Times of Tunbridge Wells 22nd July 2020

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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ACCIDENT: A mother calls for lights on A21 flyover near Tunbridge Wells after her 24-year-old daughter Azra Kemal [pictured] fell to her death. Full story page 3.

Increase in Covid infections but there’s no cause for alarm

By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE WELLS, which had the lowest infection rates for coronavirus in Kent during lockdown, has fallen below five other districts with cases rising.

The town emerged out of Covid restrictions earlier this month and positive tests for the virus have risen, but changes in how the data is compiled mean the borough is still among the safest areas in the South East – with not a single recorded death from the disease for more than three weeks.

At the beginning of June, Tunbridge

Wells had the lowest rates for infection in the county, with just 162 people having tested positive for the virus.

‘Many different factors can affect the infection rate of the virus’ Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC But the latest figures from Public Health England show more than 468 people have now tested positive for coronavirus, which means around 396

people in every 100,000 have had it.

For infection rates per head of population this puts Tunbridge Wells behind Maidstone [379], Swale [354], Sevenoaks [308], Medway [384], and Tonbridge & Malling [265] – which has the lowest rates in the county.

Across the East Sussex border in Wealden, just 286 people in every 100,000 have had the virus.

But Kent’s health chief says the disparity between neighbouring districts such as Tonbridge & Malling and Wealden is explained by a number of factors, including the fact Tunbridge Wells

has a hospital in the borough and its neighbours do not.

Director of Public Health at Kent County Council, Andrew Scott-Clark, told the Times that the way figures are collected changed on July 2, with tests in hospitals and NHS settings now being combined with tests in care homes and the wider community.

He said: “There are many different factors that can affect the infection rate of the virus in a particular area.

“These could include the age and

Continued page 2

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

this week… Touching tributes to Dunorlan Park SIGN OF THE TIMES Friends of the Earth stage protest outside Town Hall calling council to do more on its ‘climate emergency’ p6 PUPPETRY IN MOTION: Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival’s founder Linda Lewis is to step down from role p7

NOTE OF CONCERN: Why the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra is fearing for its future in the town p4

boatman who has died aged 98 GREAT grandfather Norman Matchett who spent 70 years working in a Tunbridge Wells park and became one of the town’s best known figures has passed away.

Along with his brother Ron, Norman began working in Dunorlan Park in the 1950s, selling ice creams and teas from a trailer.

But the pair were most well-known for running the boat hire on Dunorlan Lake, which Norman continued to do after his brother’s death in 2006 – right up until last year when he finally retired.

Simon Bryant, grandson to Norman told the Times: “He had seen it all during the war so was such an easy going man, nothing phased him.

Memories “He was such a soft touch too, if people had no money he would still let them take a boat out as he would argue they were better on the water than bobbing up and down on the jetty.

“He will be missed by so many people.”

Dunorlan Park announced Norman’s death at the age of 98 on their Facebook page, saying: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Norman Matchett at the age of 98.

“He ran the boats in Dunorlan Park for over 60 years and even worked the whole of the 2019 season serving tickets in the kiosk.”

They added: “The boats will continue to be run by Norman’s son, Peter.”

The post received dozens of comments from well-wishers, many of which had fond memories of boating in the park and of Norman.

Joan Hamilton-Smith, said: “A lovely man who will be missed very much. Love to all his family.”

NORMAN MATCHETT Worked in Dunorlan Park for 70 years

NEWS IN BRIEF RISING FROM THE ASHES: After being suspended due to Covid-19 County cricket can start again from August 1 p38 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES RSinger@markerstudy.com | 01892 739763 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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Lynne Peckham added: “I was very luckily to have got to know Norman at work.

“He was a lovely gentleman with great stories to tell. He could also be very cheeky and always wanted a cup of coffee. Will miss him at work.

Sending my condolences to all the family.”

While Nikki Conway said: “Norman, so many fond memories of this lovely man. It was such an honour and pleasure to get to know some of Norman’s family. Sending love to all the family.”

Norman, who died last week, leaves three children, six grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren. His wife Margaret passed away last year.

His funeral takes place at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium next Wednesday [July 29] at 12.15pm but due to Covid restrictions, only 22 mourners can attend.

However, the family say they hope to live stream the proceedings via the internet for those that cannot attend but wish to pay their respects.

By Richard Williams

Flexible ticketing call by Kent MPs TUNBRIDGE Wells MP Greg Clark was among a number of signatories calling on rail companySoutheastern to accelerate the introduction of a broader range of ticketing options in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

In a joint letter with other Kent MPs, Mr Clark says that with people spending more time working from home, people are in the ‘unsustainable’ situation of having to buy expensive peak day return tickets.

Franchise He points to Great Western Railways as an example that the local franchise holder should copy.

Great Western Railways has introduced a new ‘three days in seven’ season ticket and another ticket that permits travel on any 12 days in a month.

He said: “Many of my constituents travel to London for work, but Covid-19 has clearly led to a situation where commuting will become less frequent and less regular which is why I have signed the joint letter with other Kent MPs to press for Southeastern to introduce a new range of flexible ticketing options to reflect this.”

AIRFORCE Cllr Michael Payne and drone

Road inspections take to the skies DRONES are being trialled by Kent County Council (KCC) to see if they can be used to spot problems with the roads.

The hi-tech gadgets could be used to find potholes, and spot issues with trees and streetlights along the county’s 9,400 miles of roads and footpaths.

A test took place yesterday morning as part of the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) trial to see how effective the technology will be for highway inspections.

Speaking at the test at the County Showground in Detling, KCC head of Highways and Transport Michael Payne said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Kent allowing us to have a much better understanding of the condition of our roads and assets across the county.”

Covid rise is no cause for alarm Continued from page 1 density of the population, number of hospitals and care homes, the ability to self-isolate effectively, the levels of testing both in the community and hospital plus the numbers of commuters travelling to and from London.

“We work alongside other agencies to understand the factors contributing to the cases across the county.

“Testing is being ramped up and as a result we are likely to find more positive results because we know that some people can be infected with Covid-19, but not exhibit symptoms (asymptomatic cases).”

Across Kent, 7,918 have tested positive for coronavirus or 504 for every 100,000 people. More than 990 people in the county have died from Covid-19 – 131 of these at hospitals run by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

But compared to other areas of

the county, such as Ashford, where more than 1,320 people have tested positive for the virus – around one in every 100 people – West Kent remains among the safest places in the South East.

But Mr Scott-Clark said people should not be complacent.

“Although the numbers of confirmed cases in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are currently low, we appeal to residents there to help protect their communities – social distancing is still vital to limit the spread of the virus and that’s why following Government guidance is still incredibly important to make sure that we keep ourselves and loved ones safe.

“So remember social distancing, use thorough and regular handwashing, and follow advice if contacted by the NHS Test and Trace system.”

The figures come before the rule on wearing face coverings comes into force on Friday [July 24] making it mandatory to wear them in shops.

LOCKDOWN POWERS HANDED TO COUNTY HALL THE government has granted Councils in England the ability to shut pubs, cafes, shops and restaurants in areas hit by coronavirus outbreaks.

The powers have been handed to unitary and county councils such as Kent County Council [KCC], but not district or borough councils.

The new powers mean the

council will no longer have to get permission from a magistrate to close premises to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In the wake of a localised outbreak, the government will issue ‘stay-at-home orders’, where people in locations with high infection rates will be prevented from leaving defined areas.

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

Town centre shoppers to get free Covid masks SHOPPERS in Tunbridge Wells town centre will be able to receive a free face mask in the wake of new government rules.

From Friday [July 24] it will be illegal for anybody to enter a shop without a face covering, with those flouting the law liable to a £100 fine.

But businesses in the town have funded around 4,000 masks, which will be given out to shoppers in the precinct in Tunbridge Wells by street ambassadors between 10am and 4pm Friday to Sunday.

Full story see page 6.

Record low lighting up FEWER people in Tunbridge Wells are smoking than ever before, new figures show.

Data from the office of National Statistics show indicate just 13.7 per cent of people across Kent now smoke, down from 15 per cent in 2018.

There were falls in the figures for nearly all the county’s boroughs and districts with the exception of Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Thanet, where numbers of smokers have risen in the last two years.

Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said: “We are pleased that the county picture shows more people than ever are quitting and young people are not taking up smoking in the first place but we are doing further investigation to see why some areas are now showing an increase.”

Hever Covid approval ONE of the area’s most popular tourist attractions has been awarded the VisitEngland We’re Good to Go industry standard following measures taken to keep visitors safe from coronavirus.

Hever Castle was granted the award from VisitEngland, which launched the UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for tourism as the sector reopened.

Measures in place at Hever Castle include pre-booked systems to restrict visitor numbers, one way systems to enable social distancing, additional cleaning of facilities, the use of Perspex shields, limiting capacities in rooms and play areas and a cashless payment system (excluding archery).

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Call for A21 lights after woman falls to her death fleeing her burning car

By Richard Williams THE mother of a 24-year-old law graduate who died after falling from the A21 flyover near the exit for Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells has said there should be lights on that stretch of road.

Azra Kemal, from Haringey, North London, fell through a 10ft wide void between the two carriageways and plummeted more than 40 ft after the car she was travelling in caught fire.

The London School of Economics law graduate

‘The woman is understood to have fallen while seeking assistance after a car she was travelling in caught alight’ was returning home in the early hours with a 31-year-old male friend on Thursday [July 16], when the car began to smoke as they went past the exit for Tonbridge.

When the pair stopped and got out, the car caught alight and Miss Kemal jumped over the central barrier in the dark to seek help and get away from the flames.

Unaware of the gap, she fell to the ground below.

Despite attempts by paramedics to save her life, the young woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

SLIPPED Azra Kemal Kent Police say they were called out at around 2.34am and while they initially arrested Miss Kemal’s 31-year-old friend, he has since been released without charge and officers are treating the death as an accident.

A spokesman said: “Detectives are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances and are

now preparing a report for the coroner.

“The woman is understood to have fallen while seeking assistance after a car she was travelling in caught alight.

“A 31-year-old man, from London, who was arrested in connection with the incident has since been released without charge.”

Speaking from her North London home, Nevres Kemal, the mother of the dead woman, said there should have been lights on the A21.

The 56-year-old told newspapers at the weekend: “They got out of the car and moved away from the car. Then it exploded. They were trying to wave people down and also they crossed the central reservation.

“She climbed up and there was no concrete.

This reservation was not there. It was pitch black so she has fallen 40 feet to the earth.

“She was still alive. The guy jumped down and could not see her.”

Her mother continued: “Her last words were, ‘Please don’t let me die’.”

She added: “They need to have lights or signs.

This was God’s will, as in the car decided to go on fire there.

“They could have stopped earlier. A car could have stopped and helped.”

Drivers were left stranded for around four hours following the incident, and motorists faced delays throughout Thursday as the road remained closed in both directions for most of the day.

Pictures released in the hunt for milk thieves POLICE investigating a spate of thefts from people’s doorsteps have released an image of two men they want to question.

A range of items including milk, bread and eggs have been reported stolen from orders placed with County Dairies over the past few weeks in Tunbridge Wells.

Shielding There have been 15 reports of groceries stolen from the doorsteps of properties in the St James area between June 27 and July 13 2020. The thefts are reported to have taken place in the early hours of the morning.

A number of people that had groceries taken where shielding so are relying on the food deliveries.

APPEAL: Police believe these two men can help with their enquiries

Officers from Kent Police have now released images of two people who may have important information about the thefts.

PC Ryan Hunt, said: “This is an ongoing issue which is having a real impact on the local community. Victims are frustrated and inconvenienced.

“These thefts place particular difficulties on those who rely on their deliveries, such as people who are shielding or limiting their social contact, the elderly and families with young children.

“It also puts the local business provider at risk as customers may be discouraged from using their service.”

If anybody has any information that may assist with the investigation they can call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/109938/20.

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

OUTGOING Former chair Giles Clarke

Baptism of fire for new chair as the orchestra fights for survival

By Richard Williams THE new chairwoman for Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra [RTWSO] faces one of the biggest challenges in the organisation’s 100-year-old history.

That’s the view of Giles Clarke who retired from his role of chairman of the RTWSO in May, handing the reins over to Frances Armstrong. He says the current coronavirus crisis means the orchestra will have to rebuild its audience. Mr Clarke, who had been chairman since 2010, told the Times: “I had already decided to step down as I thought the orchestra needed fresh blood.

“The audience is among the older generation and we were not getting enough younger people, those pre-retirement age, so I realised we needed somebody of that type of age to take the orchestra forward.”

The 76-year-old added: “Then just as we were planning for our April and May concerts, coronavirus started and suddenly there was no venue and because of social distancing the orchestra could not even rehearse.” The orchestra regularly performed at the Assembly Hall.

He said that in the wake of the Covid crisis, Frances’ arrival is even more important for the

PHOTO: Rachel Luckhurst

Challenge

ORCHESTRATING SUCCESS Frances Armstrong survival of the orchestra.

“As far as the orchestra is concerned, they are itching to get back but the challenge is getting the audience back. It is going to be a major

problem for Frances, and of the biggest challenges the orchestra has faced, trying to convince people to come back, particularly the older people who are going to be quite nervous,” he added.

“Tunbridge Wells is the cultural hub of the High Weald area, and the orchestra is such an important part of that so it is an important job.”

Frances, a viola player and former Royal College of Music student says she understands the challenges facing the orchestra, which celebrates its centenary next year.

“Many of our audience members are older, and some have already said to me, ‘I’m happy to send you donations, but we will not be coming to the concerts because of the virus’,” she said.

She continued: “We are definitely looking at ways to get younger people involved, but at the moment it is very difficult.”

She added that key to the orchestra’s future is the Assembly Hall Theatre.

“It is the only venue around here that can fit in an 80-piece orchestra, and we have already been told that it will remain closed until at least November 1.

“I really hope to be able to do a February concert, especially as next year is our centenary year. Even if it is not possible, we will do something, even a smaller concert with just a few players – anything, but it will depend on what we are allowed to do.”

Anti-Brexit Mini is sabotaged following Tunbridge Wells visit A CAR touring Great Britain to campaign about the UK leaving the European Union, had its tyres slashed after leaving Tunbridge Wells.

The B*ollocks to Brexit Mini-Cooper was being driven from outside Dominic Cummings’ home in Islington, London to Durham, to recreate the special advisor’s infamous lockdown journey.

Along the way, the car stopped at Tunbridge Wells – the only constituency in Kent to vote remain in the 2016 referendum.

But not long after leaving the town on Thursday [July 17], organiser and driver Peter Cooke realised somebody had punctured the vehicle’s tyres.

Re-boot “Must have been Brexiteers – who else would it have been?” he said.

He explained that he recreated the Cummings journey to highlight the problems of adding the virus crisis to Brexit.

