times of tunbridge wells 1st june 2016

All the news that matters Local, National and InternationalWednesday, June 1, 2016

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INSIDE

NEW CIVIC CENTRECouncil plans for 50millionrevamp move a step closer

PAGE 5

CHILDRENS A&E Tunbridge Wells leads the way with new hospital unit

PAGE 7

EDUCATION AWARD Nursery celebrates Outstandingstatus after Ofsted inspection

PAGE 23

BUSINESS RETURN TEDx is back in town foranother sell-out conference

PAGE 8

Adam [email protected]

THE campaign to stay in Europe carried the day at the Great EU debate as both sides went head to head to win over the people of Tunbridge Wells last week.

Andy Bell, Political Editor at ITNs 5 News, mediated as the audience watched repre-sentatives from both sides put their case.

Topics covered the economy, sovereignty and immigration, and a panel of local busi-ness representatives also grilled both sides.

Economist Professor Philip Davis, Andy Bagnall of the CBI and former Conservative MEP Ben Patterson played on the ecomomy to encourage people to remain in the EU.

Professor Davis said Britains economic future was extraordinarily bleak if there was a Brexit, while Mr Bagnall warned of a significant economic shock.

The Brexit Panel, represented by Brendan Chilton of Labour Leave, economist Gerard Lyons and lawyer Anna Firth, emphasised the downsides of immigration and the loss of sovereignty to back their cause.

Mr Lyons told the audience it was ridicu-

lous that we are declining visas from peo-ple outside of Europe in order to favour less well qualified migrants from within the EU.

Mr Chilton, meanwhile, said successive governments had no right to cede sover-eignty to the EU without the consent of the British people.

Ultimately, however, the Remain camp won over the undecided people present, with a post-debate poll showing them extending their lead over their opponents to win the debate.

Remain camp wins the night

A FATHER of three who was refused an insurance pay out because he only lost one leg in a road accident, not both legs, has suffered another setback.

After being denied 120,000 worth of compensation, Hein Pretorius [pictured below] was hanging on to the hope that he would eventually receive compensation because of a total and permanent disability.

He has now been informed that he will not be paid any money and is putting his apartment in Madeira Park, Tunbridge Wells on the market to move into rented accommodation.

The door has been shut by the insurers. They say it is a black and white case and wont pay, said 44-year-old Mr Pretorius.

He told the Times that one of the main factors appeared to be the fact he has made too good a recovery.

INSURERS TURN DOWN FINAL PLEA FOR PAY-OUT TO ACCIDENT VICTIM

See page 4 for more

For the full story see pages 12-14

DECIDING VOTE The audience backs Remain

It was a close run thing but residents vote to stay in Europe

HOW DO YOU

BECOME A BUSINESS AWARD

WINNER?Page 10

MAYOR MAKES A BIT OF A SPLASH ON HIS DEBUT

Page 6

EX-LANDLORDCRITICISES THE

NATIONAL TRUST OVER PUB CLOSURE

Page 11

FLOWER POWER REIGNS AT

ROYAL VICTORIA FASHION SHOW

Page 9


MAYOR MAKES

SPLASH ON HIS DEBUT

FLOWER POWER

ROYAL VICTORIA FASHION SHOW

MAYOR MAKES

SPLASH ON HIS DEBUT

EX-LANDLORDCRITICISES THE


Page 11

BMWi

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE PIONEERING BMW i8. BECOME ELECTRIC. The BMW i8 is a truly revolutionary vehicle - with its innovative construction, ground-breaking use of materials, aerodynamic design and wealth of intelligent BMW EfficientDynamics features, the i8 has everything that you might expect in a sports car and then some.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3: mpg N/A, C02 emiss ions Og/km, nominal power output (electric motor) 75/102 kW/hp at 4,800 rpm; peak power output (electric motor) 125/170 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (combined cycle) 12.9 kWh. Total range: 118 miles (combined cycle). Customer orientated range: up to 100 miles.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i8: Weighted combined cycle: 134.5mpg (2.1 1/100km), C02 emissions 49g/km, power output (engine) 170/231 kW/hp, power output (electric motor) 95/131 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (weighted combined cycle) 11.9 kWh, customer orientated total range up to 373 miles. Maximum electric range value 23 miles, common average electric range value (eDrive only) up to 23 miles. Figures may vary depending on different factors including but not limited to individual driving style, cl imatic conditions, route characteristics and preconditioning. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that requires mains electricity for charging.

/\Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

THE BMW i3. THE ELECTRIC CAR THAT DRIVES LIKE A BMW. Ideal for city driving, the BMW i3 is the perfect combination of style and efficiency. Fitted with eDrive and driven by an emission-free electric motor, the i3 is able to accelerate at an impressive speed and also boasts a high-voltage lithium ion battery.

To find out more about the BMW i range, and to arrange your test drive/\, contact Cooper Tunbridge Wells on 01892 628 120.

Cooper Tunbridge Wells Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE 01892 628 120 www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk

Wednesday 1st June 2016

4 LOCAL NEWS

UNFEST, TEDx and the Mayor Making these events are what Tunbridge Wells is about.

Perceived by many as a bastion of middle-class propriety, the town is far more dynamic and a lot less disgusted than it is given credit for by the outside media.

But those of us who have made a job out of documenting what goes on in the town see it for what it really is a thriving, self-confi dent place which is not afraid to mix tradition and innovation.

On the one hand, there is the Mayor Making an event steeped in tradition, with all the ermine and regalia one would expect from such an occasion.

Traditions are important, they root a place in its past and offer a sense of continuity many fi nd comforting.

In the case of the Mayor Making these traditions serve to highlight the self sacrifi ces made by those who have dedicated a large part

of their lives to public service on behalf of their community.

On the other hand we have Unfest a free music event which has been running for two decades and sees establishments from across the town showcasing some of the musical talent which this town seems to have in abundance.

This, too, came about more for the love of music than commercial gain. Certainly it helps draw people to the venues, but the event itself takes months of organisation and is mostly run by volunteers.

No sooner is it over than plans for next year are afoot.

Then there is TEDx coming up over the weekend, another event run also completely run by volunteers.

This non-business conference will see 17 people from both Tunbridge Wells and around the world give inspiring talks aimed at broadening the horizons of those who come to hear them speak.

A MIX OF THE OLD AND THE NEW IS WHAT MAKES TUNBRIDGE WELLS SUCH A UNIQUE TOWN

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LAZING IN THE DAISIESSummers arrived in Calverley Grounds!Bea Hopkirk

Combine these with events such as Jazz on The Pantiles, a large creative community, thriving theatres, successful sports teams and a well-connected business community and you get a town that is respectful of its past, but not beholden to it.

THE people have spoken, well at least those who attended the great EU debate have, and what they said will not be encouraging for any devoted Brexiteers.

Despite some very compelling arguments from both sides, it appears the Remain camp had the edge on Wednesday night (May 25), extending the narrow lead they had before the debate to a larger one after.

However, with three weeks to go there is still all to play for and plenty of time for people to change their minds.

Adam Hignett, Senior Journalist

CONTACTS

There were a couple of qualifying clauses such as being able to walk 200m [656ft] unaided or being able to carry one kilo fi ve metres [16ft], both of which I can do.

This means in their eyes I have not been too badly affected by it all and so my case is dead in the water.

After being struck by an oncoming vehicle during his motorcycle commute to work in August, Mr Pretorius suffered two broken legs below the knee, a broken femur and broken pelvis.

Despite having paid two insurers almost 25,000 since taking out his fi rst policy in 1998, both Legal & General and Bright Grey, which has recently rebranded as Royal London, said the incident was not critical enough to warrant a pay out.

They argued he needed to lose two or more limbs to qualify.

Despite this, Mr Pretorius had been hopeful that since both of their policies had ambiguously stated loss of limbs that they might have been persuaded to release the money. The liability does not fall under a motor insurer.

His argument was bolstered by the fact that both insurers had changed their policies to include the loss of just one limb since he fi rst signed up.

However, it appears his options have run out, and previous fears that he may be forced to sell his home are well grounded.

A former regional operations manager at Hush Heath Hospitality in Goudhurst, he had been on a salary of 50,000 a year.

Because of the accident he was unable to work until this month, doing general managerial duties part-time at the Beacon in Langton Green.

I started working three days a week but have moved on to four. I need to earn money. We were thinking of moving home but have had to considerably bring forward our plans.

We cannot afford to stay put and will move into rental accommodation. We need the money and currently do not have much of a cash fl ow and I cannot afford to retrain in a job better paid at the moment.

