Insurers refused claim because he didnt lose both legs

Accident payout deniedas man only lost one leg

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All the news that matters Local, National and InternationalWednesday, January 13, 2016

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

PLENTY OFFESTIVE CHEER

FOR LOCALRESTAURANTS

Pages 64-65

SOUTHBOROUGH FAMILY ROOTS

OF LEGENDDAVID BOWIE

Page 10

STRIKING DOCTORS

WALK OUT AT PEMBURY

Page 3

Exclusive: By Adam Hignett

A TRAUMATISED father of three has been denied a 120,000 insurance pay-ment after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident. Insurers claimed his injuries were not critical enough and that he needed to lose two or more limbs to qualify for a payment.

Hein Pretorius suffered two broken legs below the knee, a broken femur and broken pelvis after he was struck by an

oncoming vehicle during his commute to work.

The complexity of his injuries follow-ing the collision on the Bayham Road in August meant he had to be airlifted to a London hospital, where his right leg was amputated below the knee.

But despite paying almost 25,000 to cover life and critical insurance since he took out his first policy in 1998, Mr Pretorius has not seen a penny of the 120,000 he thought he would be entitled to from his two insurers.

Since the accident, Mr Pretorius said he has been fighting both Legal & Gen-eral and insurance firm Bright Grey to secure a payout from his life assurance policies as the liability does not fall under a motor insurer.

And now Mr Pretorius is concerned his family will lose their house.

He said: We are worried about it. I was previously on a relatively decent salary, but despite the help of some benefits related to my disability, my monthly income has been dramatically reduced.

Basically, I need to get myself physi-cally fit as soon as possible to allow me to get back to work and earn. If I dont, we may lose our house.

The 44-year-old, who lives with his family in Madeira Park, Tunbridge Wells, added: The insurance compa-nies argue it is a black and white case of me signing a contract which only covers the loss of two limbs.

STRANGEFACEWOWS

THEATREAUDIENCES

Pages 76-77

Turn to page 3

INJUREDFather of threeHein Pretorius

CINEMA SITE DEAL INDRAMATIC COLLAPSE

Exclusive: By Adam Hignett

A DEAL which would have seen a new hotel and retail units built upon the old cinema site in Tunbridge Wells fell through late yesterday. It is the latest setback in the 15-year saga of what has been described as the towns biggest eyesore.

As the Times reported in October, the current owner, Carlyle Group, had entered into the fi nal stages of an agreement to sell the site to developer Bellhouse Joseph.

But the hotel group, which was due to be the anchor tenant on the site, has since withdrawn from the agreement, leading to the sales collapse.

Carlyle Group has now appointed Savills and Strutt & Parker to remarket the site and fi nd a buyer as soon as possible.

However, a spokesman for Bellhouse Joseph said the developer was still interested in the site and blamed delays on the failure to secure the hotel.

He said: The deal we had been hoping to conclude is no longer possible as delays in fi nalising the process has led to one of the larger tenants withdrawing.

However, we are still in negotiations and remain committed to delivering a high quality mixed use development and have strong interest from restaurant and retail organisations.

The 1.3-acre site was bought by the Carlyle Group for 9.9 million in 2011.

SOUTHBOROUGH STRANGEFACEWOWS

THEATREAUDIENCES

Pages 76-77

PLENTY OFFESTIVE CHEER

FOR LOCALRESTAURANTS

Pages 64-65

STRIKING DOCTORS

WALK OUT AT PEMBURY

Page 3

Newspaper

WALK OUT AT

STRANGEFACEWOWS

THEATREAUDIENCES

Pages 76-77

STRANGEFACESTRANGEFACE

THEATREAUDIENCES

Pages 76-77

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Wednesday 13th January 2016

2 n NEWS

FOR the majority of us the most expensive thing we splash out on in life is our home; be it a mansion, detached, semi, terraced or flat. And today its becoming increasingly harder for young people to do just that, to get on the housing ladder, as prices continue to creep up with a dearth of good properties coming on to the market. Many young people turn to the Bank of Mum and Dad looking for a contribution towards a deposit or low cost loan repayable over 25 years at zero interest.

The property market was summed up for me by an estate agent talking about the lack of suitable properties up for rent. They told me: If you see a decent place come online then run to the estate agents to get to the head of the queue, fix an immediate viewing and agree to pay the asking price. If you dont grab it there will be a dozen people behind you trying to get the keys.

Even allowing for estate- agent-speak and a journalist adding a bit of a flourish thats probably a pretty accurate summation of whats

happening particularly here in Tunbridge Wells where it seems everyone wants to live, or at least a significant number of buyers want to stay here or move here.

All of which means we like to keep an eye on property prices to see how our investment in bricks and mortar is doing and to confirm our own views that we chose wisely in picking the right location. As the popular TV programme says its all about Location, Location, Location.

Thats why, hopefully, youll find our Richest Roads story (pages 16 and 17) of some interest. Its a survey that tells us the most expensive addresses in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, according to the best sources, and the top postcodes. Its full of fascinating facts that will get you talking, especially if your road is not listed but that of your friend is.

Looking back, I recall the first time such a list was published in Tunbridge Wells. It was 2008 and was carried by the then new local magazine So Tunbridge Wells, the sister publication of this newspaper. It caused uproar. We actually

had hospital consultants being called by their partners to complain or boast about their address, depending on where it was in the property list.

ONE OF my favourite TV programmes happens to be Dragons Den on BBC Two, so I was much taken with our story (page five) about local man Caner Veli who braved the famous five and walked out with a 100,000 investment in his business. He appeared on our screens being grilled by the Dragons, one of whom was pretty grumpy, for maybe ten minutes. In reality he stood in front of them for an hour with 25 production people watching from the sidelines. And he tells us that they actually edited out some of the harshest comments from the potential investors in his footwear and fabric protection business. All in all it sounds a tough test for any entrepreneur. But then if you want people to give you their money

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

WHAT MAKES OUR RICHEST ROADS LIST SO RELEVANT

Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONSHERE at the Times of Tunbridge Wells we strive to deliver, fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we dont meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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CONTACTS

EDITORIAL DIRECTORRICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615

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16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

I dont know where Im going from here, but I promise it wont be boring.

David Bowie

QUOTE UNQUOTE

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

KENT County Council is bracing itself for a hard year ahead after publishing its budget on Monday amid warnings it was due to be the most difficult yet.

With a key government grant being reduced by around a third, combined with a rise in social care costs leaves a shortfall of 126 million, means tough decisions will have to be made at the council, which said significant savings needed to be found in order to make up for the shortfall.

The draft budget is for the 2016/17 finan-cial year.

Alongside cuts to expenditure, KCC will also be looking to raise 11m in revenues through a 1.99 per cent increase in council taxes, the maximum amount without trig-gering a referendum.

A further two per cent rise in council tax is also proposed through the use of its social care precept, a new levy which was announced in the governments autumn statement.

In a statement released alongside the budget, a KCC spokesman said the introduction of the new levy was necessary to tackle the increasing burden of social care.

He said: Social care budgets are under particular pressure due to rising demand for services for both vulnerable adults and older people.

There are also rising costs from increases

in prices from care providers not least in response to the new National Living Wage which will apply from April.

Combined, these increases will see the amount of council tax taken by the county council on an average Band C property rise to 1,007.60, up from 968.88 currently, raising an additional 22 million in total.

This is before other authorities, such as the Police, Fire & Rescue, districts, parish and town councils set their own share of council tax as part of the overall bill.

Kent County Council currently accounts for around 73 per cent of the council tax take.

Capital investment will fall by 20 million to 708 million next year, meaning less money has been earmarked for spending on infrastructure projects such as new school buildings and roads.

The town has secured some minor spending commitments from KCC, such as on the South-borough Hub and the Tunbridge Wells Cultural Hub, to the sum of 115,000 and 2 million respectively.

However, the majority of the focused spending has been earmarked for projects elsewhere in the county, such as a 12.4 million investment in the Expansion East Kent Regional Growth Fund.

County budget comes with a health warning and biggest rate rise without a referendum

Thursday

4CFriday

4CSaturday

3CSunday

3CMonday

3CTuesday

4C

Wednesday January 13, 2016 Tunbridge Wells

6 CVisibility: Very good Pollution: Low Humidity: 81%

Sunrise: 07.59am Sunset: 16.16pm Wind: 10mph

I couldnt resist capturing the rainbow behind these berries in High Brooms Marcin Bialas

Weather

Sunny intervals and further showers, often breezy

RESIDENTS have just days remaining to make their views heard on Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils key priorities for its major projects and spending for the next two years.