“We must re-boot Britain in the wake of Corona.

It’s time for our leaders to show true courage and take a bold move to build, build, build a Better Britain in a Better Europe for a Better World.”

He continued: “We have a 11 percent loss in GDP from Corona, when added to 9 per cent predicted loss from Brexit it will make an exponential impact on jobs, lives and livelihoods of people in Britain.

“We don’t need to add the man-made Brexit disaster to the mix.”

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Demonstrators demand council sticks to its ‘climate emergency’ programme

By Andy Tong MEMBERS of the environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth gathered on the steps of the Town Hall on Friday [July 17] in a bid to hold the borough council to account over its green strategy for the next decade.

The demonstration was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s declaration of a ‘climate emergency’, when it pledged to try to cut net carbon emissions to zero by the year 2030.

This approach, which was also adopted by neighbouring Tonbridge and Malling, has set a target date which is 20 years ahead of central government’s own 2050 deadline.

Friends member Steve Walter told the Times: “We are raising a number of points which were originally in the council’s programme of works, ideas and suggestions, of which only one has been instigated.

“It’s been a year now, and nothing seems to have happened, except finally commissioning

an environmental report on council services.

“There was a long list of potential commitments, but they have only done one: appointing consultants to carry out a carbon audit.”

Policies that Friends of the Earth are pushing include more electric charging points for

‘We know what an emergency it is now with Covid-19. We want a similar approach on environmental issues’ vehicles, renewable energy generation, introduction of clean air zones and divesting pension funds from fossil fuel investments.

Mr Walter believes the council needs to take action on its commitments with more urgency, saying: “We all know what an emergency is now, in terms of Covid-19. We want them to take a similar approach [on environmental issues].”

Kent County Council has been awarded more than £8million by the Department for Transport to invest in schemes that promote walking and cycling in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown.

So far, the only scheme outlined for Tunbridge Wells is ‘light segregation’ of its existing A26 cycle lane.

Cllr Matt Bailey, head of sustainability at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council who is also chair of the Climate Emergency Advisory Panel said: “Tunbridge Wells Borough Council recognised the climate emergency last July and has an ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“We have already conducted an audit of our extensive operations, including Council buildings, local sport centres and the waste contract, to see exactly where our current emissions are coming from. We’ll be working with this data to produce fully costed plans to reduce emissions going forward.

“Despite the Covid-19 crisis and the lockdown, the Council is making good progress and is very much on track with its plan.”

CLIMATE ACTION Protestors at the Town Hall last week

Face masks will be available free as town centre prepares for new rules Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Together, Ross Feeney, talks to the Times about how the town centre is preparing for the introduction of face coverings on Friday required to wear face masks when we enter shops.

It is mandatory from Friday to wear a face covering when you enter shops, and you will be refused entry if you are not wearing one. You may also be fined if you refuse to cover up or leave the premises when asked.

Ambassadors

OUR town centre continues its steady re-opening.

I am sure you will agree it is great to see familiar friendly faces again as more and more shops, restaurants and pubs re-open.

Tunbridge Wells is starting to feel busy again, and our retailers and restaurants have been excited and relieved to see so many of you returning to the town.

From Friday, however, it may be harder to recognise some of those familiar faces as we are all

Those working in stores may not be wearing a mask, but you have to. The new rules are designed to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit, whilst providing extra protection for those working in the shops you visit.

Don’t worry if you haven’t yet purchased face masks, I am delighted to confirm that we will have a team of ‘social distancing ambassadors’ in the town giving out free face masks to shoppers all weekend.

Look out for our friendly team, between 10am and 4pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday giving away up to 4,000 free masks to shoppers.

Sourced from a local supplier, we’re giving away masks to ensure you can visit all the shops you need to, unimpeded by the new face covering rules.

Remember, these masks and our ambassadors have been funded by local businesses, all of whom are keen to ensure you keep visiting the town centre and visiting all the shops you want to.

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

AN OPPORTUNITY WASTED? CLLR PETER LIDSTONE

A Lib Dem councillor says the Borough Council has wasted a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ during lockdown to make Tunbridge Wells greener.

Peter Lidstone, councillor for St John’s said: “Lockdown showed that when you take large volumes of vehicles off our roads, people are far happier walking and cycling.

“During lockdown I saw families cycling together on the A26. As things returned to ‘normal’ they moved onto the pavement.

Now I no longer see them at all.

“This is supported by data, showing that at the height of lockdown car volumes were around 1/3 of normal levels. Cycling went up over three times the normal level at times. It’s now returning to pre-lockdown levels except for weekends.”

Cllr Lidstone continued: “We should have acted at the time of low traffic volumes to make people feel safer by protecting cyclists and pedestrians, such as removing the parking spaces on the A26 that stop the cycle lane dead, widening pavements, pedestrianising the High Street and Camden Road so people could walk at a safe distance from one another.

“We should have enforced cycle lanes, particularly on A26 in St John’s. People park in it to shop in Sainsbury’s, have breakfast or even head into the betting shop. John Street car park is two minutes away.”

Not all our independent shops are open full time yet, and we recognise it can be frustrating to visit a store only to find it has not yet opened or has already closed.

We are encouraging all our retailers to adopt what we are calling ‘core hours’, a minimum time period they are open each day.

We’re working to encourage all retailers to be open from at least 10am until 4pm, if they cannot yet re-open fully.

If you are popping in to town to visit a specific store, it is worth checking their website or social media first just to make sure they have reopened.

Finally, don’t forget we are still working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on a reduced car parking offer for Sundays – just £2 to park all day.

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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Somebody needed to pull strings at the popular puppetry festival

By Richard Williams ONE of Tunbridge Wells’ most vibrant festivals is seeking a new artistic director after its founder has stepped down.

Last year, crowds braved the dreary weather and flocked to The Pantiles and Royal Victoria Place as puppeteers from around the world enthralled the audience at the third Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival.

The event, which is biennial, was fortunate that it was not planned for this year when the Covid pandemic would have forced its cancellation.

However, founder, Linda Lewis, says the crisis has still affected the festival.

PUPPET MASTER Linda Lewis is stepping down

Voluntary “It has meant we have not been able to do the workshops we had planned ,” said Linda, who founded the festival in 2014.

“We work a year ahead and we were hoping to do a lot of community work during this year, but of course, that couldn’t happen.”

She says she hopes the festival can go ahead next year, but if not, it may go online, with puppeteers recording videos.

“We are trying to cover both bases,” she said. “We may have to do things differently next year and perhaps it won’t be as large scale – the great thing about puppetry is the fact you can do it with

just two people or with thousands.”

However, she added that the responsibility for organising next year’s festival will fall to others as the festival is looking for both an artistic director

and an administrative director.

Ms Lewis said the positions were voluntary to begin with, but that part of the job was to raise funds so some of the other organisers can get paid.

“The sorts of people that can do this job are those that are retired from the arts and want a challenge, or perhaps somebody from drama school that is seeking their first opportunity.”

Anybody interested in applying for the positions can find out more information on the Puppetry Festival’s website: twpuppetryfestival. org/vacancies/

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Jobless figures fall but ending the furlough is likely to hit town hard

By Richard Williams UNEMPLOYMENT fell in Tunbridge Wells towards the end of lockdown, offering hopes of ‘green shoots’ although there could be a sharp rise in jobless figures when furlough ends, experts warn.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics last week show that in mid-June, there were 3,090 people claiming out-of-work benefits in the borough.

This was down from May’s figures, which showed around 3,340 were on benefits. The figures meant around 2,500 people had lost jobs in lockdown.

Across the UK, nearly 650,000 have lost their jobs during the coronavirus crisis.

But analysts warn that with 9.4million people on furlough classed as employed, unemployment could rise rapidly after the job retention scheme ends in October.

Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician at the ONS, said: “As the pandemic took hold, the labour market weakened markedly, but that rate of RECRUITER decline slowed into Neil June, though this is Simmons before recent reports of job losses.

“There are now almost two-thirds of a million fewer employees on the payroll than before the lockdown, according to the latest tax data.

“The Labour Force Survey is showing only a small fall in employment, but shows a large number of people who report working no hours and getting no pay.”

He added: “There are now far more out-ofwork people who are not looking for a job than before the pandemic.”

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said that according to its research, 29 per cent of

businesses planned to cut the size of their workforce in the next three months.

Reduction But locally, there are some ‘green shoots’. Neil Simmons, who runs recruitment agency TN Recruits in Tunbridge Wells, says the job market is recovering, but the next few months will be critical.

“Between April and May the number of jobs we were advertising fell from around 50-60 to just five. The reduction was significant, but things are coming back, I am seeing some green shoots.”

He said Tunbridge Wells was fortunate that it

has a large number of employers in sectors relatively untouched by lockdown.

“We are now getting vacancies for insurance, legal – especially employment law and family law – as well accountancy and HR,” he said.

But he warned certain roles are now disappearing from the job market.

“Admin and support staff roles are now being seen as a luxury by employers – if all your staff are working from home you don’t really have much need for receptionists and call handlers,” he said.

He believes the next few months will be crucial for the job market.

“It is going to be a case of suck it and see,” he said. “On the one hand, retail and hospitality are coming back, and those employed in their supply chains, but as furlough comes to an end a lot of employers are going to have to make a decision on whether to make people redundant.”

Female business owners turned to discounting and skill swapping as they ride out pandemic FEMALE entrepreneurs swapped skills and cut their prices in order to stay afloat during the Covid lockdown, a survey has shown.

Businesses networking group for women, Raise Up Business Club, surveyed around 80 of its members based in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks to find out what they did to weather the crisis.

Surveyed The club, which has around 1,200 Facebook members, found that while the majority of respondents (86 per cent) said the value of their time and expertise was worth just as much as it was before the crisis, nearly half (48 per cent) said they resorted to discounting products and services.

Four per cent of those surveyed have only been offering free services during the crisis.

Around a third of businesswomen surveyed (29 per cent) said they also swapped products or services with other people instead of making financial payments.

And nearly two thirds (59 per cent) said they believe the coronavirus crisis will permanently change how they run their business in the future.

“The survey was inspired by the amount of businesses that seemed to offer cut price or even

free services, as well as people dramatically pivoting their businesses to stay afloat,” said Raise Up Business Club spokeswoman Silke Thistlewood.

HELPING OUT Female business owners have been trading skills

“We were surprised by the amount of support businesses offered each other through skillswapping and how many have embraced the change that this time is bringing.”

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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AT RISK Ask Italian on Monson Road

Two more of the town’s chain restaurants are under threat

By Robert Forrester ANOTHER two Tunbridge Wells restaurants may fall victim to the Covid crisis as owners of Zizzi and Ask Italian have said they will close 75 locations, risking the loss of up to 1,200 jobs.

The news will not be welcomed by staff at the two branches in the town, many of whom are currently on furlough.

Ask Italian on Monson Road is also leased from the cash strapped Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – itself reeling from the pandemic.

Azzurri Group, which also runs Zizzi on the High Street, was rescued from administration by TowerBrook Capital Partners earlier this month, but the new owners say they intend to close a

number of branches of both chains.

The move will keep 225 shops and restaurants open and maintain about 5,000 jobs.

The company said the coronavirus had hit restaurants hard.

“The Covid-19 crisis has had a profound impact on the casual dining sector, bringing many businesses like ours to a standstill,” said Steve Holmes, chief executive of Azzurri.

Revenue “Despite being a successful operator, the immediate loss of revenue during lockdown meant that we have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions to protect the business for the long term.

World’s oldest law firm adds to its team TUNBRIDGE WELLS based Thomson Snell & Passmore has appointed a new senior associate for its corporate and commercial department as it continues to expand its offering.

Banking and finance specialist Katya Batchelor will be dealing with acquisition finance, assetbased lending, debt finance, bonds and loan notes, guarantees, secured lending, inter-creditor and subordination arrangements and LMA [Loan Market Association] documentation at the law firm, which this year celebrates its 450th birthday.

Ms Batchelor spent six years at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, followed by three years at Clifford Chance in Germany. Most recently she acted as a professional support lawyer for first Berwin Leighton Paisner and then Osbourne Clarke.

Welcoming the new senior associate, Joanne Gallagher, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial at Thomson Snell & Passmore, said: “We are delighted to welcome Katya to the team and her appointment represents an exciting opportunity to grow our banking and finance practice area, further deepening our offering to clients.”

Ms Batchelor added: “I am excited to join this dedicated and expert team and look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to deliver exceptional client service.”

Online summit for tourism and hospitality industry as it tries to get back on track A FREE online event is being organised to outline plans for Kent’s £4billion tourism and hospitality industry following the easing of lockdown measures.

Kent’s Roadmap to Renewal: Hospitality &

Tourism is open to businesses across the county.

The 90-minute session will feature Deirdre Wells OBE, chief executive of Visit Kent, who will be keynote speaker.

The online event is being organised by the Kent Business School at the University of Kent, with speakers covering national policy, regional plans and local case studies around business management and staffing during the pandemic.

Other speakers include Lynn Fraser, sales director at Village Urban Resorts, which runs a string of hotels in Kent.

Professor Marian Garcia, dean of the Kent Business School, said: “We all recognise that now, more than ever, is the time for open communications and two-way dialogue. Online events such as these enable us to reach out and listen to each other. We hope that many business owners will be able to take part.”

The event will take place at 12.30pm on Thursday, July 30 on Zoom.

Guests can submit questions in advance to BSBusiness@kent.ac.uk NEW ASSOCIATE Katya Batchelor

“It is with deep sadness that this process will result in the permanent closure of a number of sites and that we must say goodbye to greatly valued employees across our brands.”

The news comes after Carluccio’s on Mount Pleasant closed its doors for good in May during lockdown, after the owners sold the chain to Boparan Restaurant Group [BRG], which runs Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner; they only managed to save 30 restaurants, which did not include the Tunbridge Wells Italian eatery.

Last month The Restaurant Group, which owns Frankie and Benny’s, said it expected to cut up to 3,000 workers after confirming plans to shut 125 sites, but fortunately the Tunbridge Wells branch in Knight’s Leisure Park was not among them.

Handelsbanken’s earnings optimism for banking sector SWEDEN’S Handelsbanken posted its quarterly results last week, and profits have fallen less than expected in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The banking group, which opened its Church Road branch in Tunbridge Wells in 2009, is among the first European banks to post its second yearly earnings and it has defied gloomy predictions for the sector.

Historically, Nordic banks are always first to reveal their quarterly results, whcih are used by market analysts to estimate the health of the rest of the European banking sector.

While net profit at Handelsbanked fell to 3.96billion SEK [Swedish kronor - £348.5million) from SEK4.22billion a year earlier, analysts had predicted a much bigger drop to poll for SEK3.42 billion.

