Times of Tunbridge Wells 3rd April 2019

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Police investigating missin g £237million handed new leads

Robert Forrester

Kendall the former chairman of Tunbridge Wells Conservative the FRAUD squad detectives Party.

The 65-year-old, who lives investigating the collapsed in a mews in Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells Company later London resigned from the company.

Capital & Finance (LCF) He is are looking said to be a frequent visitor at possible new leads to the after being Sloane Club in Chelsea handed a document that that came into describes itself as ‘a Private the possession of the Times.

Members Club in London’s most The newspaper this week passed on exclusive the document to the neighbourhood’.

Serious Fraud Office, Yesterday [Tuesday], which has launched Mr Hume-Kendall an investigation into spoke to the Times at LCF called his quiet mews house ‘Operation Axite’. off Pembury Road, Richard Williams where his Range Officers arrested that the outcome may be electorally sen- observed four men last month Rover with sitive.’ by councils in the pre-election CONFUSION reigned last night [Tuesin connection with personalised number period.

The email concluded: day] over the timing “It is clear that of the announce- this the collapse of LCF, plate sits on the drive.

“The CPO public inquiry case falls within [that ment of the outcome is being overarea] there- seen by but all were released He denied any to the the Planning Inspectorate, inquiry into the controversial public fore we will not issue the decision not pending further wrongdoing. until the Council. In £90mil- the results lion Calverley Square any event, guidance on of the election have development. enquiries.

“The intention is to been purdah makes announced.” clear that councils should The results of the inquiry ‘The intention pay all the money The document into the continue to discharge The fate of the civic complex Borough Council’s use normal council handed to fraud and thea- business during back,” he insisted of Compulsory tre is to pay all the on the edge of Calverley Purchase Orders [CPOs], this period.” squad officers Grounds when he opened his which are could still Mr Benson denied speaking money back’ needed to develop play a crucial role in how peoto the purports to show front door. the Planning Inspectorate Simon Hume-Kendall Grounds site, was initially Calverley ple might vote. with regard to the some of the When asked about planned for date of the result of the release on May 3.

CPO hearing. business practices of LCF the tens of millions Pressure “None of the council and other The day before, on May officials, myself that went from LCF to London associated enterprises 2, is when peoincluded, has spoken Oil & Tunbridge Wells Alliance as well as ple in the borough head to the Planning Gas, a company he was was estab- Inspectorate the lifestyle of some of to the polls for lished connected the about the to fight council this,” the development and he confirmed. with that has now fallen elections, with the Calverley individuals involved. into Cllr Nick Pope from already has succeeded Square development likely the Tunbridge in winning a Wells LCF was founded by the to be a major seat on Alliance says he is not high feature of the political the borough council. surprised campaigns. profile businessman Simon The Lib- the Planning Continued on P4 eral Democrats and Inspectorate have resorted HumeAsked if the Planning Labour are also to Inspectorate, opposed their original date. who held the public to the scheme. hearing into the “If I were them, I’d announce Both the Council Leader, Council’s use of CPOs, it on the David Jukes, May 3. were aware of the who I do know that a number has spearheaded the borough elections and of objecCalverley tors have if that would Square been in contact with the affect the release of the project, as well as Cllr Planinquiry results, a Moore, Tracy ning Inspectorate, spokesman emailed the whose hoping to bring the Times on Mon- Development portfolio of Economic date forward to be before the election. day to say it would not. and Communication was However, I am created to promote not He said: “The original sure how the development, that much use expected date have would be.” their seats up for re-election for the decision was in fact May 3 but it is May on ISLAND PARADISE: The Planning Inspectorate 2. being issued on May 2. has denied It is not therefore ‘Highly suspicious’ coming under any pressure Chief Executive William being held back due to to keep the Benson, who date until local elections.” investments included is also Returning Officer after the results of the However, on Tuesday for the Council, until inquiry afternoon, the said properties in after the elections. the Planning Inspectorate office of the Planning Inspectorate made is free of Cape Verde The inquiry, which any ‘purdah’ restrictions a U-turn and sent the concluded last which can limit month, Times a second activities is looking into whether email stating that the and comment. the decision would be council is justified in using Mr Benson added: “Purdah delayed if there was CPOs to take ‘reason to believe relates to land, property publicity restrictions and claim access rights that should be for its new theatre and civic complex.

U-turn over the announce fate of controversial thea ment on tre project

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Police investigating missing £237million handed new leads Kendall the former chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Conservative Party.

The 65-year-old, who lives in a FRAUD squad detectives mews in Tunbridge Wells, later investigating the collapsed resigned from the company. He is Tunbridge Wells Company London said to be a frequent visitor to the Capital & Finance (LCF) are looking Sloane Club in Chelsea that at possible new leads after being describes itself as ‘a Private handed a document that came into Members Club in the possession of London’s most the Times. exclusive The newspaper neighbourhood’. this week passed on Yesterday [Tuesday], the document to the Mr Hume-Kendall Serious Fraud Office, spoke to the Times at which has launched his quiet mews house an investigation into off Pembury Road, LCF called where his Range ‘Operation Axite’.

Rover with Officers arrested personalised number four men last month plate sits on the drive. in connection with He denied any the collapse of LCF, wrongdoing. but all were released “The intention is to pending further pay all the money enquiries.

‘The intention back,” he insisted The document is to pay all the when he opened his handed to fraud money back’ front door. squad officers Simon Hume-Kendall When asked about purports to show the tens of millions some of the that went from LCF to London Oil & business practices of LCF and other Gas, a company he was connected associated enterprises as well as with that has now fallen into the lifestyle of some of the individuals involved.

LCF was founded by the high Continued on P4 profile businessman Simon Hume-

Robert Forrester

ISLAND PARADISE: ‘Highly suspicious’ investments included properties in Cape Verde

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U-turn over the announcement on fate of controversial theatre project Richard Williams CONFUSION reigned last night [Tuesday] over the timing of the announcement of the outcome to the public inquiry into the controversial £90million Calverley Square development.

The results of the inquiry into the Borough Council’s use of Compulsory Purchase Orders [CPOs], which are needed to develop the Calverley Grounds site, was initially planned for release on May 3.

The day before, on May 2, is when people in the borough head to the polls for the council elections, with the Calverley Square development likely to be a major feature of the political campaigns.

Asked if the Planning Inspectorate, who held the public hearing into the Council’s use of CPOs, were aware of the borough elections and if that would affect the release of the inquiry results, a spokesman emailed the Times on Monday to say it would not.

He said: “The original expected date for the decision was in fact May 3 but it is being issued on May 2. It is not therefore being held back due to local elections.”

However, on Tuesday afternoon, the office of the Planning Inspectorate made a U-turn and sent the Times a second email stating that the decision would be delayed if there was ‘reason to believe

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that the outcome may be electorally sensitive.’

The email concluded: “It is clear that this case falls within [that area] therefore we will not issue the decision until the results of the election have been announced.”

The fate of the civic complex and theatre on the edge of Calverley Grounds could still play a crucial role in how people might vote.

Pressure Tunbridge Wells Alliance was established to fight the development and already has succeeded in winning a seat on the borough council. The Liberal Democrats and Labour are also opposed to the scheme.

Both the Council Leader, David Jukes, who has spearheaded the Calverley Square project, as well as Cllr Tracy Moore, whose portfolio of Economic Development and Communication was created to promote the development, have their seats up for re-election on May 2.

Chief Executive William Benson, who is also Returning Officer for the Council, said the Planning Inspectorate is free of any ‘purdah’ restrictions which can limit activities and comment.

Mr Benson added: “Purdah relates to publicity restrictions that should be

observed by councils in the pre-election period.

“The CPO public inquiry is being overseen by the Planning Inspectorate, not the Council. In any event, guidance on purdah makes clear that councils should continue to discharge normal council business during this period.”

Mr Benson denied speaking to the Planning Inspectorate with regard to the date of the result of the CPO hearing.

“None of the council officials, myself included, has spoken to the Planning Inspectorate about this,” he confirmed.

Cllr Nick Pope from the Tunbridge Wells Alliance says he is not surprised the Planning Inspectorate have resorted to their original date.

“If I were them, I’d announce it on the May 3. I do know that a number of objectors have been in contact with the Planning Inspectorate, hoping to bring the date forward to be before the election.

However, I am not sure how much use that would be.”

The Planning Inspectorate has denied coming under any pressure to keep the date until after the results of the inquiry until after the elections.

The inquiry, which concluded last month, is looking into whether the council is justified in using CPOs to take land, property and claim access rights for its new theatre and civic complex.

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Trust waiting times for the start of cancer treatment were the worst in the country

By Richard Williams & Joshua Walford

More parents fined for term time holidays THOUSANDS of parents are happy to pay a fine for taking their children out of school and away on holiday in term time rather than face higher prices during the traditional summer break.

New figures show that across Kent parents have paid out up to half a million pounds in fines over the last 12 months.

A report from the Department of Education shows that 4,530 fines have been handed out for holiday absence in the county, while the number of fines issued across the UK has almost doubled.

The Department for Education has said ‘unauthorised family holiday absence’ was the most common reason for the £120 attendance fines.

The fines, which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days, have increased by 93 per cent across England, with 223,000 fines issued in 2017-2018.

Nearly 20,000 parents have been prosecuted in English courts for failing to pay the fine.

Jon Platt, a father who lost a Supreme Court battle against a fine, said he felt ‘partly responsible’ for the rise.

Mr Platt, garnered a lot of publicity after successfully appealing a fine issued by Isle Of Wight Council for taking his daughter on holiday to Florida during term time before finally losing his case in the Supreme Court.

In Kent, 2.3 per cent of pupils in the county have been taken away from school on holiday.

Kent County Council (KCC) said only head teachers can grant permission to take a child out of school during term time, which will only be granted in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet member for education said that 88 per cent of fines issued in term time were for unauthorised holiday.

“Schools have responsibility to promote good attendance and employ a range of strategies to do so,” he added.

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THE TRUST that manages Tunbridge Wells Hospital dropped to last place in a nationwide list of all NHS Trusts when it came to cancer waiting times.

Reported cases of cancer in the area have risen by a fifth in the last 12 months, and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW), which was in financial special measures until the end of last year, has been struggling to meet key government targets related to a range of waiting times.

The Trust, which serves more than half a million people in West Kent, including the residents of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, managed to get itself out of a budgetary regime that it had been on since August 2016, by reducing its deficit by £15million due to ‘negotiating better deals’.

It said at the time that it meant hospital

‘From actions taken the Trust has seen an improvement in its referral to treatment performance and waiting times’ management would now focus its attention to meeting targets for patient service, but it has slipped down to the bottom of the table when it comes to treating cancer patients.

At one point last month MTW was ranked 131 out of 131 NHS Trusts in getting patients to start cancer treatment within 62 days of a GP referral.

The government target for cancer treatment following a GP referral is 85 per cent of patients, with MTW only achieving 63.3 per cent, ranking it bottom of England and Wales. The national average is 81 per cent.

As previously reported in the Times, cancer rates in the region have increased, especially among young people, which the MTW Trust says could be due to factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and drinking.

“In our cancer services, we are seeing a large increase in demand with over 20% more suspected cancer referrals now than this time last year,” said a spokesperson for the MTW Trust.

“It is our absolute priority that MTW delivers the national standards on waiting times.

“We’ve made changes to increase the number of patients we see, diagnose and treat to respond

LCF NEW EVIDENCE: Continued… administration, Mr Hume-Kendall said: “It is not a shell company and I am not a director of London Oil & Gas.” When pressed on whether he was being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office, he replied: “I really cannot talk about it.”

Two other local businessmen men have also been caught up in the collapse of LCF, Spencer Golding from Crowborough and Elten Barker who lives at Hadlow Down.

LCF went into administration earlier this year, following an investigation by the Finance Conduct Authority, which led to the firm’s bank accounts being frozen.

More than 11,500 ordinary savers invested £237million in the firm, which administrators say are unlikely to get more than 20 per cent back.

Administrators Smith & Williamson released their report into the LCF’s finances last week and found a web of business interests that they branded ‘highly suspicious’ including investments in Cornish holiday cottages, equestrian stables, helicopters and properties in Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.

The Serious Fraud Office arrested four men last month in connection with LCF’s collapse.

The company was set up by Simon Hume-

LONG WAIT Tunbridge Wells Hospital is part of MTW NHS Trust to this demand. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of patients that are waiting for cancer treatment and we are confident that we will soon be hitting the national cancer standards.

“From the actions the Trust has taken, we have seen an improvement in our referral to treatment (RTT) performance and waiting times, and we will continue to see this improve with the long term plan we have put in place.

“We still have more we need to do, but we’re building on the good actions we’ve already taken that are delivering results and have implemented a robust plan to continue to improve our performance and patient experience.”

Nationally, the picture is not much better. One in four cancer patients in England and Wales are waiting more than the targeted 62 days for a referral, which is putting at risk more than 127,000 people, say charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

“January 2019 marks five years since the 62-day cancer target was first missed and, despite the best efforts of hard working NHS staff, more than 127,000 people have been left waiting too long to start vital treatment throughout that time,” said Dr Fran Woodard, executive director of policy and impact at the charity.

“Behind the numbers are real people who tell us how delays cause real anxiety for them and their loved ones at a time when they are already

trying to deal with the many worries cancer is throwing their way.”

Kendall in 2012 to provide finance to small firms under the name South Eastern Counties Finance.

Mr Hume-Kendall soon passed on the firm to associate Andy Thomson.

Under Mr Thomson’s directorship the firm began selling mini-bonds, which allow investors to lend cash to companies in return for an income stream, with LCF offering 8 per cent a year on these loans, much better than competitive investments.

by another associate of Hume-Kendall’s, Spencer Golding.

Mr Golding is banned from serving as a company director following a bankruptcy in 2006.

Despite this, Mr Golding is a familiar figure in the Crowborough area, often flying above the town in his private helicopter.

Administrators also found another £840,000 went to London Financial Group, LCF’s parent firm, and used to purchase a helicopter.

Administrators have asked Hume-Kendall, Barker, Golding and Thomson to repay the money back, and while two of the men have agreed to do so Smith & Williamson are yet to hear from Golding and Thomson.

Evidence obtained by the Times, identifies other men involved in the collapse of the investment company, including a former solicitor, now struck off from practising, and the owner of a marketing firm hired to push the mini-bonds on unsuspecting customers.

Mr Hume-Kendall is a well-known character in both Tunbridge Wells and Conservative Party circles.

The 65-year-old and former director of Crystal Palace Football Club, and former chairman of a company that took over the Daily Sport newspaper, has donated a reported £60,000 to the Conservative Party, and only last year gave £5,000 to the constituency of MP Amber Rudd.

Connected The company said the cash would be invested in tax-free ISAs before being lent to small businesses, but administrators found the money went to just 12 firms, most of which were connected to Mr Hume-Kendall.

Much of the missing money ended up at London Oil and Gas, the firm controlled by Mr HumeKendall and associate Elten Barker. London Oil and Gas went into administration shortly after the collapse of LCF. The £124 million paid to London Oil and Gas cash was lent out again to various firms under the control of either Mr Hume-Kendall or known associates of his, including a holiday resort in Cape Verde, two more in the Dominican Republic and another in Cornwall.

An additional £12.6million went to a stables run

MEANWHILE MTW TRUST CONDUCTS PIONEERING CANCER RESEARCH While Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is struggling to meet its cancer treatment targets, it is doing some pioneering work in the battle against the disease.

Last month, two Consultant Interventional Radiologists from the Trust revealed at a special event in London new innovative techniques they’re using to improve the lives of patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr Aidan Shaw and Dr Paul Ignotus, talked to 70 delegates about the ground-breaking best practice they’re undertaking using stents, which has received international recognition and acclaim.

The pair have led the way in using particular types of stent to open up blockages caused by upper and lower gastrointestinal tumours, which has brought significant health benefits.

The two specialists first trialled this type of surgery two years ago to help patients where traditional surgery was not an option. They said five patients have undergone this pioneering treatment, all of which have been successful. MTW is the only Trust in the country carrying this out.

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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Hever named as the ‘Best Family Day Out’ HEVER Castle & Gardens has been named Best Family Day Out at the UK Heritage Awards.

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn beat off competition from Dunvegan Castle, the Alnwick Garden, Bamburgh Castle and Malvern Hills to take the coveted title.

The event was a celebration of the country’s heritage industry with a judging panel from across the sector.

The award came just before the start of English Tourism Week, which began last Saturday. Organised by Visit Britain, it focuses on raising awareness of the tourism industry.

Anti-semitism arrest A TUNBRIDGE WELLS man was arrested last week as part of an investigation into alleged anti-semitism among Labour Party members.

Roy Smart, 50, was arrested along with another man in his 50s from Birmingham, and Patricia Sheerin-Richman, 72, from Wandsworth, South London.

The three are all former members of the Labour Party and were held on suspicion of publishing or distributing material likely to stir up racial hatred.

They have been released pending further inquiries.

Woman dies in hotel A WOMAN has died in ‘unexplained’ circumstances at a hotel in Tunbridge Wells.

The woman in her 30s, who has not yet been named but is believed to have been a guest, was found dead at the Russell Hotel, London Road, last Wednesday [March 27].

A police spokesman said: “Officers and the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and a woman, aged in her 30s, was confirmed to have died at the scene.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious.

“The woman’s next of kin have been informed and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.”

Police stairwell assault A 22-YEAR-OLD from Tunbridge Wells has been charged after it is alleged he pushed two police officers down a flight of stairs.

Darbaz Kheder. 22, of St John’s Road, is accused of assaulting the two officers after they attended a flat in connection with a disturbance at the address.

The suspect is alleged to have pushed an officer into a colleague causing them both to fall down a stairwell before repeatedly kicking and punching police as they tried to restrain him. Three officers sustained injuries.

Kheder is bailed to appear before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 7 May.

