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RETURN TO SCHOOL: Students took Covid tests on their return

September 10, 2021

Thousands of students took lateral flow tests in preparation for the start of the school year this week. And they return to classrooms with parents divided over safety measures.

About 10,000 high school students in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells were tested in schools last week for Covid-19 as they returned from summer vacation. The results of these tests have not yet been made public.

Unlike last term, schools no longer have to keep students in age class “bubbles” to reduce mixing and face coverings are no longer recommended.

Prior to their return, high school students were asked to take two lateral flow tests at school, three to five days apart.

The demands of the tests meant that hundreds of parents and students had to queue in front of schools last week as the tests began at the various schools.

Another change to this term is that children do not have to isolate themselves if they come in contact with a positive case of Covid-19. Instead, they will need to take a PCR test and isolate themselves only if they are positive.

Double-vaccinated parents of a child who contracts Covid-19 will no longer need to self-isolate if they are negative.

Schools and colleges are encouraged to maintain increased hygiene and ventilation, and high school and college students in England have been urged to continue testing twice a week at home.

Informal surveys conducted by the Times show that parents are divided on the more relaxed approach to managing the virus.

On the one hand, those who think schools should insist that masks be worn and that classrooms be fully ventilated with windows open.

Parents who oppose this view believe that insisting on masks – “muzzling our children” – would violate their human rights.

In the middle are the schools, many of which have received aggressive emails on the matter.

Teachers were also given advice on how to spot any emerging mental health issues.

Kent County Council [KCC], who is responsible for all public schools in Tunbridge Wells, urged principals to follow Covid safety guidelines.

Shellina Prendergast, KCC Education and Skills Cabinet Member, said: “I extend a warm welcome to the school to all students, teachers and staff in Kent. I hope you all had a relaxing, enjoyable and healthy summer vacation and come back to class refreshed and looking forward to the new school year.

“I would also like to thank all of the staff who gave up part of their summer vacation to provide remedial lessons or other learning opportunities for students, or to prepare school buildings for return. students’ safety.

“Although many restrictions were lifted over the summer, Covid-19 has not gone away and it is important that everyone plays their part to ensure their safety, that of their families, friends, teachers and staff. Support.

“We encourage all schools in Kent to follow the latest government guidelines, which include implementing safety measures such as regular hand washing, cleaning regimes and keeping spaces well ventilated.

“High school students are urged to continue taking regular Covid-19 tests, as they did before the summer break, to make sure any positive cases are identified as quickly as possible – your school can give advice on testing if necessary.

“I must also thank the people working in nurseries and early childhood establishments who have worked hard to ensure the safety and health of the children and babies in their care; many of them have been open throughout the summer vacation period.

“As you go back to school and some of you are starting a new school or starting school for the first time, it is natural that you have some worries or concerns, and they can be. exacerbated by the presence of the pandemic.

“However, my colleagues and I firmly believe that school is the best place for children and young people for their educational and social development as well as for their mental and physical well-being.

“I really hope that as life slowly returns to its normal course, the children and youth of Kent can focus on the positive things they can enjoy in school now after missing them for so many months. , like socializing with all their friends over lunch. and break times rather than just those in their bubble and participate in more practical classes and extracurricular activities.

“I wish you all a pleasant, successful and safe time at school and I hope that if we all work together and do our part for our community we can have a fantastic year.”

Meanwhile, Dr Susan Hopkins, Director of Covid-19 Strategic Response at Public Health England, said: ‘Parents, young people and teachers should feel reassured the risk to the majority of children remains low. “

EDUCATION SPECIAL

Don’t miss our Focus on … education special guide to choosing the right school in this week’s print version of Tunbridge Wells Timetable – also including ktechnological advances in the classroom and information on open days.

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by Richard Williams | September 10, 2021

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] said he hoped to relocate ten Afghan families fleeing the Taliban, doubling their previous aid offer.

The increased level of support to help stricken refugees who have been airlifted out of Kabul comes as a cabinet minister praised the authority for being “one of the first” boards to offer support.

The authority was one of 100 of 300 local councils in the UK to provide immediate assistance to Afghan refugees when the crisis in Kabul erupted last month, and immediately pledged to relocate five families.

He now wants to relocate ten.

As of last week, only a third of local councils have adhered to the government’s resettlement and assistance policy in Afghanistan. [ARAP].

