Local Winter 2013

8/13/2019 Local Winter 2013

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LOCALTunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine

tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Winter 2013

inside:Christmas Special

includingIce Rink

PantoRefuse

Collections

Awards, newsand more


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Another year has almost own by, but before it does,take a look through Local magazine and get the latestnews. This edition has a super Christmas Special - sowhether its shopping, entertainment or news aboutyour bin collection that youre after this month - detailsare inside. See p5 12.

The other pages are packed with news, advice andevents to keep you up-to-date this winter.

Enjoy the festive period and a happy 2014 to you all.

Lizzie GoodwinEditor

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

council services and news. If you have any

comments about the magazine, wed love to hear

from you. Contact us by:

Phone 01892 526121

E-mail [email protected]

Post Lizzie Goodwin, Communications and

Engagement Team Leader, Tunbridge Wells

Borough Council, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge

Wells, Kent TN1 1RS

To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd,

01892 677721

or e-mail [email protected]

Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do

not endorse the external products and services

advertised in Local.

The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. Tunbridge

Wells Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or

subsequent changes.

If you require Local magazine in large print or audio CD please phone01892 554273

5Farmers

Market

10 Bins andcollections overthe holidays

Panto time

9

6 to7Ice rink hat trick

27Budget

Our greatestexhibition yet!

15

Parking made

easy

12

22Winter information

3


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One of our stallholdersis a winnerOAST TO HOST is celebrating the news that threeof four products, its Walnut Tart, Sweet Pastry andBiscotti have wowed judges in Great Taste 2013 bybeing awarded 2 star and 1 star awards in the worldslargest and most rigorous food awards scheme involvingover 400 judges and thousands of hours of blind tasting. This year almost10,000 products were entered.

Great Taste is simply about taste, not clever branding or smart packaging.Judges are presented with, for example, a piece of cheese, a pie or a littledish of chutney, with no wrappings, jars or marks and they taste, conferand re-taste before making the decision on whether a product should bea 1, 2 or 3 star winner. In total more than 12 judges will have tasted andcommented on each product.

Sally and Claire are ecstatic to have received not one but threeof these coveted awards, and so early in their venture. They

hope this recognition will more than justify continued supportfrom their loyal customers and encourage others to try theirproducts. Why not pop along and see them next time youreat the Farmers Market.

As Christmas approacheswe look forward to a time offestive fun and celebrationwith our families and friends.

This year its easier than ever tocreate the perfect Christmas bothat home and for farming familiesaround the world. As global linksimprove, the world seems to be

shrinking and it is impossible toignore the fact that we can bringgreat benets to others simply bywhat we choose to buy.

There are now over 3,000 Fairtradegoods readily available in manyof our local shops, ranging fromclothing and gifts to food, owers,chocolate and wine and the newly-announced Fairtrade gold. Evensimple choices such as choosing touse Fairtrade fruit and sugar in ourChristmas baking can make a bigdifference.

All goods marked with the Fairtrademark are guaranteed to give a fairprice to the producer, fair workingconditions, plus a social premiumfor community and business

development. With Fairtrade,whole communities benet, not justthe farmers, and that is certainlysomething to celebrate thisChristmas.

Earlier this year Tunbridge Wellswas honoured with a visit fromHenry Matenda a Fairtrade sugarcane farmer from Malawi. He

sends his greetings to the peopleof Tunbridge Wells and thankseveryone for buying Fairtrade.

It is important to remember our localfarmers need our support as well.

Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market

Special

Christmas

FarmersMarket

willbeheldon

Monday23

Decemberfrom

9am2pm

Allyourlocalstalls,alongwithhome-madecraftsforsomelastminute

gifts.

Saturday14December

preparingyouforChristmasandyourlastchancetoplaceorderswiththe

farmers.

In the new year, the Farmers Marketwill continue onthe second and fourth Saturday of every month outside

the Town Hall. We look forward to seeing you there.

11 & 25 January 8 & 22 February

A Fairtrade Christmas

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ISI TPF 22N S 5 J

6


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Third successive year! The open air ice rink is returning to Royal

Tunbridge Wells, in the natural amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds.

Get your skates on!www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com

Opening TimesOpening night Friday 22 November, entertainment 6pmonwards, public skating at 8pm.

Saturday 23 November 2013 Sunday 5 January 2014(closed Christmas Day).

Dedicated Parent & Toddler sessions run daily at 10am &2pm for children aged 2 under 4 years, these sessionsare 30 minutes.(2pm session is mid week only Monday 25 November Thursday 19 December). Sessions cannot be pre-booked.

Main skating sessions run from 11am 8pm*, every houron the hour. Sessions last for one hour including time tot your skates, so expect to have approximately 45 minuteson the ice.

Ticket Prices (include skate hire)Premium: Saturday and Sunday and weekdays from Friday

20 December to Wednesday 1 January.Peak: Weekdays 25 November 13 December: 4pm to 8pmMon 16 Thu 19 December: All sessionsThu 2 Fri 3 January: All sessions / Sat 4 Sun 5 January:6pm to 8pm.

Off peak: Opening Night 8pm, Weekdays 25 November 13 December: 10am to 3pm.

Concessions are available Premium Peak OffPeak

Adult (16 years+): 11 10.50 8

Children (Under 16): 9 8.50 6

Family Ticket (2 adults/ 2

children):36 34.20

Parent & Toddler Sessions (pay

for the toddler and 1 adult goesfree, 2-under 4 years)

9 8.50 6

WheelchairsIf you are a wheelchair user, you are welcome to enjoy therink in your own wheelchair motorised wheelchairs are notpermitted on the ice.

We must be made aware at the time of booking that youwill be using your wheelchair. In the interest of safety weoffer up to ve wheelchair places on the ice per session. Tomake a booking or for more information call 01892 554173.

