-
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
ADVERTISING FEATURE
All the news that matters Local, National and International
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Wednesday 16th Dec
ember 2015
LOCAL NEWS 7
Adam Wells
newsdesk@timesoft
unbridgewells.co.uk
A HAUNT for deer
hunters in Norma
n times,
Ashdown Forest is
an ancient area of
tranquil
heathland that sits a
top the highest sandy
ridge in
the heart of the High
Weald.
Nearly a century ago
, it was immortalised
in print
as Winnie the Pooh
s 100 Acre Wood.
Nowadays, the 6,50
0 acre forest is a
place of
conservation, not hu
nting.
On warm summer e
venings, one might
hear the
distinctive, mechani
cal churring of th
e nightjar,
glimpsing its mottl
ed plumage as it h
awks for
insects at dusk.
Or perhaps you mig
ht spy the long tai
l of the
Dartford Warbler, pic
tured right, on the h
eathland.
But such sights an
d sounds could di
sappear
forever if new hous
ing developments ar
e allowed
nearby.
To protect these bir
ds from increases in
visitor
and road traffic, the
forest is a designate
d Special
Protection Area and
Special Area of Con
servation.
Any significant deve
lopments within a 7
km radius
can only be agreed if
strict mitigating me
asures are
taken.
Tunbridge Wells Bo
rough Council (TWB
C) had
previously seen no n
eed to draw up such
measures
given the slight imp
act their planned de
velopment
would have on the ar
ea.
But recent central go
vernment pressure m
eans
Saving famous Winn
ie the Poohs
100 Acre Wood from
the builders
100 ACRE WOOD
A scene from Winnie
the Pooh
NEWS IN BRIEF
Talks to buy church
on Highgate Hill
HAWKHURST Parish
council has agreed t
o
enter into negotiatio
ns to buy the All Sain
ts
church on Highgate
Hill.
As reported by the Tim
es last month, the
council has been cons
idering acquiring the s
ite
with a view to develop
ing a new community
centre there. A feasib
ility study has been
recommended as the
most appropriate nex
t
step, with mortgage a
pplications to follow
soon after. Quotes fro
m Lambert & Foster,
Freeman Forman and S
avills will be sought.
3K grilles price-tag
PADDOCK Wood Tow
n Council has been
quoted 3,100 to ha
ve steel grilles fi tted
across the veranda o
f the Memorial Pavil
ion.
The pavilion door wa
s kicked in by vandal
s
on the weekend of N
ovember 21-22.
Following the incide
nt, the estates
manager visited the
scene with police and
secured the building
. Despite a forensic
team checking the b
uilding, no evidence
was found to identify
the culprits.
Council loses war gran
t
THE Commonwealth
War Graves
Commission has wri
tten to Paddock Wood
Town Council to advis
e it will no longer
paying the authority
an annual grant.
Every year the counc
il receives 120 for
the upkeep of the war
graves in the Old
Churchyard, but afte
r a recent visit the CW
GC
has deemed that no fu
rther work was neede
d
to maintain them.
the councils
target of 6,000 new
homes by 2026 coul
d
treble, and it now say
s
it is very possible th
at
circumstances may
change
in the near future so
that there is a greate
r impact.
Councillors have di
scussed the need to
be able to
deal with new develo
pments as and when
they come
forward in, or, in th
e case of a significa
ntly large
expansion not alrea
dy covered in our
allocations
dpd, close to the 7km
zone.
Roy Galley, chair of
the Conservators of
Ashdown
Forest, told the Tim
es: The board has n
ever taken
an official stance on
this, but as a genera
l principle
we would like devel
opments near the for
est to be as
limited as possible.
The birds are imp
ortant, but theyre
not the
only part. The more
vehicles, the more
emissions
that change the h
abitat. If you get
too much
nitrogen, different p
lants develop, and w
ere keen
to preserve the low
land heath. Theres
very little
left in the UK.
We have a rare and
special landscape a
nd heritage
and it would be a
great shame if bui
lders and
developers were allo
wed to come and dest
roy that.
Wealden District C
ouncil recently p
roposed
increasing the 7km z
one to 15km, a move
TWBC have
opposed as it woul
d have a very signifi
cant effect
on development wit
hin Tunbridge Wells
Borough.
Mr Galley added:
Im a great suppor
ter of the
present governmen
t, but their obses
sion with
housing means that
some of our special g
reen areas
are under threat.
Other than whats
already planned,
we dont
really want any othe
r development here.
46 MOTORS
THE Skoda Superb a
rrives in third gene
ration
guise, looking sharp
and tilting at some
big
names. Andy Enrigh
t reports
TEN SECOND ROUND U
P
Skodas Superb gets
a smart new suit, a
slicker chassis and
better engines. The
weird
twin-opening hatch
is replaced by a mo
re
conventional rear ap
erture but theres st
ill
more space inside th
an in some London
starter
homes and the pric
ing remains sensible
.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Skodas been dipping
into the almost unli
mited
largesse of the Volks
wagen Group to bring
us some mouthwater
ing engine and gearb
ox
combinations with t
his latest Superb. The
re
was a time when Sko
da was just given the
cast-
offs, the engines that
were in the final yea
rs of
production, while Au
di and VW got the sh
iny
new technology. Tha
ts not the case any l
onger,
with the Superb gett
ing petrol engines lik
e the
excellent downsized
124bhp 1.4 and even
a
monster 2.0-litre turb
o with 276bhp, four-
wheel
drive and a dual-clu
tch DSG gearbox. In b
etween
those extremes, petr
ol folk get to choose
between a 148bhp ve
rsion of the 1.4-litre T
SI unit
and a DSG-only 218b
hp 2.0-litre TSI varian
t.
Go diesel and youre l
ooking at 148bhp an
d
187bhp 2.0-litre TDI e
ngines with six-spee
d
manual or DSG boxe
s. Both of these engi
nes
are also available wit
h all-wheel drive opt
ions.
Dealers will also take
orders for a super-fr
ugal
118bhp 1.6-litre Green
Line version emitting
just 96g/km of CO2.
A plug-in hybrid like
the
VW Passat GTE is al
so on the cards. Adap
tive
dampers are an optio
n and the adaptive d
rive
mode can also adjus
t the weighting of the
electrically-assisted s
teering. The torsiona
l
rigidity of the chassi
s increases by 12%, y
et
weight is down by 75
kg for a body-in-whit
e,
due to the strategic u
se of high-tensile ste
els
where required. The
clever MQB chassis,
which
underpins the Volksw
agen Golf and Passa
t, is
used here in its long
est guise to date.
Wednesday 16th Dec
ember 2015
PERFORMANCE
HANDLING
COMFORT
STYLING
VALUE
ECONOMY
INSURANCE
TOTAL
PROFILE
SPACE
BUILD
EQUIPMENT
DEPRECIATION
Source: www.caranddriving.com
OVERALL
SCORE:
85%
Compared to
a Mondeo or a
Mazda6, a Superb
represents a very
different take on
the theme
zone climate control,
a 10-speaker CANTON
sound system and p
iano black decorative
inserts. Thats on top
of Blind spot detectio
n,
Lane assist, Park ass
ist, the KESSY keyles
s
entry and start syste
m, a TV tuner and on
e of
those boot opening s
ystems where you wa
ve
your foot under a sen
sor to open the tailgat
e.
This latter feature se
ems like a good idea
in
theory but weve yet
to come across one th
at
works when caked w
ith road grime.
SUMMARY
The Skoda Superb lo
oks the part, making
it ever easier to conv
ince those whose
car views are at lea
st a decade out of
date that a Skoda d
eserves a place on
your shortlist if you
re in the market fo
r a
medium-ranger. Com
pared to a Mondeo
or a Mazda6, a Supe
rb represents a very
different take on the
theme. The Mazda i
s a
pin-sharp drive, the
Mondeo tries to ble
nd
size and sprightline
ss, but the Superb
makes no real prete
nce at sportiness,
instead offering a re
assuring heft and
vault-like build qua
lity.
Giving Skoda a name
Czech
MARKET AND MODEL
Expect to pay from ar
ound 18,500 if you
want your Superb in
saloon form - or arou
nd
20,000 if you want
to order the car as an
estate. Diesel power
requires a premium
of
around 1,500 over t
he petrol alernative.
As
for trim, well even th
e base Superb S mod
els
get a decent run at t
he equipment list. He
re
youll find alloy whe
els, air conditioning,
LED rear lights, DAB
digital radio and a
touchscreen infotainm
ent system. A Multi-
Collision brake set-u
p triggers automatic
brake intervention u
pon detection of a
collision. The SE mod
els start from just
over 21,000 and ad
d 17-inch Helios alloy
wheels, dual-zone air
conditioning, rear
parking sensors and
cornering front fog
lights. The SEs impr
essive specification
also includes Adaptiv
e Cruise Control
(ACC) and SmartLink
- a system that allow
s
smartphone owners t
o show their phones
display on the cars i
nfotainment screen.
