Times of Tunbridge Wells 9th May 2018

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Hats off to the record hot

INSIDE

weather

NEW FUNDING BOOST

RECORD high temperatures were enjoyed in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge on Bank Holiday Monday [May 7].

Highs of 28.7°C (83.66°F) were felt in parts of the South East, making it the hottest May Day Bank Holiday on record, according to the Met Office.

It was at least 20°C (68°F) for much of the day in local towns, with similar weather on Saturday, Sunday and also yesterday [Tuesday, May 8].

Crowds looking to cool down were turned away from Tonbridge Swimming Pool at times on Monday, with the facility operating at full capacity.

At some points residents looking to swim faced a wait of more than two hours to be allowed to enter.

The heat also made for testing conditions for the competitors in Monday’s Tonbridge Triathlon [see P70].

Town’s cultural hub receives £4 million grant Page 3

FINAL COUNTDOWN

The deadline for business awards draws near Pages 8-9 COOL KIDS Youngsters, Max, Jack, Harry and Lucy in Calverley Grounds enjoy lollies and ice creams

Tories pledge to press benefits of Civic Complex after election upset

PHOTO: Lee Smith

By William Mata

Local, National and International

DRIVING AMBITIONS Go karts put through paces ahead of charity race Page 13

One in four people voted for Alliance where candidates stood

By Jonathan Banks newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE new political party Tunbridge Wells Alliance, that was launched just ten weeks ago, has hailed its success at last week’s borough council elections as ‘an incredible achievement’.

It took one seat from the Conservatives and came second in four other wards.

Across the seven seats where it put forward candidates the Alliance attracted 2,782 votes out of the 11,230 that were cast.

This represents just under 25 per cent

and means one in four of those who had the chance to support the new party did so.

Alliance founding member Nick Pope has his cake and eats it The Alliance was established to primarily oppose plans to spend £90million on the new Civic Com-

plex and theatre on land adjoining Calverley Grounds.

Speaking for the Conservatives Cllr Tracy Moore told the Times yesterday: “For perspective, the Alliance contested seven seats and succeeded in only one, Park ward, in which the civic development is meant to be located.

“This is understandably a highly emotive proposal for the near neighbours and the election result is partly a consequence of that.

“But I also think the lesson learned is we must redouble our efforts to engage with the community, and do a better job of explaining the benefits of the project both now, and for the future prosperity of the town.”

Alliance founding member Nick Pope won Park ward by 143 votes, from Catherine Rankin, who had warned the Alliance during the campaign that it was breaking election law by handing out fairy cakes; a move that could have been seen as treating potential voters.

Continued on page 2

THE GREEN PARTY

Asparagus tips - how to cook & where to source Pages 58-59

2

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Who is Nick Pope?

Alliance hail ‘surprise’ result

Meet the borough’s newest councillor

Continued from page 1 “This result shows the Alliance is in tune with what residents are thinking,” said Mr Pope. “It is largely about the Civic Complex.

“We have only been a party for ten weeks so it is an incredible achievement. I am sure some people will be very surprised.”

In another battleground seat Liberal Democrat Mark Ellis won St John’s from Tory Nasir Jamil.

The Conservatives, however, retained 12 out of 16 seats on offer and their overall control of the 48-seat local authority was never going to be troubled as only a third of the seats were being contested.

The results mean there will be seven non-Conservative councillors: Four Lib Dems, two Labour and one Alliance.

It might have been worse for the Conservatives had Cllr Chris Woodward not clung onto Broadwater by just eight votes.

In other closely fought seats, the Conservatives held on to Sherwood through Cllr Bob Backhouse and David Scott won Culverden, where Women’s Equality Party candidate Liz Orr won 15 per cent of the vote.

Lib Dem Cllr David Neve said he ‘must be doing something right,’ in holding on to St James’ ward to mark 35 years on the authority.

Cllr Alain Lewis carried Southborough and High Brooms for Labour, taking over from his colleague Graham Munn, and said: “The Conservative council has forgotten about Southborough.

“We want to stop decisions being made like knocking down Victoria Hall.”

But the Tories enjoyed success in traditional strongholds, with current Mayor Julia Soyke winning Speldhurst & Bidborough and Cllr James Scholes, set to be Mayor next year, again winning Pantiles & St Mark’s.

Conservative Cllr Tom Dawlings, on winning Benenden & Cranbrook, said: “I work hard as a councillor and I am pleased. It is a well-run borough council and from my rural ward I support the leadership in what they are doing.”

Police investigating fraud OFFICERS from Kent Police are investigating a report that a polling card was used fraudulently during the election.

The incident happened at a polling booth in Langton Green during opening hours on Thursday. The force said ‘enquiries are ongoing’.

SWEET SUCCESS: Candidates for the Tunbridge Wells Alliance enjoy a fairy cake outside the count.

They are: Rodney Atkins, John Smith, Nick Pope, Nick Twist, Steve Bowser and Lucy Willis.

Parties buoyed as more than half vote against ruling Tories THE borough council election was a ‘referendum on the Civic Complex which the Conservative Party lost, according to Tunbridge Wells Labour.

The party won one seat but said the fact 57 per cent of voters had backed parties other than the Tories across the borough was ‘sign of opposition’ to the £90million development.

Hugo Pound, Chair of Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party, said: “This election was the referendum the Conservatives never wanted.

“The results are more conclusive than the EU referendum as

57 per cent of voters backed parties that were opposed to the Civic Complex and theatre.

“Labour will continue to oppose the plan and work for the real priorities that continue to worry people in the borough: Genuinely affordable housing; better roads, public transport, parking and a revival of our towns and villages.”

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Cllr Ben Chapelard, the council’s Opposition Leader, said: “We are very pleased we have got an excellent councillor elected in Mark Ellis, he is pro-business.

In Broadwater we came from 95 votes in 2014 to 471 [to miss out by eight votes].”

Bob Atwood, Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Alliance, said: “Our aim is not only to continue fighting the unaffordable theatre project, but also to press for major improvements in the planning and processes.

“We want to ensure there is joined-up thinking and the public are more involved.

“We also aim to put up more candidates for the next elections in May 2019, and will be continuing to lobby, persuade and promote our ideas.”

POLL PARTY Tunbridge Wells Labour

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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Wednesday May 9 | 2018

HE has been canvassing for your votes and active on social media in promotion of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, the party he co-founded.

Last week the work paid off as Nick Pope won Park ward seat on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. This is what he had to say for himself: “I am a local boy, born in Pembury Hospital and raised in Lamberhurst,” he said.

“I moved away after school to study engineering at the University of Bristol, and then moved to London to take up my first job in IT Consultancy.”

Mr Pope has held several jobs in IT and has been a freelance consultant since 2011, having moved to Tunbridge Wells the year before.

He continued: “At that time I also met my wife, Ingrid. I have increasingly become involved in the local community, joining Friends of Calverley Grounds when it was set up in 2012.

“Last year Ingrid and I set up the first Tunbridge Wells Yard Sale. It was my first chance to practice leafleting over 5,000 households! I have also been running a microblog on food.

“I look forward to being a councillor and will be working hard to ensure our council is more transparent and open, and represents residents in a fair and balanced way.”

View from the blue: Tory councillor Tracy Moore on the result CONSERVATIVE Cllr Tracy Moore shared her thoughts with the Times after her party won 12 out of 16 seats contested.

“We still have a significant majority in the council. I am sorry two excellent Conservative councillors were not re-elected, as both were strong community advocates.

“Tunbridge Wells Alliance contested seven seats and succeeded in only one, Park ward, in which the civic development is meant to be located. This is understandably a highly emotive proposal and the election result is partly a consequence of that. But I also think the lesson learned is we must redouble our efforts to engage with the community.

“The Sunday Times recently published its Best Places to Live list which notes culture as one of the attractive factors.

“In 1921 the community was against the council buying the land that is now Calverley Grounds.

The council purchased the land for £10,000 and created a municipal park, because they believed it was in the best interests of the town. I don’t think anyone would argue it was the wrong thing to do.”

WHY SHOULDN’T YOU HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT? POLITICAL parties have been busy this week spinning the results of the borough council elections. And as with most things politick you can interpret the outcome whichever way suits you.

Supporters of the new kids on the block Tunbridge Wells Alliance, which fielded seven candidates, will be cock-a-hoop over the fact they snatched a seat from the Tories, came second in four wards and took third spot a couple of times.

Most telling is the fact that where people could vote for the Alliance one in four of them did just that.

For a party launched just ten weeks ago that’s a pretty impressive outcome and goes to show that you can have your cake and eat it.

In the run up to the election the Alliance got into hot water when they offered home baked fairy cakes to potential voters. Tories accused them of ‘treating’ or in more blunt language trying to bribe voters and the cakes were withdrawn.

One suspects the comments from Conservatives were somewhat tongue in cheek but that sort of thing enters into folklore, as will no doubt happen in this case. Perhaps the Alliance should switch its party logo to an image of a fairy cake.

The Alliance fought the election on its pledge to oppose the spending of £90million on the new Civic Complex and theatre alongside Calverley Grounds. All the other parties also came out against the scheme - apart, of course, the Tories for whom it is a flagship issue.

And in the way that these things work, the Conservatives can also draw comfort from the election results.

They might have lost two seats [the other to the Lib Dems] but they still have 41 places out of the 48 in the chamber, which is more than enough to see them push through plans for the Civic Complex.

Indeed, the Conservatives will see the election

results as something of a vote of confidence in the whole idea.

Those driving the proposal, namely Cllrs David Jukes and Tracy Moore, can, with some justification, claim that the people of Tunbridge Wells were given a clear choice.

If you see the Civic Complex and theatre plan as decisive in the way you vote then put your cross next to a Tory name. If you are totally against the idea then vote for one of the other parties.

Most people voted Conservative which means they are either in favour of the scheme or don’t think it is an important enough issue to change their voting pattern. Either way the Tories win.

One thing is beyond dispute. Future meetings of the council are likely to be somewhat more interesting which has to be a good thing for local democracy.

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

NEWS IN BRIEF

Shop manager died of stab wound to chest THE Tunbridge Wells shop manager, whose son has been charged with her murder, died of a single stab wound to the chest, Sussex Police has said.

Fiona Fisher, 51, who worked in L’Occitane in Royal Victoria Place, was found dead at her home in Lordswell Lane, Crowborough on April 27.

Her son Thomas Fisher, 22, has been charged him with murder, fraud, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance.

He appeared at Hove Crown Court via video link on May 1. The police said yesterday [Tuesday] that Mr Fisher will ‘next appear on July 17’ and that no plea had yet been entered.

All aboard new coach COMMUTERS from Knights Wood development in Tunbridge Wells can travel to the capital on a new coach service.

Bus firm Centaur has launched the 793 Flyer service, which provides two morning services from the new estate through Tonbridge and then onto Canary Wharf and central London.

The company has launched the venture as an alternative to rail travel. The coach service costs £2,917 a year and typically takes 70 minutes to travel from Knights Wood to Canary Wharf.

By comparison, it costs £5,232 to commute from High Brooms, but that ticket does include travel to all London stations, and takes around an hour to reach Canary Wharf. For more information, visit www.commutetolondon.com

Aldi opening is delayed THE new Aldi store in Tonbridge will now open in the autumn.

The supermarket in the former Homebase unit in Cannon Lane was initially due to be unveiled in May. An Aldi spokeswoman said: “Each store will create around 50 jobs and we will keep the community updated on developments.”

Pub set for demolition THE former Crystal Palace pub in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, could be turned into a shop and two flats.

A planning application has been logged with the borough council to demolish the building, which closed to customers in 2014.

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Café opening this summer will have a ‘special menu’ for town ESQUIRES will ‘not just be another coffee shop’ when it opens in Tunbridge Wells this summer, its Managing Director has said.

If a planning application is successful, the café will move into the former India Jane shop on Mount Pleasant and will offer a menu specially chosen to suit the town.

Competing The company, which operates from 36 locations, said the eatery could open by the end of June, but has not specified a date.

Esquires will be within walking distance of independent and chain coffee shops in the town centre, including the new Starbucks, also set to open on Mount Pleasant

inside the current Knight Frank estate agent.

Doug Williamson, Managing Director, said: “It’s not easy competing with Costa, Starbucks and Caffe Nero...so we don’t.

“We at Esquires recognise that we are not a big, deep pocketed high street brand.

“When the residents of Tunbridge Wells visit Esquires they will feel the same way the community in our recently opened Putney store felt, which was a sense of relief.

“We will create a special place. We are not another coffee shop, we are better.”

Mr Williamson, who co-founded the company in 1993, said Esquires will offer power receptacles, will host pizza and

VISION The mock-up design of how Esquires is likely to look cupcake making days and will welcome dog owners to bring in their pets.

Esquires has not yet said what is likely to be on the Tunbridge Wells

menu, only that it is to be a variation to what is found in other cafés, which includes a selection of coffees, juices, beer, wine, snacks, hot food and sandwiches.

Amelia’s legacy to live on as £4.3million is granted for hub

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FUNDING worth £4.3million has been pledged to help finance the Heritage, Cultural and Learning Hub in Tunbridge Wells.

The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is a welcome boost

towards the £13million the borough council needs for the project, in their joint venture with Kent County Council.

This week the council stated the hub will be named after women’s rights campaigner Amelia Scott, who was a prominent suffragist in the early 20th century.

The final name of the building has IMPRESSION A drawing of how the hub is likely to look

not yet been decided.

The hub will bring the town’s library, Adult Education Centre, museum and art gallery under one roof in a ‘more efficient use of space’.

Construction is likely to begin next January on the facility, which borders Monson Road and Civic Way. Museum and library services will be housed in other locations for two years as construction takes place.

The borough council hopes the hub, adjoined to the Town Hall, will become the ‘heart of the community’ and will allow more of the museums 77,000 items to be on show.

Council Leader David Jukes said: “This is a magnificent investment

by Heritage Lottery Fund and demonstrates the importance of this project which we believe will change the cultural landscape in West Kent.

“The borough is indebted to National Lottery players.”

His Conservative colleague Cllr Jane March added: “Culture is an

essential ingredient in the life of Tunbridge Wells.

“I am very pleased that Heritage Lottery Fund, and lottery players, have given us the opportunity to work in partnership with County Hall to bring this centre to life.”

The grant follows Arts Council England pledging £886,250.

WHAT IS ON DISPLAY THE ‘surprising story of Tunbridge Wells’ is to be celebrated within the walls of the new hub, which is likely to open in 2021.

Inside visitors can expect to see objects such as Minnie the Lu Lu Terrier, a late Victorian beloved pet dog immortalised in a custom made Tunbridge ware cabinet, or the Rigg dolls house, one of the best known 1800s dolls houses in existence.

Highlights also include a court dress from the 1700s, rarely seen fine art oil paintings and early photographs of the town.

4

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Mixed fortunes on election night as parties battle it out in borough

By William Mata

ADDING UP: The count took place at Putlands Sport and Leisure Centre

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Paddock Wood [East] Election Candidate

Party

50%

Allan Gooda

542

32%

Labour Party

175

Liberal Democrat

136

Tom Dawlings

Labour Party

282

18%

Votes

%

Party

Bob Backhouse

Conservative

633

39%

n Seb St John

Labour Party

520

32%

n Nick Twist

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

290

18%

n Chris Hoare

UK Independence Party

67

4%

10%

n Derek Boyle

Labour Party

196

20%

8%

n Gillian Douglass

Liberal Democrat

78

8%

Paddock Wood [West]

Conservative

951

65%

Elizabeth Thomas

n Kelly Llewellyn

Labour Party

262

18%

n Zoe Norman

Liberal Democrat

240

17%

Broadwater Votes

%

Conservative

479

39%

n Christopher Hall

Liberal Democrat

471

39%

n Louise Reid

Labour Party

213

17%

59

Election Candidate

27%

Party

Votes

%

Conservative

425

45%

n Raymond Moon

Labour Party

235

25%

n Brian Ransley

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

143

15%

n James Cole

Liberal Democrat

72

8%

n Trevor Bisdee

Green Party

65

7%

Pantiles and St Marks’ Election Candidate

Party

James Scholes

Southborough & High Brooms Election Candidate

Party

Votes

%

Alain Lewis

Labour Party

1094

62%

n Harry Allen

Conservative

455

26%

n Marguerita Morton

Liberal Democrat

211

12%

Votes

%

Southborough North Election Candidate

Party

Joe Simmons

Conservative

614

51%

n Trevor Poile

Liberal Democrat

354

29%

n Martin Betts

Labour Party

247

20%

Speldhurst & Bidborough Votes

%

Conservative

983

48%

n Andy Hickey

Liberal Democrat

729

35%

n Lorna Blackmore

Labour Party

344

17%

5%

Culverden

Park

Election Candidate

Party

Votes

%

Julia Soyke

Conservative

1186

66%

n Jackie Prance

Liberal Democrat

361

20%

n David Adams

Labour Party

251

14%

Votes

%

St James’

Votes

%

Conservative

663

30%

Election Candidate

Party

n Lucy Willis

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

499

23%

Nick Pope

n Martin Brice

Liberal Democrat

400

18%

n Carol Wilson

Labour Party

327

n Liz Orr

Women's Equality Party

323

Votes

%

Election Candidate

Party

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

773

34%

David Neve

Liberal Democrat

762

51%

n Catherine Rankin

Conservative

630

28%

n Steve Bowser

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

270

18%

15%

n Rachel Sadler

Liberal Democrat

533

23%

n Isobel Kerrigan

Labour Party

246

16%

15%

n Hugo Pound

Labour Party

335

15%

n Matt Bailey

Conservative

230

15%

St John’s

Hawkhurst & Sandhurst Party

n Sarah Carpenter

265

Election Candidate

Election Candidate

19%

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

%

David Scott

301

n Rodney Atkins

Votes

Party

Liberal Democrat

7%

Brenchley & Horsmonden

Election Candidate

n Colin Sefton

113

n Saul Clackson

UK Independence Party

63%

Liberal Democrat

n Anne Musker

n Alun Elder-Brown

1014

n Alan Bullion

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

Chris Woodward

Conservative

44%

n John Smith

Party

Paul Barrington-King

430

854

Election Candidate

%

Conservative

Conservative

Alan McDermott

Votes

%

%

Party

Party

Votes

Votes

Election Candidate

Election Candidate

Sherwood

Benenden & Cranbook Party

and fellow Tory David Scott winning Culverden with only 30 per cent of the vote, as five parties battled it out.

