LOCAL

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine

tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Spring 2017

inside:

Shows &
exhibitions
20mph for St John's
News, features and
loads more
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2
Welcome to Local costs less than 9p a copy to

Spring Local! produce and deliver to your home

This edition of Local is jam-packed with our regular

features as well as news and ideas for those of
you who would like to get outside more perhaps
volunteering in one of our parks appeals to you? See
more on p8.
As Im on the subject of parks, now is the perfect time
to mention Calverley Adventure Grounds the team 4
to
9
behind the new play area that will be created this
summer. More information can be found on p1213.
Maybe this year is the year to join the regulars and get
5
RTW in Bloom
Say no to doorstep
criminals!
involved in the Bloom campaign? Find out more on
p4 and, of course, throughout the magazine youll find Competition
details on some of the shows, exhibitions and events
taking place in the borough this spring.
Happy reading!
10
Capturing on
Collodion
Lizzie Goodwin, Editor

We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about

Council services and news. If you have any
comments about the magazine, wed love to
12 to13
New play space in
hear from you. Contact us by: Calverley Grounds
E-mail: Localemail@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Phone: 01892 526121
Post: Lizzie Goodwin, Communications
Manager, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council,
Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1
16 to17 20mph for
1RS St John's
TWellsCouncil
tunbridge-wells-borough-council
To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd,
01892 677721
or e-mail antoinettem@spacemarketing.co.uk
21
The best
theatre
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do shows
not endorse the external products and services
advertised in Local.
The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or
subsequent changes.
22
Disabled Facilities Grants
Outdoor
ramps

If you require Local magazine in large print or on audio please phone 01892 554273
3
TW1241

'In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell
like dirt.' Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard's Egg
Bloom Competition
Last year Royal Tunbridge
Wells in Bloom's town entry
achieved Gold at the regional
South & South East in Bloom
level, and we want to win the
Gold again this year!
You can help us by joining Friends
groups in your local park, organising
community clean-ups, sponsoring new
baskets and planters for
4
2017
the town or entering our local Bloom
competition for Tunbridge Wells town.
Entries to our local Bloom competition
are open to residents, businesses,
community groups and schools
across the town.
Come along to the launch on Friday
21 and Saturday 22 April, in Calverley
Precinct from 10am until 3pm. As
usual, there will be plants and seeds to
give away.
Open Gardens with
the Hospice in the
Weald
Royal Tunbridge Wells in
Bloom has recently teamed
up with the Hospice in
the Weald to help them
launch their Open Gardens
scheme in Tunbridge
Wells town. Open
Gardens raised over
30,000 last year which
goes towards the 7million needed
annually by the Hospice in the Weald
to maintain its vital services in our
community. For details and the dates
of this years Open Gardens scheme
please visit the Bloom website or go to
hospiceintheweald.org.uk
Bloom Sponsorship
Would you like to promote your
business and green up the town at
the same time? Please sponsor a
flower basket, planter or plants for our
parks and gardens. We would like as
many local businesses as possible
to get involved. All sponsors will be
acknowledged on plaques and on
the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
website and literature.
 Competition Entry
Form
Closing date: 30 June 2017
(1 June for allotments)
On receipt of your entry form you will be sent a
5 voucher to spend at Coolings Nurseries,
our main sponsor.
Please tick which category you will be entering
(You can tick more than one category)
Best Basket Best Street and Flats
Planter/Tub/Container Best Front Garden
Best Community Best Front Patio/
Allotment/Garden Balcony
Best Wildlife Garden Best Caf/Pub/Club
Best Business Ground Best Shop Front
Best Allotment Best Back Garden
Best Commercial
Basket/Planter looks after services such as education, transport, social
Entrants name______________________________
Address___________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Postcode___________
E-mail_____________________________________
Phone number______________________________
Leave at Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road or post to:
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS
Contact us:
Website: royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk
E-mail: competition@royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk
Phone: 01892 554031
Make sure you
are registered to
vote at the Kent
County Council
Election
The Kent County Council election will
be on Thursday 4 May 2017. Make sure
you are registered to vote.
Eighty-one councillors will be elected from 12 districts.
The election gives you the chance to have your say on
how Kent County Council is run. Kent County Council
services and safety, so your vote is really important.
Information is available at
kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/
kent-county-council-elections
*
Key dates:
Thursday 13 April final day to register to vote
Tuesday 18 April final day to register for a postal
or postal proxy vote
Tuesday 25 April final day to apply for a proxy vote
Thursday 4 May Polling Day
For more information about registering to vote go to
tunbridgewells.gov.uk/council/voting-and-elections
*The above timetable may be subject to change by
central Government.
5
IMPRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE
praised as World Cup star
opens Langton Green
Sports Pavilion
Now project has scooped European award
just months after launch.
A new state-of-the-art sports pavilion in Langton Green has
been hailed by the President of the Football Foundation
as 'architecturally the most impressive' that he has ever
opened.
Lord Pendry praised the project as he officially launched The new pavilion, which is home to Langton Greens thriving
the pavilion on behalf of the UKs biggest sports charity, football community, netball club and other community sports,
alongside World Cup winning footballer George Cohen. is far larger than its predecessor and makes better use of
Now the impressive building has won its first award, beating natural daylight. It now boasts two full-size changing rooms
construction projects from across Europe to take the Astron with showers and toilets, bag rooms, changing rooms for
Small and Smart Award 2016. The Langton Green pavilion officials and additional toilets outside. It also has a much
was short-listed in the final seven by Astron, the leading bigger function room, which can be used by the community
European supplier of steel components for building projects and caters for the large numbers who attend football at the
around the world. weekends.