Despite facing a major 261,000 cut to its annual government grant, the authority remains on course, it says, to deliver pledges to improve the areas cultural and sports facilities as part of its five-year plan agreed in 2014.

However, the loss in its national funding amounts to a 50 per cent cut since 2010, los-ing out on 3.2 million in government money

over five years. By 2020, the council will not receive any central funding and is expected to be self-funding through retaining business rates.

The boroughs outlined priorities include making the town an attractive place for businesses through the creation of more space for emerging start-up firms. The council also intends to work with developers in identifying potential new housing sites to meet demand for quality housing within the borough.

Council leader David Jukes said: Since

launching our five-year plan we have exceeded our expectations in planning terms, including opening up Longfield Road on the retail estate, which is complete, as well as the A21 improvement gaining approval. On the current progress it will open up this time next year.

We planned the Cultural Hub at the library three years ago and were allocated Heritage Lottery funding of 4.3 million towards it, but weve had another 930,000 from the Arts Council towards it, so thats also happening.

Time running out to have your say on five-year plan

COUNTY HALLRate increases

LOCAL NEWS 3

Wednesday 13th January 2016

LIFE CHANGINGHein today after the accident

They changed their policies since then to make payouts for the loss of one limb, but they wont pay out to me as my contracts were signed in 1998 and 2007.

It just seems like they want to wash their hands of the issue. They blame the broker for not telling me to update my policy.

Mr Pretorius argues the main text of the contracts were ambiguous when they claimed a payout would be made upon the loss of limbs, with a clearer definition, stating two or more, tucked away in the small print.

The accident occurred during Mr Pretoriuss morning commute to work as the regional operations manager at Hush Heath Hospital-ity in Goudhurst, a job which paid 50,000 a year.

He is now forced to rely on 88 a week in statutory sick pay, alongside benefits, as he was only at the com-pany for half a year before the acci-dent and has remained in hospital ever since.

This has put a strain on the fam-ily finances as his wife, Ellen, only works on an irregular basis and her income is insufficient to cover the family costs.

The majority of time is spent look-ing after their three children, 11-year-old Louis and seven-year-old twins Mabel and Theo, a job made far harder since the accident.

Mr Pretorius said: We are in arrears with our mortgage, which has destroyed my credit rating. We have sought help from the debt char-ity Step Change, who have secured

more manageable token payments for us.

He admitted some people may crit-icise him for not getting income pro-tection as part of his insurance and said one of his reasons for highlight-ing his plight was to raise awareness.

He added: I do not want pity. I am resilient and optimistic. But I do not want other people to be in the same situation I am now in.

A spokesman for Legal & General confirmed the insurers terms had changed in 2009 and said they were very sorry to hear Mr Pretorius is unhappy with our decision regard-ing the claim.

But she added the firm is bound by the terms and conditions of the critical illness policy contract which he purchased in 1999, claiming this prevented them from paying out for the loss of one limb.

She said the company have assessed Mr Pretoriuss claim under another clause of the policy which covers total and permanent disabil-ity, however: It is too early in Mr Pretoriuss treatments and recovery to confirm if the policy definition of Permanent and Total Disability has been met.

His claim would be reviewed again in due course, she added.

A spokesperson for Bright Grey also highlighted the legal obligation to stick to the terms and conditions of the policy.

He said Mr Pretorius was made aware a payout would only be made upon suffering a total permanent disability defined as: the perma-nent physical severance of two or more limbs from above the wrist or ankle joint.

But he added: It is too early in Mr

Pretoriuss recovery to predict if a claim would be payable under these sections of his insurance policy, but we will review it after 26 weeks which was the time chosen by Mr Pretorius when he took out the policy.

We are unable to retrospectively change our terms and conditions as it could benefit some customers and disadvantage others.

The Financial Ombudsman ruled in favour of Legal & General in Octo-ber, claiming it had dealt with Mr Pretoriuss case fairly, and so no action could be taken.

It found the wording loss of limbs was explained in the terms and conditions as applying to multiple limbs, defined as above the wrist joint or ankle.

In a letter to Mr Pretorius, the adju-dicator said: I do not underestimate the seriousness of the injury. But as the claim is for the loss of one limb, unfortunately the definition has not been met.

However, Mr Pretorius has since advised the ombudsman that he does not accept the decision of the adjudicator and will be presenting the case again.

HOLIDAYHein before the

accident

Continued from page 1

Accident payout denied

JUNIOR doctors at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury yesterday joined a national strike over their contracts, after talks with the government failed to reach agreement.

Their concerns have centred on proposed working conditions which they claim will place patient safety at risk, as services become increasingly stretched.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has criticised the strike, which is the first of its kind for a generation, stating it was unnecessary.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: The safety and care of patients is our top priority and therefore we have re-arranged 32 planned procedures that were due to take place today (January 12th).

Doctors stage walkoutin Tunbridge Wells

For more on the doctors strike see page 9

Richest Roads in Tunbridge Wells

By Neill Barston

ACCORDING to local estate agents property prices in Tunbridge Wells are set to rise by at least five per cent over the coming year and possibly by more than 21 per cent over the next five years.

Howard Kingsnorth of Barnes Kingsnorth said: With the current shortage of properties, I can see 2016 unfolding with a competitive market and the possibility of multiple buyers for each property. This will make it a sellers market which could force prices to increase by at least five per cent.

Robert Jacobs at Savills Tunbridge Wells said: Longer term, Savills predicts prices in the south easts mainstream market will increase by 21.6 per cent over the next five years to 2020.

The comments come as the Times reveals its list of the Richest Roads in and around Tunbridge Wells. We name the top 50 addresses where, in each case, house prices are around an average of 1million.

Hollyshaw Close tops the list with average house values of more than 3million.

Frant is the most sought after location outside of the town, with almost a third of the top ten roads situated in the small village.

To find out if your road features on the list turn to page 16

Wednesday 13th January 2016

4 LOCAL NEWS

BEWL Water is due for a major upgrade aimed at boosting local tourism after the latest investment plans were announced by its new owners this week.

Markerstudy Leisure acquired Bewl Water Country Park on January 8 and unveiled a raft of improvements aimed at boosting tourism to the reservoir.

Describing it as the jewel in the crown for the local community, Andrew Daniells, chief oper-ating officer of Markerstudy Leisure, said the ambitious plans would give Bewl the love and attention it deserves.

Among the initiatives announced is the imme-diate reduction in parking charges from 8 to 2, alongside the complete refurbishment of the visitor centre and nearby sailing clubhouse.

Both are timetabled to be reopened by April. In addition, there are plans to make the 13-mile

long path around the reservoir more accessible, with a new water taxi service enabling walkers and cyclists to tailor the length of their tours of the lake.

Fish stocks are due to be replenished to satisfy what the company believes is the growing num-ber of fishermen returning to Bewl Water.

There will also be an upgrading of the current fleet of fishing boats to help facilitate this trend.

Mr Daniells said: The feedback from existing users, such as the sailors, rowers and fishing fraternity, is that they all want to see it returned to its former glory, and are keen to work with us to make this happen.

In conjunction with the local community and councils we are keen to transform the quality of the facilities and activities on offer as we deliver what will be a substantial investment in the site.

Graham Wise, co-leader of Bewl Midweek Sail-

Boost for Bewl as new plans are unveiled

ing Group, which has 100 members and sails all year round, said: This is great news. We are confident under Markerstudy, which has a rep-utation for being closely involved in the local community, that sailing at Bewl will increase in

popularity. They have seen the potential of Bewl and

have taken the decision to invest. We have had a very positive meeting with the

new owners and management team about their

intentions and are reassured that they share our passion for sailing and for Bewl.

The investments that are planned sound very promising and we will certainly be supporting them.

LOCAL NEWS 5

Wednesday 13th January 2016

Adam Hignettadam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A TUNBRDGE Wells entrepreneur who survived the Dragons Den by walking away with a 100,000 investment in his company has talked to the Times about his experience.

Caner Veli, founder of Liquiproof, a fabric spray which repels liquid spills, was seen giving away 50 per cent of his business to the clothing magnate Touker Suleyman when the BBC2 show aired on January 3.

But it was not all plain sailing for the 28-year-old entrepreneur, who described the experience as one of the most stressful days of his life.

After impressing the Dragons with his presenta-tion, in which he highlighted the effectiveness of Liquiproof by pouring a bottle of red wine down his suit, leaving no stains, the tycoons began their ferocious scrutiny.

