed the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads could be cut by almost a quarter if autonomous emergency braking systems were compulsory.

Thatcham Research analysed data from ‘killed or seriously injured’ [KSI] incidents in 18 major cities in the UK in 2016. It calculated that in 24% of cases, the front of the car was the first impact point, meaning advanced safety systems could have lessened the effects.

Autonomous emergency braking [AEB] uses radars and cameras to read the road ahead, while on-board computers analyse the data and can apply the brakes if it thinks the driver hasn’t noticed a hazard.

Thatcham’s Matthew Avery said: “AEB will eventually be recognised as one of the most important safety innovations in modern history.”

A spokesperson for road safety charity Brake said: “The government must listen to these findings and mandate AEB.” A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are working with the international community to create a regulatory standard for AEB in passenger cars and vans.”

Hints of monster revival DESPITE its name, the Subaru WRX STI Final Edition may not be the end of the performance monster. Subaru UK Managing Director Chris Graham said: “I’d never think it’s the final, final edition. We don’t yet have any dates from Japan for a relaunch, but I think we could see it as a hybrid.”

Last November, the Japanese firm unveiled a limited run of only 150 units of the legendary nameplate. They don’t currently offer a hybrid vehicle, but it’s believed the next generation Forester will be the first to buck this trend.

Graham suggested electric models would begin to flow from there. Fans of the legendary Subaru WRX STI still have an opportunity to get their hands on one before it disappears.

NO MORE MARMITE The toned-down hatch should attract a wider spread of buyers

MAX SPEED: 117mph

Active and ready to order ORDER books are now open at Ford dealers for its latest crossover – the Fiesta Active.

Starting at £17,790, the jacked-up city car is available in three variants – Active 1, Active B&O Play and Active X – and will join the firm’s range alongside the Ka+ Active in ‘offering buyers an exciting lifestyle crossover’.

It retains the basic design, but all Active models will receive a rugged-look body styling kit, an increased ride height, roof rails, front fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

There are three drive modes along with Hill Start Assist. Other features include lane-keep technology, automatic headlights, a heated windscreen, rear privacy glass and a SYNC 3 infotainment system. Two engines – petrol and diesel – are on offer with six-speed manual gearbox and auto stop-start technology.

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Motoring

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Recruitment

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Puzzles

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

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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.

6 9 3

4 8 5 7

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

1 3 8

15

5

9

2

6

4 6 8 5 3 9 7 1 9 6 2

4

6

8

CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

4 2 8

9

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23 2

25

6 5 4 1

3 5 7

7

24

17

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17 23

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1 6 2 4 1

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

4

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★I

3

4 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

2

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★III

1

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

J B T OM A T S R H I D E A F R C H A O O M U T E E G A N D H D O CO R P S W E

R O D E O D

S F Q U S E F U N A A S A T I R O T F R I T Z A T N D E X P MO P E D E I E I D L R A B V E K E L V I D E E S

L E

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Sudoku:

8 1 6 5 2 3 7 9 4

3 9 5 4 7 1 6 2 8

7 4 2 8 9 6 3 5 1

1 5 3 7 8 9 4 6 2

4 8 9 6 3 2 1 7 5

2 6 7 1 5 4 9 8 3

6 7 1 2 4 8 5 3 9

5 7 2 6 8 4 3 9 1

2 5 3 4 1 9 6 7 8

3 6 8 1 9 7 2 5 4

9 2 4 3 6 5 8 1 7

5 3 8 9 1 7 2 4 6

Jigsaw Sudoku:

7 2 5 9 3 8 4 1 6

9 4 6 3 5 1 8 2 7

1 3 9 8 6 2 7 4 5

4 8 1 7 2 6 5 3 9

6 9 4 2 7 5 1 8 3

8 1 7 5 4 3 9 6 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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Sporting Times

Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday March 28 | 2018

Pioneer Davidson-Richards picked for England who were founder sponsors of girls’ cricket at the club. From an original group of 19, there are now close to 100 girls as well as a women’s team.

To add to the club’s lustre, Alice’s Tunbridge Wells team mate Izzy Cloke was selected for the England Women’s senior academy last year, and is awaiting her international call-up too.

Alice has represented Kent for eight years, winning the County Championship four times. She

By Andy Tong CRICKET: THE first girl to play cricket for Tunbridge Wells, Alice Davidson-Richards, saw all her hard work pay off in style as she was awarded her first England cap.