Lending Handelsbanken said the large increase in lending to corporate customers faced by the bank in March continued in the opening stages of the second quarter.

However, they added that there was a need for new financing among customer companies gradually waned during the latter part of the quarter.

“Household lending, household deposits and corporate deposits continued to exhibit stable growth during the quarter,” the bank said on releasing its figures.

“From a more long-term perspective, a low interest environment probably entails positive effects for households and companies in Norway and the UK, as well as for the bank,” the bank added.

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BUSINESS

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Community News

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Go the Distance to give thanks to NHS staff and support well-being

By Andy Tong

GO THE EXTRA MILE Dr Greg Lawton, Alex Slack, Miles Scott and Bob Cook arrive at Tunbridge Wells Hospital

LOCAL people are being asked to take on athletic challenges to show their support for key workers at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW] who have battling Covid-19.

Participants in the ‘Go the Distance’ campaign can walk, run or cycle either 5km, 10km, a half marathon or full marathon over a maximum time span of 30 days in return for sponsorship.

Donations received will go to the MTW Charitable Fund’s dedicated Covid-19 response appeal to support the staff’s health and well-being. The target is to raise £10,000.

Distance A spokesperson for the Trust said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has left us all in unprecedented times.

For our NHS staff at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone hospitals, it has resulted in them working tirelessly around the clock, and this has been physically and mentally challenging.

“They’ve gone the distance for us during this challenging time. Now it’s time for us to do the same for them.”

Miles Scott, the Trust’s chief executive, led from the front when he ran a marathon from the Crowborough Birthing Centre to Maidstone Hospital on July 15, via Tunbridge Wells Hospital and Paddock Wood.

He said: “Our staff here have responded so effectively to the pandemic and gone above and beyond the call of duty, so it’s fantastic to be able to say thank you to them myself by taking on this challenge to support our NHS heroes we have here at MTW.

“Every penny raised will directly benefit our staff by providing a permanent legacy and facilities for staff who have done so much to look after local people during the recent pandemic.”

He eventually ran 28 miles, while MTW’s chief of surgery Greg Lawton covered the same distance on his bike.

They were accompanied for part of the way by Alex Slack, chief clinical information officer, and Bob Cook, head of strategy and system integration.

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes from Hildenborough has backed the campaign, saying: “NHS staff have rightly been recognised as heroes during Covid-19.

“However, I have always applauded them, especially knowing the exceptional care they gave my mother in her final months.

“My mother worked for the NHS for over 30

years and received treatment and care at Maidstone Hospital’s Kent Oncology Centre and on the hospital’s wards.

“Appreciation goes further than just at a time of a pandemic and that’s why I am supporting this cause, so please ‘Go the Distance’ and help support Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund.”

The closing date for entries is July 31. Those taking part are encouraged to set up their own fundraising page and everyone who raises £10 or more will receive a bespoke medal.

A £10 donation can be made via by texting MTWGTD to 70085* or via justgiving.com/ fundraising/mtw-fundraisinggothedistance To sign up to the event visit bit. ly/2020Gothedistance or register your interest via mtw-tr.gtd@nhs.net

New Rotary presidents pledge clubs’ support in difficult times THE Pantiles Rotary Club’s annual presidential handover was held in the unusual setting of a digital Zoom meeting this year because of the lockdown.

Tim Davey had the honour bestowed upon him by outgoing president Roy Patey in the virtual presence of club members and assistant district governor Carolyn Bassett.

Tim has run his own businesses in the insurance and clothing industries and managed a pub. A keen sportsman, he played rugby for Tonbridge Juddians, completed the London Marathon and ran Tonbridge Angels’ youth football teams, receiving an award for service to the community from the High Sheriff of West Sussex.

LEADING LIGHTS Tim Davey (left) of Tunbridge Wells and Peter Ruck of Tonbridge

Predecessor Roy Patey had held the office during the previous year and he had stepped up to fill the role again following the sudden death of the incumbent, David Buckley.

The club has faced further difficulties due to the lockdown with its main fundraiser, the annual Golf Day at the Nevill, having to be cancelled.

Last year the event raised more than £10,000 for the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre and other local charities.

The new president is keen to project an optimistic vision going forward, saying: “We need to improve and expand communication both within the club and with the wider community through a greater use of social media and a closer engagement with local life.

“Most of all, I want the club to be at the forefront of supporting the community both by raising funds to provide financial help and

through practical assistance.

“Combine that with the fun and fellowship enjoyed by members of Pantiles Rotary Club, and who wouldn’t want to be part of it? An exciting year lies before us.”

In Tonbridge the Rotary Club’s handover was held in the garden of incoming president Peter Ruck, attended by his predecessor Phil Higgins, president-elect Barry Ednie and vice president Penny Brandling-Harris while observing social distancing.

Past president Andy Blundell made a video of the event which was shown during a virtual meeting of members from Tonbridge and other local clubs.

Peter is a familiar face in the town, having served in the travel industry for more than 50 years - 44 of those in the High Street with Baldwins and then working from home with his own company.

Having now retired, he will be driving this year’s international theme of ‘Rotary opens opportunities’ with the emphasis on communities pulling together amid the coronavirus crisis.

Peter said: “I cannot wait for face-to-face meetings to recommence at, and in support of, the Rose and Crown Hotel where Tonbridge Rotary Club held its weekly meetings until Covid-19 forced its closure in March this year. I’m so glad to see it opening again now.”

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Video ‘carephones’ will keep vulnerable and their carers safe TWO thousand elderly or vulnerable people are set to benefit from a unique videophone system as part of an initiative by Kent County Council [KCC].

The council has commissioned assistive care technology provider Alcove to roll out the ‘carephones’ across the county, in one of the country’s largest programmes to support adults during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The £1.5million contract means that elderly people who struggle with technology and those with learning disabilities will be able to receive virtual care and health consultations.

They will also be able to stay in video contact with friends and family and carry out online requirements such as shopping while minimising the risk of infection to carers.

The technology, in the form of a ‘one touch’ secure tablet, is being delivered and set up remotely by Alcove and health and care transformation consultancy Rethink Partners.

Clair Bell, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “This assistive technology will give some of our most vulnerable residents greater independence and help care staff to support them at this very challenging time.

“The video phone is delivered direct to the person’s home, ready to go, straight out of the box.

Effective “It enables carers to monitor care needs and check on the safety and well-being of their clients, who themselves are able to utilise the equipment for a variety of online activities such as ordering shopping and prescriptions, as well as connecting with their family and friends by video call.”

She added: “The system is proving to be particularly effective during the Covid-19 pandemic, reducing the need for face-to-face contact and limiting hands-on care to just essential tasks.

“I am delighted that KCC is investing in this technology, which will bring many benefits to both the care workforce and those we support to live independently at home.”

Kent has seen more than 7,600 confirmed cases of Covid-19, making it one of the hardest hit communities in the South East.

Founder and chief executive of Alcove, Hellen Bowey, said: “Local authorities across the country have had to navigate an unprecedented demand for services and juggle this with fewer support staff.

“Restrictions on movement and a reduction in care workers have left the most vulnerable people in our communities scared, alone and digitally isolated.

“Current telecare technologies in this sector lack video, are outdated and send calls to only one number.

“With lockdown set to continue for many of the older people in our communities, it’s important that providers take steps to ensure their needs continue to be met.”

To find out more about carephones contact karaservice@kent.gov.uk

STAY IN TOUCH: Robert Greenfield, who has Multiple Sclerosis, uses his video carephone

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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Community Fridge aims to reduce food waste and provide nutrition A ‘COMMUNITY Fridge’ has been opened in Hawkhurst as part of a nationwide network set up to redistribute food that would otherwise go to waste.

The appliance has been installed outside the Green Shop in the village, which is run by the Hawkhurst Community Hospital League of Friends.

It was unveiled by eight-year-old Sam Stephens, accompanied by the scarecrow with which he won a prize at this summer’s Hawkhurst Scarecrows competition.

These fridges have helped thousands of people across the UK to access nutritious food and reduce waste while connecting with their community at the same time.

Donations come from local businesses and organisations as well as individuals, and everyone is welcome to take food away as well as bring it in.

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Lottery Awards will honour dedication during Covid crisis THIS year’s National Lottery Awards will differ from previous years as they aim to honour people who have made an ‘extraordinary impact in their community’.

The awards are designed to recognise those who have used Lottery money to establish popular projects, and in 2020 they will celebrate those who have adapted during the Covid-19 crisis.

In total, £524,149 of funding has been invested in good causes in and around Tunbridge Wells in 2018-19, supporting 21 causes in the arts, sport, heritage and communities.

Inspirational

COOL CUSTOMER Sam Stephens and his scarecrow open the fridge with Ellen Neville

Research The Fridge is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. Volunteers helping out with the scheme are food hygiene trained and the premises are licensed and insured.

It is the brainchild of Ellen Neville, a Trustee of the Hawkhurst Community Trust 2018, who was inspired to set it up after learning about the network’s activities.

She said: “After much research and form filling we have pulled it off. There are many parties who have to be involved, from local food producers to food retailers.

“The trust would like to thank the League of Friends for allowing the Fridge to be outside their shop and for supplying electricity.

Community News

“We also thank The Iddenden Trust and Hawkhurst Parish Council for funding the project, and Hawkhurst people who donated to the Fridge via the Waitrose Community Matters scheme. Tesco are already on board to supply food with many others promising support.”

She added: “Food waste remains a huge issue in the UK with £13billion of edible food thrown away from our homes every year and a further £3billion wasted by the hospitality and food services sector.

“The network of Community Fridges is redistributing an average of 25 tonnes of food each month, equivalent to 50,000 meals.”

Hawkhurst Community Trust was established two years ago as an independent charity to improve community facilities in Hawkhurst.

The main focus is to help deliver a new community centre in Hawkhurst, which will support leisure and recreation in the village.

The project is scheduled for completion in 202122, after which the Trust will oversee the day-to-day running of the new community hub.

Jonathan Tuchner of the National Lottery Promotions Unit said: “Thanks to our players thousands of projects are making an incredible difference to their local communities.

“Now, more than ever, people have rallied together, and individuals are performing inspirational acts and extraordinary endeavours to help in cities, towns and villages up and down the country.”

He added: “Up to £600million has been made available to support communities throughout the UK amid the coronavirus crisis.”

The organisers are calling for nominations from local residents by August 19. The winners in each category will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a trophy.

All nominees must work or act for a National Lottery funded organisation or have received funding from it.

To make a nomination tweet @ LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or complete an entry form at lotterygoodcauses.org. uk/awards

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National News

NEWS IN BRIEF

EU strikes Covid recovery package EU LEADERS have struck a deal on a huge post-coronavirus recovery deal following a fourth night of talks.

The package involves €750bn (£677bn) in grants and loans to counter the impact of the pandemic for the 27-member states.

The deal centres on a €390bn programme of grants to those countries hardest hit by the pandemic. Italy and Spain are expected to be the main recipients.

A further €360bn in low-interest loans will be available to other members of the bloc.

The talks were described as ‘fractious’ with some members states, including the Netherlands, which led a group of ‘frugal’ states with Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Finland in resisting calls from the Mediterranean group for non-repayable grants.

Describing the culmination of the talks, France’s President Macron said it was a ‘historic day for Europe’.

BBC politically correct THE BBC is ‘taking political correctness too far’ by removing programmes from its catch-up and streaming platforms in case modern viewers find them offensive, a minister has said.

Media minister John Whittingdale said while some programmes from the 60s are ‘wholly unacceptable’, removing programmes like Fawlty Towers was not.

His comments came after Tory Tom Hunt (Ipswich) accused the BBC of making a ‘censorious decision’ in removing episodes of the comedy Little Britain from its servers.

A BBC spokesperson said it had made the decision to remove the show as times have changed’ since the comedy first aired in 2003.

McDonald’s reopens BURGER giant McDonald’s has said it will reopen its restaurants for dine-in customers from today [Wednesday], in a move which will also allow some restaurants to take part in the Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme next month.

The fast food chain said it will reopen dining areas after a successful trial at four restaurant sites.

It said around 700 restaurants across the UK, excluding Wales which has restricted eating in restaurants, will reopen to dine-in customers.

Driving tests restart DRIVING tests restart in England today [Wednesday] with a huge backlog after hundreds of thousands were delayed or cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) urged candidates to ensure they have ‘had enough practice’ before taking the test. Driving tests were suspended across the UK in March in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Toddler death arrests TWO people have been arrested following the death of a two-year-old child.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to an address in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on Friday morning.

A force spokesman said yesterday [Tuesday]: “The child has tragically passed away in hospital today. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

“The family are supported by specialist trained officers.

“Two people have been arrested on suspicion of assault and neglect, and the investigation is ongoing.”

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Britain too slow to spot Russian democracy threat despite Scots referendum interference THE Government was slow to recognise the potential threat posed by Russia to British democratic processes and did not properly consider whether Moscow could interfere in the Brexit referendum until after the event, the Intelligence and Security Committee has found.

A long-delayed report on Russia’s activities concluded that the UK only belatedly realised the threat to political processes despite alarm bells ringing over the 2014 Scottish referendum.

The intelligence agencies and Government departments treated the issue as a ‘hot potato’ with no-one getting a grip on the problem, the committee said.

Referendum The Government said there was ‘no evidence’ of successful Russian interference in the Brexit vote but the committee - which oversees the work of Britain’s spies – suggested that there was no proper investigation.

MI5 provided just ‘six lines of text’ when asked whether there was secret intelligence on the issue of potential Russian meddling in the referendum.

But the Government has rejected the committee’s call for a full analysis of whether

Vladimir Putin’s government did attempt to influence the result of the 2016 vote.

The report was drawn up by the ISC’s members in the last parliament.

Its publication was delayed by Mr Johnson’s decision to call a general election and the slow process of appointing a successor committee.

The committee said there was ‘credible open source commentary’ indicating Russian influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.

The committee said: “It has been clear for some time that Russia under Putin has moved from potential partner to established threat,

fundamentally unwilling to adhere to international law - the murder of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 were stark indicators of this.

“We therefore question whether the Government took its eye off the ball because of its focus on counter-terrorism: it was the opinion of the Committee that until recently the Government had badly under-estimated the response required to the Russian threat - and is still playing catch-up.”

The heavily redacted report, drawn up under the chairmanship of Dominic Grieve, noted ‘widespread public allegations that Russia sought to influence the 2016 referendum’.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “We’ve been clear that Russia must desist from its attacks on the UK and our allies.

“We will be resolute in defending our country, our democracy and our values from such hostile state activity.”

But Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said: “It is extraordinary that the Prime Minister took the political decision last October ahead of the general election to block the publication of this important report that systematically goes through the threat Russia poses to the UK’s national security.”