Labour, meanwhile, held onto Southborough & High Brooms with Alain Lewis taking over from retiring colleague Graham Munn.

But, despite hard campaigning, the party missed out on any gains.

The Tunbridge Wells Alliance fared well in the seven wards they contested, while Liz Orr made history by becoming the first Women’s Equality Party candidate to stand. She came fifth in Culverden.

Pembury

LEADING parties endured mixed fortunes in last week’s Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections as independents gained ground.

The ruling Conservative group won 12 out of the 16 seats contested to ensure they hold 41 of the 48 seats on the authority.

However, the Tories did lose Catherine Rankin’s Park seat to Tunbridge Wells Alliance’s Nick Pope and Nasir Jamil lost St John’s to Liberal Democrat Mark Ellis.

The Lib Dems might have had an even better occasion had Christopher Hall not been denied winning Broadwater by just eight votes.

There were a few close calls, with Conservative Bob Backhouse holding Sherwood by 113 votes

Election Candidate

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Votes

%

Patrick Thomson

Conservative

1012

68%

n Ana Draper

Labour Party

261

17%

n Clare Bishop

Liberal Democrat

221

15%

KEY

n Liberal Democrat

n Conservative

n Tunbridge Wells Alliance

n Green Party

n Women’s Equality Party

n Labour Party

n UK Independence Party

Election Candidate

Party

Votes

%

Mark Ellis

Liberal Democrat

1038

47%

n Bjorn Simpole

Labour Party

599

27%

n Nasir Jamil

Conservative

575

26%

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

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Vote on civic development due as spending figures are revealed

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANNING permission for the disputed £90million Civic Complex and theatre could be granted in a meeting tonight [Wednesday].

This would bring the development a stage closer to reality for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council leaders, who hope to begin construction in October 2019.

And approval seems likely with the majority of councillors on the planning committee having already voted in favour of advanced plans.

The ruling Conservative Party wants to build a 1,200 seat theatre and new council offices within the project, on land next to Calverley Grounds.

The planning inspector’s report states: “The development would provide additional commercial offices, a new civic suite, a new theatre designed to attract touring shows and replace-

ment car parking within Tunbridge Wells.

“The combined effect of which will be to boost the local economy, add to the cultural offer for the benefit of the borough’s residents and visitors to the town and improve the quality of the town centre’s parking.”

But the proposal has not proved universally popular.

36 under ‘transport and parking’, and 30 under ‘residential amenity’.

The Civic Complex and theatre is backed by the majority of the ruling Tories, but has been met with some inter-party opposition.

In Thursday’s election two Conservatives who

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supported the plan [Catherine Rankin and Nasir Jamil] both lost their seats.

In a recent full council meeting Cllr Tracy Moore, the council’s portfolio holder for Civic Development Communications, said publicising the plans had cost £39,210 to date.

This breaks down to £25,213 engaging with businesses, £608 on roadshow events, £7,199 on digital media and £6,190 on website design.

She said: “With such an exciting cultural and place shaping project it is important that as many people as possible are made aware of the scheme and how to find out what it means for them and the future of the borough.”

PLAN: Permission could be granted for the Civic Complex and theatre

Objections A public consultation into plans saw 148 objections and only eight representations of support.

The Times counted 30 different ‘general’ objections to the plan.

These included complaints the theatre is: too costly, is unnecessary, is not part of a masterplan and could have adverse effect on major employers.

This does not factor in the additional 23 concerned comments made under ‘environmental’,

Hopper bus deal replaced by offer for evening travel ARRIVA has scrapped its Tunbridge Wells Town Hopper bus ticket, citing that it was ‘not popular’.

The scheme allowed passengers to make unlimited journeys around the town centre all day for £1.60. It ran for the final time on Sunday, April 29.

Instead the firm has launched a new Twilight Ticket deal, which charges £1.50 for all single journeys made in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge after 7pm every night.

Arriva has clarified the deal extends to just the ‘ticket zone’ which covers both towns and extends from Hildenborough at its north to Hawkenbury at its south.

On replacing the Town Hopper, a spokesman said: “It wasn’t as popular a service so Arriva decided to launch Twilight instead as an offer for the town to help grow the evening economy in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.”

Limited This limited-time deal ends on August 1. There is also an option to buy a Twilight Ticket for the Sevenoaks zone.

Lauren Edmonds, Marketing Manager for Arriva Kent and Surrey, explained: “The Twilight Ticket

has been a great success in other areas.

“We have decided to launch the offer for our Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge passengers, so they can enjoy all the benefits of reduced travel after 7pm.

“We hope that this ticket offer encourages more passengers onto the buses for their evenings out, particularly within the town centres, which are lively during the evening.

“The reduced fare provides a great excuse to get out and enjoy what Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have to offer.”

For a map of the ticket inclusion zone visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-twilight

8

BUSINESS

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Times Business Awards

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE deadline for entering one of the top social and networking events in West Kent this year is fast approaching.

Firms and individuals have just one week left to enter the Times Business Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, June 13.

TV personality Michael Portillo [pictured] is hosting the event at Salomons Estate.

Businesses in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Malling are invited to enter any of the categories on offer.

But the final countdown has begun with the closing date for entries set at midnight on Wednesday, May 16.

Firms have been telling the Times over recent weeks that taking part has proved a springboard to greater recognition and success.

Taxi firm Castle Cars, who last year won

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Final countdown for companies looking to enter business awards

By William Mata

Success

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Small Business of the Year, said: “I would recommend the awards to any business, the rewards for the increase in morale, and the advertising potential are more than worth it.”

Mr Portillo, who was a Cabinet Minister in the 1990s, has also spoken of the importance of the awards.

“I don’t think I’ll refer very much to politics,” he said about hosting.

“I’d like to make the audience laugh a bit and tell them a story or two.

“I’d like to make them feel very good about themselves, as everybody there, both the winners and runners-up certainly ought to.”

There are three ways to enter the 2018 Business Awards: 1) Go to www. timesbusinessawards.co.uk, let us have a few background details and we’ll send you an application form that takes a few minutes to complete.

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

3) Or you can simply call the Award’s Organiser Lara Milan on 01892 739764.

HEADLINE SPONSOR

COULD THIS BE YOU? Last year’s winners

The timeframe…

The closing date for entries to the Times Business Awards 2018 is midnight Wednesday, May 16. Each category will be shortlisted to three entries. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Friday, May 18. Winners will be announced at the gala dinner. Tickets are available priced at £95 per person or £850 for a table of ten. Numbers are limited, and in the previous two years the award ceremonies were a sell-out.

THE AWARD CATEGORIES Start-Up Business Award Creative Business of the Year Young Entrepreneur of the Year Business Person of the Year Service Excellence Award

Family Business of the Year Best Business for 1-25 Employees Best Business 25+ Employees Outstanding Business of the Year

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2018 business awards

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

STAND OUT Cripps Managing Partner Gavin Tyler

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BUSINESS

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Leading law firm backs awards that highlight town’s ‘great’ businesses COMPANY: Cripps COMPANY TYPE: Law firm SPONSOR TYPE: Headline sponsor THE law firm Cripps has grown significantly in the past 12 months, but has not lost sight of their ambition to help the community. For the third year in a row, the Mount Ephraim-based company, who provide business, corporate and personal legal services, are one of the headline sponsors of the Times Business Awards. William Mata talked to Managing Partner Gavin Tyler.

Would you encourage firms to enter the awards?

Absolutely. The awards are a great way for companies to showcase themselves and to raise their profile. There are some fabulous businesses in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, some of which may be well known in their industry sectors and nationally, but local people may not realise they are on our doorstep. If you look at the businesses that were nominated in 2016 they have continued to go from strength to strength.

Why did you want to sponsor the awards? As one of the town’s largest employers, we are committed to supporting our local community. There are many great businesses located in Tunbridge Wells; they are not celebrated often enough, so it is great to recognise them in this way.

What have been some of the successes of the company in the last year? Cripps has continued to grow significantly over the last 12 months; over this time we have appointed four new partners, one Legal Director, a new Operations Director and a number of significant senior hires. These additions have enabled us to further expand the legal services we offer, including financial mis-selling and an extension of our tax offering to both corporate and private clients as well our continuing to develop our business support services.

In Tunbridge Wells, we have continued to play an active role in the local community through initiatives such as sponsorship, mentoring programmes and volunteering. And, of course, we were also delighted to have appeared on the Royal Tunbridge Wells Monopoly map in October!

What have your previous experiences of the awards been? We have been headline sponsor of the awards since its founding year in 2016. Over the past two years we have met some fantastic business people, through the judging process and on the evening itself. The standards of the entries are exceptionally high.

How important are small businesses to the local economy? Small businesses are vital to the local economy bringing growth and innovation and they are an essential component to delivering the vibrant local community that we all feel proud to be a part of. As our work and personal lives now overlap so much they offer local people a chance to live and work in the same area. At Cripps a high percentage of our staff live in and around Tunbridge Wells, and therefore they are able to support other businesses in the town.

How has the company moved forward? We continue to be ranked by leading legal directories across 13 different practice areas. We were also delighted to be recognised nationally by Chambers and Partners for our private client practice, being described as ‘innovative, forwardthinking and flexible’.

What do you feel makes your company stand out?

At Cripps, we have a client-centric approach, offering our clients a highly personalised level of service. We are large enough to offer a widerange of specialist legal services, but small enough to deliver a personalised, partner-led service. As a company we focus on innovation, and we are always looking at new technologies and ways to move our business forward and ultimately, provide a better service for our clients.

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Community News

Sequence dancing group is seeking new members WOULD-BE dancers in the Paddock Wood area have a chance to take a step in a new direction.

The Sequence Dancing U3A Group, which meets at St Andrew’s Church on the first and fourth Thursdays of the month, wants new members.

Their two-hour sessions run from 2.30pm, and previous dancing experience is useful but not essential as a former dance teacher is among the group. Step sheets and videos are also provided.

The group also attends local T-dances.

Couples with previous dancing experience and unpartnered men are particularly welcome.

For more information, call Dave Smith 01892 835974 or email: daves@quakerdave.me.uk

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Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Mikey the puppet helps highlight ongoing cycle of child-to-adult domestic abuse

By Andy Tong A PLAY called Punch The Judy will be staged in Rusthall next month, highlighting the plight of those who witness domestic abuse as children and, through learned behaviour, perpetuate the problem in later life.

The play will be performed by the Flying Fish Theatre Company at the Toad Rock Retreat on June 4 and 5. It is the group’s first production.

It was written and directed by local teacher Melissa Dalyanci in association with Tunbridge Wells charity DAVSS [Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services].

“I have been involved with DAVSS for quite some time,” said Ms Dalyanci. “The inspiration for the show is partly based on personal experience.

“There are two key objectives, to raise the profile of the charity and to encourage more volunteers to work for them.”

Ms Dalyanci, a mother of two from Rusthall, teaches drama at Radnor House School in Sundridge and Bromley High School. She has a Masters degree in Drama in Education.

She said: “The play takes a very different look at this topic and approaches it from a very different angle, from child to adult abuse using learned behaviour.

“The play will ask us to challenge our own learned behaviours.”

The play begins among the freak shows of Victorian times with a Punch and Judy show, then travels forward to present day, seeing the baby grow up to become an abuser himself.

Flying Fish have commissioned a puppet called Mikey from Russell Dean of Strangeface Theatre Company, also from Tunbridge Wells, to play a starring role alongside the human version of Mikey, Joseph Thomas.

PULLING THE STRINGS Melissa Dalyanci with Mikey the puppet and (far left) Joseph Thomas, who plays the human Mikey

“There are many plays and dramas about this subject, but there’s not really much about childto-adult abuse,” said Ms Dalyanci.

‘This play looks at the effects of witnessing abuse, perceiving it as the norm, and the cycle continuing’ “This play looks at the effects of witnessing the abuse, perceiving it as the norm, and in this way the cycle continues.

“We will also be asking why the child is removed

from the family home to be ‘fixed’, but then put back into the toxic environment.”

Shelley and Nick Page, the landlords of the Toad Rock Retreat, which is Ms Dalyanci’s local pub, have offered the premises as a venue for free and also donated £500.

The group is planning to use the performance as ‘a springboard to tour and work with educational establishments to promote healthy relationships’ in line with the PHSE [Personal, Social, and Health Education] curriculum.

“Flying Fish is there to tell stories that need to be told,” said Ms Dalyanci. “And my kids have left home now so I want to go out and play!”

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

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Little Lottie finds her feet thanks to sponsorship

by Puddle Ducks

HALFWAY LINE DANCE: Razzmataz students with Tonbridge Angels players (l-r) George Beavan, Jack Parter, Jack Fenton, Craig Stone and Luke Blewden at Longmead Stadium

Razzamataz dazzle Angels fans with their dancing feet STUDENTS at Razzamataz Theatre School put on a medley of dance during Tonbridge Angels Football Club’s final game of the season on April 28.

The performers, aged nine to 14, took to the turf at Longmead at half-time in the fixture against Leatherhead and treated more than 500 fans to a six-minute ‘footie flash mob’, accompanying Back Street Boys’ Everybody, Sasha Lopez’s Koukou Move, Fleur Eastwood’s Sax, Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, Omy’s Cheerleader, Aronchupa’s Little Swing and Sak Noel and Sito Rocks’ Party On My Level.

Dance teacher Tash Aston said: “I was very proud of the students who were able to participate, they all were excellent and had a great time.

“There was a lovely family atmosphere, the event went very well and everybody enjoyed themselves.

“We look forward to performing again here next season.”

Razzamataz have previously put on a show at the club’s Family Firework’s Evening, and will be at Longmead again on May 12 for the West Kent Garden and Craft Show. More half-time performances are planned for next season, including an ‘Elf Mob’.

Scholarship The school is currently offering a scholarship draw to win a year’s free tuition.

Every child attending a free taster session up to the half-term break will be entered into the draw, which will be held on May 30.

To find out more, call 07401 801318 or visit www.tonbridge.razzamataz.co.uk

A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl who has a condition that affects her mobility is walking for the first time thanks to sponsored swimming lessons with Puddle Ducks.

Lottie Amos, from Kings Hill, has been diagnosed with hypermobility, which means her joints are looser than they would usually be, and she must undergo regular physiotherapy sessions.

She was chosen to be Puddle Ducks’ West Kent and East Sussex sponsored child of the year, giving her 12 months of free lessons. She started in September and is now able to walk.

Her mother, Emma, said: “Her physiotherapist recommended Lottie attend swimming lessons to help with her physical strength, and she has come on in leaps and bounds.

“She still has a little way to go, but she is improving all the time with her teacher Jill Lucas.

“She is expected to be on a par with others her age by the time she starts school. And she is loving being up on her feet.”

Puddle Ducks provides award-winning swimming programmes for babies and children up to ten years old at 16 pools across West Kent and East Sussex.

Louisa Langford of Puddle Ducks said: “It’s been a pleasure having Lottie attending our lessons and to see her progress so well. Swimming and just having fun in the water has been so beneficial.

“It has been lovely to see how swimming has meant that she is now able to walk, and in the water she has gone from strength to strength.

“We are so proud of her.”

For more information, call 01892 617246 or visit www.puddleducks.com/westkentandeastsussex

WALK ON WATER Lottie Amos is now more mobile

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Pub and tourism mogul Jonathan named in list of industry influencers POWER UP Jonathan Neame made the top 100

HOSPITALITY guru Jonathan Neame has been named one of the most powerful people in the industry by The Caterer magazine.

The aficionado is well known across the county as Chairman of the tourist board Visit Kent and Chief Executive of Faversham-based Shepherd Neame Brewery.

The Caterer named Mr Neame No 16 in their list of the 100 Most Powerful Players in the Hospitality Industry in the publication last week.

Influential Last year he was ranked at 71 in the list.

Mr Neame was also named as the fourth Most Powerful Pub & Bar Operator, with Shepherd Neame operating 327 outlets across the UK. Visit Kent Chief Executive Sandra MatthewsMarsh said: “It was wonderful to see Jonathan Neame recognised as one of the most influential figures in the sector.

“Jonathan not only runs a highly successful brewing, hospitality and tourism business, but is also a leading figure in our destination management organisation.

“The impact of Shepherd Neame on the tourism landscape in Kent over the last decade has been significant, with a transformation in pubs and hotels in every corner of the county.

“The investment in hotels and pubs has aided the double-digit growth in tourism figures in Kent, and has significantly boosted both coastal and rural locations.

“By providing facilities for local communities – and boosting both tourism and the perception of the area threefold – it comes as no surprise that his continued contribution to our industry and Kent’s economy has been recognised further.

“The evolution of the brand has been wonderful to witness, and we congratulate Jonathan and the team at Shepherd Neame.”

Where there’s a well, there’s a way for water feature restorers

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Charities to benefit from funding as Commissioner pledges £500k in grants

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TWO Tunbridge Wells-based charities are among 13 that have been selected for a share of a grant worth nearly £500,000.

