Times of Tunbridge Wells 2nd August 2017

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Wednesday August 2 | 2017

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Apartment sets new record for top end property in town centre

By Jonathan Banks

Council moves to quell fears over INSIDE future of iconic department store WINNING WAYS

Town’s new charity lotto hailed as a great success Page 3

Hoopers warn that theatre plan could put business at risk CORNERSTONE The popular flagship store

ANOTHER sign this week that the top end of the Tunbridge Wells property market is alive and well. It looks like a new record has been set with the marketing of a two-bedroom flat for just under £1,000 per square foot.

Commanding a guide price of £750,000, the Castle House ground floor apartment on London Road has been designed by luxury developers Surrey-based Newcourt Residential, and brought to market by the national estate agents Savills.

TROUBLE ABOVE

Resident reveals alarming effects of Gatwick’s noise levels Page 6

EAT WELL, FEEL FIT

Attention

Local nutrition experts Keris and Matt show you how Page 42 PHOTO: Lee Smith

One surveyor, who did not wish to be named, said the listing at £955 a square foot has ‘almost certainly set a record for the town’.

By comparison, a flat of almost the exact same size in the recently built Royal Springs development just down the road next to The Forum, attracted a lot of attention at less than half the price.

The average price for a flat per square foot in Tunbridge Wells is £386, according to property website Zoopla.

The buyer of the Castle House flat will get 785 square feet to stretch their legs in, but only have to walk a few yards to the railway station. There is also parking.

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE borough council has pledged to find a ‘workable’ solution with Hoopers after the department store warned that the current plans to build a theatre next door would threaten the viability of the business.

In a strongly worded statement issued last week on the eve of a major council debate about the future of the £72million Civic Complex project, the department store indicated that hundreds of jobs could be in jeopardy.

Their concern hinges on the use of their

car park at the back of the store as an access route to the proposed venue, which Hoopers believes will adversely impact their customers and the wider business.

‘It would create an existential threat to the current operation’ In addition, they accuse the council of issuing a ‘threat’ to place a Compulsory Purchase Order [CPO] on the customer car park to achieve this access, warning it would have a ‘devastating effect’ on Hoopers’ ability to function effectively.

A Hoopers spokesman said the top-end

retailer has been ‘inundated’ with enquiries from customers, staff and members of the general public who are concerned about the theatre’s impact on the business.

They added: “Hoopers believes that if the council’s planned access route comes to fruition, it would create an existential threat to the current operation and viability of an iconic independent retail business…

[It will] affect not only the store in Tunbridge Wells but the operation of its three other stores in the group that rely upon services from this store.

“The group itself provides employment

Continued on page 2

MUSICAL YOUTH

Get your children involved in theatre this summer Page 58

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Wednesday August 2 | 2017

‘It will impact customers and wider business’ for their deliveries. Many of the vehicle movements to the theatre would take place after retail opening hours.

“We believe that they, like other retailers in the town, would benefit from the increased footfall that would come from offices close to their premises and the hundreds of thousands of people using the theatre.

“We will continue to talk to Hoopers in the anticipation that we can achieve a solution that is workable for us both.”

ACCESS ALL AREAS? The disputed car park behind Hoopers

Continued from page 1 for over 500 people, of which 170 are based in Tunbridge Wells.

“Hoopers considers the design of the theatre should be capable of including the requisite access arrangements within the site and the existing street layout without threatening the viability of a significant local business and major retail employer.”

When their position was read out during the Full Council debate on July 26, opponents of the scheme – which also includes new civic offices in Mount Pleasant Avenue – hailed it as a ‘mortal blow’ to the council’s plans.

‘Our project team is working with Hoopers to understand their concerns’

HISTORY OF HOOPERS Hoopers is an upmarket department store chain founded in Torquay in 1982. There are currently four stores in addition to its flagship, including Tunbridge Wells, Harrogate and Wilmslow.

The 70,000sq ft Tunbridge Wells store on the corner of Mount Pleasant and Grove Hill Road was purchased from Weekes 30 years ago and in 2012 underwent a £3million refurbishment.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 CHIEF REPORTER ADAM HIGNETT adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576051 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews IF YOU HAVE A STORY WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Contact details above

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Grove Hill Road for residential development.

A Tunbridge Wells Borough Council spokesperson said: “We very much value Hoopers as a local retailer and employer and welcome their support for the concept of a new theatre.

“Our project team is working with Hoopers to

understand their concerns and we will do whatever we can to accommodate them. Changes continue to be made to the scheme, the latest proposal results in the loss of just two car parking spaces.

“We believe our scheme could be to Hoopers’ advantage in that it could provide better access

Festival floods the Forum with a flurry of flamingos DOG-WALKERS and drivers had to double-take when they were passing the Common over the weekend as they were greeted with 400 flamingos scattered over the green space.

But rather than confusion from the tropical birds, the plastic imitations arrived as part of a promotional stunt from an upcoming music festival – Leefest.

Since their very first festival in founder Lee Denny’s parent’s back garden in 2006, LeeFest has become a thriving arts community that welcomes 5,000 revellers annually, which is set to see Jake Bugg, Annie Mac, and Kate Tempest headline.

As well as musical acts, this year’s event will see The Neverland, a world of parties, workshops, food, dance and comedy.

Last year, Leefest won the Judge’s Choice Award from the National Outdoor Events Association.

PHOTO: Mark Roe

However, the Times understands council officials have been seeking to negotiate with the department store and that offers of financial redress are up for consideration – going down the route of a CPO would be an undesirable last resort.

Money with which to negotiate an access deal is thought to be already included in the project’s costs.

The council also hopes the increased footfall from hundreds of thousands of theatre-goers annually can act as an incentive for businesses such as Hoopers to support the project.

Under the present scheme, only two parking spaces out of 40 would be lost to the store, which is opposite the railway station.

Hoopers recently decided to sell off its second car park in

REFERENDUM BID HITS BRICK WALL At the July 26 Full Council meeting which was dominated by a debate on the future of the proposed Civic Complex, the Liberal Democrats failed in their attempt to force a referendum on the issue through a council motion.

In the end, only eight councillors supported the idea of a borough-wide referendum, with 25 voting against and four abstentions.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ben Chapelard said: “We continue to believe that residents should have the final say. Cllr Jukes [the council Leader] claims to have ‘tremendous support’ for the project, but refuses to put the question to the local tax payer at the ballot box.”

For more see Page 24…

MIGRATION The flamingos certainly caught the eye

DO LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT CONTRAVENE YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS? FOR some local people they are almost a constant – the low-flying aircraft arriving at Gatwick – and they have been for the past several years.

Indeed, much has been written about the ongoing battle between residents and those charged with turning a profit at the airport.

Often, though, we lose sight of the actual impact on individuals, which is why this week we carry a story [page 6] about Gill Williams. For nearly 70 years she has lived in Crowborough and been perfectly happy.

However, today she describes her life as ‘hell’ because a narrowing of the flight path has put a motorway in the sky above her home, with planes passing over ‘sometimes every minute’.

Such is the impact on her quality of life that her family GP is now concerned about her ‘mental and physical well-being’.

Now, if the powers that be want to build a new rail line there is usually some form of public inquiry, think HS2 rail link. And if they want to create a new motorway there is usually a public inquiry. But if they want to put planes over your house practically around the clock, and often every few minutes, then it’s a different story.

How can that be the case? Simple. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 [Maggie Thatcher was in Number 10] aircraft are excluded from other nuisance measures, which means it is difficult, if not impossible, to challenge aircraft noise and disruption.

This is an obvious flaw and gives airports the authority to operate without appropriate controls.

But what about human rights? Every day we read media reports about people evoking their human rights to avoid, say, deportation,

even when they have been convicted of criminal or terrorist offences. And the state gives them legal aid running into millions of pounds.

Why, then, is it that people like Gill Williams have no ‘human rights’ when it comes to aircraft noise? Why is it that Gatwick can create a motorway in the sky that puts her health at risk? And not be held accountable for that damage?

Remember, she has lived in that home for almost 70 years. She did not move in knowing Gatwick would be such a problem.

There are probably clever lawyers who can tell you why, legally, that is the case. But whether they can tell you that with a clear conscience must be another question…

Richard Moore Editor Director

Local News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Planning petition fails to stop new buildings ATTEMPTS by disgruntled residents to force Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to ‘stop ill-considered planning and development in Royal Tunbridge Wells’ when their petition was debated on July 26, met with little success.

The demands of the petition, which received over 1,000 signatories, included asking the council to ‘stop saying yes’ to large, obtrusive, over-scaled developments; to ‘listen to experts’ and develop a strategy for town planning.

The council said it is in consultation over a Local Plan and most of the concerns being expressed arise from national policies and legislation. The petitions demands were defeated by 30 votes to 3 with 4 abstentions.

By Adam Hignett

Half price at Trinity DURING August and September Trinity Theatre will be offering half price cinema tickets to young people aged 16-25.

The offer is part of an initiative set up by Film Hub South East – a regional branch of the British Film Institute – in order to ensure independent cinema is accessible to a new generation.

THE Tunbridge Wells Lotto has exceeded all expectations within a month of its launch, leading the council to upgrade its forecasts on how much will be raised.

Before the first weekly draw on July 8, council officials were hoping to raise between £9,000 and £27,600 in the first year to give to good causes. By comparison, Tonbridge’s Hive Lotto, launched in September, expects to raise around £7,500 within its first full year.

However, as of the latest draw on July 29, players

WORK will soon be carried out to clean water mains in Tunbridge Wells to safeguard the quality of drinking water.

South East Water will carry out the programme from the week starting Monday 7 August as part of ongoing maintenance on the company’s underground network.

During the flushing process customers may notice a reduction in water pressure, and possibly some discolouration, but this is temporary. Work is expected to last five weeks.

Rural council by-election THE Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone ward of Sevenoaks District Council will elect a new representative tomorrow in a by-election triggered by the death of Councillor Paddy Cooke in May. Candidate hopefuls include Sue Coleman for the Conservatives, Richard Streatfeild running for the Liberal Democrats and Annette Webb standing for Labour.

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Charities set to hit the jackpot as new borough lotto takes off

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Water works to start

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have bought 937 tickets for the Tunbridge Wells game, meaning if the momentum carries on good causes and community initiatives within the borough will receive £30,000 by the end of the year – equivalent to 60 per cent of total sales.

These figures are constantly being revised each week as more and more people take part.

The 54 approved good causes will not necessarily all be equal beneficiaries, as players can chose to support specific organisations.

Recent prize winners had chosen to put their ticket money towards supporting Nourish Community Foodbank, Trinity Theatre, Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre, Kent Search and Rescue and the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival, among others.

Most of the donations, though, are being made to the ‘TW Lotto’ itself, meaning this money will be evenly distributed among all the causes signed up.

Not every recent winner has been local, with players from Chatham, Margate, Dover and Hever, taking part.

No one has yet won the £25,000 jackpot through matching six numbers in the right order – an eventuality the lotto organiser Gatherwell and the Council have insured against in order to ensure the pay-out does not hit donations.

Cabinet member Councillor Jane March said:

“Thank you to the nearly 50 groups, charities and good causes, who have signed up to benefit from the lottery. Ticket sales are going well so all in all it’s a very promising start.”

How it works? n Winning

the £25,000 jackpot will require players to match six numbers.

n Five

correct numbers will get you £2,000, four is worth £250, three earns you £25 and two numbers gets you three free tickets.

n The

chances of winning the jackpot are one in a million.

n The

chance of winning any cash prize is 50 to 1.

n For

each £1 ticket, 60p goes to community groups, while 20p goes towards prizes. The remainder pays for the lottery operator and VAT.

n Players will be

able to specify which of the good causes they wish to support.

n The

lotto is insured in the event of someone hitting the jackpot in order to ensure they do not have to take money away from good causes to cover the prize money.

To buy tickets visit www.twlotto.co.uk

Hospital undergoes emergency procedures exercise TUNBRIDGE WELLS Hospital took part in a major exercise to test its ability at handling severe industrial incidents on Thursday (July 27).

Its procedures were tested in a scenario which saw an emergency call made from the South East Coast Ambulance Service, followed by the arrival of a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

The exercise allowed a variety of staff at the hospital, which is one of just three Trauma Units in Kent and Medway, to test and analyse their response to a mock industrial accident.

Volunteer casualties came into the Emergency Department on foot, by ambulance, police van and helicop-

ter, to make the scenario as realistic as possible.

After triage, reception and documentation procedures were carried out, the hospital tested its emergency communications procedures, access to specialist advice and access to supplies, while staff in the command and control room worked with other agencies to manage the influx of casualties.

Head of Emergency Planning and Response, John Weeks, said: “Exercises are an important way to test plans and train staff. I’d like to thank all those staff, volunteer patients and our partner agencies who took part.”

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Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Parish votes against renewal of the Penshurst polytunnels

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PENSHURST villagers are up in arms over attempts to make 37 acres of polytunnels, the equivalent of two 02 Arenas, a permanent feature of the pristine Wealden landscape.

In an unusually well attended meeting of the Parish Council [July 26], which saw around 70 people turn up, councillors debated the future of the site at Salmans Farm that is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is believed around 100 objections to the proposals have been submitted to Sevenoaks District Council – the local authority that deals with planning in the village.

The polytunnels were erected in 2002 but the ‘temporary permissions’ for their use, which allow a variety of fruits and vegetables to be grown outside of their usual seasons or environments, runs out in November.

The company which operates the site is Maidstone-based Clock House Farm and the ‘temporary’ permission was last renewed in 2010.

One staunch opponent, Susan Coleman, is the Conservative Candidate at Thursday’s District Council by-election for the ward of Penshurst, Fordcombe and Chiddingstone.

Ms Coleman said the ‘majority of residents’ are opposed to the applications. She claims that making the polytunnel farm permanent is ‘unlikely’ to bring local economic benefits or employment ‘given the experience to date.’

In addition, she states the local infrastructure is

New survey shows commuters being misled over train punctuality figures RAIL firms including Southeastern have been accused of publishing misleading statistics on the punctuality of their services.

An investigation by The Sunday Times found that the companies were using an inaccurate method for recording whether trains were on time.

The Public Performance Measure [PPM] allows Southeastern to claim that just under 10 per cent of their London to Hastings services from June 25 to July 22 were late or cancelled.

AS NATURE INTENDED? Polytunnels in Penshurst

Pressure

BEFORE

‘unsuitable’ to support the traffic movement needs of the operation, and that new methods of farming have made the use of tunnels obsolete.

She added: “Temporary permissions should be just that, otherwise they are not really temporary.”

Representatives of campaign group Protect Penshurst said allowing the tunnels to be made permanent will mean there is ‘nothing to stop other acres of plastic appearing’ in the surrounding areas.

However, project supporter Wendy Bastable said making the structures permanent would simply mean retaining the status quo, which the village

AFTER

was ‘already accustomed to’.

In addition she claims supermarkets ‘insist’ on berries being grown under plastic to maintain their quality throughout the year, adding: “Surely we would all rather buy locally produced food, than that produced abroad, which is less environmentally friendly due to transport impacts and often grown to lower standard.”

Parish councillors voted against making a recommendation to the District Council to grant permission to make the tunnels permanent.

Clock House Farm had not responded to a request for comment as the Times went to press.

But this masks delays at individual stops as PPM only takes the arrival time at the final destination into account and allows for the service to be five or ten minutes late, depending on the length of the journey.

The newspaper obtained Network Rail’s running data which is derived from its signalling system to analyse the real time performance of the rail companies, at every stop during the week of July 21-27.

Their statistics found that in fact 32 per cent of Southeastern’s services arrived late or were cancelled and that 1 per cent faced at least a 60 minute delay.

Although it fared much better than the worst offender – Hull Trains – who had two-thirds of their services arriving late or cancelled.

Under pressure from disgruntled commuters the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train companies, announced in July that they would begin to publish statistics on a minute-by-minute, stop-by-stop basis.

Local News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Villages highlight need for foodbank as demand jumps STOCKING UP IT BANKING ON (LtoR) Mark Lavenstein, Lesley (L-R) Mark Lavenstein, Lesley Darcy, Daniel Johnson, Dawn Darcy, Daniel Johnson, Dawn Stanford, Marianne MacDonald Stanford, Marianne MacDonald

Why do people need a foodbank? n 37 per cent are due to benefit

changes or low paid work, of which 4 per cent was due to the implementation of Universal Credit, the monthly payment for those on a low income or out of work which is replacing some other benefits. This has yet to be fully rolled out in this area n 22 per cent are the result of an ‘income shock’, such as illness, accident or unexpected bill n 13 per cent are referred because of domestic abuse. In total, 775 victims of domestic abuse and their children were helped by Nourish n 12 per cent are due to debt n 7 per cent of clients are referred because they are unemployed Nourish’s referrals April 2016 – March 2017

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MORE than 4,600 people in Tunbridge Wells and south Tonbridge required an emergency supply of food over the past year – a 47 per cent increase.

Statistics released by Nourish Community Foodbank show that from April 2016 – March 2017 they supplied a total of 41,256 meals, in the form of three-day emergency supply packages.

Surprised During the year, the charity expanded their operations into south Tonbridge.

This contributed to 60 per cent of the year’s growth.

But the 1,476 more people they helped compared to the previous year was fuelled by an increase in the number of families

needing support – up 50 per cent.

Nourish Co-Chair, Paul Haines said: “Each year our numbers increase and we did anticipate an uplift as we had started working with a small number of referral agencies covering the south Tonbridge area at the start of October.

“We were surprised that the number of families we support has increased, however, data shows that one in six children in both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge districts are living in poverty.”

