LOCAL

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine

tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Summer 2016

inside:

Love Where We
Live Awards
Events
News, features
and loads more

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Welcome to
Summer Local!
Can't quite believe it has been four years since
London hosted the last summer Olympics, and
now we have another jam-packed sporting summer
ahead with the Rio Olympics in August, but there's
the European Football Championships to enjoy
beforehand, and we can't forget the splendour and
tradition of Wimbledon.
If all this talk of sport has inspired you, how about
going to the next parkrun? Details on page 8.
The magazine is packed with cultural activities,
volunteering opportunities, and news to keep you
up-to-date with Council activities.

Local costs less than 9p a copy to

produce and deliver to your home

6to7

Love Where We Live

Awards 2016

If you've been celebrating Her Majesty The Queen's

90th Birthday, I hope plans have been going well.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Parkrun

10
to11

Lizzie Goodwin
Editor

Royal Tunbridge Wells

in Bloom campaign

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
hear from you. Contact us by:
E-mail Localemail@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

13

Recycling in
Tunbridge Wells

20

Phone 01892 526121

Post Lizzie Goodwin, Communications Manager,
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS
TWellsCouncil

Assembly Hall Theatre

shows this autumn

TWBC_Comms

To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd,

01892 677721
or e-mail antoinettem@spacemarketing.co.uk
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do
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.

23

Changes
to Housing
Benefit rules

If you require Local magazine in large print or audio CD please phone 01892 554273
TW908

Union
Windmill,
Cranbrook
comes to a
grinding halt

What's going on?

Union Windmill will be
missing its four huge (10
metre) 'sweeps' (sails) for part
of 2016. This much-loved
landmark, located in the
centre of the historic town
of Cranbrook, is a Grade 1
Listed Building and tallest
smock windmill in England.
The 'sweeps' are exposed to
everything nature throws at them
and need to be routinely maintained.
Periodically it is necessary to take
them down for full inspection and
attention. This latest inspection
will be the first since a major
restoration carried out in 2002/03.
Once completed, and the 'sweeps'
reinstated, the mill will again be
grinding stone ground wholemeal flour
for sale to visitors.

Visiting
The mill opens to the public thanks
to the dedicated volunteers of the
Cranbrook Windmill Association (a
registered charity). Visitors have a
fantastic opportunity to see seven
of the working floors, containing
machinery and exhibits. Children have
the opportunity to make flour using
some of the traditional hand mills.
The windmill opened for the season
on Saturday 26 March and continues
every Saturday and Bank Holiday
Monday afternoon until the end of
September.
Additional open days are
Wednesdays and Sundays during
the summer school holidays. For
special events and opening times see
unionmill.org.uk.

What you said in the residents survey

Were you one of the
people in over 1,000
households we surveyed
in autumn 2015 to help
us understand what
matters to our residents
and what they think of
their local council?

Win 5,000
Pay your Council Tax by Direct
Debit and youre in with a chance
to win 5,000 in a national
campaign.
Enter now by signing up for
Direct Debit
Register to pay by Direct Debit by 30
September 2016 and youll be entered into the
prize draw.
Sign up at tunbridgewells.gov.uk/dd; in the
Tunbridge Wells Gateway; in the Weald
Information Centre in Cranbrook or over the
phone on 01892 526121.

Already signed up?

If you already pay your Council Tax by Direct
Debit youll automatically be entered into the
prize draw.
Direct Debit simple, safe and secure
launched by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited
(Bacs), the not-for-profit organisation behind
Direct Debit in the UK.
Thanks to the prize money on offer from Bacs
this is a good time to switch to Direct Debit if
you havent already done so.
Full details about the terms and conditions of
the prize draw can be found on our website.

Thank you for taking part; by

giving us your views youre
helping to shape the way we do
things. Overall you told us that
we are performing well across
a broad range of services and
providing value for money.
The survey was split into seven
sections: the local area and
Council satisfaction; visiting
the town and village centres in
the borough; safety in the local
area; contact with the Council;
communications; use of and
satisfaction with Council services;
and Council priorities.

An independent company carried

out the survey and reported back
to the Council on the results.
Residents level of satisfaction
with the area was high at 92 per
cent, and we were pleased to note
a 70 per cent level of satisfaction
with the Council.
Satisfaction with the majority of
Council services is high, with
some of the discretionary services
we provide achieving a level of
above 90 per cent. Were working
towards it, but not everything
is this good yet and you said
some services, like planning,
noise complaints and residents
parking permits, gave lower levels
of satisfaction, but even these
achieved about 50 per cent.
This is just a flavour of what the
survey report says. You can see a
full copy of the survey report at
tunbridgewells.gov.uk/council/
have-your-say/residents-survey

The Primrose Project,

Rusthall
is looking for volunteers
A social and therapeutic horticulture project for adults with a disability,
they offer a wide variety of gardening activities to groups of up to
six people living in the community. Everyone takes an active part in
growing plants, fruit and vegetables. These are sold in the shop located
at the bottom of the allotment site in Southwood Road, which is open
to visitors every weekday between 9am and 3pm. Pop along to have a
look around and meet the group. Well behaved dogs are welcome too!
If you have some time to spare
and would like to volunteer,
please contact Sue Lawrence,
Volunteer Coordinator on 01892
822168.

Love Where We Live Awards 2016

What are the Love Where We Live Awards?
These awards celebrate the people who make our borough a great place to live.
They recognise individuals, groups and organisations who are dedicated to helping
others in our community, benefiting the environment or accomplishing personal
goals. The awards are not just about great achievements or overcoming adversity,
but also the small things that can make a big difference.
There are seven categories open for nominations this year. The winner of the
eighth award, the Love Where We Live Award, will be chosen by a panel of judges
as an overall winner from the other seven categories.
Please tell us about the people you would like to see rewarded for all their hard
work, commitment and achievements.

How do the awards work?

Step 1: Complete a
nomination form
Simply tell us about the individual,
group or company that has inspired you
and why you think they deserve to be
recognised.
Complete the nomination form and post
it to us or drop it off at the Gateway,
Town Hall, Town and Country Housing
Group or Weald Information Centre,
or youll find an electronic version on
our website at LoveWhereWeLive.
co.uk. Additional nomination forms are
available from Saffron Phillips on 01892
554085 or e-mail saffron.phillips@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
Nominations can be submitted by
any member of the community,
including councillors, paid workers and
volunteers; however, nominees must not
have derived any personal financial gain
as a result of their work (not applicable
to the Ethical Business Award). You can
nominate yourself for an award.
Please ensure we receive your entries
by the closing date of Friday 29 July

2016.

Step 2: Choosing the winners

Winners will be selected by an
independent judging panel whose
decision is final.
6

Step 3: Awards ceremony

All finalists will be invited to an awards
ceremony to be held on Tuesday 11
October 2016 at the Assembly Hall
Theatre.