Box OfficePremium skating sessions will be very busy, especiallyduring the holiday period so advance booking isrecommended. Your ice rink ticket does not include skateaid hire. Seal skating aids cannot be pre-booked. They can

be hired from the on-site Box Ofce on a rst come rstserved basis from half an hour before your session starts.

Tickets can be booked online atwww.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.comin person at the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Ofce or inperson at the Ice Rink Box Ofce from 22 November.Tickets can also be purchased by calling 01892 554645.Group, school and wheelchair bookings can be made bycalling 01892 554173.

Christmas ChaletsThe Christmas chalets overlooking the rink will be openevery Friday Sunday and daily from Friday 20 December(closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day).Calverley Grounds will be well worth a visit even if you arenot skating. Come along and soak up the festiveatmosphere and indulge with a hot chocolate

or a warming glass of mulled wine andbrowse the local independent retailersselling seasonal gifts and produce.

Food & DrinkChristmas wouldnt be Christmaswithout food and drink inabundance choose from thepopular Calverley Caf, theBasil pop-up caf inside theskating marquee, Spade andSpoon in their Yuletide trailer,Campervantics, and not forgettingour friends from Wiesbaden joining usfor one weekend. For full details on thedates for all chalet and food & drink retailersvisit the website.

*The last skate on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve is7pm and New Years Eve 5pm.


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Q. How did the currentTunbridge Wells Mayors Toy

Appeal begin?A. Cllr George Sturgeon originallystarted a toy appeal back in 1974,but the current Mayors Toy Appealwas started in 1988 during the timethat Cllr Arthur Sayer was Mayor ofTunbridge Wells. At that time a localsocial worker saw the difculties of

many families whose circumstances

prevented them from giving presents totheir children at Christmas and her linkswith St Georges Community Project (alocal child care charity) formed the startof the Tunbridge Wells Toy Appeal.

Q. How has the Tunbridge Wells MayorsToy Appeal changed over the past 25 years?

A. Since 1988 all the local Tunbridge Wells social workerteams are now involved and refer local families in needwithin the whole borough of Tunbridge Wells, togetherwith referrals from health visitors, family support workers,headteachers, charity workers etc. ( 28 professionalsreferred 335 children last year.)

Q. Who donates the gifts?

A. The very generous community of the borough of

Tunbridge Wells. Local churches have special toy-givingservices, schools hold gift-giving assemblies, businessesdonate toys and gifts, business staff join together tobuy new gifts, and individuals place gifts into the manyMayors Toy Appeal collecting boxes around the borough.The community support those in need within their owncommunity. - volunteers with cars and St Georgesminibus help to transport the gifts from the donationpoints to the Big Yellow Self Storage in North Farm.

Q. How do you donate a gift?

A. You can either purchase or donate an unused gift bytaking it to one of the collection boxes set up in variouslocations (please see posters) around the borough.The gifts are then collected by a rota of volunteers andbrought to the Big Yellow Self Storage. Schools andchurches have collections and again these gifts arebrought to the Big Yellow Self Storage for sorting.

Q. How do the Giving Trees work?

A. These are Christmas trees (called Giving Trees) withChristmas gift tags showing the sort of presents neededfor specic ages of children. The idea is that you take a

label and buy the gift on the label, afxing the label to itand then deposit the gift in a collection box.

Q. Should the gifts be wrapped?

A. If the gift has a Giving Tree label afxed it can bewrapped, but other gifts should ideally be left unwrappedto enable the volunteers to accurately allocate them tothe children.

Q. Can we just donate money?

A. If you would rather donate money, you may do so bydropping cash or cheques into St Georges CommunityChildrens Project, who will pay it into The Mayors Toy

Appeal account. Cheques should be made payableto: The Mayors charity account. The money is usedto purchase items such as wrapping paper and alsoadditional presents if more are needed for a particularage group.

Q. Where are all the toys and gifts sortedand bagged ready for the families?

A. With huge thanks to the Big Yellow Self Storage, NorthFarm, Tunbridge Wells, who provide the many largeunits free of charge. Volunteers have the space to sortall the gifts as they arrive and ensure all the gifts are inworking order ie no broken toys, t new batteries, checkpuzzles and games etc. Some gifts are wrapped readyfor Christmas and others left for the parents to enjoy

wrapping for their children.

Q. How do the children receive suitable toysand gifts?

A. Referring agents provide information on eachindividual child ie gender, age and gifts that would besuitable. This information also gives developmental needsor special need factors to assist the choice of gifts tomatch each childs abilities. The 20 volunteers then very

carefully select a variety of toys, games, jigsaws, craftactivities, stationery, books, CDs, DVDs, etc. for eachchild. These gifts are named and then placed in largefamily bags.

Q. How are the bags of gifts delivered toeach family?

A. The bags of gifts are collected from the Big Yellow SelfStorage by each of the referring agents who kindly deliverthem to the families they help and support in the weekleading up to Christmas.

Tunbridge Wells Mayors Toy Appeal


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Why did you start out as a teacher and did you always want to be an actor?I didnt start out as a teacher professionally but I did go to a Teacher Training Collegeand learnt how to teach English and Drama.

I always wanted to act, however, my teachers and parents always recommended that Igot a second string to my bow as acting is such an uncertain profession.

You have played the loveable Grantly Budgen in BBC1s Waterloo Road for thelast eight years. Is there any difference between playing the part of a teacher onTV and being a teacher in real life? Did you find this role challenging or was itcomfortable for you due to your teaching background and were you able to callon previous experiences in the classroom?Grantly fitted like a glove and I was able to use an old teacher of mine as a model. Ialso brought real teaching techniques and observations of teachers to the role.