Mr Pretorius said he had originally planned to move out of his top fl oor fl at and buy somewhere bigger and more suitable for his wife Ellen and children, 11-year-old Louis and seven-year-old twins Mabel and Theo.

Mr Pretorius said he was not going to dwell on the ordeal.

I cannot ponder about the situation. We have done as much as we can but they [the insurers] are under no legal obligation to pay out.

I am gradually getting stronger and trying to get back to normality.

I recently got a new, better-fi tting prosthetic and when I told my son Theo I was getting a new leg he thought I meant a real one.

It was quite funny but also made me a bit sad. But I wont let it eat me up and I am going to buy a lottery ticket.

Royal London insurance respondsA spokesman for Royal London (formerly Bright Grey) said: Mr Pretoriuss claim was declined as he did not meet the defi nition on his critical illness policy.

Legal & General had not responded at the time of going to print.

Continued from page 1

INJURED FATHER IS FORCED TO SELL HOME AFTER INSURANCE REFUSAL

I wont let it eat me up and I am going to buy a lottery ticket

WE CAN DO NO MORE

Accident victim Hein

Pretorius

BBC ONEs Antiques Roadshow is heading for our part of the world in a couple of weeks and they are keen for you to turn up with your treasured objects and

priceless stories.The much-loved Sunday

teatime show, which is hosted by Fiona Bruce

and has been on television for nearly 40 years, will be fi lming on location at Ightham Mote from 9.30am until 4.30pm on June 16.

Although you dont have to book tickets in advance,

if you want to have your antiques and car boot fi nds valued youre advised to get there nice and early as Antiques Roadshow audiences have been known to start queuing days beforehand in order to meet the shows team of revered experts.

I am constantly taken aback by the amount of time people queue for and the variety of items they bring, reveals Fiona Bruce in our exclusive interview ahead of the show coming to Ightham.

And she is sometimes surprised at how they bring them, too: One couple turned up with a painting in a rowing boat, which is why we put that sequence in our opening titles for the show. I very much enjoy meeting the people who come along and talking to them about their objects and their stories.

To read more of Fionas interview, and to fi nd out how you can be part of Antiques Roadshow on June 16, turn to pages 84 and 85.

Antiques Roadshow is comingA DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Fiona Bruce

is hosting Antiques

Roadshow at Ightham Mote

on June 16

BBC ONERoadshow is heading for our part of the world in a couple of weeks and they are keen for you to turn up with your treasured objects and

priceless stories.The much-loved Sunday

teatime show, which is hosted by Fiona Bruce

and has been on television for nearly 40 years, will be fi lming on location at Ightham Mote from 9.30am until 4.30pm on June 16.

Although you dont have to book tickets in advance,

Antiques Roadshow is comingA DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Fiona Bruce

is hosting Antiques

Roadshow at Ightham Mote

on June 16

LOCAL NEWS 5


Actor who worked alongside big name stars is jailed for robbery

By Adam [email protected]

A NEW civic centre in Tunbridge Wells came a step closer with the announcement yesterday [Tuesday] that a planning application could be submitted by November.

The 12million scheme will see 50,000 sq ft of office space developed on the site of Mount Pleasant Avenue car park, which is currently leased by AXA, and is part of the councils five-year plan to become a self-financing authority.

The civic centre would free up the existing Town Hall building for possible use as a university campus. There are also plans to relocate the Assembly Hall Theatre to the Great Hall car park site, bringing the total cost to 50million.

With cutbacks to central government funding this council has to be in a position where we are self-sufficient. This either means we increase car park charges which I dont think many people will be pleased about or we utilise our real estate, explained Council Leader David Jukes.

Plans to refurbish and upgrade the current Town Hall would cost around 10million, which the council does not believe to be cost-effective.

However, the new complex will eventually pay for itself, as the council believes it can let out approximately 30,000 sq ft of the planned office space for around 750,000 a year. The council may also dig a new underground car park beneath the planned theatre providing income from 300 spaces.

Recent progress has seen the development reach the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) project stage two, defined as the concept design level.

RIBA recommends any planning application be submitted by the end of stage three, Developed Design, which the council expects to reach by November.

Cllr Jukes said the project was likely to be largely funded through borrowing off the governments Public Works Loan Board at what he described as very favourable interest rates.

He added: We will be paying it back over a very long period of time, but all we have to do is keep on top of the interest.

We can do this either by selling off some of our other properties or re-letting them, but as the value of the new complex increases it will also be adding to the value of our balance sheet.

In the end we will be a very financially healthy organisation.

Cllr Jukes also moved to quell fears over the fate of the current Town Hall, saying he guaranteed it would not be pulled down, although he did not rule out some practical modifications to the large town centre complex.

In addition he reiterated his desire to see it turned into a viable university campus, saying conversations on the subject were ongoing, adding: This would be the ideal situation if it had a good commercial outcome as it would meet the aspirations of Tunbridge Wells.

The towns dramatic changes draw closer

NEWS IN BRIEF

Last-ditch attempt to save towns only bank A COUNCILLOR campaigning against the proposed closure of Lloyds Bank in Southborough is meeting the branchs director this morning.

Cllr Zulhash Uddin will be talking to Paul Meredith and warning the town will become a banking desert if proposals to close by July 28 go ahead. He will also say the bank can expect a rebound in footfall once the new hub project is fully developed. Cllr Uddin has stepped up his campaign online by launching a petition on change.org.

Social mobility initiative A SELECT Committee of nine cross-party county council members is putting forward 16 recommendations to help improve social mobility by ensuring access for children from all fi nancial backgrounds to grammar schools in Kent. The report comes after interviews with headteachers of both grammar and primary schools, parents, children in care and their foster carers, plus education experts.

Chilstone wins a prize STAFF at the Langton Green-based Chilstone stonework company are celebrating after the exhibit in which they were involved at the Chelsea Flower Show won a top award. BBC viewers and visitors voted their Meningitis Now garden the Peoples Choice. The eye-catching stone temple centrepiece was donated by Chilstone.

Gun licence backlog KENT Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott has released 39,000 of funding to speed up the backlog of fi rearms licences to be issued. Kent has approximately 27,000 fi rearms owners, including landowners, farmers and members of gun clubs. The backlog currently stands at nine months.

Volunteers needed THE Tunbridge Wells Churches Street Teams group are looking for volunteers to help serve soup and sandwiches to hungry people three nights a week. They can also provide sleeping bags, blankets and clothes to homeless and needy people. For more information visit: www.twstreetteams.org.uk

Back in chains THE former Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Elliott, has been elected Town Mayor of Southborough. He stepped down last month after his year in offi ce as one mayor only to take on the role of another.

AN ACTOR from Tunbridge Wells who had a role alongside Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep in the 2015 fi lm Suffragette, playing a policeman, has been jailed after a truly frightening robbery.

David Pentek tied up a terrifi ed 14-year-old boy and burgled his house.

Pentek, who is also known as Dodge and served in the army, was jailed for eight years after smashing a window and entering a house in Peasmarsh, East Sussex, while the teenager was home alone.

The 41-year-old was wearing a black hoodie that partially covered his face when he entered the youngsters bedroom.

He ordered the boy, who later needed therapy, not to move while he stole jewellery, mens aftershave and personal effects.

Pentek is well known in Tunbridge Wells, having lived in the town for eight years before moving to St Leonards-on-Sea six months ago. He has two children by two different partners, all of whom still live in Tunbridge Wells.

Detective Constable Dominic Brown said: This incident was a truly frightening experience for the boy involved, who was left badly shaken but otherwise unhurt.

Were pleased that the man responsible has been brought to justice and given a lengthy sentence for his crime.

Pentek, whose other roles include parts in The Northern Paradigm, Top Dog and a Vicks advert, pleaded guilty to robbery at Lewes Crown Court. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 170.

civic centre in Tunbridge Wells came a step closer with the announcement yesterday RIBA recommends any planning application be

David Pentek

Helena Bonham Carter

In the end we will be a very fi nancially healthy organisation

BIG PLANA vision of the same

view in the future

CURRENT VIEWLooking towards Calverley Grounds

6 LOCAL NEWS


Mayor makes a splash on his debutDavid Neve unveils 1.7million sports centre facelift during his first engagement as Mayor


MAYOR David Neve was quick to dive into his new role when he unveiled the revamped Tun-bridge Wells Sports Centre on Friday.

