Podcasts about tunbridge wells

This week on The Write Place Podcast, I'm joined by bestselling psychological thriller author Lesley Kara, whose debut novel The Rumour became a Sunday Times bestseller and was later adapted for television.We talk about her latest novel, Troublemaker, a tense psychological thriller set in Tunbridge Wells, and explore how grief, vulnerability and doubt shape both her characters and her storytelling.Lesley shares:The real-life influences behind TroublemakerWhy short chapters matter in suspense fictionWhat it was really like seeing The Rumour adapted for TVThe business realities of commercial publishingWriting her debut at 55 and why it's never too lateHow social media became a creative outlet rather than a choreIt's a practical, honest conversation about craft, resilience and staying visible in a competitive market.About Lesley KaraLesley Kara is the Sunday Times bestselling author of multiple psychological thrillers including The Rumour, Who Did You Tell?, The Other Tenant and her latest novel Troublemaker.Her debut, The Rumour, was a breakout success and has since been adapted for television. Lesley lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and began her publishing career in her mid-fifties after years of writing and perseverance.Topics CoveredWriting lean prose in psychological suspenseStructuring novels using three-act structureManaging pressure after a commercial breakthroughAdapting novels for screenBalancing creativity with the business of publishingBuilding community and reach through InstagramLate-start writing careersLinks

A driver has issued an urgent warning to Kent residents selling vehicles online after ruthless “black oil” scammers sabotaged his car.The Folkestone man says conmen posing as buyers distracted him while secretly pouring oil on the engine of his Mercedes in a calculated bid to convince him it was worthless.Also in today's podcast, an inquest has heard a much-loved dad died after being crushed by a concrete drain at the construction site he was working on. Joe Heath was helping build a new logistics centre for COOK Classic in the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne when his death occurred. Angry residents say their new-build homes have been “ruined” by a spiked metal fence installed just feet from their windows.Homeowners and council tenants at the Woodlands development in Broad Oak, near Canterbury, told KentOnline they now feel like prisoners.People living in a country lane are fed up with flooding on the road outside their homes – but there's no obvious cause. There is a section of Vicarage Lane in East Farleigh that floods every time it rains and then remains flooded for days afterwards.And in sport, Tunbridge Wells' Matt Weston is a double Olympic champion - and a history maker twice over - after steering Team GB to victory in a dramatic inaugural team skeleton event at Milano Cortina.Following a record-breaking victory in the men's event, Weston once again proved he is the world's best with a storming run with he and his partner topping the podium in a landmark moment for British sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Faversham dad is demanding answers after his street was one of the only ones not to be upgraded to full-fibre broadband.Harry Mustoe-Playfair lives on Beech Close and says he's limited to Fibre to the Cabinet, which is an increasingly outdated technology.The fabric printing business owner and his wife both work from home, making fast and reliable internet essential. Harry's been telling the podcast how he feels left in the dark-ages.Also in today's podcast, people living in shared ownership flats in Tunbridge Wells have been told they'll have to pay thousands of pounds for safety work on their balconies.Residents of the Town and Country Housing properties in Greggs Wood Road claim there's been a lack of consultation over contractors, and only one quote.The MP for Tunbridge Wells hopes a new campaign will stop lorries getting stuck in a village high street.Goudhurst has been used as a cut through for HGVs over the past 15 years, but they often get stuck.Mike Martin has successfully petitioned Satnav companies to change their data so trucks won't use the route, but one or two still take the risk. He's been telling the podcast how we can all get involved.Work is due to start this month to replace a bridge on an historic railway line in Kent.The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells runs over the Broom Lane Bridge, between High Rocks and Groombridge which has corroded.Volunteers are raising more than £400,000 for the installation of the replacement and are staging a fundraiser next month.In sport, Ronan Hale opened his account at Gillingham as they beat Tranmere Rovers.The January signing scored both goals in the 2-1 victory at Priestfield on Saturday - hear from the striker and manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just weeks after thousands of homes in Tunbridge Wells were left without water, it's been revealed how much bills will be going up by.From April, customers of under-fire South East Water will have to pay £21 more following a 7% hike.The town's MP says residents are 'paying the price for years of underinvestment', while the company say it'll fund improvements including a new reservoir. We've got reaction from the chief executive of the business improvement district in Tunbridge Wells.Also in today's podcast, a Sheppey family fear their son won't have a suitable school place in September, after education bosses refused to assess his special needs.Raie was diagnosed with autism when he was three, and his parents want him to get an education, health and care plan before he leaves Queenborough nursery. Hear from mum Natalie Jacobs who has been speaking to reporter Joe Crossley.The KentOnline Podcast has been told the probation service covering Kent is still significantly understaffed, but improvements are starting to be made in keeping the public safe.Inspectors have been looking at how inmates are dealt with after they leave jail - for the first time since a damning report in 2024. Hear from Martin Jones who is the chief inspector of probation.A Kent MP has been been telling us how important it is for everyone to eat more locally produced food in 2026.Sir Roger Gale, who represents Herne Bay and Sandwich, says crucial farmland is being lost to housing.And in sport, Gillingham have finally completed a deal to sign international striker Ronan Hale.The 27-year-old is joining for an undisclosed fee from Scottish Championship side Ross County.He's previously played for Northern Ireland and scored 18 goals for his club last season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The devastated family of a former shopping centre manager say life will never be the same following his death - aged just 41.Gareth Tyrrell, a familiar and popular face across Ashford, ran the Park Mall complex for 15 years, where he was known for stopping to chat with traders and shoppers.Also in today's podcast, a campaign group in Tunbridge Wells say they're determined to make sure the town's recent water issues stay on the agenda. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without water in major outages in recent months – last night bosses from South East Water declined to attend a council scrutiny meeting. There are calls from a Kent MP for the government to do more to help young people into work. Helen Whately told the commons there are nearly one million young people are not in education, work or training and 700,000 university graduates are on benefits. Figures seen by the KentOnline Podcast show one town is facing a shortfall of 1,765 secondary school places by 2033.But while most new housing developers in Maidstone are being asked to contribute towards the cost of expanding school capacity to meet the demand, at least one site of 272 homes doesn't have to pay a thing.And a 16-year-old skateboarder is raising funds to set up a 14-foot ramp at his local park help him achieve his Olympic dreams.The teen already competes across the world and has hopes of kickflipping his way to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andy's returned from The Ashes and is back in the News Quiz chair. He's come home to a selection of defections, some serious U-turning and 30,000 properties without water in his hometown of Tunbridge Wells. He was only away for one week! Helping Andy make sense of it all is Susie McCabe, Paul Sinha, Cindy Yu and Scott Bennett.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Eleanor Morton and Dee Allum Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