Kent Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott announced the funding last week to support vulnerable victims of crime.

Domestic abuse charity DAVSS will receive £8,596 towards support for male victims of domestic abuse, and £10,546 to support vulnerable victims and witnesses through the court process.

St George’s Community Children’s Project will receive £750 to continue providing subsidised childcare for families affected by domestic abuse.

Ellie Stewart, of the Chilston Road-based charity, said: “The grant from the Commissioner will help us provide free childcare to families who have experienced domestic abuse.

“While their children are safe in our care, parents have the time and space they need to access support services and rebuild their lives.”

Responsible Other charities taking a share of the funding include the NSPCC, deaf charity SignHealth, Citizens Advice Medway and East Kent Rape Crisis Centre.

While Kent Police is responsible for investigating crime in the county and bringing offenders to justice, it is the role of the Commissioner to ensure all victims receive the help and support they need to recover.

Mr Scott said: “I have commissioned the charity Victim Support to provide this wraparound care to thousands of people in Kent each year.

“But there are some victims who need the additional help and care that only a specialist agency can provide.

“They may be children, or victims of domestic abuse or a serious sexual assault, for example.

“I have pledged to ensure victims have access to faster and more tailored support.

“The various organisations I’m supporting this year will deliver that across the county.”

SPRINGING INTO ACTION The water feature at Dunorlan Park

A HISTORIC stone basin water feature in Dunorlan Park has been restored.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council financed the refurbishment of the spring well, which was completed by contractor Burslem Memorials.

The age of the well is unknown but it could date back to the 17th century and the council is keen to have it on show.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “The restoration was done to the stone basin

where a chalybeate spring rises in Dunorlan.

“Spring water discharges into the park’s lake via a drain.

Amazing “It was described in 1832 as a spring which ‘rises rapidly into a stone basin, placed in the centre of a circular excavation, about ten feet in diameter and six or eight feet deep, which is bricked round, and with the remains of stone steps leading down

to the basin at the bottom’.

“This project has seen the brickwork restored in keeping with the original character of the feature.”

Burslem wrote on Twitter: “[We had] some lovely words from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Park team. “[They said] I would like to thank your team for the great work completed on the spring well at Dunorlan Park.

“It looks amazing now, refurbished but still in keeping with its historic character.”

PLEDGE Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Local News

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Community groups fear lottery benefit will be too little to help MONEYBALL Up to £25,000 is up for grabs

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk COMMUNITY groups claim that the new borough lottery is not making up for the financial shortfall brought about by council budget cuts.

TW Lotto was approved in 2016 and introduced last summer as a way for the authority to continue to support local services as central government reduced its grants.

A spokesman said: “As central government grant funding to the council has been severely cut over recent years, savings have had to be made.

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a ‘good cause’, which leaves the charity relying on a share of the general pot.

“Charities such as Shopmobility struggle, as in the main our users are of the age when they prefer not to or don’t have access to the internet,” Ms Riddle continued.

“They would rather have a paper ticket and the opportunity to purchase these with cash. This is not possible with TW Lotto.

“At the meeting, it was discussed that the general pot from the Lotto was smaller than expected as most supporters nominate their chosen charity when buying tickets.”

Rod Dann, Curator of Cranbrook Museum, said the group currently receives £4,500 in grants but had not entered TW Lotto because he didn’t feel it could benefit.

He commented: “With regards to the council’s report, it reads very well, but don’t they all around election time?”

TW LOTTO: HOW IT WORKS

‘The launch and early operation has been very successful’ Tunbridge Wells Borough Council “From 2018/19, the council will receive no further central government grants.”

Players pay £1-per-week for one ticket to participate in TW Lotto, 50 per cent of which goes to a ‘good cause’, as selected by the player.

An additional ten per cent is put into a general pot and then divided between registered community groups – 62 of these had signed up at the last count.

Among them are The Bridge Trust, DAVSS, Headway and The Stroke Association.

Latest figures suggest the online initiative has been a hit, with 535 players having registered by the end of January.

And since the first draw was made in July last year, £16,519 has been raised for good causes.

Lottery organisers are predicting an ambitious 30 per cent increase in players year-on-year until 2020/21. TW Lotto is forecast to make £43,368 in total cause revenue by the end of the 2019 finan-

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cial year, and £73,258 two years later.

A borough council report states: “The launch and early operation has been very successful.”

But, despite this, some charities and organisations that rely on Town Hall funding say they are still fearing closure.

The Times reported last December that the council’s combined support of £255,000 to 13 groups could be cut by 2020 as government grants ceased.

Among those set to be hit are Tunbridge Wells Shopmobility, currently receiving £12,000 a year.

Charity Chairperson Caroline Riddle said: “Following a meeting with the council in March, we were informed that as from 2019-2020

our grant will be further cut. While no long-term decisions have yet been made by our Trustees, the grant offered makes it impossible for us to provide the same level of service, and we may even have to close down.

“We have been providing a vital service to shoppers in Tunbridge Wells since 1995 and are extremely disappointed with the decision.”

Ms Riddle said that while TW Lotto has proved popular ‘with some’, her charity has not felt a benefit, with their beneficiaries often not able to sign up online to nominate Shopmobility as their chosen ‘good cause’.

So far, Shopmobility is raising only £286 a year through the lottery from players nominating it as

WITH £25,000 on offer for six matched numbers, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s TW Lotto has proved an attractive bet for Tunbridge Wells players, with more than 500 having signed up.

It costs £1 to buy one ticket, and smaller prizes range from £1,000 for five matched numbers to ‘three free tickets’ for two matched numbers.

Draws are made every Saturday.

When signing up, players – who typically pay by direct debit – choose one of a number of good causes to support.

The charity or community group selected takes 50 per cent of the £1 purchase price, with an extra ten per cent being put into a general pot – which is later shared around.

The remaining 40 per cent goes towards admin, VAT and paying prize money.

The council stated that players can choose to put more into the central fund by choosing to nominate TW Lotto itself as their good cause.

They said that of the £16,519 raised so far, £7,968 has gone into the central fund.

Testing times for soapbox karts ahead of main event CHEQUERED FLAG A kart crosses the line

FEELING BLUE The Auto Windscreen kart

By Duncan Audsley newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk SOAPBOX karts were put through their paces in a pre-race test ahead of one of Tunbridge Wells’ biggest charity events.

In a Formula One-style practice session, five teams competing in June’s Crazy Jeans time trial showed their colours at Bewl Water.

Up to 10,000 spectators are expected to cheer on teams, formed of businesses and community groups, when they compete at Dunorlan Park on Saturday, June 16.

Garry Jefferey, owner of Jean’s Kitchen and Wine Bar in Tunbridge Wells, is organising the event, which he hopes will raise £50,000 for local charities.

Gravity Teams from Auto Windscreens, Trice Insurance, Geoffrey Insurance and a combined effort from One Warwick Park Hotel and Zenith Insurance, all tried out their karts at the practice run.

The karts are powered by gravity alone and steered by a driver. There is also a junior competition.

Race day culminates in a grand finale, with the four fastest teams in both the junior and main races going head to head to find the ultimate Crazy Jeans winner.

Lizzie Smith-Foreman, of event sponsors Markerstudy Group, said: “It was brilliant fun for all involved.

“A temporary karting track was constructed with jumps and chicanes for the time trials and it proved a huge success, with victory taken by the Zenith Aviation/One Warwick Park Hotel kart.”

DOG DAYS: The team from Trice

DRESS UP: The event is on June 16

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National News

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Litter left in parks Overhaul of train ticketing as and on beaches is journeys become complicated rubbish behaviour SUN-seekers have been accused of ‘destroying’ Britain’s beauty spots after parks and beaches were left piled with litter over the Bank Holiday.

Campaign group Keep Britain Tidy called on visitors to take their detritus with them if bins reach capacity.

Chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Some people seem to think it is acceptable to walk away at the end of the day, leaving their rubbish behind and destroying the very beauty they went there to enjoy.

“It is not, neither can we use the excuse that ‘the bins were full’. If the bins are full, then you should take your rubbish home with you. You took it there, you take it away again.

She added: “Those thoughtless people who leave their litter are damaging our environment for everyone.”

Disgusting The concerns were echoed by Samantha Harding of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “A good burst of sunshine can transform our mood but this weekend it transformed my local area into a rubbish dump.

“The park and its small lake were covered in litter, as were the surrounding streets. It’s disgusting and unnecessary.

“It would be so easy for people to take it home for recycling or to put it in the bins provided.”

She added: “This level of rubbish is so harmful to our countryside, beaches and parks, as well as the wildlife that lives there – not to mention a complete eyesore.

“We must look after these amazing places if we want a nice environment to enjoy when the sun does come out.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Killed teenage rapper challenged rival group THE 17-year-old rapper who was fatally shot last weekend recorded a video which was uploaded to YouTube challenging a rival group one month before his death.

Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, who was shot and killed in Kennington, south London on Saturday, was reportedly a member of Moscow17.

The group had frequent rap competitions, known as ‘drills’, with Zone 2, a rival crew from Peckham.

Wet wipes set to dry up TAKEN FOR A RIDE: Only one in three passengers are ‘very confident’ they bought the right ticket RAIL ticketing could be reformed to make it fairer and easier to use – a move which has been described as ‘overdue’.

A public consultation is being launched by the industry to suggest ways of simplifying the system.

The Rail Delivery Group [RDG], representing train operators and government-owned Network Rail, said the industry’s suggestions will aim to be revenue neutral, with no change in average fares and no extra support from taxpayers.

‘Fares and ticketing systems need to suit the way we travel now’ Only 34 per cent of passengers were ‘very confident’ they bought the best value ticket for their last journey, according to KPMG research commissioned by the industry.

Even fewer, 29 per cent, were ‘very satisfied’ with the ticket-buying experience.

The system is underpinned by regulations that are unchanged from the mid-1990s, and have not

kept pace with technology or how people work and travel, such as the fact that passengers do not always use ticket offices to make a purchase.

There are also long-standing anomalies such as charging a peak-time fare when half a trip is on an off-peak service, and split ticketing, where it can be cheaper to buy several tickets for one journey.

KPMG outlined a number of principles for rail ticketing, including: transparent, predictable, easier to use; integrated with other modes of transport; and personalised, flexible fares.

RDG’s Chief Executive, Paul Plummer, insisted the industry is committed to reforming ‘wellmeaning but outdated’ regulation, but warned there are ‘no quick and easy solutions’.

Anthony Smith of the passenger watchdog Transport Focus - which is partnering RDG on the consultation, said: “Fares and ticketing systems need to suit the way we travel now.

“There is a huge demand for smarter ticketing.

Opening the debate on reform options is overdue.”

The consultation opens on June 4, with a report expected in late autumn.

WET wipes are being targeted by the government in the bid to cut down on plastic waste.

The Department for the Environment said its campaign ‘includes single use products like wet wipes’, which contain nonbiodegradable plastic.

So manufacturers will either have to develop plastic-free wipes or consumers will have to go without.

Wet wipes are behind 93 per cent of blockages in UK sewers, according to UK Water representing all the main water and sewerage companies in the country.

By-election in Lewisham LABOUR MP Heidi Alexander is to stand down from Parliament after being confirmed as London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.

Ms Alexander’s departure will trigger a by-election in her Lewisham East constituency in south London, a safe Labour seat where she secured a majority of 21,123 in last year’s general election.

National News

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

FULL INVESTIGATION Chelsea are taking the allegations ‘extremely seriously’

Further claims of racism against Chelsea coaches FORMER Chelsea coaches Gwyn Williams and Graham Rix face new allegations of racially abusing young players, with one saying they made his life ‘hell’.

Seven former Chelsea players have now accused Williams or Rix of historical abuse, following previous claims made by three players in January.

Williams and Rix deny ‘all and any allegations of racial or other abuse’. Chelsea said they are taking the allegations ‘extremely seriously’.

Support The club added: “The allegations will be fully investigated. We are absolutely determined to do the right thing, to assist the authorities, and any investigations they may carry out, and to fully support those affected which would include counselling for any former player that may need it.”

The BBC spoke to four black players, one of whom alleged that he was subjected to an ‘exhaustive list’ of racial slurs.

Another claimed he was was racially abused by Williams when he asked why he was dropped from the youth team.

A third described the club as ‘institutionally racist’ at the time the incidents were alleged to have occurred.

Their claims have also been supported by two white witnesses, former players Gary Baker and Grant Lunn.

Baker, who played for the Chelsea youth team from 1981 to 1985, said that ‘to have Gwyn totally deny the things that were said was just totally wrong’.

He told BBC Sport: “My own beliefs are that somebody should be accountable and answerable to the things that were said.”

All four players said that their football careers and personal lives had been affected by the abuse they suffered and an inability to report it.

One said: “The behaviour was appalling but the players had no way of challenging this behaviour which made it even worse.”

Former England and Arsenal midfielder Rix, 60, joined the Stamford Bridge club in 1993 and left in 2000.

Williams, 68, joined Chelsea in 1979 as youth development officer and worked as assistant manager under former boss Claudio Ranieri before leaving the club in 2006.

Review of minimum price for alcohol unit THE government agency Public Health England will review the evidence for minimum unit pricing for alcohol in England, a health minister has said.

Steve Brine said that while a previous consultation found the evidence was not conclusive, the policy was kept under review as part of efforts to tackle alcohol abuse.

This month the Scottish government introduced a new minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol,

becoming the first country in the world to introduce such a policy.

Mr Brine told MPs at Health questions: “The Government remains committed to tackling all alcohol-related harms. That’s why we’re developing a new alcohol strategy.

“And as part of this, I am commissioning Public Health England to undertake a review of the evidence for minimum unit pricing in England.”

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Hunt wants to keep Spider Kim trained Europe health card to jump on demand JEREMY HUNT has insisted the Government wants a scheme allowing Britons free healthcare in European countries to continue post-Brexit.

The Health Secretary said it was ‘absolutely our intention’ to keep the European Health Insurance Card [EHIC] in place after the UK has left the EU. Mr Hunt added the UK’s first preference was continuing the current scheme.

He said: “We’re very confident we will be able to negotiate reciprocal healthcare arrangements that protect those benefits, but our first preference will be a continuation of the current scheme.”

EHIC allows people to receive state healthcare in other European Economic Area countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or for free.

A SPIDER has been taught to jump on demand by scientists keen to learn the secrets of her acrobatic ability.

The arachnid, called Kim, is a regal jumping spider [Phidippus regius] and can leap six times her body length from a standing start. Humans only manage about 1.5 body lengths.

The research could help engineers to design agile mini-robots that are currently beyond human technology.

Lead scientist Dr Mostafa Nabawy, from the University of Manchester, said: “This is amazing and if we can understand these biomechanics we can apply them to other areas of research.”

His team trained Kim to jump different heights and distances on a man-made platform.

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Business and World News

Action taken to stop insurers punishing loyal customers NEW action to tackle the loyalty penalty paid by some longstanding insurance customers has been announced by the industry.

The ABI [Association of British Insurers] and Biba [British Insurance Brokers’ Association] have launched a set of principles and action points to crack down on the issue of loyal customers potentially paying excessively more on renewal than new customers.

The plan applies to products such as home, motor and travel insurance and the approach will be built into firms’ procedures for determining the premium at renewal.

Pet and health insurance are not included as many products offer cover at renewal for medical conditions that arose since the start of the policy.

New rules The announcement comes after new rules requiring firms to display the previous year’s premium on renewal notices.

According to Citizens Advice, longstanding home insurance customers can pay £110 per year more than new ones.

The associations’ members will review their pricing approach for customers who have been with them longer than five years and assess whether their approach delivers a fair outcome.

Firms will make it clear at the outset to customers if the new premium includes any introductory discount for the first year, and that subsequent renewal premiums may be higher.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Today’s announcement shows the industry recognises the scale of this problem and is willing to act responsibly to stop consumers being penalised for their loyalty.”

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Three per cent fall in house prices is biggest since 2010 HOUSE prices fell by 3.1 per cent month on month in April, the biggest monthly decline since September 2010, according to an index.

The sharp decrease took the average UK house price to £220,962, Halifax said.

It followed a 1.6 per cent month on month increase in March, which Halifax said reflects ‘the volatility in the short-term monthly measure’.

The annual house price rise also cooled, from 2.7 per cent in March to 2.2 per cent in April.

Demand Russell Galley, Halifax’s Managing Director, said: “Housing demand has softened in the early months of 2018, with both mortgage approvals and completed home sales edging down.

“Housing supply – as measured by the stock of homes for sale and new instructions – is also still very low.”

He added: “However, the UK labour market is performing strongly with unemployment continuing to fall and wage growth finally picking up.

“These factors should help to ease pressure on household finances and as a result we expect annual price growth will remain in our forecast

HITTING HOME: Prices are hit by ‘volatility’

range of nought to 3 per cent this year.”

Howard Archer, Chief Economic Adviser at EY ITEM Club, said the 3.1 per cent monthly price fall “was a much sharper drop than expected even allowing for the fact that some correction was always likely after prices had surprisingly spiked up 1.6 per cent month-on-month in March.”

He continued: “The housing market is clearly currently struggling to gain traction and we suspect that any meaningful upturn will remain elusive over the coming months.

“We expect house price gains over 2018 will be limited to a modest 2 per cent. At this stage, we expect prices to rise by 3 per cent in 2019.”

Energy giants’ merger is probed again THE deal to merge Npower and SSE’s retail operations has been referred for a full investigation after the two energy giants failed to address concerns.

The Competition and Markets Authority [CMA] said the deal would now face a so-called stage two in-depth inquiry after its initial probe found the tie-up could reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices for households.