Robert Jenrick, MP, Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, was in Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday 1 September as part of a tour of constituency regeneration projects.

His visit came just as TWBC vowed to try to double its initial pledge to relocate five families, and coincided with his ministry’s announcement that the government had earmarked £ 8.6bn in funding. affordable housing.

Speaking to Times On the plight of Afghan refugees after the evacuation from Kabul, Mr. Jenrick said: “We are very grateful to the Tunbridge Wells Council for participating in our resettlement program in Afghanistan.

“The Council was one of the first to participate and take part by relocating interpreters and their families, and now they have committed to taking at least five more Afghan families.

“It is important that we help the people who stood side by side with our troops in Helmand and elsewhere, and it is right that we support them now.

“We will provide all the support locations like Tunbridge Wells that are needed to accommodate and relocate these people as quickly as possible.”

He added that the government has set up a portal on its website to allow people to submit offers of support to people arriving from Afghanistan, including clothing and toys, as well as offers of housing and work. .

He continued, “The challenge is not only the large number of people needing help in a short period of time, but usually people who usually have larger families, so we need houses for three and three. four bedrooms, which in Tunbridge Wells I know are in short supply. “

A council spokesperson said: “We are committed to finding accommodation for five families, and we have also said that we will do our best to help five more if possible.

“In addition to this support for Afghan families, we are also fulfilling our continued commitment to refugees from other parts of the world and will be helping two more refugee families this year. “

At the time of going to press, the UK had evacuated 17,000 people from Afghanistan since early April.

Of these, 15,000 were subscribed between August 15 and the end of the month. The Interior Ministry said 8,000 of them were PARA applicants.

Landlords wishing to help with housing should contact the Council Housing Team at 01892 526121.

A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW …
The advisor remembers his tour of Afghanistan

A Tunbridge Wells borough councilor and former army major reflected on his time in Afghanistan and the challenges refugees face as they flee the Taliban.

Speaking to Times, Councilor James Rands [Culverden, Lib Dem] thought back to his time in the war-torn region and the events of the past few weeks.

He said: “My first mission in Afghanistan was as a warrant officer on a British training team working with the Afghan National Army. [ANA] officer training school.

“As such, I supervised an ANA colonel. And he told me how he got special forces training in Moscow and the United States.

“His story tells us a lot about Afghanistan. He had fought for the Soviet-backed regime in the 1980s and was highly regarded, but when the tide changed he switched sides. And he thrived.

“In Afghanistan, caring for one’s family and tribe is the highest ethical goal. And people respect others for doing it.

He added that he still had friends and acquaintances in the area.

“I hope my old friends will do what they need to ensure their safety and that of their families,” he said, adding that he believed the Taliban was still a threat.

“They are fanatics. The Taliban have changed over the past 20 years, but not enough to be a government acceptable to anywhere.

For Afghans fleeing their homelands, Cllr Rands says they find it difficult to adjust to places like Tunbridge Wells that are as foreign to them as Kabul is to the people of Kent.

“We have a duty to the Afghans who helped us and fled. We must welcome them and provide them with concrete help.

“There are charities that will help them, but for those who can, giving of their time is more important.

“They come from another world. Expect them to be surprised that you need a license, tax, and insurance to drive a car, for example. “

REFUGEE GROUP LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING

A community group set up to help refugees has started an online fundraiser to help Afghan families coming to Tunbridge Wells.

Hazel Beevers, administrator of Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, told the Times: “We are fundraising rather than campaigning to donate clothes or items because at this point we don’t know what Afghan families arriving in Tunbridge Wells will need.

“But when the time comes, we’ll work with local organizations, council and charities to ensure that families have everything they need to settle in the area, much like we did – and always do – with Syrian families.

“Our mission is to support and welcome refugees arriving at Tunbridge Wells, so our volunteers also support through mentoring, tutoring, fundraising, hands-on support and community events. “

She added that if anyone wants to volunteer, they can email: [email protected]

Or donations can be sent through this Just Giving link: help-afghan-families-tunbridge-wells

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September 4, 2021

Long live the native oyster season! Here, Times expert James Viner raises a glass to crisp wines that are good catches for seasonal native oysters, shellfish and seafood. And if you need more motivation to indulge yourself, oysters are also very nutritious because they contain calcium, selenium, zinc and vitamins A and B12.

