LOCAL

www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
The Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council magazine
Winter 2011
Inside:
Celebrate 2012!
Launching Love Where We Live Awards
Budget have your say...
Skating in
the park
colour into her pieces through the use of precious and semi
precious stones.
Young British designer Timea Sidos range of completely
unique bowls and home wares replicates an ever-tangling
spiders web.
Based at the prestigious Cockpit Arts Studio in London
her previous list of clients includes Kevin McCloud, Molton
Brown and the Great Eastern Hotel, London.
Vanessa Whitehouse makes a welcome
return to the gallery to exhibit
her sweeping
mixed media
landscapes.
The
granddaughter
of Bloomsbury
painter, Alfred
Jobson Brown, her
paintings capture a
sense of space and
distance.
Each piece is totally
unique and hand made
by skilled craftspeople,
making a visit to Artisan
the ideal excuse to lose
yourself in art.
Artisan, at the Tunbridge
Wells Museum & Art
Gallery, is brought to you in
association with SO Tunbridge
Wells Magazine.
Contemporary art
and crafts hit town
Introducing Artisan: An exciting
contemporary art and craft show at Tunbridge
Wells Museum & Art Gallery from
4 November to 23 December 2011.
Artisan is a contemporary art and
craft exhibition where everything
you see can be bought and taken
home with you.
Bringing together some of the
fnest artists and makers from
the south east region and
beyond, the work on display
represents some of the best
examples from the countrys
vibrant arts and cultural
scene.
The exhibition is packed
with unique items
including high quality
ceramics, jewellery,
paintings, prints and
glassware.
This year we are really pleased to
welcome a whole host of exceptional artists
to Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery:
Print artist Graham Carter is considered to be one of the
most collected print makers in the country. His Japanese
inspired prints have recently been exhibited in London,
New York and San Francisco.
Jeweller Alexandra Simpson
was recently awarded
the coveted
Coutts New
Jeweller of the
Year at London
Jewellery Week.
Alexandra works
in 18 carat gold and
silver, incorporating
2
Sport & C
ulture
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page 8
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page13
Setting the budget
page15
Christmas Farmers Markets
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page 25
Sleep safely tonight
3
Welcome to
Winter Local!
What an exciting end to 2011 we have an ice rink in Calverley Grounds!
To add to the good news for 2011, we have just announced that confrmation of the Olympic Torch
coming to Tunbridge Wells, July 17 next year! Being the frst in Kent, and the only one on that
particular day means that it will be an important occasion in the borough and a true landmark in our
2012 celebrations!
We look forward to helping all our residents enjoy a memorable 2012, in the meantime a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!
**STOP PRESS** See Radio Kent at Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market, 10 December 9am-2pm
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There are 25 more snowmen
hiding in the pages of this
edition can you fnd them?
2012 with
Tunbridge
Wells
Borough
Council
Next year promises to be a
spectacular celebration, with
the Queens Diamond Jubilee,
the London Olympics and the
Paralympics.
The Sport & Culture Passport
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will
kick start celebrations in January 2012
with the launch of the Sport & Culture
passport. Community groups, sports
clubs and cultural organisations are
offering over 42 different opportunities
for the residents of the borough to
try something new for free! Running
from January to September 2012,
the passport includes sporting and
cultural tasters for all ages.
Ever fancied trying your hand at
fencing? Or water polo? Both are
just an example of sporting tasters
available to try and youll be in safe
hands with the Tunbridge Wells
Fencing Club or Monson Water Polo
Club respectively. You can also go
to one of the three Fusion managed
Sports Centres (Tunbridge Wells
Sports Centre, The Weald Sports
Centre or Putlands Sport and Leisure
Centre) to claim a free swim, courtesy
of Fusion Lifestyle.
You can take part in dance taster
sessions, gain free entry to
Cranbrook Museum, take part in a
photography workshop, try your hand
at etching with the Adult Education
Centre and take part in many other
local opportunities. The cultural
tasters include free exhibitions,
performances, art workshops and
events for all ages.
More details on these taster activities
will be available in your passport and
on the associated website
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/2012.
The Big Weekend
The start of the Olympic Games will
be marked with the arrival of the
Olympic Torch in London. The entire
country will be celebrating this on
Friday 27

July following its 70 day
journey around the UK. Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council will be
hosting a big screen in Dunorlan
Park for the weekend 27-29

July,
showing the opening ceremony and
some of the early events. We will be
showing a community flm on the local
experience and views of the Games.
On the Saturday, community groups
will be invited to perform on stage and
Sunday will see a multicultural event
with music, dancing and food taking
place.
Sport & Culture
PASSPO
RT
January September 2012
Once you have completed as many taster activities as possible, return your passport
to us at the Borough Council and you will be entered into a competition. There are
fantastic prizes to be won!
An Awards Ceremony will take place in October 2012 for the winners of the
passport. The winners will be those people who attended the highest number of
activities overall, the highest number of sporting activities and the highest number of
cultural activities with some special, additional awards too.
The Awards will also see the launch of the new Sports Achievement Awards in
Tunbridge Wells. Building on the popularity of the Junior Sports Achievement
Awards adult teams will now also be eligible. More information will be available
soon!
4
Grants for the
Community in 2012
To support voluntary
organisations in non-parished
areas of the borough wishing to
celebrate these special events
taking place in 2012, we have
introduced a new small grants
programme.
Grants are available for
celebrations to mark the
Queens Diamond Jubilee and/
or the London 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games.
The celebration can take the
form of an event, a project or a
scheme.
The celebration must take place
by 31 December 2012.
The maximum grant will be
2,000.
The Borough Council will pay
up to 50% of the total project
costs.
Full details, including the
application forms, can be found
on the Councils website. For
further information on the
Councils community grants
programmes, contact Nick
Green on 01892 554108,
or e-mail nick.green@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Funding has also been
allocated to Parishes to hold
celebrations in 2012. We will be
contacting parishes to fnd out
how they will be utilising the
funding.
Sport & Culture
PASSPO
RT
January September 2012
Visit www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org for more information
and to fnd out how to get involved in preparations in the run
up to the celebration.
For more information on all our activities in 2012, those
taking place in your local area and to keep up to date with
the latest news visit www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/2012
Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee
The Queens Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated over an
extended weekend of the 2, 3, 4