It was scary as hell and probably one of the most stressful days of my life, said Mr Veli, adding: It is exactly like it looks on TV.

ScepticalBut what the audience do not realise is there are

25 people off screen watching as well.An avid viewer of the show, Mr Veli was none the

less sceptical when he was first approached by the BBC to appear on the programme.

He said: The development team from Dragons Den called me up saying they had seen my prod-uct and thought it was amazing, so they asked me if I wanted to go in front of the Dragons.

At first I was not really sure if it was actu-ally a real offer, but of course it turned out to be genuine.

The main criticisms levelled at Mr Velis pitch

for investment came from two of the most long-standing Dragons on the panel, Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden.

Mr Jones slammed the valuation of Liquiproof, which Mr Veli claimed was worth 2 million par-tially based on forward estimates of growth but which Mr Jones said would be lucky to be worth tens of thousands.

Peter was very grumpy for the whole thing. What the programme did not show was the back and forth which went on, said Mr Veli, you dont know what they are going to ask but you prepare for the worst.

I was there for about an hour, the bits on screen were probably not even the harshest moments.

Next up came Mrs Meaden, who took Mr Veli to task for the quality of the contract he had secured with the R&D lab which manufactures the product.

She highlighted the fact the contract had not been drawn up by a solicitor, methodically point-ing out various flaws including, most serious of all, the fact the formula itself was not owned by

Mr Veli. Despite this flaw, Mr Veli

argued he had secured almost sole global distribution rights and had ownership of the brand-ing itself.

But Mrs Meaden was unconvinced, pointing out the quality of the contract meant Mr Veli was relying mainly on a bond of trust rather than having any legal guarantee he could maintain supply.

Although Mr Veli maintains he had no doubt about the valid-ity of the contract, he did admit

from an investors standpoint it would have been off-putting.

He said: I like to think I am an honest person and expect the same from others so from a per-sonal point of view the contract was fine.

But it was a bit of a schoolboy error bringing in a contract I drafted myself and expecting them to accept it. It is something which has since been remedied.

After Mr Jones and Mrs Meaden stated they would not be making an offer, fellow Dragons Nick Jenkins and Sarah Willingham also with-drew, leaving only Mr Suleyman.

Mr Veli thought his chances had all but vanished. He said: It was frustrating because I didnt see a problem with the business.

RiskyWhen they all started dropping out I was like,

whats going on here?However, Mr Suleyman, whose businesses have

a lot of exposure to the textile industry, saw much promise in the product, but the risky contract meant his investment would only be brought at a high price.

Instead of the five per cent equity Mr Veli was looking to give away in the company, Mr Suleyman wanted ten times as much for his money.

Describing the moment the offer was made, Mr Veli said: It was absolutely brilliant and Mr Suley-man was the investor I was hoping to get due to his connections, which are as important as the money.

Obviously he wanted far more than I said I wanted to give away, but while I was debating with myself about the offer I came to the conclusion that him having a large stake will mean he is more likely to focus on the business.

Dragons Den victoryearns man 100,000

from an investors standpoint it would have been

ally a real offer, but of course it turned out to be genuine.

The main criticisms levelled at Mr Velis pitch

been drawn up by a solicitor, methodically point-ing out various flaws including, most serious of all, the fact the formula itself was not owned by

Mr Veli. Despite this flaw, Mr Veli

argued he had secured almost sole global distribution rights and had ownership of the brand-ing itself.

But Mrs Meaden was unconvinced, pointing out the quality of the contract meant Mr Veli was relying mainly on a bond of trust rather than having any legal guarantee he could maintain supply.

Although Mr Veli maintains he had no doubt about the valid-ity of the contract, he did admit

Dispute over fl ight paths is heading for the Appeal Court after new rulingTHE ongoing battle over fl ight paths across the High Weald looks set to intensify after campaigners won the right to fi ght intolerable aircraft noise in the Appeal Court.

Spearheaded by Gatwick Obviously Not, a group which encompasses many of the villages to the west of Tunbridge Wells, the campaign has raised over 140,000 to take on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Lord Justice Burnett, sitting in the Appeal Court last month, overturned a previous High Court decision rejecting a judicial review into fl ight paths.

He found that while the previous rejection of a

review into the fl ight paths meant there would be a signifi cant hurdle to its success, there was reasonable argument for the claim to go ahead.

Importantly, the review could end up setting a precedent by which similar cases will be judged, after Lord Justice Burnett stated the claim must remain in the Appeal Court because it was desirable to: obtain an authoritative ruling on the meaning of relevant provisions, which govern similar arrangements at airports other than Gatwick."

The bid for a review has been orchestrated by Martin Barraud, chair of action group Gatwick

Obviously Not. CAA said: We note the decision by the Court

of Appeal to permit a judicial review to clarify the CAA's role regarding changes to aircraft approach procedures at Gatwick implemented by NATS.

The CAA remains committed to working with industry to ensure more is done to address the issue of aviation noise and to better support the communities affected by it.

We know that aircraft noise can be a signifi cant disturbance for many people and have consistently challenged the aviation industry to be more ambitious in tackling its environmental impacts.

WINNERCaner Veli landshis investmenet

PITCHINGCaner Veli shows the Dragons his wares

Wednesday 13th January 2016

6 LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

New gourmet store breaks sales recordsBy Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE recent opening of a new Cook store in Tunbridge Wells has paid off after the company confirmed it had broken all previous records for Christmas sales.

Cook, which sells gourmet frozen foods pro-duced in Kent, opened its new Tunbridge Wells shop on Monson Road in November.

It is located just a few doors down from its previous premises, which were substantially smaller, and has proven to be hugely popular with customers.

CommunityBut the new store is proving to be a boon for the

company, with sales over the Christmas period 88 per cent higher than in 2014.

By breaking the record on weekly sales in the run up to Christmas, the Tunbridge Wells shop has overtaken Sevenoaks, which has held the record since 2012.

Commenting on the success of the new Tun-bridge Wells store, managing director Edward Perry said: We are delighted how the people of Tunbridge Wells appear to have taken it to their hearts.

We always had the vision for the shop to be at the heart of the local community and so far weve

been able to help out nine local community organisations with food for events or fundraising.

The news comes after Cook announced like-for-like sales across the company during the six week Christmas period totalled 7.4 million, up 6.6 per cent on 2014.

Sales growth at the company for the year was curtailed, however, by the allocation of too much space to seasonal lines during the summer, which the company admitted was a bit of a damp squib.

Furthermore, fierce competition meant the sale of single and double portion meals was challenging.

Total revenue across its 83 shops was 49.9 million over 2015, up from 45.5 million the previous year.

This annual sales growth of 2.7 per cent was described by the company as: Decent enough, but not quite where we want to be.

But earnings before tax was more positive, increasing by 32 per cent during 2015 to 4.1 million, compared to 3.1 million in 2014, leaving room for the companys first ever dividend pay-out of 400,000.

However, Cook said it would maintain its ambitious target of hitting sales of 75 million per annum by 2019, forecasting a growth rate of 15 per cent a year.

Concessions were the key to the companys growth, with new products bringing a big

STRONG RESULTS Left to right: Founders Edward Perryand Dale Penfold

MORE than 50 jobs will be created with the development of the new boutique hotel in Tunbridge Wells, One Warwick Park.

The 38-bedroom four-star venue is under development and set to be completed this summer.

As a major investment in the areas economy, the new site will be seeking new staff across the business.

Promising to be among the areas most distinctive destinations, it has been welcomed by property experts including Savills, which anticipated it will prove a strong addition to the towns accommodation provision.

With many businesses and venues in the surrounding Southern area of the town recording an upturn in trade over the past year,

the emergence of another high quality hotel will add further to the

areas commercial mix.Construction

work on the site began in August 2013,

involving combining The Brew House Hotel

with the Old School House, as well as adjoining buildings to form the new venue. There is a tunnel running underneath Cumberland Walk which connects the different elements of the site.

Sarah Freeman, the project manager, explained the hotel aims to offer a fi ve-star level of service, as well as promising plenty of style for its discerning client base.

Speaking on its development, she said: Work is progressing well and were confi dent that when the hotel opens in June it will prove itself to be a tremendous asset to the area, benefi tting residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Head of recruitment for One Warwick Park, Kate Awcock, said: This unique and beautifully designed hotel offers fantastic opportunities for people who may not have considered a career in hospitality before. We are currently recruiting for all positions from receptionist and porters to head chef and concierge.