What was your most memorable moment in the show?Trying to keep a straight face in the staff room with Mark Benton, Alec Newman, Alex

Walkinshaw and Jason Done. They could make anyone laugh.

You will be starring in a three-part costumedrama, Death Comes To Pemberley, to

be shown on TV this Christmas. Areyou a hero or a villain?No character is all good and nocharacter is all bad so what I do if I

play a nice guy is to look for his darkerside and I look for redeeming qualities

in a bad guy. This helps to make thecharacter three dimensional.

Youve been on somebig TV shows. Why do

you like playing at theAssembly Hall Theatre

and whats the attractionof panto?

I havent done stage worksince 1995 other than

Captain Hook in

Peter Pan, the Christmas before last.

When you do TV or a movie, you wait for up to 18 months for a reaction before youknow how it has gone down with the public, whereas in the theatre and especiallypantomime the kids give it to you straight if they like it, you know. If they dont, youknow. I love the immediacy of the reaction and immediate feedback!

Is there a charity you support, and why?Yes, Young Epilepsy www.youngepilepsy.org.uk

I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy at the early age of 19 and know first-

hand the effects the condition can have on young people. Having personally undergonetreatment for the condition, I was keen to raise awareness of the charity and the workthat they do.

I went to visit their site near Lingfield, saw how the charity offers help to youngsterswho have the condition some cannot live at home, go to work or school anddecided to become an ambassador for them.

Which actor do you most admire?Oooh that is a very difficult one. I have been fortunate to work with some of the bestEnglish and American actors including Sir Lawrence Olivier and Donald Sutherland.Basically I admire anyone who sticks at it through thick and thin and keeps going when

they are swimming against the tide.And comedian?Im a big tweeter (@PhilipMartinB) and use one-liners most of the time so it has tobe Tim Vine! I also like the old fashioned comedians such as Les Dawson and TommyCooper.

Whats your unfulfilled ambition?Well, I would have said to appear in a costume drama; however, I am doing that at themoment. I would like to be The Master in Doctor Who, the villain in a Bond movie and Iwould like to do more stage work especially as I have never done any Shakespeare.

Philip can be seen as Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalkat theAssembly Hall Theatre, alongside Luke Roberts(CITVs Hi-5) as Jack andSarah-Jane Buckley(Kathy Barnes from Hollyoaks) as the Fairy of theForest, from Friday 13 December 2013 until Sunday 5 January 2014.


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Bin Collections over the

Festive PeriodThis year the brown bins will continue to be emptied over Christmas and NewYear for all residents except for those whose collection day is WEDNESDAY.

CHRISTMASWEEK

BLUE WEEK ORANGE WEEK

Monday

23 Dec

Collection as normal

(brown bin & box)


(green bin)

Tuesday

24 Dec


(brown bin & box)


(green bin)

Wednesday

25 Dec No collection No collection

Thursday

26 DecNo collection No collection

Friday

27 Dec

Thursdays collection

(brown bin & box)

Thursdays collection

(green bin)

Saturday

28 DecFridays collection

(brown bin & box)Fridays collection

(green bin)

NEWYEARS

WEEKBLUE WEEK ORANGE WEEK

Monday

30 Dec


(green bin)


(brown bin & box)

Tuesday

31 Dec


(green bin)


(brown bin & box)

Wednesday1 Jan

No collection No collection

Thursday

2 Jan

Collection from

1 Jan (green bin)

Collection from 25 Dec

& 1 Jan (green bin

double collection & box)

Friday

3 Jan

Collection from

2 Jan (green bin)

Collection from

2 Jan (brown bin & box)

Saturday

4 Jan

Collection from

3 Jan (green bin)

Collection from

3 Jan (brown bin & box)

BLUE CYCLE:the last collection of yourbrown bin will be on Wednesday 4 December.

Your green bin will be emptied on Wednesday11 and again on 18 December (along with yourgreen box) and again on 2 January 2014. Brownbins re-commence on Wednesday 15 January.

ORANGE CYCLE:the last collectionof your brown bin will be on Wednesday 11

December. Your green bin will be emptied on 18December and again on 2 January 2014 (withyour green box). Brown bins re-commence onWednesday 8 January.

If you are a WEDNESDAY COLLECTION, please read the following changes:

There will be some changes to Christmas and New Year collection weeks for all residents. Please

have a look at the timetable to see how these affect your household.


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CHRISTMAS WEEK

Monday 23 Dec Collection as normal

Tuesday 24 Dec Collections as normal

Wednesday 25 Dec

Thursday 26 Dec Wednesdays collectionFriday 27 Dec Thursdays collection

Saturday 28 Dec Fridays collection

NEW YEARS WEEK

Monday 30 Dec Collection as normal

Tuesday 31 Dec Collection as normal

Wednesday 1 Jan

Thursday 2 Jan Wednesdays collection

Friday 3 Jan Thursdays collection

Saturday 4 Jan Fridays collection

Please do not put any wrapping paper intoyour green recycling boxes - this needs togo into the household waste.

Please use your brown bin for food wastewhere possible as this will save space inyour green bin. See the Love Food HateWaste website for hints and tips to reducefood wastage and for planning party foodportions www.england.lovefoodhatewaste.

com Use your green boxes for paper/cardboard

(including Christmas cards) and for plasticbottles, cans and foil. Please wash andsquash plastic bottles, cans and foilcontainers.

The recycling sites will be available over thefestive period. For details of your local siteplease see our website www.tunbridgewells.

gov.uk. These sites can get very busy atthis time of year; if the banks are full pleasedont leave your recycling at the site aroundthe banks as this is considered y-tipping.