It said Innogy’s Npower and SSE had failed to

offer measures to address its competition fears, having earlier set a deadline of May 3 for the pair to put forward proposals.

A decision on the merger will now be made by a group of independent panel members, with a deadline for their final report of October 22.

The two energy giants announced in November that their British household energy supply and services businesses would join forces, reducing the Big Six energy suppliers to five.

Varadkar accuses government of blocking power-share plans

BLOOMING RELATIONS: Kim Jong Un talks to President Xi Jinping

Chinese president meets Kim Jong Un CHINA’S president Xi Jinping has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a northern Chinese port city.

The meeting in Dalian is the second between the two men in recent weeks following Mr Kim’s visit to Beijing in March.

Chinese state media have quoted Mr Kim telling Mr Xi that his country remains committed to denuclearisation and has no need to possess nuclear weapons if a ‘relevant party’ drops its ‘hostile policy and security threats’ against it, in a clear reference to the United States.

THE UK government is continuing to rebuff an Irish plan to break the power-sharing deadlock in Northern Ireland, the Taoiseach has said.

Leo Varadkar said his proposal for the two administrations to undertake a joint initiative to push for a breakthrough was not supported by counterparts in the Northern Ireland Office.

Outline Mr Varadkar’s comments in the Dail make clear that Dublin and London are now at odds on how best to resurrect negotiations to save devolution.

The Taoiseach believes the two governments should draw up the outline of a potential agreement and present it to the rowing ­Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein as a basis to restart the floundering talks process.

But Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley said she will not back an initiative that involves an attempt to ‘impose’ a deal on the parties.

Attempts by the DUP and Sinn Fein to strike their own deal have so far failed, with the last round of talks ending in acrimony in February.

Mr Varadkar said: “The Irish government has proposed a joint initiative by the two governments... working together, perhaps producing a joint paper and using that as a basis to encourage the two main parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein, to come together and form an executive.”

“We don’t have agreement from the British government to do that. But we are not giving up.”

Northern Ireland has been without a properly functioning powersharing government for 16 months, due to the bitter stand-off between the two largest parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Trust “I hope to build mutual trust with the US through dialogue,” Mr Kim was quoted as saying. He said a political resolution of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and denuclearisation should proceed in stages, with all sides moving in concert.

The United States president Donald Trump later tweeted to say he will speak with Mr Xi. He said the two will discuss trade, an area where he says ‘good things will happen’.

Mr Trump added they will discuss North Korea, where he said ‘relationships and trust are building’.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

British Gas chairman leaves ahead of cap BRITISH GAS owner Centrica is seeking a new chairman after Rick Haythornthwaite announced he will be stepping down after five years in the post.

The energy market is preparing for a government-enforced price cap on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) later this year amid anger over rising bills.

Last month, British Gas said it would increase energy bills for 4.1million dual fuel customers on its SVT by an average of 5.5 per cent, or £60 a year.

FirstGroup shares fall RAIL and bus company FirstGroup has seen its shares tumble after its private equity suitor, Apollo Management, decided against making a bid for the transport giant.

Shares in FirstGroup, which runs rail franchises including South Western Railway and owns Greyhound buses in the US, plunged by 13 per cent after Apollo said it did not intend to make an offer.

An approach was rejected by FirstGroup, which said it ‘fundamentally undervalues the company and is opportunistic in nature’.

Takeda deal for Shire JAPANESE pharmaceutical firm Takeda has reached a takeover deal with Shire that values the firm at £46billion.

The boards of both firms have finally agreed on the terms of the deal, settling on an offer of £49.01 per Shire share.

Takeda said it represents a premium of around 64 per cent compared with the price of its shares in late March, when rumours of Takeda’s interest emerged.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Hawkeye in all play-offs after successful season GOAL-LINE technology [GLT] will be used in all play-off games in the Championship, League One and League Two. The Hawkeye technology has been deployed in the regular Championship campaign.

English Football League Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “We are extremely aware of the difficult decisions facing match officials on any given match day, and we welcome the impact GLT is having to help officials to make the right calls, even in the tightest of situations.”

Major League in London WEST HAM’S London Stadium will host two Major League Baseball Games next year.

The former Olympic Stadium will need reconfiguring as a baseball field for the first MLB regular season games to be played in Europe.

New York Yankees will face rivals Boston Red Sox on June 29 and 30.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who took control of the venue last year because of huge losses, said the games will help ‘balance the books’.

Ronaldo fit for final

ROME BURNS: A public bus exploded into a ball of fire in the heart of Rome’s historic centre after an apparent electrical short circuit. No one was seriously injured in the incident

REAL MADRID coach Zinedine Zidane says Cristiano Ronaldo will have recovered from his ankle injury in time to face Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 26.

The club’s record goalscorer was replaced at half-time during Sunday’s 2-2 Clasico draw with Barcelona after being injured while scoring his side’s first equaliser.

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LIFESTYLE

Profile

FOR EVEN MORE LIFESTYLE UPDATES VISIT thekn w.guide How about nightlife – where do you go for drinks and dinner?

PEOPLE IN

thekn w What’s your favourite shop locally, and where’s best for a coffee or spot of lunch while you’re out?

Matt Biddle The owner of The Black Dog in Camden Road tells us about his favourite places locally

Locality in Camden Road is my favourite shop. To have our fruit and veg supplier across the road is a luxury in these times, with fresh local produce from their farm and other local suppliers. The shop itself is a delight for the senses; the colours, smells and peaceful ambience… it’s like shopping used to be.

For coffee, it has to be Fine Grind if I’m down that side of town, and for a bite to eat I spend a bit of time at Gusta, Camden Road for that Italian hospitality and the best pesto in town.

Over the last five years Tunbridge Wells has improved greatly on the evening options, particularly the independents with the broad range of styles and quality we’re seeing.

For drinks it has to be Fuggles. On the back of the UK beer revolution, they changed the landscape for drinking out in Tunbridge Wells, and [being Australian] it reminds me very much of the bars of Melbourne.

For food I can’t go past Rendezvous. Mark, the owner, was born to be a restaurateur – there’s no other feel like it in the town.

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

MATT ENJOYS LOCAL LIFE While running a popular coffee bar

Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll?

For a town the size of Tunbridge Wells we are spoilt for choice on the Sunday stroll options available.

For me, if you’re on foot then High Rocks and up to The Beacon for a spot of lunch and views galore that can’t be beaten.

If you have a car available, then a visit to the Ashdown Forest is a must with spectacular views and walking tracks in every direction across open heathland.

Where do you take people when they come to visit?

For me, it’s The Pantiles – it is spectacular and the number one showcase for the town, especially in

summer when the al fresco dining comes into play.

However, I recently sent an Aussie friend on a tour of the town, and his highlight was The Common.

It’s quintessentially English, with the woodland, common, Wellington rocks and the cricket ground and so close to the centre of town. www.blackdogcafetw.co.uk

FOR EVEN MORE LIFESTYLE UPDATES VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

IN thekn

5

wABOUT PLACES TO GO WHITSTABLE Oysters and beach huts

CAMBER SANDS Dune roaming

Local Scene

LIFESTYLE

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BEACHES WITHIN AN HOUR OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS HASTINGS Award-winning pier

3

BRIGHTON One of the UK’s most famous beaches is just a short drive from Tunbridge Wells, and offers ample sunbathing opportunities as well as family fun on Brighton’s iconic pier. Ride the country’s oldest electric railway, visit the beachfront promenade shops or just grab a deckchair and relax…

4

N

OW the finer weather is here (hopefully to stay) , why not hop in your car and take advantage of the bounty of beautiful beaches that are nearby?

Here are our top five coastal picks – all within an hour of Tunbridge Wells…

1

WHITSTABLE Grab some of the famed Whitstable oysters and take a seat on the seafront of this fishing and harbour town on the north Kentish coast. Where Tankerton meets Whitstable is where you’ll first catch a glimpse of the infamous

beach huts, and at low tide you can walk out along a natural causeway called The Street.

2

CAMBER SANDS Just outside of the ancient town of Rye in East Sussex you’ll find Camber Sands – two miles of gorgeous sandy beach with dunes, watersports, sandbanks and a spectacular outlook. There’s a reason people flock for miles to come to these sandy shores, which are also often used as film locations.

It’s not uncommon for people to head to Camber for a week’s holiday, even when they live locally!

HASTINGS Another popular seaside town within easy reach is Hastings, and whether you’re looking to play arcade games, enjoy a spot of crazy golf or just relax on the pebbles with an ice cream, it’s a great beach to take a trip to. The newly renovated pier is also well worth a visit.

BRIGHTON Lots of fun

5

GREATSTONE The sandy beach of Greatstone near Romney Marsh stretches for over two miles and is the perfect place to enjoy sun, sand, sea and views out over the English Channel.

To read more articles like this, visit www.theknow.guide GREATSTONE A marvel in the marsh

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NEWS

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU No substitutes and no excuses AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS Work will not begin on the old cinema site until 2019

I am writing to agree with Marguerita Morton’s letter [May 2] that more affordable housing is needed in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

For all the development passed by respective councils, it is of little help to the less affluent if they continue to be priced out.

However, local authorities continue to pass through new builds [developments] that contain little or no affordable housing.

I feel that for too long developers have been able to get around their duty to provide affordable housing by paying out their Section 106 monies.

While this may have other benefits to the community, it is no substitute.

George Webb Tonbridge

It’s not fine to fine the homeless

Mind your own businesses until you deserve to have your say I would like to add my ‘weight’ to the Civic Complex debate after reading your front page story [May 2], where you said certain ‘big businesses’ were now championing it.

Forgive me if I am wrong in saying this, but the firms you cite in the article are not yet injecting any money into the town, are they?

British Land have only just bought Royal Victoria Place and therefore have done nothing to stop the seemingly endless trail of shops closing down.

As for Altitude, the developers who have

Beware the winds of change Like Cllr Dukes, I do not live in Tunbridge Wells.

I have never been bothered by this until now. My disappointment is that I was not able to vote against him on Thursday.

I have followed the arguments for and against the new Civic Complex. This is a clear case of deciding the result and then inventing the data and facts to support the project. The ratepayers will ‘reap the whirlwind’.

Greig Bannerman Frant

Get fracking so we’re ready Howard Porter of Friends of the Earth disputes my version of events in his letter about energy access [May 2].

He relies on an American politician to distinguish fact from opinion; I rely on Da Vinci: “Only in our opinions do we err, rarely do we fail by our experience.”

The facts about the UK’s access to energy are that North Sea and Irish Sea sources have peaked and may last another ten years. Norway, too, has peaked.

France is getting out of nuclear, from which source we import electricity via the interconnectors, and Germany finally, and only when it suits them, will begin to stop burning

bought the town’s biggest ‘grot spot’ (otherwise known as the former cinema site), well they have openly admitted they won’t start any solid work here until 2019.

I wonder how either of these outsiders can be best placed to comment on our town?

Let’s hope the elections gave those whose opinions really matter, i.e. the people living here, a voice to express their feelings over the Civic Complex – whether that be for or against it – and not a couple of businesses who currently have very little to do with Tunbridge Wells.

Nicola Montgomery Via email coal – more than 50 per cent of which comes from the dirtiest souce, lignite or brown coal.

The UK can continue to rely on the expanding market in liquified petroleum gas [LPG] from Russia, Algeria and the United States, but – as past conflicts have shown – seaborne imports are far from secure.

With all the ballyhoo that Green parties put up, any future government – supine in the face of unreasoned objections – will go for the soft option to fill the increasing energy gap, and connect up to the expanding gas networks and interconnectors that are snaking across Europe from Russia.

UK governments are notorious for failing to take the long view.

When push comes to shove – and it will – UK-based gas sources cannot be turned on at the press of a button. It will take ten years to develop them to anything like a replacement capacity, and we need to start fracking now.

If, as the Friends spokesman wants us to, we abandon fossil fuels and rely on renewables, does he have a plan for who goes cold? Or which industry’s turn it is to have energy on any given day? Is there a plan for those days – short, overcast and windless – when no energy is being produced?

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

It was frustrating to read in the Times [May 2] that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has given the go-ahead to introduce Public Space Protection Orders, which could, in some circumstances, lead to homeless people being issued with fines.

The authority has stressed that the officers carrying out these inspections will be given training and will deal with nuance. But will they be true to their word? How can we guarantee this is going to happen?

It is one thing for the council to sweet-talk its way around the rightful concerns the public had towards these orders, but they must be making sure that society’s most vulnerable are helped rather than hindered.

Herbert Powell Southborough

An accident waiting to happen During the local election campaign in Sherwood, I was contacted by several concerned residents of Sandown Park and surrounding areas about the traffic lights sited at the junctions of Blackhurst Lane and Halls Hole Road.

While the lights are far better than the former, uncontrolled junction, there is a problem with the phasing. These lights can be controlled remotely from Maidstone, so a simple change to the phasing, delaying the Halls Hole Road green light by 10 to 15 seconds, could be introduced quickly and easily, and we would soon see if it was effective.

Also, a camera at the junction, well advertised, would both act as a deterrent and generate revenue.

When the lights were first installed, signs were placed both sides of the junction saying ‘Give way to oncoming traffic’, but they were removed after only a few weeks.

Some local residents have also suggested a roundabout as an alternative, or one-way traffic along Halls Hole Road and Cornford Lane into Pembury. I’m aware that this issue has come up frequently over recent years as the traffic jams increase between Pembury and the town centre, particularly at peak hours.

A newly proposed ‘retirement village’ would further compound the problem. A safer

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

solution does need to be urgently found.

As one local resident said, it’s an accident waiting to happen.

Dr Alan Bullion Tunbridge Wells

Labour more racist than Brexit The Labour Party, together with allies in other parties, constantly accuses those who support Brexit of being racists, merely because they do not wish the UK to be ruled by bureaucrats located in a foreign capital.

Your report on the local Labour Party branch [April 18] clearly illustrates that it is an organisation which harbours racist views, as illustrated by the rampant anti-Semitism now prevalent throughout the national party.

When an erstwhile branch Chairman can state that institutional racism is embedded within the entire Labour movement, it totally undermines the claim that Labour in some way occupies the moral high ground.

Colin Bullen Via email

Lift us out of the pit of despair I read with interest your report [April 25] about the criteria for applying for compensation because of pothole damage.

It appears there are as many layers of bureaucracy in this regard as there are patches of tarmac on top of our ailing roads.

It’s always slightly thrilling when you see that someone has come down your road with a can of white spray paint and drawn their shapes around the biggest holes, and you think someone may be on their way to repair them.

Can I make a suggestion? Whoever it is with the spray can, could they just drive around highlighting all the potholes, regardless of when they get round to fixing them? At least we will know where they are before we fall into them.

Craig Morrell Tonbridge

Restaurants’ anger management With regard to your story about restaurateurs annoyed about no-shows [March 28], may I offer the perspective of a customer? I respectfully suggest that we would be much more likely to give them a ring and let them know in good time that we would not be turning up if they didn’t get so angry at the other end of the line.

There is, of course, a fine line between what constitutes late notice, but if there is a reasonable amount of time provided to fill the booking, then don’t start having a go at people for whom, quite simply, plans change.

Norris Morton Tunbridge Wells

… And back to prehistoric dung The letter referring to the stone ‘sculptures’ in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park hits the mark with the reference to coprolites – fossilised dung.

They are made from gneiss, which I believe is a transmorphic form of schist. A pile of schist then.

Joseph Howard Tunbridge Wells Calverley is away this week visiting vineyards (again)

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

How playing bridge is a trump card when it comes to creative learning Pupils are being offered the chance to improve and enhance their knowledge courtesy of bridge FOR the second year running, there will be an Inter-Schools Bridge Tournament at Weald Community Primary School [WCPS], and the organisers are hoping that this year many more schools from the area will join in the event.

Anton Mauve, Junior Officer for Kent Bridge, told the Times: “I have been promoting the game among schools over the last two years.

“The Inter-Schools competition [on May 18] aims to provide a ‘season ending’ event for all the children who have been learning the game and following the English Bridge Union’s curricula.

“Their junior award system allows pupils to progress through various levels of advancement from mini bridge to bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond.”

Benefits Mr Mauve went on to add that he is ‘most encouraged’ to see ever-increasing numbers of children learning the game and enjoying competitions such as this one.

Schools who entered the event last year include the host school, as well as St James’ Primary, Weald of Kent Grammar, Tonbridge Grammar School and Sevenoaks School.

Mr Mauve said they will all be returning this year, with the hope that other education establishments in the area will also participate.

“My aim is to grow the event to 20-plus schools with 150 or so children,” he said, before adding that if this is the case the competition will become too big for the primary school – which is in Weald Village, near Sevenoaks – and will ‘probably move to Sevenoaks or Tunbridge Wells’.

Playing bridge has myriad positive benefits. As well as being good for the mind, it is also well known for being a game that commands a mental workout which can stimulate both halves of the brain in equal measure.

According to ACOL Bridge Club, it also ‘uses and develops logical thinking, inferential analysis, problem-solving skills, sequencing, visualisation, lateral thinking, long and short-term memory, observation and psychology’.

BRIDGE BETWEEN SCHOOLS Pupils enjoy the challenge A simplified form of bridge known as ‘mini bridge’ is currently being introduced into British schools, and is being cited by experts as a ‘fun’ and ‘social sport’ young people can get involved in.

Learning bridge is also a qualifying skill for the revered Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

In October, Tunbridge Wells will host the Kent Bridge Congress which, for the first time, will have a gentle bridge section aimed at youngsters, said Mr Mauve. But before that happens, he is

encouraging more pupils to come along to WCPS on May 18 and participate. For, as the novelist W Somerset Maugham once said, “Bridge is the most entertaining and intelligent card game the wit of man has so far devised.”