Gym year giveaway A WOMAN from Tunbridge Wells has won a year’s membership at a local gym.

As reported in the Times earlier this year, Energie Fitness in High Broom, was giving away free gym membership to encourage more people to get fit.

Teresa Bailey, who is in her 50s, was awarded the £260 membership by owner Charles Foulkes last week.

Teresa said she entered the competition because she wanted to improve general fitness, ‘tone up and lose a few pounds’.

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It’s so Tunbridge Wells charity shop’s a treasure trove of top designer labels Richard Williams CHARITY shops in Tunbridge Wells have tens of thousands of pounds worth of designer labels, making the town one of the best places in the country for snapping up high-end fashion brands at bargain prices.

In one charity shop alone, frugal fashionistas can find Prada handbags, Hugo Boss skirts and dresses by Erdem, as worn by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and nearly all of them are either brand new or unworn.

“Most of them still have their original tags on and clearly have never been used or worn,” said Alison Homewood, manager of the mental health charity shop, Mind, on Tunbridge Wells High Street.

She continued: “I think people buy these items and never get round to wearing them but realise they could be very valuable to a shop like ours.

Perhaps people have brought these items in because they want to support people with mental health problems or maybe they know somebody with a mental health condition.”

It is not just one or two items brought into the store, either, Ms Homewood said there are ‘tens of thousands of pounds worth’ of designer gear in

the charity’s clothes rails, but it isn’t sold off at rock bottom prices.

“On one rack alone I have priced it up £12,000 worth of designer skirts and dresses—and their original value must be four times that amount,” she said.

“I can’t just give these items away for £5, it wouldn’t be fair on the donors. So they are priced fairly.”

‘Most items still have their original tags on and have never been worn’ She added that one dress, which has never been worn and still has its original label attached, is available from Prada stores for £1,400, but is priced at £350 in the charity shop.

Of course, even in affluent Tunbridge Wells, not everybody can afford to spend hundreds of pounds on a designer dress, so Ms Homewood is thinking of selling some of these designer labels online.

“We are currently looking to build a website and hopefully find buyers from further afield. I want

to raise as much money as I can for the charity, and this seems like the best way forward,” she added.

And it is not just Mind where thrifty Tunbridge Wells’ fashion lovers can find a bargain.

At Cancer Research on Mount Pleasant Rd, around a third of clothing items are by big name designer labels.

“We are so lucky here,” said manager, Ray King.

“The quality of the stuff we get here is amazing. I think partly it is because Tunbridge Wells is such an affluent area.”

He listed DKNY, Ralph Lauren, and Radley among some of the designer labels in the charity shop, and added: “So many of it is unused and some of it is absolutely brand new.”

Like Mind, he said they are now turning to eBay to sell many of these deisgner goods.

“I have to get the most money I can for them for both the charity and for the donors,” he said.

Ricky brands people of Tunbridge Wells ‘disgusting’ for laughing at his stand up Robert Forrester COMEDIAN Ricky Gervais brought his unique brand of acerbic humour to Tunbridge Wells last week and the former star of the Office TV series didn’t pull any punches.

Sauntering on stage on Thursday night, he got stuck right into the town, referring to it in numerous derogatory terms that this newspaper cannot print and laughing at the use of the prefix ‘Royal’. “I walked round your town, it didn’t take long, everything’s closed,” he said.

None of the 1,100-strong audience took offence, with most being glad of getting the Assembly Hall’s must-have ticket of the year— with some people reportedly spending more than £350 securing a £22.50 seat after the gig sold out within one hour of tickets going on sale in February.

The comedian told

the audience ‘it wasn’t a proper show’, he was just trying out new material for his latest stand-up show called SuperNature. That’s why they had paid ‘just £19 for a seat’.

“Bits you don’t like won’t get in but the rest I’ll sell for millions,” he told the packed auditorium.

Gervais, who has in the past controversially hosted the Golden Globes, has just released a new Netflix comedy-drama, Afterlife, which sees him play a local reporter trying to come to terms with the death of his wife.

The comedian has described the response to the Netflix show as ‘amazing’ and he has revealed he is planning a second series.

The funny man did not hold back in front of his Tunbridge Wells audience, taking pot shots at everything from terminal illness to ‘dead baby gags’ but most people who turned up to see the

Clean town sweeps out litter police Environment said: “The Council is no longer using Enforcement officers who were contracted to the services of Kingdom Security Limited who had track down litter louts in Tunbridge Wells and fine enforced litter and dog fouling regulations on them have pulled out of the town because there behalf of the Council since September 2014. is not enough litter being discarded on the “The Council’s Cabinet was advised at their streets for them to make any money. most recent meeting that Kingdom gave notice on Kingdom Security began handing out on the the contract in September 2018 as it spot fines of £80 in the town in was no longer economically viable 2014. This week the fines increased Our street for them to operate here. The to £150. cleaning teams contract did not cost the Council The so-called litter-police earned around fifty percent of any revenue have previously anything and we did not set targets generated by litter fines issued in said they noticed a for the number of fixed penalties.

“Our street cleaning teams have the town, with the council getting difference in the previously said they noticed a the rest. amount of litter difference in the amount of litter being But the company has advised the dropped from when Kingdom began Cabinet at Tunbridge Wells Borough being dropped their operation and we are aware of Council that they would be pulling support for the scheme from residents out as it wasn’t ‘economically viable who said they did not mind the enforcement officers for them to operate in the borough any longer.’ being on the streets as they did not drop litter.”

Cabinet papers show that the firm issued around He added that the Council’s own Street Scene £70,000 worth of fines a year, earning them Officers will continue to monitor and enforce litter around £40,000, but not enough to continue and dog fouling and issue any fines if appropriate paying the wages of their enforcement officers. to do so.

Gary Stevenson, Head of Housing, Health and

comic perform, were not put off, many taking to social media following the show commending the comedian on his performance.

Anne Clarke wrote: “You’re a legend Ricky.

Afterlife was amazing, and so was tonight. I’m happy to keep funding your mansion, and your cat.”

A Twitter user going by the name @shewhobakes1m added: “Such a good show! Thank you for coming to Kent. Still laughing in the car on the way home. Also, thank you for #AfterLife. A piece of genius that has touched so many affected by grief, myself included.”

Liz Mercer wrote: “Loved it and loved you. I don’t regret a single penny of the obscene platinum ticket price that my husband paid for.”

Taking to Twitter Gervais posted a picture of himself with a celebratory glass of wine, after the performance and said: “Thanks to the amazing crowd at my #SuperNature warm up in Tunbridge Wells tonight.

“You are very bad people for laughing at those terrible things I said. Disgusting. Cheers.”

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Taxi and bus fare rise is announced

Council may have to exhume remains from the graves of Victorian paupers

By Richard Williams THE remains of 15 people, including an infant, may have to be exhumed so Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can build a new depot for its parks’ contractors.

The unmarked graves, which are not on consecrated ground, belong to people who died between 1873 and 1928, and who were interred at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery in Benhall Mill Road.

The council-owned cemetery is also home to the council’s parks contractors’ storage depot, which may have to be replaced.

While the plans have not been finalised – the council is still considering the best use of the land around the depot – they have posted a public notice of their possible intention.

A spokesperson for the council said if the bodies of the eight males and seven females do have to be removed, they will try to track down any living relatives and tell them of their intention, although most of the graves date back to the 19th century so tracking down any descendants may prove difficult.

A spokesperson said: “The new depot will only use part of the existing site and therefore the Council as landowner will seek planning permission for alternative use of the remaining site.

“It is not unusual for graves to be moved in this

way and there is a legal procedure which we are following including giving public notice.

“We will ensure that all found remains are treated with dignity and we plan to reinter them in another part of the cemetery and ensure they are suitably and respectfully marked.”

A PAUPER’S FUNERAL THE term ‘pauper’s funeral’ has been around since the inception of the Poor Law in 1834, an act that introduced workhouses to Britain.

For those unfortunate to die during Victorian Britain without any money, a funeral was paid for under the Poor Law if that person had been staying in a workhouse.

The policy provided for only a basic burial, so those that were given a pauper’s funeral did not have a headstone or even their own grave, as many paupers were often piled up on one another in the same plot.

Today, the term is still used to describe a ‘public health funeral’, which is a basic burial paid for by the local authority when funeral arrangements cannot be made by the family of the deceased.

Local authorities pay for the expenses of around 4,000 burials in the country every year.

BOTH bus and taxi fares are set to increase after this week.

Taxi fares in Tunbridge Wells went up on Monday, following discussions at the end of last year between taxi operators and the Council, which was agreed by Licensing Committee in December.

Under the new tariff, the distance for the initial fixed-fee hiring charge has been reduced from 1,760 yards (one mile) to 1,408 yards (8/10 mile), and only applies to the first ten minutes for stationary cabs from 12 minutes 40 seconds.

The Council has blamed high fuel prices in the South East, the rising cost of living, increases in vehicle insurance, and rising Road Fund Licence for the increase.

Tunbridge Wells is now on a par with Tonbridge & Malling, ranking 20th in a table of the most expensive taxi operators out of 370 local authorities.

A spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “At their meeting on December 4 the Licensing Committee agreed to increase the maximum taxi fares for time and distance, in line with the proposals submitted by the trade.

“No objections were received therefore the increase is effective from April 1 2019. The last time fares were increased was 2011.

“This does not apply to private hire fees, these are agreed between the hirer and the operator.”

From Sunday [April 7], Arriva is also putting up some bus fares.

The company said the price of the South East

day ticket will see an increase by 30p from £7.50 to £7.80, with monthly tickets increasing by £1 to £100 if they are bought online, and by £10 to £110 if bought on a bus.

The annual ticket will also see a small increase of £10 from £990 to £1,000.

Withdrawn Lauren Edmonds, Arriva marketing manager, said: “At Arriva we are constantly reviewing ways to try and improve the passenger experience.

That is why we have made these updates to ensure our services are easy to use for all passengers.

“We hope our passengers in Kent not only benefit from these changes but continue to rely on our services.”

She added that Arriva will be renaming the South East ticket zone, the Kent and Medway zone which better represents the area in which it covers. * Arriva has also announced that it is withdrawing the 285 service in Tunbridge Wells in response to a lack of passenger use.

From Sunday, the number 285, which serves Hawkenbury and Ramslye to Tunbridge Wells, will be discontinued.

A spokesperson for the bus company said: “Unfortunately the usage of this service was not enough for us to run it effectively and so we have been left with no choice but to withdraw it.”

Dinosaurs to roam shopping centre again Jurassic Park comes to Tunbridge Wells again this Easter as Dino Live returns to Royal Victoria Place.

The free event features a collection of animatronic dinosaurs that span 250 million years of history.

Now in its third year, Dino Live returns to the Tunbridge Wells shopping centre with some old favourites, such as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Stegosaurus, as well as some brand new dinosaurs, including Parasaurolophus, Shunosaurus and Raptorex.

The dinosaur exhibition begins on Saturday, April 6 and runs throughout Easter until April 23 during normal Royal Victoria Place opening hours.

Dino Live features a series of interactive scenes located throughout the shopping centre, with dinosaurs displayed in environments that replicate what is thought to be their natural habitats, the animatronic creatures move, roar and even breathe.

Marc Burchett, Marketing Manager at Royal Victoria Place said: “We are delighted to bring this unique and exciting event back to Royal Victoria Place this Easter, “We have refreshed the displays and a brand

new selection of animated dinosaurs for 2019. We particularly like the educational aspect that this event brings to our younger shoppers offering them a fascinating and engaging experience.”

He added: “I’m sure Dino Live will once again prove a roaring success with kids of all ages this Easter.”

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Police issue warning of financial scam being operated on vulnerable Richard Williams A WOMAN has spoken of how she was nearly duped out of £12,000 by fraudsters who are targeting elderly people in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge in an elaborate fake police scam.

Nearly £20,000 has so far been defrauded from local pensioners this year after a gang of conmen began targeting the two towns using a sting that has become known as the ‘courier con’ or ‘bogus Hammersmith Police fraud’.

Fraudsters have targeted people up and down the country using it, with pensioners in London, Reading and Northamptonshire also falling victim.

It is not known if this is the same criminal gang

CHIEF INSPECTOR Pete Steenhuis

responsible, or a number of different groups using the same ruse.

In all cases, the conmen adopt the same approach; first phoning the victim claiming to be from Hammersmith Police, and after an elaborate story about bank account fraud, ask the victims to hand over money to a courier to aid the ‘police investigation’.

One woman has told the Times how the gang attempted to defraud her and her husband of more than £12,000.

The business woman, who is in her 60s and from Tunbridge Wells, said: “They called saying they were from Hammersmith Police and said that people had cloned our bank cards, which they found in a police arrest.

“They then said they were going to put us through to somebody at the ‘Special Crime Unit’ at Barclays Bank to explain what has happened because there had been some suspicious activity on our accounts.”

The woman, who has asked not to be named, said by coincidence the fraudsters just happened to phone after the couple had received news of a death in the family.

“We were in shock and I suppose vulnerable, which is why we believed them at first.”

However, things started to ring alarm bells for

the couple when nobody at the ‘bank’ asked them any identification questions.

“The person on the phone said that large amounts of cash had been withdrawn and then repaid into our bank accounts, claiming that the money paid back in was counterfeit.”

She added that the person implied a teller at the bank was under suspicion and the couple were immediately transferred back to the ‘police’.

Courier After later being called back, they were then ordered to withdraw the money from the bank ‘in order to catch the counterfeiters but to stay on the mobile as they travelled to the bank.

“I assume this was so they could keep control of where we were going and what we were doing.”

Smelling a rat, the couple contacted the police on another phone, and after pretending to go to the bank, told the fraudsters they had withdrawn the requested money, around £12,000.

In reality, they had a fake bundle of cash wrapped up in a carrier bag, while a real police officer waited in their home with them.

“A ‘courier’ turned up within ten minutes, but ran off as soon as he saw the police officer,” the woman said.

“He couldn’t have been older than 15 and was wearing a hoodie. I think the police were more worried something would happen to us, which is why they showed their hand a bit too early.”

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NOT ALL OF THOSE TARGETED HAVE ESCAPED WITHOUT LOSS In January, a 93-year-old woman was conned out of £1,000 by the gang, and four weeks ago, in Tonbridge, a ‘vulnerable’ man handed over £12,000 after a phone call from somebody claiming to be from Hammersmith Police.

And on March 14, an 82-year-old man received a phone call from a man also claiming to be an officer from Hammersmith Police and was told to withdraw money from his accounts.

The man is said to have handed over a total of £4,500.

Kent Police have confirmed that the bogus Hammersmith Police station frauds have been carried out both in parts of Kent as well as other areas of the UK. Tunbridge Wells Chief Inspector Pete Steenhuis said: “Sadly, there have been a number of recent incidents in the Tunbridge Wells area where elderly victims have been deliberately targeted and it is likely these crimes are being committed by the same offenders.”

Chief Insp Steenhuis added: “If you receive one of these calls end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer.

A police officer will also never ask for any money, or other items, to be handed over to a courier.”

Three men have been arrested by Kent Police in connection with the frauds, but all have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Investment managers swap London rat race for ‘better life’ in Tunbridge Wells

By Richard Williams SIX investment managers for one of the oldest firms on the London Stock Exchange have uprooted from their London office and headed to Tunbridge Wells – because working in the town offers a ‘much better quality of life’.

The investment firm, Charles Stanley, which is headquartered in Bishopsgate, London, was first established in 1792, and opened its first branch office in Tunbridge Wells 18 years ago.

After moving to new premises in Mount Ephraim Road two years ago, the head of the branch, Jon Curtis, decided there was extra capacity and invited six of his colleagues to come and see if they fancied leaving the London office to work in the town.

“It was during the Southern Rail debacle,” recalled Alistair Soames, one of the investment managers Mr Curtis approached.

“Some of us were spending two hours getting to London, so it was a lifestyle thing as much as

anything,” explained Mr Soames.

He added that when he was approached he wasn’t convinced it would be the right move, but after two days he was sold on the idea.

“Tunbridge Wells is a lovely area, so after a couple of days I knew it was the right decision,” said Mr Soames, who lives in Surrey.

“I still have a commute to get to work, but I don’t have to put up with the trains, and Tunbridge Wells is a very nice environment to work in.”

The six former London managers, none of whom live in the borough, have now tripled the Charles Stanley investment management team in Mount Ephraim Road from three to nine, which has taken the total local workforce up to 14.

“The company has 20 offices up and down the country, from Aberdeen to Plymouth, with 900 staff across LOCAL NEWSPAPERS the UK,” explained Mr Curtis, who commutes to the town from Eastbourne every day.

He continued: “Technology these days means people can work from anywhere, but Tunbridge Wells is a great hub for us. Geographically it is perfect for most of the people in the branch. Yes, we are not far from London so can hop on a train if we need to, but we also get to enjoy working in such a nice environment.”

Times

2019

Council puts out tender for cultural hub website THE borough council in Tunbridge Wells is seeking tenders from web designers to create and deliver the website for its new cultural centre.

The tender for the ‘Amelia’, which will be a mixed-use facility featuring a library, museum and learning centre, has an estimated value of £20,000.

The cultural centre has got off to a rocky start with controversy surrounding the dropping of the ‘Scott’ part of town suffragist Amelia Scott’s name.

The tender has a deadline of April 18, 2019.

We Believe in the Business Awards Now the Tunbridge Wells branch of prestigious investment management firm Charles Stanley has come out in support of the Times’ ‘We Believe’ campaign.

And to show their backing they have sponsored

More bad news for Metro SHARES in beleaguered Metro Bank are expected to continue to fall, following a warning by Barclays’ analysts over weaker-than-expected earnings and further equity injections.

Metro, which has a prominent position in Tunbridge Wells’ Calverley Road precinct, has become one of the most shorted companies on the London Stock Exchange.