6
Nourish those experiencing temporary
hardship.

Foodbank 'For just 3 a month we can

needs you!
If you have any
spare tins of food,
any spare coins or
any spare time, then
Nourish Community
Foodbank would love
to hear from you!
Last financial year, Nourish
provided a three-day
emergency foodbag for 3,141
people in crisis within the
Tunbridge Wells borough
thats 28,269 meals in total.
Nourish can only provide
this support thanks to the
generosity of the local
community. With a 38 per
cent rise in referrals from the
previous year, the award-
winning charity has launched
a campaign to sign people up
to donate a meal a month for
provide a meal for a family
member or neighbour in
crisis. This helps cover the
cost of food, storage and
delivery and around 90 per
cent of our donations go
towards providing a three-
day supply of food to those in
need,' says Nourish co-chair
Paul Haines.
If youre an individual
who wants to get involved
then you can sign up to
make a regular 'Meal A
Month' donation through
the Nourish website:
nourishcommunityfoodbank.
org.uk.
Or, alternatively, you can
donate food at the Big Yellow
Self Storage, Longfield
Road, or YMCA Warehouse,
Goods Station Road. If youre
interested in becoming a
volunteer packer or driver,
please e-mail admin@
nourishcommunityfoodbank.
org.uk.

Love Where We Live Awards 2017

These popular community awards
return for the fifth consecutive year.
Last year we had a record number of entries
nominating the groups, businesses and individuals
who make our borough such a great place.
There will be seven categories to choose from
including two specifically for the younger members
in our community Young Volunteer of the Year for
those aged 24 and under, and Young Sports Achiever
of the Year for those aged 16 and under. The closing
date is Friday 28 July 2017 so start thinking now
about who youd like to see recognised.
The lucky finalists will be invited to an awards
ceremony in October at the
Assembly Hall Theatre. Full
details will be in the next edition
of Local magazine.
LoveWhereWeLive.co.uk
7
The Friends of Dunorlan
Park need your help!
Dunorlan Park, one of our much loved and
well used parks of Tunbridge Wells is lucky
to be supported by its enthusiastic and
passionate group of volunteers.
The Friends of Dunorlan Park, active since the mid
1990s, have seen the park through its major restoration
in 2003/04 and they continue to promote and offer
support. The Friends committee raises money for special
projects, organises the occasional popular nature walk and
participates in volunteer activities.
Thanks to Friends fundraising, the eroding banks of the
large island on the boating lake were successfully restored
last year. This year they hope to raise more money to help
with restoration of the smaller island. The two islands are
important historical and ecological features of the Dunorlan
Park lake, but without restoration to stop the erosion to
the banks they would eventually disappear! The Friends of
Dunorlan Park are now actively fundraising for the second
phase of the small island restoration so please contact
them if you wish to donate.
the summer house, planting of the grass maze at the
The positive relationship between the Friends of Dunorlan playground, and the aforementioned restoration of the
Park, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and grounds island would not have been completed without help from
maintenance contractor, Sodexo, has proved to be fruitful the Friends.
year on year Dunorlan Park has repeatedly won the
Green Flag and Gold In Bloom awards ever since its Thanks to everyone who has donated towards the
restoration. Several projects, such as construction of islands project so far.

The Friends group is always looking for

new members who care about the park and
its future. Please contact them if you are
interested in joining the committee, helping
out with events or working as a volunteer.
Website: friendsofdunorlanpark.org.uk
E-mail: friends@friendsofdunorlanpark.org.uk
friendsofdunorlanpark
FoDPTunWells