The reopening came after the centre had undergone a 1.7million facelift by leisure charity Fusion Lifestyle, which runs the facility alongside the Borough Council.

A new, 70-plus station gym, a dedicated vir-tual indoor cycle studio, basketball courts, indoor tennis courts, three refurbished pools and a new health suite, caf and softplay area were among the improvements.

Speaking at the event, the new Mayor recalled that the likes of Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade and former England rugby cap-tain Martin Corry had attended the nearby Tun-bridge Wells Grammar Schools.

He added: I hope soon that Tunbridge Wells will have such greats, and with facilities like this I believe there is at least a sporting chance.

It was his first engagement but not his first pun in office, since he took up the mayoralty from Cllr David Elliott at a mayor-making cere-mony two days prior.

The ceremony gave those gathered a taste of what to expect from the Liberal Democrat Mayor Neve, who promised a year of puns and groanable jokes.

As if to emphasise the point, he said his new

catchphrase while in office would be: I shall be brief and some say for a mayor, thats a relief.

He also promised to make it a fun year and jokingly told councillors he would be keeping an eye on their leader David Jukes in order to keep him under control.

Outgoing Mayor Councillor David Elliott congratulated Councillor Neve on his appointment and concluded his term of office by presenting a cheque for 26,000 to his chosen char-ity ellenor.

For his part, Mayor Neve said he would be championing the charity Beat, which is the largest charity in the UK dedicated to helping those with eating disorders.

Drawing on his own

experience as Deputy Mayor during the previous year, he said: To witness how we affect people and charities has to be experienced to fully under-stand what it means to have the Mayor and Mayoress attend a function.

It raises their profile and they feel their efforts have been recognised. We think people should take on board how this role promotes the borough.

It is a priceless thing, despite what some people may think.

Councillor Julia Soyke, Conservative member for Speld-

hurst & Bidborough, was elected Deputy Mayor at the meet-ing, while wife Jill

Neve will take on the role

of Mayor-ess.

He promised a year of puns and groanable jokes

ON YOUR MARKSMayor David Neve

with Fusions Jason Reeves and

two potential stars of the future

STAFF PARTYMayor Neve has promised a fun year


KENTS first specialist childrens A&E unit was opened last week at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, dedicated solely to providing emergency care to patients under the age of 16.

The pioneering centre is situat-ed near to the hospitals main A&E department in Pembury and has seven bays, a waiting room and a breastfeeding room.

A&E Matron Stella Davey said: We hope this new facility will enhance and improve the services we current-ly provide for our younger patients and their families, and allow us to ensure they receive the best possible care in the most efficient way.

To help run the unit 24/7, we have additional paediatric-trained nurses, nursery nurses and consultant pae-diatricians.

The Tunbridge Wells Hospital League of Friends, local charity Emilias Little Heart and local com-pany Neubies donated wall stick-ers, chairs and storage to the unit, to help make the environment more child-friendly.

Staff in the A&E department are currently undertaking a number of

charity events to raise money for more distraction equipment and toys.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trusts Chief Executive, Glenn Douglas, said: I am very pleased that we have opened a dedicated A&E for children.

Its a much nicer environment for our younger patients to be treated in and will mean that we can provide the best possible service in the most efficient way. I would like to thank the staff that have worked tirelessly to get the unit up and running.

Last year, 14.1 per cent of all people seen at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trusts A&E departments were under the age of 16.

Countys first A&E for children opened

RESIDENTS of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are increasingly at risk of having their 999 emergency call unanswered as ambulance services across the nation are overwhelmed by surging demand.

Almost 1,000 people in the area covered by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) which includes the whole of Kent and Sussex had their calls unanswered during March, NHS fi gures revealed.

The number of people abandoning their call before it is answered in order to get out of an automated queue and try again had increased by 358 per cent between April 2015 and March this year.

A total of 984 people had their calls unanswered during March, up from 215 last April. Abandoned calls are defi ned by NHS England as those abandoned after ringing for at least fi ve seconds.

The increase in the number of abandoned calls comes as ambulance services and NHS trusts come under unprecedented pressure due to surging demand. A total of 63,546 emergency calls were made for an ambulance in March in the Secamb area, up from 48,795 in April 2015. Chief Executive of Secamb, Paul Sutton, resigned after the service was criticised for its handling of 111 calls. See also page 16

No reply to ambulance999 calls

Tunbridge Wells leads the way with specialist unit

LOCAL NEWS 7

NEWS IN BRIEF

Michelin star caterer to expand businessHATTONS of Royal Tunbridge Wells will be opening a new Lifestyle and Deli store in The Pantiles this month.

The catering company has been run by Michelin star-winning chef and director Daniel Hatton, who has worked in some of Kent and Londons best restaurants.

Mr Hatton has worked under Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay. His Thackerays team were awarded a Michelin star in 2012.

Shop quits The Pantiles A POTTERY shop which has closed in Tunbridge Wells after three years has left a parting shot about the decline of The Pantiles.

The owners of Polkadot Lane have returned to their shop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, which has been refurbished after suffering fl ood damage last Christmas.

A poster they stuck up in the shop window said Tunbridge Wells and The Pantiles have lost their way, while their heritage has been forgotten and neglected.

A point well made A TUNBRIDGE WELLS teacher has posted an examination answer by one of his pupils online because of its pointed criticism of Standard Assessment Tests.

Having been asked to write a sentence using the word point as a noun, the Year Six pupil answered: I dont see the point in Sats.

The riposte was published on Facebook by Damith Bandara with the comment: An intelligent response I thought.

This facility will enhance and improve services

DEDICATION Staff at the newchildrens A&E


ONE of the worlds most renowned creative con-ferences will be making its way to Tunbridge Wells for the second time following its sell-out success last year.

TEDx Tunbridge Wells aims to show the hidden side of the community, with over 150 people mak-ing submissions to speak at the event, which has risen in popularity across the globe.

On Saturday, nearly 300 people will gather at Trinity Theatre to hear 17 speakers talk on topics as diverse as being a war hero to film scores and the plight of refugees.

The objective of the event is to inspire people and help them to view the world in a different way.

But it is also a way to showcase and celebrate some of the creative talent that can be found in abundance in Tunbridge Wells and help project a positive image of the town.

People still think of disgusted of Tunbridge Wells but we are not like that any more, said Nick Adams, who chairs the organisation commit-tee for TEDx in the town.

We want to show people that Tunbridge Wells is not disgusted, far from it.

Mr Adams works closely with Dan Foreman, who had secured a licence to run a TEDx event in the town from the main franchise.

TED, which grants the licences, stands for Tech-nology, Entertainment, Design. It was founded under the slogan, Ideas Worth Spreading, and has been running for 32 years.

With an emphasis on creativity and technology, the organisation has strong links with Silicon Val-ley and people pay thousands of pounds to attend their major events.

Speakers have included Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Gordon Brown, Richard Dawkins, Bill Gates, Bono, the founders of Google and several Nobel Prize winners.

However, the TEDx franchise model allows any-where which fulfils the right criteria to host their own events under the brand.

Licences are free but the organisations must always be non-profit and are staffed and organ-ised entirely by volunteers.

The purpose of these events is to encourage people to think a little differently, Mr Adams says.

Hopefully people come away after listening to

the speakers feeling a little more inspired, a bit more professional at what they do and a more informed person.

The speakers at TEDx Tunbridge Wells are drawn from all over the world, with one individual mak-ing the journey from New Zeeland just to attend the event.

However, around half are local, with the young-est speaker being just ten years old. The speeches from last years event have been viewed on You-Tube more than 25,000 times.

Mr Adams, who currently works at Yoyo Design, said he was drawn to supporting TEDx Tunbridge Wells due to his own background in the creative industries.

Before I came to Tunbridge Wells I worked in London, Leeds and abroad. TED has been a big influence on the industry.

There was one job where each Friday morning we would watch a TED conference video.

Tunbridge Wells will benefit, too, as it has one of the highest concentrations of creative indus-tries per head in the country.

We want to bring the world to Tunbridge Wells but also to show the wider world what Tunbridge Wells is all about.

Over 150 people made submissions to speak at the event, which has risen in popularity across the globe

8 LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS


KEY SPEAKERSWorld renowned TEDx is back to inspire the town

A SELL-OUTTunbridge Wells TEDx 2015

BRIGHT IDEAOrganisers Dan Foreman

(L) and Nick Adams (R)

Danny KrugerChairman of Only Connect, Londons creative criminal justice charity.

Graham Hadfi eldA Tunbridge Wells-based composer for fi lm and television.