Now confidence in the challenger bank has taken another hit after analysts said there were ‘significant risks’ around future capital injections.

Metro has been struggling since news emerged in January that the lender miscalculated capital.

INVESTED Charles Stanley’s Alistair Soames (left) and Jon Curtis (right) the 2019 Times Business Awards.

The Mount Ephraim Road branch has decided to sponsor the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for this event, which takes place on May 30 at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells.

How to enter For those local firms that have not yet entered, it is not too late.

The deadline for entering the awards is Wednesday April 24, 2019. Any company based in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge or the Sevenoaks district is eligible to enter, and, best of all, entry

to any of the ten Business Award categories is completely FREE and takes just minutes to complete.

1) Go to timesbusinessawards.co.uk to find out more information and see the range of categories in which you can enter your business.

2) Send an email to: info@ timesbusinessawards.co.uk with your contact details and we will send you an application form.

3) Or you can simply call awards organiser Eileen Sweeney on 01892 779 583.

Safic-Alcan turn to Cripps for advice on takeover

Safic-Alcan is an independent distributor of specialty chemicals headquartered in France and has offices worldwide.

Their acquisition of Langley-Smith will cement the French company’s position as a leader in specialty chemicals distribution in the UK and Ireland, and will allow the firm to develop its capabilities in mainland Europe.

Yann Lissillour, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions for Safic-Alcan, said: “We have worked closely with Cripps for many years and value the experience and understanding of Franco-British business dynamics they bring to our transactions.

“The team worked tirelessly to ensure our acquisition of Langley-Smith ran smoothly.”

A FRENCH speciality chemicals distributor has turned lawyers Cripps (incorporating Pemberton Greenish), who have an office in Tunbridge Wells, to advise them on the acquisition of UK-based Langley-Smith & Company.

London-based Langley-Smith, which was established in 1907, is a specialty chemicals distributor in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe with a focus on adhesives, paint and coatings, polymer modification, road marking and rubber processing, inks and varnishes.

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Lawyers beef up their dispute resolution team LEADING law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore, which is based in Tunbridge Wells, has increased the size of its dispute resolution team by hiring a new partner to help deal with contentious probate cases.

Monika Byrska comes to the firm, which has offices in Lonsdale Gardens, from Anthony Gold, where for the last eight years she specialised in wills, trusts and estates disputes.

In her role as Partner, the law firm says she will provide a commercial approach to myriad contentious probate matters, and further support the team’s work in the South East region, building on their already extensive client base.

Monika will work alongside Nicholas Horton, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, and Amy Wilford, Associate Solicitor, within the team.

Experience Commenting on her appointment, Monika Byrska said: “As I take the next step in my legal career, I am honoured to be joining Thomson Snell & Passmore, a firm recognised for its strong legal expertise across personal and business services.

“I look forward to working with Nicholas and the Dispute Resolution team to strengthen our contentious probate offering to our clients, and our already leading position as specialists in this field.”

Nicholas Horton added: “We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Monika, whose substantial litigation experience and understanding of wider tax and estate administration issues will significantly add to our contentious probate service.

“This is a very important area of the law for our private clients.

“We place great emphasis on the needs of our valued clients, and Monika’s appointment will help us to continue to do that.”

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Rebranding could see the loss of Majestic

By Richard Williams MAJESTIC WINE is to undergo a major rebranding which could result in the closure of the wine warehouse store in Tunbridge Wells.

The company says it is dropping the ‘Majestic’ name and will rebrand as Naked Wines in June this year, a brand they acquired in 2015, but warned that some of its 200 stores will close.

Despite the difficult trading environment for retailers, the company has actually been doing well of late, with a 6.3 per cent Christmas sales growth helping it on its way to achieve its financial target of £500million in sales by April 1.

While the business said that annual profit and sales expectations were on track, it plans to increase its growth outside of the UK through its online and international focus using the Naked Wines brand.

Majestic Wine claimed that since acquiring Naked Wines in 2015, the latter’s business has more than doubled in size, with sales expected to exceed £175million this year.

“It is clear that Naked Wines has the potential for strong sustainable growth, and we will deliver

WINE LABEL Rebranding from ‘Majestic’ to ‘Naked Wines’ could see the A26 store close.

the best results for our shareholders, customers, people and suppliers by focusing all our energies on delivering that potential,” said group Chief Executive Rowan Gormley.

He continued: “We also believe that a transformed Majestic business does have the potential to be a long-term winner, but that we risk not

maximising the potential of Naked [Wines] if we try to do both.

“Where we have no choice but to close stores we will aim to minimise job losses by migration into Naked.”

The Tunbridge Wells Majestic Wine store is in a prominent position on the Southborough border.

SPIRITED: Greg Clark with Michele and George

the entrepreneurial spirit of Tunbridge Wells businesses and I will use their feedback to help me as Business Secretary find more ways to help other companies emulate their success.”

Both ID&C and Childrensalon have remained family run since their foundation, but now boast an international reputation in their respective fields.

Founded in 1995, ID&C introduced the UK’s first fabric wristband at Glastonbury Festival four years later.

Childrensalon has experienced an equally meteoric rise since its CEO, Michele HarrimanSmith, took over the company from her mother in the 1980s.

With her husband, George Smith, she has grown the company into a global leader.

MP praises borough’s ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ CONSTITUENCY MP Greg Clark has praised the ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ of Tunbridge Wells businesses following a visit to two successful family-run firms.

Mr Clark was speaking after he was invited to tour the neighbouring North Farm companies – wristband maker ID&C and fashion retailer Childrensalon – both of which have seen rapid growth in recent years.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: “The success of these two family-run firms is a testament to

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Mind marks 20 years of helping people with mental health issues

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Scones all round as Horder Centre marks nutrition awareness

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A CHARITY shop that has spent 20 years helping people with mental health issues celebrated its birthday with a visit from the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells last week.

Mind, at the top of Tunbridge Wells High Street, is one of the town’s oldest thrift shops.

It has raised more than £2million over two decades with the help of dozens of volunteers.

Mayor Len Horwood, who was invited with his wife, Judy, did not arrive empty-handed.

He donated a box of doll’s house accessories before cutting the birthday cake with volunteer of 20 years Faith Powell.

He said: “I think it demonstrates the amount of hard work put in by the people who work here and all the volunteers that give up their time.

“To last for 20 years in this retail environment shows the strength of giving and charitable nature of the people in the town.”

Alison Homewood, who has managed the charity shop for the last 14 years, said the birthday celebration was a way to recognise all the volunteers, customers and donors who have supported the charity.

She said: “Thanks to their help we have raised more than £2million over the last 20 years, so I want to just say thank you for everybody involved over the years.”

Some of the shop’s many regular customers also joined the party.

Ben Marks, a museum curator from London who works in Tunbridge Wells one day a week, always pops into the shop.

“You always get great things in here. I come

TASTY PASTRY: Chefs Vanessa MacDonald (left) and Sophie Leppard serve up a cream tea

SLICE OF LIFE: (L-R) Mind’s Managing Director Andrew Vale and Faith Powell, a volunteer for 20 years, help Tunbridge Wells Mayor Len Horwood to cut the celebration cake at the High Street shop for the little knick-knacks that you won’t find anywhere else. But more than that, it is nice to come in and have a chat with Alison.”

Mind’s Managing Director, Andrew Vale, was also at the event and remarked: “It is a fantastic achievement to have had a shop here for 20 years.

“When it started we had perhaps 30 or 40 in the country. Now, thanks to people like Alison, we have 160.”

He added that one in four of people will experience some form of mental health issue during their lives.

“Having a presence here on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells is so important to help people with their mental health and tackling the stigma that surrounds mental health issues,” he said.

“Thanks to shops like this, people are now more willing to speak about it than they were 20 years ago, which has raised awareness.”

THE HORDER CENTRE in Crowborough has been handing out cream teas to celebrate Nutrition and Hydration Week.

Its Corporate Catering Manager, Simon McCarthy, delivered home-baked scones to all patients recovering from surgery at the specialist orthopaedic hospital.

The national awareness event promoted measures to enhance patient wellbeing, including protected meal times to allow them to eat undisturbed.

It also calls for minimum standards of nutrition in all settings, and advises ten key characteristics for good nutritional care.

Guy Heasman, Head of Corporate Support Services at the centre, said: “We believe that food has an important part to play in not only the physical recovery of our patients but also their wellbeing.

“Undergoing major surgery and staying in a hospital can seem daunting, which is why we provide our patients with flavourful, fresh nutritious food that can help provide a little comfort at this time.”

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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Students serve up table tennis marathon to fund their education mission in Africa The pupils benefit from a free feeding programme and take extra classes in IT, religious education, and sports and creative arts as well as the national curriculum.

In Mombasa, Education for Life runs a school called Tumaini, which consists of a nursery, primary and the Timbwani High School.

The charity seeks sponsorship for the children so they can receive lunch, a uniform, PE kit, textbooks, other books and stationery.

George is a member of Christ Church in Southborough, where his father, Nigel, is the curate, while Dan is a member of Church of Christ.

By Andy Tong TWO sixth-form students at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells have completed a 24-hour table tennis marathon.

Dan Allen, 17, and 18-year-old George Griffiths took up the ping-pong challenge to raise funds for a mission trip to Kenya they will be embarking on in July.

The Year 13 teenagers will be working with a Christian charity called Turning Point in the slums of the Kibera district of the country’s capital city, Nairobi.

They will also be linking up with another charity, Education for Life, in Mombasa during their month-long trip.

The idea for the table tennis marathon came from the friends’ love for the sport and their involvement in the Tunbridge Wells Church Table Tennis League.

The pair began their endurance attempt at the Church of Christ in Commercial Road at 8pm on Friday March 22 and kept going until the following evening.

They took on nearly 40 different competitors, and started with traditional table tennis bats, before moving on to sandpaper bats, frying pans, books, and at one stage even their phones.

Dan said: “We were hugely encouraged by the number of people who came to support us by playing or simply to cheer us on.

“We were exhausted, but elated at the amount of money we were able to raise.”

George added: “We wanted to do something meaningful after our exams finished, and having this opportunity to work in a different culture is

NEVER FLAGGING: Dan Allen (left) and George Griffiths with paddles at the ready both challenging and exciting. Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far.”

Turning Point runs two classes in Kibera. The Prep Class is for children who have never been to school and need to learn the basics before attending the local primary; and the Transition Class is for those who have dropped out of school and need to catch up so that they can rejoin formal education.

The charity also run their own Fountains of Hope school, with classes of no more than 25 pupils – the state schools have as many as 70 in each class.

They provide textbooks and learning materials for all, while in the unofficial slum schools up to six children share a book.

Free yoga classes provide gentle exercise for seniors FREE yoga sessions are being offered in Paddock shows that yoga is a very beneficial form of gentle Wood for the over-55s as part of a campaign exercise for all ages. called Bring People Together.

“The council is delighted to lend its support to The Royal Voluntary Service Practice with this new venture, as it extends the opportunities Care yoga group is organised by local volunteer available for senior members of the community in Penny Wang in conjunction with the charity Royal line with the original vision for the day centre.”

Voluntary Service and Prudential.

Karen Hilson, Community Engagement and Bring People Together is a programme that Development Worker for Kent at Royal Voluntary seeks to encourage more people to volunteer Service, said: “We would love to expand this club to help run, or start their own activities in, to enable more people to attend, however we do communities across Kent. need more volunteers to help support Penny.

The group meets fortnightly on the first and “You don’t need to be a trained yoga teacher, third Saturdays of each month at the Paddock but if you have experience and would like to Wood Day Centre in Commercial Road. learn, then please get in touch.”

It starts at 10am and lasts for 45 minutes.

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s It offers a gentle introduction to yoga which largest volunteering charities, with more than requires no previous experience or prior booking. 20,000 volunteers working in hospitals and local Penny, 42, is hoping to attract more volunteers communities. to help run the sessions so she can open the For more information, email Penny at: class to more people. pwcyoga@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk “Yoga can be beneficial for most people, but in particular it is good for older adults who want to improve their balance and co-ordination,” she said.

“The gentle movements we do are designed to increase strength, flexibility and breathing, with some evidence showing regular yoga practice can help those with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains, depression and stress.”

The sessions are offered on a complimentary basis with support from Paddock Wood FLEXIBLE FRIENDS Town Council.

Penny Wang takes her Meryl Flashman, chair of the class at the Day Centre town council, said: “Evidence

The two churches joined forces to enter a team in the league. A total of 15 teams from eight different churches take part in three divisions.

Participating churches must have at least two tables and a hall big enough to play two matches at the same time.

For more information about the Tunbridge Wells Church Table Tennis League, email David Johnson at: dggj25@sky.com or David Christmas at: david.christmases.email@gmail.com If you would like to make a donation, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dan-george-kenya

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE SHOW MUST GO ON Moviegoers at Tonbridge Castle last year

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Each month Thomson Snell & Passmore will be answering frequently asked questions from across the practice. If you have a legal question you would like featured in this monthly Q&A please submit it to info@ts-p.co.uk.

Open air cinema coming to Dunorlan Park MOVIEGOERS can spend this summer watching the latest blockbusters in the sunshine, as an open air cinema is coming to Tunbridge Wells.

Luna Cinema, which already holds screenings at Tonbridge Castle each July, is planning to host a children’s summer movie event in Dunorlan Park this year.

While the company has not officially announced the park as being among the planned 175 outdoor screenings up and down the country in their 2019 season, they have submitted a Licensing Application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to hold open air events at the Pembury Road park in August.

Yesterday the council confirmed the license application was being dealt with for ‘Luna Kids Cinema’, which is to be held over five days from August 7 to August 11.

And a spokesperson for the Luna Cinema confirmed their intentions to hold the event in Tunbridge Wells,

which they say is aimed at entertaining children in the six week holidays.

While the licensing application is yet to be approved by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the summer screenings could make up for the loss of the drive-in cinema at the Hop Farm, which ended after the firm that put on the event, Moonlight Cinema, ran into financial difficulties and collapsed at the end of last year.

Incredible By comparison, the Tonbridge Castle event has proved immensely popular with cinema fans.

Hundreds gathered in the castle grounds last year to watch productions such as The Greatest Showman, the musical biopic starring High Jackman as circus founder P T Barnum, and the Oscar winning story of Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody, and similar

numbers are expected in Tonbridge this year.

George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, said: “We are hugely excited to be announcing our 2019 season, our biggest year of open-air cinema yet.

With the incredible number of great films released in the last 12 months, it’s shaping up to be a really special one.

“Following last year’s phenomenal outdoor success with The Greatest Showman, we were hoping for a good crop of musical films and in A Star Is Born, Mary Poppins Returns, Bohemian Rhapsody and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, we got exactly that.

“We look forward to expanding our children’s outdoor cinema brand ‘Luna Kids Cinema’ this summer, to visiting some incredible new venues far and wide from Yorkshire to Greenwich and to welcoming film fans from across the country for a night of cinema under the stars.”

Charities given share of £22,000 from the fireworks extravaganza A DOMESTIC violence charity, the Mayor’s Toy Appeal, and The Bridge Trust were among a range of good causes that received part of £22,000 raised by the Round Table during their annual fireworks display.

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table presented a share of the takings to 35 separate causes at a giveaway event at the Royal Wells Hotel on Sunday [March 24].

Around 12,000 people attended the 62nd annual display on November 4 last year, and the money came from both ticket sales and donations made on the night.

The Mayor, Len Horwood, made the presentation to a number of worthy causes, including Oakley School, Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, Sherwood Men’s Shed, The Number One Community Trust, DAVSS, Community Car Service, COMPAID, TW Crisis Revovery, IMAGO, and TWMHR (mental health hub).

Charity Committee Chair Daldeep Jaswal said, “We are only able to donate to these worthy causes as a result of the generosity of the people from and around Tunbridge Wells in supporting the Dunorlan Park fireworks each year.”

Chairman Kim Hartlev added: “After a

successful 61st firework display, we were in the position of being able to donate to a variety of worthy causes.

“The time and effort that these volunteers put into their respective charities is commendable. I’d also like to thank Mayor Horwood, Buss Murton Law, Tonbridge Round Table, Pantiles Rotary, St John Ambulance, volunteers from TWGGS and various Scouts groups for their support.”

Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table hope to donate further funds during the year. They are also known for investing their own time and manpower in community projects.

The controversial plans to introduce a new sliding scale of probate fees from April seem set for a delay. The recent announcement that the approval motion in the House of Commons has yet to be scheduled will now prolong the agony for executors and practitioners. Provided there is no challenge

by MPs to the Order, once approved the new fees will come into force 21 days after the Order has been made.

We consider in this Q&A the impact on estates that these new probate fees will bring once the Order becomes effective.

Q: What are the current fees, and why is the Lord Chancellor seeking to introduce a new sliding scale of probate fees?

A: The current fees are £255 for personal applications and £155 for Solicitor applications. The Lord Chancellor is seeking to generate revenue to improve the Courts and Tribunal Services in order to provide a “world class courts service”.

The revenue generated will amount to about £155 million per year.

Q: What will the new sliding scale of fees look like?

A: The fees will be linked to the gross value of an estate.

Estates valued at £50,000 and below will be exempt, for estates worth between £50,000 and £300,000 the charge is £250 which incrementally increases to a maximum of £6,000 for estates valued at £2 million or over. Commentators are describing these new fees as a “stealth tax” and double taxation when estates are already bearing a 40% inheritance tax charge.

Q: How will executors raise the monies to pay the court fees?

A: We are told that banking institutions will allow access to the Deceased’s accounts as they currently do for funeral expenses and inheritance tax. The concern is that there may not be sufficient monies available to meet all of these expenses raising the issue that the executors may well find themselves having to personally fund the probate fee or take out a loan, the latter causing additional fees and interest being detrimental on the estate.

Q: Is it prudent to plan for the payment of these fees in my lifetime and what could my options be?

