LOCAL

The Tunbridge Wells

Borough Council magazine
Autumn 2010

www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Take the
kids out for a
country walk
this autumn

Inside:
FREE Personal Health Plan
Over 40 events for the over 50s
Rainwater toilets and intelligent roofing
Index
If you would like to comment
about any article in Local, or
make suggestions for any that
should be included, we’d love
to hear from you.
In the first instance contact:
Estelle Hudson,
Democratic and Community
Engagement Manager,
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council,
Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells,
Kent TN1 1RS
estelle.hudson
@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
tel: 01892 554064
For postal enquiries please contact:
Town Hall
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 1RS
tel: 01892 526121
fax: 01892 534227
e-mail: info@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
text: 07870 526121
Personal callers should
visit the Gateway at
8 Grosvenor Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells.
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.
Welcome to the season of
mists and mellow fruitfulness...
...and welcome to the autumn edition of Local magazine. The evenings are
getting shorter, there’s a noticeable nip in the air and your summer holidays are
fast becoming a distant memory. But here’s the good news – there’s plenty to
keep you warm in your latest issue.
On pages 8–9 you can read the fascinating results of the most recent Ward Walks,
conducted in Bidborough, Capel, Culverden and St James’. Very high satisfaction
rates with the areas as a whole (especially Bidborough!) – but what are the
underlying niggles that residents would like to see the Council tackle as a priority?
Pages 14–15 are packed with great ways for the over 50s to mark the International
Day of Older Persons, while page 19 gives details of a new scheme especially
created for parents to help get their pre-schoolers out and about in the beautiful
Kentish countryside.
And page 21 sings the praises of our burgeoning Farmers’ Market – ten years old
and still growing bigger by the month – now this really is the season of mists and
mellow fruitfulness!
INSIDE:
The biggest so far – what was it?__________________ pages 4–5
Claim your FREE Personal Health Plan________________ page 6
Tunbridge Wells for everyone!_______________________ page 7
Ward Walks – the amazing results_ _______________ pages 8–9
Rainwater toilets and intelligent roofing______________ page 12
Over 40 events for the over 50s_ _______________ pages 14–15

Six thousand exhibits await your discovery___________ page 16

Published by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council – 01892 526121
Meet the winners_________________________________ page 17
Photography by David Hodgkinson
– www.sweetmoon.com
Could you be a Community First Responder?_________ page 18

No such thing as a free tree?_______________________ page 19

If you require this
information in large Go wild in Kent__________________________________ page 19
print, on audiotape or in
any other format please From the Australian outback to High Brooms_________ page 20
contact us in any of the
above ways. Which TV stars are in this year’s panto?______________ page 22

What’s going on in a Hawhurst car park?_ ___________ page 23

2  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010
 Latest news
Joining forces
The Tunbridge Wells
Hear your purse! What next for Rusthall?
An elderly resident recently
Community Safety Unit The initial consultation period on whether or not
told Tunbridge Wells CSP
(CSU) is a new initiative Rusthall should be parished has now closed.
about some security bells
jointly led by Tunbridge that were available from Draft proposals will now be submitted to the
Wells Borough Council and the Community Safety Communities and Partnerships Select Committee on
West Kent Police and will Partnership where her son 9 September whose views will be taken into account
be based in the Town Hall, lives. by the Cabinet on 14 October. Cabinet will then make
Royal Tunbridge Wells. recommendations to the Council on 20 October for
When the CSU is fully She thought they were decision.
operational (scheduled for such a great idea that she The full results of the initial consultation will appear in
September 2010) it will told us. We agreed with September on www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/rusthall
bring together the Police, her and have bought some (visit Gateway or call 01892 554106 for paper copies).
the Council and other to hand out to elderly Draft proposals will be published on the website from
agencies such as Kent residents. If you would like 1 November and you have until 31 December to comment.
County Council to give a a pair of the security bells Final proposals will then be prepared and submitted again
more coordinated response to attach to a purse or bag, to the above committees in January and February, and will
to crime, disorder and please get in touch. Call appear on the website.
anti-social behaviour. In the 01892 526121 and ask If the proposals recommend that Rusthall becomes a
meantime, the Community for Community Safety or parish and has a parish council, the Council will make
Safety Partnership will e-mail communitysafety@ a reorganisation order, a legally binding document. The
continue to operate as usual. tunbridgewells.gov.uk first parish council election will take place alongside the
borough elections on 5 May 2011.
Keep in touch For more information, call or e-mail Nicola Timms,
Elections Team Manager, on 01892 554106 or
To get updates from the Community Safety Partnership and nicky.timms@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
sign up for CSU news, please e-mail communitysafety@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk
You can now join over 800 local residents who are following
us on Facebook – go to www.facebook.com/twcsp or get up
to date information from our website by visiting
www.twellscommunitysafety.org.uk

Useful numbers
Neighbourhood Watch: 01892 502159
Drugs Services – Turning Point: 01622 690994
Alcohol Services – Kenward Trust: 01732 370413
Domestic Abuse helpline: 01892 570538
Kent Fire and Rescue Service, free home safety visits:
0800 923 7000
Crimestoppers – call anonymously: 0800 555 111
Report crime not in progress and other non-urgent matters:
01622 690690
Emergency Police response: 999 or 112
KCC Community Warden Supervisor: 01580 715457
Free 24 hour Racial Incident Reporting Line: 0800 138 1624
Free 24 hour Homophobic Incident Reporting Line:
0800 328 9162
Parks Mobile Security Service Monday to Friday, 5pm to
8pm and weekends 9am to 8pm, during daylight hours:
07979 705949
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council: 01892 526121
LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  3
Tunbridge Wells Mela
the biggest and best so far!
Thousands of Tunbridge Wells
residents and visitors to the town
attended the Mela in Calverley
Grounds on Sunday 18 July.
The event was organised by Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council and Cohesion
Plus, and was supported by the Kent
and Sussex Courier and BBC Radio
Kent, with the help of the Mela Steering
Group. The Mela was designed to
bring together the communities of
Tunbridge Wells through the media of
music, food and dance.
During the first part of the day,
visitors were treated to a range of
acts, including the popular Phase 5
Steel Band, the She’Koyokh Klezmer
Ensemble performing a variety of
European folk music, The Camden
4  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010
Road Choir, and performances from
local schools who took part in special
Mela education workshops in the
weeks leading up to the event.
Performances during the second half of
the day included popular Bangladeshi
music star Kaya, the Carmen Souza
Quartet bringing their unique Afro-
Latin Jazz, the very popular Bhangra
star ADH, and the final act of the night,
Kent-based tribute band, Abba Magic.
Whilst listening to the music, visitors
could browse a range of stalls from
jewellery to clothes, and sample food
from India, Thailand, America and
Eastern Europe. On the bowling green
there were children’s activities ranging
from an archaeological dig, craft-
making, face painting and more, all
provided by the Tunbridge Wells Arts
Partnership.
Cllr Frank Williams, Portfolio Holder
for Policy and Partnerships, said:
‘Over 10,000 people had a really good
time at the Tunbridge Wells Mela. The
Borough Council enjoyed excellent
publicity. It appealed to people from all
walks of life and was a very successful
event.’
Gurvinder Sandher, the Director of
Cohesion Plus, said:
‘I have been overwhelmed with
the positive response we had to the
Mela. This was our biggest and most
ambitious Mela to date and I am
pleased that all of our efforts have
been rewarded.  I have always aimed
for the Mela to be a celebration of the
diversity of Tunbridge Wells and I feel
that we achieved this via both the stage
programme and the stalls and activities
which were available. I hope we can
try and make the Mela even bigger
and better again next year with the
support of our partners Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council and Arts Council
England.’
Tunbridge Wells Mela

LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  5

Local news

Choose health
The Healthier Communities Team at Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council in collaboration with NHS West Kent are
launching some exciting projects that will help residents
lose weight and lead healthier lives.
There are three main Personal Health Plans are
elements to the new service available to anyone who
called Choose Health: wants one-to-one support
Weight for It! – weight loss on how to make healthier
groups for adults; lifestyle choices. A personal
health trainer will help to set
MEND – a children and goals to make a change and
family weight management maintain it in the future.
programme; and Personal
Health Plans for those Free health checks are also
wanting to make healthy available at Tunbridge Wells
changes to their lifestyle. Gateway on the Wellpoint
machine. This easy-to-
All of these programmes are use machine measures
provided FREE of charge! weight, BMI (body mass
Weight for It! is a ten week index), body fat percentage,
weight loss course for adults blood pressure, heart
who are an unhealthy rate, and hydration status.
weight. It offers support The Wellpoint can also
through weekly group track results to monitor
meetings delivered by individuals’ progress over
trained nutritionists. time.
MEND stands for Mind, For more information or
Exercise, Nutrition, Do to book a place on any of
it…! It is a fun course for the courses please contact
More Money families with children aged
7 to 13 whose weight is
The Healthier Communities
Team on 01892
in Your Pocket above the healthy range for
their age and height. It runs
twice a week after school in
554411, e-mail health@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk or
visit www.tunbridgewells.
Are you finding it hard to make two-hour sessions over ten gov.uk/choosinghealth
weeks.
ends meet?
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can help.
Many people with low incomes are not claiming the benefits
Happy first birthday!
they could.
Tunbridge Wells Over Fifties Forums (TwOFFS) first
For a free money health check contact the Benefits service birthday is fast approaching. Their first AGM is on 28
at the Council. We can help you to claim Housing October at the Camden Centre from 2.15 to 4.45pm.
Benefit to meet your rent and Council Tax Benefit to With help from a grant from Kent County Council and a
reduce your Council Tax bills. strong, committed committee, their membership keeps
We can also check if you could get other benefits such increasing. Last year they produced four newsletters and
as Pension Credits, Working Tax Credit, Disability Living held five public meetings (one outside Tunbridge Wells).
Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance.
There is another meeting at the end of February 2011 in
Visit our Gateway in Grosvenor Road, Paddock Wood, as well as the usual schedule of meetings in
Royal Tunbridge Wells where the Citizens the Camden Centre. TwOFFS has gained representation on
Advice Bureau can also help you with various Council committees and always tries to campaign
advice on debt and the Royal British on behalf of people over 50; they are also represented on
Legion can help you to find work.
the South East Network of Seniors, who have direct links to
Don’t delay – contact us today! government.
There is a fun quiz, with free refreshments, on Thursday
Call 01892 526121 30 September from 2.15–4.30pm. Tickets are £2 from Age
Concern, Wood Street, or call 01892 523858.
6  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010

Tunbridge Wells
for everyone!
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is committed to ensuring
that all residents can access the services we provide by
shaping and designing them around the needs of all our
local communities.
It’s from this commitment and working with all sectors of the
community that we have continued to make improvements
to our services. During 2009 we have:
„„ Held community-led exhibitions at the Museum and Art
Gallery where local schools and older people have made
contributions.
„„ Provided community outreach projects and events where
the Assembly Hall Theatre worked with students of
different ages from schools across the borough.
„„ Continued to provide a yearly programme of sessions for
young people with disabilities and their families, and for
adults with disabilities at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre
which saw attendances double from the previous year.
„„ Worked in partnership to host a range of events
in support of Get Moving Week aimed at bringing
people together to challenge mental health stigma and
discrimination.
„„ Increased the number of young voters through a video
campaign.
We have also continued to celebrate diversity and promote
understanding within our communities. In addition to the
Mela:
„„ Chinese New Year was marked by an annual lantern
parade and family fun activities.
„„ Nine days of events were held to mark the International
Day of Older Persons.
„„ Sessions were held with local school children themed
around the Hindu festival of Diwali.
The Council’s work for its communities received national
recognition in 2010 by being shortlisted for the Local
Government Chronicle’s Equality and Diversity Award
together with our partners, Sevenoaks District Council.
Cllr Frank Williams, Portfolio Holder for Policy and
Partnerships, says:
‘From outreach projects at the Assembly Hall Theatre and a
campaign to increase young voters, our work is continuing
to make a real difference to people in our communities.
Being shortlisted for the Equality and Diversity award
amongst authorities from all parts of the country and all
sections of the public sector, recognises our commitment to
ensuring our services meet community needs. We continue
to listen to customer feedback and use this to inform how
our services are developed and to meet the changing needs
of the borough’s community.’
Further information is available at
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/equality
Local news
Check access from home
A unique guide to services offered to disabled people is
proving to be a success since it was launched in April 2009
with approximately 70 people using the guide each month.
The guide has recently been updated to include new venues
in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood, Lamberhurst,
Goudhurst and Cranbrook, each visited by fully trained
researchers. A number of venues already included in the
guide have also reported access improvements. A steering
group involving the local Access Group, other local
organisations and disabled people has been set up and met
in March 2010 to ensure the information in the guide stays
up-to-date and that the guide develops in the way that local
people want it to.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is working with and
funding DisabledGo, a national accessibility project, to
develop the guide which covers over a thousand locations
including pubs, theatres and railway stations. You can check
whether a shop is wheelchair accessible or if a cinema offers
a hearing loop.
Councillor June Crowhurst, Champion Member for Equality
and Diversity, says: ‘We are pleased with the positive
response the guide has received and hope that it assists
residents and visitors to get out and do what they want to
do.’
Visit: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/access. Staff at Tunbridge
Wells Gateway are also able to provide information.
FIRTREE HOUSE
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2JZ
Care Home with Nursing
Firtree House is a delightful Features:
period property located in • Single En Suite Bedrooms
an attractive residential area, • Hairdressing & Chiropody
enabling residents to maintain • Rich & Engaging Activities
close links with the local
• Restaurant Standard Cuisine
community and surrounding • Personalised Care Plans
area. • Convenient Location Close to
Both staff and residents are Town Centre
actively involved in the everyday • Established Home Manager -
decision making of the home. Over 10 Years at Firtree House
Freephone 0808 166 1396
LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  7
 Ward
„„ 84% of you
felt safe in your Residents reported other vehicles
Walks
area from crime parking in tenants’ car park
and anti-social After consultation with residents,
behaviour Housing Association agreed to instruct
2010
Over two thirds a clamping enforcement company
of you were for the car park. Residents
satisfied with the permits and anyone
way the Borough permit will be clamped
Council runs things
Residents within the wards of (69%), and 68%
Culverden and St James’ and of you thought the Council kept you
parishes of Bidborough and Capel well informed about the services it
received visits from local Councillors, provides. Most of you referred to the
Council staff and representatives of local newspaper or used the internet/
key agencies during June and July. e-mail to find out what was happening
These visits were completed as part of in your area, which the Council will
the annual Ward Walks programme, bear in mind for communicating key
messages to local residents in the
which involves the Council and key
agencies visiting four areas of the future.
borough to find out what residents Top five services that needed
think about where they live and what improving:
needs improving. „„ Parking
We would really like to thank all of „„ Leisure and recreation facilities
you that took part. The suggestions
you put forward have been extremely „„ Planning and development
useful and have helped identify where „„ Traffic congestion
we and our partner agencies can make „„ Other issues (specific)
improvements to your local area. We
have been working hard to respond Top five key issues:
to your immediate concerns and „„ Planning and development
enquiries and will continue to progress „„ Traffic congestion
long term issues that are affecting your
household in your local area. „ „ Road maintenance
We spoke to nearly 550 households „„ Parking
over 20 Ward Walks and found that „„ Traffic calming & road safety
the vast majority Bidborough
of you ‘love where Residents reported bad potholes in We spoke to 116
you live’ but there the middle of John Street
are just a few issues households across
that would improve Reported to Kent Highway Services the parish of
your quality of life and repaired very shortly afterwards Bidborough.
overall. „„ An amazing
99% of you were
Culverden ‘very satisfied’ or ‘fairly satisfied’
We spoke to 145 households in with your local area as a place to
various roads across the ward of live
Culverden. You said that you particularly liked
„„ 95% of you were satisfied with the peace and quiet of the countryside
your local area as a place to live and community spirit within the
You particularly liked the convenient village.
location to the centre of town but also „„ 86% of you thought it was a good
to London, the countryside and the place to raise children
south coast. „„ 94% of you felt safe in your local
„„ 78% of you told us that you area from crime and anti-social
thought it was a great place to raise behaviour
children
8  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010
Nearly three
quarters (71%) of
you were satisfied
with the Council,
and a similar
proportion felt well
will have informed about
not displaying a local services
(75%). Bidborough
residents tended
to look at local
newspapers or the parish newsletter to
find out about local issues.
Top five services that needed
improving:
„„ Public transport
„„ Traffic calming and road safety
„„ Refuse collection
„„ Recycling facilities
„„ Other issues (specific)
Top five key issues:
„„ Traffic calming and road safety
„„ Public transport
„„ Local shops and facilities
„„ Traffic congestion
„„ Other issues (specific)
St James’
We spoke to 160 households within
a range of roads in St James’ – from
Goods Station Road up to the new
development by High Brooms station
and across to properties by Hilbert
recreation ground.
„„ 94% of you were happy living in
this area
„ „ 79% of you thought the area was a
good place to raise children
Like Culverden residents, you liked the
convenience of being near to the town
and facilities but also mentioned the
community spirit and friendliness of
people living in your area.
„„ 84% of you felt safe in your local
area from crime and anti-social
behaviour
You felt slightly less satisfied with the
way the Council runs things (59%),
and how the Council keeps you
informed (60%). You told us that you
referred most to the local newspaper
and internet/e-mail to find out about
local issues, and some residents
mentioned newsletters like the Town
Crier.
Top five services that needed But you also thought these were key
improving: issues:
„„ Road maintenance „„ Road maintenance
„„ Parking „„ Public transport
„„ Community safety and police „„ Parking
presence „„ Planning & development
„„ Leisure and recreation facilities The detailed
„„ Maintenance of footpaths and information we
pavements collected has been Resident discussed the need for more
sent to the relevant activities to be held for the elderly
Top five key issues:
departments within Officer contacted the resident to
„„ Road maintenance the Council and inform them about the Tunbridge
„„ Parking key agencies Wells Over Fifties Forum and monthly
„„ Planning and development responsible for tea dances at the Camden Centre as
delivering these just some of the initiatives we support
„„ Traffic calming and road safety services. It has
„„ Other (specific issues) informed the work
Capel of the Community Safety Partnership,
recent Overview & Scrutiny reviews,
117 households across the parish supported Planning consultations,
of Capel (Capel, Five Oak Green, communications and will continue
Tudeley and Whetsted) took time to to be used to inform the work of
speak with us during July. partnership groups such as the Joint
„„ Residents were very satisfied with Transportation Board.
the area as a place to live (94%) To find out more about the key
„„ Like Bidborough, you thought it issues in each of these areas, please
was a great place to raise children visit: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/
(86%) wardwalks to view the reports.
All the households
we spoke to Older resident mentioned that they
(100%) felt safe in were having trouble taking their
the area from crime refuse bin down to bottom of drive
and anti-social
Referred household to ‘Pull and
behaviour, and
Return’ refuse service
you considered
the countryside
and the peace and quiet to be the best
things about where you live.
70% of you were satisfied with
the way the Borough Council runs
things, and nearly two thirds (60%)
felt that the Council kept you well
informed, tending to refer to the parish
newsletter or local newspapers to find
out about local issues.
Top five services that needed
improving:
„„ Traffic calming and road safety
„„ Public transport
„„ Refuse collection
„„ Recycling facilities
„„ Other (specific issues)
Main issue:
„„ Traffic calming and road safety

LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  9


8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Gateway is a joint
venture between Kent County Council and
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, working
together with public sector agencies,
volunteer and charitable organisations to
offer customers a wide variety of services,
delivered in a modern and user-friendly
location in the town centre.
The Gateway offers something for
everyone, from skills learning to housing
advice, access to voluntary organisations
and Kent County Council services. You can
also access the internet free of charge
and make automated payments. All
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council services
are delivered out of Gateway.
The Gateway includes a ‘Changing Place’
toilet facility with a hoist and an adult-
sized, height-adjustable changing bench.
It also has a centrally-placed toilet, known
as a peninsular toilet, which has space on
either side to make it as easy as possible
to use. The Changing Place allows access
to the heart of the community for people
with complex physical needs, their carers
and families.
LOCAL   AUTUMN 2010  10
Gateway Services
Business Link Kent
Free, impartial business advice – every other
Tuesday from 9am to 5pm by appointment only.
Call 0845 600 9006.
www.businesslink.gov.uk
Carers FIRST
Support for carers – every Wednesday 9am to
1pm.
www.carersfirst.org.uk
Carr-Gomm
Support and advice service to help people live
independently. Every fortnight on Monday 9am
to 5pm.
www.carr-gomm.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
Free, independent, confidential and impartial
advice to everyone on their rights and
responsibilities. Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 10am to
3pm (last appointment) drop in only. Thurs 10am
to 5pm.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau -
Trailblazer
Working to prevent homelessness and advice
on benefit entitlement and debt management.
Weds & Thurs 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 1pm -
by referral and appointment only.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Community Wardens
Every Monday 11am to 12 noon.
www.kent.gov.uk/Community/community-safety/
community-wardens/
Connexions
Information, advice, guidance and support for
young people 13–19, or up to 25 for those
with a learning difficulty or disability. Every
Tuesday 10am to 12 noon and Thursday
2.30pm to 4.30 pm.
www.connexions-direct.com
Hi-Kent
Free maintenance and batteries for your
NHS hearing aid, plus advice about helpful
equipment. Every Thursday 10am to 12 noon.
www.hikent.org.uk
KCA Young Person’s Service
Drug and alcohol support and advice for young
people aged 10 – 18. Every Thurs drop-in service
1.30-2.30pm, 2.30-6pm by appointment only.
www.kca.org.uk
KCC Registrar
Register births and deaths. Every Monday
9.30am to 4.30pm (last appointment 3.30pm) To
book an appointment call 08458 247400.
www.kent.gov.uk/community
Kent Adult Social Services
Kent Supported Employment ensures
disadvantaged people are proportionately
represented in the workforce. Ongoing support
tailored to individual need. Monday, Wednesday
and Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Assessment and Enablement Team offers advice,
information and guidance to people who have social
care needs. Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm.
www.kent.gov.uk/socialcare
Kent Benefits Partnership
Advice and assistance with applying for benefits.
Every fortnight on Monday 2 to 4pm.
www.kentbenefits.org
Kenward Trust
Offering hope for those who are serious about
wanting to recover from drug and alcohol abuse
and work towards a new life – free from their
addiction. First Thursday of each month – 9am
to 5pm.
www.kenwardtrust.org.uk