September is a wonderful month for all kinds of local produce, including seafood. The new native oyster season kicked off on Wednesday and these native bivalves, now a delicacy, are available for sale from September 1 to September 30. April.

Under British law, the native European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) – whose shells are rounded and more regular in appearance than those of the larger Pacific (rock) teardrop oyster – cannot be harvested. for sale outside of this period, allowing stocks to replenish and remain viable.

If you can’t have a blast on these pricey shellfish, fear not, because our review offers more affordable food and wine pairing ideas. Scale, rattle and roll, here are five fabulous wines that go wonderfully with seasonal oysters …

1) Tangy and palate-cleansing Andalusian beauty – a benchmark manzanilla sherry, dry and crustacean loving

Bodegas Hidalgo-La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain (15%, £ 8.00 – £ 10, Sainsbury’s, Hedonism Wines, Tanners, Majestic – 50cl; Waitrose & Virgin Wines – 75 cl)

A mind-blowing appetizer or a side dish for tapas and all manner of seafood and meat, umami-rich dry sherry isn’t just for Christmas (or funerals). I offer you this old Andalusian maxim on the association of sherry and food – fino and manzanilla if it swims, avalillado if it flies and oloroso if it runs or walks. Manzanilla is a fino (lightest, driest and palest) sherry produced and aged in and around the humid Andalusian coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. There’s a ton of character here, with marine salinity and notes of chamomile, blanched almonds, green apples, and freshly baked sourdough. One for umami lovers and very reasonably priced. Buy the most recent bottling and serve chilled, between 6 ° and 8 ° C, in a catavino or relatively large glass (as you would with a still white wine). Dazzling with native brackish oysters, sushi, sashimi, smoked salmon, grilled sardines, vongole pasta, mackerel, green olives, Jámon Iberico …

2) A wake-up call for the jaded palate – brilliant, mineral, tangy and marine Picpoul

2020 Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet, Cave de L’Ormarine, Languedoc oriental, France (12.5%, Majestic, £ 9.99 / bottle or £ 8.99 mix six)

Picpoul de Pinet vert-or from the plot of low land between Pézenas and the vast saltwater lagoon of the Thau Med basin, the second largest lake in France – itself famous for its Bouzigues oysters) / mussels and restaurants de mer de mer – just southwest of Montpellier is one of the few French AOC varietal wines. Ormarine, in partnership with Maison Jeanjean, is the leading producer of Picpoul de Pinet, the most elaborate white wine in eastern Languedoc and a very popular choice wine for summer consumption. Catch that exceptionally delicious tangy, clean and toning white with all kinds of florals, citrus, spicy lemon zest, subtle iodine, and in-game glasswort elements, in a setting of salivating acidity, which works like a lemon juice with seafood. An ace of seasonal native oysters on the half-shell, fish and chips, mussels and crab, it also makes a first class party or picnic at a warm Indian summer evening.

3) Captivating white Bordeaux organic left bank in love with bivalves

2020 Emigrated White, Chateau du Seuil, Graves, Bordeaux, France (12%, virgin wines, £ 14.99)

South of the city of Bordeaux, the AOP Graves – the only Bordeaux area where red and white wines are produced by most of the chateaux – stretches like a sleeve hanging from the arm of the Médoc. Set largely on its eponymous gravelly soil (quarry extraction is also a big deal here), this is a racy and refined blend of 75/25% Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that is unoaked and has a very nice texture. Crisp, pristine flavors of grapefruit, passion fruit, lemon, honeysuckle, spray and minerals sparkle as they spring through the mouth. The fine rinse of grapefruit acidity keeps everything taut, offering a long and racy finish. An irresistible pairing with raw oysters (and very popular with the people of Bordeaux themselves). Likewise a great aperitif, it’s also just the ticket for mackerel pâté and seafood like sole with lemon or cod in white butter. Biological.

4) Move over to the very aromatic Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc ‘tutti-frutti’ – try this nuanced and very elegant one instead.

2019 Rimapere Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (13%, £ 15.99 to £ 19, Ocado, Waddesdon Manor Shop, Cheers Wine Merchants and Harvey Nichols)

Soak up the last days of summer with a glass of Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc, a fruitful collaboration between the Rothschild family and Terry Peabody, the American owner of the highly prized Craggy Range winery (Craggy’s ‘Te Muna Road’ SB by cooler- le Martinborough’s climate is one of the best in New Zealand). Crystalline, multifaceted and undoubtedly suitable for aging, it is already an obvious charmer and a treat with seasonal native oysters. Softly scented, delicate, dry and very sophisticated, this beauty is an utterly superior and less exuberant version of a beloved wine style. Hello oysters, especially when served with Asian flavors, seafood salads and brie. Very classy. Most British wine merchants will switch to the superb 2020 vintage in October.