Step up to the SE L E
xecutive models
and youll find that t
hey feature even
more premium equip
ment, including
Bi-Xenon headlights w
ith AFS and LED
daytime running ligh
ts, leather upholster
y
with heated seats an
d Columbus satellite
navigation with 8-inc
h touchscreen. Then
there are 18-inch Zen
ith alloy wheels, an
electrically operated b
oot and Drive mode
selection. The top La
urin & Klement mod
el
gets the options list fu
lly emptied into it, wi
th
18-inch Pegasus anth
racite alloy wheels, tr
i-
zone climate control,
a 10-speaker CANTON
zone climate control,
a 10-speaker CANTON
sound system and p
iano black decorative
inserts. Thats on top
of Blind spot detectio
n,
inserts. Thats on top
of Blind spot detectio
n,
Lane assist, Park ass
ist, the KESSY keyles
s
Lane assist, Park ass
ist, the KESSY keyles
s
entry and start syste
m, a TV tuner and on
e of
entry and start syste
m, a TV tuner and on
e of
entry and start syste
m, a TV tuner and on
e of
those boot opening s
ystems where you wa
ve
those boot opening s
ystems where you wa
ve
your foot under a sen
sor to open the tailgat
e.
your foot under a sen
sor to open the tailgat
e.
This latter feature se
ems like a good idea
in
This latter feature se
ems like a good idea
in
theory but weve yet
to come across one th
at
theory but weve yet
to come across one th
at
works when caked w
ith road grime.
works when caked w
ith road grime.
SUMMARYSUMMARY
The Skoda Superb lo
oks the part, making
The Skoda Superb lo
oks the part, making
it ever easier to conv
ince those whose
it ever easier to conv
ince those whose
car views are at lea
st a decade out of
car views are at lea
st a decade out of
date that a Skoda d
eserves a place on
date that a Skoda d
eserves a place on
your shortlist if you
re in the market fo
r a
your shortlist if you
re in the market fo
r a
medium-ranger. Com
pared to a Mondeo
medium-ranger. Com
pared to a Mondeo
or a Mazda6, a Supe
rb represents a very
or a Mazda6, a Supe
rb represents a very
different take on the
theme. The Mazda i
s a
different take on the
theme. The Mazda i
s a
pin-sharp drive, the
Mondeo tries to ble
nd
pin-sharp drive, the
Mondeo tries to ble
nd
size and sprightline
ss, but the Superb
size and sprightline
ss, but the Superb
makes no real prete
nce at sportiness,
makes no real prete
nce at sportiness,
instead offering a re
assuring heft and
instead offering a re
assuring heft and
vault-like build qua
lity.vault-like
build quality.
Giving Skoda a name
Czech
gets the options list fu
lly emptied into it, wi
th
Your FREE
NewspaperAll the
news that mat
ters
Local,
National and I
nternational
Wednesday, Decemb
er 16, 2015
OF TUNBRIDGE
WELLS
INSIDE
CHARITYCan you h
elp nurses providing
palliative care?
PAGE 5
TOWN CENTRE
Curzon cinema plans
at an
advanced stage
PAGE 2
CONSERVATION
Historic 100 Acre Wo
od under
threat from builder
s
PAGE 7
FATAL CRASH
Tributes to dad who
died
in car accident
PAGE 3
GROUND
CONTROL TO
MAJOR TIM
Page 9
SIR DAVIDS
REEF
ENCOUNTER
Pages 42-43
20-PAGE
PROPERTY
GUIDE INSIDE
Page 21Splendid
Georgian house
with contempora
ry styling
HIGHLANDS HO
USE
WILLOW WENTS
, MEREWORTH
2,850,000
REFURBIS
HED to the highest
standard, this sup
erb double
fronted Georgian p
roperty
boasts generous ac
commodation
and extremely pret
ty gardens.
Highlands House h
as an attached form
er coach
house, suitable for
a large home office
, and
there is also a detac
hed two-bedroom c
ottage.
The property sits i
n a commanding
position within its
grounds and is
conveniently locat
ed, being a short d
rive
from West Malling
train station. It ha
s been
meticulously resto
red and modernise
d by
the current owner
s and is immacula
tely
presented througho
ut. Original feature
s
include multi-pane
led interior doors,
sash
windows with wor
king shutters, deep
skirting
boards, high ceilin
gs with cornice an
d ceiling
roses, and even a
plaque dated 1863
.
Ground floor acco
mmodation includ
es a
sitting room, draw
ing room, study, p
layroom,
dining room, mag
nificent conservat
ory,
contemporary kitch
en/breakfast room
, utility
room and cloakroo
ms. On the first flo
or there
are six bedrooms,
two of which are en
-suite
and one featuring
a dressing room, a
s well as
a family bathroom.
Further stairs lead
s up to
an observatory.
The former coach
house is attached
to the
main house and pr
ovides garaging as
well as
a utility room, gam
es room and office
. There
is also a carport, v
arious store rooms
and a
fully modernised t
wo-bedroom cottag
e.
22 PROPERTY
Wednesday 16th D
ecember 2015
Splendid Georgia
n house
with contempora
ry styling
HIGHLANDS HO
USE
WILLOW WENTS
, MEREWORTH
2,850,000
the highest
erb double
boasts generous ac
commodation
and extremely pret
ty gardens.
Highlands House h
as an attached form
er coach
house, suitable for
a large home office
, and
also a detached tw
o-bedroom cottage
.
d, being a short dri
ve
from West Malling
train station. It ha
s been
meticulously resto
red and modernise
d by
the current owner
s and is immacula
tely
presented througho
ut. Original feature
s
include multi-pane
led interior doors,
sash
windows with wor
king shutters, deep
skirting
boards, high ceilin
gs with cornice an
d ceiling
roses, and even a
plaque dated 1863
.
Ground floor acco
mmodation includ
es a
sitting room, draw
ing room, study, p
layroom,
dining room, mag
nificent conservat
ory,
contemporary kitch
en/breakfast room
, utility
room and cloakroo
ms. On the first flo
or there
are six bedrooms,
two of which are en
-suite
and one featuring
a dressing room, a
s well as
a family bathroom.
Further stairs lead
s up to
an observatory.
The former coach
house is attached
to the
main house and pr
ovides garaging as
well as
a utility room, gam
es room and office
. There
is also a carport, v
arious store rooms
and a
fully modernised t
wo-bedroom cottag
e.
Wednesday 16th December 2015
Heading for the high-life
at Highlands House
Pages 22-23
Boars Head farm
with equestrian centre
Pages 24-25
Beautiful family home
in Langton Green
Page 29
Distinctive bungalow
comes with studio
Page 30SPONSORED BY:
WEST KENTS ULTIMATE PROPER
TY GUIDE FREE EVERY WEDNESD
AY
A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKIN
G TO BUY, LET OR SELL
WIT
H T
HE
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVEN
OAKS
HEALTHY
CHRISTMAS
TREATS
Pages 44-45
Plans to demolish D
airy Crest landmark
for 58 homesPlease p
reserve this part
of our towns histor
y
SIR DAVIDS
ENCOUNTER
Pages 42-43
HEALTHY
CHRISTMAS
TREATS
Pages 44-45
SIR DAVIDS
ENCOUNTER
By Adam Wells
newsdesk@timesoft
unbridgewells.co.uk
PLANS to demolish
a prominent and
important
local landmark and
build 58 homes in
its place
could be approved a
t a planning commi
ttee meet-
ing today, Wednesda
y.
Approval for the pr
oposed developmen
t on the
Dairy Crest depot
site in St Johns w
ould come
despite fierce criticis
m from residents an
d busi-
ness owners, who are
due to voice opposit
ion at the
meeting.
Referring to the fo
rmer Methodist ch
apel the
depot occupies, the
borough councils
2013 site
allocation documen
t included the requir
ement that
any development on
the site shall retain a
nd reuse
potential local herita
ge assets.
But this requirement
was removed last ye
ar, and
the council officer w
ho recommended the
appli-
cation be granted p
lanning permission
cited sub-
stantial public ben
efits and exceptiona
l circum-
stances as justifica
tion for causing si
gnificant
harm to this asset.
Janet Sturgis, chairm
an of the Royal Tun
bridge
Wells Civic Society, s
aid: We want the de
velopers
to preserve that part
icular part of Tunbri
dge
Wells history. It do
esnt mean they
cant build flats arou
nd it.