Natalie SissonBestselling author of the Suitcase Entrepreneur.

Amanda DickerFounder and Concept Director at the multi-award winning The Chapel hair salons.

Dr Christine BaileyMarketing Director, EMEA & Russia at Cisco Systems.

Hanna SorrellFounder of the Wells Angels Womens Institute

Caner VeliFounder of award-winning product Liquiproof and winner of Dragons Den investment.

Emily RajTunbridge Wells Year 12 student studying the International Baccalaureate Careers Programme.

Edward ForemanDoes what all ten-year-old boys do - plays games, sports, gets up to mischief.

Nick HammondA Creativity Trainer, innovator and founder of The Creative Filter.

Diane YoungCo-founder and MD of The Drum, a magazine specializing in the marketing and media sector.

RingpullmanMysterious caped crusader who was seen gliding around the streets of town on an electric unicycle.

Glenn SmithHas spent the last 20 years creating campaigns for some of the worlds best known brands.

Simon HarmerA war hero and double amputee, Simon Harmer lost both legs on October 26, 2009 in Afghanistan.

Rafael dos SantosRecently featured in the Sunday Times as one of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs in the UK

Jaz OHaraQuit her job to work full time in a humanitarian capacity after a visit to the Calais Jungle.

Funke AbimbolaCurrently the most senior black lawyer working within the UK.

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 9


Flower power was all the fashion at summer show

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Greg Clark praises local marketsTUNBRIDGE Wells MP Greg Clark has hailed as a success this years Love Your Local Market fortnight, which comes to an end this week.

Mr Clark highlighted the example of entrepreneurs such as Michael Marks or Alan Sugar to illustrate what people can achieve from setting up a stall whilst on a visit to the Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market.

He added: I would urge councils across the country to continue supporting the endeavours of these budding business owners, and communities to love their local markets so they can keep trading.

Four decades at fi rmTWO leading partners at Britains oldest law fi rm are celebrating 40 years at the practice.

Eddie Fardell, who heads the court of protection team, and Gilbert Green, a partner in the commercial property team, both joined Thomson Snell & Passmore in 1976.

James Partridge, Senior Partner, said the fi rm was extremely grateful for their dedicated service.

New MD at SELEPTHE South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has appointed Adam Bryan as Managing Director.

Mr Bryan, who has previously worked for Essex County Council, will be overseeing the economic development of Kent, East Sussex, Essex, Medway, Southend and Thurrock and their 344,000 businesses.

ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE was dressed to thrill for three days last week when it played host to the fashion show Style Your Summer from May 26-28.

The 21 live catwalk events were based on three themes The Garden Party, Festival Fever and Summer Prints with summer brights, floral prints and 90s retro cool.

RVP Marketing Manager Marc Bur-chett said: Shoppers were definitely taking full advantage of the events and also the offers, with many retail-ers reporting items were selling out.

Shoppers were given free expert advice on buying new accessories at Must-Have Demos with fashion style blogger Rhiannon Duffin.

Rto thrill for three days last week when it played host to the fashion show Style Your Summer from May 26-28.

based on three themes The Garden Party, Festival Fever and Summer Prints with summer brights, floral prints and 90s retro cool.


10 LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

A WADHURST-based clothing company has been announced as the winner of the Bold Move category in this years Guardian Sustainable Business Awards.

Pramo, which produces high-performance outdoor clothing, won the award presented by adventurer Ben Fogle after becoming the first outdoor company to sign up to Greenpeace Detox commitment.

Instead of using PFC-based water repellents in their clothing, Pramo waterproofs use an alternative fabric technology, Nikwax Analogy, developed by the companys founder, Nick Brown.

Unlike PFC-based water repellents, it does not break down to form toxic and persistent chemicals.

The Guardian said: Pramo is one of the few PFC-free outdoor brands currently on the market.

In a demonstration of industry leadership, the apparel company came out publicly this year to support Greenpeaces call for an end to the use of this toxic chemical in outdoor gear.

Greenpeaces Cecilia Preite Martinez said: Pramo is setting the highest standard in the whole outdoor sector and this example should encourage bigger brands to take the lead for a toxic-free future.

Award for companys green move

Adam Hignett [email protected]

IT WAS never Monita Cheungs intention to work in interior design, but by complete fluke her need for some work experience whilst at university led her down a career path that she has stayed on for the last nine years.

I was studying Product Design at Middlesex University and in order to gain credits for my course I had to do some work experience, she explained.

One of the only options available was working at the high-end bathroom company CP Hart at their flagship showroom in Waterloo, London.

But it soon became apparent that she had considerable talent in the field, which did not go unnoticed by her employers.

I was initially only supposed to be there for eight weeks over the summer, but then they kept extending it, she said. Eventually I ended up staying for six years.

During this time she won a number of design awards, was featured in several magazine articles and was managing a team of designers.

After a brief interlude working for a modern kitchen company called Krieder and offering freelance services, in 2014 Mrs Cheung took the decision to go into business for herself.

However, despite excelling in her field, setting up her own company has been a steep learning curve.

It is extremely stressful and I have had to learn a lot of new things which I have never had to think about before, like building a website and branding.

I am just lucky to have a husband who helps with my admin as I think I would really struggle otherwise, and as I only employ myself and work from home my overheads are very low.

One of the main challenges has been dealing with the cyclical nature of the business. She said: When I first started, I was really busy. Then by November into Christmas time I had hardly any clients as it was out of season.

That was not a great time, so I was constantly hunting for projects and advertising.

At one point I printed off several hundred leaflets and put them through the letter boxes of some of the more affluent households in town, and now I am very busy again.

Despite moving to Tunbridge Wells three

years ago, most of her clients are still based in London as there is a bigger demand for the sort of modern designs she specialises in.

However, Mrs Cheung is thrilled to have won her category at the inaugural Times of Tunbridge Wells business awards.

It is such great brand awareness and PR. It feels really good to be recognised.

Monita Cheung was named New Business of the Year at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards a fortnight ago. Adam Hignett talks to her about how she came to be a winner

Flushed with success

FORWARD PLANNING

Monita Cheung

specialises in modern

designs


Shame on you, National Trust

OPENING PARTY(L-R) Caroline Smith, singer

Nigel Lucas, landlord of Chiddingstones Castle Inn for almost half a century, breaks his silence about the closure of the villages iconic pub as reported by the Times

MEMORY LANEFormer landlord Nigel Lucas outside his beloved pub, which closed on April 17

Richard Henderson, the National Trusts Assistant Director of Operations, who looks after Chiddingstone, commented:

We received Mr Lucass letter and I have since spoken with him. I am now working to address his concerns.

We want the pub to be a success in the village and have in recent years made changes to the tenancy at the Castle Inn to ensure its long-term place in Chiddingstone.

We are now actively searching for a new tenant and are delighted to have had initial interest from several parties, which we will be following up.

As weve said before, were committed to fi nding the right conservation-minded tenant to care for this historic pub, which takes time.

But we believe this care and attention is a vital part of our work to preserve its future in the village.

LOCAL NEWS 11

I DID not intend to make any public comments about the closure of the Castle Inn.

But, as the person named in your article May 18 as the previous tenant of the pub for 47 years, having arrived in April 1964, maybe I can help with a few facts.

The National Trust were never the most generous landlords but that could be excused as they are a charity and bound to make best use of their funds.

However, as the years went by, it became increas-ingly difficult to negotiate reasonable rents for what is in reality a small village pub without a car park.

We were fortunate to have a true public bar the hub of the building as well as a separate saloon and an intimate restaurant

Who remembers Felice, my first head waiter now buried across the road in the churchyard the only man I knew who could put a whoopee cushion on a seat as a lady sat down and get a kiss for it?

He worked with Chris King for many years and he in turn assumed the responsibility of managing the restaurant for more than 20 years although he only arrived for a weeks trial. He also assumed ownership of the fabulous garden.

God bless them and the many wonderful people

who worked so hard to care for our hundreds of loyal customers.

Life was exhausting, the customers many and varied and totally classless a tractor driver could drink a pint with a prince in the public bar but it was also fun and so rewarding because of the customers.

As Philip Everest, a late church warden at St Marys, was once asked on BBC television: Whats the centre of the village?

He replied: Its midway between the church and the Castle Inn. The landlord gives me my wine at Holy Communion and my first pint when the pub opens.

The National Trust raised the rent inexora-bly until they tried to increase it from 47,500 to 60,000, which for a small country pub was not feasible.