5) Svelte, structured aperitif champagne, ready for oysters, completely unsweetened, tip-top

NV Champagne Pol Roger, Pure, Extra Brut, Épernay, Champagne, France (12.5%, £ 42.50 to £ 52, The Champagne Company, Waitrose, Majestic, Berry Bros & Rudd & The Wine Society)

The pop of a champagne cork is an eternal appetite whetener. You’ve fallen in love with native oysters, so why not treat yourself to the best dry champagne? Unlike so-called Brut champagnes, which can contain up to 12-15 g / l of sugar, dry Brut Nature – like this supreme example of respectful oysters from the favorite house of Winston Churchill – only contain 3 g / l. . Here, the dryness and salty background, not to mention the sparkling aspect, provide the ideal texture contrast with the smooth, silky texture of the oysters. Made from a third each of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this is a mesmerizing pairing for native raw / cooked oysters and also a great partner for dim sum, crab, kedgeree, chicken tandoori, sushi and sashimi. Zero dosage. Health !

Don’t forget the oyster Muscadet, the other very dry sparkling wines, the classic Chablis and the beer!

• 2020 Domaine Gadais La Grande Réserve du Moulin ‘Sur Lie’ Muscadet

• Sèvre et Maine (£ 11.99, Laithwaites)

• 2019 Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Sainte-Claire (£ 14.95, The Wine Society)

• 2018 Tesco Finest Premier Cru Chablis (£ 15, Tesco)

• Champagne Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut (£ 39.99, mix 6, Majestic)

• Cantillon Gueuze Lambic beer, Belgium – rare as hen’s teeth in the post-Brexit UK

Some of the best remaining native oyster production areas in the UK

• Fal, Cornwall

• Helford, Cornwall

• Loch Ryan, Scotland

• Maldon, Essex

• Mersea (aka Colchester), Essex

• Whitstable, Kent

Simplyoysters.com has the widest selection of Fresh Native, Pacific and Kumamoto oysters in the UK (27 different types at last count)

Follow Jacques on Twitter @QuixoticWine

Top photo background: © Roman023 / dreamstime.com

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by Eileen Leahy | September 3, 2021

In these uncertain times, many have found creative pursuits a great form of escape. Joanna Harris, who runs an Art By The Yard workshop in Tunbridge Wells, reveals to Eileen Leahy how her business ultimately managed to thrive during the pandemic.

About two years ago, avid graphic designer and artist Joanna Harris opened a small studio in Town Court Farm – an arts hub in Bayham Road, Tunbridge Wells, with many painters, potters and sculptors renting out creative space.

Many regularly exhibit their work to the general public at events like South East Open Studios, while others hold classes and small workshops.

When Joanna, a mother of two, saw the space, she knew it was the right environment to immerse herself in her artistic endeavors.

“Working at my kitchen table was a great place to grow my graphic design and illustration business – and it definitely worked early on as I had two dependent children.

“However, I have personally found that not having the proper space or environment often inhibits the experiential side of my ‘hands-on’ creativity.

“I think everyone knows that feeling of having gathered the necessary art material, it’s almost time to put everything away again, so sometimes I’ve been like ‘why bother? But with a space reserved at Town Court Farm, I felt like I had finally come home, ”she says.

“I chose Town Court Farm as my base because, while I love living in Tunbridge Wells, I am a country girl at heart. If I can see green and be inspired by a walk down the alley, it will definitely help me in the creative process. I am often seen with my pruning shears taking plant samples from the hedges for my work!

Joanna studied weaving at Middlesex University before working as a graphic designer and also in the art department of a high school, so it’s clear that art runs deep in her veins.

She says she decided to start her art business Art By The Yard because she knew “how much joy it brings.”

“I like to discover and practice a new technique. There is this palpable magical moment as the ideas begin to take shape. It’s like discovering and finding some kind of childlike excitement and I wanted to bring that feeling to others. I have been very fortunate to have been in creative environments all my life, ”adds Joanna.