A Hackney Carriage Can be hired immediately from a rank or by hailing

Can ply for hire while on the rank

Will have a roof light box which is lit when available for hire

Main locations to hire a hackney carriage

in Tunbridge Wells:

Railway Station

Fiveways, near the Millennium Clock

Outside Pitcher and Piano, Church Road

Private Hire Vehicles

Cannotply for hire

Cannotstand on a rank

MUSTbe pre-booked through a

licensed operator via phonePlease contact the Licensing team on 01892 554034 for all

enquiries or complaints.

For taxis with wheelchair access please see list on our website.

Taxi Locations

For your safety, only use a Licensed Taxi. A licensed driver

should wear an identity badgewhich will display the drivers

licence number and licensing authoritys details.

Using an unlicensed vehicle puts you at risk!

Residents not on thebrown bin scheme

If your refuse and recycling collection is on aWednesday, Thursday or Friday it will be one

day later than normal during the Christmas andNew Year weeks.

A few reminders...


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BeechStreet

Camden

Road

StoneStreet

VictoriaRoad

Camden

Road

Cres

cent

Rd

Grosve

norR

oad

Me

adowRoad

MonsonRoad

MountPleasantRoad

Erid

geRoa

d

Lond

onR

oad

LondonRoad

High

Street

LindenParkRoad

MountPleasantAve

Beech StreetCar Park

Camden Road

Car Park

Meadow RoadCar Park

Royal VictoriaPlace

Car Park

CrescentRoad CarPark

Mount Pleasant

Avenue Car Park

The Pantiles

Millennium

Clock

Tunbridge Wells

Railway Station

TorringtonCar Park

WarwickRoad

Town

Hall

Town HallYardCar Park

TrinityTheatre

AssemblyHall Theatre

Ice Rink

Union House Car Park

Linden RoadCar Park

Little Mount SionCar Park

Great Hall Car Park

Dont worry about findingthe right change to park,or rushing back to your carbefore your parking ends.When you pay to park byphone, you charge parkingto your credit or debit card.

Use PayByPhone and make

parking one less thing to worryabout this Christmas.

So, before your next shoppingtrip, go to paybyphone.co.uk/registration for a simple one-offregistration, you can even dothis from the comfort of your ownhome - then use PayByPhone inall council car parks.

You can also receive textmessages to remind you whenyour parking is about to end soyou can top up your parking byphone and carry on shoppingwithout having to dash back toyour car.

Half Price Parking forthe January Sales

When you register and usePayByPhone to park in RoyalTunbridge Wells in the run up toChristmas (between 1 Decemberand 24 December), youll gethalf-price parking the rst timeyou use PayByPhone during

the New Year Sales (between26 December and 15 January2014).

You could get a days parking forless than 3!

For full terms and conditions visitwww.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/parkingoffer

All our car parks are free to use after 6pm.

Visit www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/carparks for

more information.

All town centrecar parks havePayByPhone andPay and Display.

Car park chargesrange from 40p to1.20 per hour. Foras little as 5.70

you could parkfor the whole day,depending on thelocation.

HalfPriceParkingforJanuarySales

Making your Christmas shopping easierin Royal Tunbridge Wells

Car Parks

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Visit the enhancedTunbridge Wells

Online Access GuideThe Tunbridge Wells Access Guide has been updatedwith more venues in Royal Tunbridge Wells towncentre, Pembury, Lamberhurst and Paddock Wood,including restaurants, pubs, shops and hotels.

The guide has also been refreshed and now includesenhanced features making it easier to use andallowing users to leave reviews about places theyhave visited.

The online access guide provides information to ahuge range of venues across the borough and detailsthe access into and around the venue. Join thethousands of people who already enjoy the benetsof a free access guide to the area.

Go to www.disabledgo.comor google DisabledGo Tunbridge Wells.

Common VisionThe Friends of Tunbridge Wellsand Rusthall Commons, underthe auspices of the CommonsConservators, are seeking toenhance the experience of theCommons for existing and newvisitors, including tourists, as part

of their Common Vision project.An overall interpretation plan is beingdeveloped. This plan will includeconsideration of information panels atthe major entrances to the commons.

It will also embrace illustrative walks toextend the physical and health benets.These walks will feature the strikingsandstone rocks on both Tunbridge

Wells common and those found in theHappy Valley and Denny Bottom areasof Rusthall common.

A related part of the Common Visionproject is bringing lessons to thecommons, as a part of their curriculum,initially to two local primary schools(St Pauls, Rusthall and BroadwaterDown), so that a practical appreciation,

enjoyment and respect for their richlocal natural environment is given to thechildren.

The Common Vision Project is beingnanced by funds raised by theFriends group over 18k has beenraised and is being implementedwith specialist help, particularly from

the Kent High Weald Partnership.For further information on the project,please visit the Friends website atwww.friendsofthecommon.co.uk.

Christmas and New

Year CLOSINGWe are closed 25, 26, 27and 28 December 2013

and 1 January 2014

Other days around the festive period we willbe open for business as usual.

With the exception of 24 and 31 December our ofces including Gateway and theMuseum & Art Gallery and Weald InformationCentre in Cranbrook will close at 4pm.

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UNDERAGE DRINKING areyour teens at risk?Most of us tend to over-indulgeat Christmas but, according tocharity Alcohol Concern, weeklyconsumption of alcohol by 11to 15 year-olds has more thandoubled since 1990. Youngpeople are drinking more and ata younger age, and thats not justat Christmas.

Alcohol misuse can lead to healthproblems for all ages, but it ismore dangerous for young people(under 18) and growing numbers ofyoungsters are experiencing healthproblems related to their drinking.Just as worryingly, alcohol can leave

young people emotionally, physicallyand sexually vulnerable the risksof teenage drinking are very real; iftheyve been drinking, teens mightunintentionally put themselves in anunsafe situation and behave in waysthey wouldnt otherwise do.