A restaurant boss who built an illegal outdoor dining area before “gaslighting” authorities for years with promises to pull it down has been fined and ordered to pay court costs totalling more than £40,000.The glass-fronted enclosure outside A La Turka in Herne Bay was put up in 2019, despite there only being planning permission for awnings.Also in today's podcast, a public meeting's been held in Tunbridge Wells to discuss the recent water crisis.Around 100 people showed up last night to express their frustrations following a number of outages before and after Christmas.Controversial plans for a solar farm have been approved - despite residents warning it will despoil a “historic, rural agricultural landscape”.Covering 40 hectares - roughly the size of 55 football pitches - the site on Romney Marsh is currently used to grow crops.A sports and social club with more than 650 members will close at the end of the month.The facility in Maidstone is set to shut following a “difficult decision” by the organisation that runs it to cease its affiliation.And a school with pupils from more than 80 nationalities has launched a community campaign to celebrate togetherness and belonging.  Ashford's John Wallis Academy has put up flags, banners and posters around its grounds – you can hear from their Head who says it's come at a time when we know the world is increasingly divided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Chinese takeaway was forced to close after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to the shop.Police were called to the restaurant in Tunbridge Wells after a man went inside and lay down on the floor, before smashing up screens and equipment. Also in today's podcast, a group of doctors are calling for better resilience within NHS IT systems after a major outage affected GP surgeries across Kent.Medics were unable to access patient details, appointment lists or process prescriptions on Monday and health bosses say it's led to a huge backlog. A councillor who struggles to speak after developing motor neurone disease is using pioneering AI technology to communicate using his own voice.Nick Varley, who represents Kippington on Sevenoaks district and town councils, made recordings of himself speaking, which were used to train the AI to produce an accurate copy of his voice.Protesters held a large banner demanding “Keep your hands off Rays Bottom” as they voiced their anger over plans for a new housing estate.More than 300 letters of objection have been lodged in little over a month against proposals to build 75 houses on farmland near Deal.And an ice cream man who “gambled” on serving scoops when work dried up during the pandemic is in the running for a top national award. You can hear from the Rainham resident who runs Bossie's Ice Creams' who told us he's excited to have his hard work recognised.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Prime Minister says the US is "completely wrong" to threaten tariffs over Greenland. We'll hear a reaction from UK business and assess how Europe should respond. After a bombshell week in Westminster - Ken Clarke assesses the fight for the right. We'll hear a call for more civility in British public life, we'll test the taps in Tunbridge Wells and ask have we reached peak dogs in pubs?

A woman who died in a motorbike crash in Kent just days before Christmas has been remembered as 'loving and free spirited'.Syntia Franczak is thought to have been the pillion passenger on the bike that was involved in a collision on the A228 Pembury Northern Bypass on December 20th. Hear from reporter Joe Crossley who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, we've got an update on the water supply issues that have been affecting Kent over the past week.The taps are flowing again in Tunbridge Wells but not before a calf died of suspected dehydration at a farm.The Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP is leading calls for the government to treat gambling as a public health emergency.Kevin McKenna has hosted a debate in Westminster Hall addressing how problem gambling has long lasting and serious impacts on children.Meantime, the Dartford MP has spoken in the commons about the importance of investment in grassroots sports facilities.An entrepreneur is about to embark on a new venture - opening the first Caribbean takeaway restaurant in Maidstone.Mitchell Bennett has spent the last 15 years as a music promoter presenting Garage National events at venues across the town.And in sport, bottom of the table Newport County are the visitors to Priestfield this weekend.Gillingham have gone two weeks without a game after their match with Notts County was postponed because of a frozen pitch, hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former chancellor Nadim Zahawi surprise defection to reform, the lack of water in Tunbridge Wells continues, and how much are your vet bills?

New figures which show even primary school children in Kent are being suspended for substance misuse have been described as “heartbreaking”.More and more students are being pulled out of the classroom as shock new statistics reveal a significant rise in under-18s being treated for addiction problems — including use of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy. Also in today's podcast, schools are closed again today and thousands of residents are still without supplies as the Kent water crisis continues.South East Water confirmed 25,000 customers still have issues including in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Whitstable following a breakout of leaks and bursts across their network.Bosses have declared a critical incident at a hospital due to a sudden “high demand” for its services.East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement due to sustained pressures at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.An historic former library described as a town's “most treasured community asset” is set to be auctioned off by Kent County Council sparking fury among residents.The site in Folkestone has been closed since 2022 because of flood damage - with the authority expected to make a decision to sell it today. And money is on offer to independent business in Maidstone to improve their shopfronts. It's part of council plans to make the town centre more appealing and draw shoppers away from the online market.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A major incident has been declared as disruption to water supplies has forced some Kent schools to close.Homes and businesses in areas including Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Canterbury have been affected. Hear from a Pembury resident who didn't have water over the weekend.Also in today's podcast, bosses in Medway could be pushed into using exceptional financial support from the government after their funding increase wasn't as big as expected.Under the new Fair Funding Settlement, the council anticipated a significant increase, but the provisional one still leaves a shortfall of almost £8 million.A mum from Tunbridge Wells whose son has Spinal Muscular Atrophy is backing calls from Jesy Nelson for earlier screening.The Little Mix star's seven-month old twin girls have been diagnosed with the condition - which affects breathing, swallowing and muscle control.A Kent MP says plans to change the criminal justice system are essential for victims, defendants and the people who work in it.Most recent stats show a backlog of around 80,000 crown court cases in England. We've been speaking to Chatham and Aylesford's Tris Osborne.A former Kent soldier has spoken to the podcast for the first time since completing a challenge to climb the seven highest peaks on all seven continents.Hari Budha Magar lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan and uses specially adapted prosthetics.And in sport, Chatham Town are through to the fifth round of the FA Trophy.It's the first time they've reached this stage of the competition and follows a 1-0 victory over National League side Carlisle United. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sean Farrington talks to a former postmaster for his thoughts on Horizon computer boss's appearance before MPs yesterday. Why won't Fujitsu say how much they'll contribute to the Post Office redress scheme? South East Water was also in front of MP's yesterday following a water outage in Tunbridge Wells which left thousands of homes without drinking water. We check back in with a business owner whose bar was left high and dry. And, the physical music market continued its resurgence in 2025. We talk to one of the UK's only cassette shops, to see what they think of the comeback.