8
Whos
at your
door?
While there are many
legitimate reasons for officials
and tradespeople to call at
your home, not all visitors
will have your best intentions
at heart so its wise to be on
your guard when you answer
your door.
From pushy roofers through dodgy
driveway workers to aggressive duster
sellers, doorstep scammers can be
relentlessly persuasive and it can be
easy to fall victim.
Working with Kent County Council
we are currently seeking to identify
vulnerable residents who may benefit
from a personal visit by a friendly KCC
Warden. They will bring door stickers
and can provide advice on a range of
related issues.
If you have a vulnerable
or elderly relative or friend you
think could benefit from a visit
please contact KCC Warden
Supervisor Siobhan MacKay on
siobhan.mackay@kent.gov.uk
and she will endeavour to arrange
a suitable appointment.
But dont wait for a visit from us. Here
are some steps you can take to protect
yourself now:
Stop, chain and
check
Stop: think about
whether youre expecting
anyone.
Chain: put the door
chain on or look through
the window or spyhole
to see whos there.
Check: ask for an
identity card and
examine it carefully
you can always tell
the caller to come
back another time
when someone will
be with you.
Put up a
deterrent sign
You could put a no cold callers sign
on your door or window, which should
deter any cold callers from knocking
on your door. You can download a
free sign from Action Fraud or look Call the police
out for them at the Gateway in Royal
Tunbridge Wells town centre, the Finally, if youre suspicious or the
Weald Information Centre in Cranbrook caller wont leave or is verbally
or the public library in Paddock Wood. abusive contact the police on 999.
Alternatively, use the police non-
Password protection emergency number 101 if youre
not in immediate danger but want to
You can set up a password with utility report an incident.
companies (gas, electricity, water etc)
so you know they are genuine if they For further advice and links to Action
send a representative to your address. Fraud and other resources visit our
Contact your utility company to find webpage at tunbridgewellscsu.org.
out how to do this. uk/cold-calling

New RVP Parking Machines

Weve installed new payment
machines in Royal Victoria Place car
park so you can now pay by cash or
card. If you want to prepay you can
use cash or card and you no longer
need to display a ticket in your car
as you enter your vehicle registration
number when paying.
Alternatively, you can check in with
your credit or debit card when you
arrive and check out with the same
card before you leave you only
pay for the time you have stayed.
And, of course, you can still use
PaybyPhone.

9
 Exhibitions at the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery

Capturing on Collodion
Tintype photographic portraits by Sean Hawkey
Have you been to the current exhibition? If not, theres still time. It
showcases new work by contemporary photographer and artist Sean
Hawkey, as well as objects from the museums collection. Hawkey
has chosen to work with the Victorian wet plate collodion process to
make his images. Using an original camera and lens from the 1870s,
Hawkey captures portraits of people which have an intense, ethereal
beauty to them. This photographic process involves a complex
layering of chemicals, including silver nitrate, on a tin plate which is
exposed to light through the camera lens and developed, producing
a single image. This technique does not produce a perfect image but
instead each imperfection on the plate becomes a feature within the
portrait, enabling the essence of the sitter to emerge.
For this exhibition Hawkey has produced new portraits of people
from Tunbridge Wells. He has also selected historic photographs,
cameras and processing equipment from the collections at Tunbridge
Wells Museum & Art Gallery to complement his work. Images by
pioneering Victorian photographer Thomas Sims, based in Tunbridge
Wells from 1868 until 1910, highlight the process of making a portrait
using daguerreotype and collodion plate techniques. These images,
of local people and places, together with Hawkeys contemporary
work, enable the viewer to re-imagine and reconnect with the people The exhibition is on now and runs
captured in these photographic portraits. until 20 May 2017

Springlines: Hidden water sources Paintings by Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis and

of the South of England words by Clare Best
During the drought of 2012, writer Clare Best and painter
Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis went in search of bodies of water that
are concealed, forgotten or overlooked. They found places
rich in history, wildlife, culture and myth. Through Springlines,
Mary Annes paintings and Clares words celebrate the
variety and vitality of this water. Their work explores some of
the most evocative hidden corners of the English landscape
from dewponds to ancient wells, from old clay pits to furnace
ponds, from chalk springs to man-made pools.
For this exhibition Clare and Mary Anne have developed
some new work for their Springlines project, reflecting the
overlooked water sources of Tunbridge Wells. Inspired by
the collections at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery and
walks throughout the borough, their paintings, photographs
and poetry capture the essence of our natural and industrial
heritage.

Springlines runs from 2 June to

16 September 2017

10
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due for completion this year, will
bring the very latest state-of-the art