and 5 June, with Monday
4

and Tuesday 5

dedicated public holidays. As part of the
celebrations, Tunbridge Wells Borough has been asked to
light six beacons to contribute to the 2,012 beacons being
lit across the country. Keep an eye on our website to fnd
out where your nearest Jubilee Beacon will be.
Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery will be celebrating
the Diamond Jubilee with a big Jubilee Street Party in Civic
Way, Mount Pleasant, Tunbridge Wells on Sunday 3 June.
Drawing inspiration from street parties of the past, this will
be an enjoyable family event with food, games, art and
craft and entertainment throughout the day.
5
Love Where We
Live Awards 2012
Just a few weeks before Christmas, what a
perfect time to be thinking about the good
will and community spirit that exists in our
borough. Every day, busy people do something
amazing for others, it doesnt matter if it is big
or small, or a one off gesture acts of kindness
are happening all the time and make a positive
impact on peoples lives. Organisations also
do a lot, and frequently behind the scenes.
Through our residents, the Council wants to acknowledge
and celebrate the projects that connect our local
communities. The Awards are designed to let you nominate
anyone or any organisation that you feel deserves some
recognition.
Part of a football team? a netball
team? a choir? or is a member of
your family?
Who helps neighbours with shopping,
transport and day to day chores? Who
organises your summer fete?
Do you work for an organisation, or
does a child or grandchild attend
a school that has done something
to improve their impact on the
environment. Perhaps it is a new way
of doing things that others can learn
from.
Has a charity made a difference to your life or someone
you know?
In 2010, we were overwhelmed by the amount of entries
we received for worthy individuals and organisations.
However, this year we have expanded the award
categories so that even more can be a part of the
celebrations and share what they have done to Love
Where We Live.
There are six Award categories for you to choose from and
we hope we have made the process quite easy. We need
a few personal details and up to a maximum of 700 words
about who is being nominated and why they deserve an
Award.
Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel
and invited to an Awards Ceremony in May 2012.
As you refect on the past year, hopefully you will think
about who has made a difference to the community, a star
of Tunbridge Wells that makes the borough a great place.
Award categories
Green Award
This Award is for any group or person that has worked to
improve their impact on the environment. This may include
reducing CO2 emissions, recycling, car share schemes,
walking school buses, energy saving, or community clean
ups to name a few.
Innovation Award
This Award is for any group or person whose project has
initiated a new or improved way
of working or living. Perhaps it is
an updated approach to an issue
that has made a positive change
to how things are done within
an organisation. It could be an
approach that has made a big
difference in creating community
involvement.
Individual Hero
Award
This Award is for any person
who makes a difference to their
community, a true unsung hero. Someone who has put
themselves out for the beneft of others. We all know
someone who has, whether its for volunteering, helping
out their neighbours or the wider community.
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Best Group Award
This Award is for any group who makes a difference to
their community. Maybe you are improving your area by
clearing, cleaning or planting where families can meet and
children can play, or perhaps you are creating opportunities
for locals to participate. It could be by setting up and
running a club for youth, keep ft or singing. These are
just a few examples.
Charity of the Year Award
This Award is for any registered charity that operates in
the borough of Tunbridge Wells. Nominations can be taken
from staff, volunteers or users of the service.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This Award is for someone that has given years to helping
others. We would like to hear about those people who have
been volunteering and helping others for 10 years or more.
Let us know how vital their contribution has been to the
community.
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Terms and conditions
Nominations can be entered in to more than one
category. Please complete a separate form for each.
Nominations per person or organisation are
unlimited, but each must be on an offcial entry form.
Nominations can be made by any member of the
community.
A group or person is also eligible to nominate
themselves.
Nominations must relate to work taking place
between 1 June 2011 and 31 March 2012, except for
the Lifetime Achievement Award which is for the past
10 years.
All eligible nominations will be shortlisted before going
to an independent judging panel whose decision is
fnal.
We are taking nominations now, so dont leave it til the
last minute! Download a copy of the nomination form
from www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/lovewherewelive
Closing date for nominations is Monday 9 April 2012
Contact us
For more information, contact Lizzie:
01892 554273
LoveWhereWeLive@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
If you are unsure about which category to choose, then
you can enter more than one. A copy of the leafet and
nomination form can be downloaded from the council
website, but if you dont have access to a computer, please
either visit the Gateway or contact Lizzie Goodwin as
below.
7
For your FREE brochure or to
order a Taster Pack call us on
01732 860018
Shop online at
www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com
Around 250 tasty
meals delivered to
your door.
(Not all at once,
that would be
greedy!)
We offer a choice of around 250
delicious dishes, including mini meals
and desserts. All meals are delivered
frozen by your friendly, local driver,
ready to be stored in your freezer and
cooked in minutes.
Simply take a look at our FREE
brochure and order over the phone
or online. You can then enjoy free
delivery to your door. Mealtimes
taken care of - what could be easier?
Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding
3.95
114mmx94mm_Portrait_TunbridgeWells_250Beef.indd 1 24/10/2011 11:33
Booking now for new winter classes for
absolute beginners starting in January.
MEDWAY SCHOOL OF DANCING
Visit our website www.medwayschoolofdance.co.uk
or ring 01732 358355
145 HIGH STREET TONBRIDGE Email: medwaydance@btinternet.com
B
a
llro
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m
L
a
tin
S
a
lsa
Rock Jive
Solo salsa
Zum
ba
YOU DONT HAVE TO
BE A CELEBRITY TO
LEARN TO DANCE
8
Fit as a Fiddle
The Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP)
would like to invite you to Eat Yourself Fit!
With National Lottery funding via Age UK, KHWP has
organised 8 practical taster sessions for the over 50s. This
will provide an opportunity to learn new gardening skills in
a social and relaxed series of drop-in sessions. All tools
and training will be provided and the sessions will help to
transform community and private gardens in and around
Tunbridge Wells.
Learn about;