All staff will be offered bespoke in-house training with full support through formal qualifi cations and career development. We genuinely care about our staff and in turn that results in them having pride in their role and the level of service they deliver, so everyone is happy.

She explained that the recruitment programme has been developed along the same principles as the hotel itself in having a high attention to detail and to position itself among the areas leading hotels.

In terms of its approach to building its new team, the recruitment manager said the company would be looking to create an atmosphere which fostered the skills of its employees.

Kate Awcock added: The fi rst member of staff to be recruited is front of house manager Bryony England. Having worked for the company for four years, she has developed from a junior receptionist. She is now in a position to be taking on the challenge of delivering an uncompromising level of service and ensuring that every guests experience is a highlight.

See page 75 for job application details.

Stylish town hotel set to bring dozens of jobs

As a major investment in the areas economy, the new site will be seeking

the emergence of another high quality hotel will add further to the

areas commercial mix.Construction

work on the site began in August 2013,

involving combining The Brew House Hotel

with the Old School House, as

WARM WELCOMEContemporary new reception area. Inset, fi rst recruit Bryony England

Wednesday 13th January 2016

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 7

Care home wins top industry awardsSTAFF and residents at Mount Ephraim House were celebrating the New Year on a high after the care home won accolades at two different awards. The Tunbridge Wells care home, which provides for 38 residents, won the Dignity in Care Award at the Great British Care Awards South East.

The award is presented to homes that demonstrate the signifi cance of maximising resident independence and choice, whilst respecting and maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.

Mount Ephraim House will compete against eight regional winners at the Great British Care

Awards fi nal in May.The care home also won the Compassion and

End of Life categories at the national 3rd Sector Care Awards, which were presented to staff by journalist and TV presenter Dame Esther Rantzen.

Karen Cooper, manager at Mount Ephraim House, said: I am so proud of the staff for winning three awards in such quick succession.

Our residents lead a dignifi ed life because we support them to live as they choose to even if some of the requests are very unusual. Now were keeping our fi ngers crossed for the national fi nal.

improvement in product margins, and sales increasing 19 per cent to 8 million on the previous year.

FutureIn addition sales of party foods and

four-portion meals were also robust. Looking ahead, Cooks annual report high-

lighted the future challenges and opportuni-ties for the business.

It said: It doesnt require any great insight to see that the food retail landscape continues to change at an extraordinary pace.

The rise of discounters, such as Aldi and Lidl; the acute pain being felt by the big supermarkets; and the exponential growth of online shopping are the big trends.

eight regional winners at the Great British Care

ACCOLADES Dame Esther Rantzen (L) presents award to care home staff

The Cook storyCOOK was founded in 1997 by Edward Perry and Dale Penfold in Farnham Surrey on the back of a 20,000 bank loan.

The idea behind the company is encapsulated in its founding statement: To cook using the same ingredients and techniques that a good cook would use at home so all our food looks and tastes homemade.

But growing the company to the 83 stores it has today was not an easy task, with the pair spending the first three years in a mire of stress and torment trying to figure out how to make the food taste good.

Mr Perry said: While Dale was a great chef and I was a pretty good retailer, our combined administrative skills were virtually non-existent.

In our first three years, for example, we hadnt seen the need to keep any accounts.

This was partially due to my own ineptness but also because I knew that if we saw any proper numbers then they would certainly tell us we should close the business.

The pair struggled to secure funding for growth, due to the poor accounts, but a merger with a bakery business operated by Mr Perrys brother James in 2000 resulted in the company that is around today.

Mr Perry added: The next seven years were a frenzy of growth as we expanded as fast as we could while retaining our independence.

The onset of the credit crisis was a particularly traumatic time for the company as it had borrowed a ludicrous amount of money at the same time sales collapsed.

But the firm refused to compromise on ingredients, and after the worst of the recession had passed their rapid expansion resumed, and the company founded by two friends now employs over 700 people.

COOK TEAM Left to Right: Ros Bannister, Ben Wells, Holly Ward

Picture: Murray Jones

Wednesday 13th January 2016

8 BUSINESS AWARDS

RVP reports increase infootfall during Christmas ROYAL Victoria Place defi ed those forecasting a tough Christmas for retailers after 1.5 million people visited the shopping centre in December.

This fi gure represents an increase of 15 per cent on the previous year.

In the four days leading up to Christmas 226,908 walked through the doors of the centre, with over 50,000 visiting on Christmas Eve alone.

Shoppers were taking advantage of new store openings, including Swarovski, Bluebird Teas and Whirligig.

Sales were also being driven by the release of the latest fi lm in the new Star Wars trilogy, with merchandise relating to the franchise selling particularly well.

The resurgence of Lego continued unabated with shops reporting it to be the top selling toy of the season.

Strong visitor numbers also continued into the New Year, with an eight per cent increase in shoppers on January 2.

Royal Victoria Place centre manager Nicky Blanchard, said: Our performance over the last few months reinforces the role strong town centres can play in shaping the behaviour of shoppers.

Both national chains as well as local independent traders have been able to capitalise in the strong growth in footfall that we have delivered.

Looking forward to the future, we are confi dent our proposals for Royal Victoria Place will benefi t the whole of Tunbridge Wells, not just the shopping centre.

The shoppers I have spoken to have told me they are really excited by the plans.

Companies sign up forboroughs new awardsHopeful applicants target inaugural business honoursAMONG the early applicants for the Royal Tun-bridge Wells Business Awards is EJ Financial, run by Ted Shaw, an independent financial advisor.

He has chosen to be considered in the New Business of the Year category.

EJ Financial is just one of a number of compa-nies to have been submitted for consideration at the inaugural awards, which are due to be held in April at Salomons.

The company, which has only been running since March 2015, already has 8 million of assets under influence, an achievement Mr Shaw attributes to the firms transparent approach to customer service.

And it is his belief that not only will winning his category benefit his business, but will also help promote the reputation of his industry as a whole.

IndependentMr Shaw said: I hope that if I win this award I

will be able to improve the public perception of financial services.

I set up EJ Financial because I was fed up with the smoke and mirrors approach conducted by a few firms and wanted to be totally transparent with my fees, service and feedback.

Mr Shaw adds his company is totally inde-pendent and has no connections with other providers, ensuring he is able to give completely impartial advice.

He said: Winning the award will help to high-light that there is a new breed of people within the industry who are honest and put clients first.

At the moment many people have a poor view of advisors.

His services include financial review and plan-ning, pension contribution planning, pension freedom advice and ISA contributions alongside tax planning.

Applicants wishing to have their company considered are able to choose from a number of categories which they believe best defines their businesses.

APPLICANTTed Shaw of EJ Financial

bawardssiu ness

David JukesA successful businessman and Leader of Tunbridge Wells Bor-ough Council. Former owner of a construction project manage-ment company Mr Jukes now

acts as a consultant for a number of national and international organisations.

Brian Keeley-WhitingManaging director of Whiting & Hammond, the independ-ent, award-winning pub and restaurant group that he estab-lished 12 years ago. Today it

has eight sites in the region and won the title of Best Small Group at the Employers in Hospital-ity Awards.

Richard MooreEditorial director of One Media, publishers of the Times of Tunbridge Wells and So magazines previously ran a political lobbying company in

London, worked on US Presidential election campaigns and in 2008 helped launch So Tun-bridge Wells magazine.

The Categories New Business of the Year Green Company of the Year Creative Business of the Year Corporate Social Responsibility Business Hero of the Year Best Family Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Young Business Person of the Year Service Excellence Award Outstanding Business of the Year The Times of Tunbridge Wells Readers Choice Award

Each winner of a category will automatically be put forward for the title of Outstanding Busi-ness of the Year Award. Companies may also directly enter this category.

The awards are open to those with companies within the borough of Tunbridge Wells or its surrounding area.

For further information, visit: www.tunbridgewellsbusinessawards.co.uk

The Judges Darren AustinA partner/owner at Synergee, the chartered accountants and business advisers. His main focus is business development which involves working with

clients on defining and achieving their busi-ness goals.

Nigel HarperThe CEO of Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors. He is also a partner in Holland Harper LLP. Mr Harper specialises in providing management and business con-

sultancy services to a number of professional and commercial clients.

Jo JamesChief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the countys only accredited Chamber of Commerce that serves

more than 1,300 members businesses across Kent. Mrs James was recently voted a National Woman of the Year 2015.