Harry Dunn’s mother stands watch as PM and Foreign Secretary meet Mike Pompeo THE mother of the teenage motorcyclist who was killed in a collision with a US diplomat’s wife was at Downing Street as Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab greeted the US Secretary of State yesterday [Tuesday, July 21].

Charlotte Charles appeared in person at the gates to watch the arrival of Mike Pompeo and said that ‘words are not enough anymore’.

Ms Charles, who was accompanied by her partner Bruce and lawyer Radd Seiger, said that she had come ‘to show Mr Pompeo and Mr Raab and Mr Johnson that I’m not just going to stick on my TV and watch them at home’.

She added: “It’s really important that we come here and let them know that Harry was important and they need to realise that,” she told the PA news agency.

“So I’m not going to stay at home.

“I intend to make sure that they are aware that we’ve made the effort to be here to try to communicate with them.”

A previous request for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas was rejected by the US in January.

Ms Charles appealed to the government at the weekend to make her son the ‘top priority’ during the visit and said she was tired of assurances.

Downing Street, said Boris Johnson had also raised the death of Harry Dunn and the need for ‘justice’ for his family.

Tthe trio also discussed ‘shared global security

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP Mike Pompeo and Boris Johnson yesterday

and foreign policy issues during the visit, including China’s actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang’ where there are concerns about the abuse of the Uighur Muslims.

They also discussed the importance of the Five Eyes alliance, the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, taking an ‘ambitious approach to working together on the technologies of the future’, something apparently aimed at ending

the reliance on Chinese technology from firms such as Huawei. Downing Street said they also discussed a possible US-UK trade deal.

Mr Pompeo said it was a ‘constructive’ visit and ‘our two countries’ long-standing, strong bilateral relationship has laid the foundation for the candid discussion on issues ranging from 5G telecommunication to our negotiations for a US-UK free trade agreement’.

Thousands say farewell to Jack APPLAUSE rang out for Jack Charlton as thousands of people lined the streets of Ashington in Northumberland to pay tribute to the World Cup-winning hero.

Stalwart Charlton, a stalwart of Leeds United’s most successful period, an England stopper who reached the pinnacle of the game and later a successful manager most notably with the Republic of Ireland, died earlier this month aged 85.

At his funeral yesterday [Tuesday]

well-wishers threw flowers on the hearse as it passed slowly through the former mining community where he and his younger brother Sir Bobby honed their football skills.

The procession slowed as it passed close to 114 Beatrice Street, where the Charltons played for countless hours in the back lane, and the park where Big Jack learned the dark arts of defending.

Charlton’s coffin was draped with scarves from England, Ireland, Leeds and Newcastle United, but his family said brother, Sir Bobby, was not well enough to attend.

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Education

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EDUCATION Times Charity awards KCC over half a million in additional funding for school projects Local schools can now bid for a share of £600,000 funding to run projects to improve educational outcomes – and to help them recover post lockdown KENT COUNTY COUNCIL has secured extra funding to support Kent schools, which are being invited to apply for a share of more than half a million pounds. The additional funding is to help them improve the educational outcomes of all children and young people in the county but particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Kent County Council has teamed up with charity the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to create The EEFective Kent Project. The three-year project has a pot of £600,000 which is to be spent on a range of ‘Promising Projects’ that aim to boost improvements in educational outcomes for pupils across the county. The EEF

is a charity that supports teachers and senior leaders in schools to raise attainment and close the gap for disadvantaged pupils through sharing and summarising the best evidence that is available and generating new evidence to improve teaching.

Promising Local Authority schools and academies can apply for funding towards one of 13 Promising Projects; The EEFective Kent Project will fund 50% of the project cost and the school will pay the rest. The money will be used to train teachers and/or teaching assistants to deliver a

RECRUIT M ENT ADVERT ISIN G

Site Team Member Starting salary KR6 £20,744 Reporting to Site Team Manager Start Sate: ASAP We are looking to appoint a Site Team Member to join Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, a large secondary school in Tunbridge Wells. The successful candidate is likely to have previous experience of building maintenance. The role includes, as part of a team, responsibility for site security and safety, cleanliness and general maintenance of the site as well as record keeping, and statutory testing and recording.

We are seeking applicants that can act on their own initiative, deal with any unexpected problems that may arise, and willing to learn on the job.

This role is full time, 37 hours a week, 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year,

expected to be 8.30am until 4.30pm (one day until 4pm) to include one hour for lunch unpaid. 25 days holiday Some flexibility is needed to meet demands of the site.

For application form and further details, please visit our website : www. bennettmemorial.co.uk Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the post before applying, please do not hesitate to email us at recruitment@ bennett.kent.sch.uk Applications should be submitted on the correct Application Form, CVs will not be accepted.

Completed Application Forms should be sent via email recruitment@bennett.kent. sch.uk or posted to HR Department, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SH. The closing date for applications is Monday 27 July at 12pm.

The Tenax Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to vetting checks and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

range of projects covering subjects such as literacy, maths, science and extra-curricular activities. The projects are evidence-based, meaning they have shown promising results on attainment when tried and tested in research trials. Some projects are designed for small groups of pupils while others can be delivered to a whole class, and there are projects to suit the full age range, from Early Years to secondary including special schools.

As schools begin to open to more pupils, the project, which began in 2019, can support them in their recovery planning and respond to the learning gaps that may have been created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Promising Projects that

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

are on offer to Kent schools were selected as the EEF is confident in the results from research trials that showed a positive impact on attainment.

Richard Long, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I am extremely pleased and proud that Kent County Council has joined with the Education Endowment Foundation to form The EEFective Kent Project, which will support all pupils in Kent but particularly those who may not have

“Kent schools have been doing excellent work during this time for the majority of their children, but this project will reach those who may not have benefitted as much as some of their peers.” been able to access the full curriculum since the lockdown.

“KCC was already committed to working towards closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers but since the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools have been closed to the majority of pupils, we are even more dedicated to improving the learning outcomes for all pupils but particularly our vulnerable learners. The Promising Projects, which cover a wide range of subject areas, are one positive and proven way that we can begin to address these issues.

“Kent schools have been doing excellent work during this time for the majority of their children, but this project will reach those who may not have benefitted as much as some of their peers.”

The first application round, which took place in January, was highly successful and saw 97% of schools that applied secure match-funding.

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Round 2 is now open until Monday, October 26 and schools can apply by completing the online application form. Round 3, the final round of applications, will take place in April 2021.

Alongside each round of applications, KCC and the EEF will provide resources such as the Promising Project Virtual Roadshow that schools can access anytime and includes information on all of the Promising Projects.

Committed The EEFective Kent Project is made up of three parts, the first is Promising Projects in schools.

The second part of the project is ‘Evidence-based training for schools’ where schools will be invited to attend evidence-based training delivered by the EEF’s Research School Network.

The training on offer is based on the EEF’s guidance reports. The third part of the project is ‘Developing research champions’, which will focus on building the capacity in Kent for evidence-based school improvement and professional development. Further details will be released as the project progresses. The same schools will be able to participate in all three parts of The EEFective Kent Project should they wish to.

Professor Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, said: “We know that using evidence to inform teaching can help schools spend their money more effectively and make a real difference to attainment. This is particularly important at a time when the disadvantage gap is likely to have widened despite the work of schools to respond to the disruptions created by the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Our new partnership with Kent County Council will allow local schools to adopt programmes that have already been shown to get results. We hope that the fund will help to create a lasting legacy of evidence-based practice in schools across Kent.”

Specialist college nears completion OAKLEY COLLEGE, a recently established specialist school for 18-25 year olds with learning difficulties has announced the expansion of its site located at Cage Green Road in Tonbridge is nearing completion.

A spokesperson for the college told the Times last week that there will be an official opening on October 20 with Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough, the council’s former children’s education cabinet member, as guest of honour.

“There will be other special guests too and the opening will all depend of course on the guidelines at the time regarding Covid 19,” said an Oakley spokesperson.

Education

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16

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Letters

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG frequent requests and the barely adequate street lighting, many residents might feel fully justified in asking him: “What services?”

Victor Bethell Tunbridge Wells

No elections but also long memories

TRAIN OF THOUGHT Drivers are wary of the issue of mandatory face masks on public transport YOUR story on some passengers not wearing face masks on buses [July 15] also applies to the trains. As the government is now again encouraging more people to use public transport and so passenger numbers rise, it is vital that the guidance on masks is enforced as far as possible.

Unfortunately the ambiguous and often contradictory nature of government information to date has not helped to determine exactly where the onus of responsibility lies, the latest being the mandatory wearing of masks in all shops.

It is also difficult to determine exactly who may be genuinely and legitimately exempt.

Railway stations display signs on mandatory mask-wearing but staff do not usually check passengers are wearing them as they enter the platform, only on board.

And of course many railway stations such as

The last thing we need is more cuts I read with interest your article [July 15] in which Peter Oakford, head of Kent County Council’s finance, shared that residents’ groups are being consulted to decide what and where to cut our services following the coronavirus debt. What an insult this is to the people of Tunbridge Wells.

The Tory council leaders in Kent, such as Mr Oakford, should be applying significant pressure on the Tory government to deliver on its promise to settle the debts.

We all know this can be done through more balanced taxation nationally and large project spending reviews, both nationally and here in Kent. The Tory leaders need to step up, put ideology aside and do what’s best for our country during this unprecedented time.

Tory council complacency has resulted in sloppy, wasteful spending and management of our money in Kent and in Tunbridge Wells.

Please do not punish ordinary people for government and council failings. We have had enough of cuts and we cannot see more here.

my local one at High Brooms are often only supervised for part of the day and not at all in the evenings or on Sundays.

A bus driver in France was brutally attacked and died after refusing to let some young men board his bus who were not wearing masks.

No wonder bus drivers and train conductors are wary of getting involved if they might risk such an attack.

On another issue related to the gradual lifting of lockdown, I note that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council continues to hold its meetings during the day.

On Southborough Town Council all meetings are being held online in the evening, ensuring maximum attendance from its councillors and wider public engagement.

Dr Alan Bullion Liberal Democrat Town Councillor for Southborough North Personally, having served this country for the last 15 years, I am devastated at the state of our public services after more than a decade of cuts.

I am seriously considering standing in the elections in May next year.

Both the borough council and the county council need to start doing what’s right for the people of Tunbridge Wells!

Mike Tapp Via email

County Hall concerns are self-serving Kent Councy Council deputy leader Peter Oakford is asking the residents of Royal Tunbridge Wells for suggestions as to which services should be cut in order to pay for his and his fellow councillors recent hefty pay rises.

Given the appalling state of this town with its potholed and crumbling roads, many with missing junction markings, the uneven and weed-filled pavements which the elderly residents are nowadays expected to clean, the drains which are never properly cleared despite

Forgive me but I’ve said it before, we get the politics we deserve (short of a more representative voting system).

So, we discover, many Conservative councillors have awarded themselves a pay rise!

Set against their narrow reasons to justify this action, I can think of several that would deny this self-gratification. Or have I been premature to judge and, as we speak, they are passing the hat round to replenish the £10million of taxpayers’ funds that were wasted on the misconceived Calverley scheme?

They may think that they have been thrown a lifeline via the absence of elections this year, but, for the residents of this borough, memories are sufficiently long.

Martin Dawes Via email

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance In May, a group of residents, councillors and business owners in Tunbridge Wells wrote an open letter to Greg Clark MP and the leaders of both the borough and county councils to implement a greener economic plan after lockdown.

I supported this letter because I believe passionately in a healthy, cleaner and net zero carbon future. The last 100 years have seen faster global warming than the previous 50million years. The country has promised to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 whilst some councils, like Tunbridge Wells, have been even bolder and would like to reach that target by 2030.

The new theme for post Covid-19 is called ‘building back better’. Councils are in a position to do this. We can help to rebuild the economy, backed up with economic evidence from Oxford University, by delivering green projects, creating jobs for a new green economy and heralding in a future that embraces equality, health and well-being and international co-operation, alongside climate goals. Further, Covid-19 is giving us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to think differently about how we tackle climate change.

As Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change executive secretary, says: “an opportunity for nations to green their recovery packages and shape the 21st century economy in ways that are clean, green, healthy, safe and more resilient.”

Marguerita Morton Liberal Democrat Councillor for St John’s, Tunbridge Wells

It’s time to take care of the future We have heard a lot about the ‘fragmented’ social care sector along with some rumblings about the NHS becoming responsible for the sector.

I’ve worked in health and social care in England for almost two decades now and I can tell you this: in my experience, there is just as much good practice in the private social care sector as there is in NHS settings.

The NHS has been seriously run down over the last decade and it’s obvious that there just isn’t enough money to go around.

It’s heartening to know that the government has committed £10billion to health and it would be nice to know that some of that money – or a similar amount – is going into social care, but I very much doubt that.

Social care is anything which people may need support with outside of medical intervention. It is the stuff that makes life worth living.

While there has been a lot of press around care homes, not much attention has been paid to care in the home, although around double the number of people– about 1million – receive care and support in their own home.

There is a place for all forms of care in our society. Some people are best cared for in the home they have lived in for years; others may be better off in an extra care facility. Let’s think in a broader way as we tackle the social care crisis.

Let’s think about health and well-being.

Gillian Douglass, Tunbridge Wells

The town needs a change of direction Reading former Conservative Cllr James Tansley’s letter last week it seems to me that he is more interested in attacking the officers in the council rather than Conservative policy they are following. Last year we dodged an expensive bullet over Calverley Square that would have placed this council in significant debt, diverted officers time and I expect would have led to cutbacks in service for people that need our support the most.

Mr Tansley unsurprisingly also suggests selling the Town Hall to a private property developer at a time when commercial property valuations are weak. Not only will the borough loose ownership of the asset for what I suspect would be a poor price, but it would leave us open to the risk of the building being land banked then resold undeveloped for private profit, thereby repeating the debacle of the cinema site.

What this town desperately needs is a change in direction as in 20 years of Tory administration we have seen it steadily decline.

There are two ways to balance budgets, one is to slash costs and services for residents or to grow the council’s revenue, although both need to be reviewed, my preference is emphasis on the latter.

If the Town Hall is being underutilised, it should continue either directly or indirectly to be held in public ownership and develop for the production of long term income. This will become more essential in the future when other sources of revenue such as parking decline.

Cllr Mark Ellis Liberal Democrat councillor for St. John’s, Tunbridge Wells

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

Reopening Tunbridge Wells

i

Important recovery and reopening information for tourism businesses £multi-million project offers support for tourism businesses An exciting opportunity for tourism businesses in the Tunbridge Wells borough is on offer in a partnership between the Council and Visit Kent.

The Experience Development Programme will help both traditional and non-traditional tourism businesses across the region adapt and develop new tourism products.