When I tried to sell the remainder of the lease, everyone agreed it was a non-starter so I gave it away for 45,000.

I heard the National Trust let it for 25,000 a year,

but thats only a rumour! Perhaps someone knows.

All things have to end but it didnt need to end this way, with every stick of furniture, all the fix-tures and fittings sold off in a mad scramble of a jumble sale.

Everything I had held so dear

was piled into trailers on the backs of 44s to be scattered to the four winds like so much junk.

Shame on you, National Trust, this is no way to treat one of your jewels. Everything has to come to an end, but it didnt need to end like this. Nigel Lucas

The National Trust were never the most generous landlords


12 EU DEBATE

PASSIONS ran high when more than 300 people gathered at the Assembly Hall last Wednesday to take part in one of the biggest, most controversial debates in the towns history sponsored by the Times of Tunbridge Wells.

With the referendum on Britains EU membership just around the corner (June 23) the panellists in both the Remain in Europe and Brexit camps vied to win the audience across to their point of view. A panel of businessmen represented the local economy, and ITNs 5 News Political Editor Andy Bell was in the Chair.

There was everything to play for as a pre-debate vote by the audience revealed a near 50/50 split in those supporting Remain and those favouring Leave, with the Remain camp maybe a fraction ahead. The three main themes were the economy, immigration and sovereignty and while there was inevitably some overlap, we have distilled the most salient points and arguments into these three categories.

Seen as the Remain campaigns trump card, polling has consistently shown this to be one of the main concerns for the British public when it comes to making their decision.

What did the panellists say? Opening for the Remain side, Ben Patterson, a former Conservative MEP, criticised the current national debate as two sides hurling statistics at each other.

He argued what was important was having a single regulatory framework in order to facilitate trade, adding: The single market gives us enormous opportunities. It makes obvious sense, if you have goods moving around, to have only one set of regulations rather than 28 confl icting ones.

We need to be at the table when these decisions which affect us are being made.

He said Britain had benefi tted hugely from its

access to the market, and much of it was the result of British infl uence, adding: The single market is our creation, why would we want to leave it?

His views were echoed by fellow Remain panellist Professor Philip Davis, a former Bank of England economist.

Professor Davis said the UKs future would be extraordinarily bleak if there was a Brexit, adding: It is young people who are most at risk.

He questioned what type of trade relationship Britain would have with Europe afterwards and accused those supporting an Out vote of not having any clarity on the issue.

Britain has benefi tted from growth and inward investment brought about through the remarkable growth in trade we have experienced by being part of a single market with over 500 million consumers. Car plants have come here, the City (of London) has grown remarkably those things are at risk.

Andy Bagnall, of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), highlighted the fact that 80 per cent of businesses belonging to the CBI wished to

What made Tunbridge Wells decide?DIFFERENCE OF OPINIONPanellists gather around the host, Andy Bell (centre)

The Economy

stay within the EU, claiming they fear a signifi cant economic shock if Britain were to leave.

He added: Currently around 50 per cent of our trade is with the EU, whereas it is less than ten per cent the other way round. To say they need us more than we need them is not true.

Dr Gerard Lyons, an economist and former adviser to Boris Johnson, hit back for the Brexit campaign, arguing there was no need to be in the EU to trade with the bloc.

Thanks to globalisation, economics no longer knows borders. In contrast, the EU has become centralising, regulating and controlling. It is like walking on an escalator in the wrong direction and it is going to get worse.

The EU is the slowest-growing region in the world and at its core is the unstable euro. It is uncertain and dangerous. If we exit the EU we can trade freely under World Trade Organisation rules and trade with who we want.

Anna Firth, a lawyer and Conservative Party member campaigning for Out, highlighted the EUs perceived inability to make any signifi cant trade deals with growing economies as one reason why the UK should leave.

The EU has signed roughly 7trillion (5.34trillion) worth of trade deals, whereas a country the size of Switzerland has managed to sign 40trillion. That is what we could do if we did it ourselves.

She added that while trading under WTO rules, any tariffs would be wiped out and offset by a devaluation in the pound.

In addition, she berated the CBI and other organisations making economic cases for Remain for being the same people who argued for Britain to join the euro: And look at what would have happened if we had.

Lastly for Brexit was Brendan Chilton, of the Labour Leave campaign, who said remaining in the EU would mean workers were being undercut by cheap labour and seeing their wages squeezed.

He also countered Mr Bagnall, stating: Germany exports 11.5billion worth of cars to us every year, Italy sell us 360million worth of shoes and France 940million worth of wine.

Do you really think they are going to cut off their nose to spite their face? Of course they are not and it is nonsense to suggest so.

EU DEBATE n 13


A hot topic, with recent studies showing net migration reaching an all-time high, with 330,000 more people entering the UK than leaving last year. This figure is driven by a record number of immigrants from the EU. The issue ties in with matters of security, national identity and economics. It is the main focus of the Out campaign so far.

What did the panellists say? Professor Davis, on the Remain panel, was the first person to speak on the issue. He said: Freedom of movement is a fundamental part of the European Union and it is a two-way street.

Clearly there are about 3.3 million EU citizens in the UK, but there are about 2.2 million UK citizens who spend at least part of the year in the EU.

He added that concerns about job losses, wages and the capacity of the infrastructure were misplaced because Immigrants bring income, tax revenue and some set up firms, too, creating more jobs.

It is a failure of the British Government, not the EU, to not train people in this country to fill those roles.

Mr Bagnall also supported the free movement of people, arguing they plug gaps where there is a skills shortage and actually increase job security.

He said: Having the free movement means firms can employ people without all the hassle of visas and any other admin to get the staff with the skills they require.

Recalling the example of a company which makes specialist pumps for the North Sea, Mr Bagnall said without their access to foreign skilled labour the firm would go bust.

If you shut the border and prevented them from drawing on that wide pool of talent it is not protecting jobs here, it would cost jobs because it would go out of business and you would lose the jobs it supports here.

Mr Patterson received the biggest cheer of the night when he warned that far from seeing services under too much pressure, the NHS would have collapsed if it were not for immigration.

There is an awful lot of rubbish said about immigration, Mr Patterson believes, claiming that the majority of migrants are actually from outside of the EU and many of them are students.

Mrs Firth, speaking for Out, conceded there was a skills shortage in the UK, adding that these vacancies were being filled by people from the EU.

She continued: But in my opinion this is a question of fairness and a question of finances. Because the reality is, whether your firm needs them or not, the sheer number of people coming in is simply unsustainable.

She compared the influx to having to accommodate a town the size of Newcastle each year, saying: People should be allowed to come into this country based on their skills, not their country of birth.

Mr Chilton spoke passionately on the topic, saying the EU was allowing the exploitation of workers due to free movement.

What we actually have as members of the European Union is not free movement of people, but free movement of labour.

Companies have the ability to move cheap labour around the continent to suit the needs of profit. I believe we should be treating people fairly and decently but what we have seen across the EU is wages going down.

He flagged up a comment by Stuart Rose, the former Marks & Spencer Chief Executive and advocate of a Remain vote who warned that if Britain left, wages would rise.

I dont know about you, he told the audience, but I would quite like wages to go up in this country. Being in the EU is a drive to the bottom.

The most abstract of the arguments due to the difficulty in quantifying it and the subjective nature of what constitutes sovereignty. Nonetheless, it is an emotive topic and one that is often the cause of the bitterest disputes.

What did the panellists say? Mr Chilton made an impassioned speech for why we should leave.

We are told the European Union is some benevolent institution that does us all good. Tell that to the millions unemployed in Greece that suffer austerity and the young people in Spain whose futures have been blighted.

Tell that to all those suffering and opposing the centralisation of power in this undemocratic union. The EU executive, the European Commission with people like (EC President Jean-Claude) Juncker in it, is unaccountable and we cannot remove them.

Not one of them has faced the ballot box. You cannot put a price on democracy and the House of Commons had no right to surrender the sovereignty which it has without the consent of the British people.

We should vote for freedom and vote for the real progressive alternative an independent Britain with the ability to govern itself and determine its own future.

Backing Mr Chiltons point, Mrs Firth said: When you take into account regulations from the Commission, combined with direct legislation, then 64 per cent of the rules we enforce come from Brussels.

In other words, the majority of time now spent in government is doing things the Commission is asking us to do.

The minority of time is now spent on domestic UK business that we vote our politicians in to do. It is the wrong way round and the only way to reverse it is vote Leave.

Do we want to be a part of the United States of Europe, much like a state in America, or do we want to be more like Canada to have a trade relationship while maintaining our sovereignty?