The figure he referred to comes from End Child Poverty, a coalition of more than 100 charities, who conduct campaign and research on the issue.

Their estimate is based on a complex set of factors but roughly defines a child in poverty as living in a household with 60 per cent lower than the median income.

Nourish works with over 100 referral organisations who determine if there is a genuine need for an emergency food bag

that contains three days’ supply of non-perishable food, equivalent to nine meals.

Over the year, 1,963 separate referrals were made to Nourish, a 44 per cent increase on the previous year. The Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Social Services, Domestic Violence organisations and local housing associations accounted for 55 per cent of referrals.

That has been a noticeable change this year,” explained Operations Manager Dawn Stanford. “We are seeing more and more referrals for Goudhurst and Cranbrook, places where people would think there is little need for a foodbank. This shows that there is a real need right across our community and it’s an issue that is not going away.”

Nourish Co-Chair Olga Johnson added that despite the increase in numbers, Nourish remains a short-term, temporary support for people in crisis, with 81 per cent of people receiving three or less packages.

Friends of community café urged to help pay off outstanding debt

BETTER LIVING: (L-R) Paul Sullivan, Elaine Laurence, Kirsty Goldsmith and Ian Laurence A BELOVED community café in Southborough has been forced to close due to financial pressures.

The Bliss Café, which stands for Better Living in Southborough, was founded eight years ago by Elaine Laurence and run as a not-for-profit company to help people from all different backgrounds with different needs.

With the help of volunteers, Bliss acted as a community centre and has been cherished by countless people.

But due to financial pressures the café has been forced to close and is faced with £3,500 worth of bills to pay.

But now a friend of Ms Laurence and volunteer at the café, Sophie Kersey, has set up a fundraising page to alleviate the

burden on Bliss’s founder.

She said: “Hard times in the High Street led to Elaine and her husband working several jobs to help keep the Café going.

Elaine recently took the tough decision to close at the end of July.

“A certain energy company hastened the end by cutting off the electricity over an unpaid bill, and slapping on huge punitive charges.

“She was serving the community in more ways than I could count. I have honestly seen her turn lives around, and a huge number of people rely on her.

“So come on Southborough, can we help to pay off those final bills so Café Bliss can finish on a high note? Can we give something back to show Elaine we appreciate all she has done over the years?”

So far more than £590 has been raised by 30 donors. To support Ms Laurence and Bliss visit: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/cafebliss

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Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Mayhem of ‘motorway in the sky’ raises health issues for residents

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP Greg Clark is calling on Gatwick to be ‘a much better neighbour’ as he presses for meetings with the airport’s bosses on tackling the impact of noisy low flying aircraft.

It comes 18 months after an Independent Review of Arrivals was published, which recommended a number of measures to reduce the intrusiveness of air traffic.

They were pressured into the review after changes to the airport’s flight-path meant a greater concentration of aircraft flying through a narrower route. Dubbed a ‘motorway in the sky’, it has caused considerable distress to those living JUST PLANE WRONG: The flights have started to impact Mrs Williams’ health

in the affected towns and villages.

Writing for the Times [page 24] Mr Clark, who is also the Business Minister, said: “The changes to date have far from solved the problem. The full implementation of all the Independent Review’s recommendations is needed quickly so that the levels of disturbance particularly at night might be reduced to those experienced in 2013, or lower.”

Obviously Not’ a group that campaign for the ‘fair use of skies’ along with one of the country’s top aviation lawyers, John Steel QC. It led to Gatwick announcing they would be re-widening the flightpath by August 2016.

However Mrs Williams has not seen any improvement, describing 2017 as ‘the worst year so far’.

Wellbeing For some, the increased noise is ruining their quality of life. Gill Williams (pictured) has lived in Crowborough for nearly 70 years but the frequency of aircraft above her house has turned the quiet suburban area into a noisy nightmare.

“Sometimes they are flying every minute. It’s like living under a constant thunder storm. Every time you open your door to come into the garden they’re there.

“The noise is just unbelievable. I’ve been to meetings and tried my hardest to live with this menace, but I can’t.” she said.

Her GP stated his concern for the ‘detrimental effect that [the volume and low altitude of air traffic] is having on her mental and physical wellbeing’.

And despite the impact of Gatwick’s flight-path change, Mrs Williams feels she and other residents have been ignored.

“For the new proposed HS2 railway, there have been numerous consultations about the planned route with the general public – why was there no consultation for this?” she asked.

Their case was taken to court by ‘Gatwick

Is the future looking up?

A new system of flight dispersal has been proposed for the airport, dubbed the Fair and Equitable Distribution or FED. Although, this is not currently expected to be available for widespread use at Gatwick before 2022.

Some hope lies with the development of technology, even after the UK’s National Air Traffic Control Service [NATS] warned that UK airspace is becoming over-crowded last month [July 21].

“Local communities are very obviously concerned about what more traffic might look like, but actually modernising [airspace] means we can keep aircraft higher for longer,” said NATS Chief Executive Martin Rolfe.

Still another runway at Gatwick?

Last year the airport welcomed an extra three million passengers, a 7.7 per cent increase on the previous year.

When we put Mrs Williams’ complaints to Gatwick, a spokesperson said: “Gatwick recognises that aircraft noise impacts on people living near the airport and will continue to do everything possible to minimise its effects.

“The Noise Management Board brings the local community and industry together formally for the first time to improve the situation for those affected by noise from aircraft using Gatwick.

“Improvements so far include a continuous descent approach (CDA) for aircraft so they use less thrust and generate less noise by descending at a continuous rate.”

It has been over two years since the Davies Commission unanimously recommended building a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

However, chief executive of Gatwick Stewart Wingate hopes the creation of a second runway at Gatwick Airport could still happen.

“What we would like to see as part of the airport strategy is an endorsement of an additional runway as well as or instead of one at Heathrow,” he has stated.

Mr Wingate’s statement comes after Gatwick welcomed a record 44.1 million passengers for 2016/2017, a growth of 7.7 per cent from last year.

In 2015, the airport’s advert which stated that 17 times more people would be affected by noise at Heathrow compared to Gatwick was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for ‘misleading the public’.

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Wednesday August 2 | 2017

ADAM HIGNETT’S VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

What do we want… a new theatre… where do we want it… not there!

I

T WAS as if the theatre had already been built, judging by the theatrics of last week’s full council meeting to discuss a petition calling for the £72million civic complex project to be scrapped.

As a sign of things to come, this reporter arrived at the Town Hall to discover a throng of disgruntled residents barred from entering the building as the council chamber was too full to accommodate them.

At the time I was told around 35 people were turned away, but later estimates (via email from those unlucky enough to not get in) put the figure closer to 120 – either way, it was unprecedented.

Ten councillors, perhaps fearing retribution, were conspicuous in their absence.

The debate kicked off with a stern warning from Mayor Julia Soyke that she would not tolerate any ‘cheering, clapping or interruptions of any kind’.

She had taken on the role of the no-nonsense teacher forced to supervise the drama class and frequently had to castigate those transgressing her rules.

Several members of the public were invited to speak, petition organiser Chris Gedge, Calverley’s best friend Nicholas Pope, Dr Robert Chris and Ben van Grutten, among others.

With an interesting opening gambit Mr Gedge admitted he is in fact a Nimby who doesn’t want to live next to a building site for five years, but, Nibyism aside, his motives are genuinely selfless.

In effect, the plan is ‘deeply flawed’ and he is here to represent the 2,000 people who signed the petition.

The costs don’t add up, due diligence has not been undertaken, it will cause congestion and pollution, it will ruin the park, and of course – although he loves the idea of a new theatre – it is in the wrong place.

‘Can you imagine if we built on Dunorlan Park we would have a petition saying ‘do not build on Dunorlan Park’ Cllr David Jukes

A pattern emerged when up next was Mr Pope, one time opponent of the rabble rousing petition lot before his Road to Damascus Moment a few months back.

The Friends of Calverley Grounds Chairman said it is a great idea, but it is in the wrong place and will lead to 992sqm of the park being built on and the loss of many trees.

Dr Robert Chris, who has compiled an entire dossier on what is wrong with the subject, dropped the biggest bombshell (and killed my planned front page exclusive in the process) when he announced Hoopers had come out against the plan.

The revelation meant all other objections had been ‘upstaged’ and therefore it was curtains for the ill-conceived project, which had suffered ‘a mortal blow’.

“Make no mistake the project is dead” he proclaimed, with thespian triumph, but only after saying he too would love a new theatre.

Theatre expert Mr van Grutten said building a new one was ‘a brilliant idea’. But out of the 5,000 venues he has worked in, this proposed one has so many flaws he couldn’t even list them all. The reason why… it is on the wrong site.

Act 2 Once the public had spoken, it was time for their esteemed representatives to wax lyrical.

Speaking first was the arch villain (Anti-hero?) of the piece, Council Leader David Jukes who ‘welcomed’ the opportunity to debate the project (oh no he doesn’t… I heard people think).

He would ‘love to co-operate’ with those who have spoken out against the project, and in words which were later turned against him, proclaimed: “I was particularly impressed with Mr van Grutten’s endorsement of a new theatre in Tunbridge Wells. If he can find me a new site, I’ll do it.”

But it has to be a site we can actually build on though, he added.

Someone had mentioned Dunorlan Park, he said. “Can you imagine if we built on Dunorlan Park we would have a petition saying ‘do not build on Dunorlan Park’”.

Even diehard opponents chuckled at this.

To summarise Cllr Jukes’s argument: The world’s best architects are on the case: Problems, such

Local News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

SELL-OUT SHOW Residents get turned away from Full Council Debate due to fears of overcrowding

PHOTO: Charles Pope

as Hoopers, will be overcome. More detail will be available later. Many opposed the building of the current Town Hall in the 1930s but now everyone loves it. The Town Hall and Assembly Hall are not fit for purpose, cost a lot to maintain, and upgrading them is throwing good money after bad.

Other supporters including Cllr Jane March (Brenchley & Horsmonden) spoke of the ‘huge economic’ and cultural benefits of the project.

Cllr Lawrence Heasman (Pantiles and St Mark’s) said, if anything, the buildings would open up parts of the park which are currently only used by less desirable individuals for more salacious ends. Therefore a two per cent loss of space was worth it – a sentiment shared by other members.

Even the ex-mayor and Liberal Democrat Cllr David Neve (St James) came out in support of the project – and to emphasise the gravity of the decision, didn’t even pun once.

Communities and Wellbeing portfolio holder Cllr Lynne Weatherly (Sherwood) spoke with genuine passion about why she thinks the project will help benefit many of the town’s most needy.

Not all were convinced, Cllr Claire Stewart (Paddock Wood West), who would feel at home in the Grand Old Party, emphasised her opposition to the cost, pointedly stating that the arts ‘are not an arm of the state’ and therefore shouldn’t be subsidised.

Cllr Peter Bulman (Park) was rather incensed by some critical comments he felt had been directed at him, though he was never named, by project supporter Cllr Tracy Moore during a recent Times

HOW THE COUNCILLORS VOTED: Members voting in favour of the project:

Councillors Backhouse, Barrington-King, Basu, Cobbold, Dawlings, Hamilton, Heasman, Hills, Huggett, Jamil, Jukes, Lewis-Grey, Mackonochie, March, McDermott, Moore, Neve, Noakes, Nuttall, Podbury, Reilly, Scholes, Simmons, Sloan, Stanyer, Weatherly, Woodward and Uddin.

Members voting against the project:

Councillors Bulman, Chapelard, Lidstone, Stewart, Williams.

Members abstaining from voting:

The Mayor (Councillor Soyke), The Deputy Mayor (Councillor Horwood) Dr Hall, Hill, Munn.

Those absent:

Councillors Bland, Elliott, Gray, Hannam, Hastie, Holden, Oakford, Palmer, Rankin, Thomas.

interview.

Describing, himself as ‘the bounder of Bidborough’ in a tribute to his new political hero Dennis Skinner, Mr Bulman said he was not going to read ‘off a script’ and instead proceeded to attack the project without notes.

Labour’s Cllr Dianne Hill (Southborough & High Brooms) wants the money to be spent on more pressing needs, such as a housing intiative which got many nods from those in the audience. But although it seemed she was against it, Labour councillors later abstained.

Cllr Frank Williams (Sherwood), said he had ‘no idea what a vanity project was’ before he came to Tunbridge Wells and this whole business sprung up.

The tenacious Liberal Democrat Ben Chapelard (St James) chose to interpret Cllr Juke’s words about finding a new site to build on if possible as an admission that he has the wrong site. It played well to the gallery, but the Dear Leader didn’t get to his position without the skills of the quick refute and a counter accusation that Mr Chapelard had ‘kept changing his mind’ on the issue.

As the final curtain fell, the vote swung in favour of the project supporters by 28 votes to five and four abstentions.

NEWS

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

New lease of life for Bowlplex set to undergo Hollywood rebrand HOLLYWOOD is coming to Tunbridge Wells this September, but do not expect to see stars on red carpets and film premiers.

Bowlplex is to be rebranded as Hollywood Bowl after it was also announced that the company had secured a 14-year extension to the site in Knights Park.

It comes two years after the majority of Bowlplex properties were bought out by its rival in a deal which at the time was closely scrutinised by competition regulators.

STRIKING MAKEOVER Bowlplex to get star treatment

Close relationship Since then, many of the leisure facilities have been refurbished and rebranded to fit an American retro vibe - most recently Ashford at the cost of £300,000 The plans for the Knights Park alley were announced on July 26 via a statement to investors

released through the London Stock Exchange However, planning documents reveal the company applied for permission to erect new signage in late June.

Chief Financial Officer Laurence Keen said his company had a ‘close relationship’ with the site’s landlord.

He added: “We are pleased to have further strengthened our property portfolio. We have now

successfully completed the refurbishment or rebrand of 55 per cent of our estate and we continue to build strong relationships with landlords right across the UK,” “Tunbridge Wells [is one] of our most popular centres, and the successful renegotiation of their rent agreements reinforces the attractiveness of Hollywood Bowl Group as a key leisure tenant,” he added.”

Tonbridge print firm acquires Tunbridge Wells rival after rapid rescue turnaround A CHAPMAN way print firm has been saved from folding after administrators implemented a successful rescue package – helping to secure 30 jobs in the process.

NXP Europe Ltd, which prints everything from business stationery to outdoor signage from its base in Tunbridge Wells, was rescued by London-based corporate restructuring company Quantuma just 24 hours after they were appointed on July 21.

It was sold as a going concern to VR Print Ltd, a digital print specialist company based in Tonbridge.

NXP Europe went into administration after bad debts of around £131,000 resulted in a reduction of funding, with increased pressure from a major creditor putting further strain on cashflows. It had also faced challenging general trading conditions in 2017.

Quantuma administrators

Andrew Watling and Carl Jackson handled the case.

Mr Watling (pictured) explained: “NXP Europe had faced bad debts, but it was a fundamentally good business which was capable of being rescued.

“Prior to administration, the company’s directors attempted to recover but when increased pressure from a major creditor started to hit cashflows we were called in as joint administrators.

“We were able to accept the best offer and complete a sale shortly after our appointment, resulting in 30 jobs being saved.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Waitrose and Aldi in Sevenoaks site spat TUNBRIDGE WELLS may lament its lack of a Waitrose but Sevenoaks is at risk of losing its own one after the highend supermarket said it may have to ‘rethink’ its town centre store if an Aldi is built nearby.

Planning consultants Firstplan, writing on behalf of the supermarket, said Waitrose was ‘concerned’ by Aldi’s plans to build a 1,500sqm store on the edge of town at the site of the former Haywards car dealership in Otford Road.

They say Waitrose in Sevenoaks is already trading below expectations meaning more competition could

make it unviable. Aldi argue the town only has a ‘limited discount offer’ and its store will provide much-needed competition.

He also said a shortage of supply and strong demand meant rents were likely to increase.

Sherwood store in Offices sold for £7m surprise closure LONDON company Martins Properties has snapped up the 16 South Park office block in Sevenoaks for £7million.

The 20,199 sq ft site is home to legal firms Rix & Kay Solicitors and Warners Law, plus financial services company Densitron Technologies.

Martins’ Director Richard Bourne said the location of the building near to the M25 and its ‘excellent’ train links makes it a ‘strong regional office location’.

THE One Stop store in Liptraps Lane is due to close on September 20 due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Situated in the middle of a dense residential area with little competition, the planned closure has come as a surprise to local residents, the Times understands.

Speaking to the press, a One Stop spokesman said: “Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances our store in Liptraps Lane, Sherwood is due

to close. We are working to support our colleagues through this difficult time and helping find alternative employment.”

Internet slow lane AROUND 30 per cent of broadband connections in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge provide speeds of less than 10mb a second, a new report has revealed.

Broadband 2.0, a study backed by a group of 57 cross-party MPs known as the British Infrastructure Group, found Ashford has the largest portion of slow connections in Kent, at 40 per cent. In Gillingham and Rainham, only 18.5 per cent have speeds slower than 10Mb/s.

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NEWS

Community News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Minister praises Post Office modernisation GREG CLARK welcomed the transformation of Southborough’s Post Office last week as a ‘vital part’ of the community and said he was ‘delighted’ its long-term future had been secured.

The Tunbridge Wells MP, also Minister for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, said the move to open seven days a week, with 22 hours extra overall, meant ‘it can serve the community even more’.

SINK OAR SWIM Paddlers try to stay afloat

During a two-week refit, the Post Office and store at 68 London Road has been fully refurbished by new Postmaster Mr Sivarajah Sivathevan.

Previously, it sold cards and stationery as well as being a Post Office. Now it is also a convenience store. The new opening hours are MondayThursday 8am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-8pm and Sunday 9am-1pm.