A: Potentially we could see families considering life policies written in trust to cover probate fees, this is something that is common practice to either cover or assist with the burden of payment of inheritance tax. This arrangement will involve payment of premiums which will be an added expense for families.

We may see arrangements being put in place for monies to be put by in bank accounts held in the joint names of family members for ease of access.

An option that some married couples may explore is the simplification of their estates such as unravelling property ownership to reduce the value of their estates. This may seriously impact on tax planned Wills and the protection under those Wills for spouses with children from different relationships.

If you have any questions regarding the proposed new probate fees, please contact Helen Stewart on 01892 701398 or email helen.stewart@ts-p.co.uk or visit our website www.ts-p.co.uk.

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION The Mayor, Round Table and some of the recipients

Here for you since 1570

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Music industry hits the high notes again THE global music industry is celebrating a fourth year of growth as non-physical sales continue to dominate the market.

Revenues had reached a low-point of £11billion in 2014, after falling almost every year for more than a decade.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the industry is now worth around £15billion, close to the level of 2006.

Global revenues grew by 9.7 per cent in 2018, with physical sales down 10 per cent and paid streaming up 32.9 per cent.

Office Outlet closures OFFICE OUTLET is to close 16 stores and cut 161 jobs as it looks for a rescue buyer.

The company, formerly known as Staples, went into administration last month.

Nine shops will shut down on Sunday [April 7], with a further seven on April 10.

The 161 redundancies are in addition to the 106 jobs which were lost at the company’s head office and distribution centre in Daventry last month.

Massive boost for Elvie FEMALE health start-up Elvie has secured a $42million [£32million] funding round led by former Conservative Party treasurer Michael Spencer in the largest ever femtech investment.

Mr Spencer, chief executive of private investment vehicle IPGL, led the round, with support from venture capital firms Octopus Ventures and Impact Ventures UK. Elvie, led by chief executive and cofounder Tania Boler, was launched in 2013.

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National News

BUSINESS

17

Aldi’s grocery share is growing as Boots reviews UK Sainsbury’s loses ground to Asda stores to cut costs ALDI has extended its reach over the UK grocery market and Sainsbury’s has been overtaken by Asda in main store sales as shoppers held back on spending.

Year-on-year supermarket sales over the 12 weeks to March 24 declined to 1.4 per cent – the slowest rate since March last year – in part due to the late Easter and Mother’s Day falling outside the reported period, Kantar said.

Record Aldi saw its sales increase by 10.6 per cent, helping it to reach a new record high market share of 8 per cent, as 13million households visited at least once during the last quarter – more than those shopUP MARKET: Aldi sales ping at Morrisons.

Lidl was the second fastest-grow- increased 10.6 per cent

ing supermarket with sales increasing faster than last month at 5.8 per cent and market share growing by 0.3 per cent to 5.6 per cent.

Sainsbury’s sales fell 1.8 per cent over the quarter, cutting its market share to 15.3 per cent from 15.8 per cent in the same period last year.

Asda overtook Sainsbury’s with a market share of 15.4 per cent as its sales climbed 0.1 per cent, fuelled by a greater number of affluent households and shoppers making more regular trips.

Sainsbury’s agreed £7.3billion takeover of Asda is currently being considered by the Competition and Markets Authority, which gave an initial view last month that the deal should be blocked in the absence of the sale of a large number of stores, or even one of the brands. A final report is due by April 30.

Brexit causes construction cracks OUTPUT in Britain’s construction sector recorded its first back-to-back contraction since 2016 in March as Brexit anxiety continues to weigh on firms as they delay building projects.

The Markit/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers’ index [PMI] showed a reading of 49.7 for March, up from 49.5 in February.

But a number below 50 indicates contraction and last month’s figure came in below expectations of 49.8.

It was the first back-to-back contraction since August 2016, reflecting ‘subdued underlying demand’ and delays in clients’ decision-making.

Joe Hayes, economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: “Fears that the recent weakness of the UK construction sector may not be just a blip, but a sustained soft patch, were further fuelled by latest data.

“Brexit-related uncertainty continued to generate indecisiveness, ultimately hitting order book volumes.

“Furthermore, strong competition for contracts was also reported by some panel members.”

Commercial construction was the worst performing segment, with business activity dropping to the greatest extent for a year.

THE owner of retail chain Boots has warned over UK store closures as it looks to slash costs amid the ‘most difficult’ quarter in the group’s history.

US-based Walgreens Boots Alliance said it is taking ‘decisive steps’ in the UK to cut costs, reviewing its near-2,500 Boots retail stores.

The group revealed it is looking at poor performing shops as well ‘opportunities for consolidation’.

The group announced in February that 350 jobs are at risk in its Nottingham head office amid plans to trim HQ staff costs by 20 per cent.

Walgreens Boots Alliance reported a 2.3 per cent drop in like-for-like UK retail sales in its second quarter to February 28, while comparable pharmacy sales dropped 1.5 per cent.

Day eyes bargain in Bonmarche takeover STRUGGLING retailer Bonmarche is set to be taken over by billionaire Philip Day in a deal valuing the clothing chain at just £5.7million.

Mr Day, who owns The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, acquired more than half of the company’s shares, triggering a mandatory takeover bid.

Acting through holding company Spectre, he bought more than 26million shares, representing 52.4 per cent of the company.

At just 11.445p per share, the offer represents a significant discount on the company’s Monday closing price of 18p.

Spectre said it would undertake a profitability assessment on Bonmarche’s estate of more than 300 stores, closing sites or reducing costs by cutting staff and seeking lower rent.

The move comes after Bonmarche issued its third profit warning in just six months in March.

18

NEWS

Local News

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

May will seek new extension and hold talks with Corbyn THERESA MAY has said she aims to ask for a further extension to the Brexit process to allow the UK to leave the European Union ‘in a timely and orderly way’.

The Prime Minister offered to hold talks with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to agree a plan acceptable to both, which can be put to the House of Commons ahead of the April 10 summit of the European Council.

Speaking in 10 Downing Street after a marathon session of Cabinet lasting over seven hours, Mrs May said that any further delay to Brexit should be ‘as short as possible’.

She said a bill to pave the way for departure would have to be in place by May 22 to ensure the UK did not have to take part in European Parliament elections.

Setting out her plan for talks with Mr Corbyn, Mrs May said: “The ideal outcome of this process would be to agree an approach on a future relationship that delivers on the result of the referendum, that both the leader of the Opposition and I could put to the House for approval and which I could then take to next week’s European Council.

“However, if we cannot agree on the single unified approach, then we would instead agree a number of options for the future relationship that we could put to the House in a series of votes to determine which course to pursue.

“Crucially, the Government stands ready to abide by the decision of the House. But to make this process work, the opposition would need to agree to this too.”

A cross-party group of senior MPs had already agreed to try to force Mrs May to stop a no-deal Brexit by tabling a bill requiring her to extend the negotiation process beyond April 12.

STATE OF THE NATION Theresa May announces she will seek agreement with Jeremy Corbyn

Following the failure of MPs to unite behind an alternative to Mrs May’s plan on Monday, the group, including Conservative grandee Sir Oliver Letwin and Labour’s Yvette Cooper, aimed to pass the bill through the Commons tomorrow [Thursday].

Number 10 made clear yesterday that exit without agreement in 10 days’ time remains the legal default unless MPs approve a deal.

Ms Cooper said: “We are now in a really dangerous situation with a serious and growing risk of no-deal in 10 days’ time. The Prime Minister has a responsibility to prevent that happening.

‘The Government stands ready to abide by the decision of the House. But the opposition would need to agree to this too’ “She needs to put forward a proposal, including saying how long an extension she thinks we need to sort things out.

“If the Government won’t act urgently, then Parliament has a responsibility to try to ensure that happens even though we are right up against the deadline.”

Sir Oliver added: “This is a last-ditch attempt to prevent our country being exposed to the risks inherent in a no-deal exit.

“We realise this is difficult. But it is definitely worth trying.”

Man arrested near location of four weekend stabbings A MAN in his 30s has been arrested over a knife attack in an area that has seen a series of random stabbings.

The suspect was held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in Edmonton Green yesterday [Tuesday], after a man, also in his 30s, was left in a critical condition.

The victim suffered life threatening injuries when he was stabbed in Fairfield Road, north London at around 5am, yards from the scene of a previous attack. He is understood to have walked up to where police were stationed.

Investigators are trying to work out if the latest stabbing is linked to four others that took place over the weekend.

Detective Superintendent Luke Marks said: “I am aware that events from the weekend have caused a huge amount of worry and concern among the community and that this incident will cause further alarm.

“While at this stage the incident has not yet been formally linked, the location and manner of this attack will be of concern to the public.

The latest stabbing follows attacks on four people in the Edmonton area of Enfield over the weekend that left two critically hurt and one with potentially life-changing injuries.

Police believe that a single male suspect who may have mental health issues was acting alone in the attacks, and there is nothing to suggest they are terror-related.

The suspect is described as a skinny black man who is approximately 6ft 3ins tall and wearing dark clothes.

Two men who were previously arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm remain in custody, and investigators have until

later on Tuesday to interview them.

A 45-year-old woman became the first victim when she was stabbed once in her back at about 7pm on Saturday in Aberdeen Road, and left in a critical condition.

Then at 12.15am police were called to Park Avenue where a 52-year-old man had been injured with a knife. He has since been discharged from hospital.

The third attack was on a 23-year-old man just before 4am near Seven Sisters Tube station. He is in a critical but stable condition.

The fourth attack occurred at about 9.40am on Sunday in Brettenham Road where a 29-year-old man was found with a stab injury to the back.

His injuries are potentially life-changing, but not life-threatening.

INVESTIGATION A man was stabbed on Fairfield Road yesterday

But she is believed to favour a no-deal Brexit rather than the possibility of revoking Article 50 if the choice came to it.

Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting began with a ‘political’ session in the absence of civil servants, which one Government source said was aimed at finding ‘which option could the party stomach and which option could the country stomach’.

NO DEAL MEANS NO FAITH The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier has warned a no-deal Brexit was ‘never our desired or intended scenario’ but ‘becomes day after day more likely’.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Barnier said yesterday [Tuesday]: “An extension would carry significant risks for the EU. Therefore a strong justification would be needed.”

While the Withdrawal Agreement would not be reopened, Brussels is ready to ‘rework’ the UK/EU Political Declaration on the future relationship, he said.

Mr Barnier warned that no-deal would not end wrangles over the Irish border, citizens’ rights and the UK’s financial liabilities.

“If there is no deal, the atmosphere will be different,” he said. “The lack of a deal means a lack of faith, a lack of deal means a rupture in confidence between us.”

Labour demands action against Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi death THE Government promises real consequences but ‘nothing ever happens’, Labour has claimed, six months after the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry raised the killing of Mr Khashoggi at Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Turkey last October, asking what it would take for the Government to ‘finally, finally tell [Crown Prince Mohammed] bin Salman that he cannot keep getting away with murder’.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Right from the outset we have been clear that what happened to Khashoggi is fundamentally against our values and there has to be full accountability, there has to be a transparent judicial process, that meets international standards.

Strong views “That process has started, we continue to monitor it, we’re sending observers to see what happens in the trial process and we continue to exercise our strong views on this issue in private as well as in public.”

Speaking during Commons Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs questions, Ms Thornberry asked what progress the Government had made in finding out about Mr Khashoggi’s death.

Mr Hunt replied: “She is not reflecting what has happened, so thanks to action by this Government and other governments we now have a judicial process that has started in Saudi Arabia, it started on January 3 and we are sending observers to what happens, we have a UN special rapporteur, Agnes Callamard, who is responsible for looking at extra judicial, summary or arbitrary executions and she’s leading an independent international inquiry.”

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Tulip skyscraper will be tallest in western Europe after Shard PLANS for a new London skyscraper dubbed the Tulip have been approved by the Square Mile’s governing body.

The City of London Corporation rubber-stamped an application from Brazil’s J Safra Group and Foster + Partners for the development on 20 Bury Street.

Education At 305.3 metres high, it will be the second tallest building in western Europe after the Shard and is anticipated to attract 1.2million visitors per year.

The Tulip will include a viewing platform with rotating pods, a

restaurant and sky bar, a park at street level and a publicly accessible rooftop terrace.

It will also house a floor dedicated to education facilities during school hours, which will serve as a resource for local community groups and charities.

Planning Committee chairman Chris Hayward said: “One of my key objectives... has been to enable the continued transformation of the City of London into a place which welcomes members of the public on weekends as during the week.

“This building has the potential to play an important role in realising our vision of the Square Mile as a vibrant 24/7 city.”

HIGH SOCIETY: The Tulip is intended to be a tourist attraction

Judge dismisses Clifford’s appeal Egypt to ban plastic on Red Sea December 2017, Clifford won the CELEBRITY publicist Max Clifford’s to help environment and tourism conviction for sex offences has been right for his fight to overturn his upheld by leading judges more than a year after his death.

The case of the 74-year-old, who died while serving an eight-year prison sentence for indecent assault, was scrutinised by the Court of Appeal last month.

The court was told the PR guru denied ‘until his death’ that he had sexually assaulted young women.

But Lady Justice Rafferty has described the case against Clifford as ‘strong’.

Dismissing an appeal against his conviction, she said: “Nothing we heard came anywhere near imperilling the safety of his conviction.”

Before suffering heart failure in

conviction to be heard at the Court of Appeal.

His daughter Louise continued the challenge on her father’s behalf.

Clifford was jailed in 2014 after being convicted of a string of indecent assaults carried out between 1977 and 1984.

He was sentenced to a total of eight years on eight counts of indecent assault relating to four victims.

Kim Harrison, of law firm Slater and Gordon, who represented five victims in civil cases against Clifford, said: “The truth is Clifford was a predatory sex abuser – that much has been shown time and time again.”

Victoria’s transformation of Palace to be revealed THE story of how Queen Victoria turned Buckingham Palace from an unloved royal residence into the centre of social, cultural and official life will be told during its annual summer opening.

Victoria renovated the unused palace, adding the famous balcony and the grand ballroom, which she and Prince Albert used to stage themed costume balls.

The special display is being held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Victoria’s birth.

A waltz danced at a ball staged to mark the end of the Crimean War and the ballroom’s original decorative scheme will be recreated

AN EGYPTIAN province on the Red Sea is to impose a ban on disposable plastics to protect the environment.

The ban will apply to restaurants, supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies and on cruise ships that dock offshore.

It will also apply to hotels in the resort of Hurghada, the provincial capital.

Fight Plastic cutlery, straws, cups, dishes and bags will also be among the banned items.

“It’s a fight against the sea of plastic that people carelessly

discard,” provincial governor Ahmed Abdallah said. “And it all ends up in the Red Sea.” The ban will come into effect from June in a bid to clean up islands, beaches and diving areas around Hurghada, one of Egypt’s most popular resorts.

Mr Abdallah hopes the campaign will mean Egypt attracts more environment-conscious tourists.

The country produces 970,000 tons of plastic waste per year including 12 billion plastic bags, causing severe problems to the Nile river, Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Egypt’s vital tourism industry has been hit hard by extremist attacks and political turmoil.

PARTY FROCK Queen Victoria’s Stuart Ball costume

as part of the exhibition.

A Victorian illusion technique, known as Pepper’s Ghost, and projections around the room will enable visitors to imagine the ballroom as Victoria and Albert would have known it.

Victoria became queen when she was only 18 in 1837 and moved into Buckingham Palace just three weeks later.

The building, converted by architect John Nash, had been left empty for seven years after the death of Victoria’s uncle, George IV. It was incomplete and many of the rooms were undecorated and unfurnished.

NEWS IN BRIEF

No vote for EU citizens

Europe is centre stage

‘Zammo’ joins EastEnders

ALMOST four million people could be stripped of the right to vote in council elections if a no-deal Brexit goes ahead.

Nearly half a million Britons living in the EU and another 3.5million EU citizens living in the UK would be unable to cast a vote, the Government has confirmed. They were also not allowed to vote in the 2016 referendum.

LONDON’S Donmar Warehouse will include a play called Europe in its new season.

The drama was written 25 years ago but is billed as ‘prophetic in its vision of Europe today’.

David Greig’s play explores a ‘complex vision of Europe’, looking at ‘the movement of people, capital and borders’ and ‘explores our complex relationship’ to the continent.

GRANGE HILL star Lee MacDonald has been cast in EastEnders more than 30 years after he played troubled Zammo in the children’s series.

The 50-year-old follows four others on the path, Susan Tully (Suzanne Ross/Michelle Fowler), Todd Carthy (Tucker Jenkins/Mark Fowler), Michelle Gayle (Fiona Wilson/Hattie Tavernier) and Sean Maguire (Tegs Ratcliffe/Aidan Brosnan).

Local News

NEWS

19

20

NEWS

Letters

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG We shouldn’t have to ‘like it or lump it’when it comes to visiting the doctor Thousands of people are faced with losing the Rowan Tree Surgery, the only doctors’ surgery in the western part of Tunbridge Wells.

The loss would necessitate an awkward journey into the centre of the town for many residents of Showfields, Ramslye and Broadwater who need medical attention.

The Rowan Tree Surgery was set up by a compassionate doctor to meet a need in the west of the town. Has that need evaporated?

Should our medical services be provided with the needs of the users in mind, or for the convenience of the NHS? Closure will leave the elderly, disabled and mothers with pushchairs and young children

in tow with no option but to struggle on buses, or to drive into the town, contending with traffic and parking, and adding to town centre congestion.

This comes on top of the proposed huge reduction in the opening hours of the Showfields Library. Community provision is being torn apart. We now seem to have a ‘like it or lump it’ provision of public services, provision that takes less and less account of the practical convenience to us, the users.

It will be instructive to see how politicians deal with this one. Whose side are they on?

John Telling Tunbridge Wells

May, or whether the Alliance will even put up a candidate in my area. A curse on all their houses.