The Categories
Best Group Award
Is there a group of people who are the
lifeblood of your community? Perhaps
they can always be relied upon to help
out at events or raise funds. It could
be that they are championing a green
project, or creating opportunities for
people to get involved in local activities
such as a club or other social group.
Do you admire a groups collective
energy, enthusiasm or achievements?
Sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council

Charity of the Year Award

This award is for any registered
charity that operates in the borough of
Tunbridge Wells. Nominations can be
received from staff, volunteers or from
those who benefit from their work.
Tell us about a charity that enhances
the lives and wellbeing of residents in
the Tunbridge Wells borough.
Sponsored by Town & Country
Foundation

Ethical Business Award

This award will recognise a local
company that can demonstrate its

commitment to having a positive

impact on the community and/or the
environment. This could include taking
steps to reduce carbon emissions,
such as a recycling or energy-saving
programme, supporting a local charity,
providing employment opportunities
for young people or buying from local
companies.
Do you know or work for an
organisation that is putting
something back into the community?
Sponsored by John Lewis at home
Tunbridge Wells

Individual Hero Award

There are people in our borough
who make a vital contribution to their
community, or who make a special
effort to enhance other peoples lives.
Perhaps someone has been going out
of their way to help others for a number
of years, or perhaps they are someone
who is always there if they are needed,
an unsung hero who deserves to be
recognised. We would like to hear about
them.
Are you inspired by someones
dedication and commitment?
Sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council

Love Where We Live Award

This award is not open for nominations;
the winner will be selected from the
other categories by a panel of judges.
It is an overall award for the individual,

group or company that has made the

most outstanding contribution to their
community and/or the environment, or
realised the most exceptional goals.
Their work will embody what it means to
Love Where We Live.
Whose time is it to shine in 2016?
Sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council

Sports Achiever of the

Year Award
Through this award wed like to
recognise and encourage an individual,
team or club who has made exceptional
progress, reached extraordinary goals
in their discipline, or made an important
contribution to sport locally.

Young Sports Achiever of the

Year Award
Specifically for those aged 16 and
under*. Do you know a young person,
a youth team or a young coach who
deserves recognition?
*nominees must be aged 16 or under on
29 July 2016

These awards arent just about moving

up the grade, but also about personal
achievement, overcoming adversity and
supporting others to do so.
Who are your local sporting
champions?
Sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle and King
Charles School Old Boys Association

Young Volunteer of the

Year Award
This award is for that young person you
know, aged 24 or under*, who stands
out as somebody with very special
qualities; somebody who gives up their
spare time to volunteer, and in doing
so, contributes to the welfare of others,
their community as a whole or the
environment.
*nominees must be aged 24 or under on
29 July 2016
Would you like to see a particular
young person rewarded for their
efforts?
Sponsored by Kent and Sussex Courier

Terms and conditions

Previous nominees, finalists and
winners can be nominated again.

Nominees can be entered for more

than one category.

All nominees must be based in

the borough of Tunbridge Wells;
nominations must be for a living
person.
Nominations per person or
organisation are unlimited, but each
must be submitted on an official
entry form.
Nominations can be made by any
member of the community, whether
or not they themselves are based in
the borough of Tunbridge Wells.
An individual, group or company can
nominate themselves.
All eligible nominations will be
shortlisted, before going to an
independent judging panel, whose
decision is final.
Finalists will be invited to an awards
ceremony on Tuesday 11 October
2016 at the Assembly Hall Theatre.
Closing date for nominations is Friday
29 July 2016

Nomination form
Please return to: Love Where We Live Awards 2016, Communications Team, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town
Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS by 29 July 2016 or use the online form at LoveWhereWeLive.co.uk
Your name

Name of nominee

Your address

Nominee's address

Your telephone number

Nominee's telephone number

Your e-mail

Nominee's e-mail

Category entered
On a separate sheet please say in approximately 500 words why this person, group or company deserves an award.

In kind sponsor for 2016

Keep on running second birthday for Royal

Tunbridge Wells parkrun!
Saturday 23 April marked
the second anniversary
of Royal Tunbridge Wells
parkrun.

especially to Joe Watts, the Royal

Tunbridge Wells parkrun Event
Director, and his brilliant team of
volunteers for all their hard work over
the last two years.'

Some 177 determined runners, and

several keen dogs, took on the scenic
5km course around Dunorlan Park in
cool but bright conditions.
It was a great turnout for the
anniversary parkrun, which over the
last two years has seen a total of
11,011 runners rack up an amazing
55,055 kilometres! The now Mayor of
Tunbridge Wells borough, Cllr David
Neve, and local MP Greg Clark (who
regularly takes part) were on hand to
officially start the run and send the
runners on their way with a warm
message of congratulations and
encouragement.

Joe Watts, Event Director, said: 'It

was a fantastic effort from our 30strong volunteer team to make this
event so special and memorable
for all in attendance. Most of the
runners stayed around after the run
as there was plenty of food, and a
wide selection of cakes and drink on
offer. We also had a raffle with prizes
donated from volunteers and runners
- including a home-made cake in
the shape of a running shoe! It is an
honour to be involved with this free,
weekly event and I hope to inspire
many more people, no matter what
their ability, to get out and running for
years to come.'

The Mayor said: 'We are very

fortunate as a Council to be able to
offer Dunorlan Park as a venue. It is
definitely one of the most attractive
parkruns in Kent, and provides an
inspiring setting for the joggers, funrunners and more serious athletes
who want to get fit and test themselves
on a weekly basis. Thanks must go

parkrun takes place every Saturday

morning at 9am in Dunorlan Park
over a five kilometre course. The
beautiful Victorian landscaped park
is set in 78 acres with a boating lake
and caf. There is also a very scenic
new parkrun event in the east of the
borough at Bedgebury Pinetum every
Saturday morning.

The idea behind parkrun is to set

up free, weekly, 5km timed runs in
countries all across the world. These
events are open to everyone and are
designed to be safe and easy to take
part in. They usually take place in
pleasant parkland surroundings and
the organisers encourage people of
all abilities to take part from those
taking their first steps in running to
Olympians, from juniors to those with
more experience all are welcome.
The organisers are always looking for
volunteers to help out in a range of
tasks as Royal Tunbridge Wells parkrun
goes from strength to strength. If you
or family or friends can help out please
e-mail: royaltunbridgewellsoffice@
parkrun.com.
For more information about Royal
Tunbridge Wells parkrun and how to
register, visit the website:
parkrun.org.uk/royaltunbridgewells.
Also find us on Facebook and Twitter
@RTWparkrun.
For details of Bedgebury Pinetum
parkrun visit: parkrun.org.
ukbedgeburypinetum

Eridge, Groombridge

Tunbridge Wells West

A DESTINATION AT EVERY STATION!

Heritage trains operate every weekend
plus Thursdays until 1st September,
& Tuesdays in August

Steam Festival

Sat 2nd July & Sun 3rd July

Road and Rail steam engines,
Great Beer and Great Food !
A great family day out!

Diesel Gala

Thurs 4th to Sun 7th August

Diesel engines from around the
country operating an intensive service
Real Ale and local produce BBQ

Teddys day out!