Porchlight
Supporting vulnerable and homeless people in
Kent. Drop-in session every Monday 10am –12
noon.
www.porchlight.org.uk
RBLI Pathways to Work
Programme to help people with health
conditions and disabilities find employment.
Every day 9am to 5pm by appointment. call
0800 319 6841.
www.rbli.co.uk/pathways
RBLI – Trailblazer
One-stop shop focusing on training and
employment. Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm.
www.rbli.co.uk
RBLI – Workstep
Helping people with a health condition or
disability to find or return to work. Every
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, call
0800 7831144 for appointment.
www.rbli.co.uk
Stanford & Green
Council’s bailiffs – drop-in every Friday 12 noon
to 2pm to discuss outstanding debt or set up
repayment arrangements.
www.stanfordandgreen.co.uk
Working together for you
Victim Support
First Tuesday of the month 9am to 1pm (drop-in).
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Volunteer Centre Tunbridge Wells
(Voluntary Action Within Kent)
Volunteering opportunities to suit a person’s
availability and interests, regardless of age,
ability or employment status. Monday 9am to
1pm and Thursday 1.30 to 5pm.
www.vawk.org.uk
West Kent Mediation
Free, impartial and confidential mediation
service to neighbours or communities in dispute.
Every fortnight on Tuesday from 9.30am to 1pm.
www.wkm.org.uk
There is also a Wellpoint machine
located in Gateway – this provides a
free, inclusive self-check for everyone.
The Wellpoint machine is able to
check the most important vital signs of
health: weight, hydration quota, body
mass index, body fat content, heart rate
and blood pressure. It provides:
„„ Personalised health-check in around five
minutes
„„ Print-out of personal test results
„„ Empowerment of customers to make their
own health improvement decisions
So why not pop in next time you’re in
town and take a quick health check.
Tunbridge Wells Gateway is open
six days a week – 9am to 5pm on
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri; 9am to 6.30pm
on Thursday and 10am to 4pm on
Saturday.
LOCAL   AUTUMN 2010  11
Local news

THE MEAD SCHOOL

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andandforemost
foremost weweareareaafamily
family community, firmlybelieving
community, firmly believing   Facilities are excellent.
Saturday to order my free bus pass
that that
a child who
a child is is
who happy
happyandandsecure
secure inin school
schoolisisone
one who  
who and was very impressed by the building and Your staff are very smart, helpful
willwill
thrive and
thrive andlearn
learnand
and thereby achieve.
thereby achieve. the extremely helpful staff. The provision of and friendly. The building is
the accessible Gateway was a brilliant idea – bright and it’s great to have toilet
ForFor
a personal tour of the school, please contact  
a personal tour of the school, please contact congratulations to whoever made facilities.
the Registrar,
the Registrar, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Winter Winter the decision.

I find that this new office

This is a great idea
and décor has lifted the atmosphere for
– to have advice, housing advice,
the people who visit for benefits, etc. The
general help under one roof,
terminals for the internet are a very good idea
close to centre. Brilliant!
and the fact you have nine terminals should give
ample opportunity for people to get a
turn. All staff helpful and friendly.
The new Gateway
concept is very light, airy and
seems to have had an excellent
effect on staff (as well as We (my wife and I) have
customer) morale. Keep up the been helped with the problem we
good work! visited about. We could not have
had greater support. Thank you very
Really liked how much.
approachable TW Borough
Council now is!!

16 FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5SN, 
16 FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5SN,
TEL: 01892 525837, www.meadschool.info, EMAIL: meadschool@hotmail.co.uk
TEL: 01892 525837, www.meadschool.info, EMAIL: meadschool@hotmail.co.uk
 
Working together for you
The Mead School
The Mead is committed
School is committedto
to the protection
the protection and
and safety
safety of itsofpupils.
its pupils.

Sustainable businesses wow councillors

Councillors from the Overview and Scrutiny Select
Committees have been on a tour of local businesses
operating a variety of sustainable initiatives, to gain an idea
of ‘best practice’ for others.
There were various ideas, including a boiler burning wood
chips made on site at Bedgebury Pinetum, toilets flushed with
rainwater at 3663 First for Food Service’s depot in Paddock
Wood, and a beehive on the roof at AXA PPP in Royal
Tunbridge Wells!
Mascalls School in Paddock Wood showed their wind turbine
and intelligent roofing, that knows when to open and shut
depending on the weather. Students also demonstrated that
sustainable thinking was on the agenda.
Whilst many of the initiatives represented a longer term
investment (electric vehicles at AXA PPP; solar panelling at
Moat homes), others cost next to nothing (car sharing at 3663).
Councillors were impressed at how easy it was to embed
sustainability into work practices and hope to encourage Councillors meet students from Mascalls School to see
others to do the same. The most striking thought was how innovative sustainable practices
beneficial for everyone, including businesses, it would be if
sustainable initiatives were more widespread locally.
12  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010
 Local news

Joining up public services

in Tunbridge Wells borough
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is taking the initiative to improve services in the borough whilst making savings, by
purchasing the former Land Registry offices in Hawkenbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The purchase of the offices will
provide accommodation for a range of services in the borough under one roof.
This will build on the success of the Hall. This is categorically not true. A for the purchase. As is the case with
Gateway – a joint initiative with KCC business case has been prepared which all such transactions, the purchase is
– which is now providing a wide range demonstrates that there is enough subject to a survey and the usual legal
of services to the public and which is demand from other public, private process.
dealing with around 6,000 enquiries and voluntary organisations to repay Cllr Roy Bullock, Leader of the
a month involving over 30 different the investment regardless of whether Council, said: ‘Tunbridge Wells
organisations. the Borough Council is involved. Borough Council is, once again,
The Council is required by the new No decision has been made on the demonstrating that it is willing to act
coalition government to make savings future of the Town Hall and any such proactively to improve services and
of at least 25 per cent and we are keen decision will be subject to public reduce costs. Our submission to the
to do this in a way which protects consultation. Treasury projected savings in excess
frontline services as far as possible. This purchase provides a unique of £1 million across the public sector
Bringing public services together has opportunity for the public sector to by working more flexibly and sharing
significant potential both to improve reduce its costs, reducing the burden facilities. Clearly the purchase will be
services and save money – for on taxpayers over the long-term. It will subject to the usual negotiations and
example, by sharing facilities such as also bring additional employment in to procedures but I am very optimistic
receptions, meeting and training rooms the borough. that this acquisition will deliver savings
and other support costs. The Borough Council was previously and better customer service.’
Some people will regard this as being unable to announce the plans as this
in effect a decision to vacate the Town could have jeopardised negotiations

www.justgyms.co.uk
Benefits Advice
An advisor from the Kent Benefits Partnership will be Just
available to provide advice on a range of welfare benefits
between 2pm and 4pm on Monday twice each month at Gyms
M

em

cm
the Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
be r 0 p
f ro m j u st £22.5
■ Working Tax Credit s hi p
■ Child Tax Credit
■ Pension Credit
■ Attendance Allowance
Join our friendly and supportive local
■ Disability Living Allowance gym, with no long contracts and no
■ Employment and Support Allowance tie-in. Our approachable, experienced
■ Housing Benefit
■ Council Tax Benefit 13 September
2010
27 September
staff are on hand to help.
There is no need to book an 11 October 25 October
appointment to attend any of the 8 November 22 November Convenient opening times: evenings & weekends
surgeries, however if you would 6 December 20 December
like to make an appointment
please contact the Kent Benefits 2011 Just Gyms To Pembury
HOW TO FIND US Tesco
Partnership on 17 January 31 January
Blackhurst Lane Sports Centre,
0845 345 0310. 14 February 28 February A21
Lines are open Monday to Friday 14 March 28 March Blackhurst Lane, Tunbridge Wells Blackhurst lane
sports centre
JUST GYMS
between 1pm and 5pm. Kent TN2 4PY Just
Gyms