The 23-year-old all-rounder made her international debut for the World Cup winners in the Twenty20 Tri-Series in India, taking on the Australians in an eight-wicket victory in Mumbai on March 23.

Two days later she was again on the winning side as England beat the hosts by seven wickets.

The series reaches its climax with the final on Saturday (March 31).

‘I definitely thought my time had passed me by. When I finished university it was like, what am I going to do with my life? No idea’

Power A right-handed batsman brought in by national coach Mark Robinson to provide ‘power down the order’, she also bowls right-arm fast-medium.

Alice, who grew up near the Nevill ground, was the first female member of Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club, arriving in 2002 at the age of seven.

At first she trained and played with the junior boys teams. The club formed a separate girls’ section in 2009 with significant support from the Brew House Hotel – now One Warwick Park –

INDIAN SUMMER: Alice Davidson-Richards (left) is handed her cap by Tammy Beaumont in Mumbai

Angels are brought back down to earth

was appointed vice-captain in 2016, and was handed her England cap by her county captain Tammy Beaumont at the Brabourne Stadium.

She has also been playing for the Yorkshire Diamonds in the Kia Super League while studying for her degree in Human Physiology at the University of Leeds – she works as a personal trainer.

At the tender age of 15 she helped Kent win the Under-17 County Championship in 2010, making 72 not out and taking two wickets in the final against Sussex.

CRUNCH TIME Former Rusthall striker Steve Smith tussles with Yannick Tchoundjin (left), who was later sent off

Wingate & Finchley 2 Tonbridge Angels 1 FOOTBALL: AFTER the fine victory over high-flying Billericay Town two days before it was a weary Angels who travelled to Wingate & Finchley.

They came out of the blocks slowly and it took the home side 10 minutes to take the lead. A glorious strike from distance by Reece BecklesRichards gave keeper Jonny Henly no chance.

On 22 minutes Tashi-Jay Kwayie was presented with a clear sight of goal following Joe Turner’s low cross but his shot went over the bar.

Four minutes later Alex Akrofi also fired over from Turner’s corner, and he also forced a good save from Shane Gore just before half-time.

Patience

Janes double propels Ladies into last four Tonbridge Angels Ladies 3 Oasis Community 0 FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies will play their first ever cup semi-final at Longmead Stadium after they worked hard to defeat Oasis Community at Tonbridge Farm.

The Sheppey-based visitors are second in the Kent Division Two East, a level below the Angels, and their well-marshalled defence restricted Tonbridge’s chances despite a lot of possession.

They needed a goal to open up the game and it arrived in style within a minute of the restart.

A cross from Kelly Moran caused a moment of hesitation from Oasis sweeper Charley Morrow at the near post and this was enough for striker Becky Janes to pounce, lifting the ball over her shoulder and firing in from the tightest of angles.

By James Rowe

Wingate, who had been denied by Henly three times, took advantage of these misses, adding to their score in the 40th minute through Luke Ifil.

A rejuvenated Angels came out for the second half and with Nathan Elder now leading the line they became a threat particularly from set pieces.

With Andrew Seesay providing momentum on the left, Akrofi had a header cleared off the line.

Fom another corner Sonny Miles scored with a flick header in the 61st minute. But Wingate managed to hold out and leapfrogged Tonbridge into ninth place in the Bostik League Premier.

Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “We did start slow and to be honest, with all that’s happened in the past week, I half expected that.

“But second half I thought we forced the issue and taking the performances over the last four games I am very proud of this squad.”

Angels now host Harlow Town on Good Friday (March 30, kick-off 3pm) before the return match at Billericay on Monday (April 2, kick-off 3pm).

She then made her full Kent debut in a T20 match against Surrey, scoring 29 runs and picking up four wickets. The following season Kent won the Championship and the T20 Cup. Now a regular in the England Academy side, she staked her claim for a senior debut with an unbeaten half-century and a wicket in a friendly against Ireland in April last year.

And Alice was named Player of the Match in front of the TV cameras at Headingley last season when she scored 22 not out and took 3 for 20 against arch rivals Lancashire Thunder.

But she has had to wait a long time for national recognition, and said: “I definitely thought my time had passed me by. When I finished university it was like, ‘what am I going to do with my life? No idea!’