11
 An update from the team
creating this new play area
Residents of Tunbridge Wells
and further afield can look
forward to an exciting new
play space being created this
summer in the town centre
park, Calverley Grounds.
Designed by Jennette Emery-Wallis
the landscape architect behind the
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial
Playground situated in Kensington
Gardens, Calverley Adventure
Grounds will be a celebration of
Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding
area. It will include a mini orchard,
hand carved wooden sheep, Pantiles
houses, a series of water tables,
sandstone rocks, a dipping bucket and
12
a stream created from sand and edged
with lavender and native grasses to
represent the stream that is culverted
under Calverley Grounds.
Wooden play pieces have been
chosen to challenge children to take
considered risk, something that many
are averse to doing. The equipment,
suitable for children up to the age
of 12, will be positioned in amongst
an abundance of natural planting to
encourage children to create their own
unique adventures each time they
visit. Special consideration has been
given to disabled children to ensure
that Calverley Adventure Grounds will
appeal to all.
However, if Jennettes design is to
be completed in full, it is imperative
the remaining amount required to
build the project is raised within the
next month. The team of volunteers
behind the community led initiative
are tantalisingly close to their
225,000 target. 'Each grant comes
with its own set of terms and both
the Suez Communities Trust and
Veolia grants which were awarded
to the project in 2016 require their
contributions to be spent within a
year,' explained Kate Bourne who
is responsible for co-ordinating the
fundraising. 'We therefore need to look
to the community to help us raise the
remaining amount.'
The volunteers will continue to apply
for grants and staged the Royal
Tunbridge Wells Variety Performances
at the Assembly Hall Theatre on
Sunday 12 March but it is feared that
this may not be enough to ensure they
reach their target in time to qualify for
the grants.
'We would urge all those people
whose children or grandchildren will
benefit from having this exciting and
innovative playground to consider
contributing to the campaign,' says
Nathalie Bere, who first came up with
the vision to create a natural play
area on the site of the former bowling
green in 2012.
One way local businesses, community
groups, families and individuals
can contribute to the project is by
adding their name to the Calverley
Community Wall.
Continuing the heritage theme central
to Calverley Adventure Grounds
design, the wall will be made of
Corten steel to represent the iron
in Tunbridge Wells spa water. This
unique piece of art, created by
Calverley Adventure Grounds
RTW_Adventure
acclaimed public artist Gordon Young, increased footfall it creates will have
will be mounted on to the sandstone a hugely positive impact on local
walls situated alongside Calverley businesses,' commented Rhiannon
Adventure Grounds and will remain a Harfoot, the project coordinator.
permanent feature of the playground.
For further information please
It will, however, not only be local contact:
families that benefit from the creation
Kate Bourne
of Calverley Adventure Grounds. 'It
is anticipated that it will become an Tel: 07799 130776
attraction in its own right and the E-mail: katejroberts@gmail.com
Making a donation
More information on how to donate to the project and
how to add a name to the Calverley Community Wall
can be found at calverleyadventuregrounds.co.uk.
The latest information on the fundraising campaign
can be found on Facebook at Calverley Adventure
Grounds and Twitter @RTW_Adventure.
13
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14
 Our Local Plan progresses
Over the last 12 months we
have continued to work on
preparing a new Local Plan that
will guide future development
in the borough.
Preparing a new Local Plan provides
an opportunity to look again at what
sort of place we want the borough to be
in the future, recognising that it will be
difficult to achieve a balance between
seeking growth to meet the needs of
current and future generations and
safeguarding the natural and historic
environments that are so special.
Much has changed since 2010
when the current plan, known as
the Tunbridge Wells Borough Core
Strategy, was finalised. The new Local
Plan must provide a clear vision of what
is to be achieved over the period to
2033 taking into account the changed
circumstances of recent years and in
particular increased levels of housing
and economic need.
We want to positively plan for our
boroughs future, providing for
needed development and associated
infrastructure while retaining the quality
of our local environment.
During last year as part of early work
on preparing a new plan we carried
out a 'Call for Sites' which was an
opportunity for developers, landowners
and other interested bodies to put
forward potential development sites for
consideration. The initial assessment
of these sites for their suitability is now
being finalised and the findings will be
published shortly.
Also now that the information gathering
stage of preparing a new Local Plan is
nearing completion, we will be able to
publish the first formal document known
as the Issues & Options, and which is
due to be consulted on between May
and June 2017.
This consultation document will include:
A set of draft objectives for the new
Local Plan.
Our view of the main issues and
challenges relevant to future
development in the borough.
Five draft potential strategy
options for the distribution of new
development within the borough,
together with the implications of
each for the issues identified.
Although it is still to be determined as
to whether the full development needs
of the borough can be accommodated
in a sustainable way, we consider
that at this stage we should invite
comments on potential strategy options
for delivering new homes, employment
space and retail and leisure facilities
in the borough. The Issues & Options
consultation will also provide the
opportunity for those that respond
to identify any alternative scenarios
and sites that they think we should be
considering.
A number of exhibitions and
presentations will be held as part of the
consultation so that people can come
along and discuss their concerns and
the issues face to face with officers
of the Council. Please check for any
updated details of these events at
tunbridgewells.gov.uk/localplan.
Further details about the Local Plan
timetable, information about completed
studies and the Call for Sites process
can also be viewed on our website. If you
wish to be informed of future consultation
events on the new Local Plan, please
e-mail your contact details to planning.
policy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Tunbridge Wells Cultural Hub