Having acquired these various artistic skills over the years and combined with her love of teaching, Joanna decided to launch Art By The Yard into the world.

“My timing was impeccable – I did it right as we entered the lockdown!” she laughs.

But without being discouraged, and when government directives permitted, she took her lessons outside.

“For print jobs I use a cyanotype, which is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print and actually exploits UV light, so what better medium should I use outdoors? “

Even so, the outdoor classes took off and Joanna started adding more to her Art By The Yard offering, including painting.

“My watercolor lessons were also held in the picturesque setting of Town Court Flower Farm. How wonderful to have the opportunity not only to paint a few flowers, but to be able to choose from a whole field of them? “

With the additional blockages onset, however, Joanna says she unfortunately had to close the doors to Art By The Yard for a while.

“I had to do this for many months until I was allowed to open children’s art workshops and after-school clubs.”

Yet despite the startup issues, Joanna says directing Art By The Yard means that she can facilitate creativity for all ages and abilities, and that she loves bringing people together.

“Often, we work around a large table, which gives participants – young and old – the opportunity to do something they might not do at home. I guess it’s about sparking ideas and processes that could lead to an ongoing hobby or even a career.

“Being with other like-minded people is such a benefit, not only learning from each other, but having the time to talk with like-minded people is just as important.

“I find that by giving people enough skills to work through a technique, children and adults can come home with something that they have created and are happy with.”

In addition to teaching various classes, Joanna also produces her own work.

“I have a collection of picture cards for sale in Zaven’s gift shop on Mount Ephraim. And I’ve done signature artwork of The Pantiles which can be found on limited edition prints, cards, and tea towels online.

Before having her children, Joanna worked for an advertising agency in Tunbridge Wells. She says she has always found her graphic design, illustration and fine art work to feed off each other.

“My creative approach makes me a better designer and my skills at a good layout help give my illustration a business edge. It’s great to be able to make a living using these different skills.

Joanna attended this year’s inaugural Fringe Festival, where she led cyanotype workshops at the Inside Café and the Zero Waste Café.

“It was very picturesque to have the Pantiles as a venue,” she says of the latter.

This fall, Joanna says she will be taking her creative workshops “on the go”.

“I will be starting my own after-school club at Art By The Yard and also running one at Wells Free School.

“I also have new Creative Workshops in town that will be confirmed soon, and over Christmas I’ll be taking reservations for wreath-making workshops in people’s kitchens.”

“You seem like a very busy lady,” I say, to which she responds, “Well, as Maya Angelou said,“ You can’t use creativity. The more you use, the more you have ”. So why stop here?

For more information on Joanna’s art classes for all ages and abilities visit: artbytheyard.co.uk

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The role of newspapers and magazines in the life of society is enormous. Magazines, newspapers, popular science and fiction are the primary means of storing and transmitting from generation to generation all the achievements of science and culture. For people of all ages, magazines and newspapers serve as a source of knowledge, help to learn and assess life, to understand the laws of social relations and natural phenomena. The role of a polygraphy is especially important for the formation of social and moral ideals of a person, for the assimilation of norms of social behavior by him.

Magazines can be considered one of the most popular types of printing. Multi-page products have found wide application in modern times. Magazine production requires experience and professionalism, as well as access to modern equipment capable of accurately conveying text and images.

Magazines can be printed at very different intervals. They are published once a month, once a quarter and every year. They are used in a variety of spheres of life, due to their informative nature, clarity and structured presentation of material. Most people are very impressed with reading magazines. There is a place for interesting facts and bright pictures here. Thus, the integrity of perception is formed.

There are several main types of glossy magazines: corporate, industry, automotive, for the younger generation or dedicated to certain subjects.

A magazine is a special type of printing. It emphasizes the style and individuality of a sole proprietorship and is also a factor of prestige. Such products emphasize the corporate style of the company and create certain moods within the team. Newspapers can be a key source of information.

Magazines are also often used for entertainment purposes. This type of impression is best perceived by readers.

A huge selection of premium magazine and brochure layouts for your personal and business projects can be found here: Magazine Mockup. Each of these layouts is very easy to use. You can easily add your work to smart layers and get a showcase of your brand in minutes. What’s more, you can easily change the background and color to your liking. Using our layouts you will get the perfect presentation for your project!

The role of magazines in the 21st century

Magazines make us dream, find a goal of accumulation, create a visual series of our desired future. Dreams develop our imaginations, and if they become goals and motivate us to reach new heights, that is happiness for a person.