Blackhurst Lane Halls Hole Road

01892 538404
A264
To Tunbridge Wells

LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  13

Events for the over 50s
Over 50? Time
to get going!
Last year’s events to celebrate
International Day of Older Persons
were a great success!
Older people forums across Kent
congratulated the Partnership
(including public agencies, charitable
organisations and the Tunbridge Wells
Over Fifties Forum) on a varied and
interesting programme and suggested
that similar events should be repeated
across the county.
International Day of Older Persons
(IDOP) is celebrated on 1 October
every year and its purpose includes
highlighting over 50s’ contribution
to society and to promote the
development of a society for all ages.
It was adopted by the UK as UK Older
People Day to encourage a wide
range of local community activities
and to tackle outdated stereotypes.
Locally, the Council and its partners
are also promoting new and existing
opportunities for over 50s to live life to
the full. Come and join us...
This year’s events are being held until
8 October. Events are wide-ranging
and are from age 50+, including free
sports and discounted leisure activities.
Look out for the leaflet, which provides
full details on times, venues and
whether an event is free or discounted,
at your local library, Tunbridge Wells
Gateway, Weald Information Centre
and Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art
Gallery – a reduced rate sometimes
only applies if you show the IDOP
leaflet at the time of paying. For more
information please contact Alison
Baker, Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council, on 01892 526121.
In the meantime, here’s a flavour of
this year’s events...
Sunday 26 September
Finchcocks Musical Museum
Last Open Day of the season! First 30
over 50s with IDOP leaflets get in half
price.
14  LOCAL AUTUMN 2010
Horsmonden Village Amble
Meet at The Green in Horsmonden for
a 3pm departure for a two hour/four
mile walk on public footpaths. Call
John Naylor on 01892 722623.
Monday 27 September
Active and Ageless
Fun, friendship and fitness club for
over 50s at St John’s Church Centre, St
John’s Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
every Monday. Free taster session –
just turn up. Call Sarah Domoney on
07798 872322.
Fit and fun for over 60s
Free taster session (bookable in
advance) at Tunbridge Wells Baptist
Church, Upper Grosvenor Road, Royal
Tunbridge Wells. Call Theresa on
01892 510200.
Tuesday 28 September
Boogie fit seniors–over 50s and
over 65s sessions at Matfield
Village Hall
Join us for a free taster session. No
need to book, just turn up. Call
Charlotte Fairs on 01892 725319.
Active and Ageless
Fun, friendship and fitness club for
over 50s at the Camden Centre, Market
Place (off Camden Road), Royal
Tunbridge Wells every Tuesday. Free
taster session – just turn up. Call Sarah
Domoney on 07798 872322.
Fit and fun for over 60s
Free taster session (bookable in
advance) at Tunbridge Wells Baptist
Church, Upper Grosvenor Road, Royal
Tunbridge Wells. Call Theresa on
01892 510200.
Wednesday 29 September
Living Life to the Full
Information Day In Royal Victoria
Place Shopping Centre, Royal
Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells Over Fifties Forum –
find out more about using the internet,
grants for your home and volunteering.
Cycle your way to a fruit smoothie
drink, meet Fire Safety Officers, try
the Wii for free and find out about our
Community Transport Scheme. Call
Will Thomas on 01892 530330 or
e-mail will.thomas@vawk.org.uk
Boogie fit seniors – over 50s
Free taster session at Pembury Village
Hall – no need to book. Call Charlotte
Fairs on 01892 725319.
Help develop St John’s Primary
School Sensory Garden
Join our volunteers clearing, weeding,
and building raised beds for the
children to tend throughout the year.
Just turn up – call Kent High Weald
Partnership on 01580 212972 or visit
www.khwp.org.uk
Reinventing Tunbridge Wells –
Decimus Burton
A free guided walk by Tunbridge Wells
Museum and Art Gallery (bookable in
advance). Call the Museum on 01892
554171 to book your place.
Thursday 30 September
How can we help you?
Bringing the Council and its partners to
you in the mobile Gateway at Waitrose
car park, Church Road, Paddock
Wood. Find out about volunteering,
health, debt advice, employment
opportunities, housing grants, benefits
and voluntary/charitable organisations.
Call Nick Saunders on 01892 554439.
Active and Ageless
Fun, friendship and fitness club for
over 50s at the Camden Centre, Market
Place (off Camden Road), Royal
Tunbridge Wells every Thursday. Free
taster session – just turn up. Call Sarah
Domoney on 07798 872322.
Tunbridge Wells Over Fifties
Forum and Age Concern Quiz
Afternoon
Wood Street Centre, Royal Tunbridge
Wells – a not too serious quiz with
light refreshments available. Stir up
that old grey matter and join us for fun
and a bit of friendly competition! Call
01892 522591 or 01892 523858.
Tea Dance
Enjoy a Tea Dance (bookable in
advance) at the Camden Centre,
Market Place (off Camden Road), Royal
Tunbridge Wells. Call the Communities
and Health Team on 01892 554411.
 Events for the over 50s
Friday 1 October who mention ‘IDOP’ when booking Sport centres
seats for the morning or matinee
Marle Place Gardens and Gallery, showing of the film on a first come,
All over 50s are invited to bring
Brenchley, Kent TN12 7HS first served basis. Visit Trinity in person
a friend and enjoy the sports and
Reduced entrance fee to enjoy activities free of charge.
or call 01892 678678.
glorious autumn colour from the
extensive shrub and tree planting, A sumptuous re-creation of 1920s
Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, St
plus contemporary art in the gallery. France and the tempestuous affair
John’s Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Exercise to music, treadmill, adult
Call 01892 722304 or visit www. between the composer and the
swimming and therapy rooms – call
marleplace.co.uk couturier. More details at www.
01892 540744.
trinitytheatre.net
Local and family history at
Weald Sports Centre, Angley Road,
Tunbridge Wells Library Friday 8 October Cranbrook
A free, fascinating session at the library.
Call 01892 522352 to book a place. Poetry at Showfelds Library Swimming, try our cardiovascular
Call 01892 532620. equipment and beauty therapy – call
Launch of Talk Time! 01580 710720.
At Sherwood Library situated in TN2 Week long activities
Putlands Sports and Leisure
Community Centre. A new group Monday 27 September Centre, Mascalls Court Road,
where you can make friends and share
activities. Call 01892 537639. – Friday 1 October Paddock Wood
Short mat bowls, badminton, free tea
Free computer taster session Personal Health Plans or coffee – call 01892 838290.
Rusthall Library, High Street. Get more Thinking about changing your lifestyle,
but aren’t sure where to start? Our As an added benefit to existing over
out of your computer, e-mail and the
Personal Health Plans are the thing for 50s members at all three sports centres
internet. Call 01892 521667 to book a
you – we work with you personally – if you bring a friend and that friend
place.
to identify key areas, then help set joins the centre you will receive a free
Green gym at Bedgebury Pinetum your goals and support you. Call the month’s subscription and your friend
Help our volunteers improve the Communities and will not need to pay a joining fee.
conifer collection every Friday. Call Health Team on
Tim Hills on 01424 446395 or 07980 01892 554411.
761047.
Activities at
Free computer taster session Bedgebury
Pembury Library, Hop House, Lower Autumn trail,
Green Road. Get more out of your archery and
computer, e-mail and the internet. Call cycling at the
01892 822278 to book a place. national pinetum in Saturday 11 ~ Friday 31 December
Double bill featuring A Friend of Bedgebury. A Musical In Two Acts Based On
Ronnie’s
Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Royal
Visitors aged 60 The Wind In The Willows By Kenneth Grahame
years+ can park Trinity Theatre | Church Road | Tunbridge Wells | Kent TN1 1JP
Tunbridge Wells. Trinity is offering 20 their car for £4
tickets at £5 to customers aged 50+ Book Tickets | 01892 678 678 | www.trinitytheatre.net
for the day and
who mention ‘IDOP’ when booking get 10% discount
seats for this theatrical double bill on at the Bedgebury
a first come, first served basis. Call in Pineatery. There’s
person or call 01892 678678. good access for
Comedy drama about a man whose wheelchair users.
possible connection to the Great Train Call 01580 213049
Robbery is about to catch up with him, or visit www.
plus the winning entry in a national bedgeburypinetum. Tickets
one-act play competition. More details org.uk from
£10.50
at www.trinitytheatre.net
Tuesday 5 October
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky Presented by
Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Royal Trinity and TTC
Tunbridge Wells. Trinity is offering 50
tickets at £2 to customers aged 50+
Event: 2010 Christmas Show LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  15
Size: 94mm x 114mm
Colour: CMYK
Council grants for local organisations
Tunbridge Wells &
District Age Concern
Tunbridge Wells & District Age Concern is an independent
charity serving the borough of Tunbridge Wells. We often
get confused with the larger national Age UK organisation;
however, we are very separate although sharing obvious
common aims.
Our main objective is to promote the independence of the
older people in this borough, ensuring they are able to make
informed choices about the way they choose to live their
lives and have the opportunity to get involved in their local
community. To achieve this we offer a range of services
including advice and information, social integration, benefits
checks and housing advice; as well as practical services to
assist older people to remain as independent as possible
such as day care services, independent living support, home
bathing and chiropody.
Our Day Centre at Wood Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells,
the main hub of our organisation situated in the heart of the
town, offers older people the opportunity to come together,
meet new friends and enjoy the company, whilst ensuring
that those with care needs are catered for during the course
of the day. The service is widely used by people from all
over the borough and not only offers care for individuals but
Cranbrook Museum
Cranbrook Museum, housed in a delightful 15th century
timber-framed building (which is an exhibit in itself),
contains over 6,000 exhibits to encapsulate Cranbrook and
the Weald of Kent’s past.
16  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010
also respite for those that care for an older friend or relative.
Through our organisation older people can also pursue
leisure and educational interests. Our computer and IT
training and internet access are extremely popular. Classes
are offered every day with one-to-one tuition from dedicated
volunteers. The Centre also offers exercise classes and
Tai Chi designed specifically for the older person to help
people keep fit and mobile. The organisation was recently
honoured with an award for outstanding contribution to the
community through the Borough Council’s ‘Love Where We
Live’ initiative after being nominated by those who regularly
Bootmaking, ropemaking, hop picking, the broadcloth and
iron industries can be explored. There are fine collections
of birds, coinage and a display of an old kitchen. Also,
works by the highly talented Cranbrook Colony of Artists
show how people used to live in the Weald in the 1800s.
A ‘virtual tour’ showing the Museum’s contents room by
room is housed on the ground floor for visitors with mobility
difficulties. A fresh, special exhibition is provided on the
ground floor each month, the current season ending with
The Story of Cranbrook in September and Cranbrook School
in October.
The Museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies on
donations, admission fees and the TWBC grant. These funds
have been used for the virtual tour, purchase of old estate
maps of Cranbrook and a fine bespoke display case. A grant
of 50% was obtained from the Museums, Libraries and
Archives Council to help fund the display case. The case will
be used to show 19th century bank notes and commercial
leaflets, in a secure environment up to modern conservation
standards. This expenditure has allowed the public to see
interesting items which hitherto could not be securely
displayed. Members and local organisations such as the
parish council also helped towards this.
Our archivist Betty Carman can advise on local family and
property enquiries (files are held on all properties in the
Conservation Area) on a Wednesday throughout the year.
Ring 01580 712929 on Wednesdays.
A wide range of interests are catered for ranging from
primary school children, individual family historians and
 Council grants for local organisations
use the services. The volunteers and staff are extremely
proud of this accolade. A big thank you to all those who
nominated Age Concern.
We raise all the necessary funds for all our services locally
and every penny we receive is spent in this borough.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has supported the
organisation since it was set up in 1948. The Borough
Council not only provides the Centre at Wood Street by way
of a lease, we also receive a grant, this year for £18,000, to
assist with the running costs of providing our services. We
also rely on expert help from the Council staff. Without this
support the organisation would find it difficult to survive,
especially in the current economic climate.
Visitors are always welcome at Wood Street and all our
services are available to anyone aged 55 plus and can
be accessed by contacting us on 01892 522591 or just
popping in.
We also provide opportunities for those who want to get
involved in the community with support to volunteer or
maybe start a local initiative; we already help out with
several voluntary lunch clubs and meeting groups and we
are currently keen to see how more could be developed to
tackle social isolation and help provide more opportunities
for older people to become involved in their local
communities.
The organisation is very dependent on local financial
and voluntary help and welcomes any support such as
fundraising ideas, individual donations and local volunteers.
people researching the many interesting historic properties in
the area. Occasionally, when sufficient interest is shown, a
research group is formed headed by a Canterbury University
lecturer in local history. Visits from schools across the whole
of Kent have become increasingly popular in recent years.
For more information and arrangement of group visits,
contact our curator, Rod Dann, by e-mail roddann@
btinternet.com or call 01580 712475.
Tunbridge Wells
International Young
Concert Artists (TWIYCA)
Sheer brilliance from the young classical music contestants
in the 17th TWIYCA Competition.
More than 70 young people aged between 16 and 26 from
27 different countries applied to take part in this year’s
competition, which was funded by a
grant of £2,000 from Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council.
The competition was started 30 years
ago, is held every two years and is run
completely by volunteers. It comprises
three sections – Piano, Strings and
Wind. It took place this year over the
four days from Thursday 15 to Sunday
18 July. The first three days comprised
the Preliminary Rounds and were held
at Kent College, Pembury.
Mishka Rushdie Momen
The Finals Concert was held at the
Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge
Wells where the six finalists competed for the £1,500 prize
for each section and for the overall prize of a further £1,000
and the TWIYCA Crystal Goblet. They performed before
six eminent international judges and
thrilled a packed audience with their
performances, including the Mayor
and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells,
the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent
and many Mayors, Mayoresses and
Chairmen from other local authorities
in Kent and Sussex.
Throughout the competition there were
exhilarating performances by the young
contestants. The standard was so high it
was extremely difficult to judge between Savitri Grier
them. The six contestants finally chosen
by the judges came from Israel, South Korea, Germany and
the United Kingdom, with the winners all hailing from the
United Kingdom – Mishka Rushdie Momen (piano), Savitri
Grier (strings) and Hannah Morgan (wind) – with Savitri
Grier winning the overall prize and the TWIYCA Crystal
Goblet. A pleasing footnote to Savitri’s winning performance
was that it included a short amusing piece composed by her
father who was also her accompanist.
The icing on the cake for these section
winners is that they will each have a
London Recital at St Martin-in-the-
Fields, Trafalgar Square early in 2011.
The compere of the Finals Night was
Humphrey Burton and both he and
the judges commented on the unique
excellence of the competition and how
important it was for it to continue.
Hannah Morgan
LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  17
Local information