A waste company has apologised after workers were filmed taking a homeless woman's possessions from outside a store in Dover, and dumping them in their truck.Footage at KentOnline shows the Veolia staff removing a mattress and personal items from outside the Boots store in the town centre. Hear from reporter Millie Bowles who has been covering the story.Also in today's podcast, people living in Tunbridge Wells woke up to another day of water issues earlier. South East Water say a series of bursts at one of their sites was to blame.It comes after boss David Hinton faced MP's yesterday over an outage that left customers without supplies for two weeks in the lead up to Christmas. He has faced further calls to resign from local MP Mike Martin.There are suggestions the Port of Ramsgate could open up again, to help relieve pressure on Kent's roads.Plans are reportedly under consideration as part of the preparations to reopen Manston Airport for freight. But, this comes as Thanet District Council are looking to reduce the amount of money they have to invest to keep the facilities in working condition.A hard hitting play written in Kent about young people and mobile phones is being performed in parliament.Generation FOMO is based on interviews and conversations with students at schools and at the Uni of Kent.A new event space has opened up in Folkestone, taking over a site that's been abandoned for the last 50 years.The Loft is situated on the upper floor of the Petticoat Emporium which opened it June last year but the building had previously been home to M&S and Wilko.And finally, the KentOnline Podcast has been hearing how Kent's only greyhound racing track has managed to survive when so many others have shut down.Central Park in Sittingbourne has been running dog races since 1994. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A pub landlord says government changes to business rates mean he will need to sell an extra 130,000 pints a year.He has four venues across Canterbury and says he will have to cough up an extra £64,000 annually to cover increased costs.Also in today's podcast, police have confirmed a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were killed when a blue Ford Fiesta left the road in Iwade. We've spoken to someone who works nearby to where the crash happened on Saturday night. The boss of a water company which left 24,000 homes and businesses without drinking water over a two-week period has faced MPs in Parliament today.South East Water boss David Hinton has given himself a  mark out of ten for how he handled the Tunbridge Wells water outage before Christmas.A woman who nearly died from anorexia but was pulled back from the brink has written a book and started a podcast to try to help others.Things were so bad for Annie O'Quigley that her partner threatened to leave her as he “couldn't watch someone die” in front of him.And you can hear from the Ashford MP who says bringing international trains back to the town remains his “top priority” in 2026.Sojan Joseph, who was elected last year, says restarting services in Ashford would benefit the town in a “big way”. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thousands more customers than previously thought have been left out of pocket after a Canterbury-based online store went into administration.Documents show almost 5,000 people are owed around £160,000 pounds following the collapse of Huh. Ltd.Also in today's episode, it's feared bird flu could be continuing to spread in Kent as more cases of dead swans are reported.In the latest distressing video a bird can be seen refusing to leave the side of its dead partner. More than 50 swans are now understood to have died in Canterbury and Thanet.We've been asking Kent's MPs what their priorities are for the new year, and Jim Dickson has told us he's hoping 2026 is the year catapults are reclassified as an offensive weapon.The Dartford rep says he's spoken to the Home Office minister, and a round table discussion is due to get underway in the next few months.Meantime, for Tunbridge Wells rep Mike Martin - his main focus will be on housebuilding, to take the pressure off the housing and rental markets.It comes as the borough council has approved it's Local Plan, which will see around 600 new homes built each year until 2038.A new programme's been launched to support long-term unemployed adults in Ashford.Upcycle Your Skills looks to help people boost their confidence and access local job opportunities.The scheme is being run by CXK with support from Ashford Borough Council and SUEZ.We've been hearing from some of those who were recognised in the King's New Year honours over the festive break.Hear from the boss of a west Kent charity and also a man who started his first business when he was just 11.And finally, a group of dancers from a small village in Medway will be representing England at the 2026 Dance World Cup.The Performance Hub is a studio in Cliffe which is new to competing - but they've reached the finals of the international dance event on their first attempt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, orthodontist Zaid Esmail opens up about what really matters in patient care—and it's not just straight teeth. From calling every patient the week after fitting braces to navigating the tension between NHS pragmatism and private practice perfectionism, Zaid reveals why communication trumps technique every time. He shares the terrifying moment a patient swallowed a spring mid-treatment, the legal nightmare of inventing an orthodontic device, and why he built an online academy to teach GDPs the skills they're inevitably going to use anyway. Plus, there's an honest take on conference culture, overtreatment trends, and why he refuses to become the kind of orthodontist who needs cases to pay bills. Want 10% off Zaid's Online Orthodontic Academy course and mentorship? Use code DLPOD10 at https://onlineorthodonticacademy.co.uk/In This Episode00:01:20 - What makes a great orthodontist 00:06:25 - Why he'll never own a fully private practice 00:14:40 - From Iraq to Wales via dental school 00:28:00 - Teaching philosophy and the dangers of weekend courses 00:37:50 - Where GDPs go wrong with orthodontics 00:41:45 - Building the Online Orthodontic Academy 00:52:50 - Blackbox thinking 00:58:05 - Inventing the Eruptor device 01:16:45 - Conference culture and the problem with celebrity orthodontists 01:24:10 - Fantasy dinner party 01:27:10 - Last days and legacyAbout Zaid EsmailZaid Esmail is an orthodontist working at Grosvenor House Orthodontic Practice in Tunbridge Wells, part of the Bupa Dental Care group. He runs the Online Orthodontic Academy, providing diploma-level training and case mentorship for dentists looking to incorporate orthodontics into their practice. Zaid also invented the Eruptor, a device for managing partially erupted teeth. Follow him on Instagram at @onlineorthoacademy and @zaid_mails.

It's panto season and panto villains don't come much bigger than Simon Cowell.The music mogul's made a career and fortune playing the Bad Guy on TV talent shows. But is there more to him - and crucially, is it good PR for him to show a different side?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis wade through the blizzard of publicity created ahead of Simon Cowell's latest show - to piece together a PR jigsaw that hints at his attempts to stay relevant while also offering glimpses into his world that he may not have intended.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, what happens when a CEO goes missing in action? The good people of Tunbridge Wells are once again disgusted - following a drinking water crisis in the spa town. And their mood has not been helped by the boss of South Eastern Water, David Hinton, refusing to give any interviews. If the buck stops with you, do you have a duty to show your face in public - or can there be very good reasons for staying invisible when everything is going wrong?Also, what is going on at HSBC? There's a distinct whiff of chaos around the search for a new CEO. George Osborne had been heavily touted, only for the job to be given to a 76-year-old internal candidate who, by all accounts, might not be hanging around for long. Given it's one of the most prestigious roles in global finance, where is the succession planning? And what does all this confusion at the top mean for the bank's reputation?Producer: Duncan MIddleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve StreeterMusic by Eclectic Sounds. A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

Victims' families have spoken out about their relief after a jury found a special needs school teaching assistant guilty of child cruelty.The 46-year-old was found to have subjected four pupils to acts of physical abuse that included pinching, hitting and spitting at them.Also in today's podcast, a fresh appeal to find those responsible for the brutal murder of a pensioner more than four decades ago has been issued.Esme Hoad was found dead in her home in Tonbridge in1982, after concerned neighbours reported she had not been seen for several days – you can hear from Detective Inspector Lee Neiles. Angry residents near Dover have made their feelings clear as lorry park developers paid a visit - with banners warning they were “not welcome here”.Other blunt messages displayed in West Hougham included: “Truck off. Do we look like a village that will back down?”You can hear from a teenager who was hit by a car and dragged from the pavement onto a verge as she calls for safety measures at a “dangerous” roundabout.The 17-year-old had just stepped off a bus in Challock and was heading home from sixth form when she heard tyres screech.And, a Kent woman has shared her story of beating the odds two decades after she was diagnosed with a rare cancer.Demie Lawson Wood was told she had neuroblastoma in 2004 when she was just six, but says the care she received while having treatment is what has inspired her to become a paediatric nurse.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NHS staff at two Kent Trusts have been invited to resign as part of plans to cut costs.Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Medway NHS Foundation Trust are offering severance payouts to try and address financial challenges.Also in today's podcast, people in Tunbridge Wells are still being told to boil their water before drinking it - more than a week after being hit with supply issues.24,000 properties have been impacted by a problem at the Pembury treatment works. Meantime, the town's MP is calling on government to provide Covid-style support to businesses affected by the supply issues.Mike Martin has written to the Water Minister calling for £18.5 million. He's been speaking to our reporter Charlotte Phillips.A woman in Sheerness is appealing for action to stop dog walkers leaving their pet's mess on a walkway leading to the beach.Anne Tiller says she has to constantly dodge mounds of poo on the path in Marine Parade during her daily walks.We've been invited to take a look inside the word's first mirco-pub which opened in Kent twenty years ago.The Butcher's Arms, in Herne, was founded by Martyn Hillier in 2005 who'd always fantasised about a pub without TVs, mobile phones, food queues and smoking. He's been chatting to reporter James Pallant.In sport, the boss of a Kent karting circuit says it was fantastic to see Lando Norris win the Formula One world title yesterday.The 26 year-old regularly competed at Buckmore Park in Chatham as a youngster.Football, and it was another point for Gillingham in league two at the weekend.They held Colchester United to a goalless draw away from home - we've got reaction from manager Gareth Ainsworth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Felicity Hannah hears from the boss of Waterstones and gets an update from Tunbridge Wells.Elsewhere, the reviews website Trustpilot's share price has PLUNGED by almost 30%, wiping more than £200 million pounds from its value. We ask what's happening to the FTSE 250-listed firm.And it's the Christmas tradition that's become a global multi-million-dollar franchise - Fliss speaks to one of the founders of the company behind The Elf on the Shelf.