APPLICANTTed Shaw of EJ Financial

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bridge Wells magazine.A partner/owner at Synergee, the chartered accountants and business advisers. His main focus is business development which involves working with

clients on defining and achieving their busi-ness goals.

Nigel HarperThe CEO of Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors. He is also a partner in Holland Harper LLP. Mr Harper specialises in providing management and business con-

sultancy services to a number of professional and commercial clients.

Jo JamesChief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the countys only accredited Chamber of Commerce that serves

more than 1,300 members businesses across Kent. Mrs James was recently voted a National Woman of the Year 2015.

NEW LOOKPlans for RVP

Wednesday 13th January 2016

LOCAL NEWS 9

Neill Barstonnbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

FOR the first time in a generation, doctors across the country, including the Tunbridge Wells area, have gone on strike over proposed changes to working conditions.

The government has claimed it is vital to allow patients access to weekend medical care which doctors, supported by the British Medical Associ-ation, have claimed will place too much strain on staff.

A total of 227 junior doctors are employed by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, work-ing across its sites.

Staff at Pembury were among thousands of oth-ers in the country taking their place at over 100 picket lines yesterday (Tuesday, January 12th), with 4,000 routine med-ical procedures being cancelled nationally.

Rohan Kandasamy, 26, a first-year doctor at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said patient safety was at the heart of their reasons for the strike.

Speaking to the Times, he said: We feel that the current proposals about our contract will leave us in a position where the NHS Trust will put us in a position where we are working hours that are unsafe.

The suggestions that have been made by gov-ernment dont offer any reassurance that we wont end up working more hours theres no safety net there.

With these contracts, it will be a less enticing job for the best and the brightest out there. The next

generation of students may not be working in medicine because of this, and we are already seeing young doctors leaving to go overseas to Australia.

People are working so many hours that they end up making mistakes, such as one doctor in England who crashed their car as a

result of being tired.He added that he had not seen any

proposals on how junior doc-tors could be asked to meet enhanced demands of weekend

working without providing increased staffing.

His colleague, Alice OCon-nor, 27, a junior doctor working at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said: We are not against having 24/7 care if it is fully staffed at all times, which would be ideal.

We know that our hours are not going to be 9am-5pm, which is the nature of the job.

I think that our salaries are also adequate, and I wouldnt dream of asking for more money. But the fact is we are being told that we will have less pay for working more hours or at the least more awkward hours. I think anyone in any profession would be irritated by this.

Another female junior doctor, who asked not to be named, added: The strike is something that I have been pretty upset about as its not something that I would normally ever do.

But this is something that we are taking very seriously as the contract that is being imposed is something thats going to be unsafe for patients with doctors working longer hours.

Health Secretary seeks more talksHaving failed to avert a doctors strike, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has urged the British Medical Association to continue negotiations.

The Secretary, who claimed that 40% of junior doctors turned out for work today, told the BBC: The right thing to do is to sit round the table and talk to the Government about how we improve patient safety and patient care, not these very unnecessary strikes.

On the issue of seven-day medical services, he added: We recognise that if doctors are too tired they are not going to be able to give safe care to patients.

But right now what happens is when a junior doctor is asked to work at weekends which they do a lot they go into an A&E department where, for example, there will be half as many consultants working on a Sunday compared to a weekday despite it being one of the busiest days.

First national doctors strike in 40 years

Staff at Pembury were among thousands of oth-ers in the country taking their place at over 100 picket lines yesterday (Tuesday, January 12th), with 4,000 routine med-ical procedures being cancelled nationally.

Rohan Kandasamy, 26, a first-year doctor at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said patient safety was at the heart of their reasons

With these contracts, it will be a less enticing job for the best and the brightest out there. The next

generation of students may not be working in medicine because of this, and we are already seeing young doctors leaving to go overseas to Australia.

People are working so many hours that they end up making mistakes, such as one doctor in England who crashed their car as a

result of being tired.He added that he had not seen any

proposals on how junior doc-tors could be asked to meet enhanced demands of weekend

working without providing increased staffing.

His colleague, Alice OCon-nor, 27, a junior doctor working at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said: We are not against having 24/7 care if it is fully staffed at all times, which would be ideal.

ON STRIKEJunior doctor Rohan Kandasamy

TEAM SUPPORTStriking doctorsoutside Maidstone Hospital

Wednesday 13th January 2016

10 LOCAL NEWS

MOTHER LOVEBowies mum Margaret Jones (nee Burns) died in St Albans in 2001

A RETIRED academic may have sacrificed his own life to save a suicidal friend from being killed when she leapt on to a railway line, an inquest heard.

David Ashworth, 74, was hit by a train travelling at around 70mph after jumping on to tracks near Chartham railway station in Kent to save 38-year-old Ella Akehurst.

Having been unable to push mentally-ill Ms Akehurst out of the trains path, it is believed Dr Ashworth positioned her on the track so she would not be hurt.

The inquest, at Margate Magistrates Court, heard the 10.22 Charing Cross to Ramsgate service carrying 41 passengers passed over Ms Akehurst, but killed father-of-two Dr Ashworth.

Recording a narrative verdict, assistant coroner James Dillon, said: The evidence from British Transport Police is that in attempting to assist Ms Akehurst, Dr Ashworth had placed himself in a perilous position.

Presumably being unable to push her out of the path of the oncoming train, it is highly likely that he tried to position her so that she wouldnt

suffer further injury.In so doing, he may have sacrificed the

opportunity of getting himself out of harms way and, as a result, was hit and killed by the train.

University of Manchester graduate Dr Ashworth - who retired from the University of Kent in 2003 - has now been nominated to the Cabinet Office for a posthumous civilian gallantry award.

The inquest heard that father-of-two Dr Ashworth, who lived in Sturry, near Canterbury, was a family friend and unofficial carer for Ms Akehurst, who suffered with bipolar disorder.

A retired Kent academic may have sacrificed own life to save a friend

Bowie and his Tunbridge Wells family rootsNeill Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

TRIBUTES continue to flow in from across the world for music legend David Bowie who died this week and had close family ties with Tunbridge Wells.

Fans have inundated the late rock stars website and social media sites with praise for his hugely influential career over more than four decades.

Though he had lived latterly in New York, his familys roots in Kent have not been forgotten by those who have loved his music.

Bowies mother, Margaret, grew up in Southborough and met the stars father Haywood Stenton Jones at Tunbridge Wells former Ritz cinema, which now stands derelict awaiting eventual redevelopment.

The couple moved to South London just before Bowie was born, but he famously attended Bromley Tech and played a number of gigs across Kent during his early years before finding fame in the late 1960s with Space Oddity.

Fans have flocked to buy Bowies 25th and final album, which was released just last week on his 69th birthday. According to his publicist, he died with his friends and family at his side, having suffered from cancer for the past 18 months.

Praise from the music community was equally forthcoming for the man who went by a number of exotic guises including Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, which propelled him to a global audience in the 1970s.

He had been constantly asked to continue touring, but after feeling ill on stage in 2004 in Germany, after which he had emergency heart surgery. From there he only made fleeting live appearances on medical advice. But after decades of touring the world, he was content to focus on studio recordings for his final musical chapters.

Jeremy Pritchard, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells and has enjoyed chart-topping success with his band Everything Everything, felt that David Bowie had been a huge influence on so many musicians around the world.He said: Last year I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne at the same time as the V&A's exhaustive exhibition of his life and work that I had missed while it was in London. I was moved to tears by the end of it.

Bowie will forever be a guiding light for musicians. One that says

'It's okay to take huge risks, okay to make mistakes, just don't be boring!' I constantly find that hugely comforting. I, like all musicians, artists, writers, fashionistas, freaks, lefties and weirdos of all kinds, owe him an enormous debt. RIP.

The Tunbridge Wells HMV music store reported that copies of his new record, Blackstar, had sold out due to a huge surge in demand.

A spokesperson for store said: It was a real shock to hear that David had died - our stocks of the album have been completely wiped out. He was such an influential musician.

CHARTHAM STATION Father of two hit by train

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sun causes delays upsetting travellersRail passengers have expressed their anger after being told trains were delayed due to strong sunlight.

Services at Lewisham, south-east London were disrupted because of the angle of the sun, train operator Southeastern said.

The rail firm posted on Twitter: We had severe congestion through Lewisham due to dispatching issues as a result of strong sunlight. The low winter sun has been hitting the dispatch monitor which prevents the driver from being able to see.

Virtual reality rideAlton Towers has announced plans to open a new rollercoaster on which passengers wear virtual reality headsets.