Sat & Sun 13th & 14th August

Book now for;-

Peppa Pig - 3rd September

Day out with Thomas
1st, 2nd, 8th & 9th October

Dining Trains & Driver

Experience - Various Dates

www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
9

Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom campaign 2016 launched with promotional events in April at
Calverley Precinct, and in May at a Family Fun Day at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park. Bloom stalls received lots of visitors
and it was great to see so many people interested in the campaign. We gave away in total 1,300 bedding and basket
plants for local residents.
Tunbridge Wells entered more sites
than ever for South & South East in
Bloom competition. This summer,
Bloom judges will visit the following
sites:
Royal Tunbridge Wells town in the
Large Town category
Dunorlan Park, Grosvenor
& Hilbert Park and Calverley
Grounds - all in the Large Park
category

Woodbury Park Cemetery in the

Churchyard category

We are confident we will win the Gold

again!

Tunbridge Wells Cemetery

and Crematorium in the Large
Cemetery category

Are you proud of your front garden,

basket or planter? There is still time
to join the local Bloom competition
we accept residential and commercial
competition entries until 30 June
so please hurry if you want to take
part. If you are not sure how to enter,
please contact us at competition@
royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.
uk, or phone 01892 554031.

Barnetts Wood Local

Nature Reserve in the Large
Conservation Area category
Tunbridge Wells Common in the
Commons/Open Space category
Royal Tunbridge Wells town
centre will be judged on
Monday 11 July. Preparations
for the judging day are in full
swing. We installed far more
hanging baskets, planters
and barrier troughs than
in previous years, and
community involvement
at our parks has been
great throughout the year.
Results of South and
South East in Bloom
competition will be
revealed in September.

10

There are other ways to get involved

in Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
you can volunteer in our parks
and open spaces, join Friends
groups, organise a big clean up in
your neighbourhood or sponsor our
campaign. For more details please
visit royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.
org.uk or call us
on 01892 554031.
You can follow us
on Facebook and
Twitter.

Super Hoopers! Tunbridge

Wells 3on3 Community

Basketball Tournament returns!
This summer will
see the return of the
annual Tunbridge
Wells 3on3 Basketball
Tournament in
Calverley Grounds.
The idea of the tournament
is to provide a friendly and
fun competitive event for
the thriving local amateur
basketball community, taking
advantage of the excellent,
recently-upgraded basketball
facilities in Calverley
Grounds and (hopefully) the
summer weather.
The competition, supported
by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council and local sponsors,
has been running for two
years and is going from
strength to strength. This
year it is expected that
between 80 and 100 players
will be competing for medals,
with crowds of spectators
also enjoying the event.
With teams from Tunbridge
Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks
and Crowborough, the
tournament is a truly local
affair.

This year's competition takes

place between 10am and
6pm on Saturday 27 August
during the bank holiday
weekend, and is expected
to be 'bigger and better',
according to Konstantin
Kisin, one of the organisers.
'We expect to have more
teams from all over the
South East and London.
The tournament has created
such a buzz in the basketball
community that we're
struggling to accommodate
all the teams wishing to
participate. This year we
are improving the quality
of the event by adding a
three-point competition and
other skills challenges, a PA
system for announcements
and commentary, and a
half-time basketball freestyle
entertainer.'
For information about
watching or participating
in the tournament, contact
info@kisin.co.uk or join
the Facebook event by
searching for 'TW 3on3'.
For sponsorship
opportunities please contact:
sponsorship@kisin.co.uk
11

Changes to Housing Benefit rules

for new Working Age claimants
Central Government
recently announced
some changes to welfare
benefits that came into
effect this spring.
The changes will affect working age
people claiming Housing Benefit
and are summarised here:
Backdating claims we can only
backdate a claim for one month from
1 April 2016.

removed. This will not be allowed

for a new claim made after 1 May
2016.
National Living Wage A new
hourly minimum pay rate of 7.20
for those over 25 years of age was
introduced from 1 April 2016.
Are you eligible? This new rate will
affect the level of Housing Benefit
and Council Tax Support that you
receive. Please report changes to
your earned income to us promptly

to avoid overpayments.
You can e-mail us at
benefits@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

If any of these changes

affect you or someone you
know, full details can be
found on our website

Family Premium has been

DisabledGo online access

guide your views please
Kent County Council is continuing to work
with Government and BT Openreach to
improve superfast broadband coverage
across Kent and Medway.
Phase 2 of the project commenced in January 2016
and is seeking to extend the availability of superfast
broadband to 95 per cent of properties across the
county by the end of 2017. Phase 2 is expected to
provide superfast services to areas of the borough that
were previously unable to gain a connection, including
parts of Lamberhurst and Sandhurst.
To check the availability of broadband services in your
area and identify if and when you could be connected,
please use the post code checker on the KCC website.
Residential and business premises that are not
currently within the scope of the phase 2 rollout, may
be eligible for up to 350 grant towards the installation
of satellite broadband. Further information about the
national satellite broadband scheme is also available
on the KCC website kent.gov.uk/broadband.

12

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been

working with DisabledGo for over seven years to
provide a free guide to the accessibility of over
1,000 places across the borough.
We would like to know what you think of the guide and if you
have any suggestions for any new places to be added.
The guide already provides information on a huge range of
venues across the borough, including restaurants, shops,
leisure centres, parks and hotels.
By using the guide you can find out:
whether accessible parking bays are available
how far you would need to walk to get to an entrance
if a hearing loop is available at reception what side the
transfer space is in an accessible toilet whether there are
tactile lift buttons if staff have received dementia training
if somewhere plays background music if flashing fire
alarms are available if there are places to sit and rest.
The guide is available at disabledgo.com.
If you wish to get in contact with
DisabledGo please call Hannah Morris
on 01438 842710 or e-mail her at
Hannah.morris@disabledgo.com.

Recycling in Tunbridge Wells

kerbside collections: plastic bottles, cans,
glass and paper.

In a previous edition we looked at brown

bins and how the contents are recycled.
This edition its the turn of the rest of our
Made into something
new in factories

Household
recycling boxes

In only six
weeks!

Shredded
metal is then
melted

Collected
by lorry

Shredded into
little pieces

A big thank
you again to all
our residents for
supporting our
recycling and helping
us to achieve our
recycling target
of 50 per cent

Made into something

new in factories

The process for plastic bottles

is very similar to that of cans; it
is collected, sent to a material
reclamation facility for sorting into
the various types, baled and sent
off for reprocessing again, being
flaked, melted and remade into
new items such as
food packaging,
picnic tables,
wheeled bins,
green boxes or
even fleeces.

Household
recycling boxes

In only seven
days!
Collected
by lorry

The pulp is rolled

into thin sheets

The wet and

mushy paper is
termed pulp

The paper is
washed
13

inhabitants of the Sussex Arms

tavern, who may unknowingly
hold the secret of the treasure.
Inspired by and featuring the
museums dolls house furniture
collection, Tall Tales, Tiny Tavern
is a new interactive installation in
miniature by artist Alec Stevens
and writer Jo Kimber.