Turn to page 3
But this requirement
was removed last ye
ar, and
But this requirement
was removed last ye
ar, and
the council officer w
ho recommended the
appli-
cation be granted p
lanning permission
cited sub-
stantial public ben
efits and exceptiona
l circum-
stances as justifica
tion for causing si
gnificant
Janet Sturgis, chairm
an of the Royal Tun
bridge
Wells Civic Society, s
aid: We want the de
velopers
to preserve that part
icular part of Tunbri
dge
Wells history. It do
esnt mean they
cant build flats arou
nd it.
see your regular paper insideWednesda
y 16th December 201
5
LOCAL NEWS 7
Or perhaps you mig
ht spy the long tai
l of the
Dartford Warbler, pic
tured right, on the h
eathland.
But such sights an
d sounds could di
sappear
forever if new hous
ing developments ar
e allowed
To protect these bir
ds from increases in
visitor
and road traffic, the
forest is a designate
d Special
Protection Area and
Special Area of Con
servation.
Any significant deve
lopments within a 7
km radius
can only be agreed if
strict mitigating me
asures are
Tunbridge Wells Bo
rough Council (TWB
C) had
previously seen no n
eed to draw up such
measures
given the slight imp
act their planned de
velopment
But recent central go
vernment pressure m
eans
Saving famous Winn
ie the Poohs
100 Acre Wood from
the builders
NEWS IN BRIEF
Talks to buy church
on Highgate Hill
HAWKHURST Parish
council has agreed t
o
enter into negotiatio
ns to buy the All Sain
ts
church on Highgate
Hill.
As reported by the Tim
es last month, the
council has been cons
idering acquiring the s
ite
with a view to develop
ing a new community
centre there. A feasib
ility study has been
recommended as the
most appropriate nex
t
step, with mortgage a
pplications to follow
soon after. Quotes fro
m Lambert & Foster,
Freeman Forman and S
avills will be sought.
3K grilles price-tag
PADDOCK Wood Tow
n Council has been
quoted 3,100 to ha
ve steel grilles fi tted
across the veranda o
f the Memorial Pavil
ion.
The pavilion door wa
s kicked in by vandal
s
on the weekend of N
ovember 21-22.
Following the incide
nt, the estates
manager visited the
scene with police and
secured the building
. Despite a forensic
team checking the b
uilding, no evidence
was found to identify
the culprits.
Council loses war gran
t
THE Commonwealth
War Graves
Commission has wri
tten to Paddock Wood
Town Council to advis
e it will no longer
paying the authority
an annual grant.
Every year the counc
il receives 120 for
the upkeep of the war
graves in the Old
Churchyard, but afte
r a recent visit the CW
GC
has deemed that no fu
rther work was neede
d
to maintain them.
the councils
target of 6,000 new
homes by 2026 coul
d
treble, and it now say
s
it is very possible th
at
circumstances may
change
in the near future so
that there is a greate
r impact.
Councillors have di
scussed the need to
be able to
deal with new develo
pments as and when
they come
forward in, or, in th
e case of a significa
ntly large
expansion not alrea
dy covered in our
allocations
dpd, close to the 7km
zone.
Roy Galley, chair of
the Conservators of
Ashdown
Forest, told the Tim
es: The board has n
ever taken
an official stance on
this, but as a genera
l principle
we would like devel
opments near the for
est to be as
limited as possible.
limited as possible.
The birds are imp
ortant, but theyre
not the
The birds are imp
ortant, but theyre
not the
only part. The more
vehicles, the more
emissions
only part. The more
vehicles, the more
emissions
that change the h
abitat. If you get
too much
that change the h
abitat. If you get
too much
nitrogen, different p
lants develop, and w
ere keen
nitrogen, different p
lants develop, and w
ere keen
to preserve the low
land heath. Theres
very little
to preserve the low
land heath. Theres
very little
left in the UK.
left in the UK.
We have a rare and
special landscape a
nd heritage
We have a rare and
special landscape a
nd heritage
and it would be a
great shame if bui
lders and
and it would be a
great shame if bui
lders and
developers were allo
wed to come and dest
roy that.
developers were allo
wed to come and dest
roy that.
Wealden District C
ouncil recently p
roposed
Wealden District C
ouncil recently p
roposed
increasing the 7km z
one to 15km, a move
TWBC have
increasing the 7km z
one to 15km, a move
TWBC have
opposed as it woul
d have a very signifi
cant effect
opposed as it woul
d have a very signifi
cant effect
on development wit
hin Tunbridge Wells
Borough.
on development wit
hin Tunbridge Wells
Borough.
Mr Galley added:
Im a great suppor
ter of the
Mr Galley added:
Im a great suppor
ter of the
present governmen
t, but their obses
sion with
present governmen
t, but their obses
sion with
housing means that
some of our special g
reen areas
housing means that
some of our special g
reen areas
are under threat.
are under threat.
Other than whats
already planned,
we dont
Other than whats
already planned,
we dont
really want any othe
r development here.
really want any othe
r development here.
Wednesday 16th Dec
ember 2015
Heading for the hig
h-life
at Highlands House
Pages 22-23
Boars Head farm
with equestrian cen
tre
Pages 24-25
Beautiful family ho
me
in Langton Green
Page 29
Distinctive bungalo
w
comes with studio
Page 30
SPONSORED BY:
WEST KENTS ULT
IMATE PROPERTY G
UIDE FREE EVERY
WEDNESDAY
A MUST READ FOR
THOSE LOOKING
TO BUY, LET OR SE
LL
WIT
H T
HE
OF TUNBRIDGE W
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Wednesday 16th December 2015
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Your FREE
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All the news that matters Local, National and
InternationalWednesday, December 16, 2015
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
INSIDE
CHARITYCan you help nurses providing palliative care?
PAGE 5
TOWN CENTRECurzon cinema plans at an advanced stage
PAGE 2
CONSERVATIONHistoric 100 Acre Wood under threat from
builders
PAGE 7
FATAL CRASHTributes to dad who diedin car accident
PAGE 3
GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TIM
Page 9
SIR DAVIDS REEF
ENCOUNTER Pages 42-43
20-PAGEPROPERTY
GUIDE INSIDEPage 21 Splendid
Georgian house with contemporary styling
HIGHLANDS HOUSE WILLOW WENTS, MEREWORTH
2,850,000
REFURBISHED to the highest
standard, this superb double
fronted Georgian property
boasts generous accommodation
and extremely pretty gardens.
Highlands House has an attached former coach
house, suitable for a large home office, and
there is also a detached two-bedroom cottage.
The property sits in a commanding
position within its grounds and is
conveniently located, being a short drive
from West Malling train station. It has been
meticulously restored and modernised by
the current owners and is immaculately
presented throughout. Original features
include multi-paneled interior doors, sash
windows with working shutters, deep skirting
boards, high ceilings with cornice and ceiling
roses, and even a plaque dated 1863.
Ground floor accommodation includes a
sitting room, drawing room, study, playroom,
dining room, magnificent conservatory,
contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, utility
room and cloakrooms. On the first floor there
are six bedrooms, two of which are en-suite
and one featuring a dressing room, as well as
a family bathroom. Further stairs leads up to
an observatory.The former coach house is attached to the
main house and provides garaging as well as
a utility room, games room and office. There
is also a carport, various store rooms and a
fully modernised two-bedroom cottage.
22 PROPERTY
Wednesday 16th December 2015
Splendid Georgian house with contemporary styling
HIGHLANDS HOUSE WILLOW WENTS, MEREWORTH
2,850,000
the highest
ndard, this superb double
boasts generous accommodation
and extremely pretty gardens.
Highlands House has an attached former coach
house, suitable for a large home office, and
also a detached two-bedroom cottage.
conveniently located, being a short drive
from West Malling train station. It has been
meticulously restored and modernised by
the current owners and is immaculately
presented throughout. Original features
include multi-paneled interior doors, sash
windows with working shutters, deep skirting
boards, high ceilings with cornice and ceiling
roses, and even a plaque dated 1863.
Ground floor accommodation includes a
sitting room, drawing room, study, playroom,
dining room, magnificent conservatory,
contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, utility
room and cloakrooms. On the first floor there
are six bedrooms, two of which are en-suite
and one featuring a dressing room, as well as
a family bathroom. Further stairs leads up to
an observatory.The former coach house is attached to the
main house and provides garaging as well as
a utility room, games room and office. There
is also a carport, various store rooms and a
fully modernised two-bedroom cottage.