Anthony Kerridge Tunbridge Wells

Sanity prevails on sanitary matters The Chancellor last week announced that sanitary protection will be available to young women at school, which many will agree is a good thing.

Just to put things into a personal perspective, I married in 1966 – which is an indication of my age – and since before then I have always argued that these products should be free of tax.

But bringing the subject up in polite company was the kiss of death, so it says much about the progress we have made that these matters can be discussed in a matter-of-fact way, though, as a man, I fear I may still be crossing a no-go boundary.

What may trivialise this important step forward – and I reference your editorial on transgender issues [March 13] – is if/when male pupils ‘identify as female’ and demand access to these products in the name of equality.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Can you help out in our charity shop?

BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW The Rowan Tree Surgery was set up to meet a need in the west of town

No drama, I’d rather listen to experts We are fortunate to have so many self-appointed experts in our town, particularly relating to our new theatre.

The latest letter on the subject was sent by Kate Griffiths [March 27]. Among other points, she criticised a lack of conference facilities in the new building.

I’m not sure why the council should be spending taxpayer money on conference facilities. This is a private-sector activity, already offered by local hotels and businesses, with no wider cultural benefit to the town.

She also complained there are no smaller stages in the new theatre. Yet we already have the Trinity Theatre, a 350-seat auditorium, a hundred yards up the road. Local people would not want to see this popular venue threatened by a competing stage at the new building.

Theatres are not commercial enterprises.

They are core parts of our communities, offered by local councils up and down the land to create better places to live, attract visitors and strengthen local economies.

So I’m happy to listen to the real-life experts who do this for a living.

They feel the new theatre is the right size, the right design and in the perfect location.

Ms S Manson Tunbridge Wells

What happens if Hoopers disappears?

I agree with previous letters of the potential folly of going ahead with Calverley Square – overdevelopment without a clear strategy of where we are going.

The Planning Inspector will have to consider all the evidence brought before him in the 12 days of the public inquiry into the CPOs sought by the council to make the scheme work.

It is evident already that there are many hurdles for the council to overcome with regards to Hoopers’ objections to the access rights and

use of their car park which were voiced prior to the planning application.

The council didn’t reply to Hoopers’ proposed alternative theatre access solution, which would have avoided the need for access to their car park before adoption of the Civic Development Planning Framework SPD in February 2018, but went on to apply for a CPO against Hoopers in August 2018.

So if this CPO is accepted, has the council made an assessment about the economic impact of the loss of Hoopers on the town?

This demonstrates the determination of the council, against all odds, to build its vanity project despite being told they have chosen the wrong location, not made the proper economic and social assessments, considered any alternatives, or mitigation to relieve the negative impacts on Calverley Grounds and its surrounding residential, retail or social amenities.

Marguerita Morton Lib Dem candidate for St John’s ward

Lib Dems cynical and opportunistic Your paper carried yet another letter from Alan Bullion trying to promote the anti-theatre credentials of the Liberal Democrats.

I am against the new theatre. However the Lib Dems have done nothing whatsoever to stop it, and if anything have supported the folly.

When the final decision was taken in December 2017, one of the three Lib Dem councillors voted in favour. Their leader is recorded in the minutes praising the merits of the scheme and complimenting the council on its vision for the future.

So I’m afraid Dr Bullion’s comments cut no mustard with me. His position is nothing more than cynical political opportunism.

I supported the Alliance at the last local election. But they, too, have achieved nothing.

I don’t know who, if anyone, I will vote for in

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

Cancer Research UK’s shop in Tunbridge Wells is really in need of more volunteers to work there and we’d like to hear from anyone who might be able to join us.

We can offer a great retail opportunity, where volunteers can learn skills in customer service, stock processing, visual merchandising, confidence and team building.

Not only that, people can gain new friendships and pride in volunteering for a great cause.

If you would like to find out more, email me at: tunbridgewellsshop@cancer.org.uk Raymond King Cancer Research UK, Tunbridge Wells

Defying the whip leaves Clark scarred If Greg Clark is ‘confused’ about what a threeline whip is [March 20], perhaps he shouldn’t be in Parliament, let alone the Cabinet – where a colleague got up and walked out at his excuse for voting against the government’s manifesto pledge of a ‘no deal’.

But at least he’s now broken cover, revealing his deceitful and duplicitous actions. Just to recapitulate: Clark voted for the referendum, he voted for ‘no deal’, and now he’s voted to remove ‘no deal’. Little good this will do him – it remains on the statute books.

He will be returned at the next election as this constituency’s member – a blue rosette pinned on a donkey can win here.

But he can reflect on his actions from the back benches once this hapless and pathetic government is swept from office.

As a Conservative and Remainer I write this with much regret.

Tom Forrester Tunbridge Wells

Classic illusions for a Brexit eternity Mrs May: Condemned to roll the same stone up the same hill for ever, now resting from her Sisyphean labours. Who’s next?

The British public: Chained to a rock called Brexit for eternity, and having its liver pecked out each morning by an eagle.

Parliament: A modern-day Augean Stables, but who will clean them out? Where is our Hercules?

John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

CALVERLEY

H

“

mm, Mum looks a little stressed today... I wonder what I can do to push her over the edge?”

just had to share this most amusing Mother’s Day card spotted on a neighbour’s shelf at the weekend.

Sometimes those who write these cards get it spot on.

KNIVES and their misuse have become a hot topic, and rightly so. In the ‘olden days’ of sail (even before Calverley), the crew of a ship would have the points knocked off their knives when they went aboard to make it harder to stab someone. Begs the question of why all knives must have points? Might not solve all the problems, but…

CALVERLEY pulled into a busy garage forecourt last weekend and queued for a place at one of the pumps. He ended up behind a driver who filled the tank, locked the car, and went inside to pay for the petrol, but not before also doing some grocery shopping. From the amount of time it took the person to traipse round the aisles, they must have been buying food for the weekend; with dozens of relatives joining them. Here’s an idea Mr BP and Mrs Shell: Why not have a fast lane at the pumps for those who go to a petrol station just to buy petrol, strange as that might seem?

OFF to the hinterland, where Calverley eventually arrives outside a charming gastro pub near Buxted. Being a committed veggie, no attention is paid to the meatier side of the menu until people on the next table are served their meal; without doubt the biggest steak it’s possible to get on a restaurant table.

Not on a plate – no chance. On a table. Being curious (nosey), Himself asked what it was.

It’s called a tomahawk steak, which is an on-the-bone rib steak cut from the fore-rib with the entire rib bone left intact. Just in case you’re tempted, you should make sure you’re in credit: It costs £78 a time. So, some advantages then to being a veggie. Pass the lettuce.

Chin Chin, dear reader

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 April 3 | 2019

Education

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EDUCATION Times

OUT OF THIS WORLD: The winning Argonauts team with, from left, Tonbridge Headmaster James Priory, Dr Michael Foale, Dr Julie Keeble, Dr Steve Swanson and Chris Barber.

One giant leap for science students…

After the successful Mission Discovery week at Tonbridge School the winners of the special experiment competition held during the event have been announced. The triumphant pupils (pictured above) will now see their engineering idea being carried out on the International Space Station Last month in order to celebrate the official launch of the new Barton Science Wing at Tonbridge School a number of pupils from other schools were invited to take part in a special week of science-based workshops and experiments hosted by ISSET, the International Space School Educational Trust.

The Mission Discovery week, which took place from Monday March 18 to Friday March 22, saw senior school students given the opportunity to spend time working with NASA astronauts and renowned scientists on a number of projects including creating ideas for experiments that could be carried out in space. Tonbridge is the first UK school to host Mission Discovery.

The grand final on March 22 saw six shortlisted teams making presentations to a panel of judges.

Eventually ‘The Argonauts’ team was named the winner. It consisted of five pupils from Tonbridge’s Lower Sixth: Thomas Stack (FH4), Godwyn Lai (MH4) and Edward Barry (Sc4), as well as Sarah Prescott and Abigail Colley, both from Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School.

The students designed an experiment to discover whether yeast is able to undergo sexual reproduction in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. The team’s theory is that sexual reproduction between two yeast colonies will result in a new colony able to survive

in an environment deficient of both nutrients.

This experiment will now be built by Dr Julie Keeble, ISSET’s Chief Scientist and a lecturer of Pharmacology at King’s College London, alongside her colleagues at King’s and NASA. It will then be launched to the International Space Station and carried out by the astronauts on board.

“The judges had a hard time selecting from a great set of presentations. The winner was chosen because it described a brilliantly simple way to carry out a worthwhile experiment that has many potential benefits and applications” Chris Barber, Founder of ISSET, said: “We have carried out Mission Discovery and other educational programmes all over the world, and I am delighted to say that the week at Tonbridge School was as enjoyable and successful as any.

The students worked very hard and were highly creative, and the school staff were highly professional, helpful and diligent.

Beechwood Sacred Heart music pupil awarded noteworthy prize The Marguerite Swan Memorial Fund was set up Miranda Buser, a student at Beechwood Sacred with donations from family, friends and pupils of Heart, has been awarded the Marguerite Swan Mrs Swan who wish to remember her many years of Memorial Prize for Violoncello in 2018. devoted and successful teaching.

The annual prize is given to the The school’s Head of Music, Mrs candidate who obtains the highest The annual prize is Sarah Kershaw, said: “Beechwood mark in the West Kent area for awarded to the is incredibly proud of Miranda’s Grades 6-8 and is awarded by The candidate who achievement. Her musical talent Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), the obtains the highest continues to flourish and impress, UK’s largest music education body. mark in the West Kent and we are thrilled that she has been recognised by ABRSM. It is also one of the country’s area for Grades 6-8 Miranda leaves Beechwood this largest music publishers and the year to take a well-deserved place world’s leading provider of music at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) exams, holding over 650,000 assessments in in Brighton to further her musical studies.” more than 90 countries every year.

“The judges had a hard time selecting from a great set of presentations. The winner was chosen because it described a brilliantly simple way to carry out a worthwhile experiment that has many potential benefits and applications.”

The International Space Station (ISS) is described by NASA as ‘the most famous laboratory on Earth ... or off it’, and there was a fierce but friendly competition among students for their design to be chosen.

Schools taking part, in addition to Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, included The Judd School, The Skinners’ School, Skinners Kent’ Academy, Weald of Kent Grammar School and The Marsh Academy in New Romney.

Helping to run Mission Discovery at Tonbridge were NASA astronauts Dr Michael Foale CBE and Dr Steve Swanson. Dr Foale, the first Britishborn NASA astronaut, is an astrophysicist and a former International Space Station commander who has been into space on six missions. Dr Swanson, also a former ISS commander as well as an engineer, has logged more than 640 hours in space and completed four spacewalks.

As well as discussing ideas with the students, the astronauts gave a series of talks throughout the week in which they shared their experiences of travelling into space and living and working aboard the International Space Station.

MIRANDA BUSER

NEWS

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Weekly Comment

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Greg Clark

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Tourism is a great success story

Economy Later this week I will be visiting one Tunbridge Wells-based company which is contributing to what is a rapidly expanding visitor economy. Tours International helps organise inbound tour groups to the UK, creating jobs all over Britain and, particularly, in Kent.

This week is English Tourism Week. It’s a good opportunity to recognise the role of visitors to our town and borough. More and more people are coming to visit Tunbridge Wells - the number of visitors

was up 5.7 per cent on the previous year, and is on a rising trend.

And why not? The borough of Tunbridge Wells has a huge amount to offer any prospective tourist, whether it is taking a stroll along the Pantiles, to riding a steam train along the Spa Valley Railway and walking among the ruins of Scotney Castle.

It also boasts fantastic hotels, restaurants and a whole host of wonderful village pubs.

Many of these can be reached by bike or on foot via the dozens of dedicated walkways and cycle paths that crisscross the borough.

Some of these routes, such as the 27.5 mile Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk, are specifically mapped out, with guides available online at the Visit Tunbridge Wells website.

The next few weeks will also see a range of exciting activities taking place across the borough, such as lambing at Four Winds Farm in Bidborough on Saturday, treasure hunts at Bewl Water and Easter holiday camping at Bedgebury Pinetum.

These events, and the many others due to take place, play a significant role in

boosting the profile of the area and encouraging people to visit.

I hope that many of them will find their way to Tunbridge Wells. We are a town that was built for visitors. From

‘The borough of Tunbridge Wells has a huge amount to offer any prospective tourist, whether it is taking a stroll along the Pantiles, to riding a steam train along the Spa Valley Railway and walking among the ruins of Scotney Castle’

Mark Hood Co-Chair of the Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

1606 onwards we have served, not only water with an alarming taste, but entertainment, shops, cafes, architecture and natural beauty to guests from far and wide.

TOURIST TRAIL: Scotney Castle, one of Tunbridge Wells’ many attractions

PHOTO: National Trust Images/Stephen Robson

With the Easter holiday approaching, many people will be looking forward to a well-deserved break and a chance to spend time with family and friends.

Some will choose to go abroad, while others will decide to take some time off closer to home and enjoy the many wonderful things our country has to offer, whether it’s our beautiful countryside or our historically rich and cultured cities.

Tourism in Britain is enjoying a period of growth. We now rank seventh in the world for the number of visitors we attract and the amount they spend, totalling £24 billion a year.

Mark Hood has established the Barden Residents’ Association, is a founder member of Keep River Lawn Green, and campaigned to save the Barden Boatyard and River Lawn from development. He is also one of the organisers of the Tonbridge Calling festival

Council needs a new business model The sale of the Teen and Twenty Club site at a discount of over £680,000 shows that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is incapable of managing its own finances. The ruling Conservative group on the council has recently boasted that it has earnt £117,000 from investments in property funds, just one fifth of the discount given to developer Assura. By its own admission this council is relying on New Homes Bonus payments to make ends meet and that source of revenue is expected to come to an end. TMBC has gone from being an award-winning council to one which is now selling public assets to gamble on property investments to pay for services.

TMBC has a 20th century business model while neighbouring authorities have embraced the new reality of local government finance and embarked on a programme of urban renewal, including using council-owned assets to bring in revenue. Devoid of any professional ability to use its assets effectively, the council is only interested in selling them. However TMBC is part of the West Kent Partnership and could have accessed officer expertise from Sevenoaks DC and Tunbridge Wells BC. The council is unable to increase Council Tax by more than 3% without the approval of a referendum but there is no restriction on other charges. The result for taxpayers is the

escalating cost of stealth taxes such as Special Expenses, increased by 7%, and the new £40 Garden Tax, introduced despite the fact that the new waste contract delivers savings of £2.5m shared between TMBC, Tunbridge Wells BC and KCC.

view to leasing and returning revenue to pay for services and keep Council Tax down. Few local authorities are predominantly disposing of property assets, this council is a badly run exception. TMBC is a major landowner in Tonbridge and could take a leading role in

Incapable

CUT PRICE: Teen and Twenty Club sale shows the Council is incapable of managing its finances

If households in Tonbridge need to pay for the garden waste scheme they will now be paying over £95 more than they did three years ago when Special Expenses were introduced.

Meanwhile toilets at the Angel Centre have recently been closed and all but one of the flowerbeds at the Castle Grounds has been turfed over to cut costs. We are paying more to get less!

Why is the council incapable of considering another way of doing things? It invests money raised from selling assets here in property elsewhere. Meanwhile our town centre is scarred by the empty shops at Railway Approach which could be a thriving parade of pop-up retail units bringing vitality to the town and creating a better impression for visitors.

The Green Party proposes that all the properties lined up for sale by the council are reconsidered for redevelopment and repurposing with a

shaping the future of our town centre and establishing the foundations for a healthy financial future for both the council and the business community. It is time for it to take centre stage rather than be a bit part player in its own production.

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS

INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk

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Lap up a life on the ’Tiles

In a period home with a view Page 41

A CHANCE TO JOIN THE JETTY SET

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A NEW WINDOW ON THE WORLD…

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Best property buys for...

Upton Farm

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

Guide price

The KITCHEN…

Gatehouse Lane Framfield

£1,800,000 CONTACT: • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk New to the market is this beautiful extended and refurbished Grade II-listed country house.

It comes with two self-contained annexes, a heated swimming pool, lovely gardens, including a large pond, plus stabling and a paddock – ticking all the right boxes for the large family that loves the outdoors.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Period features include open fireplaces, exposed timbers and some exposed stone walls n 6 reception rooms n Stunning kitchen/breakfast room with vaulted ceilings, oak-framed surround, large island and French doors to patio and deck n 7 bedrooms n 5 bespoke bathrooms n Heated swimming pool and pool house n Well stocked gardens with a large terrace overlooking an impressive pond, various seating areas, and gate to wooded area with a stream n Stabling and fenced-off paddock n Double garage and parking n 2 self-contained annexes, one of which is currently used as a successful Airbnb n In all about 3.35 acres

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

The SETTING…

Best For

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The PRICE…

‘When I first drove through the iron gates of Dene Park I instantly fell in love. I always feel more creative when working in the turret, and the four acres of communal grounds really provide a wow factor’ (CURRENT OWNER)

Bridge House

Woodbury Park Road Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£185,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A well maintained, purpose-built, first floor flat close to the town centre, with parking.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Living room and kitchen n Bedroom and shower room n Communal gardens n Residents’ parking

Westwood

Dene Park Shipbourne Road Tonbridge

Offers in excess of

£495,000

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

A magnificent, turretted, duplex apartment forming part of a Victorian mansion within a private, gated, rural estate near the village of Shipbourne. The views are trully stunning.

Regency Hall

Linden Park Road Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£325,000 (Share of freehold) CONTACT • Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Drawing room with marble fireplace n Dining hall n Stylish kitchen/breakfast room n Bijou home office in turret n Master bedroom suite with minstrels’ gallery n Further double bedroom en-suite n Communal roof terrace n Approximately 4 acres of beautiful communal grounds n Tennis court n Single garage and parking

A superbly located top floor apartment close to The Pantiles and the Common.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Lift access to all floors n West-facing sitting/dining room n Kitchen with built-in Smeg appliances n 2 double bedrooms, one with en suite, French windows and Juliette balcony n Shower room n Large, fully boarded loft n Communal gardens and parking

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Sandrock Road TN2

Hungershall Park TN4

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A well-presented attached former coach house which has been stylishly renovated.