Mr Lyons suggested the democratic deficit was part of the reason why Europe was now seeing a rise in extremist parties.

He said: It is amazing how much power has been ceded to the EU, how little influence we do have, which was shown by how the Prime Minister did not achieve any reform in his attempted renegotiation.

When the Prime Minister pushed for reform from the EU, he asked for little, he got even less.

Mr Bagnall retorted that most of the rules and regulations are so specific that they have little real impact on Britain, using an example of Danish fishery rules, which must be observed here in theory but do not affect the UK.

He said: They are using a number which creates

Immigration Sovereignty

People should be allowed to come into this country based on their skills

QUESTIONSMembers of the audience have their say (here and below)


14 EU DEBATE

The vigorous debate clearly exposed a divided audience with the more impassioned rhetoric often bringing cheers from the supporters of each camp. Ultimately,

however, the Out campaign had less success in winning over the undecided voters, resulting in a further shift towards Remain during the post-debate vote.

Dr Gerard Lyons (left)An economist who has repeatedly been awarded top forecaster by The Sunday Times, he predicted in 1999 that the euro would run into trouble. Mr Lyons was also an adviser to Boris Johnson while he was the Mayor of London.

Brendan Chilton (centre)The General Secretary of the Labour Leave campaign, he unsuccessfully stood as the Labour

Ben Patterson (left)A former President of the West Kent European Movement and Conservative MEP, Mr Patterson is a writer with publications including The Conservative Party and Europe (2012) and most recently a book of science fi ction short stories.

Professor E Philip Davis (centre) Visiting Fellow of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and Professor of Banking and Finance at Brunel University, Mr

Andrew Osborne MD Single Source Binding Machines (left)Owner of a binding machine company in Tunbridge Wells which sources most of its products from Germany, a known advocate of Brexit and on fi rst-name terms with UKIP leader Nigel Farage.

What he said: If you look at the problems when you get a big bloc working together like the USA or the EU, we all sink if we are in it together. Look how long it takes to get a decision. We are missing out on so much.Position before debate: Voting out Position after: Voting out

Matthew Sankey Owner of Sankeys chain (centre)Mr Sankey took over the management and majority

ownership of Sankeys seafood restaurant and bar on Mount Ephraim from his father, before expanding into wholesale, a fi shmongers and an upmarket venue on The Pantiles.

What he said: If we come out of the EU wed be able to alter VAT legislation, power and energy. The hospitality industry has been trying to lobby for reduced rates, were often told you cant have that as youre in the EU. France, Spain, Germany have got it, how would leaving change that?Position before debate: Undecided Position after: Voting to remain

Marcus Coles Maviga plc (right)Based in Yalding, Mr Coles founded Maviga in 1994. The company trades globally in dried crops, pulses and other speciality crops,

Roundup

The Out panel

Who were the business panel, what did they say and how would they vote?

The In panel

candidate for Ashford, Kent in the 2015 General Election. A local councillor for Ashford Borough Council, he is also director of the Swales Academies Trust in Sittingbourne.

Anna Firth (right)A Conservative representative for Erith and Thamesmead and a lawyer by profession, Mrs Firth is a strong supporter of an Out vote in the upcoming European Referendum and focuses on encouraging women to support a Brexit.

Davis has worked as an economist at the Bank of England, the Bank for International Settlements and the European Monetary Institute.

Andy Bagnall (right)Director of Campaigns at the CBI, Mr Bagnall has a background in election organisation at local and national level including running the leadership campaign for David Miliband in 2010 as well as advising on state elections in Sydney, Australia.

including sesame seeds.What he said: The whole theme

and colour of this is that we have a lot going for us right now, weve got a foot in Europe. Whats going to be so much

better about leaving it? Position before debate: Voting to remain Position after: Voting to remain

an impression of a dominance by the EU over issues discussed in Parliament.

But just look at the Queens Speech, there are a huge number of bills in there and hardly any of them are a direct result of the EU.

Professor Davis mocked the idea of Britain ever being truly liberated from outside infl uence stating: Sovereignty is not an absolute concept it is not like pregnancy, where you are either pregnant or you are not. Sovereignty is a relative concept.

You pool it in order to get control over things like cross-border pollution, fi nancial regulation and other aspects that we need to control in terms of globalisation.

He pointed out that the country has signed 700 treaties with multilateral compromises: Do you want to abrogate all of those?

If you want absolute sovereignty you can be

like North Korea, but I dont think that is what people want.

We have infl uence in exchange for the sovereignty we have pooled. Britain is strong enough to lead in the European Union and that is what we should be doing.

Mr Patterson, echoing Professor Davis, said: The House of Commons has voluntarily surrendered certain aspects of our sovereignty for the greater good and in order to uphold our international treaty obligations.

He added: The important thing is to be there when the decisions are taken rather than just leave it and let others make the decisions. Is it all going to a single European state? As far as I know, that idea died a long time ago.

Is it all going to a single European state? That idea died a long time ago

ENSURING FAIR PLAYChairman Andy Bell

LEAVE(L-R) Dr Gerard Lyons, Brendan Chilton and Anna Firth

REMAIN(L-R) Ben Patterson, Prof Philip Davis and Andy Bagnall

LOCAL ECONOMY PANEL(L-R) Andrew Osborne, Matthew Sankey and Marcus Coles

NEWS ROUNDUP 15


SEPTUAGENARIAN Colin Mildwater will start his epic challenge to cycle from Lands End to John OGroats tomorrow [Thursday].

The 76-year-old is undertaking the feat in memory of two of his children who died young. His son Andrew passed away an hour after being born and his daughter Laura was killed by a motorist at the age of six.

A keen cyclist, Colin is raising money for Together for Short Lives, a charity for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions.

Colin has lived in Five Oak Green for 20 years and regularly pedals around the county with the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club.

He said: Losing a child is one of the most life-changing episodes that any parent can experience. The memory of that child is with you for the rest of your life.

I therefore think it very appropriate that as a long-distance cyclist I should do my last big ride to raise funds for Together for Short Lives.

When a child dies all you have is memories, and all I hope is that the money I raise will in some small way make those memories happier.

If you would like to support Colin, visit www.colincares.co.uk

THE Starjumpz Childrens Therapy Centre has relocated from Tunbridge Wells to Crowborough.

Owned by the Tree of Hope charity, the new premises are at The Old Saw Mill at Ashdown Business Park.

The two organisations will collaborate to make life-changing treatments and therapies more accessible to sick and disabled children from across the UK.

For 27 years Starjumpz has provided pioneering services and treatments to children with learning, developmental,

THE Berkeley Foundation has made a 10,000 grant to The Number One Community Trust in Tunbridge Wells to help with the refurbishment of its community hall serving the Showfi elds and Ramslye estates.

The money will be spent on improving sports facilities at the hall, which was secured by the Trust last summer.

The Trusts new Chair, Janet Phythian, said: This will enable us to develop our community hall for sports for young people and others in the community.

We will be able to resurface the fl oor, which is in great need of repair, provide protection for the lighting and paint sports lines for fi ve-a-side football, badminton and other sports.

Long trip down memory lane

Starjumpz teams up with Tree of Hope

Donation will help young sports stars

motor and behavioural challenges.Jo Brett, the Chief Executive of

Starjumpz, said: We are thrilled to have found both the ultimate home for our services together with the opportunity to work with Tree of Hope, a highly regarded and inspirational UK charity.

Over the next few months free drop-in clinics will be offered with Dr Georgie Siggers, as well as a series of talks for parents and professionals. For more information, visit www.starjumpz.com

IN GEAR76-year-old

Colin Mildwater

PASTURES NEW The Starjumpz team

THOUSANDS of people flocked to the pubs, bars and music venues of Tunbridge Wells over the Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate one of the towns largest musical events.

Unfest 2016 saw a dozen town venues including the Tunbridge Wells Museum host hundreds of acts, spanning across all four days of the extra-long weekend.

The free, not-for-profit festival is organised each year by Forum co-owners Jason Dormon and Richard Simm, alongside Forum PR Manager Carolyn Gray and numerous volunteers.

It wasnt just about the music either, with poetry sessions, artistic displays and a literary project called Fest Fiction also thrown into the mix.

Mrs Gray said: It was a very diverse festival and it went really well with no major hiccups. The weather was favourable which helped ensure lots of people were having a good time.

Mr Dormon added: Unfest is always evolving and its success is based on the volunteers involved and we would like to make a toast and thank everyone that took part and who came with open minds to watch.