Wednesday 16th December 2015
Heading for the high-lifeat Highlands HousePages 22-23Boars Head
farm
with equestrian centrePages 24-25
Beautiful family homein Langton Green
Page 29
Distinctive bungalowcomes with studio
Page 30
SPONSORED BY:
WEST KENTS ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE FREE EVERY WEDNESDAYA MUST
READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL
WIT
H T
HE
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS
HEALTHY CHRISTMAS
TREATS Pages 44-45
Plans to demolish Dairy Crest landmark for 58 homes
Please preserve this part of our towns history
SIR DAVIDS
ENCOUNTER
HEALTHY CHRISTMAS
TREATS Pages 44-45
SIR DAVIDS
ENCOUNTER CHRISTMAS
By Adam Wells [email protected]
PLANS to demolish a prominent and important local landmark and
build 58 homes in its place could be approved at a planning
committee meet-ing today, Wednesday.
Approval for the proposed development on the Dairy Crest depot
site in St Johns would come despite fierce criticism from residents
and busi-ness owners, who are due to voice opposition at the
meeting.
Referring to the former Methodist chapel the depot occupies, the
borough councils 2013 site allocation document included the
requirement that any development on the site shall retain and
reuse
potential local heritage assets. But this requirement was
removed last year, and
the council officer who recommended the appli-cation be granted
planning permission cited sub-stantial public benefits and
exceptional circum-stances as justification for causing significant
harm to this asset.
Janet Sturgis, chairman of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic
Society, said: We want the developers to preserve that particular
part of Tunbridge Wells history. It doesnt mean they cant build
flats around it.
Turn to page 3
But this requirement was removed last year, and But this
requirement was removed last year, and the council officer who
recommended the appli-cation be granted planning permission cited
sub-stantial public benefits and exceptional circum-stances as
justification for causing significant
Janet Sturgis, chairman of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic
Society, said: We want the developers to preserve that particular
part of Tunbridge Wells history. It doesnt mean they cant build
flats around it.
-
email: [email protected]
SEND IN YOUR WEATHER PICTURETO BE FEATURED ON THIS PAGE
Wednesday 16th December 2015
2 NEWS
THIS week, Sally Pavey from the pressure group Commuters Against
Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) makes the case for not expanding
Gatwick Airport.
For readers who may be new to the issue, essentially Gatwick is
back in the frame for expansion because Heathrow is now under
environmental review.
Should the west London airport be deemed unsuitable, Gatwick
will be up for consideration once more.
Mrs Pavey, however, is right in scenting political
shenanigans.
The Conservative Partys London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith
would probably not welcome any furore over Heathrows expansion in
the run up to the polls in May next year.
Airport noise and plans for expansion are as toxic in west
London as they are in west Kent and East Sussex.
It is not as though Prime Minister David Cameron is afraid of
losing the Old Etonians seat of Richmond Park which, ironically, is
right underneath Heathrows landing fl ight path.
Mrs Pavey also accused Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark of
collusion in the issue.
Until 2010 it was a Lib Dem seat and Mr Goldsmiths majority is
23,000 and virtually unassailable.
She writes on page 19: It would seem that, at best, we are being
used in a political game and one Greg Clark is party to, to stop
Zac Goldsmith from triggering a by-election and to appease (current
London mayor) Boris Johnson.
At worst, Gatwicks expensive lobbying has succeeded in spinning
Gatwicks half-truths that Gatwick can ever be anything but a bucket
and spade airport as it is not in London and services only those
communities that surround it.
We have learnt over the years that organisations like CAGNE can
be populated by nimbys and single issue obsessives. But if CAGNE is
not prepared to hold Gatwick and the governments feet to the fi re,
who will?
MP Greg Clark has gone strangely quiet on this issue of late and
it took several days to elicit a statement from him. His offi ce in
London had claimed he was too busy in meetings connected to the fl
oods in Cumbria to spare a few moments of his time to speak to the
Times or issue a statement about his constituencys
number one gripe.To be fair, thus far Mr Clark has played a
shrewd and canny game on Gatwick expansion by supplementing his
own views with those of public consultations, expert input and
constituent surveys.
But his constituents need clarity from him on this latest twist
or the situation may end up fl ying away from him. Those who saw
him as an ally might one day see him siding with a perceived enemy
or, worse, ducking the issue to preserve his cabinet career.
The Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise
(HACAN) has been going for many years and has been run by motivated
individuals just like the ones who are members of CAGNE.
HACAN has been a pain in the neck to the authorities for
decades.
We might not agree with everything that the Gatwick
anti-expansionists say or how they choose to say it.
But lets be thankful we have a protest movement.
Simon Finlay, editor
EDITORS COMMENT
Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative
UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number
5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks,
Kent TN13 2QB.
CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONSHERE at the Times of Tunbridge
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16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU
All bachelors love dogs, and we would love children just as much
if they could be taught to retrieve.
PJ ORourke, American writer
QUOTE UNQUOTE
By Adam [email protected]
TUNBRIDGE Wells looks set to benefit from a cinematic boom after
a spokesman for Curzon confirmed the development of a new cinema to
occupy the Corn Exchange is in an advanced stage.
The news comes despite recent announce-ment of an eight screen
multiplex at the Royal Victoria Place, which had led to local
speculation that Curzon, famed for its art-house styled cinemas,
may pull out.
But a spokesman for Curzon said planning for the three-screen
cinema was still ongo-
ing, although he did admit to delays in the process and
confirmed there was not yet a starting date for construction.
He said: Things have been taking longer than we would like, but
we are at an advanced stage of designing the cinema space now.
Once this work has been completed, we will need to tender the
work and then appoint a contractor before we are able to move in
and start building the cinema.
We dont yet have a confirmed starting date for this,
however.
But refuting any suggestion the company was no longer committed
to expanding into the town, he said: Please be assured that we
are still very committed and excited to open a cinema in
Tunbridge Wells.
Curzon originally sought planning per-mission to develop a
cinema in the Corn Exchange in April.
Development of the site would see it occu-pying most of the
building currently owned by the Marquess of Abergavenny.
The Marquess himself purchased the Corn Exchange in 2012
alongside the adjacent Lower Pantiles, for a figure believed to be
close to 4.5 million, in effect reversing his familys decision to
sell it in 1939.
He has since sought ways of rejuvenating the area following
years of decline in footfall which had culminated in the closure of
the historical tourist attraction, A Day At The Wells, in 2004.
Development of a new cinema is seen as part of a wider process
to reinvigorate the Pantiles alongside other initiatives organised
by retailers and Upper Pantiles landlord Tar-getfollow, such as the
jazz evenings.
Commenting on the planned development in April, Mel Alcock, the
chief operating officer for Curzon said the site would be one of
the largest in of the companys 18 cinemas.
She added: We are delighted to be working with the Pantiles to
bring a new Curzon cin-ema to Tunbridge Wells, an area of culture,
history and natural beauty.
Curzon cinema plans are now at anadvanced stage - despite
rumours
Thursday
14CFriday
12CSaturday
12CSunday
12CMonday
11CTuesday
10C
Wednesday December 16, 2015 Tunbridge Wells
13CVisibility: Good Pollution: Low Humidity: 90%
Sunrise: 07.57am Sunset: 15.52pm Wind: 17mph
It may be mid- December but Leeds Castle still draws in the
crowds. Picture byPatrick Corry
Weather
Cloudy with some early rain likely, drier later
DESIGNArtists impression of the Curzon site
HISTORIC The Corn Exchange
-
LOCAL NEWS 3
Wednesday 16th December 2015
NEWS IN BRIEF
DEDICATED Stephen
Adams
Charlton players tributeto crash victim StephenEleanor
[email protected]
FIRST-team players at Championship football side Charlton
Athletic were to wear black arm-bands last night in memory of a
much-loved father who died in a car accident on Sunday.
A minutes silence will also be observed at each of the clubs
academy fixtures this weekend to honour Stephen Adams, from Paddock
Wood, a dedicated teacher and youth football coach.
The 34-year-old was driving in Seven Mile Lane, near Wrotham
Heath, when the accident occurred at about 6.50am on December
13.
In a statement released yesterday, his family said: Stephen will
be missed forever by his wife Kimberley, his sons Luke and Finley,
his mum Debbie, sister Kayleigh, father-in-law Richard,
mother-in-law Frances and many family and friends who loved him
very much.
Stephen had an amazing passion for football coaching and was
well respected as a teacher. Stephen will remain forever in our
hearts and we will love him always.
The 34-year-old, who joined Charlton in 2012 and coached the
under-11 and under-12 sides, was a teacher of computing at The
Hayesbrook School in Tonbridge.
A spokesman for the boys academy said: The Hayesbrook School is
deeply saddened by the death of Mr Stephen Adams.
Mr Adams lost his life in a tragic accident over the weekend.
Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Stephens family.
Stephen was a dedicated teacher and a fan-tastic professional
who was hugely respected. He cared deeply about students and
computing and his love of sport made him a popular figure at
Hayesbrook.
Charlton academy manager Steve Avory said: We are deeply
saddened by the loss of a much-valued member of our coaching
team.