The artists
Alec Stevens work uncovers
a certain playful quality in the
daily world around us. He
fuses craft practice (in particular,
fine wood carving) and art theory to
create works which are humorous,
revealing and thought-provoking.
While exploring ideas, whether linked
to a specific historic location or to
the urban setting, he uses wood
and emerging technology to create
dramatic experiences that unlock
hidden or overlooked narratives. More
about his work on this project can be
seen at alecstevens.tumblr.com

A new story of Tunbridge

Wells by artist Alec Stevens
and writer Jo Kimber,
featuring the museums
miniature furniture
collection.
Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art
Gallery
Exhibition on until Saturday 3
September 2016
Elijah Barlow is on the run from
London. He has stolen something
and the law is catching up with him
in Tunbridge Wells. Where has he
hidden the treasure? Tall Tales, Tiny
Tavern tells the story of Elijah and
his descendants quest to unravel
the mystery. Spanning 150 years
of the towns history, the story
unfolds through the narratives of the
14

Observing, listening and research are

key to Jo Kimbers writing approach.
She writes plays, screenplays and
short stories in order to process the
world around her and to make sense
of that world through a narrative. Jo is
always searching and striving for the
emotional truth in her writing, whether
through comedy or drama or using a
mixture of both.
Alec and Jo are co-founders of The
Vending Machine Project and are
based in Bristol.

The inspiration
This exhibition came about when
curators at the museum were thinking
about the reserve collections in
storage. The finest of the dolls
houses that are in the collection can
be found on display, showing off their
furniture, fixtures and fittings. There
are, however, some items of miniature
furniture that are rarely seen and are
packed away in store. The museums
extensive collection of dolls house
furniture dates from the 1700s to the
present day and has many objects
from the Victorian period. The
collection includes mass-produced
and handmade objects connected
to dolls houses and other miniature
worlds.
The curators wanted to tell new
stories about this collection, to get the
objects out on display and see how
they could spark the imagination. The
museum commissioned visual artist
Alec Stevens and writer Jo Kimber to
work collaboratively with the curators
and each other to write some
new stories and tell them
within the gallery space. Alec
and Jo researched the history
of the collection, the objects
themselves and the history
of the town. They became
fascinated with the stories told
about one of the towns oldest
inns, The Sussex Arms, which
became the basis of their
new narrative and installation,
enabling the tall tales to be told.

Images top of first column: Tall Tales, Tiny Tavern, 2016

copyright by Alec Stevens. Other images by Andrew Bruce

A message from

Cranbrook
in Bloom

this roundabout can appreciate the

amazing landscaping. Despite it being
a dry area, it does need maintenance
in the form of weeding and a haircut a
couple of times a year. This is done by
volunteers from the town.

So many parts of Cranbrook have

benefited from the dedication of the
Cranbrook in Bloom team. Volunteers
vary between those that can snatch a
few hours every couple of months and
those that take on bigger tasks.

The Forge Orchard is an old orchard

on the outskirts of the town that
has been loaned to the group. It is
maintained by Cranbrook in Bloom
and the Parish Warden, Ivor Hatcher.
There is a seated area within the
orchard and an educational pack
is available online. The group
encourages visitors and there is a
noticeboard and information about the
old fruit trees on site. This orchard will
again be judged for the regional 'It's
Your Neighbourhood' competition this
year, along with Waterloo Cottages
who always have a very impressive
display outside their houses - a great
view as you travel down Waterloo
Road into the town.

The Wilsley Roundabout is a great

example of taking on a project.
Any time of the year, people using

A wildflower area is developing in the

Regal Car Park and following advice
and help from Kent Wildlife Trust the

There are many areas within

the town that Cranbrook in
Bloom have developed over
15 years and it is impossible
to imagine how the town
would look without the
continued voluntary work
that the 'Bloom' encourages.

copse at the top of the High Street will,

we hope, soon become a roadside
nature reserve.
Cranbrook has so much to offer
residents and visitors: The Union
Mill, Museum and the Cathedral of
the Weald, St Dunstan's Church.
Cranbrook in Bloom aims to enhance
the whole area and includes many
clubs, groups and schools in their
campaign. Long may it last.
If you would like to become involved
in the group or have ideas for future
projects please let Linda or Maureen
know. Details can be found at
cranbrookinbloom.co.uk
Please enter the annual Front Garden
Competition if you live in Cranbrook.
It's fun and great to be involved with
this very keen group of volunteers.

15

Keep Dancing!
Tea Dances have
returned to the Camden
Centre for 2016!
Grab those dancing shoes
and head to the Camden
Centre in Royal Tunbridge
Wells to chat with friends,
enjoy a cup of tea and
dance the afternoon away!
You can enjoy the live music played
by Chris Housley all year through until
December from 2 4.30pm. Arrive
early at 1.30pm for free dance tuition.
Dances include the popular Waltz,
Quickstep, Foxtrot, Square Tango and
a host of line dancing. Entry is only
2.50 and includes refreshments. You
can pick up a variety of information
too on a wide range of useful
community services. Come on your
own or bring friends, no booking
required.
The Tea Dance events are run by
IMAGO Community in partnership with
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. For
more information contact Liz James at
IMAGO on 01892 530330.

Dance dates:
Thursday 23 June
Thursday 28 July
Thursday 25 August
Thursday 22 September
Thursday 27 October
Thursday 1 December

16

Friday 30 September and

Saturday 1 October 2016
The first ever Cranbrook Literature
Festival will be held this year and the
programme is taking shape with events
for all, from toddlers to teenagers to
adults and older readers.
Already booked for the festival for
Friday 30 September is performance
poet, theatre-maker and broadcaster
Luke Wright whose first play, What I
Learned from Johnny Bevan debuted
at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015,
winning the Stage Award for Acting
Excellence. He is touring with Johnny
Bevan this year and currently receiving
rave reviews for his performances in
London. Also booked to appear on the
Friday is author and broadcaster Gyles
Brandreth. Former MP, Gyles is best
known these days as a reporter on
The One Show and a regular on Just
A Minute, and his books include Word
Power and the Oscar Wilde Murder
Mysteries. Gyles will be appearing
alongside his son, Benet Brandreth,
a barrister, RSC rhetoric coach and
performer, as well as a novelist
whose latest book is entitled The Spy
of Venice, a William Shakespeare
adventure, on the challenges and
surprises involved in creating fiction
using real characters. Gyles and Benet
will be presenting Oscar Wilde &
William Shakespeare: the Cranbrook
Quartet at the festival.

A community celebration of
books, reading and writing
in Cranbrook promoting
the joy of reading and the
written word.
Childrens writers Tom Palmer, John
Rice, Brian Moses and Lou Kuenzler
will also be at the festival, as well as
artist and illustrator Dave McKean
and poetry busker Kornel Kossuth,
at a variety of venues in Cranbrook,
including the towns windmill!
'Interest in the festival is already
extremely high and we are working
on providing a varied and eclectic
mix of authors and writers for the two
days with something for everyone',
says Christine Newman, chairman of
the organising committee. 'Our aim
is to provide free events for children
to ensure inclusivity for youngsters,
and the programme of events is being
added to all the time as more writers
become interested in our written word
celebrations.'
There will be a festival bookshop.
Events for children aim to be free and
as inclusive as possible.
More details at
cranbrookliteraturefestival.com
or contact Christine Newman on
01580 711856/715837 or e-mail
cranbrookliteraturefestival@gmail.com

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Benenden members will need a GP referral and must contact member

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*Benenden members who opt for a special lens only pay the additional cost
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17

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Tunbridge Wells,
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Overview and Scrutiny

Have you ever
wondered how
you can get the
Council to look at
a local issue that is
concerning you?
Do you have an idea
you think the Council
should consider?
The Overview and Scrutiny
Committee may be able
to help. The committee
provides a means of getting
issues of local concern
considered by your local
council.