Up the reservoir with a paddle…

Businesses offer handout to the hungry

By James Lawson A NETWORKING group have banded together to support low-income families in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge by collecting more than 62kg (9st 11lb) of food for a local charity.

The Royal Spa Chapter of BNI [Business Network International], which has 50 members, donated the food at one of their

Thursday morning breakfast meetings last month.

Olga Johnson, Co-Chair of the recipient, the Nourish Community Foodbank, said: “It’s fantastic that local businesses got together to support people in their area who are struggling to make ends meet.

“In Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, 16 per cent of households are living in crisis – a proportion that we expect to see rise – and

this donation will help us in our work making sure they don’t have to choose between food and other essentials.”

The President of the Royal Spa BNI Chapter, Debbie Harris of Chosen with Care, said: “Our 50 members were delighted to come together to support the great work of Nourish. As business owners and managers, we feel we have a role to play in contributing to our local community.”

ers in the world competed with each other in challenging weather conditions.

Festival founder Dan Charlish said: “This year’s Neilson SUP Armada Festival was the biggest and the best by far. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the festival was a true celebration of the world’s fastest-growing water sport.

“And the SUP community and general public proved this festival can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever the weather.”

DONATION: Debbie Harris with Olga Johnson

Photo: Emily Brown Photography

ONE CUT HE IS HAPPY TO MAKE MP Greg Clark in Southborough

THOUSANDS of thrill-seekers, young and old, descended on Bewl Water to take part in the UK’s biggest stand up paddleboarding [SUP] festival.

The Neilson SUP Armada Festival is a celebration of the world’s fastest growing water sport as the paddleboarding community opening its doors to the public, allowing local amateurs to try SUP for the first time.

The weekend festival [July 21-23] also hosted the Euro Tour, where some of the fastest paddleboard-

Community News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

A21 signs direct Forces veterans to new careers POINTING THE WAY BBMC team members

By Tom Godfrey AS THE finishing touches are made to the A21 road dualling project, there is one detail that is helping to transform lives.

Fifty-seven of the signs running along the Tonbridge to Pembury road have been created by the team at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company [BBMC], a social enterprise that employs veterans of the British Armed Forces and their families and dependents, as well as those with a disability or health condition.

Skills Producing goods for both the public and private sector, the 120-strong group generated a turnover of £5million last year, and last month secured a multi-million-pound contract to become the sole provider of signage for Network Rail.

Based in Aylesford, it is run by the military charity Royal British Legion Industries, which was established in 1919. Although separate to the Royal British Legion, both organisations share an ethos of supporting the Armed Forces community.

Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat said: “As a veteran myself, I understand how some service leavers can find the transition to civilian life difficult. Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company helps veterans to overcome this by providing them with work in their factories, enabling them to use the skills they learned in the Forces in a commercial work environment.

“I’ve visited their factories and seen the extraordinary individuals that produce their wide range of products. I would urge any business to buy from Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.”

Proposed A21 cycle and pedestrian path There is a proposal to link existing networks in Tunbridge Wells town centre to the new ‘non-motorised user’ path being constructed next to the A21 dualling.

Kent County Council are currently running a public consultation on the proposal. Drawings can be seen at: www.consultations.kent.gov.uk/ consult.ti/TonbridgeRoadPemburyCycleRoute Anyone with questions can email: traffic.schemes@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 418181, quoting ‘Tonbridge Road Pembury Proposed Pedestrian/Cycle Route’.

NEWS

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HANGING OUT FOR CHARITY Abrar Ahmed from Axis

Taking a fall for Demelza’s children VOLUNTEERS flung themselves off a 114m-high structure in London to raise more than £10,000 for a local charity.

The team of 44 fundraisers took part in an abseiling challenge from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Olympic Park in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children, which provides vital care for the seriously ill.

The Orbit stands higher than the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben.

Incredible The majority of the group had never abseiled before, and the money they raised will go towards helping the hospice to support the 650 families in their children’s centres, including

those in Kent and East Sussex.

Demelza’s Tamsyn Clark,said: “It was an incredible experience, and I’m so delighted to have been part of this fantastic group.

“We rely so heavily on the generosity and commitment of people taking part in challenges like this to raise the £10.5million we need annually, we couldn’t exist as a charity without them.”

Urgent call for volunteers from hearing charity A CHARITY for the deaf and hardof-hearing is looking for volunteers to help with hearing aid maintenance in Tunbridge Wells.

Hi Kent holds free sessions at its Kent clinics for hearing aid

batteries, cleaning and re-tubing.

They also offer a range of other services and classes.

Hi Kent’s Debra Jones said: “This is an opportunity to make a real difference to our charity. No

experience is necessary, although manual dexterity, a friendly and caring disposition and a willingness to learn is important.”

Email: m.cardoso@hikent.org.uk or call 01622 691151.

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NEWS

County News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Almost a century in jail for £50m drug gang A GANG which produced ‘industrial quantities’ of cannabis throughout Kent were jailed for a combined total of 90 years on Thursday [July 27].

A haul of 16,428 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of up to £51,852,840, was seized from seven Kent factories, and one in Norfolk, in one of the largest criminal enterprises of this type to be foiled.

The huge police crackdown on the gang began in 2013. It resulted in 15 people, aged 18 to 69, admitting their roles in the conspiracy, or being convict-

ed at the Old Bailey by Judge Anuja Dhir, QC. Among them were Michael Edward Corcoran, 51, of Yalding, who was described by the judge as ‘the mastermind’ behind the operation. He was jailed for 14 years on seven counts of conspiring to produce cannabis and five counts of abstracting electricity.

Stephen Macey, 25, of Paddock Wood, also admitted five counts of conspiring to produce cannabis and five counts of abstracting electricity, and received six years’ jail.

Labour MP challenged on opposition to grammars CANTERBURY’S newly elected Labour MP Rosie Duffield has been criticised over her vocal opposition to Kent’s grammar schools after it was revealed both of her children attended one.

She described grammars as ‘unequal’ and ‘damaging’ and called the 11-plus a ‘horrible, divisive, stressful thing’ during election hustings. She then campaigned on a platform to prevent any expansion of the system.

However, it emerged she also told a Canterbury Christ Church University hustings in May that both her sons had gone to grammar school. One enjoyed it while the other had not.

Her position was challenged last week by Daniel Hamilton, tipped as a future Conservative candidate for her constituency, in an open letter.

He wrote: “At the general

election, you fought on a manifesto which pledged not to ‘waste money on inefficient… vanity projects’ such as grammar schools.

“While local candidates often differ with the views of their leadership, at a hustings back in May you personally described grammar schools as ‘unequal’ and ‘damaging’.

“You refused to support the expansion of local grammar schools – a move which will increase pressure for places at excellent schools such as Simon Langton Boys.”

Ms Duffield defended her position, responding: “I stood on the Labour manifesto of no new grammar schools…

Parents do not, on the whole, support selection at the age of 11.

As you will be aware, in some Kent grammar schools one in three children come directly MP Rosie Duffield from private primary schools.”

Theme park development is pushed back

WORLD OF MAKE BELIEVE New plans for the resort are said to be on the way HOPES that Kent will host a theme park made to rival Disney World were fading after the London Resort Company pushed back its schedule to submit a planning application to develop the Swanscombe Peninsula until spring.

The London Resort Company, which has already faced a series of setbacks, such as losing major partner Paramount, said the £3.2billion theme park will now not be ready until 2023 – a year later than originally planned.

Negotiations Chiefs insist the latest delay has nothing to do with the departure of Paramount Pictures from the project, but rather is down to the complexities of the planning process.

Last week the developer announced it would be

holding its final round of public consultation events in early 2018 – the fifth stage of an extensive programme of engagement which has already seen over 8,000 people participate.

CEO Humphrey Percy said: “This final round of consultation will be a crucial step towards completing our plans for the world class entertainment resort.

“We are delighted with progress on partnership agreements. We plan to build over 3,500 hotel rooms, operated by our new partner, Intercontinental Hotel Group; constructing the majority of the Resort and new roads and infrastructure with materials stored at and transported from the Port of Tilbury, with whom we have recently signed an agreement.

“We are now in very detailed commercial negotiations regarding partners, the concepts they are embracing and some of the incredible creative propositions.”

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NEWS

County News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Nus Ghani appointed to speaker’s committee WEALDEN MP Nus Ghani has been appointed as one of five Members of Parliament to take part in the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission.

Appointments to the Committee are made directly by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP. The Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission is an independent, cross-party, committee which oversees the selection of individuals to be put forward for appointment as Electoral Commissioners and examines the work carried out by the Electoral Commission and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

Much of the work of the Speaker’s Committee will

involve overseeing the boundary estimates made by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

These proposed boundary changes will effect both local government and parliamentary constituency boundaries.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Ghani said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission. The work carried out by the Committee will have an important impact on the political map of the future; for example, estimates for parliamentary boundaries effect how we conduct democracy in our country and provide represenNus Ghani tation in Parliament.”

Consultation on parks launched KENT County Council (KCC) is asking for residents’ views on the future plans for its country parks by launching a public consultation on its strategy for the next four years.

The parks service currently has a total expenditure of £1.6 million a year, with £1.2 million being recouped through various income sources. The consultation outlines three strategic aims for the service: to provide a network of high quality and biodiverse country parks; increase visitor numbers particularly at off peak times and among under-represented groups; and ensure the service is

as financially self-sustaining as possible.

Parks maintained by KCC-run Country Parks Service include: Shorne Woods, Lullingstone Country Park, Teston Bridge Country Park, Brockhill Country Park and Bluebell Hill, among others.

They currently attract 1.65million customer visits a year, enjoying 31 km of accessible routes. Almost 100 schools take advantage of various activities and facilities on an organised basis.

The consultation is open until 11 September and residents are invited to visit www.kent.gov.uk/ countryparksstrategy.

BREXIT BACKLOG A sign of things to come?

Stack could become permanent post Brexit KENT’s main motorways could find themselves with the permanent instigation of Operation Stack after Brexit because of the need to introduce new customs checks, a report has warned.

The publication by consultancy firm Oxera says the cost to the UK could be in the region of £1bn a year from the gridlock - and that could be a conservative forecast.

Extensive It has based its findings partly on the length of time it currently takes to carry out checks on non-EU HGVs entering the UK which take an average of 45 minutes.

Under current arrangements agreed when the Single Market was established, no checks are made

on goods leaving the UK for the EU and vice versa.

A separate regime for EU freighters entering the UK post-Brexit should be made a top priority, the report suggests.

The document warns: “Extensive regulation of products, combined with increased levels of enforcement, will lead to a significant increase in the requirements at borders.

“The Port of Dover has called this scenario ‘Armageddon’ potentially leading to an almost-permanent instigation of Operation Stack—with extensive queues on the M20 and surrounding roads in Kent.

“We estimate the impact of such a scenario to be at least £1bn per year. This is an extremely conservative estimate – it does not account for [all] the economic costs… The full cost is likely to be much higher.”

National News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Four-hour delays for holiday Brits before flights home from EU

‘Queen of judges’ Mary Berry returns for new BBC cook-off

BRITISH holidaymakers are facing lengthy queues when they land at popular European airports because of tightened border checks, an airline lobby group has warned.

Passengers are being forced to stand in immigration lines for ‘up to four hours’, according to Airlines For Europe (A4E).

The group, which represents carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways’ parent company IAG, claimed some passengers are missing their flights because of the issue.

MARY BERRY is returning to her role as judge – in a new BBC1 cookery show presented

by Claudia Winkleman.

A search for a second judge to join the former Great British Bake Off star for Britain’s Best Cook is currently under way.

Ten contestants will be asked to serve ‘the most perfect version of dishes that

‘Shameful’ New European Union rules introduced after terror attacks in Paris and Brussels require countries to carry out more stringent checks on those entering and leaving the Schengen area, which allows passport-free movement across much of the EU. A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert said: “Travellers face long lines and can’t get on their flights. Queuing for up to four hours has been the top record these days.

“Airports like Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, Lyon, Paris-Orly, Milan or Brussels are producing shameful pictures of devastated passengers in front of immigration booths, in lines stretching hundreds of metres.

“At some airports, flight delays have increased by 300 per cent compared to last year.”

A4E warned that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks as the new regulations have not yet been fully implemented.

The six-month period to put the enhanced checks in place ends on October 7.

‘I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on’ define modern British home cooking’ and ‘create their special take on wellloved classics’ in the eight-part series.

Berry, who is 82, said: “I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on. This series is going to encourage proper home cooking, which I have always championed, and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake.”

Winkleman, who was recently

revealed to be the BBC’s highest-paid woman on a list of talent published by the corporation, said: “I am over the moon to be part of this show.

“I am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming.

Apologies in advance.”

The new cookery competition comes after Berry decided not to move with Paul Hollywood and the Great British Bake Off to Channel 4.

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: “Home cooking has quietly become one of the nation’s favourite obsessions and so there is no better place than BBC1 to compete for this crown.

“The queen of all judges, Mary Berry, will be the indisputable head judge – with the irresistible Claudia Winkleman hosting proceedings.”

Berry has recently been on the BBC in Mary Berry Everyday, showcasing some of the recipes from her long career, and has also signed up to make Mary Berry’s Secrets From Britain’s Great Houses for BBC1.

SCREEN QUEENS Mary Berry (top left) and Claudia Winkleman

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Oxford trauma unit closes after fire test A HOSPITAL trauma building is to close for up to a year due to fire safety concerns which arose in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Some 52 beds will be moved from the trauma unit at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said.

The decision follows recommendations from a report commissioned by the Trust after a fire safety review of cladded buildings on four of its main hospital sites in the weeks following the high-rise blaze, which killed at least 80 residents.

The Trust said the move was not just because of the cladding but due to ‘a combination of fire safety factors’.

Government anxiety over British Gas hike BRITISH GAS’S move to hike electricity prices by 12.5 per cent for 3.1 million customers will hit those already on poor-value energy tariffs, the Government has warned.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) also called for ‘rapid progress’ on regulator Ofgem’s plans for reform.

The new prices will see a typical annual tariff rise by £76 to £1,120 – a 7.3 per cent increase.

A BEIS spokesman said: “Energy firms should treat all their customers fairly and we’re concerned this price rise will hit many people already on poor-value tariffs.

“Ofgem has committed to taking prompt action, in consultation with consumer experts, to develop proposals including a safeguard tariff. We want to see rapid progress on this commitment.”

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Local News

NEWS IN BRIEF

Prescriptions related to diabetes soar to 1 in 20 ALMOST one in every 20 prescriptions written by GPs are for diabetes treatments.

In 2016-17 the number of prescriptions for drugs used in diabetes was 52 million, or 4.7 per cent of the total number of items prescribed across GP surgeries in England.

The figure is a significant increase on a decade ago, when there were 28.9 million prescription items for insulins, antidiabetic drugs, diagnostics and monitoring devices.

To be or not to be Tom TOM HIDDLESTON will play Hamlet in a stage production of the Shakespeare play directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh.

The performances will raise funds for the actor’s former drama school, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

The star of Night Manager and Thor will be playing the title role for the first time.

Hamlet will run at Rada’s 160-seat Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre from September 1 to 23.

Fizzing with enthusiasm BUCKS FIZZ, winners of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981, launched their first single in almost 20 years yesterday (Tuesday).

Dancing In The Rain comes from the upcoming album, The F-Z Of Pop, by the band now known as The Fizz.

Singer Cheryl Baker, from Sevenoaks, said: “I cannot tell you how happy I am to have been back in the studio, my favourite place and with the genius that is [producer] Mike Stock. I am so proud of this new album.”

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Voters backed Labour on Europe From holy orders to despite uncertainty over policy last orders for clergy VOTERS viewed Labour as the ‘best bet’ for maintaining close ties with the EU despite its ‘ambiguous’ single market position, according to new general election research.

Academics from the British Election Study (BES) said their data suggests Jeremy Corbyn’s party won over ‘large numbers’ of Remain backers from the Conservatives, the Green Party and Liberal Democrats in June’s snap election.

More than 50 per cent of all voters who backed Remain at the 2016 EU referendum gave their support to Labour.

This compared with 25 per cent for the Tories and 15 per cent for the Lib Dems, who had promised a second referendum.

Professor Ed Fieldhouse and Chris Prosser, members of the BES team from the University of Manchester, wrote: “Despite an ambiguous position on the single market, Labour was seen as the best bet for those wanting to keep closer ties with our European neighbours.”

Since the election, the confusion has continued with Mr Corbyn saying Britain would leave the single market.

Other leading Labour figures such as shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer have said all options are still on the table.

WAY AHEAD Jeremy Corbyn on the campaign trail

Prof Fieldhouse and Mr Prosser added: “One of the reasons Labour could do so well amongst Remainers is that by May 2017 the Brexit debate was not so much about whether or not to leave or remain, but about how to leave the EU.” The BES’s figures are based on a survey conducted by YouGov between June 9-23, involving 31,196 respondents.

Respondents were asked whether it was more important for the government to protect Britain’s single market access or gain full control of immigration during Brexit talks.

A GROUP of priests were told to leave a pub in Cardiff after the barman mistook them for a stag party in fancy dress.

The seven men of the cloth had congregated in The City Arms to celebrate the ordination of one of their number, Father Peter McClaren.

Assistant manager Matt Morgan revealed that they received a free round of drinks when the barman saw the error of his ways.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Cardiff added: “We’d like to thank The City Arms for being good sports through all of this and their kind gesture to our seminarians.”

It was pointed out that the Archbishop of Cardiff George Stack is known to frequent The City Arms too.

