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This week in Tunbridge Wells. Protesters are speaking out over paused births at Crowborough Hospital, while a new Dad La Soul group is tackling male loneliness with humour and heart. Don’t miss Hamlet at the Assembly Hall - a dark, thrilling twist on the classic. Or catch Ed Byrne at Trinity Theatre for sharp, laugh-out-loud stand-up. And if you’re craving fresh ideas, TEDx Royal Tunbridge Wells Live 2025 is nearly here, streaming the newest TED Talks straight from Atlanta.

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 18°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 9°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 7°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

SPONSORED BY TEDX ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Step into the future of ideas this November at TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells Live 2025. For one afternoon only, you’ll experience the latest TED Talks streamed directly from Atlanta - before they’re released anywhere else. Engage in sharp, energising discussions after every talk with your fellow attendees, before diving deeper into live workshops, designed to give you practical insights you can use immediately. Round out the day with focused networking, sharing your insights with people from across Tunbridge Wells.

With exclusive access for fewer than 100 people, this is your chance to be at the heart of innovation, conversation, and connection right here in Tunbridge Wells. Whether you’re looking to grow, expand your network, or spark your next big idea, this is where it begins.

🎟 Tickets are £22.50 and are selling fast. Secure your place today!

THE BRIEF

🪧Birth Protest: Protesters gathered outside Crowborough War Memorial Hospital after births were paused at its midwife-led unit due to staff shortages. The temporary suspension, lasting until May 2026, means families must travel to Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone or Haywards Heath. Locals called the decision “disheartening” and “a loss of choice”, while NHS leaders stressed safety and sustainability. The community and MP Nus Ghani vowed to fight to keep the service open. Read more from George Carden here.

❤️‍🩹Dad La Soul: A Sussex-based mental health organisation for fathers, Dad La Soul, has launched a new group in Tunbridge Wells. The monthly meet-ups will feature comedy, gaming, and open chats to tackle male loneliness. Founder Dan Flanagan, who grew up in the town, joins forces with Charlie Moore of Charlie’s Angels Kitchen. The pair spent teenage years at the local YMCA. “It’s like we’ve built a youth club for men,” Flanagan said. Read more from Jacob Panons here.

🛥️Local Activist Heads to Gaza: Tunbridge Wells’ Malcolm Ducker, a 72-year-old former RAF fighter pilot, is aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. A group of more than 40 boats carrying aid to Gaza. The mission, which includes Greta Thunberg, reportedly faced an Israeli warship confrontation before resuming course. Local MP Mike Martin has urged the UK government to safeguard British nationals on board, citing past attacks on aid flotillas. Ducker says he joined activism late in life but accepts the risks. Read more from Mary Harris here.

📖Tree of Hope: A special 50th anniversary edition of Rebecca’s World – Journey to the Forbidden Planet, written by Dalek creator Terry Nation, has been released to raise money for charity. £1 from every sale will go to Tunbridge Wells-based Tree of Hope, supporting children with complex healthcare needs. The story, first told by Nation to his daughter Rebecca, has been reissued with new illustrations and heartfelt tributes to his imagination. Read more from Stuart Maisner here.

🪑Outdoor Sitting Win: Matthew Sankey, owner of The Old Fishmarket on The Pantiles, has won his long-running planning dispute over outdoor seating. Tunbridge Wells councillors ruled in favour of his bid to keep the tables and canopy that had sparked opposition from some local traders. Sankey said the decision recognised the area’s value to both business and visitors, adding that hospitality “drives footfall”. Read more from Mary Harris here.

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THIS WEEK

Hamlet | Assembly Hall | Mon, 7:30pm | Dark, thrilling retelling of Hamlet with ghosts and sword fights | £16.25+​

The Story of the Victoria Cross | Assembly Hall | Tues, 7:30pm | Fascinating stories of Victoria Cross bravery from Antiques Roadshow expert | £31.75​

The Gruffalo's Child | Assembly Hall | Thurs to Sat | Charming, funny family adventure through the deep dark wood | £17.25​

Abbamania | Assembly Hall | Sun, 7:30pm | Singalong ABBA hits and disco nostalgia for a feel-good night | £30.50​

Sarah Clark: What Do You See? | Trinity Theatre | Mon, 10am+ | Powerful photo project celebrating women’s resilience and hidden strength | Details​

With a Song in My Heart | Trinity Theatre | Wed, 2pm | Nostalgic afternoon of 1950s musical theatre and Hollywood glamour | Free​

Eddington | Trinity Theatre | Wed, 7:30pm | Dark, twisted lockdown thriller with Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal | £10​

Ed Byrne with Abi Carter Simpson & Jacob Hawley | Trinity Theatre | Thurs, 8pm | Ed Byrne headlines a night of sharp, hilarious stand-up comedy | £30​

Shakatak | Trinity Theatre | Fri, 8pm | Legendary jazz-funk band Shakatak bring timeless grooves and energy | £32​

Anora | Rusthall Community Cinema | Sat, 6pm | Darkly funny tale of love, money, and chaotic culture clashes | £5​

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage | The Forum | Tues, 7pm | Witty, chaotic indie punk bursting with brains, heart, and fuzz | £20​

no:la | The Sussex Arms | Tues, 7:30pm | Dreamy trip-hop and synthpop night full of energy and emotion | £8​

Milkshed. | The Sussex Arms | Fri, 7:30pm | Gritty alt-rock and punk energy from two rising UK bands | £6​

Jaguar Skills | The Forum | Fri, 8pm | Explosive, genre-blending DJ set from the legendary masked Ninja | £22​

Canned Pineapple | The Sussex Arms | Sat, 7:30pm | Fuzzy, high-energy scuzz pop and chaotic garage rock vibes | £8​

The Three Degrees | The Forum | Sat, 7:30pm | Iconic soul trio bringing timeless harmonies and disco-era glamour | £32.50​

Hospice in the Weald: Open Morning | Five Ashes | Thurs, 10am | Pop by for tea, cake, and a peek behind the scenes | Details​

Hospice in the Weald: Open Morning | Pembury | Fri, 10am | Pop by for tea, cake, and a peek behind the scenes | Details​

FURTHER OUT

Halloween Half Term | Penshurst Place | 18th Oct to 2nd Nov | Magical Halloween fun with trails, storytelling, and spooky crafts | Details​

The Utopia Strong | The Forum | 19th Oct | Mind-bending psychedelic synths and ambient soundscapes from cosmic masters | £18​

Alison Lessen: Reimaginings | Trinity Arts Centre | 4th to 9th Nov | Vivid, dreamlike forest scenes celebrating nature’s rhythm and joy | Details​

Cabaret evening with Lorna Want and Chris Hatt | Club Quantum | 16th Oct | Intimate cabaret of show tunes and jazz from West End stars | £37+​

The Sound of Music | Assembly Hall | 28th Oct to 1st Nov | Heartwarming revival of The Sound of Music with timeless songs and charm | £25​

JOBS

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• Dispensing Optician | Boots | More Info​

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SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

4th Oct:

Tunbridge Wells 0 - 2 Larkfield & New Hythe

7th Oct:

Chislehurst Glebe vs. Tunbridge Wells

Erith & Belvedere vs. Rusthall

11th Oct:

Corinthian vs. Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall vs. Sheppey Sports

🏉 RUGBY

4th Oct:

Tunbridge Wells 24 - 25 London Scottish Lions

11th Oct:

Hammersmith & Fulham vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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