He joined us in the 2012/13 season as part of the FAs black and
Asian coaches bursary pro-gramme and in that time he became a very
popu-lar member of staff.
He will be greatly missed. Charltons first-team players were due
to wear
the black armbands at last nights match against Bolton Wanderers
at The Valley.
A spokesman said: The club would like to offer their condolences
to Steves family during this very difficult time.
Kent Police are continuing to appeal for infor-mation about the
incident, which happened near the Comp Lane junction.
Two vehicles were involved, a blue Nissan
Navara and Mr Adams silver Ford Fiesta. Anyone who may have
witnessed the collision
or who saw the vehicles before or after the inci-dent is asked
to call 01622 798538 or email [email protected].
Christmas box stolen
Roof cut from crashed carto free trapped pensioner
Times pop-up newsroom
FIREFIGHTERS had to cut the roof from a car to free a pensioner
after a crash in the High Street on Monday.
Emergency crews attended the car park of Christ Church, about
lunchtime.
A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said a car had collided
with two parked vehicles and gates and that crews had used cutting
equipment to release the driver, a man aged about 70.
The drivers injuries are not thought to have been serious.
THE man whose Christmas lights charity box was stolen by two
hoody-wearing cyclists has appealed to the criminals to do the
decent thing and bring the money back.
Money donated by visitors who had admired the illuminations
outside Sean Beltons Hawkenbury Road home was taken on Monday
afternoon, Mr Belton said.
The lights will stay up and any donations can be posted through
the letter box.
IF YOU fancy coffee, cake and a chat with the Times, nows your
chance.
Our pop-up newsroom comes to you from Ismail tea and coffee in
its new home, the food court of Royal Victoria Place, today,
Wednesday.
Whether you have a cause to promote, a story to tell or a
business to advertise, you can speak to a reporter between 9am and
2pm.
DEDICATED Stephen
Adams
Stephen was a dedicated teacher and a fan-tastic professional
who was hugely respected. He cared deeply about students and
computing and his love of sport made him a popular figure
Charlton academy manager Steve Avory said: We are deeply
saddened by the loss of a much-valued member of our coaching
team.
He joined us in the 2012/13 season as part of the FAs black and
Asian coaches bursary pro-gramme and in that time he became a very
popu-
Charltons first-team players were due to wear the black armbands
at last nights match against
A spokesman said: The club would like to offer their condolences
to Steves family during this
Kent Police are continuing to appeal for infor-mation about the
incident, which happened near
Two vehicles were involved, a blue Nissan
Paddock Wood dad of two, 34, killed near Wrotham
Continued from page 1
We lodged an objection on the grounds the plans dont include
retention of what remains of a very interesting chapel built in
about 1890 that helped lift what was then a rather disreputable
part of town.
The need to preserve the chapels facade was raised in two
petitions, and letters sent to Tun-bridge Wells Borough Council in
response to the proposals.
But for some neighbouring residents and busi-nesses, this is not
the most important aspect.
Krissy Scotton, founder of Revive Hairdress-ing in St Johns
Road, said: Its going to be as high as five storeys, when
everything near it is
three storeys. The balconies on the back will overlook peo-
ples gardens and properties, and the residents on Wakefi eld
Road arent happy with that.
Its going to be very overshadowing. Theyre bringing the building
line forward so its not in line with the businesses already there,
and thats going to block us from view and have an impact on our
trade.
Borough councillor Nasir Jamil, who rep-resents St Johns ward,
said: My concern is the implications for traffi c.
If we are putting more houses there, we are increasing the
traffi c fl ow, and with the A21 set to be a single lane, all the
traffi c will go onto the A26 which is already overcrowded.
-
Wednesday 16th December 2015
4 LOCAL NEWS
NEWS IN BRIEF
Puddle Ducks lifesaversraise 1,000 for charityYOUNGSTERS showed
off life-saving skills at pyjama parties to raise nearly 1,000 for
a local childrens charity.
Baby and toddler swimming company Puddle Ducks raised the cash
at classes in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, for East
Sussex-based Chailey Heritage Foundation, which works with children
and young people with complex physical disabilities and health
needs.
As the Times reported last month, Puddle Ducks is looking for a
new pool in order to continue running its sessions in Tunbridge
Wells town centre. Anyone who could help should call 01892
617246.
THE Tunbridge Wells ice rink will be encouraging skaters to don
festive splendour in aid of Save the Children this Friday.
Seasonal sweaters will be welcomed to mark the charitys National
Christmas Jumper Day and the best will win a 70 Cote Restaurant
voucher.
Collection tins will be available. For more information, visit
www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com
ANYONE who wants to buy Christmas presents already wrapped can
do so in Eridge for the next week.
Trophy and gift company Inkerman said customer demand led to it
extending its Christmas shopping event until December 23.
Shoppers will be welcome to Sham Farm, Sham Farm Road, between
9am and 5.30pm.
By Simon [email protected]
A PROMINENT campaigner against the expansion of Gatwick Airport
has called for an environmen-tal audit to be carried out.
Sally Pavey, of the Commuters Against Gatwick Noise Emissions
(CAGNE), was reacting after a decision on Heathrows future was
delayed for six months for a review on environment impact.
Mrs Pavey claimed Gatwick was now part of a political game
designed to keep Heathrow expansion out of the headlines in the
run-up to the London mayor elections next May.
She also says that Greg Clark, the Tunbridge Wells MP, pictured
right, is a party to the deli-cate politics of the issue. Writing
in the Times
Festive charity jumpers
Christmas all wrapped up
Gatwick thrust into political gameover election for Londons
mayor
this week, she said: What is frustrating is that no
environmental audit has been undertaken on Gatwick, as it would be
the same size as Heathrow but with one railway line that cant be
expanded - a new line is ruled out - and the M23 that would be full
before Gatwick is finished.
She added: It would seem that at best we are being used in a
political game and one Greg Clark is party to, to stop Zac
Goldsmith from triggering a by-election and to appease (London
mayor) Boris Johnson.
Gatwick expansion would mean 560,000 aircraft in the air and
almost 100m passengers annually, she claimed.
Mr Clark, who is part of the cabinet sub-commit-tee which
considered Sir Howard Davies report on aviation expansion for the
Airports Commis-sion, declined to make a substantive comment.
But in a statement, he said: The government has a duty to
consider the Davies recommenda-tions meticulously and so has asked
for further assessment of the proposals to be carried out. This is
expected to be concluded by the summer.
As a member of the cabinet sub-committee charged with
considering the Davies report I am required to consider its
recommendations fairly and carefully and so it is obviously not
appropri-ate to pass comment on the options under consid-eration
before a decision is taken.
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said: There is now a clear
choice facing
Britain: growth with Gatwick or inertia at Heathrow with an
illegal scheme that has failed time and time again.
We have always main-tained that this decision is about balancing
the econ-omy and the environment. Expansion at Gatwick would
give the country the economic benefit it needs at a
dramatically
lower environmental cost. We are glad that the government
rec-
ognises that more work on environmental impact needs to be done.
Air quality, for example, is a public health priority and obviously
the legal safeguards around it cannot be wished away.
Even Heathrows most vocal supporters must now realise a third
runway at Heathrow will never take off as the environmental hurdles
are just too high. Momentum is now behind Gatwick as it becomes
ever clearer that it is the obvious solu-tion. We will continue to
work closely with gov-ernment to take forward our plan which is
legal, affordable, and can actually deliver for Britain.See
comment, page 2, letters page 18 and opinion by Sally Pavey, page
19
LOBBYINGCampaigner Sally Pavey and the Labour London mayoral
candidate Sadiq Khan
TWO men who burgled houses in Cranbrook and Brenchley have been
sent to prison.
Craig Gillingham, 25, and 21-year-old Craig Chamberlain pleaded
guilty to a two-month crime spree in 2013, which also included
homes in Sevenoaks, Maidstone and Aylesford.
The pair stole jewellery, watches and elec-tronic devices. In
one burglary, a safe was taken containing watches and jewellery
with an estimated value of 50,000.
Gillingham, formerly of Randall Street, Maidstone, admitted nine
burglaries and two attempted burglaries, at Maidstone Crown Court.
The offences were recorded under one count of conspiracy to commit
burglary and on December 9, he was sentenced to five years in
prison.
Chamberlain, of Quarry Road, Maidstone, confessed to a role in
four burglaries and one attempted burglary. He was convicted under
one count of conspiracy to commit burglary and jailed for three
years and six months.
Detective Constable Andy Julier said: Bur-glary can have a
devastating impact on the victims and the majority of stolen items
in these crimes, many of which had sentimental
value, have sadly never been recovered. The judge took this into
account when he passed what are substantial sentences.
Gillingham and Chamberlain thought they were above the law and
could do as they please, but these convictions send a clear message
to criminals, that we will catch you and ensure you face the full
consequences for your actions.