In previous editions of Local magazine weve mentioned that
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council are
working in partnership to bring together Tunbridge Wells Museum
& Art Gallery, Library, Adult Education Centre, Tourist Information
Centre and Gateway into one shared, modernised and inspiring new
building. Both councils, with support from Heritage Lottery Fund
and Arts Council England, are committed to working together to
deliver this exciting 12.3m project for the people of Tunbridge Wells
borough and beyond.
Stay up-to-date with the development of the project by heading to the
website: tunbridgewellsmuseum.org/cultural-hub
Learn about the project, read the latest updates and find out how you
can get involved through consultation and volunteering.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dont forget to sign up to the mailing list to receive monthly updates
straight to your inbox. E-mail: museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

15
20's Plenty in St Johns!
With considerable
support from local
residents and funding
via the Kent County
Council Combined
Members Grant, the
first wide-area 20mph
scheme is being
implemented in the
St Johns area of Royal
Tunbridge Wells.
St John's 20mph scheme including traffic calming
School
Cadogen
Playing
Field
School
Cemetery
16
The Combined Members
Grant allows Kent County
Council Members to support
local community projects
and in this case Cllr Peter
Oakford allocated his share
of the grant to the St Johns
scheme. The scheme
covers 50 roads bounded
by (but not including) Upper
Grosvenor Road, Powder
Mill Lane and the A26 St
Johns Road as shown on
the map below.
School
Allotments
Shatters
Wood
Grosvenor
Recreation
Ground
20 mph area
Unaffected road
Proposed speed cushions/
speed hump locations
The conclusion from
research undertaken by
a local Working Group,
comprising local residents,
Council members and
officers from Kent County
Council and Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council, was
that 20mph restrictions can
deliver benefits including:
reduced vehicle speeds
casualty reductions
creation of more
pleasant streets to live in
and move through.
20mph schemes are now
being implemented across
the country and in other
parts of Kent Maidstone,
Dartford and Swale, and
nearer to home in Tonbridge
and Malling, including
Tonbridge High Street.
While Tunbridge Wells has
a small number of existing
20mph restrictions, these
cover limited areas, such as
around Claremont School
and through Fiveways in the
town centre.
The St Johns scheme
fits with a number of the
objectives of the boroughs
Transport Strategy:
Improve travel safety
across the borough
especially for vulnerable
road users, including
cyclists, pedestrians and
equestrians.
Improve air quality,
particularly within the
designated Air Quality
Management Area.
Increase the use of
sustainable transport
modes including cycling,
walking and public
transport.
20mph schemes form part of
a package of complementary
measures aimed at
encouraging journeys on
foot, by bike or using public
transport. We are working
hard with our partners on
many projects that will
enable sustainable travel
around the borough, such
as improving local cycle
routes. We are also aware of
significant interest for 20mph
schemes from a number of
other communities both
urban and village centres
within Tunbridge Wells.
Lessons learned from
20mph schemes elsewhere
suggest that engagement
with local communities is
important in ensuring that
the benefits of the 20mph
speed restrictions are
realised. We are planning
a number of community
activities to raise awareness
of the scheme and to
encourage a culture change
in driver behaviour within
the restricted area. If you
are interested in getting
involved e-mail us on
business@tunbridgewells.
gov.uk.
To start us off, we asked the
two local primary schools
that lie within the area St
Johns and St Augustines
to design posters to
highlight the new 20mph
scheme. Prizes were on
offer!
The Mayor kindly agreed to
judge the entries and the
the winning poster is shown
opposite. We are very
grateful to the schools, and
their Year 5 and 6 pupils,
for taking part and hope
that all the posters will be
displayed in schools and
in homes within the area to
show support for the 20mph
scheme.
Congratulations to our winner Lilia Oubridge (aged 10) from St Augustines Primary School.

17
 A Springtime offer you
Will not want to miss out on
Call Thy Will Be Done during March, April or May
and you will be able to arrange:
A single or pAir of wills
to protect your partner and your children for just
99 + VAT (118.80) usual price (222 inc)
A will bAsed TrusT (for couples)
to help prevent your home being sold to pay for your care
and protect your children when the first partner dies for just
199 + VAT (238.80 inc per person)
usual price (479 inc per person)
An immediATe properTy TrusT
(for couples or singles)
to help prevent your home being sold to pay for your
care and protect your children with immediate effect*
(includes all conveyancing and legal fees) for just
1165.50 + VAT (1398.96 inc per person)
usual price (1908 inc per person)
And all severance of tenancy work during spring will be provided
free of cHArge
Call us now on:
01892 278171
*For this strategy to be legal and work effectively, avoiding care home fees MUST NOT be the sole motivating reason for setting up the Trust (its perfectly legal for it to be a subsequent benefit after the fact) - protecting your children
against losing half their inheritance through divorce, your partner remarrying after your death or ensuring your childrens inheritance does not add to their estate for inheritance tax purposes for example must be some of the primary
reasons stated to name but a few. Also it must be done at a time when you have not been diagnosed with any condition that would give you reasonable cause to believe that going forward you would be likely to need to go into care.