The new space-themed ride, called Galactica, will be the first major opening at the Staffordshire theme park since 16 people were injured in a rollercoaster crash in June.Galactica will combine a physical rollercoaster with virtual reality, with each passenger on the 840-metre long track wearing a virtual reality headset that will create the illusion they are flying through space, with the movements on-screen coinciding with those on the track.

Prickly calls to 999A hedgehog scaring some children and a demand for a glass of water are just two of the ridiculous reasons people have dialled 999.Audio of calls including for lost keys, a taxi home and a prank call are being released by West Midlands Ambulance Service as part of a week-long awareness campaign about inappropriate use.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

NATIONAL BUSINESS 11

ALMOST one in eight British consumers did their single biggest December grocery shop at either Aldi or Lidl, new figures show.

Lidl was the fastest growing supermarket overall over the Christmas period with sales up by 18.5%, thanks in particular to an expanded premium range which contributed to customers increasing their average basket size by 7% to 17.20, accord-ing to Kantar Worldpanel.

PremiumAldi followed with an increase in sales of 13.3%.

Waitrose, the Co-operative and Sainsburys also grew ahead of the market in the 12 weeks to Janu-ary 3 as sales across the grocery market fell 0.2% on last year because of continuing price deflation.

Sainsburys was once again the best performer of the traditional supermarkets, with its premium Taste The Difference brand posting its biggest ever Christmas sales, and straightforward price cuts rather than multi-buy deals helping to attract an additional 114,000 shoppers, leading to a 0.8% sales increase on last year.

Tesco sales fell by 2.7%, while its market share dropped to 28.3%. Asda and Morrisons also saw their share declining to 16.2% and 11.0% respectively.

Kantar Worldpanel said Morrisons share loss was expected as it continued to feel the effects of recent store closures, while the retailer had not repeated last years Christmas Bonus loyalty cash promotion.

Lidl Christmas sales up 18.5% as shoppers look for discounts

Morrisons enjoys surprise boostSUPERMARKET Morrisons said customers are coming back to its stores as it posted a surprise rise in festive sales after its best Christmas for four years.The Bradford-based grocer reported a 0.2% rise in sales at established stores, excluding fuel, in the nine weeks to January 3 in a marked turnaround after recent hefty sales declines.Figures for the six weeks to January 3 showed an even better performance, with like-for-like sales up 0.5%.But Morrisons said it would close another seven stores despite the improved trading, putting around 680 jobs at risk.

Tube workers in Acas talks to avoid strikeTALKS aimed at averting a series of strikes by London Underground workers are to be held on Friday.

Leaders of Aslef, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and Unite will meet with LU bosses under the chairmanship of the conciliation service Acas.

Three 24-hour strikes have been called in the coming weeks in the long-running dispute over pay and plans for an all-night tube service.

Eggs leave sour tasteTHE maker of Cadbury Creme Eggs has defended the controversial change of recipe to the seasonal favourite after its Easter lines lost millions in sales last year.

Research by analysts IRI for trade magazine The Grocer found that the brands best-selling Easter lines lost more than 10 million in sales in 2015, narrowing its market share from 42% to 40%.

Asahi chases brandsJAPANESE brewer Asahi is reportedly considering bidding for lager brands Peroni and Grolsch, being put up for sale as part of the takeover of SABMiller.

Asahi, which is known for its Super Dry Beer, confirmed it was looking at deals after reports at the weekend revealed it was eyeing the two brands for acquisition in a deal that is thought to be worth as much as 400 billion yen (2.3 billion).

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

However the Bradford-based grocer today revealed a surprise rise in sales (see below) over the festive season, reporting a 0.2% rise in like-for-like sales excluding fuel in the nine weeks to January 3.

Waitrose benefitted from shoppers trading up at Christmas, as usual, leading to a sales increase of 1.5% and its market share increasing to 5.2%.

The Co-operative also won market share at Christ-mas for the first time since it acquired Somerfield,

seeing a sales growth of 1.4% to secure 6% of the market.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar Worldpanel, said: Shoppers reaped the benefit of falling prices this Christmas, with groceries 1.8% cheaper than last year.

The amount spent on a typical Christmas din-ner fell even faster down by 2.2% mainly due to cheaper poultry and traditional vegetable trimmings.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

12 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cologne assaults: Nolinks to organised crimeTHE New Years Eve assaults in Cologne and elsewhere blamed largely on foreigners were not linked to organised crime, a top German police offi cial has said.

Authorities are looking into whether the robberies and sexual assaults by groups of men in Cologne were co-ordinated or linked to smaller-scale incidents in other cities.

Bullfi ghting bannedINDIAS Supreme Court has banned this years bullfi ghting ritual at a harvest festival in the south after protests from activists who say the sport amounts to animal torture. The court also asked the Environment Ministry to respond to petitions from several animal rights groups that have campaigned to have the sport of Jallikattu permanently outlawed.

Food reaches MadayaAID convoys have delivered long-awaited food, medicine and other supplies to three besieged Syrian communities cut off for months by fighting amid reports that hundreds are on the brink of death. Reports of starvation and images of emaciated children in Madaya have raised global concerns and underscored the urgency for new peace talks that the United Nations is hoping to host in Geneva on January 25.

AN ISLAMIC State suicide bomber has detonated a bomb in a historic district of Istanbul popular with tourists, killing 10 people at least nine of them German and wounding 15 others, Turkish officials said.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said IS was behind the suicide attack, adding that Turkey is determined to battle the militant group until it no longer remains a threat to the country or the world.

Turkeys state-run news agency said Mr Davutoglu held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to express his condolences.

ResponsibilityA senior government official confirmed that

most of the victims were German. Ms Merkel had earlier said they were part of a German travel group.

I strongly condemn the terror incident that occurred in Istanbul, at the Sultanahmet Square, and which has been assessed as being an attack by a Syria-rooted suicide bomber, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the bomber was a 28-year-old Syrian national whose connections were being investigated. It was unclear whether the death toll of 10 included the bomber.

Ms Merkel, speaking at a news conference in Berlin yesterday, condemned the attack: Today Istanbul was hit, Paris has been hit, Tunisia has been hit, Ankara has been hit before. International terrorism is once again showing its cruel and inhuman face today.

The explosion, which could be heard over a

wide area, hit a park that is home to a landmark obelisk, 30 yards from the historic Blue Mosque.

Turkeys Dogan news agency said one Norwegian and a Peruvian were also among the wounded, and Seouls Foreign Ministry said a South Korean had a finger injury. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry told Norways news agency NTB that the Norwegian tourist was slightly hurt and was being treated in a local hospital.

Mr Kurtulmus said two of the wounded were in serious condition.

Germany and Denmark have warned their citizens to avoid crowds outside tourist attractions in Istanbul.

Last year, Turkey agreed to take a more active

role in the US-led battle against IS. Turkey opened its bases to US aircraft to launch air raids on the extremist group in Syria and has carried out a limited number of strikes itself.

It has also moved to tighten security along its 560-mile border with Syria in a bid to stem the flow of militants.

Police sealed off the Sultanahmet area, barring people from approaching in case of a second explosion, and a police helicopter hovered overhead.

Sultanahmet is Istanbuls main sightseeing area and includes the Topkapi Palace and the former Byzantine church of Haghia Sophia, now a museum.

WORLD IN BRIEF Turkish suicide bomb kills tourists

HIGH ALERT Police secure historic Sultanahmet district

NO EVEN MORE ITEMS

UPTO

OFF WOMEN'S FASHION, MENSWEAR ACCESSORIES AND HOMEWARES

Wednesday 13th January 2016

14 PEOPLE

CELEBRITY chef Rosemary Shrager is making a return to our screens with a new BBC reality show challenging stars to consider retiring in India.

The Tunbridge Wells food expert, who owns The Cookery School on The Pantiles, features in The Real Marigold Hotel, which follows in the footsteps of the hit movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Joining the star chef for the series are dancer Wayne Sleep, actress Miriam Margolyes, darts player Bobby George, former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy, TV presenters Jan Leeming and Roy Walker, and singer Patti Boulaye.

The show, which is set in a North Eastern Indian mansion house in

Jaipur, traces their progress over three weeks as they attempt to adapt to a very different way of life and culture.

During their stay, the group is taken out of its comfort zone visiting a city slum, as well as encountering the areas royal family at the Rambagh Palace.

The celebrities are also tasked with dividing domestic chores, including shopping and cleaning, with decisions to be made over employing staff to assist them which Rosemary admit-ted led to tensions boiling over.