• • •

Secluded position Parking for several cars Approximately 0.5 miles to centre of town

A substantial portion of an impressive Victorian villa situated in one of the prestigious parks.

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Classical period features Views over private parkland Approximately 1 mile to mainline station

3

Guide price £2,300,000 Freehold

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Groombridge TN3

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Cranbrook TN17

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An extremely spacious self-build property in the heart of this popular village.

Triple aspect sitting room 31 ft open plan kitchen/dining room Integral garage

An attractive converted barn with spectacular views over countryside.

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Wealth of period features Presented in immaculate order Within Cranbrook School catchment area

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5

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Guide price £1,195,000 Freehold mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

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Guide price £1,250,000 Freehold

• • •

5

Guide price £1,375,000 Freehold 01892 310997

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

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

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

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Newick Lane TN21

Hawkhurst TN18

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A substantial country house in a rural location with distant views.

• • •

Attached annexe cottage Detached office approximately 1,313 sq ft Approximately 14.5 acres

A substantial and impressive Victorian family house with approximately 1.2 acres.

4

3

• • •

Wealth of period features Over 7,000 sq ft Within Cranbrook School catchment area

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Guide price £1,495,000 Freehold

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Crowborough TN6

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Hawkhurst TN18

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An immaculately presented modern family home in a secluded location to the south of the town.

Delightful gardens Integal double garage Well located for transportation links

An immaculately presented family home within the Cranbrook School catchment area.

5

3

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4

Period features Cleverly tiered garden Off road parking

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Asking price £765,000 Freehold mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

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Guide price £1,750,000 Freehold

• • •

4

Guide price £495,000 Freehold 01892 310997

mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

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

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

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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Property Focus

LOCATION, LOCATION…

Step back in time with a home in the heart of The Pantiles The Pantiles

Tunbridge Wells ASKING PRICE

£685,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 640013/640316 • hamptons.co.uk

What could be better for lovers of period charm, a character colonnade and watching the world go by than a home in the picturesque Pantiles?

For sale with a view of The Old Fish Market (now a Sankey’s restaurant) and beyond is this attractive 3-bedroom, Grade II-listed Victorian townhouse-style maisonette with its own ground floor entrance and a further three floors.

The beautifully presented interior includes a sitting room with a balcony.

Originally created by the Georgians as The Walks in 1638, The Pantiles was the first place to be built in Tunbridge Wells after King Charles the Martyr Church. It has been at the centre of the town’s social scene ever since, attracting visits from a variety of famous folk, and even royalty.

Living in The Pantiles also means you have a host of restaurants, cafés and pubs on your doorstep, along with wonderful shops, art galleries markets and live musical events, and all within walking distance of the Common, main town and station.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST • Sitting room with attractive fireplace and tall windows opening to a balcony with views of The Pantiles • Well fitted kitchen/breakfast room • 3 bedrooms, with 2 also enjoying views of The Pantiles • Dressing room/utility room • Bathroom with wet room area and shower • Entitled to apply for 2 resident car parking spaces from the council • No onward chain

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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Property Focus

NEW HOMES

Sevenoaks goes ultra-modern with the kind of development ‘never seen before’ in the town

New Homes

A new, gated development of just five homes has been launched next to Sevenoaks Rugby Club, with a modern, minimalist design ‘never been seen before in Sevenoaks’.

Built by McCulloch Homes, the 5-bedroom properties will appeal to many, with floor to ceiling windows bringing a great sense of light and space inside, and each offering extensive living areas with large reception rooms and open-plan kitchen/dining rooms.

Two different house layouts are available, each including an impressive master bedroom suite with a balcony, dressing area and large en-suite with freestanding bath.

Externally, there are outdoor landscaped spaces that are ideal for entertaining, with

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some offering covered terraces that can be enjoyed all year round.

Martin Hill, CEO of McCulloch Homes, says: “Raleys Park represents the realisation of a vision to build new contemporary-styled homes, the likes of which has never been seen before in Sevenoaks.”

Laura Hackney, Residential Development Partner at selling agent Knight Frank, adds: “These homes are ideal for families and downsizers, and we expect strong levels of interest both from local buyers and those re-locating from London.”

The homes are available to purchase now off-plan, with the scheme due to complete this summer.

Raleys Park LAUNCH VIEWINGS Sat & Sun April 13 & 14

Plymouth Drive Sevenoaks PRICES STARTING FROM

£1,795,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Sevenoaks • 01732 808990 • knightfrank.co.uk

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST • German kitchens with integrated Miele appliances • Underfloor heating on the ground floor • Geberit sanitary ware • Modus Vivendi audio-visual surround systems • Landscaped outdoor spaces • Secure double garages plus parking for two cars • Within walking distance of town centre

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

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AT A GLANCE CLAREMONT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n A Victorian home almost opposite the gates to Calverley Park n Period features include impressive fireplaces and sash windows n 2 reception rooms, including one with French doors to courtyard n Kitchen/breakfast room with underfloor heating n 4 bedrooms n 2 shower rooms n Lower basement store and utility area with potential for use as a games or cinema room n Pretty courtyard n Single garage located close by n Eligible to apply for two resident parking permits n Close to Claremont Primary School n Minutes from station and High Street

Central Victorian home close to park and primary school

‘We moved here 36 years ago, and everything we could possibly want or need is within striking distance, including the station at the foot of the hill, Calverley Park and The Pantiles’ (CURRENT OWNER)

GUIDE PRICE

£750,000 CONTACT • Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 701900 • fineandcountry.com

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Life&Times

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

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ALL ABOARD FOR LAMPS SHOW

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SPRING INTO ACTION

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THE ALLURE OF AUSTRALIA

Theatre royalty

61

See The King and I at Trinity

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS WIN AGAIN

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Bring on the revolution! Will a new book

change our view of Tunbridge Wells?

‘Revolutionary Tunbridge Wells’ is a fascinating historical account of the town’s left-wing political movements and the impact they have had. Jerome Bowman talks to the book’s author, local historian Julian Wilson, about why he thinks his findings still have importance for the borough…

Could you start by telling our readers a little about your background?

I moved to Tunbridge Wells when I was a toddler, and then moved to Tonbridge aged 17, around the time of the 1997 General Election. I have lived there ever since, except for my time at university.

just how much support they received in the community, with audiences of several thousand people attending their open-air lectures on the Common.

Others proved extremely hostile, and there were attempts to physically break up their meetings, blacklist activists, and even accuse the Social Democrats of being involved in arson.

Despite this, they had three councillors on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – part of a socialist block of seven – by 1900.

Why did you decide to write Revolutionary Tunbridge Wells?

In a nutshell, I am hoping to change people’s understanding of Tunbridge Wells as a community. Until recently, historians have mostly concentrated on the role of wealthy white men and excluded the likes of the working class, women and ethnic minorities in the local area.

This also means that little attention has been given to certain parts of the town, such as the area around Camden Road or High Brooms. I wanted to redress that.

Can you summarise what the book is about for us?

It concentrates on the Tunbridge Wells branch of the Social-Democratic Federation, Britain’s first Marxist political party, which formed in the summer of 1886.

Readers may be surprised to find out

‘The movement in Tunbridge Wells left Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds in the shade’

What nuggets of special interest did you come across in your research?

What makes this story so interesting is both the early development of socialism in Tunbridge Wells and its strength.

One contemporary left-wing publication felt that the movement in Tunbridge Wells left those in cities such as Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds in the shade.

Tunbridge Wells activists played a very significant part in establishing branches of the Social-Democratic Federation and the Independent Labour Party throughout the region, especially in Hastings and Maidstone. They also thought of themselves as part of an international movement which

would liberate the globe from capitalism and imperialism.

Did you work closely with local people and institutions for your research?

The collection of newspapers in Tunbridge Wells Library was a key source of information, and I had a very interesting day, thanks to the museum staff, looking through some of the archives buried in the vaults under the Town Hall.

The Kent History and Archives Centre in Maidstone also had some extremely useful material on the members of the Tunbridge Wells movement who claimed Conscientious Objector status in the First World War. The Civic Society were also very helpful in weeding out any errors in the book and suggesting edits, often to clarify things for the general reader.

I also had a number of very interesting discussions about the more recent past with local members of the Labour Party and the trade union movement.

Finally, what can learning about the history of left-wing politics in Tunbridge Wells tell us about the town today?

Tunbridge Wells, perhaps counter-intuitively,

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

is a place for thinking differently.

It was the only borough in Kent to vote to remain in the EU in 2016.

It also suffers from many of the same problems that it had in 1886, with the cost of housing outstripping incomes, and public services failing to keep up with demand.

I also discovered that in many ways the modern Labour Parties in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling can trace their origins back to the Social-Democratic Federation in the 1880s.

Perhaps radical ideas will again win growing support in the area…

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Arts & Culture

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Taking it all in their stride Ahead of their new show, Musicality: Take 2 Stage & Screen, the Local Amateur Musical Players group – or LAMPS – tell Eileen Leahy why they’re still going strong after 90 years in showbiz… and helpful, and the facilities are superb.

The space is wonderfully intimate so the reactions from our audiences are always felt, which gives the cast a great buzz!

Revolutionary Tunbridge Wells is priced £11.95 and can be purchased in Waterstones, Adrian Harrington Rare Books and directly from The Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society

So, please can you tell us a little bit about your new show, Musicality Take 2?

In October 2017 we celebrated our 90th anniversary with a show entitled Musicality, which celebrated all the great stage and screen musicals. We even won an ‘Accolade of Excellence’ Award from NODA [The National Operatic and Dramatic Association] for this production. And it was also incredibly popular with our audience, so we decided to do Musicality Take 2, and this time will be performing excerpts from the likes of 9 to 5, The Witches of Eastwick, Dirty Dancing and Footloose.

What will people enjoy most about seeing it?

The great thing about a compilation show of this nature is that it embraces so many different genres of musical theatre. One of the comments that we got from Musicality was that it was a rollercoaster ride through so many wonderful shows, and we plan to deliver that exact same experience with Musicality Take 2. There are 36

members within this particular cast and we’ve been rehearsing for approximately two months.

What do you love most about performing at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge?

The EM Forster has become a lovely new home for us since losing our beloved Royal Victoria Hall in Southborough just a few years ago. The EM Forster Theatre staff are incredibly supportive

What benefits does being part of LAMPS give individuals?

The wonderful people you get to meet is a big plus; we are a very friendly and welcoming bunch who will always embrace new members.

So if you love musicals and love to perform, or would like to help backstage, or even if it’s something you have never done but have always thought about giving it a go, then LAMPS is the group for you.

What else do you have in store for 2019?

After Musicality Take 2 we will be doing a concert in tribute to the wonderful Stephen Sondheim, who is the musical genius responsible for musicals such as West Side Story, Gypsy, Follies, Into The Woods and Sweeney Todd. We’ll be performing this at EM Forster Theatre in October.

LAMPS perform Musicality Take 2 at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge from April 10-13.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £13 for concessions (under 16 and 65 years and older). To book call 01732 304 241 or visit lamps.org.uk If anyone is interested in joining LAMPS as a member of the cast or to help with backstage and behind-the-scenes operations, then they can visit their website for details of how to get involved. lamps.org.uk

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goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden from Strictly Come Dancing are joined by Chloe Hewitt for their new tour Here Come the Girls at the Assembly Hall. The show features the pro dancers in a mix of Ballroom and Latin routines and starts at 7.30pm. If you turn up a bit earlier there will be a meet-and-greet with the dancers. Tickets are £30.75 from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

If you’re into your local history, Chiddingstone Castle will be putting on The Victorian Cape Project Evening Talk this evening from 6.30pm.

It centres around said garment, which was discovered in a local home in poor condition, but thanks to restoration efforts it can now be shown to the public. Naomi Collick and Mervyn Streatfeild, a descendent of the Streatfeild family that once owned Chiddingstone, will be discussing the restoration process for the cape and what it can tell us about the local area in the 19th century. You can book tickets, which cost £10, by going to chiddingstonecastle.org.uk A staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Far Eastern musical The King and I is being shown at Trinity Theatre at 7pm, as recorded at the London Palladium. The critically-acclaimed Lincoln Centre Theatre production has been described as ‘Complete rapture’ by The Telegraph, and as ‘the finest staging of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical’ by The Washington Post. So you don’t want to miss this. A standard ticket costs £20, but there are other prices as well. For more information and to book, visit trinitytheatre.net

FRIDAY The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden are the next stop on the tour of Bright Brick’s Lego show Civilisations. The spectacle features 40 detailed models, including dioramas and lifesized models. Taking the kids is a good excuse to go see some fantastic Lego creations. Tickets cost £18 per adult and £12 per child and include a travelcard for the railway. For more information and to get tickets, go to kesr.org.uk

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

DRAGON BREATH Full-scale Lego models come to the KESR railway

SATURDAY The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge are presenting a series of short plays starting at 8pm. Created and performed by the Oast Youth Theatre, Oast Assortment is an eclectic mix of dramatic, comedic and thought-provoking performances.

Tickets cost £11 and can be booked by going to oasttheatre.com You can still catch Tonbridge Grammar School’s Art Exhibition on the Ground floor of Royal Victoria Place, at the Calverley precinct entrance.

The gallery features work from IB Diploma students at the school, inspired by their personal interests and investigations into the world around them. The exhibition is free and runs until April 23.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU… Ken Watanabe and Kelli O’ Hara in The King and I

SUNDAY

The Boy and the Mermaid is coming to the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge this afternoon at 2pm. It’s a musical starring three grizzled fishermen singing shanties and weaving a funny

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

WONDERLAND Alice and her friends at Groombridge Place

and engaging tale that’s perfect for young ones.

Live music, a shifting set and rapping octopuses guaranteed. All tickets cost £10 and can be purchased online by going to emftheatre.com Groombridge Place has been invaded by Lewis Caroll’s fevered dreams. The Alice in Wonderland Spectacular includes performances twice a day by an acting troupe, sing-a-longs and a chance to meet the cast. The estate also has a new Birds of Prey Show, face painting and an arts and crafts corner. There’s a lot to get in, so for more information and to book tickets, visit groombridgeplace.com The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra is playing at The Assembly Hall this afternoon at 3pm. The performance, entitled RTWSO: Hooray for Hollywood, is the final concert of the season and is sure to be one of the highlights.

The orchestra will be playing through some the most memorable soundtracks laid to tape, from the bombastic stylings of John Williams to the brooding scores of Danny Elfman and the quiet sadness of Nino Rota’s score for The Godfather.

This is a tribute to the composers that have made such films iconic. Tickets cost £24.75 or just £1 for students and under-18s. To book, go to assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Meanwhile, in Tonbridge, The Lydian Orchestra Spring Concert starts at 3pm at the Parish Church Of St Peter and St Paul. The orchestra takes pride in its age, 43, and its philosophy of giving young musicians the chance to play in a touring orchestra. The concert programme includes pieces such as Prokofiev’s Symphony No 1, Brahms’ St Anthony Variations and Haydn’s London Symphony No 104. Tickets are available on the door and will cost £12 for adults, £6 for students and just £1 for under 18s.

MONDAY

You can still catch the Colour of Spring at The Fairfax Gallery, featuring contemporary paintings and sculptures. The exhibition boasts uplifting and colourful new work from 12 established artists, including Adrian Parnell, who studied at two of London’s most prestigious art colleges in the 1970s – Saint Martins and The Slade. The gallery is open in The Pantiles from 10am to 6pm seven days a week and is free to enter. For more information, visit fairfaxgallery.com The Breakfast Club will be screened at Trinity Theatre from 10.30am. The classic 1985 film tells of awkward adolescence and teenage woe and still holds up very well. The film is part of the Senior Cinema series, meaning that the house lights will not be fully turned down and there will be a 15-minute interval with refreshments. Non-members welcome. To find out more about becoming a member, email: jocelyn@trinitytheatre.net and to book tickets, visit trinitytheatre.net

TUESDAY

Hello, my little Droogs, A Clockwork Orange is being screened at the Odeon Tunbridge Wells at 8.15pm. One of Stanley Kubrick’s essential films, the strikingly alien set design and meticulous camerawork still make this an intense watching experience. Based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess, this is a chance to see this disturbingly violent vision of what at the time of the film’s release in 1971 was the future. Tickets cost £11.50 per adult and can be booked at odeon.co.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK: Secret Art Parties

The Black Pig, Tunbridge Wells Tuesday April 9, 7pm

Secret Art Parties will be hosting another evening of painting with drinks and nibbles at The Black Pig. This week, learn how to recreate impressionist Monet’s Madame Monet and Her Son in a fun and relaxed environment.

You will also learn about Monet’s life, and to socialise with other budding artists.

Tickets cost £40 per head and include a drink and light bites. For more information and bookings, call 01892 871684 or visit secretartparties.co.uk

Going Out

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Paul Crisp, Rachael Stalker, Alice Rose, Jack Leon Mackey Friday Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard & Friends. Special guest: Anton Browne Saturday Into The Blue Sunday Ryan Weeks, Jennifer Lee Ridley

live music With Paul Dunton

F

OR a great Wednesday outing, Paul Crisp, Rachael Stalker, Alice Rose and Jack Leon Mackey are all at The Grey Lady.

On Thursday night, The Black Horse hosts its jam session night with many amazing musicians taking part.

Friday night sees Nate Austin at The Nelson Arms in Tonbridge and Rooster Tail at The Bedford. The Manatees headline The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Hunting Holly, and jazz enthusiasts can enjoy The Vitality 5 at The Masonic Hall.