18

Councillor Rankin, who

chairs the committee is
keen to hear from local
residents, resident groups,
businesses, town and parish
councils in fact anyone
who lives or works in the
borough about matters
that concern them, so that
we can see if the Overview
and Scrutiny Committee can
investigate the issue and
make recommendations
to the Cabinet or to Full
Council.
Over the last year the
committee has looked at the
implications of an electoral
review of the borough, the
provision of bus services
in rural communities
and an annual review of

the Community Safety

Partnership. The committee
is currently looking at
developing a policy position
statement for the Council
on hydraulic fracturing
(fracking).
The committee recognises
that it cannot answer every
problem and is not able to
decide planning or licensing
matters, but if you raise
your concerns with your
local councillor or with
Councillor Rankin they
will try to get them added
to the committees work
programme.
Councillor Rankin said that
as a committee We want
to engage with as many
residents and stakeholders
as we can, and from as
broad a cross section of our

borough as possible, so that

we know what the Council is
doing, or is failing to do.
'We would like to hear from
residents on the issues that
matter to them and over
the next year we will also
be looking at some of the
big projects the Council is
considering such as a new
theatre, new council offices
and redevelopment of the
existing civic site.'
To get in touch with Overview
and Scrutiny, please contact
Nick Peeters, Scrutiny
and Performance Officer
by e-mail nick.peeters@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk or
write to: Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council, Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
TN1 1RS

Tunbridge Wells Rugby

Club triumph at Twickenham
You may have noticed that Tunbridge Wells RFC had a
moment of glory a few weeks ago when they played
and won! the national final of the Intermediate Cup at
Twickenham.
The club has had a great season and Mayor of Tunbridge
Wells, David Elliott, was delighted to host a reception for
the players at the Town Hall to celebrate their fantastic
success.
The Council has been working with the club to help
improve the quality of the First XV pitch at St Marks
Recreation Ground. As a result of this joint project
the club was able to play all its home games despite
some very inclement weather. Roger Clarke, President
of Tunbridge Wells RFC said: The First XV pitch
project completed in October has played a major part
in maintaining the clubs momentum during its most
successful season ever. We value working with the
Council and the RFU in developing our partnership to
ensure we have the best possible facilities for rugby in
Tunbridge Wells.

Never miss the

news again!
Sign up for our free newsletter
To complement our communications to
residents we are planning to introduce a
short and punchy electronic newsletter
very soon. The monthly publication
will include recent news items,
consultations and general updates from
around the Council.

Mayor's charity
2016/17
This years choice is Beat
Beat, the UKs eating disorder charity is delighted to
be chosen as the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells charity of
the year. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses
affecting 725,000 people in the UK. We are a champion,
guide and friend to those who need us. We raise
awareness of the cause and campaign for faster access to
better treatments, help people understand eating disorders
by providing information and support to anyone suffering,
their friends and family through our helplines and peer
support services. While serious, eating disorders are
treatable and full recovery is possible. Beat exists to end
the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
The Mayor Cllr David
Neve said, 'It was
important for Jill and
me to get involved with
a charity that supports
young people with
eating disorders as
we have had personal
experience of how it can
affect those nearest to
you. A family member
was at near death
with anorexia/bulimia.
There is currently no
support group within the
Tunbridge Wells area
and therefore we hope
to raise the profile of this
debilitating mental disorder. Often it is a hidden disease
with no acceptance from the young person that they have
a problem.
'We wish to put in place a support group network that can
raise the profile, go into schools and raise awareness.
Currently too many doctors and clinicians treat the
body not the mind. The condition has just started to be
recognised as something that affects both sexes and it is
not just a vanity thing. Causes can start simply from things
like bullying at school, peer pressure and body images in
adverts and television. There are so many young people
who are perfectionists these days and it is incredible how
many famous people in the entertainment world have this
condition.'

To receive your copy, register at

tunbridgewells.gov.uk/subscribe
19

ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

The shows to book this autumn
To help you decide on
your must-see shows this
autumn, here are some
music and family shows you
can book right now.
Once again, the Assembly Hall Theatre
brings you some of the major names in
popular music and family shows that will
make you laugh and smile.
Lesley Garrett, CBE, is Britains most
popular soprano, regularly appearing
in both opera and
in concert. On
television, and CD,
she has won both
critical acclaim and
the affection of many
fans and music
lovers. Last here in
2004, she returns to
Tunbridge Wells with
an evening of song,
reminiscences and chat. Her behind-thescenes stories and anecdotes will give
audiences a unique insight into her life
on the stage.
Widely regarded as the first ever 'Tribute'
show back in 1989, the award-winning
Carpenters Story celebrates the music
of one of the most successful pop duos
in music history, Richard and Karen
Carpenter. Claire Furley as Karen
Carpenter brings back memories of
pops most melodic duo and sings some
of their most famous songs including
They Long to be Close To You, Weve
Only Just Begun, I Wont Last a Day
Without You, Goodbye to Love and
Yesterday Once More.

Mr Poppers Penguins, a brand new

family musical kicks off their 2016 tour in
Tunbridge Wells. The show will open for
four days, before heading off to the bright
lights of the New Victory Theatre in New
York before coming back to the UK and
into Londons West End for Christmas.
Painter and decorator by day, Mr
Popper spends his time dreaming of
Antarctic adventures. He is astounded
when one day a packing crate arrives
on his doorstep, out of which waddles
a penguin! With songs, puppets and a
family of performing penguins, this
delightful musical adaptation of
Richard and Florence Atwaters
popular book, which was made
into a Hollywood film starring Jim
Carrey, is brought to you by the
producers of The Tiger Who Came
to Tea and Were Going on a Bear
Hunt.
Funny and charming from start
to finish Whats Good To Do *****
Forever known as
Charlies Angels
after the Prince of
Wales became their
number one fan,
The Three Degrees
are internationally
admired for their
soulful voices,
fabulous stage
shows and beautiful gowns, a reminder
of a pop era punctuated with glamour
and glitz.
They promise timeless hits which have
become pop anthems including When
Will I See You Again, Dirty Ol Man, Take
Good Care Of Yourself and Aint No
Stoppin Us Now.
Professor Brian Cox OBE continues
to pull in the crowds by conveying the
joys of science in his new stage show.
A British particle physicist and a Royal
Society University Research fellow, he
works on the ATLAS experiment at
the Large Hadron Collider at CERN,
Switzerland and is a professor at the