Jail for pairs two-month burglary spree
CONFESSEDCraig Chamberlain
GUILTY Craig
Gillingham
-
Wednesday 16th December 2015
LOCAL NEWS 5
Eleanor Jones [email protected]
THE mayor of Tunbridge Wells has backed the desperate search to
find a new base to house nurses caring for children with terminal
illnesses.
Until last month, specialist nurses from charity ellenor worked
from office space in Tonbridge, providing palliative care including
chemother-apy in patients homes.
But since the arrangement came to an end, staff have been
forced to work from their cars, in supermarket car parks and on
the side of the road.
Rebecca Scalzo, head of childrens hospice care
at ellenor, said: This
isnt ideal or indeed safe, particularly when its dark and
cold.
We would really love to find a conven-ient base for up to four
peo-ple at a time, with good road links, where nurses can call in
between appointments and write up
their notes and make essential phone calls to all those involved
in the care of our children.
We are really focused on expanding the ser-vices we offer our
families in southwest Kent and having a base will make it so much
easier for us to do that.
The base would also be used by ellenor respite carers, who
provide care in childrens homes, to give parents a break.
Tunbridge Wells mayor Cllr David Elliott has raised more than
16,000 for ellenor, his chosen charity, since he took office in
May.
He said: They need some space, they need somewhere to go.
The work the nurses do is very important indeed and the service
they provide, caring for babies and young children in their own
homes, is unique.
It doesnt need to be elaborate, they just need a space
somewhere.
Mrs Scalzo said the ellenor nurses will work throughout
Christmas, keeping fami-
lies together at this special time of the year.She added: We
would be so grateful to any
local business which felt they could donate some space, it would
make our Christmas and make the beginning of 2016 bright for our
chil-dren and their families.
Having this essential base will make it so much easier for us to
reach the families facing terminal illness that require our
service.
Anyone who could help is asked to call Mrs Scalzo on 01474
320007.
Ellenors palliative care nurses seeks new base Can you help
those working with terminally ill children?
NEWS IN BRIEF
New hygiene scheme for tattoo businessesANYONE hoping to acquire
a tattoo or semi-permanent make-up in Tunbridge Wells will benefi t
from a new ratings scheme.
The initiative, which works in a similar way to food hygiene
ratings, gives scores on the doors. Businesses will be inspected
and scored between one, needs improvement, and four, very good.
They will then be able to display window stickers showing their
ratings.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has written to registered
businesses offering tattooing or semi-permanent make-up,
encouraging them to join the voluntary scheme.
For more information, call the council on 01892 526121.
Forgotten Fields 2016EARLY bird tickets are on sale for the 2016
Forgotten Fields.
Following the success of this years inaugural event, the music
festival is to return to Eridge Park on August 5 to 7. A limited
number of tickets is for sale at 99, with monthly payment
available.
A spokesman said Promising yet another year of sensational
music, wondrous attractions and a plethora of activities for the
whole family, Forgotten Fields will once again stand as the defi
nitive British festival experience.For more www.forgottenfi
elds.co.uk
Cinderella at the librarySTORYTELLING and craft activities will
be on offer in the Tunbridge Wells library today, Wednesday.
Louise Jameson, who is starring in the Assembly Hall pantomime
Cinderella, will host the event, between 4pm and 5pm.
Tickets are free but booking is advised, on 03000 41 31 31 or
email [email protected].
ONLINEAND ONTHE GO
Latest news www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
But since the arrangement came to an end, staff have been
forced to work from their cars, in supermarket car parks and on
the side of the road.
Rebecca Scalzo, head of childrens hospice care
at ellenor, said: This
their notes and make essential phone calls to all those involved
in the care of our children.
We are really focused on expanding the ser-vices we offer our
families in southwest Kent and having a base will make it so much
easier for us to do that.
The base would also be used by ellenor respite carers, who
provide care in childrens homes, to give parents a break.
Tunbridge Wells mayor Cllr David Elliott has raised more than
16,000 for ellenor, his chosen charity, since he took office in
May.
He said: They need some space, they need somewhere to go.
The work the nurses do is very important indeed and the service
they provide, caring for babies and young children in their own
homes, is unique.
It doesnt need to be elaborate, they just need a space
somewhere.
Mrs Scalzo said the ellenor nurses will work throughout
Christmas, keeping fami-
TWO young entrepreneurs have shown off their fledgling
enterprise to business leaders at a networking breakfast.
Rosie Judd and Iola Palmer-Stirling of the Tun-bridge Wells
Girls Grammar Young Enterprise team joined the Royal Spa Chapter of
Busi-ness Networking International last Thursday to introduce Ame
Via, which makes bags. The girls secured a number of orders for
Christ-mas gifts.
Ame Via managing director Rosie said: It was really great to be
able to talk to local busi-ness people. We got lots of tips about
how to make Ame Via a success, which we will be putting into
practice over the coming months. Weve been selling at local
Christmas fairs, but this has given us some new ideas.
Julian Weekes of BNI Royal Spa said: That Rosie and Iola were
willing to get here for our 6am meeting shows real determination.
Their presentation to the BNI members was incred-ibly polished we
were all impressed at how confident they are and their commitment
to growing their business.For more information on Ame Via, visit
www.facebook.com/ikalifestylebags
Young businesswomen show determination
ENTREPRENEURS BNI members Maddy Bishop and Martin Webber, Iola
Palmer-Stirling,Rosie Judd, members Julian Weekes and Amanda
RedmanPicture: parkershots.com
APPEAL Rebecca Scalzo
SUPPORTMayor David Elliott
-
Downton Abbey inspires 12k for charity
Time to make a difference to childrens mental health
Wednesday 16th December 2015
6 CHRISTMAS APPEAL
HOW TO MAKE A
DONATION ALL donations to the Christmas appeal will
automatically
be split between the Times three chosen charities.To give, visit
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
TimesofTunbridgeWellsChristmasAppeal or see the link on our
Facebook page
You can also make a donation by writing a cheque made out to the
Times of Tunbridge Wells and sending it to:
Times of Tunbridge Wells16 Lonsdale GardensTunbridge Wells,
Kent, TN1 1NU
Please mark the envelope: Charity Appeal
THERE is still time to make a donation to our Christmas appeal
that supports the vital work of three local mental health
charities. And each of them really does need your help.
One in ten children has a mental health problem and one in four
people will suffer mental illness over the course of their
lifetime. Here is a reminder of the three charities and the work
they do
THE upper classes graced the stately Bayham Hall in Lamberhurst
this month to take part in a Downtown Abbey themed ball in aid of
the Anthony Nolan charity.
Dukes, Duchesses, veterans of the Great War and even the help
all dug deep to raise over 12,000 for the charity which helps those
with blood cancer.
The inspiration behind the ball was Poppy Bobbetts, 16, who in
January became seriously ill from Aplastic Anae-mia, a form of
cancer which only a suit-able bone marrow transplant can cure.
With no family member eligible, Anthony Nolan managed to match
Poppy with donor Jacques Van Niekerk from the United States, who
spoke of the proce-dure as a guest speaker at the event.
Family friend and organiser Alison Exall said: Poppy is
incredibly brave and still has a long way to go as the next two
years are critical. Her immune system is working on zero - so she
must avoid common winter bugs and flu.
GENEROUS(LR) Poppy
Bobbetts, Alison Exall and Jacques
Van Niekerk
TUNBRIDGE WELLS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE - runs The Hub refuge and
o ers a free counselling service plus a community one to one
support programme.
We need about 25,000 additional funding a year to run The Hub.
today we have around 250 regular attendees there is a growing
underclass with people falling through the net one desperate person
turned up on hands and knees begging for help.Wellbeing o cer Dave
Collins
4 - buys supplies for the literacy and numeracy group
10 pays for a one to one session for a new client
CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY - promotes awareness of mental health issues
within schools, churches and the local community.
If we spend the time, e ort and money now on our young people
and their mental health then the chances of their becoming adults
with decent mental health are hugely increased.Chief executive
Chris Munday
50 - pays for trained professionals to go into local schools and
run a session on mental health
FEGANS o ers specialist services in the areas of family support,
schools work, counselling, training and community activities.
Partly the rise in mental health issues is due to the
internet... it has created new challenges and pressures for
childrenpart of this is down to cyber-bullying and trollingbullying
is no longer con ned to the classroom it can follow a child
home.Chief executive Ian Soars
5 - helps pay for a counselling session for a distressed
child
10 - subsidises a counselling session for an entire family
-
Wednesday 16th December 2015
LOCAL NEWS 7
Adam [email protected]
A HAUNT for deer hunters in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is an
ancient area of tranquil heathland that sits atop the highest sandy
ridge in the heart of the High Weald.