Community First
Responder team
launched in
South West Kent
A new life-saving Community First
Responder team covering Tunbridge
Wells and Tonbridge has been
launched.
The team, which is hoping to expand
to cover Paddock Wood, is made up of
volunteers specially trained by South
East Coast Ambulance Service NHS
Trust (SECAmb) to deliver life-saving
skills in the local community in the
minutes before an ambulance arrives.
The new team includes first-aiders,
nurses and off-duty members of
SECAmb staff. Left to right: Hayley Nemard-Delahaye (Emergency Call Operator), Simon Phyall
(Community First Responder), Gary Knight (Paramedic Clinical Advisor) and Chris
Paramedic Clinical Advisor and off-
Bathurst (Community First Responder).
duty SECAmb staff responder for the
team Gary Knight said: ‘Community treatment, using our equipment and like to hear from anyone who can help
First Responders have been operating defibrillator until the ambulance with fundraising. Anyone who would
across the South East since 2000. The arrives. like to support the team is asked to
schemes were first introduced in an ‘SECAmb provides two kit bags and contact Christine on 07771 595016 or
effort to provide early pre-hospital care defibrillators per scheme, but with six christine.bathurst@virgin.net
in local communities within those life trained Community First Responders In addition, if anyone would like more
critical early minutes following cardiac and a further five people awaiting information about becoming
arrest, a heart attack, or to patients who training in this area we’re really keen a Community Responder, or on
are unconscious or suffering any other to hear from anyone who can help schemes already operating in their
form of life-threatening illness or injury. with fundraising to help supplement local area, contact the SECAmb
‘Community Responders are not a the two kits we already have.’ Community Responder Team office
substitute for the ambulance crews, With it costing approximately £2,000 on 01273 897861 or e-mail:
but because they are based within the to equip one volunteer, the team would recruitment@secamb.nhs.uk
community in which they live or work,
they are able to attend the scene of an
emergency in a very short time, often South East Coast Ambulance Service Community First Responders volunteer
within the first few minutes, and in the was formed on 1 July 2006, following their spare time to be available for selected
majority of incidents they would be the merger of Kent, Surrey and Sussex 999 calls to help other members of the
first on scene. The responder can then ambulance trusts and is one of 11 community. Volunteers can be male or
begin vital life-saving first aid before ambulance services operating in England. female, aged over eighteen years. They
the arrival of an ambulance, further It covers an area of 3,600 square miles must have access to a car and be able to
increasing the patient’s chance of and a resident population of 4.5 million attend emergency calls from either their
survival.’ across East and West Sussex, Brighton home or place of work as soon as they are
& Hove, Kent and Medway and Surrey. received. While a responder is on call they
Responder Team Leader Christine
The trust responds to 999 calls from the can continue with their normal day to day
Bathurst who lives in Pembury said: public, immediate and urgent calls from activities while in the local area, but must
‘Each member of the team has a pager health professionals, as well as providing be ready to drop everything and attend a
and mobile phone which alerts us non-emergency Patient Transport Services call should one arise. A Community First
to calls when we book on with the (pre-booked patient journeys to and Responder needs to be extremely reliable
Emergency Dispatch Centre. We use from healthcare facilities) in some areas. and trustworthy, good under pressure, able
our own cars to get to the scene and It employs more than 3,000 staff across to remain calm in emergency situations,
then set about providing life-saving 60 sites, more than half of whom are be caring when dealing with patients and
paramedics and ambulance technicians. have a good level of physical fitness.
18  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010