Some of the issues that may inuencethe drinking culture in the UK, such

as early education and the priceand availability of alcohol, have tobe dealt with at a national level. Butin Tunbridge Wells, the CommunitySafety Unit (CSU) and its partnersare working together to understandmore about where young people aredrinking and where theyre getting thealcohol from.

When the CSU teamed up withpartner agencies this summer toengage with young people aroundtown, the amount of alcohol openlybeing consumed was enough to causeraised eyebrows among some of theteam running the operation.

While Kent Police can and do

conscate alcohol from underagedrinkers, its clear that many youngpeople arrive in the town for a nightout already drunk. Supplying alcoholto someone under the age of 18 couldincur a ne of as much as 5,000,and some teenagers may not realisethat using fake ID to purchase alcoholis also a criminal offence. Using

someone elses ID could get bothparties arrested.

Parents and carers play a key rolein promoting a responsible attitudeto drink. If you are a parent or carer,do you know how much your teensdrink, where they are drinking andhow theyve passed the time whenthey arrive home in the early hours?

Is there anything you can do toencourage a healthy approach toalcohol...and not just at Christmas?

Help and advice is available online

atkenwardtrust.org.uk, or by

calling01622 814187.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Cranbrook OfficeWeald Infomation Centre

The Old Fire Station

Stone Street

CRANBROOK

Kent TN17 3HF

Opening Times:

MONDAY FRIDAY 9am to 5pm

DROP-IN HOUSING SURGERY

EVERY FRIDAY 10am 12 noon

Tunbridge Wells Borough CouncilHousing Needs Ofcer and

representative from Town & Country

Housing Group attend to give advice,

support and information.

All Tunbridge Wells Borough Councilservices can be accessed throughthe centre.

Information and advice available onthe following services:

Council Tax

Housing Benet

Housing Needs

Tourist Information

Planning

Bins & Recycling - Bulky Waste

Collection

Bus Passes Bus Timetables Local Information

Free internet access is alsoavailable.

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15/28

Tunbridge Wells Museum& Art Gallery is reopeningAfter a period of closure, Tunbridge Wells Museum

& Art Gallery is finally reopening with its grandestexhibition to date, A Grand Tour: Early Tourists in theHigh Weald.

The exhibition is a sumptuous showcase of art, costume andhistorical objects exploring the experience of Georgian andRegency tourists. The exhibition focuses on three of the areasmost magnicent estates Bayham, Penshurst and Eridge asthese would have been on the itinerary of any self-respectingtourist of the time.

The highlight of the exhibition is a collection of portraits from theCamden family, owners of the Bayham Abbey estate, on loanalong with other treasures from the Trustees of the 5th MarquessCamden Will Trust. This collection, which includes works byGainsborough, Reynolds and Lawrence, has never before beenon public display and is complemented by stunning objects onloan from Penshurst Place.

Truly this is the most ambitious spectacle which Tunbridge WellsMuseum & Art Gallery has undertaken in a long history of funand informative exhibitions. But after a ve month break, theyare ready to stretch their wings and y high. The exhibition willbe complemented with an equally exciting calendar of eventsincluding talks by fashion experts from the Victoria & AlbertMuseum, and cooking classes and demonstrations at RosemaryShragers Cookery School.

The newly-refurbished Museum & Art Gallery is more accessiblethan ever before, with a lift, more space in the galleries tomanoeuvre, new signage and a facelift. It is a space for everyoneto come and enjoy arts and culture.

Full details of events can be found on the Museum & Art Gallerys website: www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

or on: facebook.com/TunbridgeWellsMuseum.

Or stay up to date by following them on: @TWartyculture or @TWBC_Museum.

Crimestoppers If you have

information about crime, contact

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800

555 111or go to crimestoppers.org.uk.

Drugs litter If you nd discarded

drugs litter on public land, call

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on

01892 526121(an out of hours service operates

outside business hours) and speak to

our customer service staff.

Domestic Abuse Volunteer

Support Serviceshelpline: 01892

570538

Kent Hate Crime Incident

Reporting Line: freephone 0800

138 1624

Community Safety Unit... Helpful Numbers

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16/28

And the winner isThe Assembly Hall Theatre washumming with expectation onthe evening of 2 October as theLove Where We Live finalistsarrived with their guests toattend the awards ceremony.

We were overwhelmed by theresponse to this years awards.With more than 200 nominations forindividuals, charities, businessesand groups across the borough, ourpanel of judges had a very difculttask selecting the nalists. Whatreally stood out for everyone was thevariety and quality of nominations wereceived, all of whom were worthy of

recognition.

As the evening progressed, theawards presenters paid tribute to thenalists in each category, and thennally revealed the winners who werepresented with a trophy and prize.

It was a thoroughly uplifting and verymoving evening, and a wonderful way

to acknowledge some of the peoplewho have such a positive impact onpeoples lives - despite often facingdifcult circumstances themselves.Their stories were truly inspirational.

Many thanks to all our sponsors:Town and Country Housing Group;John Lewis at home Tunbridge Wells;Cotswold Outdoor; the King Charles

School Old Boys Association; FusionLifestyle; and the Kent and SussexCourier. Without their help the awardswould not have been possible.