Sean Farrington hears about the business of cricket as the 2nd Ashes Test match commences. We speak to a business owner in Tunbridge Wells as water outages persist for thousands of properties. And what does the future hold for Britain's Nuclear industry? We find out.

A huge development of 257 flats has been thrown into doubt after a construction firm went into administration, leaving huge blocks unfinished.The £62.3 million scheme was underway to build the homes close to Ashford town centre but work has now ground to a halt. Also in today's podcast, we'll bring you an update as the water crisis in Tunbridge Wells enters its sixth day. Thousand of homes and businesses are still without water and thousands more are being asked to boil water from their taps before drinking it – you can hear from the Head of Water Quality at South East Water. The dramatic moment police arrested a knifeman who had exposed himself in front of multiple people has been caught on camera. Officers pursued him on foot after he approached a group of strangers in Faversham and threw a bin at a man plus a glass at a teenager.Drivers are having to find CCTV to prove they have been incorrectly fined for overstaying in a shopping complex car park.Shoppers say they have been hit with £100 penalty notices at Neats Court in error after parking at the site for consecutive days. And a Kent man who was made redundant during Covid has launched his own even space in Chatham.When Scott Tulloch won a Kent and Medway Food and Drink award last year after starting Larry's Mobile Bar he told the judges he wanted to expand and that's just what he's done.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're getting into the groove of doing video podcasts now, and today we have another mixed bag of questions. They include the tax implications of moving abroad, whether to start a pension in your 60's, whether it's possible for a pension fund to be too big and lots more besides! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA34    01:24  Question 1 Hi Pete and Roger Thanks for the fantastic podcast, YouTube videos (and book) I have learnt so much. My question is essentially about whether to overpay my mortgage or invest. I have watched Pete's videos on this subject but just wanted to check if my situation changes anything. I'm a 41 year old Firefighter and I am in the Firefighters Pension Scheme. I am recently divorced and as such have had to start again with a 25 year mortgage currently fixed for 5 years at 4.1%. Essentially should I focus on overpaying this mortgage so that it is definitely paid off by the time I am 60 (When I can retire from the Fire service) as I already have the DB Firefighters Pension. Or would I still be better to invest this money in a stocks and shares ISA and use it to pay off the mortgage at a later date? My disposable income for whichever option would be around £200 a month. Lastly I will probably continue working past 60 yrs old but it may be in a different profession as by that age I may not feel like dragging hose and climbing ladders anymore! Thanks again, James   05:33  Question 2 Hi Pete and Roger, I've been listening to your brilliant podcast since COVID, so around 5 years now and always look forward to the new episode coming out. I don't really have a financial related question for you, more some advice... I've tried to educate my daughter on personal finance and I think she now has a good grasp and is interested in becoming a financial advisor. She is now 19, has decent A levels and has just completed an Art foundation course. She has University offers for September which she has deferred as she really doesn't want to go! We live in West Kent (nr Tunbridge Wells) and I've been looking for trainee, bottom of the rung, Financial advisor jobs for her but I can't seem to find anything. She could commute to London, if required but would rather stay local if possible. Do either of you have any suggestions about how she might be able to get into the industry? We're happy to pay for courses of that helps her but not sure what would be best. Sorry for the long email, any advice would be very gratefully received. All the best and keep up the great work Matt and Belle Hart   13:23  Question 3 Hello to Pete and Rog, Thanks for the podcast so far, my family is in a much sounder financial footing since I've started putting into action some of the basics you've spoken about previously. ISAs, pensions and insurance all ticking along nicely now - thanks to you! I have a question about my pension, is it possible to add too much? My thoughts are, if my pension pot in today's money is worth £1.25m when I retire, I can take the 250k tax free and £40k a year thereafter, anymore than this and I would be paying 40% tax on my drawings. Are there benefits I'm missing of having a larger pot (say £2m)? Not one I need to worry about yet, if at all, but it's always puzzled me! Many thanks for the content, keep up the good work and enjoy the sunshine this weekend! Adam   18:30  Question 4 Hi Pete & Rog, Have been a long time listener and have loved your double act with the self effacing banter alongside sound, sensible guidance on the minefield that personal finance can often seem to be. Listening whilst walking the dog is like chewing the fat down the pub with a couple of great friends, So my situation is this... 47 years old, married with two kids (11/14). Myself and my wife both have good jobs, own jointly (own names) 8 x BTL properties generating a profit. Equity in Portfolio is about £400k Portfolio was built to provide additional income and to support us in retirement (either the income or by selling) We have our own home (mortgaged) and are in the process of moving to a bigger place as we're growing out of where we are. This will come with a bigger mortgage as we're scaling up so to minimise the increase in monthly payments we're increasing the term back to our state retirement ages (which is a bit depressing!). So our ideal plan is to have the "choice" to semi retire / work as much or little as we want by age 57 - so around 10 years from now but we are not sure whether this is realistic and the best way to set things up to achieve it if it is. We would probably still work part-time beyond 57 but would want to have other sources of income that could support a comfortable lifestyle. To add to the complexity, but in a good way, I'm also in the process of changing jobs and the new job comes with a £20k pa pay rise and a matched pension at 6%. This is obviously lower than my current employers scheme but I plan to at least match what currently goes into my current employer pension one way or the other. So after what must be one of the longest pre-ambles you've ever read here are my question(s): In terms of where we are now do you think getting to a position where we have a choice to retire/semi retire in 10 years is realistic and what are the key things we should be doing now ten years out taking into account our circumstances? How would you approach the pension situation with my change of employer, my thought was to make contributions to my private pension to cover the overall reduction (9% matched to 6% matched) between employers so that I'm still putting in 18% overall. I think I may be able to put as much as I like into my new employers scheme though (but they'll only match 6%) so would this be a better option? In terms of our mortgage in 10 years it will still be around £350k so we would want to reduce this significantly or even pay off in full at that point. My thought was to sell 5-6 of the BTL's over 5 years leading up to age 57 to pay it down however this obviously reduces our passive income from the portfolio and we'd pay a chunk of CGT along the way. Are there any better ways of achieving the same result? I hope I haven't broken any rules around length of email and number of questions, I can only hope you'll treat this with your customary humour and patience! Keep up the great work guys. Best Regards, Nick 25:15  Question 5 Hello Pete and Roger -I'd like to say how your podcast has really helped me to focus on preparing for retirement ,so thank you . My question is I'm in my early 60,s I have 2 x Db pensions which will pay about £22000 Pa immediately if I choose , a full state pension at 67 and I have no mortgage and cash savings of £235000 half of which is in cash ISAs. My DB Pensions and state pension will be enough for my life style . I may move home next year hence the large cash savings and also because I recently divorced and that's how the settlement added to that figure. It was a coercive relationship and I'm so worried now I hold too much cash as I never had my own money to invest in a pension. Prior to the marriage and children I did work and pay into a pension which will provide half of the DB pension as stated earlier but that all stopped when I married. Should I start a personal pension now so close to retirement if I know I'll have spare cash to pay the max £3600 inc tax relief to take advantage of the tax relief and build up a pot not for income necessarily but for care home fees /inheritance tax costs for my two young adult children? Or shouldn't I worry? Many thanks for your help. Charlotte. 30:13  Question 6 Dear Pete and Rog, Thank you so much for your incredibly valuable podcast. I've learned a great deal from it and really appreciate the clarity and insight you bring to complex financial topics. Can't wait for the Youtube version to finally see what Rog looks like!  I had a question that I hope you might be able to shed some light on. My wife is from Slovakia, and we're likely to retire there in the future with our two children. I understand that capital gains tax and inheritance tax are both zero in Slovakia. However, I've read that UK-situs assets remain within the scope of UK inheritance tax even after leaving the UK, and that these would seem to include UK-domiciled OEICs such as the Vanguard LifeStrategy 100% fund, which I currently hold in a general investment account. Would it therefore make sense to consider switching from the LifeStrategy 100% UK domiciled fund to an Ireland-domiciled ETF such as the Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWRP)? Would doing so resolve the issue of UK IHT exposure on those Situs assets? Or transferring the UK OEICs to a global investment platform, would that work (seems too easy to be true)? Any other tips to look into before making the big move abroad? Thank you very much again for your time, and for all the invaluable information you share! Please keep it going ! Best regards, John  

