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This week in Tunbridge Wells: devil's fingers shocked walkers on the Common. It's a rare, foul-smelling fungus with bright red tentacles. Plans are also progressing to redevelop the old Hendy Ford site on Mount Ephraim into more than 100 homes. It will keep the historic frontage while adding flats and townhouses. Upcoming events include A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at Trinity Theatre, offering a spooky festive classic, and the Chiddingstone Castle Christmas Artisan Fair, bringing unique gifts, good food and cosy winter vibes.

WEATHER

Monday: 4°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 0°C 🌡️ 7°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 4°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌥️

THE BRIEF

👽 Aliens On The Common: A walker on Tunbridge Wells Common was stunned to find a rare, foul-smelling fungus known as devil’s fingers. Its bright red, tentacle-like arms and rotting-flesh scent stopped photographer Sarah Mott in her tracks. The species, originally from the southern hemisphere and first recorded in Britain in 1914, is still uncommon and usually hides in leaf litter. Its stench draws insects that spread its spores. An alien sight in the middle of town. Read more from Charlotte Philips here.

🏘️ 100 Hendy Homes: Plans are in motion to clear the old Hendy Ford site on Mount Ephraim for more than 100 new homes. The developer wants to keep the historic frontage but replace the rest with 94 flats and 10 townhouses, plus limited parking and a small public space. Hendy left after moving to its new £6m base at North Farm. The proposal follows the rejected £25m ‘motor village’ scheme and has stirred concern over traffic on the already-busy A26. Read more from Michael Golson here.

🐌 Reduce Speed Now: Residents and local leaders are urging Kent County Council to cut the speed limit on Forest Road to 30mph after a run of serious crashes at the Bayham Road junction. A survey found most locals wanted the whole route slowed, describing the road as dangerous to cross or drive along. Proposed measures include a new limit, a camera, a pedestrian crossing and even a roundabout. Funding decisions are expected after the new year. Read more from Mary Harris here.

♾️ Option 4d: Canterbury City Council has backed a plan to replace Kent’s two-tier system with four new unitary councils. Option 4d would see Kent and Medway reorganised into North, East, West and Mid Kent, with each authority running all local services. Leaders say the move could streamline delivery, cut costs, and pave the way for a future strategic mayor with more devolved powers. All councils must submit their preferred option by 28th November before a public consultation early next year. Read more here.

🤶 Panto Season: Kent’s theatres are gearing up for a packed panto season, with star names, classic stories and plenty of festive silliness. From Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to Robin Hood and Aladdin, venues across the county promise music, mayhem and big Christmas crowds. There’s something for everyone – whether you want flying scenes, outrageous dames or familiar faces from TV. Read more from Sam Lawrie here.

Nearby:

• Sleeping Beauty | Assembly Hall | Tunbridge Wells | Details​
• Jack and the Beanstalk | EM Forster Theatre | Tonbridge | Details​
• Dick Whittington and His Cat | Hazlitt Theatre | Maidstone | Details​
• Jack and the Beanstalk | Sinden Theatre | Tenterden | Details​

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

🎁 Bring Christmas Magic to a Child in Need 🎄

The Mayor’s Toy Appeal has supported local children for over 30 years - last year alone helping 642 kids across our borough. From 12th Nov to 17th Dec, visit the Pop-Up Shop (Royal Victoria Place, top floor) to donate a new toy or gift for ages 1 month to 18 years. Or pick a tag from our Giving Tree and drop off at one of our collection points. Give joy. Change a Christmas.

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ADVERTISE ON THE BOARD

THIS WEEK

The Stylistics | Assembly Hall | Mon, 7:30pm | Soulful legends bringing all the nostalgic hits for a feel-good night | £38.25+​

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story | Trinity Theatre | Wed to Sat | A spooky, heartwarming Christmas classic with proper goosebump-y magic | £15+​

Polish Carols in the Trinity Foyer | Trinity Theatre | Sat, 10:30am | Sweet festive carols sung by local kids, cosy Christmas vibes | Details​

NT Live: The Fifth Step | Trinity Theatre | Sun, 5:30pm | Intense, darkly funny drama about recovery, trust, and buried truths | £20​

Xmas Book Folding Workshops | Penshurst Place | Mon to Sun | Cosy festive crafting night making cute book-folded decorations together | £50​

Xmas Wreath Workshops | Penshurst Place | Wed to Sun | Make a lush festive wreath over cosy drinks and crafty Christmas vibes | £65​

Xmas Artisan Fair | Chiddingstone Castle | Sat, 10am to 4pm | A dreamy festive market full of unique gifts, good food, and cosy vibes | £8+​

Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet | The Forum | Wed, 7pm | Big, joyful, genre-blending night with powerhouse vocals and serious groove | £18​

Lou Barlow | The Forum | Thurs, 7pm | Intimate night of raw, heartfelt indie brilliance from a lo-fi legend | £20​

Danny Rampling | The Forum | Fri, 8pm | Big night of house classics with Danny Rampling going full nostalgia | £22.50​

Kite Thief & Glass Bridges | The Sussex Arms | Sat, 7:30pm | Heavy, high-energy alt-rock night with big riffs and cathartic chaos | £10​

Christmas Good Times with Norman Jay MBE | The Forum | Sat, 8pm | A proper feel-good night of rare groove classics and festive dancefloor joy | £25​

Table Tennis | Sunnyside Hall | Mon & Sun, 6:30pm | Every week, your first time is free! | £4​​

Badminton & Pickleball | Sunnyside Hall | Fri, 6:30pm | Every week, your first time is free! | £5​​

Rudolph's Runner | Around Tunbridge Wells | Sat & Sun | Festive road-train ride around town spotting reindeer and Christmas sights | £5+​

FURTHER OUT

🎄Hospice in the Weald - Xmas Tree Collection | Postcodes TN to TN20 | 10th to 12th Jan | They’ll collect and recycle your old tree for hospice donations | Details​

Father Christmas Afternoon Tea | Chiddingstone Castle | Multiple Dec Dates | Magical festive afternoon tea with Father Christmas and cosy castle fun | £40​

Irish & Trad Sessions | The Sussex Arms | Sun, 4pm | Proper Sunday vibes with lively trad tunes and a cosy pub buzz | Free Entry​

Duelling DJs Christmas Party | The Imperial, Southborough | 13th Dec | 2 DJs, one epic playlist of bangers - POP-DISCO-HOUSE-ROCK-CHEESE & MARIAH| Free Entry!​

I ❤️ QUIZMAS | The Imperial, Southborough | 17th Dec | All the fun of a pub quiz, but with terrible prizes, more music, some weird rounds and tinsel | £3 Each (Max. 6 ppl.)​

JOBS

• Data Administrator | Tiger Resourcing Group | More Info​
• Home Delivery Driver | Sainsbury's | More Info​
• Care Assistant | Bupa | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

(Use discount code TWLIFE30 for 30% off your first listing)

SPORT

⚽FOOTBALL

22nd Nov:

• Holmesdale 1 - 2 Tunbridge Wells
• Kennington 1 - 3 Rusthall

29th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells vs. Kennington
• Hythe Town vs. Rusthall

🏉 RUGBY

22nd Nov:

• Camberley 30 - 33 Tunbridge Wells

29th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells vs. Maidenhead

🏑HOCKEY

22nd Nov:

• Reigate Priory 3 - 3 Tunbridge Wells (Men's)
• Tunbridge Wells (Women's) 5 - 0 Ashford (Kent)

29th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells (Men's) vs. Canterbury
• Folkestone Optimist vs. Tunbridge Wells (Women's)

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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