And congratulations of course to allthe winners:

Eileen Collett Lifetime

Achievement Award

Cafe Bliss Ethical Business

Award

3H Fund (Helping Hands for

Holidays) Charity of the Year

Award

Helen Campbell Young

Volunteer Award

Nourish Community Food Bank

Best Group Award

Chantelle Jackson Individual

Hero Award

Fern Sneddon Sports Achiever

of the Year Award

Tunbridge Wells Street Pastors

Safer Community Award and the

overall Love Where We Live Award WinningtheCharityoftheYearAwardsaidverywelldonetothestaff,thetrusteesandtoallthevolunteerswhogivetheirtimesoselesslyforthebenetofothers.Withthisawardwecanattractmoredonationsandhelpers,sothatwe,inturn,canhelpmorepeople.(EdLangridge,DeputyChair,3HFundHelpingHandsforHolidays)

Theawardsceremony

wasinspirationalandforme

provokedagreatdealmore

thoughtonwhatmorewecando

inthecommunity. (NigelDavis,

BranchManager,JohnLewisat

homeTunbridgeWells)

TowintheSaferCommunityAwardwastrulyamazing,however,tothengoonandcollecttheoverallLoveWhereWeLiveawardwasjustunbelievable,withsuchstrongcompetition(allworthyofwinning),wefeelreallyhonouredtobeacknowledgedbythejudgesandthecommunityinthisway.(TunbridgeWellsStreetPastor)

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A wealth ofinformation

at yourfingertips discover whats going on inyour neighbourhood.

Were delivering information about

council services near your home usingnew maps on our website.

Simply go to tunbridgewells.gov.uk/maps, pick your address andreveal some interesting, perhaps evensurprising, facts and gures aboutyour local area.

From essential services to things todiscover in your own time, youre sureto nd something to catch your eye.

Winter gritting routes, the nearestrecycling sites and parking zone

information are combined withcouncillor details and touristinformation in an easy to use webpage. Find out whether your propertyis listed or check out the details oflocal planning applications.

More information is being addedfrequently so keep checking the

website... weve just added theCouncil Tax bands and the foodhygiene ratings for all commercial foodoutlets in the borough.

Just point and click you could evenunearth an ancient monument justdown the road!

Lose Weight for Life

not just for ChristmasDiets tend to be something that youstart for a short period of time andthen stop because its not realistic inthe long-term. Often this results in anyweight lost going straight back on.

The Weight For Itcourse is about REALISTIC &LONG TERM lifestyle changes, not short-term xes.

Its a FREE, ten week weight loss programme for adults witha Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 28. Eachsession covers a different topic and includes a presentationto the group with hand-outs, leaets, recipes and the chanceto discuss any specic issues.

Venues and times around the borough change every quarter.At the time of going to press there are two conrmed venuesstarting on Thursday 16 January 2014. Christ Church in theHigh Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells 12.30pm, and Mateld

Village Hall 6.30-8pm. One more will be added. To nd outwhere your nearest Weight For Itclass is please call 01892554411or e-mail [email protected].

www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/residents/improving-health/choose-health

Sign up for e-billingWhy?

It saves the council money up to 70p per bill

It reduces paper and energy costs

It sends your bill direct to your preferrede-mail account

It is really easy to receive your Council Tax or BusinessRate bill electronically. To sign up go to:

www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ebilling

...or e-mail your account number to:

[email protected]@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

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New Housing Allocation Policy......how it could affect youDuring March and April this year, weput out a public consultation on www.kenthomechoice.org.uk detailing theproposed new Housing Allocationpolicy for the Tunbridge Wells housingregister. We received a good numberof responses, feedback and comments,and the overwhelming majoritysupported the new changes.

We took into account commentsreceived, and made a number ofchanges in response to these.

The policy has now been nalisedand is due to be implemented laterthis month. All existing applicants tothe housing register will now have

received a letter detailing how they willbe affected by the policy and have theopportunity to request a review of thechanges by supplying any additionalinformation it is felt may not have beentaken into account.

For those on the register

The full details of all the changes areavailable when you log into your homepage on www.kenthomechoice.org.uk,and a booklet giving a synopsis of thenew policy is also available.

If you have received a letter regardingchanges made to your applicationunder the new policy and feel that other

circumstances have not been taken intoaccount or you want further information,please complete the banding reviewsheet that is enclosed with your letterand return it to the Housing Registerteam, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge WellsTN1 1RS, drop it into the Gatewayofces in Royal Tunbridge Wells orWeald Information Centre in Cranbrook,

or e-mail the details to [email protected]. We will reviewthe information you have given andwill respond to you within 21 days witha decision based on the informationprovided. For enquiries please calll01892 526121.

Thinkingaboutmaking

alterationsto your home?If so, talk to our experienced Building Controlteam; theyre on hand to provide help andadvice to ensure your building project meets thenecessary building regulations.

A designated Building Control Surveyor will work with youevery step of the way to advise and assist you through thedesign and construction processes.

Theyll also help with:

Pre-application advice from the earliest stages of theproject design

Facilitation of meetings with other departments

Site meetings whenever you want them

For further advice, costs and informationcontact Patrick Arthur on 01892 554116

or [email protected]

A service you can trust

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19/28

TACKLING FOOD WASTETunbridge Wells Borough Council, Marks & Spencer andRoyal Victoria Place played big roles in launching thenational campaign Fresher for Longer. The campaigntackles the seven million tonnes of food waste thrownaway nationally each year costing 12 billion to the UKeconomy. It intends to help householders with practicalinformation on how to make best use of the packagingfood already comes in. Fresher for Longer will take-off

in 2014 with retailers and councils across the countryadopting the campaign.

The council is part of the Kent Resource Partnership(KRP) along with the other 12 Kent councils. The KRPdeveloped Fresher for Longer with national organisationsincluding the Waste Resources Action Programme(WRAP) and the Industry Council for Packaging and theEnvironment. The national launch in Tunbridge Wells wasled by Cllr Paul Barrington-King, TWBC cabinet member

and Chair of the KRP. Also pictured are Andy Dawe,WRAP and Adam Elman, M&S.

Your councillors,their plansEach Annual Report is attached to the councillors webpage on the internet and the current reports run from theperiod May 2012 to April 2013.

