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Good Morning! Campaigners fighting cuts to the 51 bus say they’re feeling hopeful after meeting councillors, while Crowborough Birthing Unit has announced births will pause from October until next spring. Looking ahead, cricket legend Jimmy Anderson takes the stage at Assembly Hall on Saturday, while Trinity Theatre hosts Tim Peake with stories from space on Sunday. And don’t forget the Hospice Run on Sunday at Lower Common Cricket Ground – a chance to get moving for a great cause.

WEATHER

Monday: 11°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 12°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 14°C 🌡️ 18°C | 🌧️

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THE BRIEF

🚌Hope For Bus Campaigners: Campaigners opposing cuts to the 51 bus service between Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne say they feel “hopeful” after meeting councillors. Stagecoach reduced the service from half-hourly to hourly in March, and from 21st September it will run every 75 minutes. The operator blames congestion and low passenger numbers, while the council says restoring frequency would need a large subsidy. Campaigners believe closer collaboration could inspire change. Read more here from Bob Dale.

🤱Births Moved From Crowborough: Births at Crowborough Birthing Unit will stop from 2nd October until May due to staff shortages. Community antenatal and postnatal services will continue, but births will be transferred to Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Haywards Heath and Eastbourne. The trust called the closure a “difficult decision”, while local MP Nusrat Ghani launched a petition against it. Read more here from Stuart Maisner.

🍔Driv-Thru Plans Withdrawn: Plans for a fast food restaurant and drive-thru in Tunbridge Wells have been withdrawn after more than 300 objections from residents. The proposed site at Knights Park, near Odeon and Hollywood Bowl, raised concerns about traffic, noise, litter, and antisocial behaviour. Police had previously recorded over 100 incidents in the area linked to vehicle gatherings. Aviva Investors, the applicant, gave no reason for pulling the scheme. Read more here from Mary Harris.

🚏284 Updates: Metrobus has announced an improvement to the new 284 bus service in Tunbridge Wells, following strong demand from local communities. The route, which links High Brooms, Sherwood, Southborough Hub, and Tunbridge Wells Hospital, will now include an additional earlier return journey. Running off-peak Mondays to Saturdays, the service has a £3 maximum single fare until March 2027, with contactless and concessionary passes accepted. Metrobus and local councillors hailed the change as a response to passenger feedback and a sign of growing confidence in the service. Read more here.

🏠1,000's Of Houses: A new document has revealed the vast scale of housing development planned for Paddock Wood. Dandara South East is preparing an application for 520 homes at Badsell Farm. Its agent DHA has listed multiple nearby projects totalling thousands more. These include proposals of up to 1,200 homes south of the town and several schemes already under construction at Mascalls Farm and Mascalls Court. The council will assess the “cumulative effects” of all developments as part of the planning process. Read more here from Mary Harris.

🏎️Aston Martin TW: Marshall is relocating its Aston Martin Sevenoaks branch to a new showroom in Tunbridge Wells on 29th September. The Dowding Way site will feature sales, service, and parts departments in a purpose-built space. Head of business Marc Sack said the move represents an “exciting new chapter” and reflects the elegance and innovation of the brand. Read more here from Dylan Robertson.

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

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THIS WEEK

From A to Z or The Wit & Wisdom of Miriam Margolyes | Assembly Hall | Sat, 2pm | Miriam Margolyes sharing hilarious, filthy, heartfelt stories from life | £39.75+​

An Evening with Jimmy Anderson | Assembly Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Jimmy Anderson shares cricketing highs, lows, and hilarious dressing-room stories | £39.25+​

Tim Peake Astronauts: The Quest to Explore Space | Assembly Hall | Sun, 2pm | Tim Peake shares awe-inspiring astronaut stories and space exploration adventures | £40.75​

Italian Language Taster | Trinity Theatre | Mon, 11am | Practice Italian with fun group activities and personalised course feedback | Free​

Heritage Open Days 2025 | Trinity Theatre | Wed, 5pm | Documentaries and Q&A exploring cemetery history, architecture, and forgotten lives | Free​

NT Live: Inter Alia | Trinity Theatre | Fri, 7:30pm | Rosamund Pike stars in gripping drama on motherhood and masculinity | £20​

The Zoo That Comes To You | Trinity Theatre | Sun, 2pm | Puppetry and music bring animals’ conservation stories playfully to life | £12​

(NOT) A Real Job Fair | The Forum | Sat, 1pm | Creative youth fair with DJs, BBQ, talks, and backstage access | Details​

Back To The 80’s | The Forum | Sat, 8pm | Forum club night with DJ Alex Macnutt spinning nonstop party anthems | £10​

Conor Selby | The Forum | Sun, 6pm | Connor Selby bares his soul with raw, authentic, heartfelt blues | £18​

Dark Horse Comedy | The Sussex Arms | Sun, 7:30pm | Pam Ford brings bold, hilarious tales of marriages, kids, and menopause | £11.55​

5th Model Railway Show | Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Model railway show with 30 layouts, train rides, and family fun | £16​

Hospice Run 2025 | Lower Common Cricket Ground | Sun | Run, walk, or splash to support local hospice care | Details​

FURTHER OUT

Autumn Amble | Penshurst Place | 19th Oct | Guided autumn estate walk with history, wildlife, and private lunch | £47​

Wedding Venue Showcase | Chiddingstone Castle | 28th Sep | Explore Chiddingstone Castle’s wedding spaces with bubbles, canapés, and suppliers | Details​

An Evening With Charlie Bell & Friends | Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club | 25th Sep | An evening of heartfelt poetry with friends and good vibes | £12​

JOBS

• Seasonal Artist | Fenwick / Charlotte Tilbury | More Info​
• Retail Security Officer | OCS Group | More Info​
• Care Assistant | City and County Healthcare Group | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

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

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

9th Sep:

Rusthall 4 - 2 Chislehurst Glebe

13th Sep:

Metrogas FC 0 - 2 Tunbridge Wells

20th Sep:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Whitstable Town

Rusthall vs. Seaford Town

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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