If you would like to enter your child or school into the competition, please email: kent.youth.bridge@gmail.com or register with the Kent Contract Bridge Association online at www.kcba.org.uk

School choir celebrates being selected for prestigious national singing festival THE award-winning senior girls’ Motet Choir at Tonbridge Grammar School is celebrating after being selected to perform at the Music for Youth concert at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham this summer.

It is quite a feat for the choral group, given that only 40 per cent of the 40,000 entries are selected for this annual celebration of music.

There are various events taking place from July 3 until July 7 in the city at venues including the Town Hall, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and also the Symphony Hall.

The latter is where the Motet Choir will perform on July 3 from 1 to 3pm and 3.45 until 7.45pm.

In addition to the live performances, there will also be fringe workshops, interactive sessions and outdoor stages for all to enjoy.

Tickets and further information can be found at www.mfy.org.uk/national

PLENTY TO SING ABOUT The Motet Choir

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Mark Ellis

Liberal Democrat Councillor

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Mark Ellis was last week elected as Liberal Democrat councillor for St John’s, the first time he has stood for local election. He is father to two boys, a governor at a local school, and works with local businesses in Kent and Sussex

We shall be putting pressure on the council to perform IN LAST week’s pre-election edition of the Times, Conservative Leader David Jukes claimed: “The key to the continual improvement of Tunbridge Wells is economic development, and only the Conservatives can provide that.”

This is not only an arrogant statement, but in my view inaccurate. The Tories’ civic development plans are not serving the economic interests of the people of Tunbridge Wells, they are serving the narrow interests of a few at the top.

TALKING POINT The proposed Civic Complex in Tunbridge Wells

Reckless In my campaign to get elected in St John’s ward, I talked to more than 500 people on the doorstep, and the number one issue raised was the Civic Centre. People are genuinely angry that in a time of austerity, our council – the Conservative-run council – is taking the reckless step of borrowing £77million over 50 years to build a 1,200-seat theatre for touring productions, and new council offices.

It is a well-known fact that large regional theatres make a loss on productions as it is nigh on impossible to fill the space on a regular basis to anywhere near capacity to make them commercially viable.

Successful theatres make up for this loss by renting out the surplus space to offices, restaurants and retail. However, our council is propos-

ing filling the majority of this premium space with their own offices which means that council tax payers will be subsidising both the theatre and the council.

The council claims that Royal Victoria Place will benefit from the civic development, however, I believe they are wrong for one simple reason; the Civic Centre is in the wrong place to provide any tangible benefit to our dying commercial hub.

As many of the large stores have moved out of our centre, footfall has fallen dramatically, and

with rents and business rates sky high in Tunbridge Wells, it will not be long before many of the other chains and our independent shops will either close down or go bankrupt.

To reverse this decline, our council needs to give up their vanity project and get stuck into working both independently and in cooperation with British Land to attract one or more statement stores that bring footfall.

Stores like Primark would do a great job here, at the same time allowing working families

to stretch their budgets a little further.

In conjunction with this, our town needs to prepare for the change in the way we are working in the information age.

With a significant reduction in commercial office space, many of our empty shops could easily be filled with flexible office spaces, providing the opportunity for people to work and create the businesses and jobs of the future.

It’s time to stop vanity and focus on reality, Mr Jukes.

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

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AND IMPROVING REGENCY HOUSE ON THE HILL

Barn full of beams

A brilliant conversion Page 24

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

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

GREAT VIEWS OF THE GARDEN

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GROW ATTACHED TO A MILL HOUSE

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CHARACTER KITCHEN FULL OF FUN

Use your marbles…

Fill your kitchen with character Page 46

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WILD ABOUT NATURE

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to POOK LANE SMARDEN GUIDE PRICE

£795,000

UNDER £250,000

n Living space

UNDER £350,000

n 2 bedrooms

NEVILL TERRACE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n Double doors leading to decked garden area

DERNIER ROAD, TONBRIDGE

n Bathroom n Garden with patio area

GUIDE PRICE

n Gallery kitchen area

£230,000

n Bedroom

£325,000

n Further raised garden area with flower borders

n Ground floor apartment n Leasehold

n Bathroom

n Terraced house

n Small fenced front garden

n Ground rent and service charges

n Dining room

n Lawn garden with timber decking

n Sitting room

n Double wrought iron gated entrance n Brick paved driveway n Entrance lobby

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

n Cast iron fireplace n Kitchen n Range of wall and base units

CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

thekn w

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great properties by price range…

UNDER £400,000 FERNDALE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£375,000 n Flat n Leasehold n Kitchen/breakfast room n Reception room n Inner lobby n Master bedroom n Bedroom 2 n Bathroom n Parking n Communal garden area n Front lawn area CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £500,000 ESTRIDGE WAY, TONBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE

£375,000-£400,000 n Semi-detached house n Recently modernised n Entrance hall n Kitchen/dining room n Range of wall and base units n Sitting room n 3 bedrooms n First floor bathrooms n Garden with panel fencing n Parking for 2 vehicles CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION

UNDER £800,000

POOK LANE, SMARDEN

GUIDE PRICE

£795,000 n Barn conversion n Reception hall n Large open-plan sitting/ dining room/kitchen

n Master bedroom with en suite and dressing area

SANDHURST ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n 4 further bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE

n Family bathroom

£700,000

n Garden with lawn area n Indian sandstone terrace n Off-road parking

n Detached house n 3 reception rooms n Large kitchen/family room

n Study

CONTACT

n Separate utility room

n Utility room

Savills Cranbrook 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk

n 5 bedrooms

n Cloakroom

n 2 bathrooms n Detached double garage n Off street parking CONTACT Flying Fish Properties Tunbridge Wells 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

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yourh me

Grove Hill Road

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

GROVE HILL ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Entrance hall n Sitting room n 2 sets of French windows

n Family room n Kitchen/ dining room n Study area n 2 double bedrooms n Family bathroom n Cloakroom n 2 further double bedrooms n Southwest facing courtyard garden n Raised flower beds n Side path access to rear garden

GUIDE PRICE

£945,000

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

Immaculate Grade II listed semi-detached Regency villa in desirable central location

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yourh me

Oaklands Road

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

OAKLANDS ROAD GROOMBRIDGE n Entrance hall n Reception room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Downstairs cloakroom n Galleried landing n Master bedroom suite with en suite n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Rear garden with semi-circular patio n Timber-built home office n Garages

Superbly presented detached property with renovated open-plan living space

GUIDE PRICE

£895,000-£925,000 Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

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yourh me

Mill House

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

AT A GLANCE MILL HOUSE MILL COURT, BIDBOROUGH n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Games room n Gym n 2 storerooms n Coat cupboard n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite n 2 bedrooms with en suites n 2 further bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n Integral garage n Parking n Established southerly gardens

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ1,600,000

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

Striking converted windmill linked to a family home with south facing gardens

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yourh me

The Ridgewaye

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Imposing, stylish detached family home with four double bedrooms and well set within a large plot AT A GLANCE

THE RIDGEWAYE SOUTHBOROUGH n Set on a private road n Entrance hall n Lounge with log burner n Sitting/dining room n Study n Handmade kitchen/breakfast with full width bi-fold doors n Utility room n Cloakroom n Landing n Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite shower room n Three further double bedrooms n Further en suite shower room n Family bathroom n Large tiered and landscaped garden n Sweeping driveway n Garage

ÂŁ925,000 Available for sale through Wood & Pilcher Southborough 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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yourh me

Advertising

thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

46

yourh me

Interiors

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

STYLE BAROMETER You’ve read how you can create a kitchen with warmth and style – now here are some key accessories to get the look:

CLEAN SWEEP White Marble Soap Dispenser, £20, Sainsbury’s Home www.sainsburys.co.uk STONE LOVE Marble Print Melamine Serve Board, £14, Next

PERFECT TIMING Marble Desk Clock, £40, Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com

IN THE CLEAR

IMAGE: courtesy of Marks & Spencer

Bloomingville Ridged Clear Glass Vase, £61, Amara www.amara.com

Food for thought A kitchen should have character, so make sure yours has plenty of key points of visual interest, says Eileen Leahy

T

he kitchen: Quite simply it’s the hub of the home. It’s where we spend the majority of our time cooking, eating and putting the world to rights, so it makes sense that it should be stylish and comfortable as well as practical.

The good news is that the trend for spotless, shiny, impersonal kitchens seems to be on the wane, given the amount of retailers giving their kitchen designs heaps of personality. Statement lighting, feature tiling, stand-alone shelving units and eye-catching islands doubling up as seating areas are just a few of the elements now included in a desirable kitchen, which results in this once practical, humble space becoming something far more desirable.

Individuality If you’re considering a complete kitchen refit then you’ll be spoilt for choice thanks to the huge variety of designs around. There are lots of specialists out there, some of which you’ll find locally, such as John Lewis of Hungerford (www.john-lewis.co.uk) and Tom Howley (www.tomhowley.co.uk), who’ll help you create a bespoke

space that’s positively bubbling over with charm and individuality.

Other high-end brands to consider looking at include the culinary creations by Martin Moore (www.martinmoore.com), Smallbone of Devizes (www.smallbone.co.uk) and Chalon (www.chalon.com).

If you’re working to a tighter budget, there are still plenty of options. Start by chatting to experts like Magnet and B&Q, who’ll help you design your dream scheme without a hefty price tag.

DIY dens such as Wickes and Homebase will also have lots to inspire you, and IKEA is always worth a trip as they cater for big and small spaces without compromising on style.

Browsing online and surfing Pinterest will also help you discover lots of ideas and hopefully settle on a look that’s right for your home.

When thinking about materials to use, why not consider a marble effect? Not only is it super on-trend at the moment, it will keep your space looking and feeling light and fresh. If you can’t afford the real deal then don’t be put off, as there are some really impressive faux stone styles out there, including Corian (www.corian.uk).

And if you’re not quite brave enough to embrace it as a key feature in your kitchen, as shown in our main image, then you can

PRINTS CHARMING Personalised Illustrated Musical Map Of London, £31.99, Getting Personal www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

always give a nod to it via your accessories. You’ll find lots of great buys on the high street, including chopping boards, utensil holders and even clocks in marble styles.

When looking at cabinets and cupboards, remember that individuality is key. By all means select some conventional storage items, but also try to include a standout statement piece, such as an armoire, dresser or open shelving to accommodate all your decorative crockery, condiments or glassware.

It’s a good idea to aim for a corresponding colour to ensure it makes an aesthetic impact. Inky dark tones are incredibly popular at the moment, but you can always embrace an accent shade in hot pink or cool blue, too. Alternatively, you can of course stick to the same colour palette just ensure that there is enough definition – perhaps in a high gloss white or wooden finish – to keep things interesting.

If you don’t have the budget to do a total kitchen makeover, then keep an eye out for pieces in house clearance shops and reclamation yards, where you can pick up a piece of furniture and upcycle it to suit your needs.

A sideboard is a current must-have in any trendy kitchen, as is some funky seating, with the latter helping to create that essential ‘hang out’ element where you can sit and chat.

Illuminating your new and improved kitchen is also key, as you’ll need both task and ambient lighting.

BHS might have disappeared from our high streets, but they still have a strong presence online, and their lighting collection is as strong and trend-driven as ever.

Alternatively, you could take a look at the gorgeous designs at The Original BTC (www.originalbtc.com) and the quirkier offerings from Pooky (www.pooky.com).

One flick of the switch and you’ll be able to enjoy looking at your new hip kitchen in all its fabulous glory…

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5 OF THE TOP

Gardening

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Favourite plants of a naturalistic garden designer

IF YOU like swathes of ornamental grasses rubbing shoulders with perennials that look like they’ve been planted together all their lives, then Oudolf is the expert garden designer to follow.

He’s among the leaders of the Naturalistic Planting movement, favouring ornamental grasses which provide movement and structure throughout the year, accented with vibrant perennials that bring colour and form.

His drifts of grasses create a soft, misty background for other plants.

Oudolf – who has designed gardens across the world, from RHS Wisley in Surrey to Pensthorpe in Norfolk and ‘Ground Zero’ on Manhattan Island – is encouraging us all to go natural, with a new iconic Horticultural Heroes feature at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this summer.

The Dutch designer is creating a whimsical walk-through feature using bold drifts of herbaceous perennials and grasses synonymous with his painterly style of planting.

He doesn’t like plants to be supported if he can help it, but prefers them to grow into each other, propping each other up naturally.

“To achieve a naturalistic style, the planting has to look more spontaneous than classical plantings,” he says. “It has to look composed, but not wild, it must be integrated.

PERFECT FOR POLLINATORS Echinacea

Acclaimed Dutchman Piet Oudolf is leading the Naturalistic Planting movement and displaying at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Hannah Stephenson finds out how to capture his look

“My style in the Hampton Court garden is where groups of perennials are placed in a more dominant field of grasses, and I hope the public will take inspiration from that.

“The grasses include Sporobolus heterolepis, Stipa barbata and within that we have 20 different varieties of perennials, which bring the colour.”

He advises gardeners to give their outdoor space all-year-round interest, which is why he so loves grasses, whose structure and movement continues to provide interest in the cooler months.

“Think about winter-flowering shrubs, hellebores, snowdrops and crocuses.

“Winter interest can also be provided by the leftovers of plants, such as seedheads,” he observes. “Most grasses we use are easy to control and not rampant.

Gardening

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

‘My style in the Hampton Court garden is where groups of perennials are placed in a more dominant field of grasses’ “In general, there are as many aggressive perennials as there are grasses, but you need to know what you are doing.”

His favourite grasses include Stipa barbata, which has an elegant flower and blends effectively with perennials as it moves with the wind.

He also favours Echinacea pallida and Eryngium alpinum, better known as sea holly, and monardas. Most of the perennials he prefers are easy to grow.

Here, RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter – who points out that using tall, handsome plants in drifts requires space and abundant sun – has put together five of Oudolf’s favourite plants and a guide to growing them…

1

Monarda ‘Beauty of Cobham’ This plant has tall, gorgeous pink summer flowers beloved by pollinators, and purplish leaves that tend to exceed 90cm in shady spots, so good supports are advisable in domestic gardens. It appreciates watering to fend off mildew and keep the plant flowering well. The monarda looks best in groups of three (or more, if at all possible).

Dear Anja

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Echinacea pallida If you’re looking for late summer flowers, coneflowers are a wonderful addition to colour your borders. They are a magnet for pollinators, producing pink flowers around a dark ‘cone’ – as long as the soil is not too dry and they are well staked, as the 1.2m stems can be weak in gardens and tend to topple. They require full sun to thrive.

3 4

Lythrum salicaria ‘Swirl’ With spikes of pink flowers on 80cm stems, this very robust plant likes dampish soils and will put up with light shade. One for the wilder parts of the border that will flower freely if the spent spikes are cut out.

Salvia x sylvestris ‘Dear Anja’ Blue and purple flowers and scented foliage make this tall 90cm plant a good choice for sunny borders. It’s droughtresistant, but one for warm sheltered southern gardens, unless cuttings can be taken and kept indoors over winter.

5 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASSES Piet Oudolf (left)

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Veronica longifolia ‘Pink Eveline’ This produces magenta flower spikes borne over a long period from midsummer, although you’ll need to deadhead it regularly. This graceful plant will attract bees and other pollinators, and is also a favourite among flower arrangers. It grows to around 60cm tall.

Snowdrops

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Wednesday May 9 | 2018

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arts

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Grease is the word...

The hit film Grease is 40 this year and it’s TWODS’ next production. Co-directors Elizabeth Witt and Jessica Punch tell Eileen Leahy why they’re ‘hopelessly devoted’ to this show Why did you choose Grease?

Grease is now in its 40th anniversary year, which therefore makes it a perfect show selection for our local amateur dramatic troupe, TWODS. We were excited to be asked to co-direct and choreograph the show and felt it would

continue into further shows. There are 29 in total in this particular cast.

be a great opportunity to produce a fast-paced, high energy production.

Did you find it easy to cast the lead characters, such as Danny and Sandy?

There was a great turnout for the auditions with a lot of enthusiasm. It was a big jigsaw puzzle putting the cast together, but it was our job to get the right mix for the style of the show.

What makes it so special for you?

It has opened up the membership of TWODS, encouraging new performers and hopefully fuelling their passion to

How long a period is there from rehearsals to getting on stage?

We have been lucky to have had four months to rehearse – and it soon goes

Danny and Sandy with only two rehearsals a week! The cast have also had to give up their time on Sundays. Once rehearsed, the transfer into the theatre is only two days before curtain up, so everything has to be slick and in place before we get there.

What elements of this classic movie and musical make it so timeless, do you think?

Grease was, and still is, so iconic. The story still has relevance to today’s culture, and the songs have been so well written they remain timeless and unforgettable.

How and why do you think it is still relevant for today’s audience?

Whether you are a younger member of the audience and enjoy a classic feelgood musical show, or an older member loving the trip down memory lane, it provides a perfect recipe to keep many generations rolling along with the story.

THOSE MAGIC CHANGES The extended TWODS cast go back to the 50s

What are you looking forward to most about putting it on?

For us it is always good to see the finished product and watch the cast receive the applause they deserve for all their hard work – and putting up with us pushing them to their limits.

Arts & Culture

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

What do you believe is the secret behind a successful stage show?

Everyone plays their part – from the production team to cast, crew, props and marketing.

Without the commitment and energy from all involved, the end goal would never be as enjoyable for the audience.

What will the audiences at the Assembly Hall Theatre come away with after seeing Grease?

Hopefully a spring in their step and a tune in their head!