This new programme will assist organisations as they recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and it will support them to adjust and

Sign up to Visit England’s We’re Good to Go Visit England has launched a UK-wide industry standard and quality mark. ‘We’re Good To Go’ means businesses can show that they’re following government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and have the required processes in place. Sign up to the free scheme - visitbritain.org/weregood-go-industry-standard-all-sectorstourism-industry

visittunbridgewells.com TWellsTourism

VisitTunbridgeWells

tunbridgewells.gov.uk

diversify their product offer. Collaboration with businesses inside and outside the tourism sector will be encouraged, helping participants to reach new audiences and develop a year-round product.

Visit Kent are currently looking to work with 125 eligible organisations, each of whom will receive a range of support to build and launch their new products, from specialist one-to-one consultancy and business planning, to new photography, marketing campaigns and proactive testing and sales with the travel trade.

Visit Kent Chief Executive Deirdre Wells OBE said: ‘In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry is having to drastically re-think how to rebuild demand and revenue streams.

To survive and future-proof business, it’s crucial for organisations to rethink, adapt and develop new ideas for consumers

Get your tourism business featured on Visit Tunbridge Wells All tourism businesses in the borough are entitled to a free listing on visittunbridgewells.com to include an image and web address. Entries can be upgraded for a small charge which can include a page header image and link to your entry, navigation link in the drop down menus, inclusion in editorial content with a link to your web entry and social media amplification of your product or event. Special COVID-19 prices are available for upgrades, contact touristinformationcentre@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk

who will be travelling differently, looking to reconnect with close family and friends to enjoy shared experiences in a safe and secure environment.

‘We’re very excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Experience Development Programme. If you have a great idea for a new experience, an idea for collaborating with another business or an existing offer which could be adapted for a new audience, we’d love to hear from you. This programme could help you turn your idea into reality, and take it to market through a package of dedicated support.’

Sign up your business

The project will be funded through the European Interreg Experience project.

To find out more and for details of how your tourism business can apply visit visitkentbusiness.co.uk/ about-us/european-funding/experience

Sign up to Eat Out to Help Out You can use Eat Out to Help Out to offer a discount to diners and encourage them to eat at your establishment. Registration for the scheme closes on 31 August. Full details are available through gov.uk

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Weekly Comment

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James Rands

Liberal Democrat councillor for Culverden

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

James Rands was born in Pembury and educated at the Skinners’ School prior to reading for a first degree at King’s and joining the Army. He moved back to Tunbridge Wells in 2018 and won Culverden ward for the Liberal Democrats in May 2020. He is now the chairman of the local party.

We need to talk honestly about the Assembly Hall Theatre MOST residents of Tunbridge Wells want to keep the Assembly Hall Theatre (AHT) going and accept the borough council providing some subsidy. But that isn’t a blank cheque.

The most recent subsidy was around half a million pounds for the year and post-COVID the council is likely to have a significant hole in its finances.

On the other hand, there’s also a cost to closing AHT. Its listed status combined with recent government policy on planning permission for theatres will make it hard to sell and there is the risk that it gets bought up by a ‘developer’ who doesn’t develop it for years. A derelict site opposite the old cinema site would be disastrous.

We’ve all heard wild claims from the Tories as to how much it would cost to bring the Town Hall and AHT up to standard.

Firstly, we must acknowledge that issues such as leaky roofs and windows are maintenance issues and should have been dealt with as they arose. A stitch in time…

Secondly, we need to be clear on what bringing the Assembly Hall up to standard would mean.

The Tories have been rather fond of equivocating between addressing some very real issues (such as poor backstage facilities) with replacing the existing building with a 1200-seat theatre

designed for travelling shows.

Those are different things with different costs.

What ‘good enough’ looks like depends on our ambitions for AHT. We can entertain silly notions of rivalling the West End or we can ask what it would mean to be a really good regional theatre.

Advertise The flat floor is useful for conferences (which would be good earners for the town) and the possibility of buying the police station opens new opportunities. However, whilst all of the good ideas coming out are cheaper than Calverley Square, they are not free.

It will be hard to justify spending taxpayer’s money without strong evidence AHT can be a success.

Some Conservatives have consistently claimed (with apparent glee) the AHT can never be profitable and will have to close.

In February I noticed a freestanding billboard on the way into Crescent Rd carpark.

Two shows at the AHT were being advertised.

One had finished eleven months earlier and the other earlier still. I posted the photo on Twitter and a week or two later passed the same spot.

Matthew Scott Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent

ASSEMBLY HALL The theatre currently costs taxpayers half a million pounds in subsidy The old posters were gone, but only because the whole billboard had been removed.

You can no longer buy tickets at the front desk.

The hoardings outside don’t advertise what’s coming up. And the number of shows has been declining for years.

You could have been selling toilet paper and pasta this March, but if you only opened the doors to your shop infrequently, didn’t diversify, didn’t advertise and made it difficult for people

to buy your product you’d still not have turned a profit.

I don’t know if the Assembly Hall Theatre has a long-term future. I do know the council will have to make tough calls as to what we want and what we can afford.

But we can’t make a judgement on the affordability of AHT without trying to make it work. Instead we seem to be paying a lot of money to keep it empty.

Matthew Scott was elected the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent in 2016. He sets policing priorities, commissions services to support victims, sets the council tax precept, manages the force’s budget, and holds the Chief Constable to account. He serves as the national PCC lead for Mental Health, and is chair of the board for the BlueLight Commercial organisation.

We all have our own role to play in making our roads safe MAKING our roads safer is something that you have told me is important – and I am working with Kent Police and others to improve road safety.

I made ‘Providing effective roads policing’ a priority for Kent Police to deliver and I have seen for myself the excellent work its dedicated Roads Policing Unit does. I ts officers are pulling over drivers on a daily basis for things like being uninsured or unlicensed; for speeding or using a mobile phone; for drink- or drug-driving; and for not wearing a seatbelt.

The Commercial Vehicle Unit is taking action against HGV drivers too – including handing out on-the-spot fines to foreign drivers.

I receive regular updates from Chief Officers about what Kent Police is doing on our roads and, while officers can never catch every speeding driver or everyone with a phone to their ear, I believe they are doing a good job.

If you want just a taste of what they get up to, I encourage you to follow their entertaining Twitter account @kentpoliceroads .

For my part, I continue to fund the national road safety charity Brake and I have used money raised through your council tax contributions to establish a Road Safety Team to focus on reducing the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

And I have given my support to campaigns like 20’s Plenty, including attending the opening of the 20mph speed limit in St Johns.

Our partner agencies including Kent Fire and Rescue Service and our local councils are also doing great work; and you can do your bit too.

Firstly, by simply driving appropriately to the conditions and by leaving your mobile phone out of reach you are helping to make our roads a safer place.

Awareness But if you want to be even more involved you can join your local Speedwatch group. I have seen first-hand the valuable work these volunteers do in places like Hawkhurst educating drivers, joining up with the police to issue warning letters where appropriate.

I have long advocated for the data Speedwatch collects to be used alongside historic collision data to help inform where speed cameras should be placed.

On the subject of cameras, I want to again dispel the myth that they are a ‘cash cow’ for policing. In fact, locations for fixed cameras and mobile vans are determined by Kent County Council or Highways England.

Policing makes no profit from them. Any fines

KEEPING ROADS SAFE The Road Safety Team go straight to the Government. Kent Police does receive a small amount of money when someone accepts a speed awareness course, but only enough to cover its processing costs.

We all have our own role to play in making our roads safe – with considerate driving and parking, adhering to the rules, and thinking of all road users.

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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A SELECTION OF AVAILABLE SITES At SJD we specialise in the sale and acquisition of land and development opportunities, including commercial, residential and affordable housing sites. If you have a potential site, please contact us to discuss further.

Linden Barn, Coxheath Stunning plot with outline consent for 5 detached family dwellings

London Road, Southborough Consent for refurb & extension to provide 1 no. family dwelling & 3 no. apartments

96-100 Lee High Road, Lewisham Mixed use site with redevelopment opportunities STP

Wilsons Yard, Hunton Prior approval granted for 6 no. terraced dwellings in rural location

9 Nevill Terrace, Tunbridge Wells Consent for refurb & extension to provide 13 no. apartments

Wickham Road, Shirley Site with consent for 8 no. apartments on the outskirts of Croydon

Current Requirements:

We also offer these additional services:

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Planning & Design

We have a retained client base who are actively seeking these opportunities, please contact us ASAP if you can assist with their search

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Please contact one of the team for further information on our sites or your requirements Amy Johnson

Stephen Donnelly

Samuel Donnelly

amy@sjd-projects.com

steve@sjd-projects.com

sam@sjd-projects.com

07766 108856

07739 514350

07548 023217

SJD Projects | 78 St Johns Road | Tunbridge Wells | Kent | TN4 9PH | 01892 579937

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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Section

Property Focus NEWS

Will we see a boost in more of our strategic land being developed?

Following the government’s relaxing of development rules a recent Savills survey has revealed that land values have remained buoyant, despite Covid, and that there continues to be a healthy appetite for key areas of land which could see a continued rise in housing development GREEN SHOOTS Activity in the land market is picking up post Covid

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demand for distressed sales and opportunistic enquiries for price reductions persist, many landowners are prepared to wait and do not need to accept these terms.

A net balance of 29% of agents reported appetite for distressed sales in June, while -88% reported any evidence of distressed sales.

While values have been relatively robust the report found there had been greater emphasis on extended payment terms.

Mr Fowler continued to say that across all regions “we have seen a focus on stretching out the phasing of deferred payments, usually over an additional 12 months.” According to the survey a net balance of 88% of agents reported changes to payment arrangements in June, up from 29% in April.

A MIXED APPROACH TOWARDS LAND BUYING The Savills report also found that regional developers, Housing Associations and the major housebuilders all continue to be active in the land market but are adopting a mixed approach.

Some Housing Associations have been competitively bidding for land, supported by grant, while others are directing funding to the improvement of existing stock. Appetite for the right kind of site hasn’t waned and many housebuilders now have a greater workforce to look at new land opportunities. Some PLC housebuilders are taking a more cautious view on the land market, focusing on their committed pipelines whereas there are a few actively raising money for new land buying.

With many players returning to the land market those smaller, easily deliverable sites of under 150 units in prime locations and without large infrastructure costs are seen as highly desirable.

STRATEGIC LAND REMAINS RESILIENT The Savills report also found that there remains strong appetite and demand for strategic land and longer-term opportunities requiring less upfront expenditure. According to the development team survey a net balance of 50% of agents reported greater interest in strategic land in June, similar to April.

THERE’S no doubt that the Covid-19 lockdown significantly slowed down transactions of development land. However, according to property experts Savills, activity in the land market has seen a slight increase in June 2020 with the easing of restrictions on the housing market.

“There are signs more sites are coming forward as lockdown measures begin to ease, home sales bounce back and land teams across the country return to work,” a spokesman said.

‘Activity in the land market is picking up, albeit from a low base, and confidence is returning due, in part, to the uptick in the housing market and the release of pent-up demand.’

Ian Fowler, Savills head of development in the south east, says: “Activity in the land market is picking up, albeit from a low base, and confidence is returning due, in part, to the uptick in the housing market and the release of pent-up demand. However, uncertainty remains about how long this demand will support the market and whether sales rates will fall back in the autumn.”

In a recent survey of Savills development teams a net balance of 29% reported that there were

new sites coming onto the market – a significant change from -75% net balance in April.

Mr Fowler added: “Many new sites are being soft marketed to test the appetite in the market and some have been launched now to avoid competition with other sites later in the year.”

There is some regional variation with parts of the West of England continuing to see land

traded regularly where small price reductions have been accepted.

Although there is less transactional evidence for land values this quarter, evidence from deals being negotiated and the sales that have happened indicates that land values have remained relatively stable with UK greenfield and urban land values falling slightly by -1.1% and 0.2% respectively at a national level.

In many regions, land values remain at previous levels, while in the West and South East greenfield land values have fallen slightly, by -1.6% and -1.8% respectively reflecting where price reductions have been accepted on deals completed in those regions this quarter.

The report also found that although there is

NEW REPORT’S KEY POINTS: n Land values have remained stable but there is a focus on renegotiating and extending payment terms

n Fewer transactions but signs of a slight increase in activity and more new sites coming onto the market

n Appetite for strategic land remains robust as opportunities requiring less upfront expenditure has continued without interruption through lockdown

We are here and open for business

BUSINESS SPACE

AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR TO LET TUNBRIDGE WELLS MOUNT EPHRAIM OFFICES 1200 sq.ft

TONBRIDE TUNBRIDGE WELLS VALE ROAD LONGFIELD ROAD BUSINESS UNIT BUSINESS UNIT BUSINESS SPACE 3000sq.ft 3000sq.ft NOW AVAILABLE TO LET

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Wellington Gate OFFICES 1470sq.ft/1880sq.ft & 4000sq.ft.

TONBRIDGE 3 Chapel Place RETAIL 1000 sq.ft HIGH STREET TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICES Oakhurst House OFFICES 2650sq.ft 1200 sq.ft

PADDOCK WOOD Maidstone Road NEW BUSINESS UNITS From 900sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TUNBRIDGE WELLS Upper Grosvenor Road RETAIL OFFICES 2000 sq.ft CAMDEN ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS Calverley Street 540sq.ft

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS LAMBERTS ROAD BUSINESS UNIT 5588sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS CENTURY PLACE TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICES 53b Calverley Road RETAIL 2000sq.ft 765 sq.ft + Basement 11 CarWELLS Parking Spaces TUNBRIDGE

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS Central Location Night Club/Restaurant TUNBRIDGE WELLS Lamberts Road 5750sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS The Great Hall OFFICES 5787sq.ft

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A D VE R TISIN G FEATU R E

Broadlands Commercial Property Agents are currently offering a number of excellent properties to rent We have continued to be very active during these very difficult times and are noticing an upturn in market conditions and an exceptional amount of enquiries and viewings currently taking place. A selection of properties are listed here and should you have a requirement for any type of commercial property space then please contact us on 01892 512422 or email shane.raggett@broadlands.co.uk

At Wellington Gate Church Road we have space available from 1470sq.ft up to 11,500sq.ft. There are suites of 1880 sq,ft and 4000sq.ft. On site parking is available.

3rd floor office space at The Great Hall Tunbridge Wells. Open plan air conditioned space of 5787sq.ft together with 11 car parking spaces. Great location opposite TW mainline station and available for immediate occupation.

We have recently been instructed to offer a 3000sq. ft business unit at 8 Chalklin Business Park Longfield Road. New lease available at ÂŁ25,000pax and available from September.

We are instructed to market Unit 2b High Brooms Industrial Estate. This excellent business unit is immediately available and extends to 4170sq.ft and has a self contained yard. New lease available at ÂŁ44,000pax.

At Oakhurst House Mount Ephraim we have an excellent Garden Floor suite of 1200sq.ft together with 5 car parking spaces. New lease available.