South East Water customers in Tunbridge Wells are being told to boil water coming out of their taps, if they want to drink it.We're now into a fifth day of major supply issues in the town - affecting 24-thousand properties – we've been speaking to people as they queue to collect bottles of water. Also in today's podcast, a murder probe has been launched after a man was fatally stabbed in a residential street.Police and paramedics were called to Thorold Road in Chatham in the early hours of yesterday morning and have been working alongside forensic experts. You can hear from a dad who has received a £390,000 payout from an electrical firm following a long-running dispute over the cause of a devastating fire that tore through his family home.David Sercombe carried his daughter, Brontë, through thick black smoke when the blaze erupted at their seven-bed detached house near Hythe.Bodycam footage has captured the moment officers arrested a suspected thief - after a stolen van on cloned planes was stopped by police.Officers spotted the Volkswagen Transporter in Folkestone – the van had been reported in the Swindon area of Wiltshire around the same time, prompting officers to view the vehicle as “suspicious”. And holiday park bosses say a decision to refuse residents permission to stay there all year round will make 400 people homeless.The operators of Kent Parks on the Isle of Sheppey had requested permission for caravan owners to use the holiday accommodation as their permanent homes on a temporary basis, due to a “deeply challenging” situation emerging at the site. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carolyn Forster is a quilt designer, teacher and author from Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Since self-publishing her first book, “Quilting On the Go” in 2007 Carolyn has gone on to write many more patchwork and quilting books with Search Press in the UK and Landauer Publishing in the USA.She has been a regular project contributor for magazines in the UK, including Todays Quilter, as well as abroad.Carolyn's quilts are an eclectic mix of fabrics, a posh way to say she makes scrappy quilts, and they always have their roots from some point in the past, being inspired by quilt makers who have gone before us. Accessibility is Carolyn's key philosophy with her teaching, demystifying techniques to allow every quilter to discover their own voice.Carolyn combines her passion for travel and teaching, having been a regular teacher at Quilt Festival Houston, as well as for The American Quilters Society. She continues teaching in the UK exploring new areas and meeting new quilters both at home and abroad and is a textiles tutor for the craft holiday company Stitchtopia.Carolyn's website is https://www.carolynforster.co.uk/ Instagram is @quiltingonthegoSchool of Stitched Textiles www.sofst.org

The Tunbridge Wells MP is calling on the boss of South East Water to resign after thousands of people in the town were left without water.Problems started over the weekend following an issue at a treatment plant in Pembury. It's also had an impact on businesses - hear from the landlady of a pub who was forced to cancel a Christmas event.Also in today's podcast, the leader of Maidstone council says he's not surprised more younger voters are turning to the Green Party.It's as there are suggestions support for the Green's from those aged 18 to 25 has doubled.There's been mixed reaction to plans to build almost 300 homes on a golf course in part of the Kent coast.Developers want to put houses and apartments on the land next to the Hythe Imperial hotel as they says it's 'under-utilised'.Donations that could potentially save the life of a homeless person are being collected by a Kent charity in the run-up to Christmas.Emmaus Dover are filling up so called Blessing Bags to hand out to people in need.And in sport, Kent's Zak Crawley's kept his place in the England team for the second Ashes Test.He'll open the batting against Australia - despite failing to score in both innings of the first game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A town is mourning the death of a much-loved former pub landlord - described by many as a “true legend”.Father-of-four Archie Dryden died just one week after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Also in today's podcast, a Tunbridge Wells dad has spoken openly about his experience of psychosis following a collapse in his mental health.Jamie Walker says things spiralled after the loss of his business, breakdown of his marriage, a bereavement, ADHD diagnosis and battle with alcoholism.A Kent campaigner is urging us to call out mysogyny, sexist language and cat calling as 16 days of action gets underway to tackle violence against women and girls.It's White Ribbon Day and ambassador Martin Mathews is the focus of a national portrait series to raise awareness.Fed-up villagers say it's “appalling” that more than £100,000 has been spent on bridge repairs for damage they believe is entirely preventable through a reduced speed limit or traffic calming measures.You can hear from pub owner Jonathan Woodbridge who says he's lost £5,000 a week in trade. And we've spoken to a young girl from Kent who you can catch on the big screen in Wicked: For Good. 10-year-old Matilda Williams was chosen out of hundreds of children to appear in the blockbuster and she's told us all about it.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Developers who wanted to rebuild a cherished country pub which burnt down after being struck by lightning say they've had to “abandon the dream” after costs “ballooned”.Plans to restore The Green Man were approved in April, with the intention of renting it to someone who would create a nice community pub.Also in today's podcast, an XL bully owner agreed to have nine puppies put down when police warned him of the kennel costs he faced after they were seized.It's after he failed to register his adult dogs in time for a national deadline on the banned breed.The boss of a catapult shooting club is inviting teen tearaways to hand in their “homemade” weapons and instead learn to use the device responsibly.The West Kent Catapult Club opened last year to create a legitimate place for target shooting as a sport.Villagers are gearing up to fight plans for a huge lorry park near their homes - fearing it will bring round-the-clock noise and pollution to the countryside.The proposals for the 70-acre site, between West Hougham and Capel-le-Ferne, would accommodate up to 600 HGVs – a public meeting is being held today. And a village could go without its Christmas lights due to flags put up over the summer.Harrietsham has had the decorations every year along the A20 Ashford Road for as long as residents can remember but the parish council say that's now under threat.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Start Name Artist Album Year Comments   Toccata from Suite Gothique Jelani Eddington ATOS 2025 Milwaukee Highlights 2 2025 4-90 Wurlitzer, Carma Labs, Franklin, WI; 2025-07-26 4:40 Blue Twilight George Wright Let George Do It Again [Banda BAE 520041] 2004 4-33 Allen Renaissance George Wright IV Signature, installed in home of Dwight Beacham 8:23 The Haunted Ballroom John Howlett BBC Broadcast 1960s   5-26 Moller, Jubilee Chapel (BBC Studio), Hoxton, London; via Marie Coleman, née Howlett 11:25 Funeral March of a Marionette Nigel Ogden Pure Nostalgia [Grasmere GRCD 135] 2010 3-14 Wurlitzer, Tower Ballroom, Blackpool 16:11 The Black Lake Scene Steven Ball Havin' A Ball! [Steven Ball CD]   3-13 Barton, Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor, MI; Opened 1927 18:55 Danse Macabre Adam Evans Compton Cavalcade - The Next Generation! [Burtey Fen CD] 2004 3-12 Compton plus upright piano, Burtey Fen Collection, Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire; ex-Ritz/Essoldo Cinema, Tunbridge Wells (1934 as a 3-7) 25:56 Carnival Of Souls Verne Langdon Pipe Dreams [Dejavu CD]   4-34 Robert Morton Hybrid, Lorin Whitney Studio, Glendale CA 29:59 Melancholy Serenade Mark Renwick Night Must Fall [Musette CD] 1998 Allen MDS-317 EX, residence of John Clark McCall and Michael Kelly, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 33:36 Mars from The Planets Walt Strony, James Cochran Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church: Duelling Organs 6 1999 3M Moller + Allen Renaissance, Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, Naples, FL; 20 February 1999 42:41 Strange Music Vic Hammett The Very Thought Of You [Crystal CRY 3028] 1973 4-19 Compton Noterman, Dreamland Cinema, Margate; (8 Compton 11 Noterman) Installed 1935 47:30 Little Shop of Horrors Excerpts Trio con Brio Pipe Organ Extravaganza 13 - A Change Of Seasons 2009 5-80 Wurlitzer, Sanfilippo Residence, Barrington IL