Nearly a century ago, it was immortalised in print as Winnie the
Poohs 100 Acre Wood.
Nowadays, the 6,500 acre forest is a place of conservation, not
hunting.
On warm summer evenings, one might hear the distinctive,
mechanical churring of the nightjar, glimpsing its mottled plumage
as it hawks for insects at dusk.
Or perhaps you might spy the long tail of the Dartford Warbler,
pictured right, on the heathland.
But such sights and sounds could disappear forever if new
housing developments are allowed nearby.
To protect these birds from increases in visitor and road
traffic, the forest is a designated Special Protection Area and
Special Area of Conservation. Any significant developments within a
7km radius can only be agreed if strict mitigating measures are
taken.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) had previously seen no
need to draw up such measures given the slight impact their planned
development would have on the area.
But recent central government pressure means
Saving famous Winnie the Poohs 100 Acre Wood from the
builders
100 ACRE WOODA scene from Winnie the Pooh
NEWS IN BRIEF
Talks to buy churchon Highgate HillHAWKHURST Parish council has
agreed to enter into negotiations to buy the All Saints church on
Highgate Hill.
As reported by the Times last month, the council has been
considering acquiring the site with a view to developing a new
community centre there. A feasibility study has been recommended as
the most appropriate next step, with mortgage applications to
follow soon after. Quotes from Lambert & Foster, Freeman Forman
and Savills will be sought.
3K grilles price-tag PADDOCK Wood Town Council has been quoted
3,100 to have steel grilles fi tted across the veranda of the
Memorial Pavilion.
The pavilion door was kicked in by vandals on the weekend of
November 21-22.
Following the incident, the estates manager visited the scene
with police and secured the building. Despite a forensic team
checking the building, no evidence was found to identify the
culprits.
Council loses war grant THE Commonwealth War Graves Commission
has written to Paddock Wood Town Council to advise it will no
longer paying the authority an annual grant.
Every year the council receives 120 for the upkeep of the war
graves in the Old Churchyard, but after a recent visit the CWGC has
deemed that no further work was needed to maintain them.
the councils target of 6,000 new homes by 2026 could treble, and
it now says it is very possible that circumstances may change in
the near future so that there is a greater impact.
Councillors have discussed the need to be able to deal with new
developments as and when they come forward in, or, in the case of a
significantly large expansion not already covered in our
allocations dpd, close to the 7km zone.
Roy Galley, chair of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, told
the Times: The board has never taken an official stance on this,
but as a general principle we would like developments near the
forest to be as limited as possible.
The birds are important, but theyre not the only part. The more
vehicles, the more emissions that change the habitat. If you get
too much nitrogen, different plants develop, and were keen to
preserve the lowland heath. Theres very little left in the UK.
We have a rare and special landscape and heritage and it would
be a great shame if builders and developers were allowed to come
and destroy that.
Wealden District Council recently proposed increasing the 7km
zone to 15km, a move TWBC have opposed as it would have a very
significant effect on development within Tunbridge Wells
Borough.
Mr Galley added: Im a great supporter of the present government,
but their obsession with housing means that some of our special
green areas are under threat.
Other than whats already planned, we dont really want any other
development here.
Saving famous Winnie the Poohs
treble, and it now says it is very possible that circumstances
may change
-
Adam Hignett [email protected]
NEARLY two years after a long stretch of War-wick Park Road was
effectively turned into a one way-street by the transformation of
the old Brew House traffic is once again flowing both ways.
But what for many residents started off as a slight annoyance
while the One Warwick Park hotel was constructed on the site,
actually became a blessing in disguise.
With traffic forced in just one direction on the stretch of
street running from Rodmell Road to the A267, residents grew used
to the quiet, low congestion and safer atmosphere this brought
about.
Now the Warwick Park Area residents associa-tion is looking into
the practicality of reinstating the one way system on
permanently.
Chairman Tony Pawson said: Some residents
have expressed a desire to keep the current one-way system and
this was discussed at a commit-tee meeting where there were
differing views.
I have had an initial discussion with Kent County Council (KCC)
about the procedure for making a change, and it is clear that the
process would be a long one and require substantial evi-dence of
need and local support if KCC are to be persuaded to make the
change.
Mr Pawson added different parts of the associa-tions area, which
covers some of the streets con-nected to Warwick Park Road, are
affected in dif-ferent ways, meaning consultation was needed.
CongestedHe said: First, we have asked residents to let
committee members know their views on this issue.
Then, if there is sufficient support, we will dis-cuss making a
case for the change to a one-way
system at the next AGM, which is in March 2016.Speaking about
any potential change to make
the road permanently one way, resident Kelly Parker, 34, said: I
think at first some people were annoyed with the road works and it
seemed like it might be hassle with the one way street.
But because of the road works this part of the road is much
quieter and less congested as peo-ple do not use it as a cut
through.
A KCC spokesman said the association had sought advice on the
process, but no concrete measures were underway and warned there
was a strong likelihood the application would fail.
He said: We have to make tough decisions on where to improve
traffic and road safety in local areas. This means we have to say
no more than wed like, especially if the request wont reduce
casualties.
We look at the sites most in need of improve-ment first, which
have got the support of the whole community but we are happy to
consider all requests.
8 LOCAL NEWS
Wednesday 16th December 2015
We wish hotel works turned out to be a one-way street!
NEWS IN BRIEF
Heritage lottery cash set for civic complexDEVELOPMENT of the
civic complex received a boost on last week after Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council received a 4.3million grant from the Heritage
Lottery Fund (HLF).
The money will be put towards further planning of the project
which aims to bring together the museum, art gallery, library and
adult education centre under one service.
Stuart McLeod, head of HLF South East, said: We liked the
councils idea of creating a new centre for culture and learning in
the heart of this historic town.
Transforming two buildings into a flexible community space is a
practical and imaginative way to get more people interested and
involved with their local heritage.
Dozen dialled 999MORE than a dozen people dialled 999 after a
fire broke out at the Colebrook Industrial Estate shortly after
3.30pm on December 9.
Fire crews attending the scene discovered piles of burning
plastic were responsible for the thick black plumes of smoke which
could be seen across the High Brooms.
Police were called to the scene but no roads were closed and
fire crews left the estate at 4pm.
The fire is not being treated as suspicious and was believed to
have been started by nearby steel cutting.
School light setbackPLANS by Skinners School to erect
floodlights oat its Southfields sports ground in order to make the
pitches fit for use received a setback last week.
More than 100 objections from neighbouring households were made
to the plans. The scheme has been on the table for more than three
years.
Residents in the surrounding area claimed the floodlights would
have a severe impact on wildlife and properties surrounding the
fields.
THE finishing touches to the ongoing building work at the One
Warwick Park hotel were completed last week with special guests
invited to commemorate the topping out.
Work began on what was formerly the old
Brew House over two years ago to turn it into a new luxury hotel
and it is expected to throw open its doors to guests next year.
In attendance were members of the King Charles School old boys
association who had
once spent their days in classrooms just off Chapel Place.
Others attending included council leader David Jukes and members
of the Markerstudy Group, which will be operating the new
hotel.
TOPPING OUTAmong those present were Andy Rayfield, Richard Fry,
Harry Collins, David Jukes, Tony Whitehorn, Andrew Sheppard,
Stewart Knight, Frank Standen, Brian Babb, Sarah Freeman, Chantelle
Harman and Louise Clark
THE OLD BOYS Former King Charles School mates (L-R) Frank
Standen Richard Fry Stewart Knight Tony Whitehorn
-
Wednesday 16th December 2015
NATIONAL NEWS 9
Ground control to Major Tim
MISSION Major Tim Peake
pictured yesterday
TIM Peakes youngest son, four-year-old Oliver, found it
difficult to say goodbye to his dad as a crowd of relatives and
well-wishers waved him off to prepare for launch.
Sitting on his grandfathers shoulders, he cried loudly, saying:
I want to go with Daddy.
As Major Peake and his two fellow astronauts set off on a coach
for the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Oliver, pictured below, was consoled
by his mother as he clutched a toy.
The familys countdown to blast-off was documented by a BBC
Horizon special, which had been following them for the past
year.
Major Peake talked of missing his sons during his years of
training, saying: Thats hard at times.
Often when I talk to the boys they are counting down the number
of sleeps to when they will see Daddy again.
His wife, Rebecca, said their two sons will miss their father
desperately but were excited for him.
ONCE in space, Major Peake and the other crew members moved from
the cramped middle section of the Soyuz space capsule into the
slightly more spacious spherical orbital module which attaches to
the space station.
Until about two years ago, it took almost three days for Soyuz
space crew to reach the ISS.
Since 2013, cosmonauts and astronauts have enjoyed faster, more
comfortable trips, thanks to a procedure known as the short
rendezvous.