Wildlife gardening

Growing your own food

Countryside volunteering

Urban Gardening Club

Local food growing schemes
For more information on how you can join in with this
exciting new project, please contact Sarah Tree on 01580
212972 or e-mail sarah.tree@khwp.org.uk
Act now
to reduce
heating costs
Heating costs have risen
substantially again this year
and rising fuel costs are an
increasing source of worry for
many homeowners.
However, the better you insulated
your home is the less you will need
to spend on heating. An uninsulated
home could be losing over half its
heat through the walls and the roof
at a cost of over 300 a year.
At the moment all homeowners with
inadequate loft or cavity wall insulation
can take advantage of subsidised
prices ranging from 99 for each
measure. In some cases (where the
householder is over 70 years of age
or in receipt of a qualifying beneft) the
measures may even be free! At these
prices the installation of insulation
could pay for itself in less than a year
through savings in heating costs
savings that will continue to be made
each year from then on.
The current insulation subsidies
will come to an end during 2012 at
which time the cost is expected to
rise to approximately 400 for each
measure.
So more than ever it makes sense
to take action now to make sure
your home is well insulated and take
full advantage of the subsidies on
measures that can help keep your
heating bills down.
For free impartial advice about home
insulation please call the Energy
Saving Trust advice centre on 0800
512 012 to fnd the best prices and
schemes available for you and where
you live.
The 3 day activity pass must be activated by 1 March 2012. Use of the
pass is subject to availability. Valid for use at Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre,
The Weald Sports Centre and Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre.
Full terms and conditions available at www.fusion-lifestyle.com.
**By entering your details, you are agreeing that we may update you by email,
mobile or post with exclusive offers and updates. We process your data in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. We will not share your data with
anyone else and you can opt out at any time. See our full terms and conditions and
privacy policy online at www.fusion-lifestyle.com.
Valid for 1 person for a swim, gym workout and studio class
Free 3 day activity pass
Name:
Mobile: Postcode:
Email:
Centre to complete
Date activated: Date expires: (3 days only)
Activity redeemed (centre to initial each visit):
We are offering readers the chance
to enjoy a free swim, gym workout
and studio class with this exclusive
reader offer.
To trial our range of facilities simply
complete the attached form and
present to your local Tunbridge
Wells Leisure Centre to activate
your trial.
We offer a great range of facilities
and classes across Tunbridge
Wells including pools, courts,
gyms, sports halls, studio classes
and much more!
*Terms and conditions apply per centre. See www.fusion-lifestyle.com for details.
Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre Tel: 01892 838 290
Mascalls Court Road, Paddock Wood TN12 6NZ
The Weald Sports Centre Tel: 01580 710 720
Angley Road, Cranbrook TN17 2PN
Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre Tel: 01892 540 744
St Johns Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9TX
www.tunbridgewells-leisure.com
Free

3 day activity pass
Code: TWC4
Swim Gym Class
*
**
9
Tunbridge Wells Safe Town Partnership
gains Safer Business Award
This year the Partnership passed its AABC
accreditation with distinction.
The Safer Business Award was presented at our AGM,
in July by Sandie Hobbs (AABC) to the Chairman of the
Board of Management, Ian Carvell, accepting on behalf
of members and staff. Our objectives are to help reduce
crime and the fear of crime making Tunbridge Wells a safer
place to live, work, shop and socialise in.
Based in the Community Safety Unit, we work in
partnership with TWBC, Police and other agencies. We
will once again be joining with our partners on a Christmas
Shoplifting Reduction operation in the town centre,
Pantiles and North Farm helping to deter and detect
offenders, making shopping in Tunbridge Wells a more
pleasurable and safe experience.
We will also be repeating our Taxi Marshall initiative,
providing fully licensed security staff to assist revellers at
the towns main taxi ranks during Christmas and New Year
celebrations.
www.loftdesignservice.com
NEED SPACE?
Perhaps an additional playroom
for the kids or that luxury
bedroom with en-suite or even a
home office?
Why not convert your loft space?
Whatever your needs LOFT
can help.
LOFT
Live it up in
your loft
01892 724123
Tunbridge Wells and district
01732 550207
Sevenoaks / Tonbridge and district
Email at:
info@loftdesignservice.com
10
Mayors Annual
Toy Appeal
The Mayors annual toy appeal celebrates its 22nd anniversary
this year and once again many local organisations will
be helping to collect toys for families in need within the
Borough of Tunbridge Wells.
The Toy Appeal was started by one social worker who recognised the
need for many children from disadvantaged families, living within the
borough, to receive suitable gifts at Christmas. There are many reasons
why families are, or become, disadvantaged within an affuent area
like ours, and the recent recession has created many more in this
category who are isolated from their families or do not have the
means to provide their children with gifts at Christmas. Working in
partnership with the St Georges Community Childrens Project,
the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Thomas, is
encouraging local people to give generously. Last year the
appeal gave Christmas presents to 281 children and it is
hoped that, once again, the number of children benefting
from the appeal can be increased.
The offcial launch took place on Monday 21 November
in Royal Victoria Place, where the Mayor and staff
from St Georges Community Childrens Project were
joined by loyal supporters of the appeal, Westfeld
Shopping Centre and the Big Yellow Self Storage
who for many years have kindly allowed part of
their storage facilities to be used. Toys and gifts
are wanted for children aged between newly born
and 16 years. Toys that help development for the
younger aged children are often requested by the
Health Visitors for many of the families but as you
know a variety of playthings and the surprise of a
wrapped present is what most children would be
hoping for at Christmas. If you would like to donate
but just not sure what to buy, please pop along
to the Giving Tree, kindly sponsored by Westfeld
Shopping Centre, for inspirational ideas.
If you would like to make a donation of a gift or toy,
please deliver the item to one of the collection points
throughout the borough or St Georges Community
Childrens Project (01892 543982) at 7 Chilston Road,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9LP between Saturday 19
November and Saturday 17 December 2011. For any further
information please phone Pam Bridges, Toy Appeal Coordinator,
on 07856 431385/ For further details of the appeal and a list of
collection points please visit our website
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Thank you

11
Winter road
check
The British winter is
unpredictable. Bad weather
can strike suddenly, so the
best advice when severe
weather hits is to stay off the
road.
If you must drive, make sure you
are prepared for the conditions. The
following offers you advice to help you
stay safe on the roads and information
to guide you if you do get into trouble.

Plan your journey during wintry
weather conditions

Keep your vehicle in good
condition and topped up with anti-
freeze

Be prepared. If you do need to
travel make sure you are prepared
for the worst, by carrying water and
food, a torch, boots, extra clothing
and a mobile phone

Adjust your driving to the
conditions. Driving in low visibility
on icy or wet roads requires a very
different driving style.
Take care around winter road
maintenance vehicles
The Highways Agency is responsible
for the motorways and trunk roads
in England. It aims to reduce delays
and accidents during wintry weather
conditions by pre-treating motorways
and trunk roads to prevent the
formation of ice and snow, and by
clearing snow from carriageways and
hard shoulders as soon as conditions
permit.
Salting vehicles travel at speeds of
up to 40mph spreading salt across
all lanes of the carriageway. Ensure
you maintain a safe distance behind
these vehicles and do not attempt to
overtake as they often spray salt at
such a speed that it can damage your
vehicles bodywork.
Snow ploughing can throw up
irregular amounts of snow that may be
a hazard to vehicles. Again, maintain
a safe distance behind the vehicle and
do not to attempt to overtake
Need Refuse and Recycling
Information during the cold
weather?
Its Snow Problem with Tunbridge
Wells Borough Councils text alert
service.
Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council is offering residents the
opportunity to sign up to a text
messaging service providing the
latest updates about Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council services
affected by the weather.
Text the word SNOW to 07537 401
900 to register.
For full terms and conditions see
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
The text you send to register for
the service will be charged at your
operators standard rate. There
is no charge to receive texts from
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
Further information
For more information on winter driving, please visit www.highways.gov.uk
For weather reports, please visit www.metoffce.gov.uk
@winterhighways
12