Bamboozled by the times, Lou and Adelle acknowledge they are at a loss for topics to discuss. A random succession of prompts from the 4 Track (called ‘bumpers') reminds them that they are going on tour soon! The Barlow family will be visiting the U.K. and Ireland as Lou plays 10 solo shows! Glasgow 23 November Nice and Sleazy 7:30 York 24 November Bluebird 7:30 Manchester 25 November YES the Pink Room 7:30 London 26 November ICA 7:30 Tunbridge Wells 27 November The Forum 7:00Liverpool 28 November Philharmonic Music Room 8:00Dublin 29+30 November Bellobar 8:30Limerick 1 December KasbahGalway 2 December Roisin Dubh Watch it on LouTube::https://youtu.be/Zgz2zWb4GH8 Subscribe to our Substack for extra good stuff https://barlowfamilygeneral.substack.com/Now's a good time to order some handwritten lyrics and holiday baubles form the Barlow Family General Store!https://barlowfamilygeneral.substack.com/RAW Impressions uses Samson Q9U mics, mic stands and the Mixpad MXP144X Use code BARLOW for 15% off Samson Products at:https://www.samash.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Dover woman has been detained in a psychiatric unit after randomly attacking a stranger in the street with a kitchen knife.The victim was taken to a London hospital for treatment after she was stabbed in the back while walking down Biggin Street in January.The KentOnline Podcast has been told 90% of retailers in Tunbridge Wells have complied with new rules around single use vapes since they were introduced in June.That's 10% higher than in other parts of the county.The town was the first in Kent to take part in a 'Local Vape Action' scheme where experts work with shops.A man who drove from Dartford to Maidstone to meet a child he'd been sending explicit messages to on Snapchat has been jailed.The 47-year-old had arranged a meeting in February but was intercepted by police who spotted his van being repeatedly driven in and out of a car park.A Kent charity says Ellie Goldstein's appearance on Strictly is showing the world what people with disabilities can achieve.Before taking to the dancefloor this season, Ellie made history by becoming the first model with Down Syndrome to feature in British Vogue. Hear from We Are Beams which supports young people and their parents in north Kent.A mum from Walderslade says she was inspired to take up a career in funeral arranging, following the death of her baby.Delphine Craig went into early labour with her son and sadly lost him at around 21 weeks in 2006.Despite working for 13 years as a martial arts teacher - the 47-year-old is now working at the Co-op Funeral Care in Sittingbourne High Street.And in sport, Gillingham are in EFL Trophy action tonight as they travel to take on Colchester United.It follows back-to-back defeats in the league after a record breaking run of 21 games unbeaten. Hear from defender Logan Dobbs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An Asda employee has faced court after abusing a company taxi account to fund more than £6,000 worth of personal journeys – including a 115-mile round trip to visit his mum in London.He repeatedly booked cabs on the supermarket's tab despite having no right to use the system, exploiting it for weeks before being caught.Also in today' podcast, bosses in Medway say red routes will be repaired - after pictures revealed the painted lines in one town have already worn away.The double lines were controversially introduced on busy routes - including the A2 in Rainham - in May last year in a bid to tackle congestion.The KentOnline Podcast has been hearing how teachers, nurses and young families are among those struggling to afford hygiene products in Kent.You can hear from a local charity who provide products including toilet roll, washing powder and deodorant to those who can't afford it as we start a national awareness week. A mum says it is “irresponsible” that a shop window displayed an uncensored cushion with an expletive in view of children.She was walking past the Urban Outfitters in Tunbridge wells when she saw the embroidered pillow on display.And in sport, you can hear from Gillingham's weekend goalscorer Jonny Williams who's frustrated at the team's performance in the loss to MK Dons. It's back to back defats for the Gills who have now dropped to fourth in the table.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guess what?! I'm BACK! And this time, I am joined by the one and only Grace Cordell from REDRUM! In this episode we discuss two shocking crimes from 1989. In Tunbridge Wells, a young woman's life was torn apart by a brutal attack. Seven months later and 55 miles away in Shepherd's Bush, a tortured genius's life was cut short in the most harrowing of circumstances. Join us as we discuss these truly harrowing cases. If you're not already a fan of REDRUM, then check it out using the links below: Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FCoeRZQeDkEJ5i8bGuFpy?si=58R08cZISsGwpqmk4PEjgA Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/redrum-true-crime/id1515905584 If you would like to support us on Patreon and gain access to exclusive bonus content, you can find us here: www.patreon.com/seeingredpodcast If you would like to GIFT a Patreon membership to a special someone, head to www.patreon.com/seeingredpodcast/gift If you would like to buy us a coffee (or wine!), hit the link below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seeingredtw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your merch here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.seeingredpodcast.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears - check her work out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.soundcloud.com/DeadDogInBlackBag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-Producer: Ade Parsley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guess what?! I'm BACK! And this time, I am joined by the one and only Grace Cordell from REDRUM! In this episode we discuss two shocking crimes from 1989. In Tunbridge Wells, a young woman's life was torn apart by a brutal attack. Seven months later and 55 miles away in Shepherd's Bush, a tortured genius's life was cut short in the most harrowing of circumstances. Join us as we discuss these truly harrowing cases. If you're not already a fan of REDRUM, then check it out using the links below: Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FCoeRZQeDkEJ5i8bGuFpy?si=58R08cZISsGwpqmk4PEjgA Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/redrum-true-crime/id1515905584 If you would like to support us on Patreon and gain access to exclusive bonus content, you can find us here: www.patreon.com/seeingredpodcast If you would like to GIFT a Patreon membership to a special someone, head to www.patreon.com/seeingredpodcast/gift If you would like to buy us a coffee (or wine!), hit the link below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seeingredtw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your merch here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.seeingredpodcast.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears - check her work out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.soundcloud.com/DeadDogInBlackBag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-Producer: Ade Parsley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drivers have been facing long delays on a number of main roads in Kent following a series of crashes.The most serious happened on the M20 in the early hours of this morning, closing part of the London bound carriageway.Also in today's podcast, a Tunbridge Wells mum has been told she has just weeks to live after a 10-year battle with cancer.Hélène Menardi  was initially diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2015, and despite intensive treatment it's now spread to other parts of her body. Hear from her husband Marcus Bird.It's been announced the boss of P-and-O Ferries is leaving the company.Peter Hebblethwaite has been in charge of the firm, which runs services between Dover and Calais, for the last four years.A Folkestone man whose mum and step-dad have been detained in Iran says they've been "suddenly whisked" into a court room to face charges of spying.Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested in January while on a motorbike tour of the world and their son Joe Bennett is concerned they won't get a fair trial.An 11 year-old from Tunbridge Wells who's raised thousands of pounds during her treatment for a brain tumour has been nominated for a top award.Kirsty Waugh started experiencing symptoms in September last year and tests revealed a benign tumour which can't be removed because of where it is. She's been raising money during a 70 week course of chemotherapy.A woman from Gravesend has celebrated her 105th birthday and revealed her secrets to long life.Great-grandmother Nona Donner was born in August 1920 - living through the Second World War.And in sport,  it's a trip north for Gillingham in league two this weekend.They're travelling to take on newly promoted Oldham Athletic - hear from manager Gareth Ainsworth and defender Robbie McKenzie.