On Saturday, look out for the incredible Keston Cobblers Club at The Forum, popular soloist Mick Mepham at The Beau Nash Tavern and Local & Live returning to The

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

Royal Oak with Sean de Burca, Steffan James and my orchestra.

Into The Blue headline The Grey Lady, and Rat Pack Tribute Hooker Jones make their debut at The Punch and Judy in Tonbridge. For something heavier and more alternative, On Hollow Ground are at at The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Derange and Early Black.

On Sunday, David Shepherd is at Verdigris in Tonbridge, and Jennifer Lee Ridley and Ryan Weeks are at The Grey Lady.

On Monday, The Slow Readers Club headline at The Forum and it’s TWUNT ukulele night at The George.

Tuesday sees The Vultures return to The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge.

ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road. Event details & tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Wednesday Here Come The Girls Sunday RTWSO: Hooray For Hollywood, Music from the Movies, Conductor: Roderick Dunk THE BLACK HORSE Camden Road. Music from 8pm Thursday Open Jam Night MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Thursday & Friday Play it Again at MusicStation 8pm-9.30pm: Adult band workshop, all levels welcome.

Booking essential. Call 01732 350629

The Vitality 5

THE MASONIC HALL St John’s Road. Event details & tickets available at twjazzclub.co.uk Friday The Vitality 5 THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road. Music from 7.45pm Saturday The Paul Dunton Orchestra, Steffan James, Sean de Burca THE FORUM Event information at twforum.co.uk Saturday Keston Cobblers Club Alice R

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street. Music from 8.30pm More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday Rooster Tail THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews. Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Friday The Manatees, Hunting Holly Saturday On Hollow Ground, Derange, Early Black THE NELSON ARMS Cromer Street, Tonbridge Music from 8pm Friday Nate Austin, Andy White Duo, Eowace

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Sunday Bloxx, On Video, Scowl Monday The Slow Readers Club, Bridges THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim. Music from 8.30pm Saturday Mick Mepham Sunday Open Mic Night THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB 26 Priory Road, Tonbridge Doors open 6.30pm Members free. Guests £5.

Saturday Rockin’ With Dee VERDIGRIS High Street, Tonbridge Music from 6pm. Event details at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday David Shepherd THE GEORGE Mount Ephraim Music from 8pm Monday TWUNTS: Ukulele Jam Session THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Music from 8pm Tuesday The Vultures Saturday Hooker Jones (Rat Pack tribute)

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Courgette and cheese baked frittata with lamb’s lettuce, green olives and pecan nuts

Marinated chicken skewers with yoghurt dip

Vanilla Panna Cotta with blackberry coulis and shortbread

Crumbed chicken breast with Pepperonata sauce, crushed new potatoes and green vegetable salad

On The Menu‌

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Swordfish with ratatouille and chilli cucumber salsa

Apple tart with vanilla ice cream

Shetland mussels in tomato and chilli sauce with rustic bread

Charcuterie board with mixed meats, glazed sausages, smoked chicken, olives, Edgcumbe chutney and mixed salad

THE MOUNT EDGCUMBE www.themountedgcumbe.com

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Food & Drink

Enjoy a taste of spring

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Mango stuffed chicken wrapped in prosciutto on a bed of avocado and rice

Now that the clocks have gone forward and the days are longer and brighter it’s time to embrace a healthier, lighter eating regime. Local food blogger Adam Shaw tells you how

How to eat well this spring: n Swap out starchy potatoes for sweet potatoes which are packed full of vitamins B and C plus lots of antioxidants. n Instead of pasta use pulses in your dishes. Lentils, chickpeas and cannellini beans taste wonderful either cooked in some stock, roasted with spices, mixed with grated lemon, cumin, milk and onion or some bacon and chorizo. n Turn a portion of rice into something more vitamin packed by adding some nuts, peppers,

carrots and pomegranate arils to a serving. n Ditch your butter or margarine in your sandwich for some smashed avocado. Avocadoes are so good for you and in my opinion make any sandwich sing so much more than butter does. n Grow your own herbs. I don’t have green fingers at all but even I can grow a few herbs at home. With a choice of fresh rosemary, mint, thyme, oregano, parsley or chives to add to your food your dishes will taste fresher. n Change your snack routine.

Fill your fridge with in-season vegetables and push yourself to munch on them between mealtimes. At this time of year some cooked padrón peppers, grilled asparagus or fresh and juicy radishes make an excellent in-between meal snack. n Get creative with your salads: Pair contrasting flavours together for more exciting dishes such as mango and halloumi, watermelon and feta, mozzarella and peach or pomegranate and chicken.

Here are two of my favourite springtime recipes to try:

Rack of lamb, fresh peas and beans served with a traditional French Pistou I absolutely love this dish. Pistou is the French version of pesto and has a delicious fresh taste to it. Yet due to the garlic it also packs a punch and goes wonderfully with the lamb. No need to add any carbs to this healthy yet hearty dish INGREDIENTS: n One rack of lamb n One cup of broad beans n One cup of frozen peas n One onion n 50ml chicken stock n Splash of white wine n small knob of butter FOR THE PISTOU: n A handful of fresh basil n olive oil n 2 cloves of garlic WEBSITE: atdadstable.com

W

ITH more light in the evenings and temperatures beginning to improve it’s time to ditch the carb-heavy comfort food of winter and enjoy some of the wonderful produce that’s in season at the moment in the Garden of England. As well as some top tips I’ve also created some recipes for you using a slew of seasonal ingredients that you can introduce into your recipe repertoire…

METHOD: Set the oven to 180 degrees, season the meat and in a hot pan brown the lamb by frying it in a little oil for a minute each side. Remove from the pan and cook in the oven for around 12 minutes. n Meanwhile in the same pan cook the diced onion then add in the

broad beans and peas. Add the butter, white wine and chicken stock and cook further until the liquid reduces. n Remove the lamb from the oven and allow to rest.

Meanwhile make your pistou. Blend up the basil and garlic in a little olive oil, adding salt as required. n Spoon the peas and beans into a bowl, slice the lamb and arrange on top, finishing with a generous heap of pistou.

The addition of pomegranate, avocado and mango to the brown rice just makes the dish sing in my opinion and goes really well with the juicy mango-stuffed chicken breast. An easy to make yet beautiful plate of food.

INGREDIENTS: n One chicken breast n two slices of prosciutto n one ripe mango n 200grams of brown rice n a handful of pomegranate arils n fresh coriander n one avocado n Juice of half a lemon METHOD: n Cut a pouch into your chicken breast and fill it with as much mango as you can cram in. Wrap the chicken in the prosciutto using it to keep the mango in. Place in an oven tray and cook for 20 minutes at 200 degrees. n Meanwhile cook your rice in some chicken stock as per the packet instructions. When cooked, drain and allow to cool. n Slice one avocado and drizzle with the lemon juice, this will stop it from going brown.

Mix into the cooled brown rice along with the pomegranate and leftover mango. n Remove the chicken from the oven. Slice into thick pieces and arrange on top of the rice. Top with fresh coriander.

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Book Local, Go Global, Go Scoble

A

FTER 30 years as a Lloyd’s insurance broker, Chris Scoble decided to get out of the city and realise his passion for travel. This led to the setting up of his company Go Scoble in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Here, Freya Gilbert asks him about his business…

WINDOW ON THE WORLD Chris Scoble’s handy one-stop travel shop

How did it all start?

In March 2016, my mum won £14,000 in the lottery, shortly after she had passed away. It gave me a trigger to think and start something new.

Working at Lloyd’s of London in the city as an insurance broker and being a father to a young child had started to throw out its problems. I realised that to be able to give my son the care he needed I couldn’t work in the city any more.

Travel was always something I loved, and after speaking with Paul Harrison at the Travel franchise, my mind was made up. They offered me great support and resources to start my business, resulting in the creation of Go Scoble.

We are an independent travel consultancy with 600 suppliers of travel, all of which is ABTA protected. We book Cruises, skiing, beach holidays, adventures, tours, sports, really every type of holiday imaginable. We create a bespoke experience for each of our clients. Our shop is a relaxed space and a forum to chat and discuss options with our customers.

For any small business it can be difficult to get things up and running. You can take advice and read books, but there’s no easy way to success.

It’s all about hard work and trial and error. I am two years in and it’s been a challenging but rewarding journey to date.

Tell us about the business The shop has made a huge difference because we now have a great working space. We get a

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GO SCOBLE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS ARE ABTA AND ATOL PROTECTED GIVING YOU PEACE OF MIND ON A GO SCOBLE HOLIDAY Do you have a specialism?

I like to think we have enough expertise to call upon to be able give a qualified recommendation on most destinations and types of holiday.

Recently we have created Go Scoble Sports that does what it says on the tin. As a passionate sports follower, it’s great to sell sports holidays and we can cater for all major sporting events from Formula One to the horse racing in Ireland.

All travel is booked with ABTA protection, and of our 600 suppliers about 20 of them are sports specialists. We can do any sporting event and can tailor it around your holiday. You can go to the big fight in Vegas which then goes alongside your tailor-made US road trip.

lot of people walking in who have got to know who we are, which is brilliant. Our passion is to work with people – we don’t generally like doing enquiries over email. We’re here to work with you and to give you the best experience for what can be a big expense. We operate round the clock, with all our customers having my direct personal mobile number.

Dealing with people face to face, gaining their trust, and getting to know them is what we’re all about. Every hotel offers something different

and I will never suggest to a customer a hotel we haven’t thoroughly researched or been to ourselves.

Something that is really important to us is the locality – living locally, working locally and being passionate about Camden Road and Tunbridge Wells and the small businesses that operate here. It’s a lifestyle business where people are always smiling. One of the reasons I like the travel industry is because it is not a hard sell. No one has bought a holiday and walked out disappointed. We are here to fulfil dreams.

52 per cent of all travel is not available online

What are the trends for holidaymakers at the moment?

When looking at a map there are always places and experiences that are evolving or remain popular. Cruises, safaris and skiing are always popular, but there have been definite trends in locations over the past year. Although more difficult to get to, Costa Rica is in demand at the moment. Bali was last year’s trend and is still a very popular destination.

Right now, cruising has Chris Scoble never been bigger. There

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are new ships and new destinations – it is huge market.

A lot of people shy away from the idea of a cruise as they don’t think it would be for them, but the reality is around 70 per cent of people that go on a cruise will rebook to do another one. I once heard someone say cruising is like time travel; you go to sleep in one country and wake up in another, and that really is a unique experience.

In the age of online, why use a travel agent?

Because we are independent agents we have access to over 2,000 travel brands. We will find you the best deal at no cost. We will help you find better and cheaper packages than online.

We save you time by doing the research for you.

We are real people who care about our customers, and should something go wrong we will be at the end of a phone at all hours of the day. We want to form long-term relationships with our clients and become friends in travel if nothing else.

We have exclusive offers that are only available through a travel agency. We are passionate about what we do and love repeat customers.

We often have customers come to us after getting totally bombarded with online information and feeling more confused than when they started.

With Expedia, Trivago and other booking Agencies being investigated by the competition watchdog for misleading sales tactics, it’s the best time to talk to a real person – and an expert at that.

Tel: 01892 459801 Mob: 07954 042514 113 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2QY goscoble. notjusttravel.com

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Travel

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

See TV’s Julia Bradbury have a wild time

with koalas and punchy kangaroos The final show in the ITV series Australia With Julia Bradbury sees the presenter get back to nature next week. Sarah Marshall finds out how

R

OCKING in the boughs of a eucalyptus tree like a newborn baby in its crib, Australia’s A-list animal resident is sleepily unaware of the commotion he is causing below.

Hoisting cameras and iPhones aloft, crowds are snapping with the vigour of paparazzi at a red carpet event. True to form, the koala ‘talent’ turns his back and refuses to co-operate.

Small country town Kennett River is famous for marsupial sightings, and local cafeteria Kafe Koala has even been named in their honour.

It was here, after a coffee and Tim Tam biscuit, that Julia Bradbury laid eyes on her first wild koala, a moment captured on ITV next Thursday, April 11, at 8.30pm in the final outing of the series Australia With Julia Bradbury.

“My first sighting of a wild koala was up a tree in a

car park,” she exclaims when we meet in the UK to talk about her adventures Down Under, which involved filming in a whirlwind 70 locations.

“He was eating, which was pretty amazing, because they don’t usually move. They sleep for about 20 hours a day!”

Both Julia’s and my own encounters with the adorable species occurred along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, a road trip the TV presenter enthusiastically claims is ‘right up their with Route 66’.

Curving around the south-eastern state’s wild and unkempt coastline, where the furious Southern Ocean collides with the Bass Strait before heading inland to the Otway Ranges, the 243km trail was built by soldiers returning from World War I, making it the world’s largest war memorial. But in place of monuments and grandiose statues, sublime forests and mighty limestone stacks commemorate their efforts, while also providing a home for myriad creatures.

Astounding

SHINING A LIGHT Julia Bradbury in the Australian outback

Although Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state, it has the highest concentration of the nation’s indigenous species, largely due to the conservation efforts of a forward-thinking population.

The variety of animals here is astounding; prickly but irresistibly pettable echidnas, primitive-looking duck-billed platypus, wily snow-white cockatoos, and brazen kangaroos with a kick far more powerful than any kung-fu fighter, and a punch which could knock out a champion heavyweight.

But not all the natural wonders have a pulse. Rearing up from the ocean like powerful guardians of the coastline, the Twelve Apostles are a series of limestone stacks revered worldwide. Yet even these geological giants are not resilient to the tides of time, and decades

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2. STROKE AN ECHIDNA AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY Covered in spines, echidnas don’t look especially cuddly, but in relaxed situations these Australian endemics feel incredibly soft. Find out for yourself by booking a ten-minute wildlife encounter at Healesville Sanctuary, an excellent centre dedicated to the care, protection and treatment of indigenous wildlife (AUD$20/£11) zoo.org.au/healesville There’s also the chance to meet a koala up close (although holding is not permitted), or to get in the tank with a duck-billed platypus called Yami who likes having her belly tickled.

Encounters are highly controlled and only take place a few times a week, so – unsurprisingly – waiting lists are long.

THE TWELVE APOSTLES Follow in Julia’s footsteps to see this natural wonder

of erosion have taken their toll, sending four of the monoliths to their dusty graves.

Avoiding the crowds at sunset, I visit at daybreak, making my way down Gibson Steps to admire the pillars of Gog and Magog from their beachside base. Even during a cloudy dawn they reign supreme, demonstrating why Julia came here to film part of her programme. In real life, they’re even more impressive; a jewel in Queen Victoria’s crown and reason enough to make a journey to the other side of the world.

If you are keen to follow in Julia Bradbury’s wildlife footsteps through Victoria, here are five activities inspired by her travels…

1. PLAY GOLF WITH KANGAROOS IN ANGLESEA They’re not your typical fairway opponents, but kangaroos have taken up residency in the Anglesea Golf Club, along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Content with grazing, they provide a useful mowing service and seem undisturbed by golfers.

Travel

Fed up with hordes of tourists poking around the 18-hole course, the 60-year-old club set up tours in 2015, and since then more than 40,000 visitors have come in pursuit of the roos.

Running every half an hour from 10am4pm, and costing AUD$12.50/£7, the buggy tours travel around the course in search of marsupials, with guides available to share information about their behaviour.

Regular contact with humans has tamed the animals, and although touching is strictly forbidden, this is the closest you’ll probably get to a kangaroo. angleseagolfclub. com.au

3. SLEEP BENEATH THE STARS IN THE GRAMPIANS An important meeting point for Aboriginal clans due to the abundance of water and food, this forested, sandstone mountain range has a significant amount of rock art.

One of the most important pieces is Bunjil’s Shelter, featuring a clay ochre drawing of the indigenous creator, although its age is unknown.

The Grampians National Park has many hiking routes leading to viewpoints; the most popular being The Pinnacle and Mount William. In 2020, a new walking tour will launch across the park. Local operators will be offering glamping packages with fine food and wine all supplied, providing an excellent opportunity to camp comfortably beneath a canopy of blinding stars.

4. JOIN THE PENGUIN PARADE ON PHILLIP ISLAND Every night, up to 3,000 little penguins FUR REAL: See Kangaroos in Anglesea

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waddle ashore at the Summerland Peninsula, part of Phillip Island, which is linked to the mainland by a bridge.

It’s the only colony left after nine others were wiped out by human development, although in recent years conservation efforts have helped the population bounce back.

Encounters take place at the Penguin Parade Viewing Centre, with a footfall of up to 5,000 people per night. It sounds chaotic, but the whole process is carefully managed, giving everyone an opportunity to see the ‘little blue fairies’ make their way across the beach and back to their burrows. For the best viewing spot, book the ten-person Ranger Experience (AUD$82.50/£45) penguins.org.au 5. LEARN TO THROW A BOOMERANG AT TOWER HILL One of the few craters on Earth you can drive into, this dormant volcano in Warrnambool has earned its reputation as a world wonder.

Aboriginal clans were the original stewards of the land, and indigenous guides now run daily tours (AUD$25/£14) explaining the history, importance and tragic degradation of their home.

Learn about the Earth’s oldest continuing culture and find out why their relationship with modern-day Australia is full of complications.

Take a walk along a trail to sample traditional bush tucker – nutritious plants and berries eaten for thousands of years. Finish up by learning how to throw a boomerang; it’s all in the wrist action and reading of the wind. towerhill.org.au HOW TO GET THERE • Quantas flies from London Heathrow to Perth non-stop, and onward to Melbourne, from £758 in economy. There is also an option for a free stopover in Perth. qantas.com • For more information about the destination, go to visitmelbourne.com/uk and australiaroadtrip.co.uk • The finale of Australia With Julia Bradbury airs on ITV on Thursday, April 11, at 8.30pm

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Motoring News Lego builds new McLaren Senna from nearly half a million bricks MCLAREN and Lego have teamed up to create a full-sized model of the new Senna supercar.