The pub has since begun using one of the number, a real-life Reverend Robert James (right), to advertise its Brains brew The Rev James.

Six theme parks close ‘swing and spin’ rides over safety concerns SIX UK theme park rides have been closed following an incident on a similar ride in the US in which a teenager died.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said five rides were reinspected

and taken out of use after the tragedy at Ohio State Fair on July 26.

A sixth ride at Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire was immediately taken out of use by the operator independently of the HSE.

Tyler Jarrell, 18, died when a swinging and spinning ride called the Fire Ball broke apart. Seven other people were injured.

The other closed rides are at Pleasurewood Hills in Suffolk, Coney

Beach Fair in Porthcawl, Brean Theme Park in Somerset, a ride owned by Ryan Crow Amusements at funfairs in the North East, and another run by Joseph Manning in Hertfordshire.

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BUSINESS

National Business News

NEWS IN BRIEF

BP boosted by profits despite Angola charge BP moved back into the black after a strong half-year despite taking a hefty hit after exiting a project in Angola.

The oil firm recorded half-year profits of $1.6billion (£1.2billion), after a $2billion loss for the same six months in 2016.

But the firm saw profits slip to $144million (£109 million) in the second quarter, down from $1.4billion for the first three months of the year.

The fall was driven by a $753million charge linked to the company’s decision to halt a number of exploration assets in Angola.

Probe into BAT claims BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (BAT) faces an investigation from the Serious Fraud Office over ‘suspicions of corruption’ in East Africa.

The Dunhill and Lucky Strike cigarettemaker is also investigating the alleged payment of bribes through its own advisers.

The allegations were made by the BBC two years ago and centre around claims that illegal payments had been made to civil servants and politicians in East Africa.

More jobs at pipe mills A LEADING industrial group has bought a pipe mills business from steel firm Tata, ending months of uncertainty for workers.

Liberty House said it will add around 100 jobs to the existing 140-strong workforce at two gas and oil pipe mills in Hartlepool.

Tata Steel retains its 20-inch tube mill at the site, where a further 270 people work.

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Rise in exports lifts economy as Morrisons to revive post-Brexit pound raises demand Safeway branding BRITAIN’S factories enjoyed a welcome bounceback in July thanks to the strongest surge in export orders for more than seven years.

The closely watched Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a reading of 55.1 last month, up from 54.2 in June and higher than expected. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

The pound jumped to a fresh 10-month high against the US dollar after the report, which said foreign demand for UK manufacturing output rose at the fastest pace since April 2010.

It was also the second-strongest rate in the history of the survey as the Brexit-hit pound has boosted overseas demand for British-made goods and services.

‘Solid footing’ Sterling lifted 0.2 per cent to $1.32 and 0.4 per cent to ¤1.12.

The reading marked the first pick-up in growth for three months and offered some cheer for the wider economy.

Rob Dobson, Director at report compiler IHS Markit, said the manufacturing sector had kicked off the third quarter on a ‘solid footing’.

He said: “Although the exchange rate remains a key driver of export growth, manufacturers also benefited from stronger economic growth in key markets in the euro area, North America and Asia-Pacific regions.

“Continued expansion is also still filtering through to the labour market, with the latest round of manufacturing job creation among the best seen over the past three years.”

The report also said pricing pressures had eased

DRUM ROLL Orders are increasing further for manufacturers, with input prices rising at their weakest pace in over a year.

This gives hope that soaring UK inflation may begin to wane, relieving pressure on cashstrapped consumers.

It comes ahead of the Bank of England’s interest rates decision tomorrow (August 3), with speculation over whether policymakers will vote for a rise to offset surging inflation.

Mr Dobson said: “If this trend of milder price pressures is also reflected in other areas of the UK economy, this should provide the Bank of England sufficient leeway to maintain its current supportive stance until the medium-term outlook for economic growth becomes less uncertain.”

However, economists warned that the solid manufacturing figures would not be enough to spur on wider UK growth.

The UK economy struggled to gather pace following a lacklustre start to the year, with growth ticking up to 0.3 per cent in the second quarter from 0.2 per cent in the first three months.

THE supermarket giant Morrisons is relaunching the Safeway brand after striking a deal with McColl’s to supply the convenience store chain with groceries.

The partnership will see the supermarket supply Safeway and branded products to 1,300 convenience shops and 350 newsagents starting from January next year.

The move will help Morrisons secure wholesale sales of £700million – including tobacco – by the end of next year, with the amount rising to £1billion later on.

McColl’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Miller, said the tie-up was ‘transformational’ for the company and would prove to be a ‘defining moment’ after boosting its estate by acquiring 298 Co-op stores.

Rolls-Royce takes off again after huge loss ROLLS-ROYCE has taken a step forward in its recovery after a jump in large engine deliveries helped the firm swing to a half-year profit.

The aircraft engine giant booked a pre-tax profit of £1.94billion for the six months ending in June, an improvement from a £2.15billion loss over the same period last year.

Revenues climbed 12 per cent to £7.57billion as the firm enjoyed a 27 per cent rise in large engine deliveries in the civil aerospace sector.

The company reported its largest ever loss – and one of the biggest in UK corporate history – earlier this year, £4.64billion before tax.

That came after a £4.4billion writedown caused by the collapse of the pound and a £671million penalty to settle bribery allegations.

World News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

England No 1 Bardsley will miss semi-final ENGLAND goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has been ruled out of the Women’s Euro 2017 with a broken leg.

She suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday’s quarter-final win over France, and will miss Thursday’s semi-final against host nation Holland in Enschede.

Liverpool’s Siobhan Chamberlain, who played in the closing moments against France and started the group match with Portugal, takes over between the posts.

TWO South African teams, Toyota Cheetahs and Southern Kings, will join an expanded Guinness Pro14 rugby union competition.

The league will be split into two conferences of seven, each made up of two Welsh and two Irish teams, with one team from Scotland, Italy and South Africa.

Cheetahs coach Harold Verster described South African participation as ‘a whole new ball game’ for rugby in the country.

Fernando leaves City BRAZILIAN midfielder Fernando is set to leave Manchester City and join Turkish club Galatasaray as part of manager Pep Guardiola’s clear-out.

The 30-year-old joined City from Porto for £12million in 2014 but made only one start during the last campaign.

His former team-mate, Spain winger Jesus Navas, has rejoined Sevilla on a free transfer after he was also released.

21

The mother and father of all flowering plants

SPORT IN BRIEF

South Africans in Pro14

NEWS

THE PLOT THICKENS Suspects guarded by paramilitary police and special forces in Ankara

Crowded dock as trial starts for 486 suspects from Turkish coup attempt NEARLY 500 suspects, including generals and military pilots, have gone on trial in Turkey accused of leading last year’s failed coup.

US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the government blames for the coup, has been named as the main defendant and will be tried in absentia.

Former air force commander Akin Ozturk and other defendants stationed at Akinci air base, on the outskirts of the capital Ankara, are accused of directing the coup and bombing key government buildings, including the parliament.

Many of the 486 suspects face life terms in prison for crimes that include violating the constitution, murder, and attempting to assassinate the president and overthrow the government.

The trial is one of dozens that are under way in Turkey in relation to the coup attempt on July 15 2016 that resulted in 249 deaths.

The government says the plotters used Akinci air

base as the headquarters. Turkey’s military chief, General Hulusi Akar, and other commanders were held captive there on the night of the coup.

A courthouse has been built specially at a prison complex to try the coup plotters.

A total of 461 defendants are behind bars, while 18 were freed pending the outcome of the trial.

Families of those killed or wounded during the coup attempt staged a protest, some throwing ropes towards the defendants demanding that the death penalty be reinstated.

A total of 1,300 security personnel have been deployed inside and outside the courtroom.

The government declared a state of emergency in the aftermath of the coup attempt and embarked on a large-scale crackdown on Gulen’s network and other opponents.

More than 50,000 people were arrested and over 110,000 people removed from government jobs.

A 140-million-year-old ‘angiosperm’ bearing a resemblance to a water lily was the ancestor of all flowering plants, according to a scientific study.

No fossils of the flower, which contained both male and female reproductive organs, have been found. But scientists worked out what it looked like after analysing a mass of botanical data at the University of Paris-Sud in France.

The appearance of flowers in the age of the dinosaurs had a dramatic effect on the climate and led to the evolution of pollinating insects.

Russian motorist gang in courthouse shootout FIVE defendants at a Moscow courthouse attacked their guards in a bungled escape attempt, leading to a shootout that killed three people and wounded four others.

The incident happened when the handcuffed defendants were escorted by two guards in a lift at the Moscow Regional Court, Russia’s Investigative Committee said.

One of the defendants tried to strangle a guard.

Three of them were killed and two wounded in a shootout, while two guards were taken to hospital.

The incident took place before a hearing for a gang of nine who are suspected of killing more than a dozen motorists.

Russian media dubbed the accused ‘the Grand Theft Auto gang’, after the violent video game.

22

NEWS

Letters

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

And another thing…

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

On July 19, this newspaper carried an extended, unedited interview with Council Leader David Jukes and fellow Cllr Tracy Moore about the controversial plans to build a £72million Civic Complex with an adjoining theatre in Calverley Grounds.

Today we devote the entire Letters page to readers’ comments…

COUNCIL VISION Proposed plans for the park

Theatre costs will never be recouped I have worked in the music business for many years as a production manager touring the UK and the rest of the world, and have been involved with promoters/theatres on the financial side.

I do not see the cost of the proposed new theatre ever being recouped, due mainly to local population numbers and the closeness of the O2 and the West End of London, amongst others.

The council say they can get West End shows to visit – that would be the ‘touring’ versions and without the stars. Also, as the new theatre would be about half the capacity of some West End theatres, the income would be half as well, so either the show would be half the size or the tickets twice the price to make it work, or at least West End prices for a show from an equal-sized venue in London.

It is a long time since I worked at the Assembly Hall, but from reading the updates, it is more than adequate for the shows that can come through this town and the circuit it is on.

Lets hope the council comes to its senses and doesn’t leave a very costly vanity project for future generations to pay for. Surely money can be spent on more important projects?

Richard Bell Tunbridge Wells

Will they subsidise other activities?

Tracy Moore states that a handful of people set up a petition [against the project] because it might impact upon them. I think that the lady ought to be careful with her words as many people I’ve spoken to think it’s a waste of money.

The council also say ‘no referendum’ on the issue – is that because they feel it would be rejected by the majority of the electorate?

Ms Moore has also stated that the theatre will benefit the town as it generates income. Could she please say where that income goes? Because, based on the last 18 years, my council tax has increased by 120 per cent, whereas the inflation rate has only increased by 62 per cent.

Will the theatre part of the project be subsidised by the council tax payer? If so, why? Surely it should stand on its own two feet the same as any other activity has to, such as rugby, football, hockey, etc? Or does the council have plans to subsidise other activities?

If the theatre can’t balance its books it should either increase prices or reduce what it pays to the actors/stars. There must be many more areas where the money is more needed.

Dave Preston Tunbridge wells

No mandate to spend £120million Your piece on the charm offensive of the council to sell their plans for the borrowing of huge sums of money on uneconomic schemes in Tunbridge Wells, fronted by the pretty face of Cllr Moore and the mature face of Cllr Jukes, sought to justify the expenditure in terms of cultural and economic benefits to the town.

The economic benefits are apparently calculated by a Shellard formula where the inputs to the calculations are: Additional visitor spend plus salaries plus subsistence allowances plus goods and services bought locally, the

sum then multiplied by 1.5 as a moderator.

Now how those inputs amount to a £15million a year addition to the GDP is for the council to explain, and should be part of the financial case audited and presented to the public before any decisions are taken.

But by far the most important part of the comments by Cllrs Moore and Jukes was their dismissal of the idea of a borough-wide referendum, saying the decision should not be ‘kicked’ into the hands of the electorate.

What neither councillor recognises is that direct democracy in the form of a referendum can and does enhance and legitimise the representational form of democracy we currently have in this country. In the case of this council, which is acting in such an autocratic manner, apparently believing that their electorate is incapable of understanding the principles at stake in this current contentious issue, they should remember that the public’s trust in politicians is at its lowest level for over half a century, and the way they are acting currently on this issue is a direct contributor to that perception.

One way to reverse that trend is by public education and discourse of the pros and cons of all the issues surrounding this contentious issue, and then to put their trust in the electorate to arrive at the right answer for Tunbridge Wells by holding a referendum next May, at the same time as the borough council elections.

What is certain is that at present no political party in Tunbridge Wells has been given the mandate by its electorate to spend £120million of taxpayers’ money on this scheme.

Roy Bullock Lamberhurst

Violation of their mission statement?

In the five-year plan proposed by the council on their website, it categorically states: “The council must pay special regard to planning proposals in conservation areas to ensure that any change is compatible with its architectural and historical quality and its setting. Unsympathetic addition will diminish the local character of the town…

“Our natural and historic environment will be preserved and park facilities and community spaces will have improved…

“The council will be leading the way by contributing to national carbon reduction targets.”

Chapter 7: “We will continue to protect all our parks and open spaces, with particular focus on Grosvenor, Hilbert and Calverley Grounds.”

Is not removing 66 mature trees in Calverley Grounds and putting up two massive buildings instead a violation of their own mission statement?

The council has ignored its own stated objectives without any consideration of the community which relies on the park. The council, against their stated objectives, is willing to remove trees that help fight

pollution in an effort to give themselves a new building from which to view their destruction, while these new buildings, towering over the Great Hall, will do nothing to enhance the historic nature of our town.

How are we to believe that our council cares for its taxpayers?

Catherine Thomas Tunbridge Wells

Everyone has some ‘vested interest’ Cllr Moore deprecates personal attacks on politicians, having previously in the interview slagged off objectors to the scheme by suggesting they have a ‘vested interest’. Pots and kettles come to mind.

How do people living close to the site of the proposed development have a ‘vested interest’?

What do they stand to gain from the project? On the other hand, if they stand to lose, shouldn’t the council be paying compensation?

Otherwise, on what basis can anyone object to anything? Any view can be dismissed as a ‘vested interest’ or a ‘motive’. If I object on the grounds of loss of either public open space, habitat, or amenity, am I exercising a ‘vested interest’? Barmy.

Elected members are required to declare a ‘vested interest’ to obviate fraud and maladministration in decision-making. Campaigners do not make the decisions, so cannot be exercising a ‘vested interest’ through the voting process.

John Telling Tunbridge Wells

The small works ‘vanity project’ In your interview with Cllr David Jukes, you put the question to him: “What would you say to the suggestion that this is a David Jukes vanity project?” Part of his answer was: “I have built bigger vanity projects around the world. This one I’ll add to my small works department.”

I’m sure readers would be most interested to know the type of projects around the world, and how big or little his involvement was, and indeed where does he find the time to be Leader of the council?

Philip Heyes Tunbridge Wells THEATRE TERRACE The view it would offer

Calverley is away on holiday – yet again

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

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

23

WITH THE

Students celebrate superb achievements in IB exams BUILDING on the success of recent years, sixth-form students at The Skinners’ Kent Academy [SKA] are celebrating another excellent set of results in the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme.

International Baccalaureate [IB] grades are awarded on a 1-7 scale, with 7 being the highest. SKA students achieved 100% grades 3-7 in their courses against the IB average of 98%, which shows the level of their success when

measured alongside students in other countries.

Exceptional The highest possible grade was gained by 14% of the students for their Reflective Projects – individual essays that focus on a personal investigation of an ethical dilemma.

These essays are looked upon most favourably by the universities and attract additional UCAS points.

A WAVE OF SUCCESS Students at The Skinners’ Kent Academy

SKA students have undertaken a variety of qualifications this year, including: Visual Arts, Information Technology and the London Institute of Banking and Finance Diploma.

In addition to this, the Year 12 and 13 pupils also develop life and employability skills through reflective personal and community service projects and engaging in enterprise activities.

SKA Principal Matthew Tompkins said: “Once again, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme qualification has proved to be the path to success for our students, whether as a preparation for further study at university or as a route into employment or apprenticeships.

“As Principal of the academy, I am tremendously proud of the achievements of our exceptional students and wish them all continued success.”

TOP OF THEIR CLASS: Manor Road Pre-School, and Manager Chris Millins (centre)

Popular pre-school rated ‘Outstanding’ THE children, families and teachers at Manor Road Preschool in Rusthall, one of the area’s longest running nurseries, have been celebrating their recent ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report.

Manager Chris Millins, who has worked at the pre-school since 1983, commented: “We are all so very proud of this report, and of course it would not be possible without our wonderful children, supportive

committee and families, and our amazing team of childcare practitioners.”

She added: “We love working with the children and feel very privileged to be a part of their early learning and development, and it is so lovely that this is now recognised by Ofsted.”

The government inspectorate, which visits all childcare providers, rated the pre-school as ‘Outstanding’ in all four areas

of their assessment – the highest award they can give.

Among the many positive comments in the report, it was stated that: “All children make consistently high rates of progress. They are extremely confident, enthusiastic and curious learners.”

The inspection took place in June at the popular village establishment, which has been running since 1964.

24

NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Greg Clark

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

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Gatwick is making progress – but nowhere near enough WITH the schools out for summer, it’s no surprise that last month saw the busiest ever day for air traffic in the United Kingdom, with nearly 9,000 flights leaving or entering British airspace.

For us in Tunbridge Wells, the proximity of Gatwick is a mixed blessing. Many of us benefit from the convenience of having an international airport so close to home, avoiding the long journey that travellers from other parts of the country have to embark on just to catch a flight.

But we suffer the consequences of proximity in overflying aircraft – particularly those landing at Gatwick. The noise is year-round and intolerable to many. But summer is when its impact is worst.