Opera singer Freddie de Tommaso is only 32 but he's already a star and about to play a lead role in Tosca at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. From there he travels to New York to sing in La bohème at The Met before his role debut in Verdi's Luisa Miller in Valencia. In this episode of 20 Questions, Freddie takes us behind the scenes of his success, explains how he sprang to fame, speaks of his days playing rugby, explains why body-building helps his voice, reveals how much he can bench press, reflects on the role of looks in modern day productions and the greater power of the director, and remembers a childhood growing up in Tunbridge Wells where his late father ran a fine dining Italian restaurant. 

A restaurant boss has been hauled before a court after failing to remove an illegal dining enclosure built without planning permission outside his seafront eatery.The owners of A La Turka in Herne Bay has admitted two offences relating to the structure - which continues to stand more than three years after he was ordered to take it down. Also in today's podcast, an inquiry into the crimes of David Fuller has concluded the offences carried out by the necrophiliac “could happen again”.David Fuller sexually abused the bodies of more than 100 women and girls in hospital mortuaries and is already serving two whole life sentences for the murders of two women – you can hear from a Kent MP who's backing calls for statutory regulation. KentOnline's Blue Badge campaign will be debated in parliament today after receiving the backing of all 18 of the county's MPs. They're calling for changes which would allow for temporary parking concessions, and more flexibility from local councils. The boss of Thames Water has faced questions from MPs - after the struggling firm posted annual losses of 1-point-6-5 billion pounds.The supplier, which covers parts of north Kent, is facing the threat of nationalisation over ballooning debts.And we've been hearing from people in Folkestone about what they think about plans to force dogs to be kept on leads at a popular playing field. The proposals are set to be scrapped following a huge backlash with around 90% of respondents to a consultation against it. 

Mahsa Balaie embodies the truth that sometimes life's biggest detours lead to its greatest destinations. From engineering to Spain, from associate to practice owner, her journey reveals the power of diving in completely when opportunities arise. Through personal struggles, professional challenges, and the complexities of balancing motherhood with business ownership, Mahsa demonstrates that success isn't about avoiding difficulties—it's about swimming through them with determination. Her story resonates with anyone juggling multiple life transitions whilst building something meaningful, proving that the most common stories in dentistry are often the most inspiring ones.In This Episode00:02:15 - Half marathon metaphor and life philosophy 00:04:30 - Fitness transformation journey00:08:20 - Health wake-up call and surgery 00:13:30 - All-in personality and engineering background 00:16:35 - Mental health struggles and Spain escape 00:19:35 - Learning Spanish and dental assisting 00:22:30 - Materials engineering experience 00:26:25 - University pathway and parental guidance 00:29:15 - Valencia dental school experience 00:34:45 - Spain versus UK dentistry comparison 00:38:10 - Clinical development and treatment philosophy 00:43:35 - Meeting husband and family planning 00:48:10 - Practice acquisition and patient communication 00:50:05 - Business ownership challenges 00:53:25 - Maternity leave difficulties and staff management 00:58:10 - Hiring and firing experiences 01:06:30 - Team building and staff incentives 01:13:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party01:26:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Mahsa BalaieMahsa Balaie is a general dentist and practice owner in Tunbridge Wells. After completing a dental materials engineering degree, she studied dentistry at the University of Valencia, working as a dental assistant whilst learning Spanish. Following five years as an associate in Portsmouth, she purchased her current practice, where she focuses on aesthetic dentistry whilst balancing the demands of motherhood and business ownership.

A determined flat owner who managed to oust her building's “overcharging” managing agent and halve her service charge is now on a crusade to help other residents.She took action after the problems and poor service started almost immediately after she moved into the property in Unicorn Walk in Greenhithe  three-years ago. Also in today's podcast, people are calling for a well-used route to become a dual carriageway before more than 1,000 homes could be built nearby.The A2500 Lower Road on Sheppey regularly gets high volumes of traffic at peak times – you can hear from one resident who says it can be gridlocked for miles. A nursery in Tunbridge Wells has had its licence suspended while safeguarding concerns are investigated by the police and local council.Ofsted sent parents of children attending Green Cave Nursery a letter informing them of the suspension last month.A housing development so unpopular it sparked a street party when it was thrown out has now been given the go-ahead after the decision was overturned on appeal.Developers have won the fight to build 250 homes on the edge of Faversham – almost a year to the day after Swale Borough Council rejected the plans.And there have been tributes to a “kind and funny” grandmother who died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a cinema screening.The Gillingham woman died in hospital following the medical emergency at Cineworld in Rochester.

A man who murdered a grandfather from Tunbridge Wells has been told he'll spend at least 25 years behind bars.Stephen Castle hid Wayne Woodgate's body in woodland after attacking him over a long-standing grudge last October.The 59-year-old from Hastings Road near Matfield was found guilty by a jury following a trial last month.Also in today's podcast, a teenager from Maidstone who left his neighbour with more than 50 stab wounds has been jailed.Police were called to reports of a disturbance at a building in Fairmeadow last September. Hear the moment the 19-year-old was arrested.The prime minister's made big adjustments to his planned welfare reforms following pressure from Labour MPs.It means those with disabilities who currently receive the Personal Independence Payment will continue to get it. It's good news for people like 17 year-old Lukas from Ashford who had his leg amputated because of a rare condition he was born with.A Kent weight loss expert is urging people who've turned to jabs to shed the pounds to make sure they're getting the right support.It's thought around one and a half million people in the UK are using the likes of Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic.Thousands of people are expected at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham tomorrow for Armed Forces Day.There'll be military parades, bands and a service paying tribute to the skill and sacrifice of our armed forces - hear from Medway Council leader Vince Maple who will be there.Football, and Gillingham fans have been planning their season after the fixtures were released.They'll kick off their league two campaign away at Accrington Stanley on August 2nd - we just a full roundup from our sports reporter Luke Cawdell.

A hospital trust has apologised after “human failings” meant opportunities to properly diagnose a happily married beauty therapist were missed which would have saved her life.The 36-year-old passed away after collapsing at her home in Tonbridge – just days after she was discharged from hospital.Also in today's podcast, a shocking wave of youth-led catapult attacks on birds, swans, ducks and foxes in Kent has been described by wildlife workers as “a new kind of pandemic”.We've got figures on just how many catapult attacks have been reported to police over the last three years. A cash-strapped local authority will have to cough up tens of thousands of pounds for legal fees after failed attempts to evict a group of Travellers.Medway Council tried to move Romani Gypsy families from Wigmore Coach Park resulting in a court hearing where a judge ruled in the group's favour.Farmyard animals have been removed from a pub garden due to licensing issues.The landlady of the Waggon at Hale in Chatham has kept goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs at the pub for years.And bosses of a luxury hotel adored by celebrities have unveiled exciting plans to expand by creating a “country club-style resort”.Those behind the Cave Hotel and Golf Resort between Faversham and Canterbury have say their ambitious project is to meet “increasing demand”.