www.thywill.co.uk

18
RTW Car Club The Co-wheels car club
in Tunbridge Wells is
to pay, no MOT or car servicing to
worry about, or cleaning! all you pay
for is membership and low cost car
Do you sometimes wish you your solution. hire for as little as 30 minutes or as
had access to a car but you There are six car club vehicles in the long as 14 days.
dont want the hassle and centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells and You can find out about how easy it is
expense of owning your on the outskirts of town that you can to join the club and become a Co-
book online at co-wheels.org.uk/ wheels member at co-wheels.org.uk.
own vehicle? locations for short or long distance
Co-wheels is a social enterprise
Maybe your family already has a journeys. Car club cars have their
company that invests all profit back
car but sometimes it would be really own dedicated space so there is no
into the scheme and there is no cost
helpful if you had another vehicle you problem with parking either.
to the boroughs Council Tax payers.
could use?
Car clubs can provide an alternative
Would it be useful for staff in your to car ownership offering you all the
business to have occasional use of convenience of a car without any of
a car? the inconvenience; no road tax or fuel

Locations in
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Mount Pleasant Road
Quarry Road
Grove Hill Road
Mount Ephraim Road
Crescent Road Car Park

Come and Discover

TEDx RoyalTunbridgeWells
it's back for the third time
and promises to be bigger
than ever.
The event will be taking place on
10 June from 2pm at the Assembly
Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
There is a choice of ticket levels
available, suitable for all budgets,
and the event will include a range of
fascinating talks, entertainment, food
and refreshments. This is a not-profit
event and all the proceeds will go into
the organisation of what we promise to
be an unforgettable day.
If you are unaware of the TED
phenomenon and are wondering
why you should
attend, let us whet
your appetite.
Founded in 1984
as a conference
where technology,
entertainment and
design converged,
todays talks cover
an extensive
range of topics
from science to business
to global issues. Its a place where
ideas are spread and shared that will Please join us in showcasing Royal
ultimately change attitudes, lives and Tunbridge Wells to the world and
eventually the world. TEDxRTW is part bring the world to Royal Tunbridge
of the international community that Wells. For tickets please visit
celebrates locally-driven ideas that are tedxroyaltunbridgewells.com
then elevated to the global stage.
19
Farmers Market
As we move from the wintry months
into the brighter days of spring, more
and more vibrant, colourful, healthy
vegetables are heaped on farmers
market stalls, alongside a new catch
of sea fish laid on trays of fresh ice.
Many vegetables are in or reaching their
peak condition, including cauliflower, celeriac,
parsnips, and purple sprouting broccoli. Cod,
halibut and mussels from the sea and meat
including spring lamb are also in season.
Farmers markets are a great way to discover
new products and food trends or get new
recipe ideas from the growers themselves.
Many markets have cooking demonstrations,
with professionally trained chefs using
ingredients gathered from various stalls to
create a Market Dish. Perhaps some honey
glazed turnips, or a delicious roasted cabbage
with apple and cider sauce. Other times you
might find an Omelette Challenge being held
with chefs and stallholders taking on members
of the public in a fast and fun cooking
competition.
Plants are also making a comeback as
gardens stir awake after their winter slumber
and our local nurserymen and women bring
the early risers and plenty of advice to the
market. Bees are beginning to buzz around the
new blossom and with new season produce
on the way, its time to ease into lighter dishes
and away from the heavy, comforting foods of
winter.
The rise of artisan producers and the growing
popularity of farm-to-table food growing and
eating, particularly with ingredients such as
cheeses and breads, is plain to see and enjoy
on the market. Markets are on the front line of
a booming demand for craft drinks and locally
brewed beer, spirits and wine is often sold
here before anywhere else.
There are several busy and popular farmers'
markets across the borough, full of lovely,
fresh veg and lots of local produce!
20
FARMERS MARKET RECIPE
Preparation time: 20 mins
Cooking time: approx 50 mins
Serves 4
500g boneless mini lamb
roasting joint vegetables, until just cooked.
1 tbs sunflower oil
Salt and pepper Melt the butter in a small pan.
4 sprigs fresh thyme Brown the shallot and the
remaining thyme on a low heat.
600g choice of green
vegetables: green beans, After 5 minutes, sprinkle with the
flour, stir for 1 minute, then pour
broad beans, peas, green
mini-asparagus, broccoli in the white wine and stock, while
still stirring. Allow to simmer for
1 tbs butter
5 minutes on a low heat.
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 tbs flour When the lamb is cooked, wrap
100ml white wine it in foil and leave to rest for
250ml hot lamb stock 10 minutes.
Take the joint out of the fridge Pour 3 tablespoons of hot water
1 hour in advance. into the roasting tin, stir well with a
whisk or spoon to release any meat
Preheat the oven to Gas Mark juices and sediment and pour into
6/200C. the pan containing the sauce.
Heat the oil in a large non-stick
Remove the sprigs of thyme
frying pan. Sear the lamb quickly and leave to simmer for another
on all sides, on a high heat.
2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to
Season, then place in a roasting taste.
tin and sprinkle with half the thyme.
Cover with foil and cook for 40 to Cut the lamb into slices and serve
50 minutes, to suit your preference. with the vegetables and sauce.
About 20 minutes before the end of Recipe & image
the cooking time, boil or steam the tastyeasylamb.co.uk
Monthly Farmers Markets across
Tunbridge Wells borough
Tunbridge Wells (Town Hall) 2nd & 4th Saturdays
Tunbridge Wells (Pantiles) 1st & 3rd Saturdays
Cranbrook 4th Saturday (3rd in December)
Lamberhurst 1st Wednesday
Sissinghurst 2nd & 4th Fridays (closed October April)
For more information on your local market see kfma.org.uk and
don't forget to check for special markets, including Christmas and
Bank Holidays.
The best theatre to survive in New York Citys East Village
in the thriving days of Bohemian excess.
out Robbie makes every wedding as
disastrous as his own. Starring Ray Quinn