One post on Facebook appeared to sum up the general mood of all who had attended. Thomas Heasman wrote: Such a good Bank Holiday weekend. Thank you organisers for putting on a totally FREE event making this town a better place to live.

Unfest draws the crowds

BIG WEEKENDRevellers soak up the

atmosphere at The Forum


16 NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Marcus makes it intoEngland Euro squadMANCHESTER United striker Marcus Rashford is heading to Euro 2016 after Roy Hodgson decided to cut Andros Townsend and Danny Drinkwater from the England squad.

The 18 year old was initially named as part of the 26-strong provisional party on May 17, and survived the cut when the Three Lions boss had to whittle the squad down by three ahead of yesterdays UEFA deadline.

Manchester Citys Fabian Delph had already dropped out due to a groin injury.

Capital high on cocaine LONDON is the cocaine capital of Europe for the second year running, an offi cial study of drug concentrations in sewage reveals.

Analysis by the EUs drug monitoring agency showed the average daily concentration of cocaine in Londons wastewater was 909mg per 1,000 people last year up from 737mg in 2014.

The Europe-wide study analysed wastewater in more than 60 European cities and towns to gain an insight into drug use.

Cocaine is the most commonly used illicit stimulant drug in Europe, with an estimated 2.4 million young adults between 15 and 34 having taken the drug in the last year.

Twins for Ronnie Wood ROLLING Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood became a father again to twin girls just two days before his 69th birthday today (June 1). He and his wife Sally, 38, welcomed Gracie Jane (6lb) and Alice Rose (5.7lb) on May 30 at 10.30pm.

The twins are his fi fth and sixth children, but the fi rst for him and his theatre producer wife.

Staff suffer from obesity AROUND 1,000 NHS workers have been injured while caring for obese patients over the last fi ve years, Freedom of Information data shows.

Injuries included sprained necks, hernias, kicks to the ribs, muscle tears, trapped fi ngers and slipped discs, the Sun newspaper reported.

THE centenary of the biggest naval battle of the First World War was marked yesterday with a service at St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney, paying tribute to the thousands of sailors who lost their lives.

David Cameron, Nicola Sturgeon and the Princess Royal standing in

for her father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was unable to attend because of illness joined descendants of those who fought at the Battle of Jutland to remember the 8,648 seamen who died in the most decisive sea engagement of the war.

German President Joachim Gauck

THE Chief Executive of a scandal-hit ambulance trust, whose salary, pension and benefits package was worth more than 255,000 a year, has left his post.

Paul Sutton, who led South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, has left to pursue other interests, the trust said in a statement.

He had been on an agreed leave of absence after a damning report in March found there was a scheme to delay ambulances to patients. The secret project was labelled high risk and did not have approval from board members, the 111 NHS helpline or commissioners. Up to 20,000 patients were affected.

Mr Suttons departure follows the resignation of the trusts Chairman, Tony Thorne, in March.

The annual accounts for the trust in 2014/15 show Mr Sutton received a salary of 160,000 to 165,000, plus 4,900 in other benefits and more than 90,000 in pension-related benefits.

His total package for the year was worth 255,000 to 260,000.

Mr Thorne was paid a salary of 40,000 to 45,000.The Deloitte review in March said there was

a strong suggestion of an intentional effort by members of the executive team to present their scheme in a positive light despite its governance failings and risks.

Executives ran their project without approval to delay sending ambulances until advisers had time to assess some calls coming through the 111 telephone system.

National rules say 75 per cent of Category A Red 2 calls should have an emergency response at the scene within eight minutes. These calls are for conditions regarded as serious, such as strokes or fits.

Under the controversial scheme, the ambulance trust gave itself up to ten extra minutes to reassess what type of advice or treatment patients needed, and whether an ambulance was really necessary.

But patients were kept in the dark about the project, as were 111 call handlers and the trusts board.

The report said the Chief Executive made the ultimate decision to proceed with the pilot and played a critical leadership role throughout.

It was Mr Sutton who drove forward the idea of Red 2 calls being put through the pilot. In one conference call chaired by Mr Sutton in which Red 2 calls were added to the project, objections were raised by senior managers but they were ultimately persuaded by the Chief Executive to include Red 2 calls in the pilot.

The report said: The CEOs directive and persuasive management style, coupled with an impending restructure of the executive team, meant that the level of challenge over the pilot within the organisation was inhibited.

When interviewed, members of staff at the trust said the decision to reassess Red 2 calls came from the top and Mr Sutton had given a direct instruction.

Patients kept in the darkabout ambulance delays

was also in attendance.It was 100 years to the day since

British and German ships engaged in a 36-hour confl ict off the coast of Denmark, which led to the devastating losses and changed the course of the war.

Guests, naval offi cers and descendants passed a display of thousands of ceramic poppies installed in tribute to the war as they arrived at the UKs most northerly cathedral in Kirkwall.

A candle of remembrance was lit and wreaths were also laid at the cathedral, while a specially-commissioned piece of music by the late composer and Orkney resident Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was performed.

A second service will be held later at Lyness Cemetery on the island of Hoy the fi nal resting place for more

than 450 service personnel who died in the war, including sailors killed at Jutland.

The cemetery stands close to Scapa Flow, from where the British Grand Fleet set out for the Jutland Bank to repel the German High Seas Fleet attempting to break a British blockade.

Almost 250 ships took part, creating a scale of battle that has not been seen since.

There will also be a remembrance service at sea where British and German naval representatives will scatter poppies and forget-me-nots the German fl ower of remembrance into the North Sea at Jutland Bank.

Those gathered at the service heard gun salutes from HMS Kent and observed a two-minute silence before the ships bell of HMS Calliope was sounded.

100-year-old enemies unite for Jutland memorial service

NAVAL SALUTEPrime Minister David Cameron (centre) stands alongside German President Joachim Gauck and the Princess Royal

MIGRANTS are attempting to cross the Channel between France and England in boats because of improved security measures at the tunnel and ferry port in Calais.

Immigration union officials have warned that Britains coast is now facing one of its greatest ever breaches from small vessels and dinghies carrying migrants.

To combat this, Downing Street has confirmed that the coastline will be protected by the introduction of more vessels which will become operational in the coming months, although a full deployment of the new boats will not take place until the end of next year.

The announcement comes after an incident on Saturday in which 18 Albanians had to be rescued from an inflatable boat which was sinking off the Kent coast.

We take every necessary action to protect our border security and will continue to do so, said a Downing Street spokesman. The important thing is that our approach is intelligence-based.

So we have worked with the French government at Calais to secure the border there and since

Coastline security faces threat from channel hoppers

We take every necessary action to protect our border security

and will continue to do so


NATIONAL NEWS 17

BUDGET airline easyJet has introduced a crackdown on late passengers by stopping anyone going through airport security at London Gatwick if there are less than 30 minutes remaining until their flight.

Customers have previously been allowed to make a dash for the plane even though gates officially close half an hour before take-off.

But the new rule at the airport means boarding passes will not allow access to board a flight within 30 minutes of its departure.

An easyJet spokeswoman said the policy was introduced to benefit travellers who arrive at the West Sussex airport on time.

Punctuality is important to our passengers and that is why we ask passengers to be at the gate no later than 30 minutes before the

flight departs, she said. This means that if passengers are still yet to clear security they will be unable to achieve this, particularly at larger airports like Gatwick when walks to some gates can take up to 20 minutes.

She added that the scheme would eliminate unnecessary journeys for passengers who need to return landside after reaching the gate too late.

British Airways runs a similar policy at Heathrow Terminal Five, where the limit is 35 minutes.

easyJet customers are offered the chance to take out missed flight cover before the departure time for 7.50. In the event that they arrive too late to board their booked flight they are able to get a full refund or a seat on the next available flight. Those without cover are charged 80 to catch the next flight.

easyJet gets tough on late arrivals

we put security measures in place we have seen a small number of migrants trying to use more dangerous routes to get to the UK.

Border Force is currently using a combination of its cutters, radar and aerial surveillance to detect and stop small craft approaching the UK.

Fears have been raised about the possible tragic consequences of migrants attempting to cross one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes.

The Downing Street spokesman said: We are always concerned about possible deaths, which is why, for example, there are naval vessels deployed in the Mediterranean to assist with the operations there.

New maritime powers came into effect yesterday (Tuesday) which will make it easier for Border Force officials to patrol the UKs coastline and tackle the smuggling of illegal immigrants into the country.