Further details on the above and other commercial property can be obtained by contacting Shane Raggett at Broadlands Commercial Property Agents on 01892 512422 or shane.raggett@broadlands.co.uk

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

This week’s best property buys…

Since estate agents were told they could start selling properties again after the government eased lockdown measures the housing market has experienced a bounce – both in terms of buyers and sellers. Here are our top picks of what’s currently on the market

Gillridge Lane Crowborough GUIDE PRICE

£1,650,000 CONTACT Savills, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 507 002 Dating back to the early 19th century, Gillridge Farm Oast comprises a characterful single roundel oast house, cleverly linked to its adjoining cottage.

With the benefit of a detached barn with potential it creates a charming and adaptable family home which would be ideal for those looking to accommodate extended family.

Located just 1.2 miles from Crowborough, the property enjoys a high level of privacy with an impressive tree-lined driveway and is set in extensive park-like grounds with exceptional rural views from the majority of rooms.

n Downstairs there is an entrance porch leading onto a good sized entrance hall n Reception rooms include a dining hall, drawing room with stunning roundel library located just off the sitting room.

There is also a study which opens onto a conservatory boasting beautiful views n In addition to this there is a spacious country style kitchen with dining area, a utility room and cloakroom n Upstairs in this charming oast house there are five bedrooms and three bathrooms n The property also boasts a detached barn comprising a studio/leisure room with large attic store n Also outside is a workshop, store room and detached triple garage as well as a summerhouse n The grounds to this property are nothing short of glorious and total about 4 acres.

As well as established gardens and surrounding parkland there is also extensive woodland and a pond. n There is also an all-weather tennis court and the 9.23 acre adjoining field is available by negotiation.

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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Derwent, Bounds Oak Way Southborough PRICE

£775,000 CONTACT Wood and Pilcher, Southborough 01892 511311 If you want to enjoy all the benefits of country living but want to be just a few minutes’ walk from all local amenities or are a very keen gardener then this lovely family home is ideal.

Situated on the edge of the sought after Southborough and Bidborough borders Derwent boasts five double bedrooms and very impressive gardens and is decorated to a good standard throughout. There is also off-road parking and a garage.

n This is a handsome family home located on the desirable Bidborough/Southborough borders n It is surrounded by beautiful established trees and boasts amazing west facing gardens n Downstairs are two large pleasant receptions rooms which overlook the garden n The living room boasts a feature fireplace and is also double aspect with doors leading out to the garden n In addition to this there is a kitchen/diner decorated in a Shaker style. There is also a handy utility space and a downstairs cloakroom n Upstairs you’ll find a galleried landing and five double bedrooms n One of them is currently being used as an office so good for anyone who is working from home n There is also a good sized family bathroom and also a shower room n This desirable family home has been decorated to a high standard throughout n If you are a keen gardener you will love the external space as there are plenty of mature trees and shrubs plus an array of seasonal flowers n There are also two sheds which are equipped with light and power so ideal for anyone wishing to work outside

winkworth.co.uk/tunbridge-wells

HIGHGATE HALL, HAWKHURST, CRANBROOK TN18 A collection of 8 newly converted apartments finished to a high specification and ready for occupation in this attractive character property in the heart of Hawkhurst village. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available, high quality finishes, off-street parking and 12 months builders guarantee. The apartments are arranged over 4 floors, with 5 one bedroom apartments and 3 two bedroom apartments.

Prices range from £195,000

Rustwick, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

For Sale - £875,000

Beautiful 4 bedroom house looking over parkland and 15 minutes’ walk to Tunbridge Wells n

Extended and refurbished to a high standard throughout

n

Scope to extend further into the loft STPP

n

Situated on a quiet private road in a friendly family community

n

South West facing garden, with glorious views over parkland

In the catchment area for grammar and state schools and close to Bishops Down primary n

Linden Field, Tunbridge Wells, TN2

For Sale - £725,000

Generous family home offering flexible accommodation over 4 floors. Situated within an exclusive development on a private road in central Tunbridge Wells n 4 bedroom townhouse with garden and garage n Recently redecorated to a high standard, including new flooring throughout n Spacious open plan kitchen/dining room opening onto garden n Master bedroom with terrace, en-suite and dressing room n 2 parking spaces and single garage n Generous storage on the second floor and in the over-sized single garage n Perfect for a family and as a ‘”lock up and go” n 0.8 miles to Tunbridge Wells mainline station

65 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XX twells@winkworth.co.uk @winkworthtwells Winkworth Tunbridge Wells

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN AT BEWL

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IT’S TIME FOR CHEESE AND WINE

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Artistic endeavour

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN IBIZA

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We meet painter Iaysha Salih Page 20

OFF TO A FLYERZ START

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Out & About

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out&about 7 days of activities

By Eileen Leahy

FUN IN THE SUN Bewl Water is great for kids, families and water sport lovers

Following the ongoing easing of the Coronavirus lockdown many of our favourite beauty spots, galleries, museums and places of interest are now open. Here’s where to go this week...

After many months of isolation following the Coronavirus outbreak, outdoor spaces are now more important for us than ever.

Luckily for us there are plenty of wide-open spaces we can access in the gorgeous Kent and Sussex countryside – but a lot of them will need to be pre-booked so always ensure you check their website before travelling anywhere.

We’ll keep you posted on these pages as more of our favourite places to visit reopen so watch this space...

NATIONAL TREASURES We have so many beautiful National Trust properties on our doorstep and most of their gardens and grounds are open again. Bodiam

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Castle, Igtham Mote and Emmetts Garden are just some of the places you can visit. Like most places of interest though you have to book your slot before going along.

Scotney Castle is another National Trust gem which boasts a long and rich history dating from 1137 and holds some interesting stories about the last inhabitants of the castle, the Hussey family, as well as a former Prime Minister too.

Scotney Castle’s garden is like a landscape painting with drama and romance. From a stunning vista of the old castle glimpsed through a swathe of rhododendrons and azaleas in spring to colourful reflections in the moat throughout autumn. It really is a landscape with drama and romance and always a joy to visit. Like all National Trust properties visitors will have to book a slot in order to visit so ensure you go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk to see the relevant details for Scotney and other NT places of interest in Kent and Sussex.

ROYAL TREATMENT Hever Castle, the former childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, boasts 125 acres of glorious grounds and perfectly manicured gardens people can enjoy once again under social distancing and safety measures.

It is now also possible to visit inside the castle but booking is essential. At the time of going to press the castle is also hoping to host a mini festival at the end of this month so watch

WORTH A VISIT Great Comp is another green gem

this space. For more information visit www. hevercastle.co.uk BRILLIANT BEWL Bewl Water is the perfect place to get away from it all. Since reopening earlier this summer the 800acre site has welcomed hundreds of people who enjoy walking or cycling around its picturesque reservoir. Strict social distancing measures are

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Out & About

and professional contemporary artists who are specialists in their disciplines including paintings, printmaking, photography, digital art, ceramics, glass and jewellery. See www. artspringgallery.co.uk

TRANQUILITY Emmetts Garden

FLOWER POWER Pashley Manor in Ticehurst is usually buzzing with plenty of exhibitions around this time of year. In addition to its famous rose and tulip festivals it also hosts a wonderful sculpture event every summer too. And although things are very different this year, for obvious reasons, the good news is you can still visit its gorgeous grounds – all 11 acres of them – most days of the week. Just visit www.pashleymanorgardens.com IT’S GREAT AT COMP Another garden well worth a visit albeit a little

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bit further afield is Great Comp in Sevenoaks.

The garden reopened last month welcoming its annual season ticket holders back to see its salvias and spring trees dotted around its seven acres. It now boasts a one-way system around the grounds which surround the magnificent Georgian farmhouse to ensure safety. Go to www.greatcompgarden.co.uk TIME TO GO APE Go Ape at Bedgebury is also now up and running once more, with all the necessary safety and social distancing measures in place. It is great for thrill-seekers to get stuck into with its tree top walks, swings and zip wires. Children must be aged at least ten years old to participate and be a minimum of 1.4m tall in this external adventure. For tickets and timings, visit www. goape.co.uk

HEVER CASTLE Booking is essential at the former childhood home of Anne Boleyn

in place so those visiting the South East’s largest stretch of water can feel safe. Open daily from 8am to 7pm parking and admission costs just £5 per car. www.bewlwater.co.uk ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS The Fairfax Gallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year so what better time to pay this artistic gem on The Pantiles a visit? Running

until September 8 you can see a wealth of work from over the past two decades on display. One of the artist’s work on display is that of Mary Jane Ansell who specialises in hyper real painting portraiture. See www.fairfaxgallery.com Another local gallery well worth visiting is the Artspring one on Tonbridge High Street.

This artist-run gallery brings you a collection of high quality work from local emerging

Traditional English Afternoon Tea At the picturesque Salomons Estate & Country House in Tunbridge Wells

Only £11.50 per person when booked as part of the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme

Available Midday – 4pm, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during August To book simply send your preferred date, time and party size to reception@salomons-estate.com

CONFERENCE AND EVENTS VENUE www.salomons-estate.com

Of course all our local parks including Dunorlan and Grosvenor and Hilbert are now open to the public – with social distancing in operation – so there’s plenty to enjoy without having to pay or book. As other attractions begin to reopen we will of course provide you with all the details on these pages.

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

“This exhibition reflects my own spiritual and meditative experiences” Following the government’s announcement that art galleries and museums can now open we are slowly seeing our cultural landscape return to a new normal. Here Iaysha Salih, director of The Art Hub Gallery on Mount Ephraim tells Eileen Leahy about her latest show makes it harder for new artists to create a platform to exhibit beautiful works.

Instagram and other social media platforms are great, but there is nothing like standing in front of a work of art and seeing all the nuances of colour and texture.

IAYSHA SALIH

What’s the background to the Art Hub Gallery?

It is a unique gallery hire space located on Mount Ephraim, in a Georgian Listed building.

Its period features such as high ceilings and large wall spaces allows the space plenty of natural light, which means it is the ideal place to showcase artwork.

How long has it been established and why did you start it?

We opened in October 2019. As an artist I realised that there was an emerging trend for smaller galleries starting to close down. This

What do you think makes Art Hub so unique?

We offer artists the opportunity to sell their work to a new audience of collectors, whilst working with the expertise and experience of myself and the Art Hub team. In this way, both the artist and the gallery are directly involved in the exhibition.

Can you tell us a little bit about the types of artists who’ve already exhibited?

We offer different packages, so that the artists can have as little or as much control as they want. We have had successful shows of acclaimed

contemporary artists including the likes of Louise McNaught and Sara Pope. These have had sales hugely exceeding our expectations and opened up the artists to new collectors and buyers.

‘There is nothing like standing in front of a work of art and seeing all the nuances of colour and texture’ How would you describe the type of art you exhibit and sell?

We promote and sell modern and contemporary art from emerging and established artists, as well as having ‘blue chip’ artists available to buy through Iaysha Contemporary Art. The latter are those creatives whose work consistently sells well whatever the economic climate

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happens to be like, growing year upon year in value.

Tell us briefly how lockdown affected you and how you got through it?

We actually continued with our Louise McNaught exhibition, but made it a virtual show instead. Not only did we still manage to sell works from this particular show, it also opened us up to a whole new way of showcasing artists.

For me personally, as an artist with my studio in my garden, lockdown was in fact very enjoyable and lovely, giving me time to focus solely on my painting.

‘I admire anyone who trusts in their own creativity and intuition to express themselves’ Your post lockdown show is one by yourself. What can you tell us about it?

It’s entitled ‘Resonance’ and reflects my own spiritual and meditative experiences, allowing the viewer to reflect on their own emotions and delve deeper into their subconscious. In this way, the paintings open up the ability to fully feel, not simply view, the artwork.

Why do you love art and running a gallery?

I’ve always been passionate about art; from creating it, to viewing, curating and purchasing it. I strongly believe that art appreciation shows a true depth of character, and I find great fulfilment in showcasing and selling artworks that viewers love and enjoy. There is

something so incredible in deepening and nurturing someone’s love for art through the works I sell them.

Which artists/people inspire you and why?

All artists/chefs/writers/gardeners (anyone who has the ability to create something out of nothing) inspire me. I admire anyone who trusts in their own creativity and intuition to express themselves and show their inner most thoughts and experiences, embracing their own vulnerabilities to create

something entirely unique and themselves.

Resonance is on at the Art Hub Gallery until August 1. Viewing is by appointment Monday – Wednesday and Sunday and the gallery is open to visitors Thursday – Saturday. Entrance is free. After that you can see Dan Baldwin’s Love and Light exhibition August 4 to 28.

To find out more about the gallery and its upcoming shows visit www. Arthubgallery.co.uk

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Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Wine and cheese? Yes please...

Times Drinks Editor and flavour obsessive James Viner finds four perfect bottles from France to pair with delectable Dutch, English, French, Spanish and Swiss cheeses

I

LOVE wine and I love artisanal cheese but must admit they don’t always make especially remarkable gustatory partners since they have their own multifaceted textures and flavours.

Generally, a good rule of thumb is that white wines will complement a wider variety of cheeses than reds and that most cheeses are just too demanding – whether overly piquant or oily-textured – for very fine or mature red wines.

THINK LOCAL – PAIR CHEESE & WINE FROM THE SAME REGION Often local cheeses go well with local wines. The best vinous pairing I’ve ever had with Comté was with an extraordinary, aged, nutty, sherrified (though not fortified) ‘Vin Jaune,’ which is also from the Jura in eastern France. It’s sold in unique 62cl Clavelin bottles, can last for decades, and is very expensive to make.

Yapp Brothers lists a classy one from Domaine J-L Tissot (£35). Similarly, smelly mature Époisses is ambrosial with local red burgundy.

This rule also applies when we widen the definition of ‘local.’ For example, nearly all my Spanish wine travels have been peppered by memorable pairings of local wines with ‘local’ cheeses. Sherry pairs brilliantly with queso! A Fino with young Manchego (from La Mancha) and an Amontillado with a slice of Tronchón (from Aragón) are just two great wine and food marriages.

KEEP THE CHEESEBOARD SMALL Consulting with industry experts and sommeliers under lockdown, I’ve experimented with various combinations and particularly enjoyed the knockout combinations below. Remember not to overload the cheeseboard as it’s more prudent to match just one or two artisan cheeses with one complementary wine.

Several tasty cheese options are presented for each of these four superlative French bottles. Bullseye! Don’t feel constrained by the tips that follow – they’re just there to get you started. Santé to endless delightful combinations.

Top vinious picks for your favourite cheese 1. CLASSY CLARET FOR HARD CHEESES LIKE CHEDDAR, GOUDA, GRUYÈRE AND MIMOLETTE Château Tour Haut-Caussan 2012, Bordeaux (£12.99, Mix 6, Majestic, 13.5%) White wines go much better with many cheeses than most reds but every now and again red is your best bet. Enter this reassuring, consistently fine claret, from a family-run estate in the northern Médoc.