Not only is the volume of traffic at its peak, but the summer months are when we are more likely to be in the garden or visiting outdoor attractions, and we have our windows open at night.

As many readers know, I have been battling to reduce aircraft noise over the Tunbridge Wells area for the last four years. In the summer of 2013, I called a public meeting in Langton Green to gauge public perception of what I detected was a sudden increase in overflying. That meeting proved seminal. The response was that there had indeed been a big change. I backed that up with a postal survey of residents in the affected area

which showed that most people had experienced an increase in disturbance.

It also established we are all different: one resident reported he was unable to sleep for the noise, while his next door neighbour insisted there was scarcely a murmur to be heard and that

‘I have asked to meet the principal authorities again’ I should not be pursuing such a non-issue!

Gatwick repeatedly denied that there had been any change before eventually admitting, when confronted with the evidence, that a change to the flight paths had been made but within the legal parameters.

Not all of the noise was from the position of the flight paths. The Airbus A320 aircraft emitted a particularly intrusive whining sound which could be prevented by a technical modification.

EasyJet – the operator of most of these aircraft at Gatwick – refused to make the change on grounds of expense. But following a series of meetings with easyJet’s Chief Executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, she agreed to change their

policy and modify the affected aircraft.

Under pressure, Gatwick agreed to commission an Independent Review of Arrivals, whose report was published last year and made a series of recommendations, including increasing the altitude at which planes start to descend, broadening the approach into Gatwick to make

Peter Lidstone

Tunbridge Wells councillor

for a fairer dispersal of flights, mandating the modification of all A320 aircraft emitting the whine, and establishing a board, including community representatives, to oversee these and other improvements.

Compared to this time last year, some progress has been made. Nearly 80 per cent of the whining planes have now been modified; the initial proposals on aircraft descent have been introduced; the Noise Management Board has been established; and the Government has taken the decision to build an additional runway at Heathrow rather than Gatwick.

The changes to date have far from solved the problem. The full implementation of all the Independent Review’s recommendations is needed quickly so that the levels of disturbance (particularly at night) might be reduced to those experienced in 2013, or lower.

I have asked to meet the principal authorities again to press these requirements.

For many years, Gatwick was a great convenience to those living in and around Tunbridge Wells, while imposing a limited impact on our quality of life. I am determined to see that position restored and for Gatwick, once again, to be a much better neighbour.

The youngest member of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, aged 32, Peter Lidstone is a Liberal Democrat, and was the only candidate to successfully dislodge a Conservative opponent at the last local elections. With a full-time job as part of the charity Build Africa, the former law student of the University of the West of England is also fluent in French. His interest in politics came after attending a conference on the subject at Christian Aid about why Christians should get involved

Community engagement can make the town healthier…

AS YOU may have seen, last Wednesday’s Full Council meeting [July 26] was out of the ordinary.

I had to fight my way through a small crowd to enter the Town Hall.

Inside the Chamber, the atmosphere was charged and the balcony full. It’s clear that the planned civic development matters to people, which is why the Lib Dems are calling for the council tax payers of Tunbridge Wells to have the final say on the scheme, via a referendum. But the Lib Dem referendum motion was voted down (for reasons including – lost on me – that giving rate payers a yes/no choice is undemocratic!)

The Conservative Council’s verdict on the night was simply to note the concerns of the petitioners, but to take no further action in response. The debate will rumble on.

In the meantime, rather than rumbling, traffic continues to crawl around the clogged roads of Tunbridge Wells. This issue, along with parking and inconsiderate driving, comes up more frequently than any other on the doorstep.

The traffic in the town has an obvious impact – slow journeys, reduced productivity, rat running. What’s more, it generates illegal levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).

St John’s Road is an Air Quality Management Area, with eight schools in close proximity. It

would need a reduction of 20-30 per cent of traffic to bring it within legal limits.

Air pollution has been linked to 40,000 premature deaths annually in the UK, and our Government have finally woken up to the need for action.

Last week they announced plans to ban petrol and diesel cars from our roads by 2040. However, on closer inspection, this isn’t the great news it first appeared to be.

FULL UP AT FULL COUNCIL Residents show they care

‘I am convinced the answer is to encourage people out of their cars’ To start with, 2040 is 23 years away. Rather than leading the way, this law simply follows the current trajectory of the motor market.

Tesla have already brought their electric Model 3 to market at a competitive £27k. The main limitation of today’s electric vehicles is battery life. Technology will solve this well before 2040.

And as CPRE [the Campaign for Protection of Rural England] pointed out in their response to the Council’s Civic Site masterplan, car ownership is likely to change in the future.

They predict a move to an Uber-style system of

pay-per-journey and shared car ownership. And why not, given the average car spends 97 per cent of its life parked?

When the eventual mass move to electric vehicles occurs, there will be thousands more properties in Tunbridge Wells than we have today.

More people will need to travel in and around our town. Only 13 per cent of Tunbridge Wells’ traffic is through traffic, so dualling the A21 will not be the silver bullet.

I am convinced that the answer to our congestion woes is to encourage people out of

their cars and on to active or public transport.

Not only are there health benefits to walking and cycling, but challenging the dominance of cars and lorries in Tunbridge Wells will do wonders for our communities.

Streets with light traffic see four times the number of local interactions than those with heavy traffic. Fortunately, it seems that there is desire at both Borough and County Council level to look at bold proposals to deliver this.

And as last Wednesday proved, when people feel a sense of community involvement, they engage.

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

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Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

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PROPERTY

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Wednesday August 2 | 2017

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

BARDEN ROAD TONBRIDGE £375,000 To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774 781

Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU

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UNDER £450,000 SOUTH VIEW ROAD HIGH BROOMS

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CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

To suit your budget

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

PROPERTY

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UNDER £600,000 HOP VILLAS, BRENCHLEY

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A Victorian semi-detached house with period features. The large kitchen/diner has an island unit and stable doors to the garden. There is also a sitting room with fireplace, a family room with wood burner and a shower room. Upstairs, the main bedroom has far-reaching rural views. There are two further double rooms and a bathroom on this floor, with a fourth bedroom on the second floor. Outside there is driveway parking, a garden and a workshop with power.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £900,000 LATYMERS, PENSHURST GUIDE PRICE

£775,000-£800,000 Set in a sought-after cul-de-sac, this detached executive home is believed to have been built by Durtnells. The 23ft-sitting room has a fireplace, double doors to the dining room and patio doors to the rear. There is also a kitchen, utility room and cloakroom.

Upstairs are four double bedrooms, one en suite, and a bathroom. Outside, there is a partially shared drive, a double garage and gardens laid to lawn.

CONTACT Bracketts 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £500,000 BARDEN ROAD, TONBRIDGE

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A short walk from Tonbridge Station, this period semidetached house is ready to move into and chain-free.

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three bedrooms, one with en suite cloakroom, and a family bathroom.

Outside, there is an enclosed frontage and courtyard garden.

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

A substantial house which has been extended by the current owners. The ground floor includes a dining room, living room, open-plan kitchen/ breakfast/family room and cloakroom.

Plus there is access to the garage. The first floor has four double bedrooms (one en suite), one single room and a bathroom. There is a large garden with a terrace, and ample parking.

CONTACT Bracketts 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Lower St Marys

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

AT A GLANCE LOWER ST MARYS TICEHURST, EAST SUSSEX n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Study n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room & cloakroom n First floor master bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing room n Guest bedroom en suite n Bedroom 3 n Family bathroom n 2 further double bedrooms on the second floor and a shower room n Detached garage & garden

GUIDE PRICE

£855,000

Available for sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.com

A large Millwood designer home tucked away in a secluded village development

34

PROPERTY

Castlewood Cottages

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Victorian cottage in idyllic location down a leafy lane AT A GLANCE CASTLEWOOD COTTAGES PEARSONS GREEN ROAD BRENCHLEY, KENT n Dining room with wood burning stove n Kitchen n Triple-aspect drawing room with wood burning stove n Utility room n Cloakroom n 3 double bedrooms n Bedroom 4/study n Bathroom n Garden n Garage

£680,000 Available for sale through Firefly Properties Paddock Wood 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

A beautiful rural retreat within walking distance of the Castle Inn

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

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PROPERTY

Mount Pleasant Farm

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

AT A GLANCE MOUNT PLEASANT FARM SEVEN MILE LANE, EAST PECKHAM, KENT n Grade II listed n Reception hall n Kitchen/breakfast room n Drawing room n Sitting room n Family room n Dining room n Study n Shower room, boot room, laundry room and cellar n Principal suite with dressing room n 4 further bedrooms ( 2 en suite) n Bathroom n Hay barn with planning permission for 2-bedroom house n Detached cottage: n Sitting room n Kitchen n Master bedroom with en suite n Self-contained equestrian unit, including stables, paddocks and arena n Separate office n Triple garage

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Available for sale through The Country Property Group Goudhurst 01580 211888 www.countrypropertygroup.com

The dining room has a vaulted ceiling, three chandeliers and an impressive bread oven

Fabulous farm enjoys its own equestrian complex and more

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

A recipe for a healthier, fitter and happier you Nutrition experts Keris Marsden and Matt Whitmore have just published their new book The Paleo Primer: A Second Helping, which aims to give its readers a rounded and reasonable approach to becoming healthier, leaner and more energised. In the first of our exclusive two-part special, Eileen Leahy caught up with the Tunbridge Wellsbased duo, who are also behind the brand Fitter Food, to see how they can help people achieve those lifestyle goals

S

o, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

We met in the gym ten years ago and soon realised we shared a passion for health, fitness and great food. We became friends first, training and hanging out together, then started dating. Our shared love of fitness, food and having a laugh turned out to be a winning combination.

When did you launch your brand Fitter Food?

We launched a training company first, after getting bored with the usual gym timetable. We decided to combine our skill set of running, cycling, boxing, kettlebells and weight training and start a class where each session was totally different and varied. Our membership grew quickly – however, we noticed people weren’t fuelling themselves optimally, and so decided to start Fitter Food as well as writing books and running health programmes to help people understand their need to eat nutritiously, providing hundreds of quick and easy recipes to inspire them to get back into the kitchen.

How would you sum up your food and fitness philosophy?

We believe health is really a lifestyle that encompasses nutritious food and daily physical activity. However, other factors, such as sufficient

SALAD DAYS Keris in her kitchen

sleep and stress management, are equally important for good mental health and energy.

Why did you decide to put pen to paper and write books?

After decades of experience and extensive qualifications in nutrition and training, we’re passionate about sharing our message. This is our second book, but we have also written and

run online transformation programmes geared to giving people simple yet highly effective and sustainable principles to follow. Our greatest coach of all time is our Bavarian Mountain Hound called Hamish – he’s easily the fittest of us all!

What got you interested in eating well and staying fit and healthy?

Matt: I was inspired by my grandad, who challenged me at the age of 11 to lift some tins of baked beans over a hundred times to earn his first set of dumbbells. From there onwards it’s been football, rugby, kettlebells, marathons – anything to keep fit. I’m even taking part in my first boxing match at Kent Gloves in October.

Keris: I took up running at university after suffering from low moods and weight gain, and exercise transformed my confidence and self-esteem. I then transitioned into nutritional therapy after suffering from a hormonal condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS] as well as digestive issues. I adopted a natural approach to address the symptoms and now use personalised nutrition and lifestyle interventions to help others rediscover their health.

Please can you explain to us a little about the Paleo Primer regime?

After extensive research, we developed our own version of the Paleo diet (also known as the

cavemen diet). We refer to our approach as ‘Paleo-ish’ as we incorporate some modern-day foods and a degree of flexibility into our recommendations in order to keep them realistic and sustainable. The premise is eating the most nutrient dense foods available to us today. These include: Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds – all of the things that existed before the food industry. Dairy, legumes, and minimally refined grains like oats, quinoa and rice can be added as per your preferences and needs, and we recommend more active individuals consume more carbohydrates.

Plus we advocate a little of what you fancy occasionally, and just keeping it in moderation.

How is this latest book different to your first one?

Our first book outlined the Paleo-ish template, including important topics like the role of chocolate, red wine and coffee in health, alongside information on hormone regulation and anti-inflammatory nutrition. The second book delves a little deeper into the impact our lifestyles have on our health. There is so much you can do day-to-day to support disease prevention, especially chronic diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We also discuss diet myths, supporting gut health and hormone balance and illustrate how to

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

personalise and adapt macronutrients like carbohydrates for fat loss.

LOVING LIFE Keris and Matt with hound Hamish

Do you allow yourselves the odd cheat day?

Of course, although we don’t necessarily have a whole day of treat foods, and nor do we plan it. We eat well most of the time and should we happen across an occasion or menu that has something we fancy, like ice cream or peanut M&Ms, then

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we have it. We’ll also tuck into a pizza and bowl of chips when we fancy them, then just resume business as usual.

The key is not stretching consumption across several days: Occasional intake won’t make a big difference if your lifestyle is generally healthy.

Next week: Keris and Matt reveal their top food and exercise tips and where they like to shop in Tunbridge Wells

PROTEIN PANCAKES What you need:

What you do:

1 banana, mashed 1 egg 20g vanilla protein powder (or substitute 2 more eggs) 1 tbsp ground flaxseed ¼ tsp vanilla extract Coconut oil or butter for cooking

1 Mix the ingredients thoroughly to make a batter (we used our Nutribullet blender).

2 Melt some coconut oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan.

3 Pour the batter into the pan and cook over a medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes on one side until browned. Flip over and cook for a further 3 minutes.

You may wish to make 2-3 smaller pancakes as these will be easier to flip.

4 Top with fresh berries and cinnamon.

To serve Fresh berries and cinnamon 1 tbsp cashew butter (optional) Serves: 1 Prep time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 6-8 minutes

SPICY GINGER WINGS

n The Paleo Primer: A Second Helping by Matt Whitmore and Keris Marsden Nourish Books, 2017 Paperback, £14.99

What you need:

What you do:

20 chicken wings 4 spring onions, finely sliced 1 inch cube fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1 red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 4 tbsp honey 2 tbsp tamari Coriander to garnish

1 Mix all the ingredients except the chicken wings in a large baking dish before adding the wings to the marinade and coating completely.

2 Cling-film the wings and leave to marinate for 12-24 hours.

3 Preheat the oven to 250°C/480°F/Gas mark 9.

4 Ensure the wings are in a single layer, and all the marinade is coating the wings. Then place them in the oven and cook on a high heat for

Makes: 20 wings Prep time: 8 minutes Cooking time: 30-35 minutes

15 minutes, or until they go nice and golden and the skin a little bit crispy.

Then turn the oven down to 180°C for a further 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Stir occasionally.

5 Remember that cooking times will vary depending on your oven.

6 Top with some chopped spring onion, chopped fresh chillies and fresh coriander, and serve.

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Food & Drink Advertorial

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Uncovering a not-so-secret Hide Out Having graced the edge of Tunbridge Wells Common for three years, just off the High Street in London Road, The Hide Out restaurant and bar is a consistently popular haunt for refreshment-seekers and diners alike. Here, Hannah Patterson meets Head Chef Jamie Tsui, who co-owns the establishment with Fiona Berg,, to find out the secrets of the venue’s longevity in such a competitive local market It’s been over a year since we last spoke.

What’s been happening here at The Hide Out? With regards to the menu, we’ve been keeping things as they were – we seem to have found a formula that works!

You used to change your menu fairly regularly…

Yes, I’d play around with it every month. But after a while we started getting regulars through the door who had a favourite dish, and if their dish wasn’t on the menu there was visible disappointment.

Now that we’ve developed favourites, customers want to come back for them, so we decided on a more fixed main menu and then an array of changing specials to accompany it.

And how would you describe the current menu in five words?

Absolutely. Amazing. Worth. A. Try. Very good! And if someone gave it ‘a try’, what could they expect?

It’s a little bit of everything, but there’s some definite Asian influences as well as some Northern Brazilian influences. I tend to go for the things I’d want to order myself in a restaurant – if it works, it stays.

OWNERS Jamie Tsui and Fiona Berg

‘Now that we’ve developed favourites, customers want to come back for them’

Food & Drink Advertorial

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

When did you first become interested in food and develop a passion for it?

Unconventionally, it was because my mum was an awful cook. So I started cooking at home, and when it came to finding a path after school I took a washing-up job in a local pub, and eventually the rest followed on from there. So I fell into it, really, but also discovered a love for it, which led to me learning to cook properly at Westminster College and then travelling the world, furthering my knowledge of food. I love making food for people to enjoy.

As a restaurant in the village area of town, what kind of customers do you tend to get?

Very particular ones. The people of Tunbridge Wells certainly like to keep us on our toes, but we love that the town is full of people who take their food seriously, know what they want, and have high expectations when it comes to quality.

We are always listening to our customers and catering to their wishes whenever possible.

For example, we get a lot of requests for particular wines.

Which of your dishes in particular do people come back for?

Everyone seems to have their own favourite. That said, the Nasi Goreng is always a winner and extremely popular. It’s an Indonesian rice dish topped with fried egg and crispy vegetables, with the option of adding either chicken or prawns.

It’s been a staple of the menu since the restaurant first opened, and there have been customers who have requested it based on a recommendation from a friend.

Is the key to longevity evolving with the desires of the customers?

I think it must be, though I think longevity requires a healthy dollop of luck as well.

There are a lot of nice restaurants in Tunbridge Wells so, as a restaurant owner, you’ve got to find a niche and make it work for you.

Our garden area has really brought people in – it’s such a nice place to kick back with a drink on sunny afternoons, especially with our 2-4-1 weekday cocktail offer.

A lot of the restaurants here are successful as a result of good footfall and aesthetic, but as we are slightly more tucked away, we have to rely on quality food and quality service to get people through the door.