The ambitious project required hundreds of thousands of Lego bricks to complete, with a team of 42 Lego workers toiling for 4,935 man hours – a far cry from the 300 hours it usually takes to hand-build a Senna.

The finished product incorporates a staggering 467,854 individual bricks and weighs 1,700kg, which is 500kg more than a regular Senna.

The full-sized models will be for McLaren promotional events, but there are smaller form Speed Champions kits for home use.

The Lego Senna is the first such model to use parts from a real

car, to make the experience more immersive by allowing young fans to sit inside. It uses a carbon-fibre driving seat, steering wheel and pedals from the real Senna.

The model rides on the same wheels and Pirelli tyres as the full-sized original, and McLaren has fitted authentic badging, too.

The whole vehicle is finished in Victory Grey with orange highlights – the same colour scheme as found on the Speed Champions model.

McLaren says that young owners of the 15cm toy set will have a ‘magical double-take moment’ when they see its full-sized equivalent.

The Lego car will first be seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

BIG AND LITTLE BOYS TOY The Lego Senna

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

This week… n Lego supercar Drink-driving peril n A unique Ferrari n

BITTER BLOW Road safety charities want more officers policing the roads

Drink-driving arrests drop despite increase in deaths PROVISIONAL data from the Department for Transport suggests that deaths related to drink-driving are at their highest level since 2009 – yet arrests for the offence have halved in the last decade.

Figures obtained by Sky News via a Freedom of Information request show that 30,000 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in 2017, compared with 57,000 in 2008.

But the number of deaths related to drink-driving has risen, with 290 deaths in 2017 – the highest figure since 2009, when 380 people died.

Road safety charities say a fall in police numbers due to funding cuts is behind the increase in figures.

Joshua Harris, from Brake, told Sky: “They are really indicative of

Ferrari reveals a one-off

the savage cuts in roads policing in the last ten years. We really want to see roads policing made an investment priority.”

Nearly 20,000 officers were cut from the police force during the decade in discussion. Traffic officer numbers have declined by 24% since 2012 – by 2017, there were just 2,643 patrolling the UK’s roads.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “In 2018 there were 29% fewer fatalities involving a driver who was over the legal blood alcohol limit, compared with 2007.

“This year we increased funding for the police by over £970million. It is for Chief Constables and Police & Crime Commissioners to decide how to deploy these resources.”

FERRARI has unveiled a unique new model – the bespoke P80/C. Built thanks to a request from a client, the car is based on a 488 GT3 racer chassis which has an increased wheelbase length – 50mm longer than the regular 488 GTB road car.

The aerodynamics are based on its donor’s, but with a new front splitter and a larger, redesigned rear diffuser. The bodywork is crafted entirely from carbon fibre, and a range of underbody aerodynamic elements have been included, too.

As a result of being a track-only vehicle, the P80/C isn’t bound by road car regulations, which has allowed Ferrari to reduce the size of the headlights while adding a concave rear windscreen.

The rear bodywork section has been given T-wings – a design feature which have featured on Formula One cars in recent years.

Though Ferrari hasn’t disclosed performance figures yet, it’s likely that it utilises a derestricted version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 found in the 488 GT3. The regular road-going 488 GTB produces 661bhp, so expect figures well in excess of this.

The interior is stripped-back and lightweight.

The side areas of the dashboard are redesigned compared to those on the 488 GT3, while the door panels have been created from carbon fibre, with Ferrari claiming that they ‘have no impact on the car’s weight’.

No price for the P80/C has been revealed yet.

58

Life&Times

Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

WITH THE

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

Vacancy: Voluntary Treasurer to the Commons Conservators The Conservators of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons are the statutory body with responsibility for conservation and management of the two Commons for the benefit of local people and to enhance their habitats and wildlife.

We are looking for a highly-motivated individual with a relevant professional track record to take on the role of Treasurer to the Conservators. The successful applicant will work closely with the Director of the Commons to oversee and control the Conservators’ financial affairs.

This is a voluntary role requiring a commitment of up to 200 hours each year, including attendance at quarterly Conservators’ meetings.

The Treasurer will receive an annual honorarium of £2,500, including expenses.

For further information please contact the Conservators by email to info@twcommons.org

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

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

Codeword:

2 4

8 3 1

9 7 6

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

17

3 10

12

2

20 10

11

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12 18

3

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8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩

2

4 8 7 9

7

7

8 9

5 3

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3 2

2 1

5 3

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

G R E E C E A L H Z E A L O T E P R B A S Q U E O E S N I J T P R O B H A R L E Y R E L A F F A I R S I V H U X L E Y

E R U A D O A L F F O O T T A X E M A I N

R A N D N E O N I S E I E X I S E T A A L L OW K A B A R K L E D I A N

Sudoku:

4 6 2 1 3 9 8 5 7

1 8 5 2 7 4 3 6 9

9 3 7 8 6 5 2 1 4

2 7 4 6 9 8 1 3 5

8 5 1 4 2 3 9 7 6

3 9 6 7 5 1 4 8 2

7 4 3 9 1 6 5 2 8

8 4 9 7 6 5 3 1 2

9 2 4 6 3 8 1 7 5

4 5 2 1 8 7 9 3 6

5 2 8 3 4 7 6 9 1

6 1 9 5 8 2 7 4 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 9 1 4 7 2 5 8 3

2 7 3 8 1 6 4 5 9

5 1 8 2 9 3 7 6 4

3 6 7 5 4 9 8 2 1

1 8 6 3 5 4 2 9 7

7 3 5 9 2 1 6 4 8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

60

Life&Times

Sport

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

Kuhn returns to lead Kent’s top-flight test

PROLIFIC Heino Kuhn scored almost 1,300 runs last season

He was at his home in Midsteam Estate, Pretoria, when he got the call from Kent head coach Matt Walker. “It was a nice surprise when he rang me up and asked if I would like the job. I saw it as a privilege and an exciting challenge. I’m truly honoured and I can’t wait to get started.”

Kuhn has previously captained South Africa A and the Multiply Titans – his domestic franchise – and met up with the squad on their pre-season training camp in South Africa.

By Mark Pennell CRICKET: FORMER South Africa batsman Heino Kuhn says it’s ‘a privilege and a challenge’ to be asked to captain Kent on their return to the County Championship top flight on Friday.

Kuhn, who celebrated his 35th birthday this week, will be interim captain for the first month of the new campaign while Sam Billings, the club skipper, and Joe Denly, the vice-captain, fulfil their Indian Premier League commitments.

Having spent eight summers in the second division, Kent secured promotion by finishing second behind champions Warwickshire last year.

It was an inspired campaign which featured 10 red-ball wins – matching Division One champions Surrey with the most first-class victories.

Kuhn, a right-handed batsman who had a prolific first season at the county last year, leads the team out for their first game back in the top flight against Somerset in Taunton.

Belief “I’ve been hitting the ball pretty well for Titans, I’m averaging 50.40 at the moment. On Sunday we’re playing in our one-day tournament final.

Last year Kuhn amassed almost 1,300 runs across all formats at an average of almost 60.

His run of four Royal London One-Day Cup centuries in five innings also helped propel the Spitfires to their first Lord’s final in a decade.

Former Kent batsman Walker is also relishing the new season ahead, saying: “It will be a challenge, make no mistake about it, but the message we’re trying to get through to the lads is that they’re all here to compete.

Wednesday April 3 | 2019

“We’re here to win the competition. We’re not going into it simply to survive and we’re not going into it just to play ‘safe’ cricket.

He added: “We never had a blip through the whole of last year and won more games of cricket than any other county.

“If we lost a game, we always bounced back with a win which means we have a lot of belief in the dressing room and trust in our players.

“We should be the team who other club’s look at as an unknown quantity. Some sides, like Surrey and Essex, haven’t played against us for a long time in four-day cricket, so I want us to go into it on the front foot and to challenge these teams.

“I believe we have the talent and skills to compete very strongly in this division.”

While the retention of Kolpak player Kuhn is a big boost for the county, the loss of New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry could be keenly felt.

The slippery paceman took 75 first-class wickets at an average of 15.48 during two stints at Kent last summer but is unable to return this season.

Matt Renshaw, the 23-year-old Yorkshire-born Australia batsman, will be Kent’s overseas player for the opening block of four-day fixtures.

Matt Milnes, who joined on a three-year deal from Nottinghamshire, and 26-year-old Netherlands’ left-arm paceman Fred Klassen will look to fill Henry’s bowling boots.

McKenzie hat-trick keeps Angels flying high Men finish tough Tonbridge Angels 3 Harlow 1

THREE AND EASY Chinedu McKenzie is putting pressure on his old club

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS took another major step towards the Bostik League Premier playoffs with comfortable victory over relegation strugglers Harlow Town.

They remain in third place, just a point behind Haringey Town, and Chinedu McKenzie scored a hat-trick to keep up pressure on his old club – who may yet rue their decision to let him go.

With injury problems depleting the hosts’ small squad, manager Steve McKimm strengthened his player base on transfer deadline day by recruiting two goalkeepers, Deren Ibrahim and Sami Nabbad, and experienced midfielder Joe Healy.

Ibrahim, a Gibraltar international, had a brief loan spell with Tonbridge in 2014-15 while Nabbad is a promising stopper who has played for AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s.

Healy is a well-known figure across the southeast, having scored 38 goals in 209 appearances for Welling United in two spells.

He also had a season at Maidstone United where he was named Players’ Player of the Year.

PHOTO: David Couldridge

By Jim Rowe

The game was only a minute old when the Angels might have taken the lead but an unmarked Tom Derry could not convert Adem Ramadan’s cross.

Eleven minutes later, a through ball put Derry clear. The onrushing Hawks keeper Marcin Brzozowski had to head the ball as he ventured outside his area and it fell into the path of McKenzie, who expertly the lobbed the keeper.

The Angels continued to largely dominate with chances falling to McKenzie, Derry and Jack Parter, but the score remained 1-0 at half-time.

In the 54th minute Derry was brought down by Brzozowski after good work by McKenzie.

The referee pointed to the spot and although Brzozowski saved Turner ‘s spot kick, McKenzie was on hand to turn in the rebound.

The game was made safe on 79 minutes when McKenzie turned in Alex Reid’s cross to complete his accomplished hat-trick.

Harlow grabbed a consolation in the 86th minute through Matthew Foy. Tonbridge face three of their playoff rivals in their remaining five games, travelling to Leatherhead on Saturday [April 6, kick-off 3pm] before taking on Worthing and Carshalton.

Rusthall punished for missing early chances Erith Town 1 Rusthall 0

By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL’S run of seven games without defeat came to a resounding end last week as they suffered back to back losses against Canterbury and then at Erith.

These setbacks have harmed their hopes of avoiding relegation as one of their rivals for the drop, Hollands & Blair, won against high-flying Cray Valley to break away from the bottom of the Southern Counties East League Premier Division.

On Saturday Rusthall had three good chances to score in the first ten minutes, mainly through good link-up play between Revel Powell-Downey and Moses Sunday.

Powell-Downey cut in from the right and saw his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Sunday struck the post after creating space for himself and then had a shot easily kept out.

Erith enjoyed a series of corners but these were ably dealt with by the defence and Aaron McGuigan in the Rusthall goal.

Midway through the first half Rusthall were dealt a blow when Louis Clarke went off injured.

Charlie Clover came on to replace him.

The half ended goalless, though Rusthall

AT FULL STRETCH Rusthall keeper Aaron McGuigan reaches for a cross should have been comfortably in the lead.

The start of the second half was a very even affair until the 71st minute.

McGuigan made a good save but the ball fell to Steadman Callander, who curled shot around the keeper to break the deadlock.

Rusthall applied relentless pressure after going behind. Powell-Downey beat his man down the right, drove into the box and crossed but no one could get on the end of it.

Towards the end Charlie Clover broke free with only the keeper to beat but he saved with his

legs, the ball went up into the air and Clover headed against the crossbar.

Right at the death Rusthall had a corner and after a melee in the box, Clover hit the bar again with a header.

Rusthall are receiving plaudits for their football from all their opponents and neutrals but at the moment it is not resulting in enough points.

They have a good chance to pick up three valuable points when they face bottom-of-thetable Croydon for the second time inside a month on Saturday [April 6, kick-off 3pm].

season with third win in succession

Tunbridge Wells 4 Banbury 1 HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Men ended their league season on a high at Tonbridge School with their third win in a row in the South Premier League Division One. The game started at a frantic pace with chances coming at both ends.

A turnover deep in Wells’ defensive third allowed the home side to counter-attack.

An aerial ball from Ian Harvey put Ben Allberry through on goal and the latter calmly rounded the keeper and finished low on the backhand.

In an open game, equalised with a counterattacking goal of their own to see the scores level at half-time.

The second half started in much the same pattern as the first. Chances were squandered by both sides with goalkeepers making excellent saves and defences making last-ditch tackles.

Example Some superb build-up play from Wells led to a first penalty corner for the home side, and Harvey found space to finish smartly into the far bottom corner and restore Wells’ lead.

Wells worked a good chance on the baseline for Ben Brandt to square to Connor Poulain who pounced for an easy deflection into the corner.

A Banbury player then received a yellow card, after which a pull-back from the baseline allowed Sam George to extend the lead.

So Wells finished the campaign with 10 points from their final four games to finish eighth – an example of what the team is capable after a difficult first half of the season.

Wells can now prepare for their Kent Cup semi-final against Canterbury at Tonbridge School on Sunday [April 7, 1.30 start].

MILESTONE FOR FLYERZ’ CHATFIELD ONE of Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club’s TW Flyerz, Jack Chatfield, made his debut in goal for the Fourth XI against Sevenoaks Acorns in Kent Open Premier C. He kept a clean sheet while he was on the field in a 2-2 draw.

TW Flyerz, which started in 2017, provides hockey for those with physical or learning disabilities. Jack was a founder of the scheme, and was one of three Flyerz who represented England at the European Para Hockey Tournament in Barcelona last summer.

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Wednesday April 3 | 2019

Sport

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61

Jackson double keeps Raiders at arm’s length

POWER PACK Jimmy Stanford scores after a strong drive by TJ’s forwards

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Tonbridge Juddians 31 Worthing Raiders 28

second-placed rivals Canterbury also won – though they did fail to pick up a bonus point.

TJs started brightly and Will Robinson converted a penalty before full-back Murray Galbraith-Lowe scythed through to set up an attacking ruck five metres out.

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS extended their winning streak into double figures against a Worthing Raiders side who were fighting to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle and were in no mood to roll over.

But the hosts’ hopes of ending the season as runners-up in National Two South and thereby gaining a place in-offs were held at bay when

Calm The pack drove a few times before the ball went right to find Ryan Jackson, who powered over to score an unconverted try.

A yellow card for Finlay Coxon-Smith and a switch at prop as the Worthing scrum got the

Wells survive Doherty’s early red card to hang on for victory Dorking 18 Tunbridge Wells 23

but worse was to come as Wells talisman Nick Doherty was red-carded for dangerous play and Dorking took the lead with another kick.

It was Reynolds ‘ turn to slot a penalty and make it 8-6, after which Wells had to resist a 15-minute period of Dorking domination.

As half-time approached Dorking were still camped on the Wells line and had an attacking scrum. Wells’ seven-man pack held firm and earned a penalty.

Allen secured scrappy ball from the ensuing line-out and it was moved to Mike Doherty, who broke a couple of tackles before accelerating away on a 60-metre run to score. Reynolds converted for a 15-6 lead at half-time.

By Graham Withers

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

RUGBY: HAVING assured themselves of a third season in the London & South East Premier League, Tunbridge Wells travelled to Surrey to take on a Dorking side who are five places above them but only four points ahead, illustrating how competitive the division is.

Wells made a strong start, a typically robust run from Mike Doherty feeding Dave Allen in support and he powered over for the opening try after three minutes. Frank Reynolds slipped the conversion wide.

A penalty for offside put the hosts on the board

SEIZE THE DAY: Academy player Lucas Scully was man of the match on his First XV debut

Tested On 45 minutes Wells stretched their lead when Mike Doherty again found space and fed Ryan Taylor-Dennehy 30 metres out. He dummied the full-back to score an unconverted try.

Despite being a man down, Wells were looking comfortable but they were even more severely tested when Josh Hawkins received a yellow card for a late tackle on 56 minutes.

With 15 against 13 Dorking did manage to cross for an unconverted try on 61 minutes when centre Ryan Jeffrey forced his way over to reduce the deficit to 20-11.

With seven minutes left, Reynolds was tackled high by Rory Mitchell, who was yellow-carded, and the fly-half successfully kicked the penalty.

Home flanker Josh Grant scored a late try that was converted by Killian Wilson but there was to be no nerve-jangling ending as time ran out.

Wells move up to eighth place ahead of their final home game against Kent rivals Sidcup on Saturday [April 6, kick-off 3pm].

upper hand put TJs on the back foot for a while.

But another penalty took TJs into the corner, from where they drove over for Jackson to add a second. Robinson converted to make it 15-0.

Worthing hit back with a try from the restart but TJs then did the same, Hugo Watson finding Coxon-Smith to ease over.

Another yellow card, this time for Charlie Edwards, hampered TJs in defence and Worthing scored just before the break to go in at half-time only 20-14 behind.

Worthing continued where they left off in the second half and they took the game to TJs, scoring a converted try to edge into the lead.

TJs were in need of calm heads and a Robinson penalty took them back in front. Then a strong drive by the pack allowed Jimmy Stanford to barrel over and Robinson converted to lead 31-28.

After Robinson slotted another penalty, Worthing scored their best try of the game as they attacked from their own 22 to close to within three points before time ran out.

The win puts TJs six points behind Canterbury with three games to play. The latter have to take on top side Rams, but they are likely to clinch the title next week.

TJs now travel to Redruth on Saturday [April 6, kick-off 2pm].

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