They also have the opportunity to take in some of Indias finest tourist sites, including the Taj Mahal, and experience elephant riding and learning Hindi

during their adventure.Speaking to our sister

publication So Tunbridge Wells magazine, Rosemary, 64, described her three-week experience as wonderful and a great chance to exam-ine life overseas.

Im certainly not ready to retire and I have a business to run. However, I thought it would be a great opportu-nity to go and just find out what it would be like, said the chef, who has appeared on TV series that include Ladette to Lady, Im a Celeb-rity Get Me Out of Here! as well as her own series in which contestants were invited to cook in a Michelin starred restaurant.

As she admitted, the expe-

rience in the extreme heat often posed a number of challenges between housemates.

She said: We were all extremely different people, so this was going to be interesting. We had to start running the house ourselves and nobody could make any deci-sions. Quite frankly, it was a nightmare I took over and said I would do the cooking.

So the first day I went to the market and asked Roy, Sylvester and Wayne to come along. We looked at spices and vegetables and then went to buy a chicken. The man killed it by slitting its throat and putting it into a bucket with the lid on as it was still mov-ing, which was not for me.

The day was so hot at around 40 degrees, which was making me very frus-trated in not understand-ing anything. However, at that moment,

Rosemarys big Indian adventure provides plenty of food for thought

The fi lmThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy,

was a signifi cant box-offi ce success on its

release in 2012.Based on the

novel These Foolish Things, the movie

followed the fortunes of a group

of British pensioners seeking an adventurous

alternative life in India for their retirement years.

The movies strong critical reception led to a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, last year. Despite it gaining some favourable reviews, plans for a third and fi nal instalment have reportedly now been shelved.

rience in the extreme heat often posed a number of challenges between housemates.

She said: We were all extremely different people, so this was going to be interesting. We had to start running the house ourselves and nobody could make any deci-sions. Quite frankly, it was a nightmare I took over and said I would do the cooking.

So the first day I went to the market and asked Roy, Sylvester and Wayne to come along. We looked at spices and vegetables and then went to buy a chicken. The man killed it by slitting its throat and putting it into a bucket with the lid on as it was still mov-ing, which was not for me.

The day was so hot at around 40 degrees, which was making me very frus-trated in not understand-ing anything. However, at that moment,

The fi lmThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy,

was a signifi cant box-offi ce success on its

release in 2012.Based on the

novel These Foolish Things, the movie

followed the fortunes of a group

of British pensioners seeking an adventurous

alternative life in India for their retirement years.

The movies strong critical reception led to a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, last year. Despite it gaining some favourable reviews, plans for a third and fi nal instalment have reportedly now been shelved.

the most important thing was to learn a little of the language to get by. The meal was cooked, and if I was going to learn anything about India I had to give up the cooking temporarily.

According to Rosemary, the male celebrities wanted nothing to do with the domestic arrangements, which resulted in the women of the house deciding to take on staff.

After putting in the early run-ning with the cooking, the chef decided that taking events at a more leisurely pace made more sense

She added: I started doing some yoga, which was amazing. Its the meditation that I was more inter-ested in, as it was so peaceful. I then decided to find a guru and started having some meditation.

This prompted me to take a little more care of myself. I then went to a spa which is wonderful. I had the most amazing treatment with two women massaging me. It was quite unnerving to begin with, but I got used to it.

When I came to pay it was 10 for everything, which is definitely something about India I like. In the evening, I watched the sunset go down with Wayne, which was

magical.Over the course of her three-week stay

there were occa-sions to soak up some of Indias finest sights. The group were also given a crash-

course in

language skills in a bid to improve the quality of their experience.

We took a train to Agra. This was my favourite moment of the whole trip, enthused Rosemary. Wayne and I met a group of women who were on a pilgrimage which was going to take 24 hours. They were singing and dancing and we decided to join in, which was magical. I had some Henna done and the people there were so lovely, they just accepted us.

Despite some tensions between the housemates, Rosemary felt the overall challenge had been well-worth taking on. While she may not be quite ready to hang up her professional chefs knives just yet, her journey offered plenty of food for thought.

She added: As the weeks went on, I found an inner peace. The whole atmosphere was spiritual, which I found very moving. The willingness and generosity to do anything was humbling. We can learn from how they take care of their elderly, they have so much respect.

I would also like to explore more about the food, which is wonderful. Where we were in Rajasthan was mostly vegetarian, led by grains, though some meat is eaten there. In Southern India, it is fish and a lot of coconut based dishes it is a country full of culinary diversity.

We all left leaving a little bit of ourselves behind, and while I couldnt retire there, I would love to go back.

The three-part Real Marigold Hotel series is due to air later this month on BBC Two.

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THE MARIGOLD GROUP Left to Right: Bobby George, Rosemary Shrager, Roy Walker, Jan Leeming, Sylvester McCoy, Patti Boulaye, Wayne Sleep and Miriam Margolyes

BEARING FRUITRosemary Shragers bittersweet TV series

If you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone

Why separation and divorce can be a civilised affair

The truth is, there is no easy way out. However,

the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on

your new life.

Keene Marsland is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . No 71480

Wednesday 13th January 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE 15

BY STEPHEN WILMOTALMOST 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives. Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then, when the decision has been made, it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation. Not to mention how you will cope nancially and what youll tell the children.

The truth is, there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life. Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive and take the lead and put a stop to the

ghting, anger and hurt.Divorce and separation is a life

changing event and mistakes can be costly both emotionally and nancially and you must be prepared to invest in order to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future.

I am experienced in working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown. I am a member of Resolution which means that I have the legal experience required to give you the best advice and am committed to solving your problems in a conciliatory way if possible saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. I understand the emotional pressure and stress

you are going through and can help ease the pain and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you to move on with your life.

Our service is con dential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others. Out of hours appointments are available if required.

For a limited period , I am o ering a free initial consultation for new applicants to discuss the options available. Due to high demand , I am therefore only able to o er 10 free 30 minute consultations up until 31st January 2016, and I know these will book up quickly.

Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and nancial future so contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want.

TIMES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS READERS OFFERUp until 31st January 2016, Keene Marsland are o ering the rst 10 new applicants the opportunity to meet with their expert Family Law Solicitor for an initial FREE CONSULTATION to discuss the options available to you. Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and nancial future, so please do call Keene Marsland today on - 01892 526442 or email - times@keenemarsland.co.uk

Keene Marsland Solicitors, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH 01892 526442www.keenemarsland.co.uk

Wednesday 13th January 2016

16 RICHEST ROADS

VILLAGES surrounding Tunbridge Wells are giving the town a run for its money when it comes to house prices. Thats just one of the fascinating facts to emerge from our survey of the Richest Roads in the borough.

Although the top three Richest Roads are in Tunbridge Wells itself, six of the top 10 most expensive hotspots 14 of the top 20 in total are located in villages on the outskirts.

But property prices across the area in general remain healthy, with the vast majority of the top 50 roads boasting an average house value of over 1million.

Many of these addresses are proving so popular with the current residents that there have been very few property sales in recent years.

So, to compile the countdown, weve consulted the Zed Index, an estimate system put together

by online property site Zoopla.co.uk. Taking a variety of environmental and market factors into account, along with recent sold prices, the Index calculates a current average property value for each road.*

We searched across the four postcode prefixes that cover Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area TN1, TN2, TN3 and TN4 to bring you the roads with the highest price tags.