A lot of your reviews focus on your customer service – is this something that is particularly important to you?

Definitely. Fiona is the face of the place. She’s always got so much energy and a huge smile on her face.

We used to work on Disney cruise ships, private yachts and all sorts of high-end ships. Have you

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A PEEK AT THE INSIDE A friendly place to dine

ever known anyone who’s worked for Disney?

They take customer service very seriously, and we learnt a great deal from that. They go to great lengths to ensure that their service is beyond excellent. Once you’ve dealt with the customers on one of those ships, you’re ready for anything!

I suppose we can credit a fair chunk of our success to the service we provide.

If you swapped places and were a customer here, what would you order?

Easy. I’d go for the calamari squid to start – such a simple thing to make, but always so delicious and bursting with flavour. Then I’d go for the Nasi Goreng, followed by a warm chocolate brownie with our banana fudge ice cream. We’ve got a range of ice cream flavours you can choose from, but that’s my recommendation.

Fiona would probably do the same, but she loves the Camembert to start, and often goes for the steak and chips – she loves the blue cheese sauce.

We don’t offer any kind of packages, instead we just ask people to call up and we can work something around them – it’s a lot more personal that way.

Our restaurant can accommodate up to 36 covers for private dining with a varied wine list and scrumptious food, and the upstairs lounge can fit up to 35 people comfortably for canapés.

Alternatively, you can hire the entire venue, which can accommodate up to 80 people. The restaurant makes for an amazing dance floor once all the tables are cleared.

We can do anything, from clearing the whole place, getting security in and arranging a band or DJ to hiring out just a single room for some cocktails.

We can arrange drinks, drinks and canapés, drinks with a meal… whatever you like.

That’s the main focus for now. And hopefully getting some more use out of our lovely, sunny garden area!

Finally, what do you think the future holds for The Hide Out? At the moment we have no major plans – we are just continuing what we’ve been doing, as it appears to be working. And we have been taking event bookings for the holiday season.

The Hide Out 26 London Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1DA www.thehideout.kitchen T: 01892 315297 E: contact@thehideout.kitchen

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Travel

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Bahrain goes full throttle…

The Arabian island state is one of the countries that plays host to racing’s Formula One, but there’s more to Bahrain than just a fancy circuit, fast cars and oil, as Lisa Haynes discovers

BEST FOOT FORT-WARD Lisa Haynes explores the historic Qal’at Al Bahrain

T

HE deafening roar of Formula One engines reverberates from my eardrums to the pit of my stomach. Someone offers me a pair of earplugs to muffle the sound, but I politely decline. We are just metres away from the starting grid at the Bahrain International Circuit and there is no adrenaline rush like it (if you like supercars, that is).

The fact that we’re stone-cold sober – watching from a ‘dry’ box to respect our local hosts – means we’re even more focused on all 57 laps as Sebastian Vettel cruises into pole position. Even the F1 podium vetoes the traditional Champagne spray in favour of a sparkling non-alcoholic drink RACING START Posing in front of the Bahrain GP sign

called Waard (though drinking alcohol isn’t banned in Bahrain for non-Muslims).

Home to a new Formula One circuit since 2004, Bahrain’s annual mid-April Grand Prix spectacle is undoubtedly its biggest tourism pull, with tickets from £123/60 BHD at www.bahraingp.com Revving up over three days, a schedule of practice sessions, driver meet-and-greets, pit lane walks and pre-race concerts (hello, Enrique Iglesias) means that hotels, hip restaurants and plane seats get booked up fast.

But, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and co aside, the small island state in the Gulf is gearing up to be a tourist destination in its own right; like a baby Dubai of sorts – but with way more history and cultural pull.

The kingdom is made up of 33 islands, but the majority of habitants are on mainland Bahrain and the island of Muharraq, which are connected by road. Islands such as Hawar and Umm An Na’san are mainly sanctuaries for Bahraini wildlife, like spiny-tailed lizards, sand gazelles and protected Socotra cormorant birds.

“My grandfather was a pearl diver,” our city guide, Fadhal, proudly announces, “but that all changed with the arrival of oil.”

Oil was first discovered in Bahrain – still known as the Pearl of the Gulf – in 1931, which coincided with the collapse of the once flourishing world pearl market. We visit the very unassuming site of the first ever Oil Well No.1, at the foothill of Jebel Al Dukhan, and check out the drilling equipment that helped trigger Bahrain’s boom. The clunky machinery is a far cry from the high-tech hydraulics we saw in action in the F1 race.

Now, with limited reserves and oil prices plummeting, Middle East countries like Bahrain have switched their focus from trade to tourism – attracting 200,000 visitors a week in the process.

New additions ideal for Instagram snaps include high-gloss hotels, like the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, which you’ll find on its own exclusive island,

PHOTO-FINISH Sebastian Vettel signs autographs at Bahrain International Circuit

‘My grandfather was a pearl diver… but that all changed with the arrival of oil’ and chic international restaurants like Asia de Cuba. This isn’t the Manhattan of the Middle East yet, but it’s slowly getting there…

Bahrain Bay, on the north coast of capital Manama, is the equivalent of Dubai’s mega-luxe The Palm – an ambitious $2.5billion project that

includes the new Wyndham Grand Manama Hotel, an iconic twisted glass structure that you can see for miles.

But despite the hype of shiny new development, it’s the Bahraini culture and history that’s perhaps the biggest draw for Brit first-timers.

We visit Haji’s Cafe, the oldest restaurant in Manama, dating back to 1950, to refuel for a day of sightseeing. A recent visit from celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has made the authentic cafe even more popular with locals and tourists.

There’s no set menu because it changes by the hour, so we’re warmly welcomed by the charismatic owner with red tea and saffron milk as we receive plate after plate of surprise mini breakfast dishes (all for around £4/2BHD each).

Travel

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

THE SPICE OF LIFE In Manama souq

you’d find at home. Lighter and sweeter, it’s often flavoured with cardamom and other spices.

After this, we head back to Manama, which is much buzzier and more atmospheric than the sleepy backstreets of Muharraq. We weave through the colourful markets, which have a constant chattering of sewing machines and locals haggling for produce.

The original location for Manama’s jewel trading, the Gold Suq is now a prime windowshopping location for magpies, with more than 30 family-owned stores selling nothing but shiny gold. The purest gold available in Bahrain is 24 carat and the price per gram is £31.86 (around 15.50BHD), with every piece weighed on small scales to determine the price.

With his pearl diving ancestry, it’s only fitting that Fadhal takes us to one of Manama’s most prestigious shops, Al Hashimi Pearls.

The owner proudly showcases one of the most

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expensive types of pearl, dana, which can set you back around £20,000 for a necklace.

I wonder to myself who might splash out on such an expensive piece – but then you never know, there might be a Formula One driver just around the corner…

HOW TO GET THERE WELCOME COOL The Gulf Hotel

FLYING THE FLAG A Bahraini girl

It’s a banquet of egg mixed with tomato and coriander, chickpeas, cheesy beans, warm Bahraini flatbreads and fresh natural yogurts.

Going back even further in time, to around 2300BC, we brave the searing midday heat to explore an archaeological site that was once the capital of Dilmun, one of the region’s most important ancient civilisations. The ruins of the 16th-century Portuguese fort Qal’at Al Bahrain, now a World Heritage Site, perch atop layers of human occupation.

Another trip highlight is wandering through the magical narrow alleyways of Muharraq, Bahrain’s second largest island and another World Heritage Site. Extensive restoration projects – some still ongoing – have brought some of its oldest

properties back to life. We seek shade at Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House, which gives you a glimpse into how 19th-century Bahraini royalty lived.

With its ornate wall carvings and stained-glass windows, this elaborate abode is considered to be one of the most impressive examples of Gulf Islamic architecture in Bahrain.

Other features include a natural take on air-conditioning – we stand under a mini ‘wind tower’ to feel the light breeze created by the building’s makeshift cooling system.

We then make a pit-stop at the House of Coffee for a mid-tour energy boost, a modern space that was once three traditional Bahraini houses.

Gahwa (Arabic coffee) is a big part of Arabian hospitality, but it’s nothing like the black coffee

n Rooms at the Gulf Hotel start from £115 per night, room only (www.gulfhotelbahrain.com) n Gulf Air flies direct from London to Bahrain twice a day, and has been the title sponsor of the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix since 2004 (www.gulfair.com) For more information, visit www.btea.bh

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Motoring

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

FIRST DRIVE

Range Rover Velar

Jack Evans heads to Norway to test Range Rover’s latest SUV – the Velar

WHAT’S NEW? Those looking to buy a Range Rover used to have three main options: The Evoque at the more affordable end of the spectrum, the Sport, which sat in the middle, and the standard Range Rover at the very top.

Now, there’s one more car in the family – the Velar. Designed to sit in between the Evoque and Sport, it’s a mid-sized SUV for those who want a little more space and a little more luxury.

Featuring an all-new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which comprises two high-definition 10.2-inch touchscreens, and fitted with Range Rover’s latest tech, it’s the most cuttingedge car the brand has ever put to market.

There are rivals – the Porsche Macan being the primary one – but in a segment almost brim full of SUVs, the Velar does have a tough fight on its hands.

LOOKS AND IMAGE The front end is unmistakable as that of a Range Rover – but with a twist. It features full Matrix LED headlights that are almost razor thin, sitting either side of a prominent grille. A side look the Velar’s profile reveals it to be rather raked, though it still incorporates a ‘floating roof’ design as seen on other cars in the range.

The extremely short overhang at the front is contrasted by quite a large one at the rear which, in our eyes, can make it appear a touch dumpy. That said, the door handles, which electronically retract to become flush with the car’s bodywork, are an extremely neat touch, and it all works together to create a car that looks more like a concept than a vehicle you can actually go out and buy.

Inside, the cabin is dominated by the new infotainment system, which gives easy access to navigation, media and phone functions via the top monitor, or climate control settings and driving mode selections through the lower one. It’s as good to use as look at, and represents a huge step forward for the brand.

the airy cabin means it does feel spacious overall, while soft-touch materials and well-padded seats make it comfortable.

BEHIND THE WHEEL The first thing that strikes you when you get behind the wheel – before you’ve even started the engine – is just how vast the Velar feels. It’s nigh impossible to see the very front of the car, and this can be a little disconcerting to begin with. This could be down to the cabin’s low positioning, combined with the vehicle’s sheer size – though we’d need a little more time in it on UK roads to find out.

After selecting ‘D’ on the car’s rotary gear controller, our test car – fitted with the turbocharged V6 diesel – pulled away cleanly and responded with more than enough urgency for a vehicle of this size.

The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifted without any fuss, and you can take manual control of switching cogs via the steering wheel-mounted paddles should you want to – though most drivers are likely to forget these in daily driving and leave the gearbox in all-auto mode.

The impressive 700Nm of torque on tap makes for swift and easy overtaking, and means the Velar never feels out of puff, even on extremely steep gradients, such as the ones on our Norwegian test route.

The steering feels somewhat distant to begin with due to its relative lightness, but you soon become used to it. There’s not a huge amount of feel, but it’s not a hard car to place on the road. The only drawback is, again, the car’s size, and this can make it feel a little cumbersome on single country lanes.

Our car was an HSE model and came fitted with air suspension and 21-inch alloy wheels. We also tested a First Edition-specification car – limited to the first year of production – and the ride was noticeably firmer on its larger 22-inch alloys.

The Velar is also nothing short of exceptional when it comes to tackling tricky conditions. It’s fitted with the latest Terrain Response system, which allowed the car to scrabble up incredibly steep gradients, as well as handle all manner of slippery surfaces. If left in full auto terrain mode, it’ll happily tackle almost anything – even when on standard road tyres.

If you want a car for all conditions, then this is the one to go for – it more than lives up to Range Rover’s ‘go anywhere’ ethos.

VALUE FOR MONEY Prices for the Velar start at £44,830 for a base-spec vehicle fitted with the fourcylinder Ingenium diesel engine. As standard, all cars get Terrain Response,

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Range Rover Velar ENGINE TESTED: 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel POWER: 300bhp TORQUE: 700Nm MAX SPEED: 150mph 0-60MPH: 6.1 seconds MPG: 44.1 EMISSIONS: 167g/km BASE PRICE: £48,830

18-inch alloy wheels and manually adjustable heated front seats – though they’re only manually adjustable. Cruise control, autonomous braking and keyless entry is also included, as is the infotainment system. This trim is available with the four-cylinder only.

Mid-range SE cars benefit from 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera and a full 12.3-inch screen replacing the car’s traditional dials. You also get leather seats, of which the front two are powered and heated. However, these cars cost from £56,060 – though are now available with the turbocharged V6 diesel.

Prices for the Velar can go as high as £85,450 for top-spec First Edition cars, while the middle range cars offer excellent value for money as they come fitted with a good amount of standard equipment and enough luxuries to keep even the most avid button-pusher happy.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The Velar will be perfect for those who want elegant looks and the latest tech wrapped up in a true go-anywhere package. Many may be tempted over to Range Rover from other brands, and we couldn’t blame them. Relatively limited rear legroom aside, it’s a very well-rounded car, and likely to be immensely popular.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Any SUV needs to be practical, and the Velar is something of a mixed bag in this respect. The boot space is impressive – 632 litres of with the rear seats raised, rising to 1,731 litres with them folded flat. It’s a huge load area, and because it’s square in size, it is very useable.

Because it’s a high car, lugging heavier items into the boot could be a bit of a challenge, but there’s not much of load lip, which makes it a little easier.

In contrast, the rear seat legroom seems somewhat mean. With two average-sized adults sat up front, there really wasn’t much space in the rear for a car of this size – though head and shoulder room levels were just right. In truth, we could have seen a little more taken off the boot capacity for the sake of more legroom. But

‘It’s the most cutting-edge car the brand has ever put to market’

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Gardening

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

ways to be waterwise during the warmer summer months

There’s been no sign yet of a hosepipe ban, but we should all be thinking of ways to use less water in the hotter weather – particularly the green-fingered among us. Here’s how you can cut down on the amount of fresh water you use in your garden 1. Water at certain times

Water in the early morning or at dusk to reduce evaporation. Don’t water in the heat of the day.

Use water butts; put pots under hanging baskets so the overspill also waters plants below, and leave clippings on the lawn after mowing to retain moisture.

2. Avoid sprinklers

A sprinkler can use up to 1,000 litres of drinking water, or 220 gallons, in an hour. There are so many products on the market now to help us save water that there’s really no excuse not to, from controlled irrigation systems – where sensors

monitor the moisture in the soil and only water your plants when the soil really needs it – to bathwater diverters, which send all your ‘grey’ water to your water butt.

3. Don’t water established lawns

If we have a long, hot spell, your lawn may turn a bit brown, but it will recover in the autumn rains.

Leave grass to grow a bit longer to preserve water, and introduce drought-tolerant clovers, which will prevent the lawn from changing colour completely when a dry spell hits.

4. Buy the right plant for you

Some plants need more water than others, so if you’re planning a waterwise summer, make sure you’ve got the right plants for your garden. Avoid tropical flowers and aim to buy plants from your local area.

5. Recycle your water as much as possible

Try to recycle water as a matter of course. Use a plastic bowl for washing up and then deposit the water on to your plants, as a

small amount of washing-up liquid isn’t going to hurt them.

6. Use the rain to water your plants

Up to 85,000 litres of rain falls on your roof each year, so install a water butt and use it to water your plants and wash your car.

7. Choose your plant placements wisely

Some more thirsty specimens in pots may benefit from being placed on a tray lined with capillary matting, which soaks

up the water and then delivers the moisture to the roots gradually when it’s needed.

8. Mulch!

Add a thick layer of mulch around your plants. That could be anything that will cover the soil sufficiently to prevent it from getting too hot. Leaves and bark work very well, and they gradually break down towards winter. Other things you might use could be pebbles, needles, straw, fruit pips or even newspaper.

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late-flowering blooms to make summer last

HERE are a few ways to keep your garden looking colourful for longer.

The end of summer can mark the start of wilted annuals and faded perennials, but if you add some beautiful, bold, late-flowering plants, you can make your garden a riot of colour until autumn.

It’s easy to do with a host of bright blooms which will fit into many planting schemes and situations.

1. Hydrangea

Flaunting an old-fashioned charm in a variety of colours – blues, vibrant pinks and frosty whites – hydrangeas grow up to six feet high and wide, so they’re great for creating a ‘sea of flowers’ effect.

You can get different varieties, including lacecap, mophead or oakleaf hydrangeas. Consider placing in front of taller plants like small or medium-size trees that could offer the shade the shrubs prefer. But beware, too much shade can reduce their flowering.

2. Dahlia

Flowering from mid-summer until the first frosts (which can be around mid-October, depending where you live), these popular blooms come in bronze, dark red, lavender, orange and pink, and are

Gardening all different shapes and sizes. They make great stand-alones in their own beds or paired with grasses and verbena plants. They need a well-worked soil with good drainage.

Once established, be sure to water them three or four times a week.

Dahlia

3. Crocosmia

These bright flowers are maintenance-free and easy to grow.

Their bold, sword-like flowers mainly come in reds, oranges and yellows. Depending on the variety, crocosmia can grow up to a metre tall, and they don’t need pruning.

Just remove the dead leaves and flower stems before spring, when new growth starts.

Crocosmia

4. Sedum Spectabile

These pink, late-summer flowers will save your garden from getting the blues. Plant in a sunny position and pair with Japanese anemones, phlox or penstemons. They require little care, just check them regularly to make sure they’re not too dry.