I spoke to Dr Mike Martin, MP for Tunbridge Wells and former soldier about the Strategic Defence Review.Check out our Bookshop.org affiliate site behindthelines and please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and/or follow me on Bluesky@snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the British Fine Artist Frances Featherstone. Frances says her art is guided by an appreciation for storytelling. Narrative serves at the heart of her work with which she seeks to fill her paintings with ideas and conceptual depth. Her creative explorations revolve around the interplay between figures and interior spaces offering viewers a window into intimate emotions that are entangled with the spaces we occupy. Frances employs aerial perspectives to craft patterns seen from above that compress and flatten the spatial dimensions. These pieces venture beyond the constraints of conventional perception and seek to challenge our normal sense of space. One of two children—she has a brother Walter, Frances was born in 1976 in Roade, England, to parents Jane Gill, a teacher —formerly a silversmith and jeweler—and Michael Featherstone a furniture designer. Art runs throughout her family and Frances was always encouraged and supported in her talent which naturally led a formal art education. She achieved an Art Foundation Distinction and First Class Degree in Fine Art and Visual Culture from the University of the West of England, Bristol. before changing direction for her Post Grad in Interactive Multimedia at Bath Spa University, graduating in 2000. She worked as a Designer in the BBC's Interactive Factual and Learning Department for six years. In 2006 she got married and started a family, at which point she returned to painting, firstly by taking commissions for portraits. Her work took off and she was quickly gaining recognition. In 2019 Frances was shortlisted for ‘Artist of the Year' by ‘Artists and Illustrators Magazine'. In 2021 she won the ‘The Chair's Purchase Prize' at the ING Discerning Eye exhibition at The Mall Galleries in London. And in 2024 was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for ‘an exceptional work selected for the Royal Institute of Oil Painters' annual exhibition. She has also won Sky Arts Portrait of the Week twice for her paintings of Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo and the singer Dannii Minogue.  Frances is represented by the Fairfax Gallery in Tunbridge Wells and Arcadia Contemporary Gallery in New York. She lives near Groombridge in East Sussex with her husband Munir Hassan and children Sam and Layla.  Frances' links: https://www.francesfeatherstone.co.uk/Instagram: @francesfeatherstone  Some favorite female artists:Paula RegoJenny SavilleFrida KahloJoan MitchellRachel Whiteread  Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramThe AART Podcast on YouTube has bonus content not included on the podcast.Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wisp--4769409/support.

This week the British Fine Artist Frances Featherstone. Frances says her art is guided by an appreciation for storytelling. Narrative serves at the heart of her work with which she seeks to fill her paintings with ideas and conceptual depth. Her creative explorations revolve around the interplay between figures and interior spaces offering viewers a window into intimate emotions that are entangled with the spaces we occupy. Frances employs aerial perspectives to craft patterns seen from above that compress and flatten the spatial dimensions. These pieces venture beyond the constraints of conventional perception and seek to challenge our normal sense of space. One of two children—she has a brother Walter, Frances was born in 1976 in Roade, England, to parents Jane Gill, a teacher —formerly a silversmith and jeweler—and Michael Featherstone a furniture designer. Art runs throughout her family and Frances was always encouraged and supported in her talent which naturally led a formal art education. She achieved an Art Foundation Distinction and First Class Degree in Fine Art and Visual Culture from the University of the West of England, Bristol. before changing direction for her Post Grad in Interactive Multimedia at Bath Spa University, graduating in 2000. She worked as a Designer in the BBC's Interactive Factual and Learning Department for six years. In 2006 she got married and started a family, at which point she returned to painting, firstly by taking commissions for portraits. Her work took off and she was quickly gaining recognition. In 2019 Frances was shortlisted for ‘Artist of the Year' by ‘Artists and Illustrators Magazine'. In 2021 she won the ‘The Chair's Purchase Prize' at the ING Discerning Eye exhibition at The Mall Galleries in London. And in 2024 was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for ‘an exceptional work selected for the Royal Institute of Oil Painters' annual exhibition. She has also won Sky Arts Portrait of the Week twice for her paintings of Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo and the singer Dannii Minogue.  Frances is represented by the Fairfax Gallery in Tunbridge Wells and Arcadia Contemporary Gallery in New York. She lives near Groombridge in East Sussex with her husband Munir Hassan and children Sam and Layla. Frances' links:https://www.francesfeatherstone.co.uk/Instagram: @francesfeatherstone Some favorite female artists:Paula RegoJenny SavilleFrida KahloJoan MitchellRachel Whiteread Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramThe AART Podcast on YouTube has bonus content not included on the podcast. Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

Welcome to Jane and Fi's incessant internal dialogue; we hope it provides some respite from your own. Today, they discuss Bounty bars, Tunbridge Wells, and farting. Plus, Julia Black—educationalist, author, and creator of the parenting community Lights On—discusses her approach to learning. The next book club pick has been announced! 'Eight Months on Ghazzah Street' is by Hilary Mantel. If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radioFollow us on Instagram! @janeandfiPodcast Producer: Eve SalusburyExecutive Producer: Rosie Cutler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,063.Today, less than 24 hours into the second Trump Presidency, we consider in detail his and his transition team's latest remarks about the war, and what they tell us about the approach being adopted behind closed doors. Plus we take the temperature of the British Parliament with two vocal voices on the conflict calling for further actions against Moscow.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr Mike Martin MP (MP for Tunbridge Wells). @ThreshedThought on X.Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP (MP for Solihull West and Shirley). @DrNShastriHurst on X.Content referenced: BBC Today interview with a member of Trump's transition team: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00274zqSubscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At first, police thought they were only looking for a double murderer. Nicknamed the ‘Bedsit Killer' in the press, the suspect's reputation for savage violence already loomed large in the town of Tunbridge Wells in the late 80s. But it was only when they caught David Fuller – more than 30 years later – that they learnt the blood-curdling truth: that for years, the mortuary worker had been acting out his sick fantasies with the bodies of the dead. These exploits were so shocking, and so extensive, that Fuller earnt his second nickname: the Monster in the Morgue.Exclusive bonus content:Wondery - Ad-free & ShortHandPatreon - Ad-free & Bonus EpisodesFollow us on social media:YouTubeTikTokInstagramXVisit our website:WebsiteSources available on redhandedpodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the quiet town of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, a sinister predator lurked for decades, committing unspeakable acts that would shock the nation. David Fuller, known as the "Morgue Monster," was responsible for two brutal murders in 1987 and the sexual abuse of over 100 corpses in hospital mortuaries. This is the disturbing story of how a seemingly ordinary man concealed a monstrous nature for over 30 years before justice finally caught up with him. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/talkmurdertomeContent warning: the true crime stories discussed on this podcast can involve graphic and disturbing subject matter. Listener discretion is strongly advised.Fair use disclaimer: some materials used in this work are included under the fair use doctrine for educational purposes. Any copyrighted materials are owned by their respective copyright holders. Questions regarding use of copyrighted materials may be directed to legal [@] Talkocast.com