Wild about
Kent
Kent Goes Wild is a free
two-day event on 25 and
26 September at Dunorlan
Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Learn about wildlife
recording and conservation
in Kent and find out how
you can get involved.
Wildlife recording groups
and local and national
conservation groups such
as Kent Bat Group, Kent
Wildlife Trust and Kent
Amphibian and Reptile
Group will be there to
answer your questions.
Children can get involved
too and take part in the
Spike the Spotter passport
trail! Take part in the
activities on the stands
and receive your Spike the
Spotter stamp. Activities
include:
„„ bat walk
„„ bird walk
„„ mini-beast safari
„„ pond dipping
„„ moth trapping
„„ bird box and bug „
hotel building
„„ reptile walk
„„ heritage walk
„„ self-guided wildlife trail
„„ guided walks
All participants will receive
a junior recorder’s pack – a
beginner’s guide to wildlife
recording.
For further information
please go to our website,
e-mail kent.goeswild@kent.
gov.uk or phone 01622
221468.
Get out and about with Kent High Weald Partnership
No such thing as a free tree?
The Kent Free Tree Scheme is running again this year in the borough and throughout
Kent, so now is the time to apply before the deadline of 30 October.
Whether you want to plant some specimen trees for the garden or even a hedge, simply
apply for up to 25 native species trees completely free – all you have to do is collect them
and plant them!
Full information about the scheme and application form is available on our website www.
khwp.org.uk, and if you don’t have access to the internet give us a ring on 01580 212972
and we can send you the application booklet.
The scheme helps to benefit local wildlife and enhance the character of the Kent countryside
as well as improving the wider environment – by planting 25 trees up to seven tonnes of
CO2 will be absorbed in the trees’ lifetime – and is made possible through sponsorship by
Network Rail and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, amongst others.
The Weald is your oyster
A new reference pack has been launched, full of information and advice for landowners in
the special landscape of the High Weald.
Specifically developed for people who own land in the High Weald, The High Weald
AONB Land Manager’s Pack contains information on the area’s special features, tips on how
to look after them, and a reference guide of organisations that can give further advice. It
covers a range of specific habitat types such as woodland, ponds, meadows and hedgerows
and includes management principles for maintaining and enhancing these characteristic
landscape features.
The full pack can be viewed on the High Weald AONB Unit’s website www.highweald.org.
If you own over an acre of land in the High Weald and would like to learn more about its
special nature and history from a free advisory visit, contact Matt on 01580 879500 or Ian
on 01580 212972.
Short walks for
little legs
Would you like to take your buggy
and baby for walks in the country but
don’t know of good places to go?
Over the next two years the Kent
High Weald Partnership will carry
out a range of work to develop a
series of short walks that are specially
designed for parents with young
children.
Children’s groups can ask Education
Officer Karen Maier to lead short
walks planned for little legs
and buggies, and to provide an
introductory talk on the countryside.
The first walks developed by the
project will be available on www.
khwp.org.uk and will be published
next year in a free booklet.
If you would like to find out more
call Karen on 01580 212972, or
e-mail karen.maier@kent.gov.uk
LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  19
Arts and business news

Art project brightens up Jobs fair pulls

empty town centre shop in the crowds
An exciting new art project has brought a splash of colour to a jaded corner
of Royal Tunbridge Wells this summer. The empty Portman Building Society A recruitment and jobs advice fair
building has been transformed by a community art project called ‘Eyelife’. was held at the TN2 Community
Centre in Sherwood on 29 July
It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. In light of the number of empty
with a crowd of people queuing to
shop windows across the borough, the idea to fill them with artwork from local
community groups to demonstrate the world through their eyes was born. enter the premises at 9am when it
was due to open.
The project, which is funded by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, uses work Free tea, coffee and bacon
created by local artists and communities to bring empty shops back to life and sandwiches were provided by
keep our high streets alive and thriving during the economic recession. This volunteers in the café at the centre
empty shop in Royal Tunbridge Wells has been transformed by an innovative 3D to those who queued and came into
art display created by professional artist Jane Churchill working with community the fair during the morning. Visitors
groups from around the borough. were able to access information
A talented group of Year 10 artists from Mascalls School in Paddock Wood were and guidance about getting a job
the first community to create work. Working under four themes: ‘Eye Dream’, ‘Eye and undertaking further training to
Journey’, ‘Eye Imagine’ and ‘Eye Create’ they delved into their inner worlds to help get a job.
create 12 inspired visions to share. From childhood dreams of living in a boot to About 150 people attended
a world where everything is made of money, each unique world captures what’s the event from across the local
going on inside their minds and lets you take a look behind their eyes. Sherwood community and beyond.
It was a very successful first event
Members of the South East Home Educators group chose the theme ‘Eye Journey’
with Marks and Spencer recruiting
to explore real and imagined journeys. Based at the No 1 Club at Showfields,
people for their new store on
families worked together to create a beautiful 3D installation. Their collaborative
the North Farm Industrial Estate
work crosses cultures and continents, from the Australian outback to train
opening in the autumn.
journeys from High Brooms.
It is good that local people are
Visitors to the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre used their time with Jane to create able to get local jobs as this helps
a life-affirming piece of work. The group chose the title ‘Eye Love Life’ and each with both the local economy and
participant used artwork and writing to share their own personal thoughts about the carbon footprint. Local jobs
what makes life great. The world they have created reminds us all to love life. enable people to walk, cycle or
To see the artwork go the Portman Building Society building on the corner of take the bus to their employment
Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. To find out more about the participants in the local area thus saving the
and their work, or to add your own thoughts, join our ‘Eyelife’ Facebook page. environment from further carbon
emissions from vehicles.
The event was organised by
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
and is the first event of this type
that has been held in the Sherwood
area; plans are being made for
further jobs fairs linking the
Sherwood community with local
businesses.
These links are being encouraged
by the North Farm Business Group
which meets regularly to discuss
issues that are relevant to the
industrial estate and its companies.
For further information,
contact Daryl Jones, Economic
Development and Business Liaison
Officer, on 01892 554128 or e-mail
daryl.jones@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