Setting the
Councils
Budget for
2012
Setting the Councils budget is
never easy, we have one of the
lowest levels of Council Tax in the
country (TWBC has the 6th lowest
Borough Council Tax in the entire
country) and deliver a very wide
range of services.
Demand for services, especially housing
and benefts, has increased signifcantly
over recent years whilst the grant we
receive from government has been cut by
more than a quarter.
Just 10% of your Council Tax comes to the
Borough Council (around 40p a day) and
we keep only 8% of money we raise from
Business Rates.
Independent assessment shows that the
Council already delivers excellent value
for money. Everyone knows we look after
waste collection and street cleaning, we
are have responsible for planning, benefts,
building control, food hygiene, licensing,
noise complaints, leisure centres and parks
as well as operating a theatre, museum
and art gallery.
The good news
The Council has taken tough action over
the past two years to deal with cuts to our
grant. By removing 28 staff positions we
saved over 1 million; a third of this from
senior management. We have also made
signifcant savings from our contracts.
We have maintained our services and
delivered key projects including the Ice
Rink and a programme of community and
parish grants to help celebrate 2012. The
Council managed to freeze Council Tax for
the whole of this year and will be deciding
whether or not to freeze Council Tax for
2012/13 in February.
The not-so-good news
We are required by law to deliver many of
our services, so, if we cannot balance our
budget, any cuts will be targeted on our
discretionary services such as the theatre,
museum and leisure centres. Factors
placing severe pressure on the Councils
budget are:
If the Council decides to accept the
governments request to freeze Council Tax
this will eventually cost 300,000.
September infation was 5.6% well above
the Bank of England target of 2%.
Income streams have shrunk as a result of
the recession and continue to suffer.
Tough choices
We are currently in the process of deciding
how to balance our budget, and have
already taken diffcult decisions relating to
our costs (such a reducing staff numbers
and pay freezes). We run more partnership
services than any other authority in Kent
and will maintain our track record of
effciency and value for money but this will
not be enough.
Most income comes from Council Tax and
charges for parking and some services. We
know that increases are never popular, but
the money has to come from somewhere
and that can either be from all residents
(through higher Council Tax) or service
users.
Have your say
We welcome your ideas for savings,
income generation or changes to services.
Our current budget is available on our
website www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk,
or please send ideas to accounts@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
From April 2011,
as part of ongoing
commitments to
manage public
finances effectively
and deliver value
through innovation,
the Council
streamlined its
community grants
revenue programme.
We launched a revised
Community Capital Grants
programme and introduced
a new Member Community
Grants scheme.
To support organisations
wishing to mark and
celebrate the special events
taking place in 2012, we
also introduced a new
small grants programme
especially for 2012.
This is all part of our
commitment to support
voluntary and community
organisations, particularly
in these tough economic
times. We have tried to
extend the range of grants
we can make available to
community groups to suit
their needs and to make it
easier for them to fnd and
apply for the right kind of
grant funding.
Applications for community
groups and organisations
for grant funding for
2012/13 are now open. Full
details, and the application
forms, can be found on the
Councils website.
For further information on
the Councils community
grants programmes,
contact Nick Green on
01892 554108, or e-mail
nick.green@tunbridgewells.
gov.uk
13
Warm, safe
homes
Do you need help to adapt
or repair your home or
make it warmer?
If you are in receipt of a qualifying
income related beneft or on a low
income Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council may be able to help.
The following funding may be
available to vulnerable residents
to help them to carry out the
necessary adaptations or repairs
that will make their homes safe,
warm and decent:
Decent Homes Assistance
Homeowners who meet
the Councils Defnition of
Vulnerability may be eligible for
discretionary assistance towards
repairs and improvements to
make their homes safe, warm
and decent. Qualifying works
would include energy effciency
measures or security works.
For full details of the eligibility
criteria call the Intouch Home
Improvement Agency on 01732
525520.
Coldbusters
Financial assistance may be
available to help vulnerable
homeowners improve their
home insulation and heating
(installing central heating, boiler
replacements etc). For further
details on the eligibility criteria call
Coldbusters on 0208 683 6618.
Disabled Facilities Grants
These are mandatory grants for
adaptations to make a home
safe for the occupant. The grant
is available to homeowners or
tenants registered with Social
Services as disabled. The
grant is considered once an
assessment has been carried
out by an Occupational Therapist
to determine necessary works.
Eligible works include bathroom
adaptations and works necessary
to improve access to and within
a property. For further details
on the eligibility criteria please
call Housing Renewal on 01892
554241.
Empty Property Assistance
Repayable assistance of up to
25,000 may be available to help
the owners of properties that
have been empty for more than
six months to carry out repair
or conversion works that will
result in the return to occupation
of the property. There are two
alternative sources of funding
(with varying conditions) under
this initiative. For information on
terms and conditions call Housing
Renewal on 01892 554275. All
assistance is limited by funding
availability and subject to terms
and conditions eg in receipt of a
qualifying beneft or over 70 and
on a low income.
What a
difference 20
years makes
Celebrations for the Kent High
Weald Partnerships 20
th
anniversary
year have continued with a bumper
summer of conservation events and
activities, culminating in our end of
summer 20
th
anniversary event in the
Crane Valley, Cranbrook.
Thanks to funding from Kent County
Councillor Alex King, we were able to make
it a free event. Have a go green activities,
guided walks, pond dipping, adventure trails,
competitions, traditional craft demonstrations
and a free BBQ all helped to make it a great
way to celebrate the occasion.
It also brought the curtain down on our biggest
ever summer holiday activity programme.
KHWP have led over 30 events during July
and August engaging over 2000 people
with nature. Almost all the events were fully
booked and we have received some wonderful
feedback.
14
A huge thank you to all
who have contributed
towards 20 years of
KHWP success, it
wouldnt have been
possible without you!
To see what free events
and activities are coming
up visit our website www.
khwp.org.uk

FARMERS
FESTIVE FOOD
MARKETS
Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Saturday 10
& Saturday 24 December
9am2pm
Wednesday 21 December
10am3pm