Starting to show some development with a few years of bottle age under its belt, this flattering 50/50 merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend offers classic restrained Bordeaux notes of cedar, graphite, forest berries and cassis. Bonjour mature Cheddar, Gouda, Gruyère and Mimolette!

A very fine result here in 2012: a tough growing season with a late harvest. If you’re a white wine devotee, a full-bodied chardonnay – especially the white Mâconnais from the biodynamic ‘King of Meursault’ (Lafon) below – would be a great alternative for a proper benchmark Cheddar like Keens, Montgomery’s, Quicke’s, Westcombe and Lincolnshire Poacher.

2. A SENSUAL SWEET WINE FOR CABRALES, CASHEL BLUE, FOURME D’AMBERT AND ROQUEFORT Corney & Barrow Sauternes 2017, Bordeaux (£14.25, Corney & Barrow, 37.5cl, 13%) Roquefort and Sauternes, the costly, woefully underappreciated and arguably stylistically unsurpassed sweet white wine made in the south-east of Bordeaux, is a heavenly food and wine match since salty cheese is enhanced and balanced by a good measure of sweetness.

This superb, slightly lighter example, was blended by négociant Sichel using superior parcels from two leading châteaux.

Butterscotch, apricot, honey and stone fruit combine with a lingering sweetness on the finish, but with quite enough acidity to keep it refreshing. Bring this out with the cheeseboard featuring any of the cheeses, especially Roquefort, listed above – or have a glass instead of pudding. Just the ticket for duck pâté too. Serve chilled. Don’t forget rich, full-bodied (and even more unfashionable) Bual Madeira with blue cheese. For a New World bargain, pair Roquefort with Australian botrytised semillon, which is a comparable style but normally less expensive. Tesco’s Finest Dessert Semillon is just £6 for 37.5cl. Absurd value for the quality and complexity.

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SAY CHEERS TO BEER AND CHEESE Beer actually enjoys many advantages over wine in cheese pairing. For example, strong

ales such as imperial stouts and vinous, full-bodied, heady ‘barley wines’ (the older the

3. A STYLISH STIMULATING PICNIC WHITE FOR CREAMY & PIQUANT YOUNG GOAT’S CHEESE OR SOFT CRUMBLY ONES LIKE CAERPHILLY & LANCASHIRE Domaine Philippe Raimbault Sancerre ‘Apud Sariacum’ 2019, Loire (£14.99 offer, down from £17.99, until July 28, Waitrose, 13%) Goat’s cheese has a real synergy with sauvignon blanc from the Loire. This is a serious Sancerre, mouthwatering, mineral-clad and tangy with intense cut-grass, nettle, gooseberry, flinty and herbdriven flavours, making it a winning white for local and other goat’s cheese. It’s also brilliant with Feta, smoked salmon, oysters and a seafood platter. Pour and revel in the sunshine.

Striking vim! A racy and bosky Pouilly Fumé from Sancerre’s neighbour on the eastern side of the river Loire would also fit the bill (as would a Belgian farmhouse saisonstyle beer).

Kapow!

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better) are two first-class matches for Stilton, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, aged Gouda and Gruyère.

Barnyardy Belgian-style Gueuze is also a treat with aged Stilton.

4. A SPLASH-OUT ALL-ROUND ORGANIC/’BIO’ WHITE FOR A CHEESEBOARD, LOADED WITH BLOOMY RIND CHEESES LIKE BRIE AND CHEDDAR Mâcon-Villages, Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon 2018, Burgundy (£17.95, Berry Bros & Rudd, 13%) For Brie, the ‘Queen’ of cheeses, I give the lead role to a stellar biodynamic white burgundy from a world-class producer of Meursault and red Volnay, which is characterful and ever-so-classy for the price. Stone fruit, citrus, melon and grapefruit all present and correct across a board of leesy creaminess. Team with a choice cheeseboard featuring Brie and — if you’re not a fan of claret — Cheddar. It’s a real treat with a great imprint on the palate.

Avoid with Camembert though, opting instead for the typically lower-acid rosé wines of Provence, e.g. the limited-edition gastro Mirabeau ‘Etoile’ (£13 offer, down £2, at Sainsbury’s) or Belgian tripel beer. Santé!

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Follow James on Twitter @ QuixoticWine

travel

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

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While clubs have closed and the dancefloors are empty, Ibiza is swinging to some nostalgic beats As package holidays resume to the Balearic party island, Sarah Marshall finds out why holidays post-lockdown could be better than ever before

QUIETER With no clubs, restaurants are now the nightlife of choice

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heering low-flying aircraft as they cruised overhead became a bit of a tradition at clubs along Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza’s longest and liveliest beach. Whoops of joy welcomed a new influx of clubbers and applauded the fact someone somewhere in the venue had probably missed their flight home.

But today, only gulls spread their wings against the deep blue sky. Standing alone on an empty beach, I’m an audience of one.

Spain, including the Balearic Islands, experienced one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, and Ibiza’s famous club scene has been put on hold for this year. Mass gatherings are forbidden, dancing banned, and bars must close by 10pm.

It paints a very different picture of the Ibiza familiar to most.

When I land at the airport, only a scattering of people fills the terminal. Outside, weathered

posters advertise parties that ended months ago.

Foreigners, though, are starting to return.

Borders are open to visitors from the UK, and inclusion in the government’s safe list (meaning no quarantine restrictions in either direction) has given a green light for tourism to the island (though Scots still currently need to isolate), with the first influx of fly ‘n’ flop tourists arriving on TUI flights from Manchester and Gatwick on July 10.

Several weeks ago, the idea of a summer holiday in Europe felt like a fantasy, but leading package holiday operator TUI promise 2020’s summer is back on, with regional departures to increase over the next few weeks. In terms of destinations, by August, Greece and Turkey will be sold alongside their Spanish programme.

Newly refurbished during lockdown, 495-room dual tower resort The Ibiza Twiins is one of the properties hosting TUI guests. Perspex screens on reception and multiple hand sanitiser

STEP BACK IN TIME It is a good chance to explore the island’s rich history

dispensers are designed to keep Covid-19 at bay; in every room, slippers and bathrobes come with a complimentary disposable face mask.

It’s a useful gift and a hint at the new norm.

From July 13, mask wearing became mandatory in all public areas across the Balearics. Beaches, swimming pools and sun loungers are exempt; when sitting down to eat or drink, face coverings can also be removed. Anyone who breaks the rules could be fined E100 (£89).

In the absence of crowds, social distancing is easy, and I never struggle to find ample space in the sun. I’m one of only 90 guests - a fraction of the capped 70% capacity, and Ricardo Munoz, commercial and marketing director of the Sirenis hotel group, admits they probably won’t see big bookings until 2021. “None of us are here to make money this summer,” he laments.

The other surprise is the breakfast buffet, an institution most hoteliers have retired in our new germophobic world. When I enter the restaurant, a member of staff registers my temperature with an electronic zapper; anything above 37.5C and I’ll be whisked into quarantine. Inside, a one-way system weaves past counters of food, although only serving staff can plate items, and even bananas must be picked up with tongs.

Along with sickness, fear of quarantine is one of the big stumbling blocks preventing people from booking holidays in 2020. TUI recently announced details of a new Covid-19 Cover programme, available to every guest until the end of the year, which promises to take care of costs associated with self-isolation abroad. It provides some reassurance during unpredictable times.

Most tourists I meet are simply relieved to be on holiday. It’s unanimously agreed the only peculiarity is how normal it feels to be away.

Like everywhere in 2020, though, Ibiza looks different.

Local guide Pepe Costa, who’s been leading tours for 38 years, says this is the quietest he’s ever seen the island. “But it’s still as beautiful as ever,” he says from beneath a plastic visor, as we explore the breezy, hilltop ramparts of Dalt Vila,

Ibiza’s fortified old town. “Many people think we have only the nightlife, but there’s the history, the culture, the gastronomy; there are many things to do.”

Perhaps it’s a trick of the soft, Mediterranean sunlight, but in the absence of busy ferry traffic, the sea sparkles and shimmers as if laced with sapphire gemstones. In the narrow, cobbled streets, only a few cafes have lifted their awnings, but walking alone through medieval archways allows me to step back in time.

Many agree this is a chance to revel in Ibiza’s past glories – from discovering early Phoenician settlements at Sa Caleta, to celebrating the free-spirited, hippy vibe that’s made Ibiza such an inclusive place.

The disco lights may have temporarily dimmed, but there are still opportunities to party and have fun.

Owned by Duane Lineker (nephew of famous former footballer Gary), O Beach was one of the first venues to relaunch its daytime pool parties at the beginning of July.

Up in the rural hills of San Antonio, where olive groves and almond trees advertise Ibiza’s beauty far more effectively than glitzy billboards, iconic hotel, bar and restaurant Pikes is also having a good summer so far.

‘In the narrow, cobbled streets, only a few cafes have lifted their awnings, but walking alone through medieval archways allows me to instantly step back in time’ Although numbers have been reduced and plugs are pulled at 2am (restaurants have been granted a later licence than bars), the atmosphere in the kitsch country farmhouse is still carefree. A couple play tennis on a court dominated by a giant roller blade, once used as a dancer’s podium, while others laze in the pool with inflatable flamingos.

According to Dawn Hindle, co-owner and creative director at Pikes, now is the time to experience real Ibiza: amazing restaurants, superb, spacious beaches and ‘back to mine’ vibe chilled sessions.

“The healing, feminine energies that everyone and the world needs right now can be discovered in Ibiza,” she enthuses.

“As we have been saying at Pikes for a while, it’s a true ‘rockovery’ moment, and we may ever get this experience or moment again.”

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TUI Blue For Families offers seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at the 4T TUI Blue Aura in Port des Torrents (close to San Antonio), from £537 per person based on two adults and two children sharing. Includes flights from Manchester in October.

TUI Platinum is offering seven nights B&B at the 4T Ibiza Twiins in Playa d’en Bossa, from ¬£513 per person (two sharing). Half board and all-inclusive options are available. Includes flights from Gatwick in October.

More regional departures are also available.

Visit tui.co.uk, visit your local TUI holiday store or download the TUI app.

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Books

The bookcase…

Life in lockdown has given many the chance to fall in love with reading again. Here’s our pick of this week’s top tomes to enjoy…

FICTION

All The Lonely People by Mike Gayle

Published in hardback by Hodder & Stoughton, priced £14.99 (ebook £4.99). Available July 23

8/10

Hubert Bird is old and lonely.

In weekly phone calls to his daughter Rose, who lives in Australia, he paints the picture of a perfect busy retirement, filled with friends and outings, when the reality is anything but.

When Rose announces she is coming to stay, he realises he needs to make some changes.

A young mother moves into the neighbourhood and the pair strike up an unlikely friendship as they start a campaign to tackle loneliness in the area.

This timely and poignant book flits between present day and Hubert’s early life as part of one of the Windrush generation.

Mike Gayle’s writing is beautiful and engaging and All The Lonely People is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It is the kind of book you will want to tell everyone you know to read immediately.

(Review by Megan Baynes)

All Adults Here by Emma Straub

Published in hardback by Michael Joseph, priced ¬£14.99 (ebook ¬£9.49). Available July 16 The challenging journey through adulthood is explored with perceptive wit in Emma Straub’s entertaining new novel.

All Adults Here charts the complicated relationships of the Strick family in the fictional small US town of Clapham.

At its heart is family matriarch Astrid, who witnesses a shocking tragedy that sparks a re-examination of her life.

As she opens up to her adult children - frustrated Elliott, single-mum-to-be Porter and bohemian Nicky – it turns out they also have secrets and hang-ups to spill.

Straub endearingly portrays her central characters as they tangle with a multigenerational crew of friends and relatives. At times the comic tone feels jarring when the novel addresses serious themes, skipping too lightly over a character’s inner complexities. But this book whips along with feelgood momentum, driven by warmth and love. (Review by Tom Pilgrim)

7/10

Pondweed by Lisa Blower

Published in hardback by Myriad Editions, priced £12.99 (ebook £5.58). Available now

7/10

Lisa Blower is a highly-regarded short-story writer, and her new novel tells the story of an unlikely road trip undertaken by two endearing and idiosyncratic people. Pondweed centres on a couple of late 60-somethings, Selwyn and Ginny.

Next-door neighbours in their youth, they once courted and have now got together again – after a fashion-following a 50-year interval. They think they know each others’ distant pasts intimately – but are not so strong on anything since.

But cheated by his business partner out of his pension, Selwyn decides to take the pair of them off on a trip down memory lane in the direction of Wales, armed only with a stolen caravan full of booze and ornamental fish.

The road trip turns out to be a painful, poignant and charming journey through the couple’s past, as a series of impromptu stop-offs start to trigger forgotten memories, unresolved conflicts, and only buried secrets. An unlikely romance between two people who are meant for each other, Pondweed is a delightful read. (Review by Dan Brotzel)

NON-FICTION

Sex Robots & Vegan Meat by Jenny Kleeman Published in hardback by Picador, priced £12.99 (ebook £8.99).

Available now

9/10

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Synthetic wombs, do-it-yourself euthanasia, AI sex robots and meat grown from stem cells: are these the plots of dystopian horror movies or the technologies that will save the future of humankind?

Documentary film-maker and journalist Jenny Kleeman explores birth, death, sex and food, navigating opinions, facts and half-truths. In doing so, she must negotiate with an array of distinctive characters (including evangelistic vegans, competitive scientists, and even AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION) 1. The Mystery Of Three Quarters

by Sophie Hannah, Agatha Christie

incels), all of whom vie for centre stage.

The real treat is Kleeman’s insatiable curiosity, pushing her to ask the difficult questions, even when conversations take an awkward turn (as they so often do). Coupled with her own knee-jerk emotions, assumptions and personal views, her narration ends up being part fact-finding mission, part-storytelling.

Whether she’s right or wrong isn’t really the point; it’s whether you agree, disagree, or are horrified by the promises of this whole new world. A moreish pageturner of a book that will leave you feeling informed. (Review by Nicole Whitton)

2. Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Secret Explorers and the Comet Collision Published in hardback by DK, priced £15.31 (ebook £2.99). Available July 16

Space and the universe are the setting for the first instalment of DK’s new educational series for children, which introduces us to the Secret Explorers, a team of elite mini adventurers.

Each of the eight explorers has a unique expertise and has been brought together from around the world to solve special secret missions.

In Comet Collision – one of two initial books in the series – space whiz Roshni and rain forest expert Ollie are picked to blast off for a mission to Jupiter to fix a broken space probe.