Do you live in one of the Richest Roads in the borough?Survey reveals most expensive addresses and top postcodes in the area

Road name Average house value Road name Average house value

11. Franks Hollow Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 1,480,000 31. Etherington Hill, Tunbridge Wells TN3 1,184,000

12. Hoghole Lane, Lamberhurst TN3 1,424,000 32. Lake Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,170,000

13. Langton Ridge, Langton Green TN3 1,411,000 33. Nevill Gate, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,163,000

14. Rosecroft Park, Farnham Lane, Langton Green TN3 1,408,000 34. Upper Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,161,000

15. Broom Park, Broom Lane, Langton Green TN3 1,399,000 35. Ospringe Place, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,140,000

16. Old House Lane, Fordcombe TN3 1,393,000 36. Post Office Square, London Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1,127,000

17. Broom Lane, Langton Green TN3 1,383,000 37. The Common, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,085,000

18. Ewehurst Lane, Speldhurst TN3 1,383,000 38. Darnley Drive, Bidborough TN4 1,070,000

19. Blatchington Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,374,000 39. Eden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1,061,000

20. Clay Hill Road, Lamberhurst TN3 1,350,000 40. Marlborough Close, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,034,000

21. Benhall Mill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 1,338,000 41. Major Yorks Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,029,000

22. Nevill Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,310,000 42. Dundale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 1,007,000

23. Camden Park, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,310,000 43. St Marks Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,006,000

24. Decimus Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1,293,000 44. Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells TN1 975,000

25. Hungershall Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,290,000 45. Camden Hill, Tunbridge Wells TN2 973,000

26. Richmond Place, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,278,000 46. St Lawrence Avenue, Bidborough TN4 972,000

27. Rusthall Place, Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,256,000 47. Manor Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4 965,000

28. Hurstwood Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4 1,239,000 48. Royal Chase, Tunbridge Wells TN4 957,000

29. Blackhurst Lane, Tunbridge Wells TN2 1,215,000 49. Regent Place, Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 946,000

30. Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 1,198,000 50. Calverley Park Crescent, Tunbridge Wells TN1 941,000

THOSE THAT DIDNT QUITE MAKE OUR TOP TEN:

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

POSTCODE LOTTERY

How has your postcode prefix fared during 2015?

TN1 Over the last 12 months, there have been 274 property sales across the entire TN1 postcode area, with an average paid price of about 357,000. The Zed Index puts the current average property value slightly higher, at 376,000, which is an increase of 9%, or just over 31,000, since last year.

TN3 The Zed Index puts the average property value for this area at 702,000 an increase of nearly 49,000 on last year - which is significantly higher than the 542,000 paid average achieved this year. However, that was across just 121 sales.

TN2 There was an increase of over 10% in the average property value in TN2 during 2015, adding more than 45,000 to bring it to 468,000. In reality, 381 sales produced an average paid price of 405,000.

TN4 Sales have been brisk in TN4 over the last 12 months, with nearly 490 properties changing hands. This has resulted in an average paid price of 389,000, while the Zed Index gives the average property value an increase of 28,000, to 420,000.

RICHEST ROADS 17

RICHEST ROADS

WHAT IS THE ZED INDEX?*Zoopla.co.uks algorithim uses a variety of factors to work out a propertys current Zed Index value, with a combination of publicly available data and their own industry research. These include: previous sold prices and nearby transactions; size, characteristics and similarities to other properties in the area; asking prices for similar properties nearby and changes in their market value.Figures are correct at the time of writing. (Image source Zoopla heatmap)

Do you live in one of the Richest Roads in the borough?Survey reveals most expensive addresses and top postcodes in the area

1HOLLYSHAW CLOSE, CAMDEN PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 3,033,000With no property sales in recent years, its clear

that our number one road is a big hit with residents, making it very exclusive. There are just a handful of detached houses, arranged along a tranquil close adjacent to the picturesque and almost as exclusive Camden Park, so its easy to see the appeal.

2THE CROSSWAY, NEVILL PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN4AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 2,271,000Of the two property sales made in this road during the last 10 years, both were around the 2million mark, making this the towns second most desirable address. Overlooking the greenery of Nevill Park, The Crossway is located roughly halfway between The Pantiles and Langton Green, offering quick and easy access to the towns most famous landmark.

3 CALVERLEY PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN1AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 2,127,000According to Zed Index estimates, a property bought here five years ago

will have seen its value increase by around 30%. Skirting the north and east sides of attractive Calverley Grounds, this sought-after road is within a short walking distance of the town centre and the railway station.

4 BARDEN ROAD, SPELDHURST TN3AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 2,050,000Leading north out of Speldhurst, Barden Road boasts some impressive rural properties in a beautiful spot. Residents here can enjoy the peace of country life, while being just minutes away from the amenities of the village.

5 THE MIDWAY, NEVILL COURT, TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN4AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 1,923,000Like its neighbour, The Crossway, this road enjoys

an enviable spot adjacent to Nevill Park. Similarly, only three residents have parted with properties here in the last decade. With fields all around and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club not far away, this is an understandably sought-after spot.

6BELLS YEW GREEN ROAD, FRANT TN3AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 1,837,000There have been only three property sales in the last 16 years on this road, which leads from Frant to its namesake village. With a choice of two pretty villages to visit and Frant railway station nearby, this road would be a good choice for a commuter looking for a rural retreat.

7 HOLMEWOOD RIDGE, LANGTON GREEN TN3AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 1,624,000This road has seen a flurry of property sales in the last two years, almost all of which have changed hands for well over 1million. Divided from the bulk of the village by the A264 Langton Road, this street is only about half a mile from the independent Holmewood House School.

8SELBOURNE PARK, FRANT TN3AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 1,603,000Set in a truly idyllic location on the fringe of the village, Sellbourne Park is a circular cul-de-sac just a short walk from the High Street. Its probably no coincidence that this address is just a couple of hundred yards away from number six on our list, Bells Yew Green Road.

9WADHURST ROAD, FRANT TN3AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 1,517,000Frant claims its third entry on our countdown with Wadhurst Road, which

is further out than the others, to the south of the village. With a music school and a stables on the same road, children who are lucky enough to live here will not be short of hobbies.

10FLORANCE LANE, GROOMBRIDGE TN3AVERAGE HOUSE VALUE 1,506,000The village of Groombridge, south west of Tunbridge Wells, rounds out our top 10. This is another address where residents are keen to stay there have been only three property sales in the last five years. According to Zed Index estimates, those whove invested here will have seen their propertys value increase significantly since purchase.

Wednesday 13th January 2016

18 LETTERS

ITS odd that, given all the baiting that Greg Clark has put up with recently about his undeclared position on Europe, I have to read in the Daily Telegraph that he is an inner. Why can he not simply come out and state the fact, or is this yet another example of his ducking and diving, playing both ends off against the middle: he wants his job on the front bench, but he does not want to alienate his electorate. Well, now his master has released him to follow his destiny, we must see how this fares with the voters.Edward BakerHilbert Rd, Tun Wells

YOUR recent articles confirm my worst fears.The decision on Heathrow or Gatwick expansion

has been deferred so that more consideration can be given to environmental issues despite the Davies Commission giving a clear and unanimous decision in favour of Heathrow.

At the same time the Government has not to ruled out Gatwick, and Gatwick itself is making a last-ditched attempt to derail expansion at Heathrow by spending vast sums of money campaigning against Heathrow expansion, often making spurious statements.

What is lacking is a balanced and informed debate. The proposal for Heathrow expansion has come under increasing scrutiny but there has been no public debate on the increased air pollution and noise from an expanded Gatwick where the increase in emissions and aircraft noise would be just as great and where significant tracks of the greenbelt would be built-over for the new runway and the inevitable warehouses, light industry and car parks. And there has been no promise of a night-flight ban.

Chief Executive of Gatwick, Stuart Wingate, also recently announced that he expects traffic to reach a record 45 million passengers within three years.

How will Gatwick cope with these extra flights? I can see Gatwick arguing for an

increase in their quota of take-offs and landings regardless of the eventual decision on an additional runway.

Readers should write to Greg Clark (at greg.clark.mp@parliament.uk) who has been extraordinary reticent to express a view and should support TWAANG (Tunbridge Wells Anti-aircraft Action Group) by emailing twaang00@gmail.com.David FenwickCalverley Park, Tunbridge Wells

MANY of us living on the west side of Tunbridge Wells are experiencing aircraft noise from early morning until late at night - and at particular times of the day, namely 6.30am to 9.30am, 10.00 to 12.00 noon then again 15.30 to 19.30 and 21.00 to 23.30 planes overhead every 90 seconds. During the summer it makes spending time outside unbearable and we are all dreading the possibility of a second runway at Gatwick - although I believe this will be foisted on us by politicians as they try to hold onto the large numbers of voters in Greater London and its close boroughs.

It seems such a shame that sense cannot prevail and knowing that the people around Manston are up for expanding there, that the powers that be cannot take up this proposal with greater enthusiasm - it is close to the coast - therefore no flying over populated areas and it has a suitable runway for larger aircraft.

With the power your paper holds in this area I do hope that you can bring the local people upto date with all that could be done to support less flights over us - this will help the downgrading of this beautiful historic town and the surrounding villages.Carole FreemanVia email

SO THE jolly holidays are over. This means all the students, whove come home for Christmas, leaving town and heading back to their mouldy

and leaky flats where they pretend to study.I, myself, am making the four hour journey up to Sheffield so I always make sure I book my ticket well in advance to avoid the ridiculous on-the-day prices. However, even this process is not plagued with absurdity.

In one case, the price for