FARMERS
FESTIVE FOOD
MARKETS
Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Saturday 10
& Saturday 24 December
9am2pm
Wednesday 21 December
10am3pm
15
Council supports community groups through new Community Grants programmes
TWBC Community
Grants programmes
2011/12
So far in 2011/12, Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council
(TWBC) has awarded grant
funding of 478,000 to
support 29 voluntary and
community organisations
providing a wide range
of valuable services to
residents of the borough.
Despite the huge pressure
on public fnances in the
current economic climate,
the Council continues
to recognise the very
important role of voluntary
and community groups,
and the great beneft of
grant support to these
organisations. In fact,
TWBC managed to increase
its community grants budget
this year by 25,000 to
425,000. In addition,
there was a grants pot of
125,000 made available
for capital projects.
Grants for 2011/12 have
supported a wide range
of important projects:
a substantial grant has
enabled the Citizens Advice
Bureau to provide free,
confdential advice to any
resident who needs it on a
variety of issues. Number
One Community Trust is
able to continue to provide
a pre-school nursery, youth
club and drop-in centre
from its community centre in
Showfelds.
Tunbridge Wells Community
Studios has received
a grant of help provide
facilities for music rehearsal,
studio recording and DJ
workshops, and instrument
tuition for potentially
disadvantaged young
people.
Play Paddock Wood will be
able to replace and improve
younger childrens play
equipment in St Andrews
recreation ground.
Trinity Theatre has received
a grant towards the costs
of installing new digital
equipement. Ridgewaye
Football Clubs grant
will help purchase new
aluminium goals and a
storage container for their
mini soccer league teams
equipment . Among those
who have beneftted from a
community grant this year
was Rebecca Elliott, Project
Director for Tunbridge
Wells Community Studios.
Rebecca said:
This is fantastic news!
The grant from TWBC will
really help us to get this
project off the ground and
give young people the
opportunity to put their
enthusiasm for music to
good use. Who knows,
Tunbridge Wells could well
produce one of the next
generation of superstar
DJs or producers!
Another delighted grant
recipient was Kay Groves,
Chairperson of Play
Paddock Wood:
Play Paddock Wood is
thrilled to receive fnancial
support from the TWBC
- it will help give children
the opportunity to play in
safe, free and accessible
areas said Kay. Play is
vital for children, families
and communities and
weve been working hard
to get funding to make a
real difference in Paddock
Wood, so this assistance
is very gratefully received.
Many, many thanks!
The full list of grant recipients is as follows:
Organisation Grant ()
Revenue grants
Citizens Advice Bureau 201,000
Trinity Theatre 98,000
Number One Community Trust 14,500
Tunbridge Wells Community Studios 5,000
VAWK Core Services 7,500
Tunbridge Wells Volunteer Centre 10,000
Charlton Athletic Community Trust 2,500
Rusthall Community & Youth Project 5,400
Cranbrook Museum 5,000
Civic Society 1,600
West Kent Mediation 6,000
Local MENCAP 3,000
Dial 2 Drive 2,000
VSU Youth In Action 6,000
Kent Youth 1,750
Shopmobility 17,000
Bridge Trust 4,000
Relate West & Mid Kent 1,000
Tunbridge Wells International
Young Concert Artists Competition 10,000
Age Concern 2,250
Platform 51 2,250
RTW Symphony Orchestra 2,250
Local Amateur Musical Players 2,000
TW International Music Festival 2,000
Family Matters 3,000
Total 415,000
Capital grants
Trinity Theatre 25,000
RTW Indoor Bowls Club 11,725
Play Paddock Wood 20,000
Compaid 3,000
Ridgewaye FC 3,498
Total 63,223
16
Council supports community groups through new Community Grants programmes
Family Matters
Family Matters is one of the
UKs largest independent
specialist therapy services
for survivors of rape and
childhood sexual abuse,
offering an outreach service
across our geographical
spread at accessible high
street venues.
With the help of funding support from
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, we
have seen over 100 clients from the
Tunbridge Wells borough over the last
three years from the age of 4yrs and
upwards to male and female survivors.
Research shows us that during
childhood, between 5% and 10%
of girls and up to 5% of boys are
exposed to penetrative sexual abuse,
and up to three times this number are
exposed to any type of sexual abuse
Gilbert et al. Lancet 2009.
Family Matters welcomes referrals
to our services from all sources and
where referrals are from Mental Health
Teams we work in partnership with
them to ensure a multi disciplinary
approach to ensure we work in
agreement with a treatment plan.
Impact on Mental Health Studies
indicate that 50% or more of women
in touch with mental health services
have experienced violence and abuse
(Womens Mental Health: Into the
Mainstream 2002)
If you would like to make an
application for therapy, please contact
us on 01474 536661.
Sometimes survivors of sexual
violence, their relatives and friends
may like someone to speak to; Family
Matters operates a helpline service
to offer support. You can call to fnd
out more about this service on 01474
536661.
Suicide & Self Harm
The connection between childhood
sexual abuse and self harm is well
documented. (Herman 1992) We
have the highest rates of self harm in
Europe! (N.I.C.E., 2002)
In addition to the therapy and helpline
service we are also able to offer and
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor
(ISVA).
My name is Danielle Gates, and
I currently work as Manager of
the Child, Adolescent, and Adult
Independent Sexual Violence Advisory
(ISVA) services for Family Matters.
I see clients both in my offce and
in Tunbridge Wells, which can be in
venues hired by Family Matters or
in clients own homes. The work I
do within this role is part funded by
the Tunbridge Wells CSP and in the
last year I have supported 26 adults,
children, and parents of victims in the
Tunbridge Wells area; with practical
issues such as entitlement to benefts,
victim compensation and housing, to
emotional issues such as the short
and long term emotional and cognitive
impact of rape.
My job is a demanding, but ultimately
a very rewarding one and I look
forward to another successful year
working with the people of Tunbridge
Wells.
Danielle N. Gates BSc (Hons), MSc
Manager of ISVA Services
Direct line: 01474 546638
Did you know that over 85% of
childhood sexual abuse occurs
in and around the home and
is perpetrated in the main by
family members or those closely
associated with the family, the
sexual abuse of children is a
domestic violence!
Such statistics refect our year on
year growth with 906 clients last
year and over 2880 calls to our
helpline service.
Family Matters is a registered
charity 1019861.
www.familymattersuk.org
17
Experience the
thrill and fun of
skating on real ice
in the centre of
Royal Tunbridge
Wells!
In addition to a vast number of suggestions
and requests from residents, Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council are delighted at the
opportunity for local shops and businesses
to take advantage of and benefit from the
presence of festive fun...
The Council has been liaising and working hard with local
retailers and business owners to create opportunities for
visitors to the ice rink to see what Tunbridge Wells has to
offer and encourage them to come back to the town centre.
A successful Royal Tunbridge Wells at Christmas this year
could see and secure continued success. The Council will
be looking to ensure that visitors want to come back to the
town time and time again for the full Christmas experience!
Fun, entertainment, eating and shopping from the Pantiles
to Royal Victoria Place via the High Street, Hoopers and,
of course, the beautiful Calverley Grounds!
Opening Times
Saturday 26 November Monday 2 January
The rink will be closed on Christmas Day
Parent & Toddler sessions (30 mins): 9.30am & 10am
Session times: 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.15pm,
3.15pm, 4.15pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm
Sessions last for 1 hour including time to ft your skates
(expect to have approximately 50 minutes on the ice)
Ticket Prices
Peak admission skating sessions are Saturday and
Sunday all day and weekdays from Monday 19 December
Monday 2 January
Peak Off Peak
Adults 9.50 9.00
Children 7.50 7.00
Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) 30.60 28.80
Parent & Toddler sessions (Pay for the
toddler and one adult goes free) session
lasts 30 minutes
7.50 7.00
GO! Card Concession Adult 8.10 7.70
Group Bookings 10+- Adult 8.60 8.10
Group Bookings 10+- Child 6.80 6.30
Group Bookings 15+- Adult 8.10 7.70
Group Bookings 15+- Child 6.40 6.00
Box Office
Peak skating sessions are expected to be extremely
popular, especially during the holiday period, so advanced
booking is recommended.
Tickets can be purchased online at
www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com
In person at the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Offce or by
calling 01892 530613 / 532072
Group bookings can be made by calling 01892 554173.
Special Themed Nights
70s & 80s night
Friday 2 & 16 December 7.30 9.30pm