20

University of Manchester. He will test

the limits of our scientific knowledge and
make highly complex ideas accessible
to all, always captivating, continually
surprising and forever pushing the
boundaries.
Looking ahead to our annual traditional
family pantomime, its never too early
to book tickets. If you are looking for a
classic Christmas Panto for the whole
family to enjoy, then look no further
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
is the one for you. The hilarious Su
Pollard will be playing The Wicked
Queen and last years brilliant Buttons,
Jamie Rickers, is back
as Muddles (Friday 9
December 16 Monday 2
January 17).
The panto is jam-packed
with music and dance, fun
and laughter, featuring the
beautiful Snow White, a
seriously wicked stepmother,
a handsome prince and
seven very cheeky but delightful dwarfs!
Lesley Garrett Wed 21 Sep 7:30pm
Mr Popper's Penguins Wed 28 Sep
to Sat 1 Oct
The Three Degrees Mon 10 Oct
7:30pm
Professor Brian Cox Sat 29 Oct
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Fri 9 Dec 16 to Mon 2 Jan 17

Assembly Hall Theatre

Box Office 01892 530613
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Lets celebrate Twinning

In the calendar of
'Twinning', 2016 is an
important year for Tunbridge
Wells. There is much to
celebrate!
Firstly, it is 55 years since our initial
friendship declaration with Wiesbaden
in Germany, which eventually led
to a formal Twinning Charter being
agreed in 1989; secondly, Tunbridge
Wells will be playing an active role
in Wiesbaden's 'Year of Twin Cities',
involving all 13 towns and cities with
which Wiesbaden is formally twinned;
and thirdly, after 12 successful years,
the chairmanship of the Tunbridge
Wells Twinning and Friendship
Association (TWTFA) has passed from
Michael Holman to Julian Stanyer, a
previous Mayor of the borough.
Let's start with a bit of history. It was
way back in March 1960 that four
ex-servicemen from Tunbridge Wells
travelled to Germany to extend the
hand of friendship to their counterparts
in Wiesbaden. Their objective was

simple: to try and heal the

wounds of the Second World
War and to build a better world
for the future. The one-time
combatants found they spoke
a common language of active
reconciliation, and the exchanges
they organised over the next 30
years led to the Twinning Charter
of 1989, which is now displayed
in the Town Hall.
Wiesbaden is best described
as an elegant spa town much
like Tunbridge Wells! It lies
close to the River Rhine some
30 kilometres from Frankfurt, is
the capital of the State of Hesse
and has approximately 285,000
inhabitants. The richness of
its history, culture, parks and
architecture is matched by
the vibrancy of spa offerings,
its shops, restaurants, cafes, street
markets and regular fairs.
To mark the success of Wiesbadens
twin towns San Sebastian and Wroclaw
being declared European Capitals of
Culture, the Lord Mayor of Wiesbaden
declared that 2016 should be
the 'Year of Twin Cities', an
opportunity to celebrate the
benefits of twinning. The Mayor
of Tunbridge Wells attended the
April launch as did the Twinning
Association's newly-elected
chairman.
Twinning, in its broadest
sense, promotes international
understanding, encourages
tourism and helps us experience
new places and cultures among
people with shared interests.
Between Tunbridge Wells
and Wiesbaden, there are
strong links between music
groups, schools, horse riding
clubs and our sea cadets and
sports groups, many of which
undertake regular exchange
visits. The Twinning Association,
with some 100 members and
an active committee, acts as a
vital intermediary in helping to

make these exchanges possible and in

encouraging more groups to take part.
Michael Holman was Chairman
of the Twinning Association for 12
years. Thanks to his commitment,
enthusiasm and encouragement,
under his leadership existing links
were strengthened and many new
links established. From 1 May, the
chairmanship passed to Councillor
Julian Stanyer, Mayor of Tunbridge
Wells borough during 2014/15. Like
Michael, Julian is keen to identify
individuals and groups in Tunbridge
Wells whose activities would gain
an extra international dimension by
linking up with like-minded enthusiasts
in Wiesbaden. He can be contacted
at julianstanyer@btinternet.com and
01892 543931.
What started as a brave act of postwar reconciliation has developed into
a wide-ranging exchange between
like-minded people from the two
towns, bringing cultural, economic
and community benefits. 'Prost' and
success to this year of celebrations!

21

Eatwell Guide

it

Fru

Eat at least five portions

of a variety of fruit and
vegetables every day;

Eat some beans, pulses,

fish, eggs, meat and
other proteins (such as
tofu and mycoprotein),
including two portions of

Base meals on
potatoes, bread, rice,

Drink 68 cups/glasses
of fluid a day, choosing
lower sugar options;
If foods high in fat, salt
and/or sugars are part of
the diet, they should be
consumed less often and
in small amounts.

Eatwell Guide

of
a

Use the Eatwell Guide to help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food. It
shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group.

nd
it a
fru
of
y
t
rie
va

Choos
e wh
oleg
rain
Potat
or h
oes,
brea
igh
d, ri
er
ce,
fib
pas
re
ta a
ve
nd
rsi
oth
on
s
er

ay
ery d
s ev
able
t
e
veg
Raisins

sta
rch

Potatoes

Chopped
t omatoe s

Whole
grain
cereal

Cous
Cous

Whole
wheat
pasta

Porridge

Rice

Lentils

Tuna

Plain
nuts

Beans
lower
salt
and
s ugar

Chick
peas

Spaghetti

L o w f at
s o f t ch e es e

n
Leaince
m
Semi

Soya
drink

skimmed

milk

Bea
ns,

puls
Ea
es, fi
sh, eg
so t mor
gs, me
at and other
red urced e beans
proteins
and
and fish
proc per we pulses, 2 portions of sustainably
ek, one
esse
of which is oily. Eat less
d mea
t

nd
Dairy a

Plain
Low fat
y o g hu r t

ves
nati
alter
d
t an

fa
wer tions
se lo
Choo ugar op
s
lower

Veg
O il

Lower fatad
spre

6-8
a day

Limit fruit juice

and/or smoothies
to a total of
150ml a day.

sugar

Bagels

Frozen
peas

Water, lower fat

milk, sugar-free
drinks including
tea and coffee
all count.

and
salt
at,
df
de
ad

22

The main messages are:

Choose unsaturated oils

and spreads and eat in
small amounts;

s
tes
les
dra
hy
bo
ar
yc

Another key change from

the older model is the
inclusion of a very small
section of unsaturated
oils and spreads (plant/
vegetables oils like
rapeseed, olive and nut
oils and lower fat spreads),
this is because some fat
is essential for health,
but as even healthy fats
are high in calories, they
should be consumed in
small amounts. Additional
information has also been

Have some dairy or dairy

alternatives (such as
soya drinks), choosing
lower fat and lower sugar
options;

fish every week, one of

which should be oily;

ith

PHE have felt it necessary

to change the tool from
a plate to a guide to
emphasise that it relates to
the diet as a whole rather
than every meal. There
have been a number of
positive improvements
les
ab
et
eg
made tod vthe
tool to help
n
us understand what a
balanced diet should look
like. Previously the Eatwell
Plate featured a section
that included foods high in
fat/sugar/salt, this has now
been removed to highlight
that although these foods
can be eaten occasionally
as treats, they are not
necessary as part of a
balanced diet.

pasta or other starchy

carbohydrates, choosing
wholegrain and higher
fibre versions where
possible;

po
rtio
ns

The guide replaces the

Eatwell Plate that health
professionals have been
using since 2007 to deliver
advice on healthy balanced
diets. The new guide shows
the proportions of food
groups and how much of
each we should eat daily.

added to highlight some

key topics of nutrition,
for example information
on hydration and the
recommendations around
fruit juices, and brief
guidance on encouraging
the public to read food
labels.