shows to book Inspired by Puccinis classic opera La

Bohme, RENT features unforgettable
(Glenn), Ruth Madoc (Grandma Rosie)
and Rozanne Pallett (Holly), this

now! music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson

including the much-loved songs Seasons
musical is packed with
songs which
of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie capture all the

F ollowing on from a
tremendously successful
year in 2016, the Assembly Hall
Bohme.
From the acclaimed producers of Horrible
Histories, Birmingham Stage Company
fun and energy
of the Adam
Sandler smash
hit film.
brings you the world premiere of this
Theatre continues to thrive and amazing story GANGSTA GRANNY by Last but not
has a thrilling programme of David Walliams, the UK's best-selling least we have
author for children. Its Friday night and FLASHDANCE
live music, comedy and some Ben knows that means only one thing the musical. Hot
incredible West End Shows staying with Granny! There will be cabbage on the heels
lined up for the rest of 2017. soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and of Fame, Dirty
Ben knows one thing for sure its going Dancing and
Theatre Director John Jackson Almond to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben Footloose comes
says: 'This is the most ambitious and doesnt know is that Granny has a secret Flashdance,
exciting mix of shows that has been and Friday nights are about to get more an inspiring
presented in Tunbridge Wells in recent exciting than he could ever imagine, as musical about the power of holding onto
history and a great opportunity for he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime your dreams and love against all the odds.
audiences to see superb West End shows with his very own 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and
right on their doorstep.' Gangsta Granny! flashdancer by night, dreams of going to
Celebrated crime writer, Ruth Rendell, the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy
Willy Russells
one of Britains best-loved authors, has and becoming a professional dancer. When
heart-warming
delighted fans for decades with her dark, a romance complicates her ambitions, she
comedy SHIRLEY
intricately plotted crime novels. The creator harnesses it to drive her dreams.
VALENTINE
of Inspector Wexford and author of more premiered in Ruth Rendells A Judgement
than 60 novels in her extraordinary 50 1986 and took the in Stone
year career, A JUDGEMENT IN STONE is world by storm. In Mon 15 Sat 20 May
widely considered to be one of her greatest celebration of its
works. 30th anniversary,
Rent
Tue 23 Sat 27 May
Building on the phenomenal decade-long the first major revival of this national
success of The Agatha Christie Theatre treasure will embark on a UK tour in 2017. Gangsta Granny
Company, Bill Kenwright presents a new Shirley Valentine will star much-loved Wed 21 Sun 25 June
production of Ruth Rendells Judgement actress Jodie Prenger as Shirley. With a
career spanning over four decades Willy
Shirley Valentine
in Stone which unravels a lifetime of Mon 3 Sat 8 July
deceit, despair and cover-ups which, when Russell is undeniably one of the most
revealed, brings a shocking revelation successful playwrights of his generation. The Wedding Singer
almost as grizzly as murder itself. Shirley Valentine was adapted into an Tue 5 Sat 9 September
Oscar nominated film starring Pauline
Bruce Guthries brand-new production of Collins and Tom Conti.
Flashdance
the legendary, multi-award-winning rock Mon 13 Sat 18 November
musical RENT tells the story of a group THE WEDDING SINGER, the
Tickets can be booked online
of impoverished young artists struggling beloved 80s classic, is a full
at assemblyhalltheatre.
on, unashamed musical
co.uk or in person at The
celebration of the
Gateway (open Monday
80s when hair is
to Friday 9am to 5pm)
huge and greed is
or alternatively at the
good. Robbie Hart
Assembly Hall Theatre
is New Jerseys
counter on Saturdays
favourite wedding
from 12pm to 5pm and
singer. When his
from 90 minutes before
own fiance dumps
a show's advertised
him at the altar, a
start time.
seriously bummed

21
 Promoting independence:
Are you getting all the help you need?
Did you know? Want to know more?
Grants worth up to 30,000* are available for property adaptations and
improvements to help disabled people, both young and old, to continue to
Call us on 01892
live independent lives intheir own homes. 554241 or e-mail
Funding is available for homeowners and those who rent privately or housing.renewal@
through a housing association.
tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are means tested. A grant is considered
once an assessment has been carried out by an Occupational Therapist to
determine any works that would be necessary and appropriate.