Christmas No 1s
Saturday 24 December 5.308.30pm
No 1s through the decades
Saturday 31 December 5.309.30pm
Spot prizes will be awarded to the best dressed skater,
best dancer and many more
Check the website for details of all the themed nights
18
In partnership with
GET YOUR
SKATES ON!
Access
If you are a wheelchair user, you are welcome to enjoy the
rink in your own wheelchair. You must be accompanied by
a responsible adult at all times whilst on the ice. The same
applies to motorized wheelchairs.
Please ensure at the time of booking that you tell us you
will be using a wheelchair. Your session is free but your
skating companion will be charged the adult ticket price.
For more information on wheelchair places visit
www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com, bookings can be
made by calling 01892 554173.
Tunbridge Wells
at Christmas
#RTWXmas
19
8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells
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
Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health
services. Tuesday and Friday 9am to
5pm and Thursday 1.30pm to 5pm, by
appointment only.
www.kca.org.uk
Kent & Medway Partnership
Trust
Providing a number of different mental
health services to people of all ages
living in Kent and Medway. Tuesday
and Friday mornings by appointment
only.
www.kmpt.nhs.uk
Kent County Council - Registrar
Register births and deaths. Every
Monday 9.30am to 4.30pm (last
appointment 3.30pm) To book
appointment call 08458 247400
http://www.kent.gov.uk/community_
and_living.aspx
Kenward Trust
Help for people to recover from
addiction to drugs or alcohol, so they
can go on to leading non-dependent,
fulflling lives. The Trust also run
a range of youth services to help
prevent future substance misuse
and the effects they have on society.
Every Wednesday 1.30pm to 5pm
www.kenwardtrust.org.uk/
Money Advice Service
Free, unbiased advice to help you
manage your money. Every Tuesday
9am to 5pm
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Porchlight
Supporting vulnerable and homeless
people in Kent. Drop-in session every
Monday 10am 12 noon
www.porchlight.org.uk
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. You can fnd
out about all Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council services at 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.
Gateway Services
Blue Badge Assessments
Every Monday and Tuesday 9am
5pm by appointment only.
Tel: 01622 605020
www.kent.gov.uk/
Carers FIRST
Support for carers - every Wednesday
9am to 1pm
www.carersfrst.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice service helps
people resolve their legal, money
and other problems by providing free,
independent and confdential advice,
and by infuencing policymakers.
MonFri 10am to 3pm Drop-in service
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Community Wardens
Every Monday 11am to 12 noon
www.kent.gov.uk/community_and_
living/community_safety/community_
wardens.aspx
Connexions
Information, advice, guidance and
support for young people 1319, or
up to 25 for those with a learning
diffculty or disability. Every Tuesday,
Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm
www.connexionskentandmedway.
co.uk
Healthy Lifestyles Co-Ordinator
Supporting people to live healthier
lifestyles. Every alternate Monday
2pm to 4pm and Wednesday 10am to
12 noon. By appointment only 01892
554245.
HERO Project
(Housing, Energy, Retraining &
Options)
Employment and benefts
maximisation advice to customers
who may be at risk of homelessness.
Every Wednesday 2pm to 5pm By
referral or drop-in
20
Royal British Legion Industries
(RBLI)
Delivering the governments Work
Programme. Monday Friday 9am
to 5pm by referral only.
www.rbli.org.uk
Scope
Delivering the Work Choice
programme, a government funded
programme to support people with
health conditions or disability into paid
employment of 16 hours per week or
more. Support and guidance with CV
writing, application forms and other
modules around employment. Every
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9am to
5pm
www.scope.org.uk
Stanford & Green
Councils bailiffs drop-in every
Friday 12 noon to 2pm to discuss
outstanding debt or set up repayment
arrangements
www.stanfordandgreen.co.uk
Turning Point
Provides services for people with
complex needs, including those
affected by drug and alcohol misuse,
mental health problems and those
with a learning disability. Every Friday
1.30 to 5pm
www.turning-point.co.uk
West Kent Mediation
Free, impartial and confdential
mediation service to neighbours
or communities in dispute. Every
fortnight on Tuesday from 9.30am to
1pm
www.wkm.org.uk
Youth Offending Service
Wednesday 9am to 5pm Thursday
1.30 to 5pm by appointment only.
There is also a Wellpoint machine
located in Gateway this provides a
free, inclusive self-check for everyone.
The Water 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 5 minutes

Print-out of personal test results

Empowerment of customers
to make their own health
improvement decisions
So why not pop in next time youre in
town and take a quick health check.

Having seen two
efcient colleagues regarding
housing beneft etc and the possibility
of a transfer from my current housing
association property (which I have had
since 1971) I feel reassured about my
current fnancial and housing situation.
I was referred to the CAB who were
equally helpful. Very efcient and
professional.

I found the service
fantastic! Waited no longer
than 10 mins and was greeted by
a smiling young lady who was very
helpful and explained what she
was doing at all times.

I have visited the Gateway on
many visits since arriving from Zimbabwe in
September this year along with my partner we were
homeless, and very troubled on our arrival. We have been
attended to with such kindness and concern from Gateway
staf who went out of their way to assist us with our
plight. Because of their help we are housed for
Xmas!! THANK YOU.

I have only lived in
Tunbridge Wells for two years, and
have only used the Gateway three times.
On each occasion I have had nothing but
help and friendliness. I couldnt fault
anybody. Thank you.