5. Rudbeckias

Bushy plants that create masses of bold, zingy yellow flowers. Also known as black-eyed Susans due to the distinctive big black cone in the centre, they have a long flowering period between July and October.

They are drought-resistant, not too fussy about soil type, and can grow over three feet tall, with a flower diameter of 2-3 inches.

Hydrangea

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PROPERTY

Interiors

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

WHITE DECOR: TAKE A SHORTCUT TO CALM WITH NEUTRAL INTERIORS Tranquil tints are key ingredients for stress-busting schemes

IF YOU’RE craving an escape from the heat and stresses of the day, pale and interesting rooms could be the answer. A neutral palette is not only fashionable but visually restful.

“We believe in putting together a relaxed and comfortable home that reflects your own particular lifestyle and personality, and the quest to create a happy home – not a show home – is paramount,” explains stylist Atlanta Bartlett, who, along with her husband, Dave Coote, has authored the book Pale & Interesting – a guide to decorating with a muted palette of subtle shades, for harmonious, soothing interiors.

“A laid-back, relaxed look stems from an easy-going attitude and is conjured with neutral tones and clever use of contrast,” she adds. “Then make it your own by pairing functional with decorative, elegant with casual, hand-made with man-made, and old with new.”

Take your pick from a sophisticated ‘Chic White’ scheme or ‘Shades of Pale’, a fresh interpretation of rustic.

SHADES OF PALE

Decor tip: Architectural reclamation companies are a recycler’s dream. Plunder them for pieces such as old shutters, which can be transformed into fitted cupboards.

A pile of roof slates can be given a new lease of life as a table top, and an old window fitted with mirrored glass could be a stunning centrepiece for a hallway

This is all about a gentle, pared-back, country-style interior, which celebrates natural textures, tones and upcycling.

“Ensure your home has depth and interest by exploring the use of texture and form,” advises Atlanta. “Take inspiration from nature’s earthy tones and combine rough with smooth, geometric with organic, light with dark.

“Recycling and reusing are essential to the Pale & Interesting ethos. Not only do they lighten the load on the

world’s natural resources, but they’re also easy on your pocket, and will help you to create an individual one-off style that cannot be bought on the high street.

“Furniture and accessories that show signs of wear and tear are like dear old friends – full of warmth and character. Think of textures like shades on a paint palette and combine surfaces as you would colours. Bear in mind that heavier, coarser ones, like wood, stone or linen, lend themselves to a more relaxed, rustic look.”

Interiors

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

CHIC WHITE

‘Soften the look with colour for accents and focal points. Chalky pastels, off-whites, greys and neutrals will add just the right amount’

“This simple way of decorating – with a predominantly white palette – creates spaces that feel calm, spacious and uncluttered,” says Atlanta.

“When it comes to furniture and accessories, less is definitely more.

“Stick to one or two key pieces and allow them plenty of space to breathe so they can speak for themselves.

“Soften the look with colour for accents and focal points. Chalky pastels, offwhites, greys and neutrals will add just the right amount, without being overbearing or fussy. Alternatively, even one bright blue cushion in an all-white scheme will offer a welcome place to rest your eye.”

White Wired Side Tables £195.00 www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Decor tip: In general, smooth, shiny or silky surfaces – such as mirror, lacquer or satin – create a more formal environment. If you have a family and pets, use washable wall paints, opt for painted floorboards rather than carpets, and plenty of easy-care loose covers, so the space is practical as well as beautiful

PROPERTY

Origiami Rocketinos Cushion Concrete £95.00 www.kirkbydesign.com

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Life & Style

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

SJD PROJECTS

LOCAL CURRY RESTAURANT HELPS SOLICITORS TREK THE NIGHT

What if we told you that you could be sitting on an opportunity that could help transform your business and set you on the path to success?

Jewel Zaman, the Proprietor of The Raj Pavilion in Tunbridge Wells, held a curry and raffle night to help the Warners Walkers team raise funds for the midnight charity walk. The event was well attended and donations to the raffle were made by various local businesses.

Thousands of business owners around the country are losing out on potential sales and instant financial gains – how? They own commercial and industrial sites in the centre of towns and villages; sites that do not add value to the business and can hinder its growth.

“Everybody really enjoyed the event and praised the food - which I can confirm was absolutely delicious” said Mel Davis from the Warners Walkers team.

While a prime location in the centre of a town or village was vital to achieving success, changes in consumer spending habits in the last two decades have changed the rules of the game. Today, many of the companies that own these locations are now better suited to retail parks, which offer both competitive prices and on-site parking.

The Warners Walkers team was made up of 12 members of staff from the Tonbridge and Sevenoaks based law firm, Warners Solicitors. They took part in Trek the Night Lite, a challenging walk of 18 miles across the South Downs at midnight on 15 July 2017 and stomped home in second place.

Eleanor Norman said “the trek was really tough but very rewarding and so far we have managed to raise £3,370 for the children’s charity Action Medical Research.”

Hundreds of thousands of children’s lives are devastated by disease and disability. Medical research can help children like these but is underfunded in the UK. For every project Action funds there is another one they have to turn away – simply because of a lack of funds. New treatments and cures for sick babies and children are urgently needed.

You can still sponsor the team by visiting www.action.org.uk/sponsor/warnerswalkers

LOCAL AUTHOR RELEASES SEQUEL TO LANGTON GREEN BASED BOOK Local author, Jules Hillyar, has brought out the new instalment of his two part chronicle, Between Heaven and Charing Cross. Born and bred in the Southern English countryside, Jules now lives in Rusthall and has set his books in Langton Green. Having walked out of school when younger and traded conventional life to pursue physical studies, the novel focuses on the danger of science’s assumption that the physical world is our sole reality. The two part chronicle was planned to highlight the problem in this through both tragedy and humour. Readers can discern how to ensure their own safe passing as well as enrich their personal horizon. They may even come to feel part of the plan laid by souls in 1933 for a unique society based upon what is revealed within.

Available on Amazon.co.uk

SWEETWOODS PARK GOLF CLUB HOSTS GOLF EXPERIENCE DAYS THIS SUMMER Never visited Sweetwoods Park before and wondering what all the fuss is about? Well Sweetwoods Park has just launched their brand new Experience Days; giving golfers the chance to play this stunning parkland course, listed as number 48 out of the top 100 UK courses (based on Golfshake reviews).

The Experience Days are also completely tailored to individuals, so whether you’re visiting Sweetwoods Park as a general golfer, a corporate golfer or a lady golfer, the introduction will be personal to you.

The packages offer a host of benefits including: 2 month advance booking, access to the practice range, a complimentary course guide and a meal in the contemporary clubhouse.

Set on the A264 between Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead, Sweetwoods Park will be offering these Experience Days until the end of October.* Director of Golf at Sweetwoods Park, Matt Tyler, said “Here at Sweetwoods Park we’re passionate about getting more golfers out on the course and playing the game. We hope that our Experience Days will give golfers motivation to enjoy a round of golf this summer, as well as a host of other benefits”.

To find out more information or to book your place, head to sweetwoodspark.com or email Lorina Blacker, Membership Administrator at Sweetwoods Park. Lorina can be contacted via email at lorina.blacker@sweetwoodspark.com or call 01342 850 729 Ext. 2.

Industrial sites and commercial properties with multiple floors have the highest potential. These second floor spaces are often seen as a by-product of business operations and are not utilised.

However, while it may appear that the bulk of the property’s value lies in the bottom floor, today that is simply not the case. Nearly a quarter of a million homes in the UK lie empty – wasting both space and money.

By transforming these commercial properties and industrial sites into residential spaces, the population in the area will grow. This will lead to more business for companies in the area, especially those who have acquired loyal customers.

Are you the owner of a commercial property or industrial site in a town or village centre? If you are, then it may be time for you to find out what potential opportunities await you and your business.

At SJD Projects, we advise property owners like yourself on the potential of your site and introduce you to property developers looking to add to their portfolio.

Contact Stephen Donnelly at steve@sjd-projects.com today to find our more information. Our advice is free of charge and, in most cases, the developer will cover all the relevant fees.

Puzzles

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

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

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Codeword:

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A L L OW N E H I NOG A I P F E S T I F F I M D G U MM E R N E Y A N D R E T I J O U S A G E R T C R E V E N T

5 3 4

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

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in next week’s paper

Sudoku:

1 8 2 9 5 3 7 4 6

6 9 5 7 4 8 3 2 1

3 7 4 2 6 1 9 8 5

Q U I C K N D U N N I N T R O L ON E W E N I G E L R E O H U NW I N D A M T G I B O Y L E A R G E G R OW L A Z E I A T E L E X Jigsaw Sudoku:

7 3 8 6 1 2 5 9 4

5 2 9 8 7 4 1 6 3

4 1 6 3 9 5 2 7 8

2 4 7 1 3 6 8 5 9

8 5 1 4 2 9 6 3 7

9 6 3 5 8 7 4 1 2

6 5 9 4 7 2 3 8 1

2 1 5 7 6 8 9 4 3

8 6 3 5 1 7 4 9 2

4 2 1 3 5 6 8 7 9

1 3 8 9 4 5 2 6 7

7 9 6 1 3 4 5 2 8

5 7 2 8 9 3 6 1 4

3 4 7 2 8 9 1 5 6

9 8 4 6 2 1 7 3 5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DIFFICULTY RATING:

1

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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FEATURES

Local News

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

NEWS

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Test your children’s talents through a top town theatre Calling all wannabe actors, singers, directors and prop makers. If you want an artistic life in the spotlight, then Trinity’s Youth Theatre is the place to start, according to its Youth and Learning Officer, Jess Horsley. Here, she tells Eileen Leahy all about the courses they offer, and how fledgling performers and producers can get involved…

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HE school holidays are now in full swing, but with the long summer break comes the familiar dilemma of what to do with the children in order to keep them occupied and interested.

If they’re creative and enjoy singing and dancing, or have designs on being a prop designer or producer, then the good news is there are a number of local establishments who run various theatre courses which usually culminate in putting on a big production at the end.

One of the area’s most successful is Trinity’s Youth Theatre, which has courses for younger years – from the age of three – up until late teens.

As well as their intensive summer courses, which result in a fun production being put on – this year it’s Singin’ in the Rain – the good news is Trinity also run workshops throughout term time, usually on Monday evenings, so you can still express yourself come September.

Trinity’s aim – whether it’s a term-time event or a week of full-on workshops – is for all performers to ‘have fun, make friends and create memories by taking up the challenge of rehearsing and

performing’, says Jess Horsley, the theatre’s Youth and Learning Officer.

“Trinity Youth Theatre is jam-packed with workshops, projects and opportunities for children and young people (school year 3-13),” she continues. “Our Monday night drama workshops feature a mixture of drama techniques which help to develop skills, build confidence GETTING THE BUG Children enjoy a spot of splurging in previous production Bugsy Malone

and teach you about the world of theatre. We often have guest practitioners popping by to cover things like physical theatre, stage combat and more.”

This coming term, the youth theatre will be holding auditions for their forthcoming February play, Alice in Wonderland.

“This will be done through our new Perform

GUYS AND MOLLS Girls don 1920s’ dress for Bugsy Malone

‘Trinity Youth Theatre is jam-packed with workshops, projects and opportunities for children and young people’ strand,” explains Jess. “We’re going full-out wacky with this beloved tale full of crazy creatures, curious characters, Cheshire cats, caterpillars and croquet!

“Young people in school year 8 and above will be able to audition, rehearse and perform on the Trinity stage, and there are lots of opportunities to help out backstage, too.”

If you want to shun the limelight and work behind the scenes on, perhaps, production and lighting, then Trinity also offer the opportunity to do this courtesy of their Technical Summer School.

“This will teach the basics of becoming a

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

theatre technician,” says Jess. “Over five days, participants will design and build a theatre set, rig and plot lights, programme sounds and learn the basics of stage management.”

The current one runs from today [Wednesday] until Sunday, but there are numerous workshops of this kind on offer throughout the year.

Jess goes on to say: “If you fancy film-making, we also have a new project starting on September 16 as part of our Create strand, called Make a Movie, for 13-18 year olds. Across six weeks you will create a short movie on location with a professional film-maker.”

The theatre also hosts a number of one-off one-day workshops, so if you’re short on time then these are a good idea. They include a UV Paint Workshop and Photoshoot, which will have you glowing in no time (Fri Aug 18, age 13-18); Design Horror Masks, run by an experienced theatre designer (Sat Oct 28, age 7-13); and a Physical Theatre Workshop with a professional movement tutor (Sat Oct 7, age 14-18).

Staging Singin’ in the Rain Jr Dubbed one of the greatest movie musicals of all time, Metro GoldwynMayer’s Singin’ in the Rain is what Trinity’s Senior Summer Project will be perfoming from Saturday August 12 with a matinée and evening performance.

Rehearsals run from next Monday [August 7] until Friday August 11 from 9.30am until 4.30pm and are open to those aged 13-18 at a cost of £150 per person.

Technical Summer School Split between Trinity Theatre and The Skinners’ Kent Academy, this five-day intensive course will teach the basics of becoming a theatre technician. Participants will design and build a theatre set, rig and plot lights and learn the basics of stage managing in a working theatre from behind the scenes.

This course is perfect for young people who are interested in what goes on backstage, in seeing theatre from a different perspective, or for anyone who is technically-minded.

Trinity Theatre/The Skinners’ Kent Academy • Wed Aug 2- Sun Aug 6 • 10am- 4pm • 13-18 year olds • £150 To book, or for more information about festivals, residential courses and more, go to www.trinityyouththeatre.co.uk

FEATURES

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Got to dance…

IF HIP-HOP or breakdance is your thing, or you want to follow in the talented footsteps of performers such as Ellie Goulding and Lady Gaga, how about getting involved in this year’s Nifty Feet Summer Dance Camp? Running from August 14 to 18 in Benenden Village Hall, this high energy pop-up dance school is run by Lynne Page, choreographer to the aforementioned stars, and also Jamie Bell, who played the first Billy Elliot, as well as Kanye West and Spiderman’s Tom Hollander.

She and her team of contemporary dance experts will be teaching dance fans all the right moves in this five-day course, which was a sell-out last summer and at Easter.

Nifty Feet was originally a highly successful London dance school, and when Lynne moved to Bodiam she became passionate about bringing her cool, fun and funky dance to children and teenagers in Kent and East Sussex.

“It is not just the exceptional quality of teaching that makes this the must-do activity of the summer,” says Lynne – it’s also about her philosophy of

REACH FOR THE STARS Stretching it out ‘building students’ self-esteem and confidence by freeing up the mind and body through creative thought and movement’.

Go along and see for yourself how your young ones can benefit from this week of classes. Nifty Feet runs from Monday August 14 to Friday August 18 at Benenden Village Hall, The Street, Benenden.

Junior classes are for 8-12 year olds and run from 10.30am-4pm at a cost of £45 per day. Teenage classes are for 13-16 yr olds, running from 4-6pm at £15 per session. See www.niftyfeet.co.uk CLASS OF 2016 Smiles all round

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What’s On

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

A TASTE OF GLYNDEBOURNE If you can’t enjoy the real thing, catch a live opera screening at the Odeon on Thursday >> WEDNESDAY Today is National Playday, so to celebrate there will be an event organised by Kent High Weald Parntership at Hilbert Woods, located in one of the area’s oldest parks. Running from 11am until 3pm, there will be lots of fun activities on offer and plenty of games to get stuck into at this free event, which is perfect for all the family. For further details see www.khwp.org.uk Trinity Theatre will be screening Destination Unknown this evening from 8pm. Directed by Claire Ferguson, it is a remarkable documentary which looks at a group of 12 survivors of the Holocaust and the impact it has had on their lives ever since. Cleverly blending personal stories with historical archive footage, it is a compelling and emotional watch. Tickets cost from £9 per person and are available from www.trinitytheatre.net

WILD AT HEART: Will Gabrielle escape a loveless marriage in From The Land Of The Moon?

>> THURSDAY Trinity’s current exhibition is entitled Son’s Tribute to Father’s Art and showcases the work of the late artist Cyril Bolam, who lived in the area up until his death in 1989 and had work accepted at the Mall Galleries in London. His work includes many different painting styles and subject matters, including landscapes, boating scenes, still lifes and Mediterranean villages. The show is free to enter and runs until Sunday [August 6].

At 6pm this evening, the Odeon cinema will screen a transmission from Glyndebourne of La clemenza di Tito. If you’re not familiar with this lesser known of Mozart’s operas, then here’s a quick synopsis: Spurned by Tito, Vitellia seeks revenge. Besotted Sesto agrees to avenge her as a token of his love, but all does not go to plan.

Loosely based on the life of the Roman Emperor Titus, this work delivers all of the sublime musical beauty and heart-tugging humanity we expect of the famous composer. Australian tenor Steve Davislim makes his Glyndebourne debut as Tito, with Alice Coote as Vitellia and Kate Lindsey as Sesto. Tickets cost £20 per adult and £17.50 for children. Special deals on family tickets are also available www.odeon.co.uk >> FRIDAY Grosvenor and Hilbert Park continue their school holiday fun today with a special Flower Power event. Starting off at 9.30am and running until around 11am, its aim is to get children out and

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

about exploring the area’s variety of wildflowers, impressive blooms and trees. After their tour around the grounds, little ones will have the opportunity to make their own willow and floral head crowns. Suitable from age 4 upwards, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost £3 per child and must be booked by emailing: steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk The glorious grounds of Groombridge Place will host a special screening of Pride & Prejudice this evening, courtesy of Cinestock, the country’s largest independent outdoor cinema company.