The Annual Reports provide helpful information abouteach councillors role and involvement within the council,and is a useful way for you to get a summary of whatyour elected representative has been involved in. Eachreport includes details of attendance at meetings, anyspecial responsibilities within the council, their community

involvement, examples of how each councillor has assistedtheir constituents, and any learning and developmentundertaken during the period.

Take a look on our website www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/yourcouncillors

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A B Y f V l t


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A Bumper Year for VolunteersThe Kent High WealdPartnership (KHWP) has beenblessed with another bumperyear of help from their wonderfulvolunteers.

By the end of September 2013,KHWP had overseen 679 days worthof volunteer input across TunbridgeWells borough. This roughly equatesto one full-time worker, toiling away atpractical tasks for almost three years!

But what do their volunteers get up toon their days out with them? Heresa taste of the tasks that a KHWPvolunteer may regularly turn their handto:

Making Woods Good!

Clearing trees to help light reach theground in ancient woodland brings

a host of benets for native wildlife.Volunteers maintain rides and glades,and coppice woodland by hand that

would otherwise lose its residentbutteries, birds and bees.

Stepping Out

As well as taking care of wildlife,KHWP volunteers ensure that peoplecan enjoy the countryside too.Boardwalk, bridge and step building allform an integral part of their work, both

on nature reserves, and along PublicRights of Way.

Making the Bed

Keen gardeners will appreciate thebenets of raised beds for growingfruit, vegetables and owers. Thanksto KHWP volunteers, so now do manyschools across the borough!

Healthy Heaths and BetterBanks

From the heather-rich hillside ofCinderhill Wood, to the wildowerborders of Dunorlan Parks ponds,KHWP volunteers keep the boroughblooming and buzzing with wildlifethanks to their hard work anddedication.

So a big thank you to everyone whohas made the borough a better place

to be this year. They look forward toseeing you for more in 2014!

If you would like to get involved pleasecontact Jane Frostwick on 01580212972 or e-mail [email protected]

Bank improvements at Dunorlan Park

HeathlandmanagementatCin

derhill HeathlandmanagementatCinderhill

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Bl 2013


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Gardening tipProtect your evergreens andtender plants. Even in Kentwe experience some sharp froststhat can cause signicant damage.Be aware that often sensitive plantsare more vulnerable to rain anddamp than frost and try to protectthese from excessive moisture toavoid leaves or roots rotting.

Recognition for Tunbridge Wellsat the national RHS Britain inBloom 2013 awards ceremonywhich took place in October.

Tunbridge Wells was awarded anRHS Silver Medal in the Large Towncategory, and Oakley School inTunbridge Wells was given the RHSBritain in Bloom School Award whichis presented to the school whichdemonstrates the best commitment

to ongoing environmental andhorticultural initiatives.

An RHS judge said:We were impressed by the progressthis new Bloom group has made. Allappeared keen to learn about theway forward and have developeda strong working base. We weremost impressed by the outstanding

work being carried out at OakleySchool. This appeared a very speciallocation offering a range of supportto youngsters. Parks management

plays a big part in this entry andwe noticed the wide range of familyactivities. We wish you every successin future regional and Britain in Bloomcampaigns.

Fourteen volunteer judges touredthe UK in pairs at the end of July andearly August visiting each of the 77nalists who were picked from morethan 1,000. They marked againstthree central criteria horticulturalachievement, community participationand environmental responsibility.

Other achievementsover the summer

A gold medal wasachieved for OakleySchool, Dunorlan Parkand the town 100%record

Runners-up in the towncategory for the South andSouth East Region

Won the best of allcategories in Kent

Committeechanges for 2014

Chair of Royal TunbridgeWells in Bloom is handingthe reins over to Cllr DavidElliot. David has valuable

experience in environmentalprojects and will be a greatasset to the team.

The Royal Tunbridge Wells inBloom team want to recognisethe efforts of the previousChair, Cllr Ronen Basu, whowas a founder member andhas relentlessly worked to

ensure funding and support. He willcontinue to help in an honorary role.

Developing the partnership betweenthe council and community indelivering the Bloom campaign, theteam are pleased that Neil Jacksonfrom Coolings Nursery in Knockholt,will be taking on the role as Vice Chair.

Bloom 2013

Lookoutfordetailsabout

the2014campaigninthespringeditionofLocal.

Sponsors

Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom wassponsored by Coolings Nursery ofKnockholt, Sodexo Land Technologyand Cory Environmental Services.

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Winter driving


22/28

Needinformationduring

the coldweather?Get textingIts snow problem withour text alert service.Now in our third yearoffering this service,we are continuingto give residents theopportunity to signup. We will continueto provide the latestupdates aboutTunbridge WellsBorough Councilservices affected by the

weather.

Text the word SNOWto 07537 401 900 toregister.

For full Terms andConditions seewww.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/

severeweathertextalertsThe text you send toregister for the servicewill be charged at youroperators standardrate. There is nocharge to receive textsfrom Tunbridge WellsBorough Council.

Ifyou

haveprevious

ly

registered,th

eres

noneedtore

-

registeryou

ll

automatically

getupdates.

Winter drivingThe British winter is unpredictable. Severe weathercan strike suddenly, so the best advice if it does is toavoid the roads if you can.

If you must drive, then taking a few precautions will give youpeace of mind.

Plan your journey during wintry weather conditions.

Keep your vehicle in good condition check the tyres and

anti-freeze regularly.

Be prepared for the worst; carry water and food, a torch,

boots, extra clothing and a mobile phone.

Adjust your driving to the conditions of the road. Driving inlow visibility on icy or wet roads requires a very different

driving style.