I am shortly
to be moving to another
borough. For the past years I
have been coming to TWBC I have
been shown respect, dignity and
empathy to my situation. I thank all
the staf (especially at this time
Carol). Gateways going to be
a hard act to follow.
Thank you.
What our customers are saying...
Tunbridge Wells Gateway is open six
days a week 9am to 5pm on Mon,
Tues, Weds, Fri; 9am to 6.30pm on
Thursday and 9am to 1.30pm on
Saturday.
21
Understanding
Dementia
How effective are the support services for
patients and their carers?
In the summer edition of Local, you may have read about
a review which one of our Scrutiny Select Committees was
undertaking into how effective the support services are in
helping people who have been diagnosed with dementia.
This article provides a short update on progress.
What have we learnt?
The councillors involved in this review have gained further
evidence over the summer. Consistently, one of the key
messages has been the importance of early help and
diagnosis in accessing the right support services, whether
they are provided through NHS treatment or through a
range of voluntary services which exist, or both.
So, that is key fnding number one. The need to continue
to raise awareness about dementia and to help direct
people and their families towards where best to seek
advice and support. With an increased awareness comes a
greater understanding of the problem that sufferers face.
The second key area which councillors have become
aware of is the important role played by voluntary
organisations. Locally, two such groups are very active in
their support work: frst, Crossroads Care, who provide
an emergency and crisis service for people suffering from
dementia, as well as for their carers; they also provide
much-needed respite care, to enable carers to ensure their
own needs do not become neglected.
The most well-known providers of support are the
Alzheimers Society. From their base in Tudeley, they
provide a hugely effective day care centre for patients, as
well as operating a carers group, providing mutual support
and advice.
The councillors learnt that the services provided by the
Alzheimers Society were not only deeply valued but in
huge demand; to help many more people, there is a clear
need for an expanded service.
What next?
The review is drawing to its end. A draft report will soon be
submitted to the Select Committee which set this review
up, before any recommendations can be implemented.
Do you need some help and advice?
If you would like some further information about dementia,
two extremely helpful information sources exist:

24-hour helpline 0800 500 3014

www.dementiawebkentandmedway.org.uk
In addition, you can contact the
Alzheimers Society on 01732 370330
or Crossroads Care (West Kent)
on 01622 817114.
Savings for
people with
disabilities
If you, or someone who lives
with you needs a room or an
extra bathroom or kitchen, or
extra space in your property
to meet special needs arising
from a disability, you may be
entitled to a reduced council
tax bill.
The bill may be reduced to that of
a property in the band immediately
below the band shown in the
valuation list.
If your property is in band A, you may
still be entitled to a reduction even
though there is no lower band on the
valuation list.
These reductions ensure that
disabled people do not pay more
council tax in respect of a space
needed because of disability.
If you think you may be eligible,
please telephone 01892 526121 for
further information.
22
C A M E O ~ Come and Meet Each Other
A service supported by funding from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for people who have
found themselves single and isolated due to the death or separation of a partner.
The programme will consist of a series of workshops designed to equip participants with the practical skills their partner
did in their relationship, which they now need to live independently. For example, personal safety and home security,
healthy living, personal fnances, online and telephone banking, general car maintenance, community services, simple
DIY, cooking and budgeting. We will incorporate a social event, such as a pub lunch or theatre trip.
CAMEO groups will provide an extended social circle and
opportunities to learn new and essential life skills. CAMEO
will help people to help themselves and one another. The
project will foster a spirit of community involvement and
empower people to become involved in decisions that affect
their lives and their communities. If this is you, then do not
be alone, come along and learn a new skill, have fun whilst
you socialise with other like minded people.
For more information contact:
Sally Simms Development Offcer
Voluntary Action Within Kent
01892 530330 x 511 or 07702 501705
sally.simms@vawk.org.uk
23
Alcohol: have a safe
Christmas and a
healthy New Year!
Look after your health
Its that time of year when parties and
celebrations make it so much easier to over-
indulge. However it isnt just roast dinners and
Christmas pudding that can make people put
on weight at this time of year. Many people
dont realise just how many calories are in
their alcohol...
Did you know?

Drinking fve pints of lager a week adds up to 44,200
calories a year, the equivalent of 340 packets of crisps.
Up that to 52,000 if cider is your preferred tipple, or
65,000 if you drink premium lager.

The average alcopop contains 200 calories, the same
amount as a 50g block of cheddar cheese!

Just two large glasses of white wine is equal to one ffth
of your recommended daily calorie intake. The average
wine drinker consumes an extra 2000 calories a month
in wine alone.

Heavy alcohol consumption can also have serious but
less visible affects on the body. The UK Chief Medical
Offcers recommend that women should not regularly
drink more than 2-3 units a day and men should not
regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day. One unit of
alcohol is equal to a half pint of normal strength lager or
a small measure of spirits (25ml). A small glass of wine
(125ml) contains 1.5 units.

The cost to the NHS of alcohol related illness is around
2.7 billion a year.

Regularly exceeding your recommended daily units
can lead to alcohol-related problems such as fatigue or
depression, poor sleep and sexual problems such as
impotence.

Heavy drinkers are more likely to suffer from cancer
of the mouth, neck and throat, liver damage and high
blood pressure.
Tips for a safe Christmas Party

Have a glass of water or a soft drink between alcoholic
drinks, it will also help to keep you hydrated.

Drinking in rounds can mean that you can end up
drinking more than you intended.

Try smaller measures a single rather than a double
with more mixer, or a 125ml glass of wine topped up
with soda rather than a 250ml glass will last as long and
be cheaper!

If youre hosting a party, providing food is a good way to
make sure your guests dont get drunk quickly and have
plenty of soft drinks available.

If youre at a party and the wine is fowing, keep a
closer eye on top-ups for your alcohol consumption.

Never leave your drink unattended and be aware if
accepting a drink from a stranger.

No matter how good your intentions, drink can affect
your judgment... so be sensible and plan how youre
going to get home before you leave the house!

Look after your friends stick together when walking or
visiting cash points. If they seem drunk, dont let them
wander off unaccompanied.
Never drink and drive
Driving under the infuence of alcohol slows reactions and
affects judgement of speed and distance. It puts your life
and the lives of those around you in danger. It can also
land you with a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fne of up
to 5000 or even a prison sentence.
The legal limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of
blood, however there is no foolproof way to calculate
a safe level of alcohol consumption as it can vary from
person to person, so the best advice is not to drink at all if
you are driving.
44,200
= calories
per year
24
Putting
yourself at
risk of fire?
Firefighters warn of added
winter fire dangers.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS)
is warning of potential fre hazards
as households feel the pinch of
domestic fuel increases and switch to
alternative ways of keeping warm over
the long winter months.
Research shows that those most at
risk are people who live alone and
on a low income, with older people
or single-parent families even more
vulnerable.
Director of Community Safety Steve
Griffths said: With the rise in gas and
electricity prices, some residents may
struggle to make ends meet and there
is a real concern they may resort
to more risky methods
of heating
and lighting their
homes, resulting in
more accidental
fres.
I appeal to all
residents to
ensure you
have working
smoke
alarms ftted in
your property to provide
early warning of fre and to think very
carefully before taking a cost-cutting
risk that could result in you getting
seriously injured or killed in a fre.
Also, consider installing a carbon
monoxide detector to help prevent to
you and your loved-ones from the risk
of carbon-monoxide poisoning.
Common ways to increase your safety
from fre:

Make sure your chimney/fue is
checked and swept before use.