By using a highly precise insertion of the vehicle into the
correct orbit, coupled with digitally-controlled adjustment burns,
it is now possible to make contact with the space station in six
hours.
But even the short rendezvous requires four orbits of the
Earth.
During the final approach, a docking probe on the end of the
Soyuz inserted into a cone on the ISS. Once capture was confirmed,
the probe retracted, bringing the two vehicles together. A series
of hooks and latches then closed over, securing the capsule in
place.
Once a tight seal was confirmed, the air pressure in the Soyuz
was equalised with that of the ISS and the hatch opened, so the new
arrivals could enter.
The capsule will remain attached to serve as a lifeboat if the
ISS has to be evacuated in the event of a major disaster, such as a
fire or collision with space debris.
The capsule docked at 5.33pm.Tensions rose as there were diffi
culties in manoeuvring the capsule into position. This put the
docking behind its scheduled time of 17.23 GMT.
Peakes son: I want to go with my Daddy
Docking with the International Space Station
excited for him.
Eleanor [email protected]
BRITISH astronaut Tim Peake has joined the International Space
Sta-tion, having spent six years prepar-ing for six months on
board.
It was ground control to Major Tim a reference to the David
Bowie song as the former army officer left earth on a Russian Soyuz
rocket with Russian commander Yuri Malenchenko and US astronaut Tim
Kopra yesterday morning.
The 43-year-old blasted off from a launch pad in Kazakhstan just
after 11am, waved off by his wife Rebecca and sons Thomas and
Oliver, who called Bye Daddy! as the 305-tonne rocket travelled
into space at 1,000mph.
After eight minutes, the space cap-
sule detached and entered prelim-inary orbit. After six hours,
at just after 5.30pm, it caught up with the ISS, which hurtles
through space at 17,500mph.
Open University planetary sci-entist Professor Monica Grady,
observing the launch on behalf of the Royal Institution, said: It
was exciting, surprisingly emotional and it made me feel proud.
You feel it in your bones. What surprised me was how bright it
was.It was just beautiful seeing this white rocket against the blue
sky.Seeing something like this shows we can achieve so much when we
put our minds to it.
Every time theres a successful launch (it) brings the day of
regular space launches closer.
Major Peake, who has spent six years training to become the
first professional British astronaut
employed by the European Space Agency, will work on science
exper-iments and housekeeping during his mission, named Principia
after Isaac Newtons work Principia Mathematica. Much of the
astro-nauts work is to keep everything working on the ISS.
He will also run the London mar-athon on a treadmill on the
station during the event on April 24, 2016.
Major Peake told Neil Armstrong in an interview last week that
he could not wait to get started.
He added: What every astro-naut wants to do is look back on
planet Earth and have that amaz-ing view. But Im also looking
for-ward to the whole experience of living and working in
weightless-ness and for that to become sec-ond nature because of
the length of time Ill be there. Thats going to be an incredible
experience.
-
PRIME Minister David Cameron cannot deliver EU reforms he wants
without treaty changes and will not get them before a referendum,
MPs have warned.
Mr Cameron is in a very difficult situation, according to Sir
Bill Cash, chairman of the cross-party EU scrutiny committee.
No 10 agreed the legally binding, irreversible changes demanded
by Mr Cameron will need treaty changes, but a spokesman said this
does not need to happen before a referendum, which must be held by
2018.
The Prime Minister has been clear that the reforms we are
seeking will need to be legally binding and irreversible, and that
some will require treaty change, Mr Camerons spokesman said.
As the prime minister has said, we must have agreement to such
treaty change before the referendum. Ulti-mately, it is for the
British people to decide whether or not the UK remains in the
European Union.
It is understood the government could seek a binding agreement
with the EU, with treaty change to follow.
Mr Cameron is pushing to stop new arrivals claiming in-work
benefits for four years, among other requests. This is thought to
require treaty change but is being met with resistance from other
EU leaders.
Mr Cameron will continue talks at a summit tomorrow, which
European Council president Donald Tusk says should pave the way for
an agreement in February.
Veteran Eurosceptic Sir Bill Cash said treaty change is not on
offer but it is absolutely essential we get treaty change if we are
to actually achieve the objectives the Prime Minister has set
out.
He added: Voters in the forthcoming referendum must be aware of
this when they make their choice.
The scrutiny committee said changing the relationship between
the eurozone and non-eurozone countries was the most substantial
area being discussed by Mr Cameron and the other EU leaders, and
this absolutely requires the security of treaty amendment to
address it.
The committee said another of Mr Camerons requests, improving
indus-trial competitiveness, was already
being addressed, and his pledge to exempt the UK from
ever-closer union among EU nations was not legally significant.
The report also dismissed Mr Camer-ons claim that his benefit
restrictions would reduce immigration, saying it would not have a
large-scale effect.
The committee criticised the reactive and opaque handling of the
renegoti-ation and warned: Presenting Parlia-ment with a fait
accompli could give rise to legitimate concerns about the
accountability and transparency of both the process itself, and its
outcome.
Polls suggest UK voters are almost equally split on whether or
not to leave the EU.
An ICM poll for the Vote Leave cam-paign found 42 per cent of
2,053 sur-veyed would vote to remain, 41 per cent to leave, and 17
per cent were undecided.
A poll by Survation for the Alliance for Direct Democracy in
Europe, a European political party including Ukip, found 42 per
cent of more than 10,000 asked wanted to leave, 40 per cent wanted
to remain, 18 per cent were undecided.
MPs: EU reform will need treaty changes
NEWS IN BRIEF
Mobile firms attract the most public complaintsCUSTOMER
complaints about telecoms and pay TV suppliers have increased, with
EE and Vodafone retaining their positions as the most
complained-about companies.Ofcom said it was disappointing to see a
rise in the number of complaints between July and September. EE and
Plusnet attracted the highest volumes of landline complaints at 34
and 33 per 100,000 customers respectively, mainly relating to
faults, service, problems with changing supplier and complaints
handling.
Conductors strike voteCONDUCTORS on Southern Rail have voted to
go on strike after a comprehensive breakdown in industrial
relations.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said a ballot returned a
70 per cent majority in favour of walkouts. The union executive
will consider the next move and must give seven days notice of any
strike. The dispute is over issues including staffing and rosters,
which the union claims are causing disruption to services.
Buy-to-let loans increaseTHE number of buy-to-let loans given in
October was the highest since at least the start of 2013, banks and
building societies have reported.
Some 24,800 loans with a collective value of 3.8 billion were
advanced in October, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML)
said.
DIFFICULT SITUATION PM David Cameron
10 NATIONAL NEWS
Wednesday 16th December 2015
-
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If history is any indication, you're looking at the future of
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The new 911. Ever ahead.
For more information call 01732 361222 or visit our Centre.
Scan to witness the 911 in action
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www.porschetonbridge.co.uk
Official fuel economy figures for the 911 Carrera 4S Coupe in
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42.8 (6.8 - 6.6), combined 31.7 - 35.8 (8.9 - 7.9). C02 emissions:
204 - 180 g/km. The mpg and C02 figures quoted are sourced from
official EU-regulated tests, are provided for comparability
purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.
-
Wednesday 16th December 2015
12 NATIONAL NEWS
POLICE are being almost over-whelmed by a staggering increase in
reports of domestic abuse, accord-ing to inspectors.
The number of recorded cases rose by 31 per cent between 2013
and 2015, Her Majestys Inspector-ate of Constabulary (HMIC)
said.
It said this had led to excessive workloads and affected the
qual-ity and speed of investigations in some forces.
The report stated that Kent Police has the lowest charge rate in
Eng-land and Wales, although the num-ber of recorded crimes
increased, and it was rated requires improve-ment for its handling
of domestic abuse. It was recommended that the reason for the low
charge rate was examined.
A separate HMIC report found 31 out of 43 forces must improve
pro-tection of vulnerable people.
HM inspector of constabulary Zoe Billinghams report is a
follow-up to one published by HMIC in March 2014, which highlighted
significant weaknesses in the service police gave domestic abuse
victims.
It notes improvements since then, including a 31 per cent
increase in domestic abuse related crimes recorded by police, from
269,700 in
the year to August 2013, to 353,100 in the year to March
2015.
Explaining why this is an improve-ment, the report says the rise
could partly be owing to better record-ing by police, and forces
actively encouraging victims to come for-ward.
There has also been a determined effort by police to make
domestic abuse a priority, the report adds.
It highlighted problems includ-ing limited evidence of forces
engaging with victims for feedback, mixed attitudes among officers,
sometimes leading to victims losing trust and not being willing to
report subsequent abuse and inconsist-ent awareness of coercive and
con-trolling behaviour.
Louisa Rolfe, of the N