20  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010

 Arts and business news

Tunbridge Wells Farmers’

Market’s popularity is growing
The market has been going now for over ten years and is situated outside the
Town Hall. The market is held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month
from 9am–2pm.
Averaging 40 stalls and with a catchment area of 30 miles for local foods, it is
proving more and more popular with the public as well as stallholders.
A recent footfall count showed an increase of 1,000 customers from the 2009
figure, giving over 6,000 people entering the market on the day. There was also a
huge increase in the number of customers purchasing, rising from 36% to 49%,
meaning that almost half of walk-through customers find products that appeal.
Hot foods, including ethnic foods from the Mediterranean and India and local
lamb burgers, prove increasingly popular. The seating area provides a welcome
rest or meeting point for all ages.
Several stalls have tasters available which are very popular with young families.
The stalls give a simple unpressurised opportunity for children to widen their
tastes, sampling small quantities of different cheeses, fruits and chutneys in a
friendly environment.
Morghew Potatoes from Tenterden prove that there’s more to potatoes than just
whites and reds. Varieties such as Shetland Black, Yukon Gold, and even blue
potatoes are grown and advice on how to use them and the different tastes will
tempt most to buy. Large and small quantities can be purchased on the stall for a
potato tasting experience!

SEPTEMBER 2010:
Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th,
Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th.

Day Out With Thomas™. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends™. Based on The Railway Series by Reverend W. Awdry. © 2010 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.
Making tracks to Great Destinations
at the Kent & East Sussex Railway,
Tenterden Town Station.
Pre-booking
strongly advised.
Tickets from £9.50.

www.thomasandfriends.com
Book Online at www.kesr.org.uk or Telephone 01580 765155
LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  21
Coming to you soon
11 December Help shape the future –
to 2 January
Enjoy the magical journey
of the classic story of rags
Benefits Customer Panel
to riches. With an all-star If you are currently receiving Housing Benefit and/or
cast, a spectacular set, Council Tax Benefit we want your help to shape the way
exquisite costumes and a the Benefits service changes in the future.
pumpkin carriage drawn by We would like to have your views on the service that we
two live Shetland ponies, at provide and any ideas you may have about how it can be
the Assembly Hall Theatre, made better.
Royal Tunbridge Wells, this
Christmas. You can comment on any aspect of the service such as
opening hours, location of offices, content and style of the
Boo those ugly sisters, gasp at the transformation as claim form, letters and guidance notes.
Cinderella sets off for the ball, and leave the theatre in a
glow of pleasure as everything ends up happily ever after. All There are a number of different consultation methods which
of your favourite characters will be there including Prince we can use to help us understand your views.
Charming and a very magical Fairy Godmother.
„„ Focus groups – where we meet to discuss issues.
The glittering line-up includes the hilarious Shaun
Williamson (Digby Digworth in CBBC’s ‘Scoop’, Barry Evans „„ Interviews – where we meet on a one-to-one basis to
in Eastenders, and himself in Ricky Gervais’ Extras) who discuss issues. This enables people who may find it
heads the cast as the loveable Buttons. Appearing alongside difficult to take part in group discussions to talk directly
Shaun as Cinderella is Emma Nowell, one of the presenters to a benefits officer.
on CITV’s fun-filled show Hi-5.
„„ Internet or e-mail surveys. We will put a survey
For more information on ticket prices and times contact questionnaire on our website or send it out to you by e-mail.
the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Office on 01892 530613/
532072 or go online www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk „„ Postal surveys.
„„ Telephone surveys. We will call you, at a time
convenient to you, to complete a questionnaire.

What’s New To be part of the panel please contact us to ask for an

application form.
With You? If you do not wish to be involved on a regular basis but
We all sometimes forget to mention things to friends and would like to make suggestions on how we could improve
family when we should, or we feel that it is not the right the service please write to us at the following address:
time to say something. This often leads to a problem that
could have been avoided. Benefits Section, Tunbridge Wells
It is the same with your claim for Housing
Borough Council, Town Hall,
Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS
If there has been a change in your You can enter comments online
circumstances, or of those living with you, on the Council’s website
please tell the Customer Service team at the
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Council as soon as possible.
Follow the links to Find and
It could be that you are entitled to more
money or it could stop you being overpaid
Contact Us, where you will
and having to repay an amount of money. find a suggestions page.
The longer you leave it the more money you
could be missing out on or the bigger the
You can send an e-mail to:
debt you could be creating. comments@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
To tell us of any changes: We will not talk about any individual cases during any of
Call us on 01892 526121 our discussions and your entitlement to Housing Benefit and
Visit the Gateway at 8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells Council Tax Benefit will not be affected by taking part in
or the Weald Information Centre, Cranbrook these events.
Write to the Benefits Section, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, If you have any questions about the Benefits Customer Panel
Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS
please contact the Benefits Development Officer, Nick
e-mail benefits@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Saunders on 01892 554439, e-mail benefits@tunbridgewells.
gov.uk or write to Benefits Section, Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS
22  LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010
 Coming to you soon

Counting on you
On 27 March 2011 all residential
households in the United Kingdom will be
taking part in the census.
Since 1801 a day has been chosen every ten years for
this purpose. The census provides an excellent source of
information about the population which enables central
and local government, health authorities and others plan
housing, education, health and transport services.
Register of Electors 2011 –
The statistics help the allocation of funding for councils, so don’t lose your right to vote!
it is crucial the population estimate is accurate. You’ll easily Have you received your register of electors form through
recognise the census questionnaire by the purple logo. You your letterbox?
may also complete your census online. It is important to complete and return this form as you can
There are many help options available: language guidance only vote if your name appears on the electoral register. Try
booklets, large print format, Text Relay and census field staff the internet or telephone response service if there are no
on hand, as well as online help and telephone call centres. changes to the pre-printed information. If there are changes,
Got to www.census.gov.uk for more information. amend and return in the post. Check thoroughly all pre-
printed details and amend where necessary.

Bring me the Council! Staff carrying official identification, will do door knocks in
October/November to households where no form has been
returned.
In September the Mobile Gateway will be visiting
If you want to vote in the Borough elections and National
Hawkhurst, Goudhurst and Paddock Wood to promote
Referendum in May 2011, return your form now!
the services that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and
its partners can provide to our community through our To check that you are on the Electoral Register or if you need
multi-agency Gateway. The Gateway can be found at 8 assistance, telephone Electoral Services on 01892 554025.
Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Our Gateway Customer Services Advisors will be on board
to give general advice on TWBC services and take in any
questions about our services that can’t be answered on the
day. There will also be staff from other Council teams, the
Job Centre Plus and voluntary and charity organisations
including the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Volunteer Centre
and Intouch Home Improvement Agency to help with: AERIAL &
„„
„„
Benefits
Employment and job
„„ Help for disabled and
vulnerable homeowners SATELLITE TV
seeking „„ Health advice installed by your local experts
„„ Debt and finance „„ Volunteering
We Offer:
• FREE CALL OUT & QUOTATION
Mobile Gateway coming to a local car park soon!
• SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT
Hawkhurst  Jempson Budgens  Thu 16 September • MINIMUM OF 12 MONTH WARRANTY
Goudhurst  Ex-Servicemen’s Club  Fri 24 September • FREEVIEW, FREESAT & SKY INSTALLED
Paddock Wood  Waitrose  Thu 30 September
The mobile Gateway will be open from 10am to 3pm on Get ready NOW before the digital switchover in 2012
each of those days. Come along and find out what we
can do for you! ❝ Fantastic picture and fantastic
installation, very professional and helpful ❞
For further information contact Mr White, Paddock Wood
Nick Saunders
Benefits Development Officer
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Telephone: 01892 554439 01892 833007
e-mail: nick.saunders@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
www.southernsatellite.co.uk

LOCAL  AUTUMN 2010  23

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