We see Roshni go on a daring spacewalk as the duo work against the clock to complete their mission before a comet strikes.

From facts about Jupiter’s rings and space probes to asteroids and gravity, the story is perfect for little stargazers. (Review by Holly Williams)

3. The World’s Worst Parents by David Walliams 4. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 5. The Descent Of Man by Grayson Perry 6. Becoming by Michelle Obama 7. Mythos by Stephen King 8. Find Them Dead by Peter James 9. Dear NHS by Adam Kay 10. Natives by Akala (Compiled by Audible)

7/10

CODEWORD 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

U

V

A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 5

11

22 25

4 24

2

6

14

U

22

15 1

10

2 5

3

10

U

25

14

U

14

U

5

10

18

8

16

18

2

10

26

26

22

10

4

24

10

18

10

8

24

2

2

22 22

5

15

18

U

25

25

5

U

24 5

16

5

17

7

24

V

24

18 18

4

5

5 4

4

9 2

8

5

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.

9

3

3 8 2 6 2 1

7 4 1 5 4 9 9

3

3

7

Codeword:

2 8 7 5

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

8

2

13

4

16

1 4

10

6 9

2 1

23 14

18

4

5

14 10

4

15

16

19 4

4 18

18

22

24

10

5 24

18

18

7

24 18

24

20

8

10

10 2

10

18

18

2 4

21 14

12

23

5

4 22

18

23

25 24

7

2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★

2

1 2 5

3 7

9

4 1 9 2 9 8 4

6

8 3 7 3 © 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

37

LAST EDITION’S ANSWERS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★✩✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

C A B A R E O O H H I N D U E A B N U N A V Z R F L A B B Y E D I O N Y S E R R U B B I N A I R L A T H E

T H R I O B S J A I L N D E V X I A C A I G S R E A U D

Y P E D L E C U R E M P A B L E N C K E D U MA B Q O Q U AW A E I T O R

7 2 8 6 4 3 1 9 5

6 5 4 1 9 7 2 8 3

4 6 7 2 5 9 3 1 8

3 2 4 5 7 1 8 6 9

7 9 6 8 4 5 2 3 1

2 8 3 7 6 9 4 1 5

Sudoku:

1 4 2 5 8 6 9 3 7

3 9 5 7 1 2 8 6 4

8 7 6 9 3 4 5 2 1

9 3 1 8 2 5 4 7 6

2 8 3 4 7 1 6 5 9

5 1 9 3 6 8 7 4 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

4 1 5 9 3 2 7 8 6

8 3 2 6 5 7 1 9 4

1 7 9 4 2 8 6 5 3

5 6 8 1 9 4 3 2 7

6 5 7 2 1 3 9 4 8

9 4 1 3 8 6 5 7 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

38

Life&Times

Sport

FOR EVENstories MOREto: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukor newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send sports newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

National award for ground-breaking Flyerz disabled group - and a brush with the stars

By Andy Tong HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS have received

England Hockey’s Innovation Award for their work with Flyerz hockey.

Flyerz is the national governing body’s name for players of all ages with learning and physical disabilities. The club was the first in Kent to introduce the programme.

Several of their Flyerz members have gone on to represent England at para hockey tournaments staged by the European Hockey Federation.

And Team GB’s Olympic hockey gold medallists Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh are keen supporters of Wells Flyerz.

Last year the scheme was recognised by Kent Sport, who gave it their Kudos Award - given for projects which are helping people in the county to be more active.

Disabled England Hockey’s citation for the award stated: “The club has used great innovation in order to grow Flyerz hockey throughout the local, regional and national scale – shown through winning the Kent Kudos award last year for community contribution.

“The club has been key in organising regional Flyerz tournaments, linking clubs together and helping others to establish themselves within their own communities.”

“For many disabled people, these opportunities are few and far between. [They] are continually coming up with innovative approaches to engage more clubs across the country.”

It is the first time that the club has been recognised by the governing body - and it came close to winning a second gong.

One of the club’s members, James ‘Binky’ Bailey, was also nominated by England Hockey

OFF TO A FLYER The Wells Flyerz with (second from left) James Bailey and (next to him) Francis Bridgeman for their Spirit of Hockey award.

James has become one of the driving forces behind the Flyerz initiative, having been part of the Tunbridge Wells coaching set-up for more than two decades.

The award went to another Flyerz pioneer, Andy Richardson, won has been involved in establishing a Flyerz section at Cambridge City.

Tunbridge Wells has also been praised this summer for its approach to the coronavirus lockdown after it set up virtual sessions every week for its Flyerz athletes.

The Zoom groups were not only concerned with hockey training but also with wider social interaction through activities such as cooking and gardening.

There was also a new, private Facebook group, and a YouTube Channel was set up to show everything from skills videos specifically to tips for the kitchen.

Francis Bridgeman, the men’s club captain who set up the disability provision, said: “Our focus at TW Flyerz has always been on the ‘what

FOX IN THE BOX Basil Brush sporting his Tunbridge Wells hoodie HELPING HAND James ‘Binky’ Bailey coaches the Flyerz

we can do’ rather than ‘what we cannot do’ for the past few months – with this group of youngsters hit even harder than most of the rest of us by lockdown.

“For our disabled participants, the whole loss of routine and the lockdown situation is even more difficult than for many others of us.

“Most of them don’t really understand why things are like they are at the moment, and it’s really tough for some of them.”

He explained: “Our virtual sessions provide a mix of social interaction, exercise, the opportunity for the youngsters to meet and quiz top sports and media personalities - and most importantly a lot of fun.

“The youngsters have showcased their cooking, gardening and home-help talents aplenty – we have a fiercely competitive sunflower growing competition going on.”

One of the stars who has been backing Wells Flyerz is iconic TV presenter Basil Brush, who came to one of the section’s sessions early on.

He then came back to launch the national Flyerz Week session the club ran, which had over 100 people taking part.

Basil has been made an honorary member of Tunbridge Wells and has received two TWHC hoodies embroidered with his name.

Francis believes that the Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance of sports clubs and the bonding opportunities they offer.

“As a group we have learned a lot more about each other, know each other better and will be closer for it going forward,” he said.

He added: “Winning the England Hockey Innovation Award is great achievement and it is fitting that it is this wonderful group of youngsters who have won it and who should be rightly proud for having done so.

“It just goes to show what a talented group of individuals any club or organisation - whether in any sport or otherwise - is missing out on when it is not truly inclusive.

“This is why we should all be offering an environment that gives the same opportunities to everyone.”

TJs fixtures announced but no restart in sight RUGBY: THE fixtures have been announced for Tonbridge Juddians’ return to National League One but there remain serious doubts that the season will begin on time.

TJs, who gained promotion from National Two South after the last season was called off in March, are scheduled to host Cambridge at The Slade on September 5.

They are then due to travel to Cinderford in Gloucestershire for their first away fixture the following Saturday.

A Tonbridge spokesperson told the Times: “As life and sport continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19 and what it means both now and looking ahead, the RFU have announced the fixture lists for all in the community game from September onwards.

“Although the Premiership rugby is due to return in August, it remains extremely unlikely that National League rugby and below will start in September.”

The senior men’s and women’s squads have started pre-season training under ‘very controlled environments’.

Priority The junior Academy players are also up and running and TJs are planning for a restart of other age group rugby at the beginning of September.

The RFU has issued a six-stage roadmap for restarting of the community game and clubs are currently at the second stage [Stage B].

This allows non-contact training within very

strict guidelines in terms of social distancing, cleanliness and equipment being used.

The club added: “It’s a complicated mix of provisional ifs and buts but as many don’t expect the competitive season to start on September 5, it remains something to consider and plan for as we work through July and August.

“Our main priority continues to be the health and safety of all players and their families, so we know that restarting rugby activity will involve some logistical challenges and adapting to new ways of doing things.

“When planning for how to do this, we are fortunate to be able to call on the additional space available to us through the support of Schools at Somerhill, Hilden Grange and The Judd School.”

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

No cricket festival in town but crowds return for friendlies CRICKET: THE county season begins on August 1 but it comes too late to save this year’s Tunbridge Wells Festival.

The town’s annual cricket week would have taken place at the end of the month, with a trio of one-day games scheduled to be played at the Nevill.

Kent were due to play three 50-over matches in the Royal London Cup, on Sunday July 26 against Hampshire, Wednesday July 29 against Gloucestershire and and Friday July 31 against Durham.

The domestic season has been reconfigured because of the lockdown, with only a shortened red-ball campaign for the Bob Willis Trophy and the T20 Blast being contested.

The longer-format competition will be played over a four-week period, with the Twenty20 due to start on August 27 and stretching into the early autumn.

Currently matches are set to be held behind closed doors to avoid the risk of spreading infection, but two county games will be used as test events ahead of the planned return of crowds to events in October.

Experiment Mass gathering at sports grounds as well as other venues were banned when lockdown measures were introduced in March.

The government announced last week that the first test event would be a friendly match between Surrey and Middlesex at The Oval on Sunday and Monday [July 26-27].

Others include the world snooker championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from July 31 and the Glorious Goodwood horseracing festival on August 1.

County cricket is regarded as an ideal experiment for socially distanced gatherings because crowds are often sparse.

The exception is T20 games, which represent an important source of revenue for counties, if not for the hosts at ‘outgrounds’ such as the Nevill.

The loss of the town’s Cricket Week will not mean that Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club will miss out significantly in financial terms.

The club does not usually make a profit from its fixtures, with the festival being more important for the wider economy of the town.

The chairman of Tunbridge Wells, Mark Williams, told the Times: “Normally we either break even or have small surplus depending on conditions and in some years a loss.

“But we see the bigger picture here and have always been keen to host because of the history and what it brings to the town in terms of focus and coverage.

“We have always highlighted to the borough council how important this is for the town.

Therefore, although this year has been lost, we hope the next will be a success for everyone.”

The recreational game restarted on July 11, though the Kent Cricket League, which Tunbridge Wells take part in, has been cancelled this year.

BEYOND THE BOUNDARY The Nevill will not host any county games this summer

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday July 22 | 2020

Sport

Life&Times

39

Kent start with friendly against champions Essex

By Mark Pennell

BOUNCING BACK FROM LOCKDOWN

CRICKET: SAM BILLINGS is known for his positive attitude and the Kent captain is looking to take some positives out of the three-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But he reflected that some of his colleagues have struggled during the long, enforced break for all professional sport - especially the younger players.

County cricket is due to recommence from August 1 after the lockdown with a red-ball Bob Willis Trophy instead of the full-blown County Championship.

Details of fixtures have yet to be released but it is anticipated that the competition will last for four weeks, with a T20 Blast commencing afterwards.

Unlike many of his county colleagues, the England international Billings was not furloughed during the lockdown.

Instead the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman helped to promote Kent County Cricket Club and held on-line meetings with his players and the coaching team.

He returned to England squad training in June with Kent team-mates Zak Crawley and Joe Denly ahead of the start of a full international summer.

Billings, who was born in Pembury, has been taking his pastoral role at Kent seriously and reflected on the difficulties brought by the pandemic to the lives of professional sportsmen.

He said: “I think our job as senior players has been to support each other throughout this difficult period. There are definitely some guys who have struggled more than others.

“Me, Zak and Joe have been lucky to have the

Sam Billings found sporting sustenance in the total absence of live action by watching the Netflix series The Last Dance.

The 10-part documentary chronicles the NBA career of basketball legend Michael Jordan (pictured) and his Chicago Bulls team during their remarkable period of success in the 1990s.

And Billings would like to share a pint with the basketball legend. “I’d love to pick Michael Jordan’s brain and think he’d be an incredible guy to talk to,” said the Kent captain.

“I’ve been absolutely obsessed with The Last Dance. It’s an amazing series and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“When you consider what he created with the Jordan brand since he gave up basketball, it’s incredible.

“He’d be a very interesting bloke to take down the pub for a pint, that’s for sure.”

CRICKET: KENT will begin their abbreviated season on Monday and Tuesday [July 27-28] with friendly against the current county champions Essex at the St Lawrence ground in Canterbury.

The two-day match will be held behind closed doors with no spectators permitted in line with the ongoing ban on large gatherings during lockdown.

The Kent players are contested intra-squad warm-up matches this week next week in preparation for the four-day Bob Willis Trophy competition, which starts on August 1.

The focus will be on both batsmen and bowlers building up their match fitness ahead of the shortened domestic season, which will also include the T20 Blast.

ON THE FRONT FOOT Sam Billings says motivation has never been an issue for him return to England training to focus on, so motivation for us three has never been an issue.

“The interesting thing for me, after talking to most of the guys online, is that the lads at the beginning of their cricketing careers have struggled with this break much more than the older players have.

“That said, the experience and the years some of our guys have totted-up in a row does eventually take its toll.

“So even for them this prolonged break could actually be a hugely positive thing when it comes to guys re-charging their batteries.”

He added that his lengthy lay-offs due to injury have helped him to cope with the unprecedented experience.

“I missed five months of the year through injury last year and I believe I’ve dealt with this lay-off and the experience of missing cricket far better than I might have through that experience. So in some ways, it’s a normal summer for me.”

Billings’ relentless optimism is reflected in his

PUBLIC NOTICE

LICENSING ACT 2003 An application has been made by: Unit 94 Limited T/A The Cove for the premises 94 High Street, Tunbridge Wells

On the date of: 7 July 2020 Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: A premium shopping experience providing a luxury seasonal floristry service, alongside local, small-batch created goods. Stocking alcohol including but not limited to rum, gin, champagne and whiskey crafted by British distillers and creators. Opening hours are 9am–9pm Monday– Wednesday, 9am-11pm Thursday–Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sunday.

Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the 6th August 2020 Licensing Partnership, PO BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5000.

PHOTO: Max Flego

‘The lads at the beginning of their careers struggled with this break’

aggressive batting style and his ability to focus on the positives has proved a bonus in recent times.

“From my viewpoint, there’s little point in getting frustrated because both situations [last season’s injury and the lockdown] were totally out of my control. I can’t do anything about it, so for me that’s the right mindset to have.

“As a group of players we have to concentrate now on what we need to do to be ready for cricket and focus on the things we can control.

“That has been a huge part of the coping strategy for me and part of the learning curve throughout all this.”

Champions The two sides are expected to bat on one day and bowl the next, and there will be flexibility in terms of the number of players in each team.

Kent’s Director of Cricket, Paul Downton, said: “These two days of red-ball cricket against last year’s county champions is ideal for us as we look to step up preparations for the start of the season.

“We’re expecting to pick a squad of 14 and rotate the bowlers so that they can build on the hard work they have been putting in over the past couple of weeks during individual and team training.”

He added: “It’s a real shame that we cannot allow supporters into ground, but we are all aware of the tremendous support we are continuing to receive from our members and supporters.”

The match will be streamed live online, however, with details to be confirmed.