TWODS perform Grease at the Assembly Hall from May 15-19, with matinees as well as evening performances. Tickets cost from £18. For more information, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

TOP FIVE FACTS ABOUT GREASE n The story of 1950s schoolkids transferred from being a hit Broadway musical to hitting the big screen on June 16, 1978.

n The songs Grease (is the Word), Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want were all written specifically for the film. Summer Nights is the only one that appeared in the original musical.

n Three different locations were used for the film’s Rydell High School. The facade is Venice High School, the interior is Huntington Park High School, and the field is John Marshall High School.

n Over four decades since it was released, Grease remains the US’s top-grossing musical to date.

n Henry Winkler turned down the lead role of Danny Zuko (which eventually went to John Travolta) as he thought the part would be too similar to his beloved Fonzie character in TV’s Happy Days. It’s alleged that singer Marie Osmond turned down the role of his love interest, Sandy Olsson.

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Starting a new chapter in life Cranbrook journalist turned author Colin Bateman tells the Times why he decided to write a novel – about Kent-based smugglers

P

EOPLE used to tell Colin Bateman he had the perfect job. Well, what’s not to like about missing the English winters and being paid to watch sport around the world?

As a cricket correspondent for the Daily Express, he followed the England team around places such as Australia, South Africa, India and the West Indies – all expenses paid.

Members of the Barmy Army, the band of fans who loyally support England through thick and thin, used to ask: “Need someone to carry your bags?”

Then there were trips across the Channel to report on the Tour de France – and the chance to sample some of the Continent’s best food and wine.

In 2011, Colin switched from reporting on cricket to become the Olympic Correspondent at the Express for the excitement of the London 2012 games, which was followed two years later by the intrigue of the Winter Games in Sochi.

And yet something still nagged away. No matter how much he enjoyed covering sport, and producing copy for a national daily, he had always wanted the ultimate challenge of writing a novel.

“I guess every journalist thinks that deep down they have a novel somewhere inside them, and I was no different,” he says. “Producing 800 words in 45 minutes was never a problem, so what could be so hard about producing 80,000 words over a year or so? I soon discovered exactly what.”

On his 60th birthday, Colin handed in his notice.

He had had enough of travelling, working every weekend, and the ever-increasing demands of modern journalism – being required to write as much for the website as the newspaper.

He wanted to spend more time at the family home in Cranbrook, and to tackle that long-awaited project of becoming an author of fiction.

“I had written two books previously, but both about sport. I wanted to write something that had nothing to do with sport, and where I could let my imagination take charge,” he says.

“I loved reading modern fiction – the likes of Ian Rankin, William Boyd, David Lodge and Ian McEwan – and I wanted to have a crack at it.”

Three years later, the result is ‘A Dreadful Trade’ – a thriller set in Kent that takes its evocative lead from the county’s history of smuggling, although this is very much a story of today.

The lead character, Tom Kidd, has just lost his job as a journalist and been kicked out of the matrimonial home. He takes a holiday let on the Kent

coast to decide what to do next in his life – only to find himself embroiled in the mysterious death of a young artist and the sinister world of smuggling.

A drowned body is washed up at a secretive scientific research site near Dover, but the police don’t seem interested. Kidd wonders why.

But when Kidd starts asking a few questions, the close-knit local community do not take too kindly to this outsider prying into their business.

While set predominantly in Kent, the story also takes us into scientific work surrounding rare orchids at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, a link Colin has been careful to research thoroughly.

“I have friends who are botanists in Edinburgh, and the conservation work they do runs through the book. They also told me about the murky world of plant smuggling, which I never knew existed.”

‘Of course, I have a bit of a romantic angle. I have done that with advice from my wife’ With the book now published, Colin says local feedback has been very encouraging.

“A lot of people have told me they really enjoyed it, especially the local flavour to it. A few local book clubs have made it their Book of the Month, and I am always happy to go along and talk to them about it – and face their criticism.

“I learned so much writing this first book that I am keen to do another. Among other things, you have to invent believable characters – and of course, have a bit of a romantic angle. I have done that with advice from my wife.”

A Dreadful Trade (Edgehill Books) is available in paperback at £9.95 from bookshops, Hartley Dyke Farmshop in Cranbrook or direct from Colin, who will do special reduced rates for book clubs. He can be contacted at: colinjbateman@hotmail.com

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thekn w.guide

Going Out

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

By Eileen Leahy

IS THIS MACBETH I SEE BEFORE ME? Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear star in NT Live at Trinity Theatre & the Odeon

Norris’ version of this Shakespeare classic, which stars Anne Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear, are priced at £19 per person. www.trinitytheatre.net

FRIDAY Pre-schoolers and their parents can toddle along to The Assembly Hall today and tomorrow in order to catch one of the performances of Peppa Pig’s Big Adventure. Follow the popular children’s character and her brother George and friends as they go camping and discover lots of muddy puddles to jump in! For tickets and timings, see www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The Pantiles Food Festival kicks off today and runs all weekend. Expect lots of mouthwatering stalls boasting a variety of cuisines, as well as live cooking demos from local and celebrity chefs.

Just keep your fingers crossed for sunshine! For more information, see www.thepantiles.com Go Ape at Bedgebury is the perfect activity for the children to get stuck into as its tree top adventure trails are both exciting and exhilarating. They must be a minimum age of ten years old and at least 1.4m tall in order to participate in this tree top adventure. For tickets and timings, visit www.goape.co.uk The much acclaimed thriller flick A Quiet Place, starring Emily Blunt and real-life husband John Krasinski, starts its run tonight at the Moonlight Drive-in Cinema located at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. Screenings are at 9.15pm all week and tickets cost £25 per vehicle. See www.moonlightcinema.co.uk

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

Today sees the start of the En Plein Air art event at the glorious Hole Park Gardens in Rolvenden.

Lasting five days, and as its French name suggests, it’s all about being inspired by the beauty of the great outdoors. The aim is for artists to create work in various media throughout Hole’s stunning landscapes, and on Saturday and Sunday the various oeuvres will be on display for the public to browse. For more information, see www.holepark.com Skid Row Marathon is being screened tonight at the Odeon in Tunbridge Wells at 7pm. It’s the inspiring story of a group of disadvantaed individuals from LA’s Skid Row who receive a second chance at life, all brought on by a simple act of kindness and the gift of running. It’s directed by Mark Hayes and you can purchase tickets via www.odeon.co.uk Every Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm, the Angel Indoor Bowles Centre in Tonbridge welcomes beginners to their Have a go at bowling evening.

There’s even a free drink on offer at the bar afterwards! For more information, visit www.angelibc.co.uk

THURSDAY The Catherine Bellinger School of Dance hosts an adult ballet barre class every Thursday at St Peter’s Church, Bayhall Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Running from 11.10am until 12.10pm, the classes welcome all abilities. For information and fees, see www.catherinebellingerschoolofdance.co.uk The whole of Tonbridge deanery, which reaches out to Edenbridge and Hever, will be at St Peter & St Paul, Church Lane, Tonbridge this evening for an Ascension Day Service from 7.30pm. Reverend Canon Mark Brown will speak and all are welcome. www.tonbridgeparishchurch.org.uk The EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge hosts 2Magpies Theatre, who will be putting on their production of Last Resort. Set in an alternative future of Guantanamo Bay, it’s an immersive show which takes its audience through a tropical haze on a unique ‘multi-sensory package holiday’. Intrigued? Then don’t miss this menacing piece of fiction. Tickets are priced from £13 from www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk NT Live’s performance of Macbeth will be beamed into both the Odeon cinema and Trinity Theatre this evening from 7pm. Tickets to Rufus

LAST RESORT See a different view of Guantanamo Bay at the EM Forster Theatre

It’s the Mayfield Mayfair today, running from 1pm to 4pm in the village High Street, complete with maypole dancing. See www.mayfieldmayfair.com Want to get fit for summer? Then why not join the popular weekly park runs which happen at SNOUT OUT! Peppa Pig’s Big Adventure is at the Assembly Hall

both Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells and the Castle Street recreation ground in Tonbridge.

Register for free so you can participate in the 5k circuits, which start at 9am. For more information, see www.parkrun.org.uk Head to Longmead Stadium in Tonbridge for the West Kent Garden and Craft Show. This two-day display of plant stalls from specialist and general nurseries also showcases garden furniture and accessories, plus building and landscaping materials to make the outdoors look great. Entry is £3 for adults, £2 for OAPs, and free for under16s. See www.wkgardenandcraftshow.com Set sail for a nautically-themed family rave in the woods courtesy of the Big Fish Little Fish X Camp Bestival at Groombridge Place. This year, DJ Aphrodite will hit the decks, taking groovers young and old Around the World in 18 Raves.

For more information, please visit www.groombridgeplace.com Join the Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir for its special 80th Anniversary Concert at Trinity Theatre this evening. Featuring show tunes, pop, folk, spirituals and classical favourites sung in rich four-part harmonies, this landmark event is not to be missed. Tickets are priced from £12. See www.rtworpheusmvc.org

SUNDAY

This is the final day of the Mayfield Art Trail, which sees over 30 artists of all mediums exhibiting their work in 15 different venues around Mayfield and Five Ashes. The event coincides with Mayfield’s Music Festival, which also finishes this weekend. Particpating artists will be available to talk about their oeuvres, some of which will be for sale, with proceeds going to the Hospice in the Weald. The trail runs from 11am until 5pm. For more information, see www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk Today is National Croquet Day and the Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club is inviting members and anyone interested in learning more about this traditional game to its ground to celebrate with a day full of events. For more information, see www.tunbridgewellscroquet.org.uk

Going Out

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Crowborough artist Robin Alexander Elliott’s eclectic work is currently on display in a new exhibition at The G&C Gallery, in Camden Road. Entitled Dreaming Reality – Reality Dreaming: An Exhibition Explained, the show runs until May 25 and features 15 works by the artist, who studied at the Sidcup School of Art under the tutorage of Frank Auerbach.

West Kent ivc social group meets on a regular basis to enjoy visits to historical places and the seaside as well as meals out, ten pin bowling and cinema trips.

For more information, call 0844588482, email: contact@westkentivc.org.uk or visit www.westkentivc.org.uk

MONDAY At Grosvenor and Hilbert Park there will be a special walk around the lakes at

5.30pm in order to discover the many aquatic invertebrates dwelling there.

This will be followed by a special talk at 7pm by nature expert Dr Ian Beavis, who will chat about the park’s various water bodies who lurk in the ponds and streams. This adult-only event is free to attend and no booking is required.

Thompson Spare Art Gallery’s latest show features the work of Thomas Neil, a talented digital printer and painter who has made some great prints of Tunbridge Wells with a delicate modern twist. Precise and well balanced, his work is described by the gallery as ‘clear and refreshing’. Open every day except Sundays from 9am until 5.30pm.

Trinity’s current exhibition is entitled Vulnerability, by Jenny Neill. Originally from Brighton, she is now based locally

FUN IN THE WOODS The Big Fish Little Fish X Camp Bestival at Groombridge Place

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PICK OF THE WEEK: Bewl Race Series Saturday, May 12 On Saturday, keen runners will have the chance to enjoy a variety of courses around picturesque Bewl Water reservoir as part of their annual race series.

There are four variations to participate in: 10km, half, full and ultra-marathons. The races all take place clockwise around the South East of England’s largest lake from 9am, and take in some

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of the popular country park’s forested areas, country roads and open trails.

On the same day there will also be a Heron Open meeting taking place.

This new event welcomes Heron sailors from around the UK for a full day of racing and lots of family fun.

Plus the Boat House Bistro will commence its summer season, serving afternoon tea to visitors.

For more information on any of these events, please visit www.bewl.co.uk

and likes to explore the female form in a variety of different mediums, including gouache, ink and charcoal. The gallery is open from 10am until 10pm.

TUESDAY

BRUSH WITH NATURE Artists work En Plein Air at Hole Park Gardens

The Assembly Hall will be taken over by lots of sassy Pink Ladies and T Birds all this week as talented amateur dramatic group TWODS perform their version of the classic musical Grease to mark the film’s 40th anniversary. With charttopping songs like You’re The One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted To You, it promises to be a fantastic production.

Tickets are priced from £18. See www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Read our exclusive chat with the show’s directors on page 52.

The latest exhibition at Tunbridge Wells

Museum & Art Gallery is Seasons of Change: The Fegans’ Story. Running until June 9, it focuses on the work of Fegans, a local charity which has been championing childhood and transforming mental health since 1870. Admission is free and the show is on Tuesday to Sunday.

The Kent and Sussex Poetry Society meet every third Tuesday of the month upstairs in the function room of Vittle and Swig on Camden Road. Tonight their guest speaker is poet Tamar Yoseloff.

For more information, visit www.kentandsussexpoetry.com

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Going Out

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk, www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Martin Stenning, The Ackerleys, Infrared Thursday Jenny Maslin & Friends with Café Society Friday Lipstick & Beatniks Saturday Closed for a private party Sunday Alex Cavanna, Josh Renton, Planet 3, The Varlies Tuesday Chasing Shadows, Andy Twyman

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

live music With Paul Dunton

F

OR a great midweek outing tonight [Wednesday], The Forum’s Stable band showcase features local acts Footsie, Guru, Thrift and Youth Sector.

My top pick for Thursday is the one and only Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, who will be live at The Assembly Hall with an array of special guests, including Marc Almond and Ruby Turner.

On the same night, renowned local singer and violinist Jennifer Maslin and Café Society will be at The Grey Lady with a lively mix of jazz, blues, swing and everything in between.

And look out for the second of the Jazz Series on The Pantiles with the superb Asher Parkinson Quintet.

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

For something more alternative, The Sussex Arms host Strange Bones, Calva Louise and Basement Cat. If you fancy donning your dancing shoes on Saturday, then Boogie Nights at The Forum is always a cracking night out. Popular soloist Sophie Mullan will be at The Beau Nash Tavern, and there will be fine local acts performing at Bubsfest 2018 at The Bedford from early afternoon till late. The excellent G.E.M will be live at The Royal Oak. Close out the weekend in style on Sunday with The Varlies at The Grey Lady supported by Alex Cavanna, Josh Renton and Planet 3.

On Tuesday, I recommend We Ghosts at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge.

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday Footsie, Guru, Thrift, Youth Sector Friday African Night Fever presents: Grupo Lokito Saturday Boogie Nights Sunday Construct, Perception, Alive In Lights, Tailblock, Hair Trigger

Thursday Strange Bones, Calva Louise, Basement Cat Friday Scandal Street Punk, AKK, Fish Head

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES

Sussex Mews Open all day, music from 8.30pm, entry charge may apply. More information at www.twforum.co.uk

The Pantiles Bandstand Summer season Music from 8pm-10pm, donations welcomed Thursday Asher Parkinson Quintet

Café Society

TRINITY THEATRE Church Road All concert details and ticket information at www.trinitytheatre.net Thursday Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir 80th Anniversary Concert

THE ASSEMBLY HALL

Jools Holland

Crescent Road All concert details and ticket information at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Wednesday Shane Filan, support from Andy Brown and Max Restaino

Thursday Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Sophie Mullan

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Acoustic Atlas Saturday Bubsfest 2018!

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday G.E.M

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday We Ghosts

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food

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STAY CONNECTED 7 DAYS A WEEK…

Food & Drink

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Tips for the asparagus season The asparagus season is now truly underway, but its time in the culinary spotlight is brief. Eileen Leahy explains why these spears of tender veg lend themselves so well to a variety of dishes – and where you can source them fresh on your doorstep…

T

HE official start of the asparagus season in the South East was St George’s Day (April 23), and its arrival shows we are growing ever closer to the English summer, with the popular vegetable available for approximately eight weeks.

Asparagus is incredibly popular thanks to its great taste and versatility. Then, of course, there’s just the sheer amount you can do with it.

Whether you simply steam and drizzle it with a little salted butter or shavings of mature parmesan, or go for something a little bit more fancy by including it in a chilli frittata, or purée it into a creamy velouté, it always tastes absolutely delicious.

Due to its slower, cooler growing climate, native British asparagus boasts a more intense taste to that of its foreign counterparts, so always try to source it from a nearby producer if you can to guarantee that immense flavour.

Michael Bourne, of New Park Farm in Groombridge, hand cuts all his asparagus ready for local markets, shops and restaurants, so it takes a lot longer to harvest than your usual crops of vegetables. But this, Michael believes, is what makes his asparagus taste so good and worth the wait.

He grows it on approximately 14 acres of rich, verdant land and has been doing so for the past 20 years.

“Asparagus is our signature crop, and we cut it by hand because it’s always in different stages of

growth,” he explains. “We have harvested it like this for years, and although it takes time, it tastes so much better than any imported asparagus.”

For further inspiration, take a look at the mouthwatering recipe on the facing page…

ASPARAGUS FACTS n The season runs officially from April 23 until June 20

n Not a single spear will grow until the soil temperature is above 12°C n Asparagus likes sandy loam with a southern aspect n The Romans thought asparagus had magical medicinal properties and so dispatched special ‘asparagus fleets’ to gather and distribute it n There are male and female asparagus plants, but the former is far more productive and makes up the majority of commercial crops n Asparagus has been known to grow up to 10cm a day n The vegetable contains lots of healthy bacteria and is a natural detoxifier n It is rich in Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is essential for healthy blood clotting

SELECTING ASPARAGUS Choose British asparagus with firm, green spears and tight, crisp tips. Allow 8-10 medium-size spears per person for a starter, or 4-6 as a main course accompaniment.

STORING ASPARAGUS In the fridge: If you plan to keep your asparagus for a few days, keep it fresh by placing it in a jug or vase with the stems in water, then store (carefully) in the fridge. It should always be stored in the dark.