Through magazines you will learn new information. Their goal is to say what’s relevant and entertaining. Often times, magazine readers tend to be the most knowledgeable about the world. The subject of magazines is different from the world around us. The choice is entirely up to you: it can be health, education, technology, science, business and economics, sports, travel, tourism and more. The more information you absorb, the greater the horizons and the amount of knowledge. At least there are topics for conversation. So, for example, with the help of fashion magazines you will learn more about designers and new collections, it will be easier to distinguish originals from fakes, you will have an idea of ​​prices. Plus, looking enough allows you to develop your personality and sense of style.

Magazines are a great replacement for a book if you want to read light-hearted information and not delve into the intrigue. This is a good alternative if you have very little time to read, for example, in the morning before working out over a cup of coffee.

In addition, modern magazines have become more practical and pleasant to the touch.

Despite the fact that the internet is replacing print publications, it is safe to say that magazines will not disappear from our daily lives. Because the magazine is the face of the company, the brand.

RAILWAY STATION: Tunbridge Wells commuters could be affected by £ 250 increase in season tickets

by Richard Williams | August 27, 2021

Commuters from Tunbridge Wells to London can expect to pay around £ 250 more per year from January, with the biggest fare hikes expected in a decade.

If ticket prices are based on the same government measure as last year, fares are expected to increase by about five percent.

The increases are generally linked to the retail price index from the previous July [RPI] a measure of inflation, plus an additional percentage point.

The Office for National Statistics confirmed last week that the RPI for July was 3.8%, meaning that a repeat of the policy next year would result in an average tariff increase of 4.8% – the largest increase since 2012.

The record hike would mean that a standard annual London pass from Tunbridge Wells would increase by £ 242, from £ 5,046 to £ 5,298.

Commuters who also depend on the metro can expect their £ 5,864 season ticket and Travelcard to increase by £ 281, to £ 6,145.

If fares increase as expected, that means commuters will have to earn up to £ 9,000 before tax (£ 10,500 for higher rate payers) just to pay for their commute.

The news comes as the rail network struggles to attract commuters following the Covid crisis.

About 2.8 million fewer trips were made from Tunbridge Wells station in 2020/21, as domestic passenger numbers plummet to their lowest level since 1872.

Southeastern, which provides train services to Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and surrounding areas, has seen passenger numbers drop to 22.4% from pre-pandemic levels.

Tunbridge Wells station has seen its seasonal season tickets drop from 3,472 per day to just 1,041.

A number of employers have since said they will continue to combine working from home and work in the office rather than having employees return to full-time.

Some employers have also argued that a move towards more homeworking could lead to lower wages, with companies based in cities like London often paying higher wages to cover travel costs.

Tech giant Google has previously told office-based workers before the pandemic to expect to see pay changes if they move to work from home permanently, with commuters on longer trips the most. hard hit.

John Reynolds, vice chairman of local railroad lobby group Tonbridge Line Commuters, told the Times rail fares should not be based on RPI.

He said: “Any increase in rail fares should be based on the CPI [Consumer Price Index], a lower index that the government uses to calculate most other things, including public sector pay increases.

“Some people, especially essential workers in low-paying jobs, do not have a realistic alternative to using trains and should not be penalized.

“Rail is a very efficient method of moving large numbers of people (and goods) without causing as much pollution or congestion as, for example, road trips.

“Making the fares more expensive will turn off a lot of people. As we get back to normal, pleasure travel also increases and tourist spots would welcome visitors by train rather than having to build more parking lots. “

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If you like magazines, you should get to know Apple News +. Think of it as a buffet of digital journalism, an access pass to all your favorite magazine and newspaper titles for one $ 12.99 per month subscription for the whole family. SJC Media Brands Chatelaine (English and French), Toronto Life, Maclean’s, Today’s Parent, FASHION and Ottawa Magazine are all available.

What is Apple News +?

If you own an Apple device, you’re probably familiar with Apple News, a news aggregator app designed for the Apple ecosystem, accessible on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. While it offers plenty of articles for free, especially the latest news, trends, and local news, Apple News also offers paid content that requires an Apple News + subscription to access it. Do you remember the texture? Apple acquired it in 2018 and turned it into News +, giving readers access to an unprecedented volume of magazine issues, including back issues from 2018. Dubbed the “Netflix of magazines,” Apple News + offers unlimited access to over 300 magazines, newspapers and publications for a subscription of $ 12.99 per month after a free one-month trial. The subscription can be shared between a family of up to six people using the family sharing feature.