Ensure portable
heaters are positioned
away from furniture or
upholstery and never
use old or faulty
appliances to heat
your home.

Ensure
electric or gas
heaters are fully
inspected and ft
for use and never
use them to dry
washing.
25

Never use an electric blanket
which is over 10 years old, always
follow manufacturers instructions.

Never leave naked fames
unattended and exercise extreme
caution if burning other fuels.

Only use cooking appliances
intended for indoor use indoors, ie
not calor gas stoves or barbecues
(they are hazardous and can
create deadly toxic fumes).
If you have concerns about
keeping yourself or a friend or
relative safe from fre or would
like further advice call KFRS
for free on
0800 923 7000
or go to
www.kent.fre-uk.org
W
H
A
T

S

O
N
Trinity Theatre
Box Offce 01892 678678
www.trinitytheatre.net
Assembly Hall
Box offce
01892 530613/532072
www.
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
7 December
Christmas Comedy
8pm
Trinity Theatre
10 December 2 January
2012
Sleeping Beauty
Assembly Hall
13 December 7 January
2012
Rudi Vizi (exhibition)
Trinity Theatre
14 December
Christmas Comedy
8pm
Trinity Theatre
14 December 1 January
2012
The Secret Garden
varied times
Trinity Theatre
16 December
Christmas Comedy
8pm
Trinity Theatre
17 December
Christmas Carol
Concert
7pm
Trinity Theatre
20 December
Christmas Comedy
8pm
Trinity Theatre
22 January
Rumours of
Fleetwood Mac
8pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
28-29 January
Star Communities
Wellbeing Festival
all day
Assembly Hall Theatre
31 January-4 February
Horrible Histories
varied times
Assembly Hall Theatre
5 February
The Queens
Diamond Jubilee
Concert
3pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
5 February
Sarah Millican
8pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
9 February
The Sensational
60s Experience
7.30pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
10 February
Fairport Convention
7.30pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
16 February
Omid Djalili
8pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
28 February
Paul Carrack
7.30pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
1 March
Nick Lowe
7.30pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
2 March
Russell Kane
Manscaping
8pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
3 March
Doug Stanhope
8pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
11 March
Chris Addison
8pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
14 March
Hormonal
Housewives
7.30pm
Assembly Hall Theatre
26
Local magazine is published by
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
tel: 01892 526121
website: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
e-mail: info@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
text: 07870 526121
fax: 01892 534227
Personal callers should
visit the Gateway at
8 Grosvenor Road,
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2AB
For postal enquiries please contact:
Town Hall
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 1RS
If you would like to comment
about any article in Local, or make
suggestions for any that should be
included, wed love to hear from
you.
In the frst instance contact:
Lizzie Goodwin,
Communications & Engagement
Team Leader,
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council,
Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells,
Kent TN1 1RS
localemail
@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
tel: 01892 526121
Advertising enquiries:
Space Marketing Ltd
01892 677742
emmam@spacemarketing.co.uk
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.
Is this
publication
accessible and
easy for you to
understand?
To comment on it,
or to get it in an
alternative format,
please call
01892 554079 or
e-mail publications@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk
In association with TTC
presents Frances Hodgson
Burnetts classic story
Directed by Michael Elliott
Composed by Steven Markwick
Written by Diana Morgan
Supported by
Agent: Macnaughton Lord Representation, 44 South Molton Street, London W1K 5RT
Wed 14 Dec - Sun 1 Jan
Trinity Theatre | Church Road | Tunbridge Wells
Box Ofce: 01892 678 678 | trinitytheatre.net
Supported by
Coutts
MORE
INFO
AT...
W
W
W.TR
IN
IT
Y
S
T
H
E
S
E
C
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T G A R
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C
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U
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Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services

Bruises don't only appear on the outside, it's
the ones on the inside that can hurt the most.

Domestic Abuse is not just a physical thing,
words and behaviour hurt too.

We understand that.

Do you want to talk to someone about what is
happening to you, a friend or a family member?











We can help you.

You are not on your own.

Call Your Local Domestic Abuse Helpline:

01892 570538
Monday to Friday - 10.00am to 1.00pm

Providing practical support - Giving you choices and options

www.davss.org.uk office@davss.org.uk
Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services

Bruises don't only appear on the outside, it's
the ones on the inside that can hurt the most.

Domestic Abuse is not just a physical thing,
words and behaviour hurt too.

We understand that.

Do you want to talk to someone about what is
happening to you, a friend or a family member?











We can help you.

You are not on your own.

Call Your Local Domestic Abuse Helpline:

01892 570538
Monday to Friday - 10.00am to 1.00pm

Providing practical support - Giving you choices and options

www.davss.org.uk office@davss.org.uk
27
When did you decide that this is what you wanted
to do get into the entertainment industry and
what was your first break? From the age of about
six all Id do all day every day is sing. When I was 11
years old, a teacher at primary school told my mam I
should go to stage school. I went for a trial day and I was
hooked. About three weeks in I got my first job as one of
the children in The King And I.
How has the transition from boy band member to
TV presenter been and what do you enjoy most
about your job presenting? When I was in the band
D-Side wed do so much TV, for example, Top Of The
Pops, SMTV, MTV etc so I was used to being on screen
and making the transition was easy for me. The thing I
love about working at Milkshake! the most is I get to
produce the live show in the morning as well as
presenting.
When you were young did you go to the panto
and what did you enjoy about it? I didnt do panto
when I was younger. I think thats why I love doing it
now and am making up for lost time.
Is this your first time doing panto? Are
you excited? What do you think is going
to be the most challenging aspect of
being Silly Billy in Sleeping Beauty at
the Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal
Tunbridge Wells? No. I've done panto for
the past few years. Im really excited to be
Silly Billy as its a very fun part. The
challenging aspect is the two shows a day
and all the running around but, hey, it
keeps me fit.
What tricks do you use to get the kids to
participate in the panto? I dont really have tricks as
such. The script is great and one out of every ten kids is
excited enough before the show even starts.
Which childrens character would you like to work
with for a day and why? Peppa Pig shes top class!
Tell me who is your favourite Milkshake!
character? Little Princess, Jane Horrocks for me is the
best voice-over artist around. She makes characters come
to life and shes done just that with the Little Princess.
Derek can be seen in
Sleeping Beauty at the Assembly
Hall Theatre from Saturday 10
December to Monday 2 January.
To book tickets call
01892 530613/532072 or visit
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter since 2007,
Irish lad Derek Moran will be playing Silly
Billy in this years must-see pantomime
Sleeping Beauty at the Assembly Hall
Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Sleeping Beauty Local Editorial 11/10/11 2:36 pm Page 1