PREPARING ASPARAGUS As asparagus is grown in sandy soil, always wash your pickings well to remove any grit before cooking. Trim any white ends or peel with a vegetable peeler and be careful not to overcook your asparagus. You should feel a little resistance when you test the spear with a knife.

Recipe and additional information courtesy of www.britishasparagus.com

Food & Drink

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Times Drinks Editor James Viner explains why the following wines make the cut when it comes to celebrating the asparagus season

This warm salad has an added protein boost from the quinoa, while the British asparagus and kale keep things fresh. The asparagus is boiled only briefly to make sure it keeps its bite SERVES: 4 Preparation time: 10-15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

YOU’LL NEED:

WHAT TO DO:

1

Add the quinoa to a small saucepan and pour over the hot stock. Bring up to the boil, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes until the grains are tender and the stock is absorbed.

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Join the green party

Quinoa ‘tabbouleh’ with British asparagus, halloumi and kale

FOR THE TABBOULEH: 200g quinoa 350ml hot vegetable stock 2 bunches British asparagus, trimmed and sliced into bite-size pieces 200g kale, torn into bite-sized pieces 1/2 bunch spring onions, finely sliced 1 large bunch flatleaf parsley, chopped A handful of radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced 200g pack pomegranate seeds FOR THE DRESSING: Juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp runny honey 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp Dijon mustard 6 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE (OPTIONAL): 2 x 250g packs halloumi, cut into 1cm thick slices 1 tbsp olive oil

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2

Meanwhile, make the dressing by adding the lemon juice, honey, garlic and mustard to a mixing bowl and whisking together. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking until you have a thick creamy dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3

Bring a large pan of lightly salted water up to the boil and tip in the asparagus. Simmer for 2 minutes until just tender but with plenty of bite. Remove with a

slotted spoon to a colander and allow to drain, then tip on to a plate and allow to cool.

4

Add the kale to the boiling water and cook for another 2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold running water to cool quickly. Drain well, ideally spinning dry in a salad spinner.

5

Add the kale to the bowl of dressing along with the spring onions, parsley, radishes and blanched asparagus. Toss together lightly to mix.

6

Once the quinoa is cooked, fork through the grains to separate and tip into the salad, lightly mixing through. Spoon on to a serving plate and scatter over the pomegranate seeds before serving.

7

If you are serving with halloumi, heat a griddle pan until really hot. Brush the halloumi slices with a little oil and grill on both sides until lightly charred and crisp. You may need to cook in batches depending how big your pan is.

(1) VERDANT CHILEAN HIGH STREET CHOICE 2017 Co-op Irresistible Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Chile (£7.49, Co-op) The quintessential house white: An upbeat South American carnival of a sauvignon blanc that smells of gooseberries, passion fruit and blackcurrant leaf and has a tang of guava and elderflower. It’s simply a delicious springtime tipple screaming for steamed or chargrilled asparagus (with or without goat’s cheese), sushi, seafood and tomato salads.

I rarely swallow when I’m tasting, but did here.

Impressive work from a big Chilean wine group.

I could drink a lot of this!

Beats any supermarket Chilean white you can find at this price. A very snappy wine. Alc 13%

1

(2) BARREL-FERMENTED WHITE FOR SPEARS WITH HOLLANDAISE 2015 Seresin Marlborough Chardonnay Reserve, New Zealand (£17, The Wine Society, or £27.20, The NZ Wine Cellar) This is a polished wine of impeccable balance: One sip and you’re on to a beauty. Combining a courtesan’s inveigling look with a close embrace of minerally acidity, the flavours run through grapefruit juice and zest, orchard/white stone fruit, oak spice, nougat, creamed-honey and grilled almond. Spot on for asparagus with a dollop of hollandaise, melted butter or poached eggs, and also just the ticket for scallops, roast chicken, crab and monkfish. Exceptional.

This will provide an exciting ride over the next five years.

Certified organic and biodynamically grown. A worldclass steal at The Wine Society (where’s your getaway car?)

Alc 13.5%

2

Follow James on Twitter: @QuixoticWine

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yourh Look Good, Look Feel Good, Good Feel Good thekn me w.guide

Switch up for spring

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

IT’S A WRAP Striped scarf, £8, Matalan www.matalan.com

Now that summer is finally on its way it’s time to put away your cosy knits and layers and embrace a more spring-like sartorial stance.

Here’s a great outfit that will bridge the gap between spring and summer and keep you looking totally on trend…

1 BASKET CASE

SHADY LADY Ava sunglasses, £45, Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com

Round straw bag, £22, Miss Selfridge www.misselfridge.com

Tutti frutti statement earrings, £12, Accessorize www.accessorize. co.uk

IMAGE: courtesy of Debenhams

TOTALLY TROPICAL A STYLE SHOE-IN Blue sandals, £10, Primark www.primark.com

Jo Loves Orange Butterflies, £115 for 100ml. Harking back to holidays in the French countryside, this sunny composition is rich with orange blossom, mandarin and neroli, but retains a floaty lightness, much like the flight of the butterfly.

2

Valentino Donna Rosa Verde Limited Edition Eau de Parfum, £97 for 125ml.

As fresh and green as the bottle suggests, this Mediterranean-inspired juice sings with zingy ginger, bergamot and mate tea notes, and is rounded out with Turkish rose and magnolia.

3

Floris 1927 Eau de Toilette, £140 for 100ml. There’s a reason mandarin and bergamot are often included in summer scents, because their zestiness is so reminiscent of the warmest season. In Floris’s latest launch, a homage to the Roaring Twenties, the citrus fizz is balanced with white florals and a healthy dose of musk and amber. On sale: May 10

6

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Obsession-worthy fragrances that deserve a spot on your dressing table Looking for a hot summer scent? Katie Wright sniffs out the best newcomers.

4

Van Cleef and Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Neroli Amara Eau de Parfum, £126 for 75ml, Selfridges.

Another citrus-heavy mix, this effervescent eau de parfum adds Italian lemon and orange blossom absolute to the popular mandarin and bergamot pairing, with black pepper lending a splash of spice. On sale: May 14

5

Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Rouge Eau de Parfum, £41 for 30ml, Selfridges.

Even if previous members of the Narciso family were a bit too powdery for your liking, don’t

discount Rouge. Rose is the star of the show here, but it’s transformed by warm amber, sweet tonka and woody vetiver, resulting in a wonderfully heady perfume. On sale: May 21

6

Paul Smith Hello You! Eau de Toilette, £35 for 50ml Also in the citrus scent category, say hello to Paul Smith’s latest eau de toilette, which gives ever-popular bergamot and mandarin a spicy spin, thanks to cardamon and pink pepper, rounded out with patchouli and lavender. On sale: May 23

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Technology

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

NICE AND NEAT ILLUMINATING IDEA

Keep all your top tech alongside your other treasured possessions in perfect order courtesy of this Dulwich Designs Goodwood Valet Tech Stand, £40, Amara, www.amara.com

Portable and rechargeable, the Marset FollowMe lamp can be taken wherever you go and used indoors and outdoors. It comes with LED technology, a dimmer, built-in battery and a USB port for recharging. £151, Nest, www.nest.co.uk

DON’T GET IN A JAM

tech

Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app, allowing drivers in the same area to share real-time traffic and road info.Download the free GPS app from either www.play.google.com or www.itunes.apple.com

Must-have gadgets

State of the art technology theknow brings you the latest tech and clever time-saving gadgets and widgets to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Eileen Leahy picks her top tech essentials

POWERED BY

COFFEE CALL

HANGING AROUND The Brainwavz Truss is a headphones hanger specifically designed to hang not one, but two headphones with ease, comfort and convenience. Available for £13.85 from www.brainwavzaudio.com

Standing at just 29cm tall and 12cm wide, this offers a premium at home coffee experience with easy frontal capsule loading. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny machine is available in red, black and white, and costs £49, Tesco.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT With its aerodynamic design, streamlined build, light carbon body and EPP [expanded polypropylene] body, the Parrot Disco FPV drone is designed to soar, spin and glide through the sky like a plane, and promises amazing footage, £799.99, Argos, www.argos.co.uk

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Travel

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Joy of Greek island hopping A cruise around the Greek isles is, for many, one of those unmissable, ‘bucketlist’ travel experiences. And justly so – the sheer number and variety of islands packed with beauty and history makes for a truly multi-faceted adventure…

T

HE majority of the most popular and acclaimed islands may be found in the Aegean Sea, along with plenty of less-visited gems. This great body of water, bounded to the west by the Greek mainland, to the east by Turkey’s ‘Blue Coast’ and to the south by Crete, echoes with more than 5,000 years of history – so engagingly apparent at countless ancient sites.

Its sun-drenched shores and islands have witnessed the emergence of extraordinary legends and a pantheon of gods, civilisations and empires rising and falling, and the birth of

MYKONOS Colourful Little Venice

‘The king of Athens, Aegeus, gave the sea its name after he plunged into its waters believing his beloved son, Theseus, had been killed by the Minotaur’

ATHENS Legendary sights include the Parthenon temple

western philosophy, medicine, science, theatre, sport, literature and democracy.

And this is also a scenically spectacular part of the world, with dramatic mountains and volcanoes, sublime beaches, whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides and tranquil bays enclosing water a thousand shades of blue.

ATHENS Most Greek island cruises depart from Piraeus, the port of Athens, but be sure to make time before your voyage to explore the capital. It is the perfect place to begin discovery of the Aegean,

for it was a legendary former king of Athens, Aegeus, that gave the sea its name after he plunged despairingly into its waters believing (mistakenly) that his beloved son, Theseus, had been killed by the Minotaur.

There are archaeological riches beyond compare in this splendid city – not least the Parthenon and other temples of the Acropolis, the height of architectural achievement in the Athenian ‘Golden Age’.

Pre-cruise land tours offered by cultural cruise operators such as Voyages to Antiquity include a stay and sightseeing in Athens, along with visits to other enthralling ancient sites on the mainland, such as Mycenae, the city of Agamemnon; Delphi, the mountain-top sanctuary of the Oracle; and Epidaurus, home to a vast fourth century BC theatre with acoustics so good that it is said you can hear a pin drop from the highest tier.

CRETE Greece’s largest island is an essential stop on Aegean cruise itineraries. With glorious golden sands and vibrant resort towns, a wild mountainous interior and fascinating historical sites, it offers something for every traveller.

Heraklion is the likeliest port of call, conveniently situated for visits to Knossos, the ‘city in a palace’ of King Minos – he of the labyrinth and Minotaur – restored to something close to its ancient glory.

The Minoans, in many ways Europe’s first true civilisation, emerged apparently quite suddenly during the Middle Bronze Age, with a system of writing, government, social hierarchy and a highly developed aesthetic sense, as the stunning frescoes that survive them attest.

THE CYCLADES Due north of Crete, forming a rough circle which

Travel

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

gives the island group its name, are the Cyclades. The archipelago boasts 39 islands, but two in particular feature on popular cruise itineraries.

Santorini is the postcard vision of Greece, with villages of gleaming white houses and blue domes overlooking the sun-dappled sea.

Its fame is such that sunset in Oia, the most famous of these villages, can be a bit of a crowd crush in high season, yet it is still an unforgettable moment.

Santorini is also home to another Minoan site – Akrotiri – in its own way even more impressive than Knossos.

Said to be formed by the petrified bodies of giants slain by Hercules, Mykonos is another Aegean icon. Chic and cosmopolitan, yet – away from the capital – also tranquil and traditional, CRETE Stunning Balos Bay and lagoon

it bewitches from the moment you step ashore.

And make time if you can for a short boat ride to the tiny island of Delos, sacred in ancient times.

THE DODECANESE The other great island group served by the majority of Aegean cruise operators is the Dodecanese, named for the number 12, but in fact it comprises around 150 islands, 15 of which are large enough to visit.

Rhodes takes many of the plaudits.

It was once home to a wonder of the ancient world, the mighty Colossus, which bestrode the main harbour.

More recent Crusader history is likely to be the focus of a visit today, with plenty of sites associated with the

Knights of St John. But Rhodes Town is also a delightful place to browse local crafts, with myriad characterful shops lining its narrow streets.

The island of Patmos has great religious significance. The grand Monastery of St John stands beside the Cave of the Apocalypse, where the apostle John is said to have received his divine vision and written the Book of Revelation.

And Karpathos is another island which well rewards a visit. Renowned for its traditional, picturesque villages, where life seems little changed in centuries, old trades and crafts are still practised and villagers continue to wear colourful traditional dress.

In our fast-moving world, this captivating picture of ‘old Greece’ is something to be savoured now before it disappears forever.

GREEK ODYSSEY Enjoy the thrill of sailing from port to port

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Motoring

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE

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Suzuki Swift

Sport

WHAT IS IT?

Suzuki’s hottest offering is back for 2018, but does it still offer the trademark fun?

Ryan Hirons finds out

Since its introduction in 2006, the Suzuki Swift Sport has been the go-to choice in the warm hatch segment, delivering a driving experience similar to hot hatches well above its (rather low) weight on a budget price – despite being down on power in comparison. Well, it’s back for 2018 – and Suzuki will be hoping to carry the nameplate’s success into the turbocharged generation.

WHAT’S NEW?

The biggest addition comes under the bonnet.

Gone is the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine of its predecessors, and in its place sits a turbocharged 1.4-litre motor sourced from the larger Vitara S. Helping to keep power on the road are a host of tweaks, including a revised six-speed gearbox, an adjusted steering rack for improved handling and an upgraded braking system. There’s a fresh face, too. Based on the latest generation of Swift, the Sport brings aggressive looks and a 40mm wider body.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The four-cylinder engine produces 138bhp and 230Nm of torque. It’s capable of taking the Sport from 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds. As for efficiency, Suzuki claims 47.1mpg can be achieved on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 135g/km.

It’s a punchy little motor, offering a good amount of low-end torque with a consistent power delivery throughout the rev range – but it arguably loses a lot of the fun its naturallyaspirated predecessors offered by requiring hard work to get the best out of them.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Although the engine may not have as much character, the overall package still remains a serious amount of fun on the roads.

Steering is a little on the light side, but feels direct enough to position the car accurately while allowing corners to be taken with confidence. Understeer can be induced if you really try hard enough, but most of the time anything thrown at it will be taken in its stride.

Thankfully, as has always been the case, the focus on making it a sporty machine hasn’t

detracted from its ability as a city car, thanks to the great base underneath. It rides well – an improvement over its often-firm predecessors – and is agile enough to take around town with ease.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

A new, muscular face appears – with carbon fibre-effect side skirts and a rear diffuser, as well as trademark dual exhaust pipes. The more aggressive stance on the road is aided by new 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black and silver.

A new colour has been introduced exclusively for the warm hatch. Named Champion Yellow, it stands out from the crowd , although those looking for a more subdued car will be happy to learn more conventional hues are also on offer.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The Sport has never been known for having a luxurious interior – which has played a key role in keeping it cheap. But, sadly, an increased price means this can’t be as easily played off as before.

The cabin has red trim panels throughout, while new bucket seats and a thin steering wheel are also included in the package.

Although the seats and steering wheel are a marked improvement over the standard car, the

rest of the interior feels hard to the touch and not on a par with rivals at a lower price point – namely the Fiesta ST-Line and VW Up! GTI.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Sport boasts the rarity of being offered without an options list, with lots of equipment included as standard. Out of the box, there are tons of safety assists, such as hill hold control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, high beams assist and a reversing camera, while luxuries like the heated bucket seats, sporty steering wheel and Suzuki’s infotainment system – on a seven-inch display with navigation and Bluetooth – all feature for no extra cost.

While the package may look great, it doesn’t quite make up for the £17,999 price tag. With the outgoing model retailing for around £15k, it may prove a hard sell to former Swift Sport owners – let alone new customers.

VERDICT

Motoring News

Lorry drivers so tired they fall asleep at the wheel SOME 29% of road hauliers and HGV drivers admit they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel while driving, according to a confidential survey by the Unite workers’ union.

Over 4,000 lorry drivers were quizzed, and of those who admitted to nodding off, 64.4% blamed work for their fatigue, citing long days and insufficient provision for rest.

“The findings of this survey are profoundly shocking,” said Unite national officer Adrian Jones. “People’s lives are being put at risk due to a lack of welfare facilities and workers being forced to work excessive hours… Virtually nothing is being done to tackle this problem.”

Statistics from 2015 show that accidents involving lorries are almost twice as likely to result in fatalities as other road collisions.

Many drivers can work a 15-hour day, with ten hours of those driving. This means they have just nine hours of rest before starting work again. The problem is compounded by a lack of appropriate truck stops, which should be provided by local authorities.

Unite’s drivers said they often had a poor night’s sleep when forced to remain in the cab.

Turning black and blue NOT content with delivering two specialedition Sport Black models this year, Mazda has brought the trim level to its range-topper – the MX-5 RF. The iconic sports car receives a number of Piano Black additions, including a rear spoiler and door mirrors, while gunmetal grey alloys also feature. There’s just the one body colour – Eternal Blue Mica.

Equipment is based on the existing SE-L Nav grade. The Sport Black also gets heated leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and a limited-slip differential for no extra cost.

Pricing for the MX-5 RF Sport Black begins at £25,695 and it will go on sale from May 28.

The Sport still delivers a driving experience that punches well above its weight. It used to be a bargain buy, too, but the £17,999 cost puts it rather close to the upcoming Fiesta ST, which will undoubtedly be a better driver’s car.