Eat at
leas
t5

Public Health
England (PHE) has
just launched the
new UK healthy
eating model, the
Eatwell Guide.

Check the label on

packaged foods

Oil & spreads

Crisps

Each serving (150g) contains

Energy
1046kJ
250kcal

13%

Fat

Saturates

Sugars

Salt

LOW

LOW

HIGH

MED

4%

7%

38% 15%

3.0g 1.3g

34g 0.9g

Choose unsaturated oils and

use in small amounts

Sauce

of an adults reference intake

Typical values (as sold) per 100g: 697kJ/ 167kcal

Choose foods lower

in fat, salt and sugars

Source: Public Health England in association with the Welsh government,

Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland

Eat less often and

in small amounts

Per day

2000kcal

2500kcal = ALL FOOD + ALL DRINKS

Crown copyright 2016

For a larger image you will find a copy of this on the government website gov.uk/
government/publications/the-eatwell-guide

Is archaeology your thing?

The Weald was one of the most
densely wooded parts of the country
in and around the time of the
Domesday Survey. Experts agree that
colonization of the Weald was largely
through the seasonal movement
of people and animals between
different grazing grounds, producing
a distinctive settlement pattern by the
Medieval Period. The Southborough
& High Brooms Amateur Archaeology
Society (SHAAS) was set up to
explore this wonderful
landscape. The
Southborough
Valley Project
2016 is setting
out to uncover
and record
archaeological
features in
an area which
has seen little
investigation in the
last 40 years. The
main goal of the society
is to provide the community
with access to archaeology. Our
members participate in archaeological
fieldwork ranging from archaeological
excavations to metal detecting and
surveying.

ahead of us. We will also be

investigating the remnants
of an old roadway which
is just about visible to the
southeast of our unknown
feature.
Digging at the site will be
on Saturdays and Sundays
from 10am until 4pm
throughout the summer, with
a week long archaeological
field school scheduled for
August. Membership
to the society has
been set at 5 per
person, with a
family rate of 10.
For insurance
reasons we
will only be able to
accommodate society
members on site.
Membership to the society
will enable you open-ended
access to an archaeological
excavation. Becoming a member of
SHAAS you will be helping safeguard
a unique archaeological landscape
within the Weald. Even if you spend
only a few days excavating with

us throughout the summer you will

undoubtedly reap the benefits. We
also run a number of free workshops
and field trips for our members
throughout the summer.
Robert Falvey,
Project Director
info@southborougharchaeology.org

This year we will be digging a new

site in the Southborough Valley. Field
work has started with the undertaking
of a geophysical survey, the results
of which are very promising. The
magnetrometry has revealed a series
of large postholes or pits arranged
roughly in a rectangular plan. Judging
by the outline of the foundations
(about 20m x 30m) we are dealing
with an enormous structure. The
imagination of some of our members
is intensifying quickly with talk of
Anglo-Saxon feasting halls and
Roman army encampments. All we
can say for certain is that we found the
remains of a large post-built building
just under the surface. Even if it turns
out to be simply a long forgotten
post-medieval barn, we will still have
a fantastic summer of archaeology
23

Grosvenor and Hilbert Park

needs you!
Warmer weather is here and
it is the perfect time to start
something new. The health
benefits of getting outdoors,
such as volunteering in your
local community have now
been scientifically proven.
So why not head along to
Grosvenor and Hilbert Park
and join our fantastic volunteer
team?
We always have free tea/
coffee and keep our biscuit tin
well stocked. Meeting 10am
every Thursday until 3pm we
value any time volunteers are
able to give. As a conservation
volunteer youll have the
opportunity to meet new

friends, gain new skills and

get closer to the wildlife that
inhabits your local park.
Only 15 minutes away from
the town centre the park is
nestled between High Brooms,
St James, and Sherwood. No
prior experience is necessary;
we provide all training required
for the roles and regular
volunteers are offered fantastic
training opportunities to help
them get the most out of the
role.
Why not try something new and
volunteer at Grosvenor and
Hilbert Park?

For more information about the roles on offer and to get involved, please e-mail Steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Are you thinking of a

building project at home,
work or on land you own?
Did you know that the Planning department offers a preapplication advice service for all types of developments,
from extensions to houses and commercial premises,
to changes of use of land and the construction of new
houses? The team can provide guidance on the relevant
policies, restrictions and likely acceptability based on the
information you submit.

Early engagement in the planning process can

Meetings (with letter)

Fee (all include VAT)

Pre-Application Others (including

householder)
Improvements to houses, such as
an extension

60 (for 20 minute
meeting)

Pre-Application Minors
One or two houses, an extension
to a commercial property

200
(for 30 minute meeting)

Pre-Application Majors
10 properties

450 per hour

Pre-Application Significant Majors

Over 25 properties

900 per hour

Letter (no meeting)

Fee (all include VAT)

Pre-Application Others (including

householder)
Improvements to houses, such as
an extension

60 per letter

save considerable time, wasted expense and

result in an improved final development.
Please see the schedule of fees opposite and for further
information and details of how to submit a request please
see the planning pages on our website (under make a
planning application).

24

Pre-Application Minors
One or two houses, an extension
to a commercial property

150 per letter

Tunbridge Wells
Farmers Market
One of the great pleasures of visiting your local farmers market
is to buy seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh, tasty and full of
colour.
During late spring and early summer, one of the most eagerly
awaited vegetables is locally-grown asparagus. Traditionally
best from 23 April until the end of July, the delightful green
spears are delicious steamed, roasted or grilled on the
barbeque.
Mac 'n' Cheese is a family favourite, so why not try this
recipe with an asparagus twist!

Asparagus Mac 'n' Cheese with Bacon Crumble

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes

What youll need

8 rashers streaky bacon
50g breadcrumbs
150g Cheddar cheese
300g macaroni
2 bunches British asparagus
(spears trimmed and cut in half)
40g butter
40g plain flour
400ml milk
2 tsp French or British mustard
Recipe adapted from British Asparagus.
Images British Asparagus

What to do
1 Heat the grill and cook the bacon on
each side until very crisp.
2 Chop into small chunks and combine
with the bread crumbs and of the
cheese then set aside.
3 Boil water in the kettle enough to fill a
large pan.
4 When boiling vigorously in the pan
add a pinch of salt and the macaroni.
5 Cook for 9 minutes then add the
asparagus and cook for a further 2
minutes.
6 While the macaroni is cooking, melt
the butter in a small thick-based
saucepan, sprinkle in the flour and stir
with a wooden spoon.
7 Cook whilst stirring for a minute then
add the milk a little at a time, stirring
continuously so it is absorbed into

the flour and slowly makes a smooth

sauce.
If you get any lumps, dont panic,
just beat vigorously with the wooden
spoon and theyll disperse.
8 Stir in the mustard, some black
pepper and the remaining cheese.
9 Once the macaroni and asparagus
are cooked, drain well and return
them to the pan.
10 Pour over the cheese sauce and
stir to coat well.
11 Tip the macaroni into a large oven
dish, sprinkle over the breadcrumb
mixture and return to the grill for
the top to melt and brown.
Delicious served with a fresh salad
or sliced tomatoes with your favourite
dressing.