*Certain criteria may apply

Through lifts Stair lifts

Flush floor Widening

shower doorways

Outdoor
ramps
Extensions

ROYAL monthly pub lunches and visits to places

PROBUS CLUB TUNBRIDGE
WELLS
of interest, where guests are invited.
Members are drawn from across
The club welcomes new members the borough, and a modest annual
it is run by and for retired men from the business, subscription applies.
military and academic worlds. It meets on the third Please contact Adrian Moss for more information.
Thursday of each month at the High Rocks Hotel in Tel: 01892 863835
Tunbridge Wells for lunch, followed by a talk from an E-mail: secretary.rtwprobus@gmail.com
expert in his field. Other activities are organised, such as Web: royaltunbridgewellsprobusclub.co.uk

22
 What's On at the Assembly Hall Theatre
Sat 8 Apr
MarCH Sun 9 Apr
Lets Hang On
Omid Djalili
Tue 23Sat 27 May Rent
Mon 29 May Marty McDonalds Toy
Tue 14 Mar You Win Again Machine
Thu 13 Apr Lee Nelson
Wed 15 Mar The Big Dance Fri 14Sun 16 Apr The Little Mermaid Tue 30 May Remembering Fred with
Extravaganza
Thu 20 Apr Thatll Be The Day Aljaz & Janette
Thu 16 Mar Sing-A-Long-A Rocky Fri 21 Apr ELO Again
Horror
Fri 17 Mar Abbamania
Sat 22 Apr La Bohme June
Tue 25Sat 29 Apr TWODS Annie Get Your Fri 2 Jun Count Arthur Strong
Sun 19 Mar Peter Pan in Dance Gun
Tue 21Wed 22 Mar Kent Schools Singing Sat 3 Jun The Counterfeit Stones
Sun 30 Apr Shakin Stevens Sun 4 Jun Al Murray The Pub
Thu 23 Mar West Kent WI
Fri 24 Mar Stand By Me Landlord
Sat 25 Mar Jon Richardson MAY Thu 8 Jun Stewart Lee
Thu 30 Mar Sensational 60s Experience Sat 6 May All England Amateur Boxing Fri 16 Jun Chas & Dave
Fri 31 Mar Strictly Cool Dancing Sun 7 May RTWCS Bach Mass in Wed 21Sun 25 Jun Gangsta Granny
D minor
APril Wed 10 May Ruby Wax Frazzled
Box Office 01892 530613/532072
Thu 11 May Reginald D Hunter
Sat 1 Apr Banff Mountain Film Festival
Fri 12 May One Night of Queen assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Sun 2 Apr RTWSO Mozart & Mahler
Tue 4 Apr The Etta James Story Sat 13 May Illegal Eagles
Sun 14 May The Andrews Sisters For accessibiity
Wed 5 Apr Northern Ballet Goldilocks
Mon 15Sat 20 May Ruth Rendell: A Judgement information
Thu 6Fri 7 Apr Ben & Hollys Little
Kingdom in Stone please visit

Following Tunbridge Wells celebrates

the path 10 years as a Fairtrade town
of the hop The Fairtrade Town
Group would like to
pickers thank all those who
have supported the
New directional finger
campaign over the
posts and a monolith
mark the first stage years. The group
of a way-marking and recently presented
interpretation scheme the Mayor with
which will eventually the Fairtrade Town
follow the route taken
by the steam railway
renewal certificate.
that used to bring hop The quest for Fairtrade Town status began in 2004 and has been
pickers to the rural communities of Paddock successful because the local community from all walks of life has got
Wood, Horsmonden, Goudhurst, Cranbrook and involved, for example by taking part in the Fairtrade Fortnight events.
Hawkhurst. You can support Tunbridge Wells Fairtrade, and more importantly
The scheme, which celebrates the heritage of hop support third world farmers, by looking out for the FAIRTRADE Mark
picking in this area, has been developed by the when you are shopping in the town.
Hop Pickers Line Heritage Group. The plan is for
the specially designed finger posts, monoliths and More information can be found at:
information panels to be placed at points all along Tunbridge Wells Fairtrade Town twfairtrade.org.uk
the route of the railway where public rights of way
The Fairtrade Foundation fairtrade.org.uk
cross the line.
23
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