The Highways Agency is responsible for the motorways andtrunk roads in England. If you need further information onwinter driving, please visit www.highways.gov.uk

@winterhighways

For weather reports, please visit www.metofce.gov.uk

Broadband article

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Royal Visitor in town


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Royal Visitor in townThe Mayor Councillor Dr Ronen Basus charity for the year,Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource (MHR) which iscelebrating its 20th anniversary, were honoured recentlyto receive a visit from His Royal Highness the Duke ofGloucester.

Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De LIsle MBE,the Duke was greeted by the charitys fundraiser Diane Bradley whointroduced him to the charitys directors, staff and service users.

The charity providesservices and supportto people aged 18 65

suffering with mental illhealth throughout WestKent.

The Duke spent timespeaking to the staffand service usersabout the art group andviewing the projects thatindividuals were working

on and the pieces ondisplay.

A good time washad by allThe Mayors Civic Dinner and Dance atthe High Rocks was held recently in aidof the Mayors Charity, the TunbridgeWells Mental Health Resource. It was a

huge success and the raffle and auctionraised 3,693.

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WHATS ON


26/28

Assembly Hall TheatreDECEMBERSun 1 Dec RTW Symphony

Orchestra

Tue 3 Dec Thatll Be The

Day Xmas Show

Thu 5 Dec Beyond The

Barricade at

Christmas

Fri 6 Dec Nabucco

Sat 7 Dec Ada

Sun 8 Dec A ChristmasCarol

Fri 13 Dec Sun 5 Jan

Jack and the

Beanstalk

JANUARYWed 29 Jan Sarah Millican

Fri 31 Jan Taking Care of

Elvis

FEBRUARYSat 1 Feb Russell Kane

Sun 2 Feb RTW Symphony

Orchestra

Mon 3 Feb Carmen

Tue 4 Feb Paul Carrack

Wed 5 Feb Ultimate R&B

Sat 8 Sun 9 Feb Peppa Pigs Big

Splash

Wed 12 Feb Rumours ofFleetwood Mac

Sun 16 Sun 23 Feb Tunbridge Wells

Dance Festival

Mon 24 Feb Sat 1 Mar Birdsong

Thu 27 Feb Fairport

Convention

MARCHSun 2 Mar RTW Symphony

Orchestra

Fri 7 Mar Circus of Horrors

Mon 10 Mar Mike and the

Mechanics

Sat 15 Mar Sensational 60s

Sun 16 Mar The Little Mermaid

Sun 23 Mar Grimethorpe

Colliery Band

Wed 26 Mar Banff MountainFilm Festival

Fri 28 Mar Tap Factory

Sat 29 Mar Viva La Drag

APRILSun 6 Apr RTW Symphony

Orchestra

Sat 19 Apr Sarah Millican

RETURNS ONLY

MAYThu 1 May La Bohme

Fri 2 Sun 4 May My First Copplia

Cranbrooks Union Millis 200 years old in 2014!2014 is the bicentenary year for Cranbrooks famouslandmark, Union Mill. During theweeks beginning 17, 24 and

31 May, they will be hostinga number of celebratoryevents. Look out forpromotionalposters andleaets fromJanuaryonwards.

Music recitals at KentCollege, Old PemburyThe local music charity, CODA, will present the followingrecitals at the Organ Room, Kent College, Old ChurchRoad, Old Pembury, TN2 4AX. Both recitals start at

7.15pm and advance booking is required. For moreinformation, visit www.codatw.co.uk or telephone DavidMills on 01892 825577 or e-mail him at [email protected].

15 February 2014 Gina McCormack (violin) and NigelClayton (piano)

29 March 2014 Robert Max (cello) and Zoe Solomon(piano) play music by Schubert,Grieg and others

Box Ofce 01892 530613 / 532072

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

For accessibiity informationplease visit

WHAT S ON

Fiveways changes,your feedback wantedHave you visited Fiveways in Royal Tunbridge Wells recently?Work has been carried out near the Millennium Clock to remove some ofthe clutter and try out new materials. Why not pop along and have a look,then tell us what you think via the consultation portal on our website. Yourfeedback will help shape the future look of the town.

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Have your say on the budget for 2014 15


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Have your say on the budget for 201415The council is in the process ofsetting its budget for 201415and would like you to help us

agree our spending priorities.How we spend our budget

The council receives income fromgrants, fees and charges, and theCouncil Tax we collect from you (onaverage 152.63 per household in2013-14). This money is used tofund the 35 services that the council

provides, which include: Emptying your bins: we collect a

tonne of waste for every householdin the borough each year; you helpus to recycle 50% of this

Keeping the streets clean: we clean310 miles of streets in the borough

Maintaining our parks: we maintain

130 hectares of parks and openspaces

The money is also used to deliverimportant projects in the communitysuch as the ice rink, enforcementcampaigns around littering and

Tunbridge Wells in Bloom.

Challenges

Our government grant has beenreduced by 41% and the cost ofour major contracts has continuedto increase in line with ination.This makes balancing our budgeta signicant challenge and tough

nancial decisions need to be madewhilst ensuring we deliver qualityservices.

You tell us that you believe weprovide good value for money.We have already reduced staffcosts and renegotiated our majorcontracts, but the additional grantreductions mean that we need to

nd further ways to reduce ourexpenditure or raise income. We

have been looking at other wayssuch as making more use of ourbuildings and money, but this iswhere we need your help.

Please help

Budget proposals with a list of theservices we provide and the projectswe want to focus on in 201415 canbe found on our website. Pleasehelp us to prioritise which services toprotect and let us know your ideas forincreasing revenue at https://consult.

tunbridgewells.gov.uk/portal.

The consultation opens on 6 Decemberand will close on 17 January 2014.Please give us your views on where weshould prioritse our expenditure. Weneed to deliver a balanced budget andwe need your help to do it.

Did you know the Council Tax in the

Tunbridge Wells borough is the 12thlowest in the country.

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Documents

Local Winter 2013