THE KNOWLEDGE MODEL AS TESTED:

Suzuki Swift Sport ENGINE: 1.4-litre

turbocharged four-cylinder POWER: 138bhp TORQUE: 230Nm

MAX SPEED: 130mph 0-60MPH: 8.1 seconds MPG: 47.1 combined EMISSIONS: 125g/km PRICE: £17,999

Another diesel dropped DECLINING consumer demand for diesel has now resulted in Vauxhall dropping its Corsa variation powered by the fuel.

Demand has dropped sharply, with sales falling by more than a third in recent months.

This shift hits smaller vehicles harder as buyers tend to travel shorter distances and carry smaller loads – meaning less need for a torquey diesel.

Vauxhall’s 1.3-litre CDTI diesel engine produced 94bhp and was theoretically capable of 78.5mpg, but even that attractive number couldn’t save it from being culled.

The move comes as new parent brand PSA Groupe, which also owns Peugeot and Citroen, is introducing a host of cost-cutting measures in a bid to make Vauxhall profitable.

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Advertising

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Recruitment

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

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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.

1

6 2

7

2 4 9

4

9

2

8 5 5 8 7 6 6 9 8

5 7 9

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

CODEWORD 3

6 2

4

1 6 2 5 2 8 7

5 7 8

6 2 9 6 1

9

CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

5 2 7 9 3

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★III

3

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★I

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

I N D E P T H V E I N S

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

E L I Z A B E T H

P F O R O L I S X H

E A R S U R I O N EW

I T H N Y M C E A M O R D E E S T L Y

Sudoku:

7 5 9 6 3 4 8 1 2

2 6 8 7 1 5 4 9 3

3 4 1 2 8 9 6 5 7

6 2 5 1 4 3 7 8 9

4 8 7 5 9 6 3 2 1

1 9 3 8 2 7 5 4 6

9 7 2 4 6 8 1 3 5

3 7 6 5 1 2 4 8 9

6 4 3 8 9 7 5 1 2

7 9 1 2 3 5 6 4 8

8 1 6 3 5 2 9 7 4

5 3 4 9 7 1 2 6 8

Jigsaw Sudoku:

8 3 7 4 6 9 2 5 1

9 2 5 1 7 4 8 3 6

2 1 8 6 5 3 7 9 4

5 6 4 9 2 8 1 7 3

1 8 9 7 4 6 3 2 5

4 5 2 3 8 1 9 6 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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Puzzles

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Aussie Borella set to inspire Cowdrey on 70th anniversary Hythe 149 lost to Cowdrey 150 for 5 by 5 wickets CRICKET: TONBRIDGE’S Cowdrey Cricket Club are celebrating their 70th anniversary this season – and their winter recruitment could see them dominate Kent League Division Four.

Having finished fourth, equal on points with Addington, last year they are confident of pushing for promotion this time around.

They have acquired the services of Australian batsman Ashley Borella alongside seam bowler Thom Brown, who arrives from Bells Yew Green.

Both players showed their potential in a friendly against Sidcup, with Brown grabbing a five-wicket haul on debut and Borella producing a stunning knock in the nine-wicket victory.

The stylish left-hander will definitely be one to watch this summer at Swanmead. He made a brutal and unbeaten 112 off only 52 balls with 15 fours and six sixes.

Borella skippers North Albury, who reached their provincial grand final this winter, and he was their leading run-scorer for the third season in a row.

In the first league game he opened the innings with a commanding 65 including eight fours as Cowdrey beat Hythe by five wickets.

Steady Hythe batted first and openers Tim Pichowski (62)and Jarryd Taig (32) made a steady start, But Brown made the breakthrough, dismissing Taig thanks for a fine catch by Chris Fenwick.

The door was ajar now and Borella struck twice with his spinners, returning 4 for 35 in 10 overs.

Then fiery paceman Ryan Addison, who has returned to the club from Linden Park, proved too hot for the middle-order to handle, grabbing 4 for 35 at second change.

Amid the clatter of wickets there was a superb run-out by Andy Hammond, who rejoins the club after a spell at Old Elthamians. He produced a direct hit at mid-wicket taking aim at one stump.

In reply Borella gave Cowdrey a positive start but they wobbled from 81 for 0 to 91 for 3 as the pitch began to keep low.

Hammond ensured there were no further alarms with a mature 30 to take the visitors home.

Sport

Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Triathlon raises £10k for charities TRIATHLON: THE May Bank Holiday saw the return of the immensely popular Tonbridge Triathlon, now in its twenty seventh year, which raised more than £10,000 for charity.

The event, organised by Tonbridge Lions, involved swimming in Tonbridge School’s indoor pool and a run over the school grounds.

In between a challenging bike circuit climbed up past Shipbourne, before an exhilarating decent down Carters Hill into Underriver.

More than 400 athletes took part from all over the South-East. They competed over two distances, Standard (800m swim, 50km cycle, and 10km run) and Sprint (400m swim, 25km cycle and 5km run).

The winners were: Standard male Tom Webb, who completed the course in 2hr 20min 22sec; Standard female Catherine Linney of Sevenoaks Tri Club (2:41.26); Sprint male Christopher Hovenden from Les Stables club (1:13.34); Sprint female Susan Fairfax of Crystal Palace (1:19.35).

Tunbridge Wells; Mike Thompson impressed with a 7min 400m swim, 47min bike leg before finishing with a blistering 20min 5km run to claim sixth place overall in 1:19 and second V40.

Oliver Gell (V40) and John Kendall (V50) also secured top 10 finishes in their age group, crossing the line in 1:26, less than 20 seconds separating the athletes.

STANDARD BEARERS (L-R) Lions President Gordon Hill, Standard champion Tom Webb and runner-up Ryan Burn, Mayor Roger Dalton, Standard winner Catherine Linney and second-placed Evie Serventi Helen Waite enjoyed podium success, claiming 2nd F40 in a time of 1:43, and Amy Pay was in the top 10 with 1:49, a 15-minute personal best.

All competing athletes were presented with medals at the finish by Tonbridge Lions President Gordon Hill with his wife Peggy and the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling Roger Dalton.

Bob Barlett, Chairman of the Tri-committee, said “We would like to thank all the volunteers including Friends of Lions, the ATC and Police Cadets who helped us run the event and raise over £10,000 for local charities and good causes.

“Thanks also to Tonbridge School, Warners Solicitors and Sainsbury’s for their support.”

Watchful Williams lays foundations for fiery Karvelas to shine with ball

Bromley Common surged through the tail, and the innings subsided to 214 all out with three overs unused, Matt Taylor taking 5 for 44.

Ari Karvelas, another Wells player making his League debut, was given the new ball and struck twice in a fiery first three overs as the reply tottered to 24 for 3.

Bromley Common stuttered to 60 for 5 before the late middle-order brought some grit and determination, David Draper adding 53 with James McGruer for the sixth wicket.

But Dave Smith found the breakthrough and then the spin combination of Marcus O’Riordan and Fred Florry routed the remaining batsmen as the visitors collapsed from 113 for 6 to 121 all out.

Karvelas opened his Wells stint with 3 for 24, Francis taking a stunning catch behind the wicket to give him his third victim, while O’Riordan picked up 3 for 33.

Tunbridge Wells now visit Manor Way to take on Bexley on Saturday (May 12).

Tunbridge Wells 214 beat Bromley Common 121 by 93 runs

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: CHRIS WILLIAMS won his opening league game as Tunbridge Wells captain as his side polished off Bromley Common on a tricky Nevill surface.

The newly promoted visitors began their first Kent League Premier Division campaign by winning the toss and inserting the home team.

On a tricky, drying surface Wells were reduced to 63 for 4 after the first hour.

But Alex Williams showed great discipline as he and wicketkeeper Graeme Francis, making his

debut for the club, gradually wore down the rampant attack.

A mis-hit pull from Francis was spilled at mid-wicket, but this was the sole indiscretion as the long partnership endured, the pair adding 94 before Francis fell for a watchful 29.

Accelerated Williams then accelerated with 12 overs left, adding four sixes to his five fours in an excellent innings of 96 off 124 balls – his first fifty having taken 87 deliveries.

Wells face an extra test of control

By Andy Tong

BIG HIT: Ashley Borella made a commanding start

CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ youthful First XI will look to move up the table this season after enduring a tense end to the last campaign in the Kent League Premier Division.

They and local rivals Sevenoaks Vine just avoided relegation, a fate which befell Hartley who went down with lowly Holmesdale.

But Wells’ young side – their average age is just 21 – have an experience beyond their years having played together for five seasons.

And the club’s development set-up goes from strength to strength, ensuring a bright future after the Second XI won the Division One title.

One of the areas that Chris Williams’ First XI will have to improve upon from last year is the number of extras they concede.

As they managed seven victories out of 18, they gave away an average of 32 sundries, not only

handing their opponents bonus runs but also giving them more overs to score from.

Williams may have to rally his men but his own performance with the bat was remarkable, scoring at a run a ball (99.97 runs per 100 deliveries) at the top of the innings for the entire campaign.

He will be glad to return to calmer pastures, having endured a nightmarish rescue at sea while taking part in a transatlantic rowing challenge during the winter.

Expectations Among those who may come up from the Second XI, there are high expectations of pace bowler Isaac Bepey, who has graduated through the ranks having started in the fourth team.

Nick Sale has had to return to Australia because of changes to the England and Wales Cricket Board registration regulations.

The club has high hopes for two new all-rounders they have recruited, 24-year-old South African all-rounder Ari Karvelas and Joe Shamash, 19.

There is also a new wicketkeeper in Graeme Francis, who arrives from Canterbury and proved prolific with the bat at Division One level.

But perhaps the club’s most important signing is Jon Buddington, the groundsman, who has returned to the Nevill after a spell at Horsham.

The ground was in such a poor state early last season that Kent threatened to pull out of their festival week in the town.

Covers were left off the square during a very wet spell, while the condition of the outfield was deemed unsuitable for county cricket.

However, Mr Buddington has been able to oversee preparations over the winter and the county inspectors have passed the Nevill fit to host the County Championship game against Warwickshire on June 20-23.

Sport

Wednesday May 9 | 2018

Freeman’s ‘moment of magic’ is enough to beat frustrated Wells Whitstable Town 1 Tunbridge Wells 0 FOOTBALL: TUNBRIDGE WELLS lost to Whitstable Town in the final of the Southern Counties East League Challenge Cup after Ricky Freeman produced a stunning strike for the in-form Oystermen.

So Whitstable completed a successful season after winning the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy and finishing runners-up to Sevenoaks Town in the Premier League.

Jason Bourne, the Wells manager, said: “It’s a cup final, I’m obviously disappointed. I don’t think either manager will be fully satisfied with how their team played and it went down to a moment of magic, to be honest with you.

“It was always going to peter out. We didn’t have many chances. They hit the foot of the post out of nothing really, and Ricky goes and does that.”

Bourne added: “We looked like we choked a little bit. It took us a good 30 minutes, I think, to get settled and start to develop a pattern of play.

“To be fair to Whitstable, they do what they do well. They’re certainly the most consistent in the league and probably the hardest working team.”

Whitstable’s 28-goal striker Danny Williams struck a dipping drive just over the crossbar from

25 yards with only 44 seconds on the clock.

Inside the opening five minutes Wells’ Josh Stanford swept in a free-kick and Jarred Trespaderne flicked his near post header looping over the crossbar.

Freeman clipped the foot of the far post, sweeping a shot across the keeper from 25 yards.

Wells’ best chance came in the 26th minute when right-winger Jon Pilbeam hit a right-footed dipping drive which was tipped over the bar by keeper Dan Eason.

Outstanding At the start of the second half Tommy Lawrence floated over a deep free-kick from the right and the outstanding Perry Spackman headed into Eason’s hands at the far post.

Whitstable struck the woodwork for the second time in the 58th minute when Stuart West crossed for Williams to plant a free header against the right-hand post from eight yards.

A throw-in was flicked on by Williams at the near post and Chris Saunders hooked the ball towards the far post, where Josh Burchell ghosted in to head straight at Cameron Hall from eight yards.

Twenty minutes into the second half Teddy Nelson was given time and space to punt a left-footed

ball into the box, which was headed away by Spackman.

But Freeman hooked a stunning right-footed volley from 30 yards which looped into the top far corner of the net, leaving keeper Cameron Hall rooted to the spot.

Bourne said: “He won’t strike another ball as good as that. It was one of them. I said it was a moment of magic that settled a pretty poor affair but they were effective.

“They play long balls, they work on getting on the end of second balls and that’s what Ricky did, and the keeper didn’t have a chance.”

Macauley Murray played a shot pass inside and along the deck to James Morrish, who drove his low shot flashing past the foot of the left-hand post from 30 yards.

Tommy Lawrence’s free-kick was punched away by Eason, Stanford lofted the ball back into the box and substitute Josh Biddlecombe hooked his shot over the far post from a tight angle.

Bourne reflected: “We’re not here for a day out, We want to win games, we want to win big games.

This club is big in stature, it’s got a great population, got a great fan base.

“We need a little reality check and we need to make sure we build the club properly before we can start winning leagues.”

Fleming and Conway dominate singles and doubles

By Brian Goldsmith TENNIS: THE first tournament of Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club’s season fell foul of torrential rain on Easter Monday, with 25 matches being cancelled, but recovered by finals day on April 7.

The largest tennis club in the area boasts a membership of 900 and the event saw more than 350 matches played across its 21 courts.

The tournament, sponsored by Eastbourne College, caters for players from as young as seven to veterans in both singles and doubles formats.

The Ladies’ Singles final was a hard-hitting battle between club member Ali Fleming and her opponent Lucy Spice from Maidstone, who are also partners in the doubles.

Poult Wood hosts Junior Golf Open and fun for family

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RIDING HIGH Glen Whittington impressed at the three-day event

Whittington shows staying power at Belgian grand prix CYCLING: GLEN WHITTINGTON of Southborough & District Wheelers [SDW] produced a highly impressive sequence of rides at one of the UCI governing body’s most prestigious mountain bike grand prix races in Belgium.

He was the first British rider home and was placed in the top 20 of an elite field in the three-day Roc D’Ardenne, which is raced over three stages: a night race and two cross-country sections, the second a UCI marathon.

In the South East Road Race League Rory Barrett finished in an impressive 15th place in the Tour of the Hopfields event on the Chilham circuit.

Barrett won the club’s annual road race championship, ahead of Keith Henderson.

Cameron Preece (seventh) and Torin Henderson (27th) placed well in the supporting 3/4 race.

In the VTTA Sussex and Surrey 10-mile time trial held on the East Hoathly course, David Rumm finished in 21min 42sec to take third place.

On the Isle of Grain course in north Kent, three SDW riders took part in the De Laune 10-mile time trial, Natasha Jarman (24min 19sec); Colin Jarman (27.02) and Mike Daniels (32.22).

Busy

Busy After one and a half hours Ali triumphed 6-4 6-2 and the pair went on to win the Doubles final against Emma Sawkings and Ella Wood 6-2 7-6 (10-7 in the tie-break).

The same situation occurred in the Men’s Singles and Doubles finals, with the two combatants in the singles partnering each other Harvey Conway of Bromley defeated Jonah Smith from Sevenoaks 6-4 6-2, and then they beat Chett Cassidy and Alex Fox 6-4 6-1.

Harvey had a very busy day and was also victorious in a third final, in tandem with Alex Fox in the Boys’ 18 and Under match.

thekn w.guide

NET GAINS (L-R) The 14 and Under mixed doubles finalists Lauren Foster and Fred Ivy, and the winners Lois Newberry and Pranav Devaguptapu Talented 14 year old Matthew Pickering also had to play in three finals - and a semi-final. He won the Boys 14 and Under Final against Sergio Vieira 6-4 6-1 but had to settle for second place in the Boys 16 and Under and the Boys 14 and Under doubles competitions.

In the Girls’ 18 and Under final Phoebe EcuyerDale beat Emma Slack 6-2 6-3 and in the 16 and Under girls showpiece Amber Knight defeated Aimee Jones 6-1 6-3.

There were also highly successful orange and red groups for the eight to 10-year-old players.

GOLF: POULT WOOD Golf Course will be holding its popular Junior Open on Thursday May 31 for players aged 8 to 17 years.

The competition will be held on the 18-hole Course (par 68, 5,524 yards) and is open to juniors with an official England Golf handicap.

Running alongside the main competition will

be several mini events. Lunch is included in the £20 entry fee (£10 with a tmactive Leisure Pass) and is available until 5pm. Prizes and trophies will be presented at a ceremony in the evening.

To find out more visit www.poultwood.co.uk, find us on Facebook or email leisurecentres@ tmactive.co.uk

In the Charlotteville 50-mile time trial, held on the H50/8 course near Farnham in Surrey, SDW’s Pip Jenkins covered the distance in 2hr 4min 23sec to finish as the fourth woman overall.

The club’s young talents impressed at the Spring in the Park races held at CycloPark in Gravesend.

Theo Sandell continued his impressive start to track racing with a first place in the Under-10 race. IJasper Simpson (sixth), Edward Bowyer (16th), Ben Neal (18th) and Felix Ledger (20th) completed a successful evening.

In the Catford 10-mile race held on the A21 bypass at Tonbridge, Rob Stephenson stormed to fourth place with a time of 20.12.

In the Kent Cycling Association 10-miler held on the Harrietsham to Charing course James Moss recorded a solid 26.39.

The East Sussex Cycling Association held their 25-mile event on the Maresfield to Boship course.

Neil Couchman was the best placed Wheeler, closely followed by Pip Jenkins (59.54) with both Mark Gidney (1:10.08) and Martin Yardley (1:09.57) recording solid times.

Jenkins was awarded the ladies’ 25-mile cup and also congratulated for winning the 100-mile team shield with Stephenson and Couchman.

For more information about club rides and road racing visit www.southborough-wheelers.co.uk