If you make this recipe please tweet us your photos @TWBCFarmers

Interested in selling your produce or craft at the market or wish to learn more, then
please e-mail us at the address below.
Also, we offer a FREE pitch to a different local charity at each market! Interested?
If yes, then please contact us at:

farmersmarket@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Hope to see you at the next market! 9 2pm

Second and fourth Saturday of each month outside the Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
25
25

Grosvenor and Hilbert Park restored

thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund
More than five years of behind
the scenes and on-site work to
revamp Grosvenor and Hilbert
Park in Tunbridge Wells came
to an end in May with a formal
launch and a fabulous Family
Fun Day.
The events were held to mark
the completion of restoration and

improvement work which was done

thanks to an award of just under
2.5million from the Heritage Lottery
Fund and Big Lottery Fund.
Grosvenor Recreation Ground, which
opened in 1889, was the towns first
public park. The lottery-funded work
has included restoring the lake so that
it now looks as it would have done
in its early days. The Councils parks
team has overseen the project which
has included enhancing the entrances
and buildings
and structures
in the park;
management of
the woodland
areas and
introducing new
features such
as an ecological
wetland planting
scheme with
Bedgebury
National
Pinetum.
There is also a

community orchard which the Friends

of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park helped
design and deliver for the park.
Guests at the launch included Bill
Ferris, member of the Heritage Lottery
Fund Committee for the South East of
England; the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells;
Liz Edwards, Chair of the Friends; and
Jane March, Council Cabinet member
with responsibility for the park. Talking
after the event Councillor March
said: 'Everyone felt very proud of the
community support and the combined
efforts of the Friends group, the
borough council and Heritage Lottery
Fund. It was a spectacular day!
The Family Fun Day was organised by
the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert
Park and the Council and sponsored
by the Heritage Lottery Fund and
Big Lottery Fund, Town & Country
Foundation, Applause Outdoors, and
Dan Littlechild of The Acoustic Reverb
Collective.
Using money raised through the
National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery
Fund aims to make a lasting difference
for heritage, people and communities
across the UK.

Be a tourist in your own

borough!
VISIT / EXPLORE / ENJOY FOR FREE
Where you may not have been before
on Heritage Open Days
THURSDAY 8 - SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2016
Heritage Open Days, England's largest grassroots Heritage Festival,
will once again take place in the borough this September.
There will be over 40 places to visit, guided tours and walks to take,
such as High Rocks, the Opera House, the Town Hall, Skinners'
School, Willicombe Park and Cranbrook Mill.
Every venue/event will be open/take place on at least one day. Check
out the venues/events and opening/start times at the Tunbridge Wells
Heritage Open Days website which will be open from 11 July 2016 at

tunbridgewellsheritageopendays.org
Come and discover more about your borough for free
26

Whats On
Assembly Hall Theatre
JUNE
Thu 2 Jun
Fri 3 Jun
Mon 5 Jun
Wed 8 Jun
Fri 10 Jun
Sat 11 Jun
Wed 15 Jun
Fri 17 Jun
Sat 18 Jun
Sun 19 Jun

AUG
Menopause the Musical
Killer Queen
Kent All Stars
Dancing in the Streets
Illegal Eagles
Ukulele Orchestra of GB
Graeme of Thrones
Thatll Be the Day
Stagecoach A Night at the
Movies
Kirstin Chvez

JULY
Mon 4Sat 9 Jul
Sun 10 Jul
Fri 15 Jul
Wed 20 Jul
Sun 24 Jul
Thu 28 Jul
Sat 30 Jul

Save the Last Dance for Me

A Night in Venice
Six Five Rock n Roll Express
Curtis Stigers
Dance Consortium
Hairy Maclary and Friends
Sally Morgan

Sat 27 Aug

Kent County Youth Orchestra

SEP
Wed 7 Sep
Sat 10 Sep
Sun 11 Sep
Mon 12 Sep
Wed 14 Sep
Thu 15 Sep
Wed 21 Sep
Thu 22 Sep
Sat 24 Sep

Jethro
Thank You for the Music
More Miller Magic
Sarah Millican Returns only
Carmen
Jobs Fair
An Audience with Lesley
Garrett
The Carpenters Story
Squeaky Bum Time

OCT
Sun 2 Oct
Tue 4 Oct
Wed 5 Oct
Fri 7 Oct
Sat 8 Oct
Sat 8 Oct
Mon 10 Oct

Box Office 01892 530613 / 532072

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

RTW Symphony Orchestra

Jimmy Carr
10cc
Dr Hook, Dennis Locorriere
Ministry of Science
Nina Conti
The Three Degrees

Fri 14 Oct
Sat 15 Oct
Sun 16 Oct
Thu 20 Oct
Sun 23 Oct
Wed 26 Oct
Thu 27 Oct
Sat 28 Oct
Sat 29 Oct
Sun 30 Oct

Some Guys Have All the Luck

King of Pop
Frankly Sinatra
Whitney, Queen of the Night
Swan Lake
Dont Dribble on the Dragon
Lee Mead
Marty Wilde Solid Gold
Professor Brian Cox
Magic of Motown

NOV
Sun 6 Nov
Mon 7Sat 12 Nov
Sun 13 Nov
Tue 15 Nov
Thu 17 Nov
Sat 19 Nov
Tue 22 Nov
Wed 23 Nov
Thu 24 Nov
Fri 25 Nov
Tue 29 Nov
Sat 3 Dec

RTW Symphony Orchestra

The Mousetrap
RTW Choral Society
Ross Noble
Thatll Be the Day Xmas
Ada
Kevin Bloody Wilson
Turin Brakes
Beyond the Barricade
Show of Hands
TWODS presents Guys
and Dolls

For accessibiity information please visit

Local Plan progress

The Council has
commenced work on
preparing a new Local
Plan that will guide future
development in the
borough up to 2033/35.
The work is currently at the
information gathering stage and
includes studies for housing, the
local economy, retail and the
environment.
In addition, a Call for Sites is
currently taking place, providing an

early opportunity for developers,

landowners, town and parish
councils, and other interested
bodies to put forward potential
development sites to the Council
for consideration. The sites will in
due course be assessed for their
suitability for development under
a process known as a Strategic
Housing and Economic Land
Availability Assessment (SHELAA).
The findings from these studies and
work will inform the new plan which
will include site allocations and
policies to meet the identified needs
of the borough.

The timetable for preparing

the Local Plan was revised in
March 2016, with the first major
public engagement exercise now
anticipated for spring 2017. The
Local Plan timetable and more
about the Call for Sites process can
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

27