“I went and played for six months in Australia, enjoyed the game again, which is the important thing for me. And from there it’s somehow got me to here.”

During the winter of 2016-17 she played a high standard of cricket at Grade One level in Sydney, representing University Women’s Cricket Club.

“It’s a really big step up,” Davidson-Richards admitted after her call-up for the India tour. “I like going back to work on a Monday. It brings me back to the centre.”

Hamici strikes to leave Rusthall in mire Rusthall 0 Glebe 2

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL’S winless run in 2018 continued as two second-half goals from striker Laurant Hamici were enough to secure the points for an aggressive Glebe side, But it was a much-improved performance by the Rustics, who saw their in-form striker Steve Smith turning out for the opposition following his recent transfer.

The home side played well without creating any clear-cut chances and it was no surprise that the sides went in at the interval with the game still goalless.

The visitors took the lead on 56 minutes when they caught Rusthall on the break. Smith

received the ball wide on the right and made good ground before crossing to find Hamici inside the six-yard box, who fired home.

Glebe doubled their lead on 73 minutes when Hamici was again on hand to score from close range.

Rusthall’s disappointment was compounded on 85 minutes when striker Yannick Tchoundjin was shown a straight red card after clashing with Glebe’s Aaron Frey.

The Rustics, in 18th place, now face a crucial home game against bottom-of-the-table Rochester United tonight (Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm) in their bid to stay out of the relegation zone in their first season in Southern Counties East League Premier Division.

Then they will entertain Lordswood on Saturday (March 31, kick-off 3pm)

Patience Tonbridge’s forwards were kept at bay by the impressive visiting keeper Gemma Norton.

But the lead was eventually doubled in the 77th minute when Nancy Syrett’s ball into the left channel released Janes, who lobbed Norton.

A place in the Kent Divisional Cup semi-final was confirmed when Sharon Lyons’ free-kick was converted by Lauryn Underhill in the final minute.

Manager Dan Couldridge said: “It was a fantastic all-round performance, Oasis were well-organised defensively, which required plenty of patience and belief that we would eventually break the deadlock.

“With goalkeeper Sam Wright unavailable with a shoulder injury, we were grateful to Tracy Edwards who stepped in at the 11th hour and produced a solid performance to earn her second consecutive clean sheet.”

Diamond United, who are top of Oasis’s division, will be the visitors to Longmead Stadium for the semi-final on Sunday, April 8.

Sporting Times

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Tout dazzles as pace of TJs leaves Barnstaple standing Tonbridge Juddians 32 Barnstaple 14

HANDY ANDY Andy Burgess keeps Sidcup at bay

Defensive expertise allows Wells to keep on winning

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: ANOTHER home win saw Tonbridge Juddians move up to sixth place in what is turning into an impressive first season for them in London Two South.

Barnstaple had set off at 6.30am for the game but they started the brighter as they used their pack to gain territory and ball, though the home defence had the pace to cope.

That tempo revealed itself in the first TJ attack as they turned over ball at the tackle and Tom Nicoll carved through to release Sami Atiola, who went over, Liam Prescott converting.

But TJs went offside and the visitors kicked to the corner before phase play took them in for a try, which they converted.

It was clear TJs had to keep the visitors out of their 22 to ensure the defence stayed watertight.

The solution was to attack and Tom Nicoll went close down the right before just stepping out of play as he went over, while Ben Ashmore was held up over the line.

A turnover was again to prove the catalyst for a TJ score. Prescott’s kick pass was fielded by George Lawson, who got in behind and fed Rory McHugh to run in from 40 metres out.

TJs offended again shortly after the restart and Barnstaple kicked to the corner, rumbled and scored to level again at 14 apiece.

Duncan Tout, who has enjoyed an excellent first season for TJs in the centre, showed impressive pace to blast through a hole to go over after yet another turnover in open play.

Prescott converted and added a penalty so TJs went in 24-14 ahead at the break.

Barnstaple’s forwards continued to slug it out in the second half but could not trouble the scoreboard again and it was TJs who extended their lead with another Prescott penalty.

A final push by TJs saw them kick to the corner, where a few phases ended with Hugo Watson crashing over on the left to secure the bonus try.

With four games left TJs enjoy a weekend off before heading to Wimbledon on April 7 (kick-off 3pm).