What are the benefits of reading an SJC Media title on Apple News +?

Apple News + reflects the continued evolution of digital magazines and the enduring value of consuming content in the packaged issue format, created to deliver an immersive premium content experience. The Apple News + platform advocates for the digital consumption of magazine issues, with proprietary formatting and easy-to-use features such as a simple, ubiquitous table of contents that takes you straight to a story, the ability to share and save individual stories, and thumb-scrolling design – no zooming required (although font settings are provided if you need them). Titles can also be downloaded for offline reading, perfect for disconnected plane rides or mobile data savers. Issues typically fall on Apple News + first (ahead of print subscribers and the newsstand) and sometimes include exclusive “live covers”, where video, animation, and other interactive elements enhance the experience. reading.

How do I find an SJC Media title on Apple News +?

Open the Apple News app on your Apple device. Tap the search tool and search for one of our titles (Toronto Life, Chatelaine, Ottawa Magazine, Maclean’s, FASHION or Today’s Parent), then tap the plus sign on the right to add it to your library. A pop-up window will allow you to turn on notifications so you are notified when new stories or issues are posted.

To get to the landing page for any of the brands, go to the Next tab at the bottom and navigate to your title. There you will see the latest brand news and stories, the latest issues as well as the topics we cover. You can also enable Family Sharing via the Next tab.

Continue to add more titles to your News + library through the search or follow screens; all the titles you have selected will be automatically downloaded when a new issue is ready. Tap the three dots at the bottom of the cover image to download the issue or browse past issues.

Good reading!

by Richard Williams | August 20, 2021

The company that had to abandon the development of the old cinema site in the heart of Tunbridge Wells is behind new plans for an alternative £ 55million retirement village just a mile down the road .

Elysian Residences is part of a joint venture to build 89 apartments as well as penthouses and hotel-style facilities in St John’s Road on the site of the former Aviva bus depot.

Previously, it had to abandon plans for a similar development on the cinema plot when, it is understood, backers raised concerns about ongoing costs. This development was priced at £ 80million.

This move once again highlights the major challenges of the development of the ABC site in the city center, which has been vacant for more than 20 years.

The land alone is currently priced at £ 17million, making it financially unsustainable for most investors.

The St John’s Road location already has a building permit. The other people involved in the project are the UK Retirement Living Fund (ReLF), managed by Schroders Capital and advised by Octopus Real Estate.

The new development is the second joint venture between Elysian and ReLF, following the purchase in April of this year of a site for a new pension scheme in Berkhamsted.

It is also the eighth retirement village developed or managed by Elysian Residences, although the group was unable to materialize a similar complex on the site of the ABC cinema.

Gavin Stein, CEO of Elysian, told the Times Tuesday August 17th: “Fortunately, we are back in the community with this site we acquired on St John’s Road, which enjoys a prime location in the city, close to restaurants, shops, museums and other amenities as well as easy connectivity for families and friends.

“This is also our eighth pension scheme in total and we will continue to research new locations as part of our vision to be the UK’s premier provider of inspiring and stylish retirement communities.

“It’s incredibly nice to be able to have a new program at Royal Tunbridge Wells where we’ve spent time getting to know the local community for the past three years.

“The St John’s Road project is slated for delivery in 2024, subject to minor building permit changes to bring the Elysian brand and experience to life.”

Kevin Beirne, head of retirement at Octopus Real Estate, which supports the new retirement development of the old Aviva depot, said it was delivering a good return for investors.

He explained, “This latest acquisition emphasizes our belief that retiree communities provide investors with solid returns and an opportunity to create a positive impact for our aging society by delivering beautifully designed and sustainable real estate. “

Despite this, the new complex is just over a mile from the £ 80million Belvedere project which had been assigned to the ABC site but was not deemed able to provide ‘positive feedback’ to its. owner.

The planned ‘live later’ movie site on Mount Pleasant Road was originally developed by the site’s former owners, Altitude, who sold the land with its building permit to Prime Finance in 2018.

Prime Finance partnered with Elysian Residences to build and manage the luxury retirement village, which would have been complemented by a boutique cinema, shops and a restaurant.