Border Force officers will have the power to board boats and arrest anyone who is facilitating illegal migration.

On Monday, Lucy Moreton, the General Secretary of the Immigration Services Union, said that large stretches of Britains coastline are being left unpoliced and officials simply do not know how many people have sneaked into the country undetected.

She said her gut feeling and anecdotal evidence suggest Britains coasts are facing the biggest ever onslaught of people smugglers.

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BUSINESS NEWS 19

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

EU message on pub mats PUB chain JD Wetherspoon is placing 200,000 beer mats in its 920 pubs across the UK in the run-up to the June 23 referendum with a message urging the UK to leave the European Union.

The companys plans were announced in the same week that 51 members of the European Round Table of Industrialists, including the bosses of Shell, Vodafone and Rolls-Royce, signed a letter in support of Britains membership of the European Union.

Time Out may float MEDIA group Time Out is considering a stock market flotation that is expected to value the firm at up to 225million.

Time Out, which has transformed itself into a global digital media and e-commerce group in recent years, wants to raise 90million by selling new shares to fund expansion of its food markets business and pay down debt, according to reports.

Trade confidence sinks THE number of firms expecting trade to pick up over the coming year has fallen to its lowest level in three years, according to The Lloyds Bank Business Barometer in May.

It found sentiment among firms in the consumer services sector fell by 14 points to 19 per cent, also the lowest level for more than three years. However, the industrial sector lifted by 16 points to 61 per cent, the highest level since last spring.

Alliance merger talks SHARES in Alliance Trust surged 3.64 per cent this week after a company with links to the Rothschild banking dynasty confirmed it is in talks to potentially take over the Scottish investment firm.

RIT Capital Partners, chaired by financier Jacob Rothschild, said on Tuesday that discussions over a 5billion merger with the company are at a preliminary stage.


VOLKSWAGEN has seen profits tumble by nearly a fifth since the start of 2016 as the company continues to grapple with the fall-out from its global emissions scandal.

The group posted a 19.3 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to 3.2billion (2.4billion) for the three months to the end of March, with revenues down 3.4 per cent.

But chief executive Matthias Mller insists this is still a respectable result, with operating profits edging 3.4 per cent higher to 3.4billion (2.6billion) from 3.3billion (2.5billion) a year earlier, boosted by one-off effects.

He said: In light of the wide range of challenges we are currently facing, we are satisfied overall with the start we have made to what will undoubtedly be a demanding fiscal year in 2016.

We once again managed to limit the economic effects of the diesel issue and achieve respectable results under difficult conditions.

Volkswagen faces heavy costs for recalls and fixes to cars with engine-control software that evaded emissions tests. It has earmarked 12.7billion to cover recalls and other costs for 11 million cars sold with the software globally.

The groups operating profits have risen thanks in part to 300million (229million) of currency gains on provisions that had been put by to pay for its diesel emissions scandal.

Its first-quarter results revealed plummeting sales in Russia and Brazil due to economic downturns, with revenues down 35 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

Earnings slipped for its Audi brand to 1.3billion (99million) from 1.4billion (1.1billion) a year earlier, but its Porsche business delivered a 14 per cent rise in underlying operating profits to 895million (683million).

Volkswagen, which is based in Wolfsburg, Germany, has reached a tentative agreement over its emissions scandal in a federal court in San Francisco with US authorities to buy back or repair around 500,000 vehicles.

The Volkswagen Group has a 12.3 per cent share of the worlds car market, with 12 brands from seven European countries.

These include Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

VW satisfied despitedrop in pre-tax profits

DAMAGE LIMITATIONVolkswagen set aside 12.7billion for its emissions recalls and costs

20 WORLD NEWS


NORTH Korea has again failed in its efforts to launch a powerful missile said to have the potential to reach US military bases in Asia and the Pacific.

Tuesdays experiment was the latest in a string of attempts that have raised concerns Pyongyang is pushing quickly towards its goal of a nuclear-tipped missile that can reach Americas mainland.

South Koreas Yonhap news agency said in an unsourced report that the missile was a powerful mid-range Musudan, which, if true, would make it the fourth failure by the North to conduct a successful test launch.

Yonhap, citing an unidentified government source, said the missile exploded at a mobile launch pad as soon as a launch button was pressed. Other reports suggest the missile may have even failed to lift off.

North Koreas nuclear and missile activity this year includes a nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February that

outsiders see as a test of banned long-range missile technology.

The most recent example follows South Koreas rejection of recent Pyongyang overtures to talk, part of what some analysts see as an attempt by the North to win concessions from its rivals.

In April, North Korea attempted unsuccessfully to launch three suspected powerful intermediate-range Musudan missiles, which all exploded in mid-air or crashed,

according to South Korean defence officials.The officials in Seoul, South Koreas capital,

believe the missile launches follow an order from the countrys leader Kim Jong Un in March to conduct tests of a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles that are capable of carrying such warheads. That order was thought to be part of Pyongyangs reaction to annual South Korea-US military drills that it sees as an invasion rehearsal.

Musudan missiles have a potential range of about 3,500 kilometers (2,180 miles), which would put US military bases in Guam within their striking distance.

South Korea believes the North does not yet possess a missile capable of hitting the US mainland, but is working on the technology.

Before Aprils suspected launches, North Korea had never flight-tested a Musudan missile, though one was displayed during a military parade in 2010 in Pyongyang.

North Koreans attemptanother missile launch

NEWS IN BRIEF

Zoo is still safe placefor tourists says bossCINCINNATI Zoo remains safe for its 1.6million annual visitors despite the drama in which a gorilla was fatally shot to protect a four-year-old boy who had entered its enclosure, says the US tourist attractions director Thane Maynard.

However, a review is under way to determine any improvements that can make the zoo safer after the male western lowland gorilla named Harambe was killed by a special zoo response team who feared for the boys safety.

More lives lost at sea AT LEAST 880 lives have been lost because of capsized boats over the last week in the Mediterranean, according to accounts given to the UN refugee agency by survivors.

UN spokesman William Spindler said this year is proving to be particularly deadly with some 2,510 lives lost compared to 1,855 over the same period a year ago.

Brink of survival IN THE last three years, more than 1.2million Afghans have been forced to fl ee their homes due to violence caused by the Taliban waging war on the countrys government since their regime was toppled in the 2001 US invasion, claims Amnesty International.

The numbers have grown as the war, now in its 15th year, intensifi es, and Amnesty says many of the internally displaced live in horrifi c conditions on the brink of survival.

SPORT IN BRIEF

England players setnew Test match fi rstsJAMES Anderson, aged 33, has jumped above his England pace partner Stuart Broad to the top of the International Cricket Councils Test bowling rankings for the fi rst time in his career.

Englands all-time leading Test wicket-taker took his tally beyond 450 this week in the series-sealing victory over Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street where he was named man of the match.

His achievement came in the same match as his England colleague Alastair Cook, aged 31, became the fi rst Englishman to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket and youngest to achieve the feat worldwide.

Ford will bounce back FORMER Bath rugby coach Mike Ford believes his sacking has affected the form of his England fl y-half son George, who was booed after missing six of his seven kicks at goal during Sundays 27-13 victory over Wales at Twickenham.

Mr Ford believes his son has the mental strength to rebound from his poor performance and can lead the England line against the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 11.

New United contract MANCHESTER United midfi elder Michael Carrick, aged 34, whose contract with the club was set to end this summer after 10 successful seasons at Old Trafford, has signed a new deal, according to sources at the club.

TV COVERAGESeoul reported on the failure of the North Korean missile

HAPPY NATIONAL FISH AND CHIP DAY

FRIDAY 3RD JUNE 2016 ~+~ TO CELEBRATE

ST JOHNS FISH BAR is giving away small cod and chips for only 4

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22 LETTERS

And another thingThe Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge always want to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at [email protected] or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CalverleyBUILDING relationships with your staff can often be challenging. This particular boss was advised by business consultants to put some distance between himself and his workers. Hes a friendly type and some of them were taking advantage of his relaxed manner. All was going swimmingly and respect was being restored until a business trip where he ended up skinny-dipping with seven of his staff. Two of them were women.

WISE words from my dear friend Rosemary Shrager. Shell be taking to the stage at the 50+ show at Olympia in July offering advice on life when youre grown up. She shares with Calverley one of her favourite tips: Grandchildren are an enduring delight love every minute you spend with them, then give them back and have a G&T. Knowing the celebrity chef that would, of course, be a large G&T.

times of tunbridge wells 1st june 2016

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