The film, which stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, was filmed in 2005 at Groombridge Place, so tonight’s open-air screening will be extra special given the local connection. For tickets and timings see www.cinestock.co.uk >> SATURDAY This weekend Bewl Water will host its annual weekend of Triathlon and Open Water Swim events. So if you’re a keen runner, swimmer or cyclist, then make sure you go along and take part. You can put your stamina to the test in either event and there are various options available, including swim lengths of either 1.9km or 3.8km. Find out more info at www.bewlwater.co.uk This morning there will be a guided walk through Newbars Wood in Pembury. Free to attend, it will start at 11am and finish at 1pm. To book see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org Visit the Abergavenny Arms in Frant this afternoon for a taste of their Gin and Beer Festival. With over 25 Gins and 12 Cask Beers, there’s bound to be something to please every palate. There will also be live music with DJ Alex Gold from 3pm until 6pm. For more info see www.abergavennyarms.co.uk Puccini’s La Bohème is being staged this evening from 8pm at

Hever’s open-air Festival Theatre. What is considered to be the Italian composer’s finest score will be brought to life by the talented Opera Brava cast. If you’re not au fait with the plot, then the action surrounds a group of Bohemians living in Paris in the 1830s, and follows the tragic love affair of seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo.

Tickets cost £29.50 for reserved covered seating.

To book tickets, call 01732 866114 or visit www.heverfestival.co.uk There’s musical entertainment of a different kind over at the Assembly Hall tonight courtesy of Twist & Shout. Packed full of sensational swinging 60s hits by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Cilla Black and Dusty Springfield, all performed by a live band, this is a great trip down memory lane for any music fans of yesteryear.

Tickets cost from £18.50 plus booking fee from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk >> SUNDAY The Support Local Pop-Up will be hosting its latest showcase event at One Warwick Park today from 10am-4pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the inspiring work and unique brands promoted by some of the area’s most talented and successful online retailers. Those present on the day will include Dowel & Biscuit, Claire Ford Jewellery and Peachy Pottery. For further information on this event, see the Support local pop up Facebook page.

Nicole Garcia’s From The Land Of The Moon (Mal De Pierres) is being screened tonight at Trinity. Set in 1950s France and starring Marion Cotillard in the lead role of Gabrielle, it tells the tale of her character’s struggle to leave a loveless marriage which has been forced

PICK OF THE WEEK Bears at Hole Park Gardens

WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT? Bears at Hole Park Gardens

Rolvenden, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11am-6pm As well as both adults and children admiring all the beautiful blooms on display, youngsters of all ages can see the new tree carving sculpture which features a family of bears climbing an oak tree to reach a honeypot.

Admission: £7 for adults and £1 for children. For more information about the gardens, see www.holepark.com

What’s On

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music IT’S another jam-packed week across the local music scene with an array of fantastic local gigs and concerts to be enjoyed. Below are my top ENJOY NATIONAL PLAYDAY: At Hilbert Woods picks of the week.

Tonight (Wednesday) sees the brilliant Philip upon her by her parents, who want to curtail her Clemo perform at The Grey Lady with support free-spirited behaviour. Their plan is foiled, from Evi Vine. however, when Gabrielle is sent for medical On Friday night, the 6 Daze Of Summer show at treatment to the Alps and meets war veteran André. The Sussex Arms Basement features a superb Tickets cost from £9 and the screening starts at 5pm. triad of local original acts with We are Bandicoot, The Floodgates and Kyla & Nat all performing. >> MONDAY Two other shows to look out for are Bombay Groombridge Place starts its second summertime Monkey at The Forum and J.E.M at The Beau Nash special this week. Entitled Wizards, Magic & both performing this Saturday evening.

Monsters, it runs until August 20 and its focus is all things supernatural and spells. Go along and meet Kyla & Nat the colourful characters of ‘olde Groombridge’, hear their interesting tales and see some of their mesmerising magic tricks. To book tickets, go to www.thelittleboxoffice.com/groombridge >> TUESDAY Over at Bore Place in Bough Beech, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic will be taking place from 9.45am. Best suited to little ones aged 3-6, it gives them an opportunity to explore the venue’s vegetable garden, get up close to the dairy cows and make and bake their own delicious scones. The children will then have the chance to prepare their own picnics before heading off to enjoy a delicious al fresco feast.

Tickets cost £15 per child, who must be accompanied by an adult. Dress appropriately for the weather. For further information, see www.boreplace.co.uk

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

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late.

SATURDAY The Heartbeats SATURDAY Into The Blue TUESDAY For line-up, see www.pdag.co.uk/events WEDNESDAY For line-up, see www.pdag.co.uk/ events THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information at www.twforum.co.uk

THURSDAY The Sugarhill Gang (sold out) FRIDAY Holding Absence + COVE + Chapter and Verse SATURDAY Bombay Monkey + A Body of People + DJ Karl Quinn SUNDAY Unfest Sessions (1pm start) THE ASSEMBLY HALL Crescent Road. Event information at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY Twist & Shout (60s/70s pop/rock tribute) 7.30pm

FRIDAY 6 Daze Of Summer: Kyla & Nat + The Floodgates + We are Bandicoot

WEDNESDAY Philip Clemo’s Dream Maps live + Evi Vine FRIDAY Jazz Club Night

THE BULL INN Frant Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Atlas

THE SUSSEX ARMS Sussex Mews. Music from 8pm till late. For more information, visit www.twforum.co.uk

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

Websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk

FEATURES

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY Music Festival & BBQ: Emily Duo SATURDAY J.E.M. SUNDAY Open Mic Night

THE PANTILES BANDSTAND The Pantiles. Open all day, evening donations welcome, music from 8pm

THURSDAY Unit 7 THE CROSS KEYS St John’s Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm. Website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

MONDAY TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session The Floodgates

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NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

History beckons for Rustics as they face first ever FA Cup tie

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: THE progress of Rusthall FC continues apace on Sunday (August 6) when the 118-year-old club make their debut in the world’s oldest and most famous football competition, the FA Cup. They have been drawn at home to CB Hounslow United in the first of the cup’s preliminary rounds.

But the Rustics have had to switch the game to Culverden Stadium, the home of Tunbridge Wells FC, as their own Jockey Stadium is not ready following major renovations that have been carried out over the summer.

Since gaining promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern Counties East Football League last season, the pitch has been levelled and reseeded, and drainage has been laid. There will also be new dugouts, and a 125-seater stand is being installed.

The inaugural game at the new-look venue will, however, still be a special occasion, because Rusthall will play their first local league derby against Tunbridge Wells on the Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

The Rustics began pre-season training back in June and have enjoyed impressive attendances at their twice-weekly sessions.

They have played several friendlies, including a 4-1 victory over Hastings Under-21s on the coast last weekend, which have allowed the managerial team of the two Steves, Ashmore and Sands, to cast an eye over new players. The squad looks to

Brace yourselves for two massive local derbies before the end of August…

FOOTBALL:

THE footballing gods have looked down on west Kent and thought they would have a chuckle over Rusthall’s promotion to the Premier Division of the South East Counties Football League (SECFL) for the first time.

The league secretary must have a keen eye for history and local interest, since the Bank Holiday on August 28 has been designated as the day for the first ever SECFL fixture between the Rustics and fierce local rivals Tunbridge Wells.

And fittingly, it will also be the first match of the season to be played at Rusthall’s Jockey Stadium after the venue was overhauled to cater for higher grade football.

However, they may find themselves facing each other at Culverden even sooner than that.

The FA Cup draw for the next preliminary round has offered up the possibility of the sides meeting nine days earlier if they both win their first-round matches this weekend.

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

Young Welsh sets up Elder Tonbridge Angels 2 Whyteleafe 1

By James Rowe

SIGN OF THE TIMES: (L-R) Rusthall’s new signings Paul Butler, Ryan Waterman, Brett and Cameron Milham

have more depth compared to last season.

New signings include Paul Butler, a local player who was at Tunbridge Wells last season; Ryan Waterman, who played for Crowborough and Lancing during the last campaign, and brothers Cameron and Brett Milham, who were previously with Tonbridge Angels.

The club also hope to announce more big recruits ahead of the FA Cup tie. They have also gained the

services of Alan Murray, a qualified physiotherapist and Uefa accredited coach.

But the club are seeking a goalkeeping coach so if anyone is interested they are invited to contact the club by email at rusthallfc@outlook.com The cup tie at the Culverden Stadium kicks off at 2pm, and the Rustics are hoping for a big crowd to mark the historic occasion. Admission costs £7, or £4 for concessions.

FOOTBALL: SUPERIOR quality and fitness secured the win against Bostik South club Whyteleafe.

But the Angels were given a stiff examination ahead of the start of their league campaign.

The visitors went ahead in only the eighth minute when a cross from Lawre Azeez was deflected in.

But the lead was to last only two minutes. A cross from Andre McCollin saw Dan Thompson direct a header past Matt Pearson with good technique.

There were three good chances for Whyteleafe’s Daniel Akinwse, one of which forced an excellent save from Anthony di Bernardo.

At the other end McCollin’s shot on the turn brought out the best in Pearson, and Thompson nearly added a second with another header, this time from Liam Smith’s cross.

At times Tonbridge had been guilty of giving away possession too easily, but in the second half the hosts began to take a firmer grip on the game.

Luke Blewden, playing just behind the strikers, was becoming more influential.

Man of the match Dom Welsh, a former Under-18s player, made the assist for Nathan Elder’s winning goal in the 85th minute.

Welsh intercepted and laid on a slide-rule pass for Elder, who forced Pearson to ground and slipped the ball into the unguarded net.

Southern Counties East Football League and FA Cup fixtures 2017-18 Sat August 5 FA Cup extra preliminary round Rusthall v CB Hounslow United Tunbridge Wells v Beckenham Town

Tunbridge Wells v Croydon

Wed September 13 Rusthall v Glebe

Sat September 16

Sheppey United v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Lordswood

Tunbridge Wells v Hollands & Blair Kent Senior Trophy Preliminary round Croydon v Rusthall

Wed August 16

Tues September 19

Croydon v Rusthall Erith Town v Tunbridge Wells

AFC Croydon Athletic v Tunbridge Wells

Sat August 19

Wed September 20

FA Cup preliminary round Tunbridge Wells/Beckenham Town v Rusthall/CB Hounslow

Cray Valley v Rusthall

Sat August 12

Sat August 26 Sevenoaks Town v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Corinthian

Mon August 28

Rusthall v Tunbridge Wells

Sat September 2 Chatham Town v Tunbridge Wells Rusthall v Canterbury City

Tues September 5 Tunbridge Wells v Beckenham Town

Sat September 23

Sat October 14

Sat December 23

Kent Senior Trophy 1st round Crockenhill v Croydon/Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Snodland Town

Rusthall v Corinthian Tunbridge Wells v Sheppey United

Wed October 25

Sat December 30

Rusthall v Rochester United Whitstable Town v Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall v Beckenham Town

Crowborough Athletic v Tunbridge Wells Erith Town v Rusthall

Sat March 17 AFC Croydon Athletic v Rusthall Lordswood v Tunbridge Wells

Sat January 6

Sat March 24

Beckenham Town v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Sevenoaks Town

Corinthian v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Bearsted

Sat January 13

Rusthall v Lordswood Tunbridge Wells v Cray Valley

Sat October 28 Lordswood v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v AFC Croydon Athletic

Sat November 4 Rochester United v Tunbridge Wells Rusthall v Crowborough Athletic

Sat March 31 Mon April 2

Sat November 11

Tues September 26

Sat November 18

Beckenham Town v Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall v AFC Croydon Athletic

Rusthall v Chatham Town Tunbridge Wells v Whitstable Town

Rusthall v Cray Valley Tunbridge Wells v Deal Town

Sat September 30

Sat November 25

Sat February 3

Bearsted v Rusthall Canterbury City v Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall v Bearsted

Tunbridge Wells v Rusthall

Deal Town v Tunbridge Wells Rusthall v Whitstable Town

Sat December 2

Sat February 10

Sat April 21

Sat October 7

Rochester United v Rusthall

Hollands & Blair v Tunbridge Wells Rusthall v Deal Town

Hollands & Blair v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Rochester United

Sat February 24

Sat April 28

Rusthall v Erith Town Tunbridge Wells v Canterbury City

Rusthall v Croydon Sheppey United v Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells v Glebe

Wed September 27

Tunbridge Wells v Erith Town Whitstable Town v Rusthall

Sat December 9

Crowborough Athletic v Rusthall

Sat September 9

Tues October 10

Cray Valley v Tunbridge Wells

Sevenoaks Town v Tunbridge Wells

Sat December 16

Tues September 12

Sat March 10

FA Vase 2nd round qualifying Sheppey United/Loxwood v Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall v Sevenoaks Town Tunbridge Wells v Crowborough Athletic

Thurs September 7

Corinthian v Tunbridge Wells Rusthall v Hollands & Blair

Glebe v Rusthall

Glebe v Tunbridge Wells Rusthall v Sheppey United Bearsted v Tunbridge Wells Deal Town v Rusthall

Sat January 20 Sat January 27

Sat March 3

Chatham Town v Rusthall Croydon v Tunbridge Wells

Sat April 7 Canterbury City v Rusthall Tunbridge Wells v Chatham Town

Sat April 14

Sporting Times

Wednesday August 2 | 2017

NEWS

63

Superb Jenkins keeps raising the bar

CLOSE CONTROL Becky Janes shows her skills

CYCLING: PIP JENKINS continued her stellar season by winning the women’s Kent Cycling Association 10-mile time trial (TT) on the Q10/42 course near Deal.

The Southborough & District Wheelers rider covered the distance in 23min 32sec, placing her in the top 10 overall.

In what is proving to be an outstanding campaign, Pip also won the Ramsay Cup open 25-mile TT, completing the course in 1hr 1min 13sec.

Then she set a new ladies course record to win the VTTA cycling open 50-mile TT on the Q10/50 Romney Marsh course. Her time of 2:01.26 was also good enough to place in the top 20 overall.

Fellow club rider Kieran Fitzpatrick also recorded an impressive time of 2:02.00 to finish 20th in a competitive field of 68 riders.

Mark and Jack Johnson finished in ninth and 12th place respectively in the Junior/ Juvenile GHS 10-mile TT on the Deal course.

T20 trail goes cold and Wells’ league hopes are dampened

Stroud strike keeps Angels in contention

CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS failed to match their achievement of reaching the finals of the National Club Twenty20 competition when they lost the Area Final to Wimbledon on Sunday.

Having won the Kent title emphatically the previous weekend, they thrashed the Sussex champions Horsham in the semi-final at Beckenham.

Horsham batted first but were restricted to 92 for 9. Spinner Michael Churchill claimed excellent figures of 3 for 10 in his four overs, while the pace of Alex Williams earned 3 for 23.

Burgess Hill Town 1 Tonbridge Angels Ladies 1 FOOTBALL:

TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies kicked off their pre-season friendlies with a highly creditable 1-1 draw away to Burgess Hill Town.

After 7-1 and 5-2 defeats in last season’s friendlies against the same opposition this represents clear progress as the team looks forward to their second season.

Playing against the wind and the slope in a high-tempo first half, the Angels fell behind after 36 minutes to a strike from Palisa Chipendo but this would be the only time the new-look Angels defence was breached.

The second half was also well contested and Kyla Stroud levelled the scores when she won possession from a long kick by goalkeeper Sam Wright and shot past the home keeper.

The only negative came when striker Lauryn Underhill had to be carried off with a knee injury which will be assessed in the coming days.

KEEP IT TIGHT Beth Kemp shadows scorer Palisa Chipendo

ON THE VERGE Pip Jenkins is having an inspired season

Crucial NET GAINS: Cllr Jane March presents Tunbridge Wells 1st XI players James Beck (left) and Mitch Hawskbee with the league trophy and pennant

Roll out green carpet for the champions of Kent & Sussex HOCKEY: A CHARITY day held by Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club saw the opening of the newly refurbished Hawkenbury artificial grass pitch in time for the coming season.

The club have been promoted to the South Hockey League (SHL) Premier Division after being crowned champions of Kent/Sussex Division One last season.

Almost £20,000 has been invested by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to address the wear and tear on the existing carpet and drainage issues.

Cllr Jane March, who is responsible for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development in the borough, attended the unveiling.

She also presented the Tunbridge Wells men’s First XI with the Kent/Sussex Division One trophy after their successful campaign.

The club managed to raise £500 on the day for the Down’s Syndrome Association and the Back Up Trust, which supports people with spinal injuries.

Wells raced to victory by 10 wickets, reaching 94 for no wicket in just eight overs.

Captain Chris Williams was unbeaten on 60 from just 28 balls – his sixth half-century of the campaign – with three sixes and seven fours.

In the final the skipper chose to insert Wimbledon, who posted 137 for 9. His brother Alex was again among the wickets, taking 3 for 22.

But the fourth-wicket stand of 59 between the

captain Ollie Swann (47) and Matthew Spriegel (34) proved to be the crucial contribution.

The reply seemed on course at 44 for 1 but the Dons’ bowling attack was impressive and wickets fell at regular intervals. Eventually extras topscored for Wells as they fell short on 122 for 8.

As it transpired, they might not be too upset about their defeat, since the winners have to be in Penzance for a 10am start next Sunday.

Given the precarious nature of their status in the Kent League Premier Division, that would have affected their crucial game against Tenterden.

Saturday’s league fixture was rained off for the second week running. At home to Hartley the prolific Chris Williams scored 100 off 79 balls with 11 fours and four sixes. The hosts reached 175 for 2 before rain intervened to end proceedings.

Despite the weather Sevenoaks Vine, who are a place below Wells in the relegation zone, managed to beat local rivals Holmesdale, the bottom club, to turn up the heat on Wells. Just seven points now separate the two sides.