During the pandemic, Elysian told the Times they were “evaluating their plans” for the site before being forced to withdraw in October of last year.

Prime Finance has put the land up for sale again for £ 17million.

By writing in this week’s printed copy of TimesTunbridge Wells Borough Council Deputy Chief David Scott said the council was in constant talks with Prime Finance about the site.

He said: “The Board meets with owners at every opportunity to explore solutions and lobby for development.

“The owner continues to actively work on his options, but his need for a positive ROI remains. “

TWO DECADES OF FRUSTRATION

Elysian’s decision underlines just how unattractive the former ABC Cinema land in Tunbridge Wells is to potential investors.

The site has been abandoned since 2000, when the house of images closed. Since then it has passed many hands, but remains an abandoned place in the center of the city.

Chronology

2000 ABC Cinema is closing its doors after operating in Tunbridge Wells for 80 years.

2004 The site is acquired by GLN Copenhagen but despite a planning investigation, the company does not submit any formal plan.

2008 Rydall Properties acquires the land and obtains approval for a mixed-use development.

2011 Bellhouse Joseph / Carlye acquires the site and submits plans for a new project.

2013 Hope looms on the horizon as Bellhouse Joseph demolishes the old cinema.

2015 Two years later, the site is back on the market.

2016 Altitude Immobilier acquires the site.

2018 Altitude obtains a new agreement for mixed-use development.

2019 The land is bought by Prime Finance, which joins forces with Elysian Residences, which bases its development project on Altitude’s building permit.

2020 The planned development of the site should begin but the Covid-19 leads to the suspension of work. Elysian Residences are beginning to “assess” their plans in the aftermath of the pandemic before withdrawing. The site is then put back on the market.

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STAR: A Warwick Park in Tunbridge Wells

August 20, 2021

An independent hotel in Tunbridge Wells has received a coveted Silver Rating.

The 4-star One Warwick Park hotel has received an additional rating from the AA Automotive Organization, which assigns ratings that are applied as a common standard in the UK.

The award comes following an inspection last week by the automotive organization.

Inspector Mike Pedley praised the team’s “great customer focus”, service delivery and “good selection of well-cooked and presented food.”

One Warwick Park Hotel, which is part of the Elite Leisure collection which also owns the Times, has gone through a number of changes over the past 18 months, including the appointment of a new COO, Martin Garner.

He said: “We are delighted to maintain our overall 4 star status at the hotel and achieve an impressive score even higher than in our previous inspection.

“We have worked tirelessly to focus our attention on customer travel and the overall experience, and we are delighted with the results.

“We look forward to the next 12 months and an even greater future for the company.”

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by Richard Williams | August 6, 2021

Two event promoters who refunded more than £ 100,000 to ticket holders last year after the festivals were canceled have bounced back with a new lineup of summer events in Tunbridge Wells. The duo also invite others to use the show’s facilities for free.

Mark Davis, from Blackpool, has been hosting festivals in the city with his partner Nicky Chanot for over five years, both at Hop Farm and Colebrook Park. Last year, due to the virus, her summer schedule had to be canceled.

Mark said: “We have spent five years working hard to cement ourselves in Tunbridge Wells and we are really passionate about the community.

“All of our events are family-friendly and designed specifically for the people here, and over the years we have felt really accepted in the city and felt a real love for ourselves and what we do, especially with organizations charities that we support.

“When the virus hit, it was just unimaginable. We had to pay back a six figure sum, but we knew that if we gave up we would lose everything we worked for.

Now that the restrictions are lifted, promoters have lined up a slew of new festivals at Colebrook Park, including Love Forever [August 13-15], featuring the Stereo MCs and 808 State; Hangover love [August 22], which features dozens of funk, soul and hip hop acts; plus the Alfresco electronic music festival [Aug 27-29].

Mark and Nicky also work closely with local charities in the city and are setting up Tree of Life. [August 18-19] offering artistic, creative and interactive experiences for children and their families – with all proceeds going to the Nourish Community Food Bank, as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Demelza children’s charity.

However, he says, when the events don’t unfold, his equipment and soundstage remain empty.

“This is a waste, so we are issuing an open invitation to anyone who wants to have a festival or event in Tunbridge Wells in August to come and use our site and our equipment when we are not using them, as they will simply be inactive. . “

He said anyone who wants to fundraise for good causes with an event can take advantage of their large tent, sound system and other infrastructure.

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