CORNERED Hugo Watson secures the bonus try

By Roger Clarke RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS recorded their third win in a row – and third try bonus point – but it was a close encounter with fellow Kent side Sidcup until the last quarter.

Wells remain in sixth place in London and South-East Premier Division, two points behind another close rival, Westcliff.

They can move above them if they beat them in the next game. This would leave only the runaway top four teams ahead of them, a fine achievement after being promoted last season.

Sidcup may have been flirting with relegation but the home side hardly put a hand on the ball in the first quarter as the visitors battered their defensive line – a pattern that was to shape the rest of the afternoon.

Physicality Wells did get onto the scoreboard first with a Frank Reynolds penalty in the 14th minute but after two successive penalties of their own up the touchline Sidcup saw their chance to use their physicality.

They inexorably rolled a maul over in the lefthand corner for No 8 Freddy Ruff to score, and full-back Josh Twyford kicked the conversion.

Wells decided to live by the sword and on 28 minutes player-coach Dave Allen launched a counter-attack from deep in the home half.

The move covered 70 metres as the ball went through several pairs of hands to find centre Mike Doherty, who knifed through for an unconverted try.

A diagonal kick from Reynolds to Nick Doherty, popping up on the wing, almost gave Wells another score on the counter but they went in at half-time 8-7 ahead.

After the interval the defensive skills of Allen, Christian Earle, Mike Hathaway and Shadyn

Osgood were particularly to the fore again.

But within five minutes of the restart another penalty to the corner saw Sidcup roll the maul again from the lineout.

The maul collapsed on the line and the referee gave a penalty try and sent Mike Hathaway to the touchline with a yellow card.

Wells’ defence held firm despite being a man down and when Hathaway returned on 57 minutes they struck with another counter the length of the field, wing Max Hobbs claiming the try and Reynolds the converting.

The hosts then turned a penalty into a rolling maul and gave Sidcup a taste of their own medicine as Ben Williams peeled off to score and Reynolds converted to make it 22-14.

Within two minutes a loose pass on Sidcup’s right wing was intercepted by Blaise Salle, who showed great acceleration from his own 22.

He reached the Sidcup 22 and found centre ­Shadyn Osgood on his shoulder to take the inside pass and score close to the posts, with Reynolds again converting.

So they had managed to pull away with five minutes remaining, though Sidcup did find time to set another rolling maul from the lineout and Ruff grabbed his second try, Twyford kicking the extras.

Wells now have a weekend off before they travel to Westcliff on April 7 (kick-off 3pm).

SKILLS COACH MOVES UP Mike Whatman has been appointed Director of Rugby following Will Thorpe’s decision to step down due to work commitments.

Mike has been involved with the first XV for several seasons as skills coach and been integral to the team’s recent success.

He will act as a link between the players, management team and the executive.

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Tunbridge Wells 29 Sidcup 21

Men are crowned champions Guildford 0 Tunbridge Wells Men 5

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: HAVING already secured back-to-back promotions Tunbridge Wells were crowned champions of South Premier League Division Two at Guildford with a game to spare – not leaving it to the final game of the season as they did last year.

The hosts, who had contested a wellfought draw earlier in the season, themselves had an outside chance of making the top two.

Wells converted the first real chance when James Beck’s aerial found Harry Roberts at the edge of the D. He took the ball down and beat a defender and then the goalkeeper superbly.

Wells began to take over, with Chris Smith, Chris Pelmore, Connor Poulain and David Hemsley running the game from the back.

Ben Brandt soon scored a second, turning in a loose ball after the goalkeeper had saved

James Beck’s drag flick from a penalty corner.

In the second half Wells continued to dominate and their third goal was well deserved. Beck showed excellent skill down the right, took the ball into the D and passed across the goal for Brandt to turn in his second of the game.

Two further goals from Mitch Hawksbee and Jack French ensured a resounding victory for Wells with a final score of 5-0.

Next season Wells will move up to South Premier Division One, a level at which the club have not played for more than two decades and just one tier below the National League.

In the final match of the season, rearranged from March 3 because of snow, Wells will host Wycombe on Saturday, April 7.

Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1st XI’s game against Holcombe was postponed until after Easter because Holcs had too many players taking part in the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast).

HARRY’S GAME Harry Roberts has proved an impressive recruit