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Good Morning!
Tunbridge Wells businesses join the Safe Havens initiative, offering secure spaces for women in need, while the Russell Hotel may soon transform into nine flats. Plus, don't miss the annual Unfest festival this weekend, bringing music and arts to venues across town, or the Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival. Dive into everything below.
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WEATHER
Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 19°C | 🌧️
Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅
Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌧️
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THE BRIEF
Crossed Paths: A CCTV camera captured the moment Wayne Woodgate crossed paths with Stephen Castle on Mount Pleasant Road. This was 50 minutes before Castle allegedly strangled him to death. The prosecution claims Castle harboured a "long-standing grudge" over a 2015 police raid he blamed on Woodgate, which led to his imprisonment. The footage, presented to jurors at Maidstone Crown Court, tracks their movements in the moments before the attack, including Castle's alleged pursuit and the final journey to a secluded lay-by where Woodgate's body was later found. Read more from Julia Roberts here.
Tougher Bus Rules: Drivers in Tunbridge Wells could face tougher penalties for ignoring bus gates as Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council consider adding more traffic cameras to Mount Pleasant Road. Despite existing enforcement since March 2023, unauthourised use remains high, prompting a public consultation open until 19 June. If approved, the new measures would begin in September, with local residents potentially receiving permits. Read more from Bob Dale.
Local Businesses to Become Shelters: Businesses in Kent are joining the Safe Havens initiative to create secure spaces for women and girls who feel unsafe. Led by Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin and local organisation #TogetherAsAllies, the scheme aims to establish easily identifiable shelters offering support, including phone charging and a place to call for help. Founder Laura Toop emphasises the need for visible, welcoming spaces, with businesses displaying Safe Haven stickers and receiving specialist training. The initiative is set to expand to other towns in the future. Read more from Jacob Panons.
Hotel Might Become Flats: The Russell Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, a 21-bedroom property with a long history, could soon be converted into nine flats. The building, originally three private homes, has faced challenges including costly repairs and competition from nearby budget hotels. If approved, the redevelopment will include one one-bed, three two-bed, and five three-bed flats, with new windows and a lift, but without the courtyard kitchen extension and wooden porch. The hotel, which has also provided temporary housing for the homeless, has struggled financially in recent years. Read more from Mary Harris here.
Pho Opens: Pho has opened its second Kent location in Tunbridge Wells, with customers lining up outside the new Mount Pleasant Road store during a successful soft launch. The popular Vietnamese restaurant, known for its signature noodle soup, has expanded rapidly since its founding in 2005, now boasting over 40 UK locations. With plans for a third Kent branch at Bluewater, Pho continues to bring its authentic Southeast Asian dishes to new audiences. Read more from Max Chesson here.
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TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD
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THIS WEEK
Unfest 2025 | Various | Fri to Mon | The annual free music & arts festival is back this weekend across Tunbridge Wells | Details
Pirates Love Underpants | Assembly Hall | 20th & 21st May| Pirate-themed family show with puppetry, music, and golden pants | £18+
Anna Howie | The Sussex Arms | Sun, 6:30pm | British Americana singer-songwriter blending folk, country, and authentic storytelling | Free
The Paul Malsom Organisation | The Pantiles | Thurs, 7:30pm | Jazz guitarist performs with loop stations and original compositions | £7.50
Rock & Pop The Mote Festival | Mote Park | Fri, 5pm | Tribute festival with live music, street food, and camping | Details
A Bunch of Amateurs | Penshurst Village Hall | Thurs to Sat | Comedy play about a fading actor in a small village | £10+
Tribute to David Bowie | Chiddingstone Castle | Sun, 2pm | Live Bowie tribute, picnic-friendly, with family ticket options | £21
The ELO Tribute Show | Assembly Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Tribute show with live band, string section, and lasers | £33.25
Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival | Tonbridge Castle | 24th & 25th May| Local produce, street food, demos, and family fun for foodies | Free
Country Show and Dog Show | Wings of the Morning Field | Sun, 10am | Family-friendly outdoor event with country crafts, music, and charity | £12.95
The Tonbridge Comic Con & Toy Fair | The Angel Centre | 19th May | Inclusive, family-friendly Comic Con with free attractions and unique exhibitors | £10
For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)
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FURTHER OUT
Annie The Musical | Assembly Hall | 28th to 31st May | Family-friendly musical with classic songs, dance, and heart-warming story | £19
In The Night Garden | Assembly Hall | 18th Jun | Beloved children's show with puppets, music, and magical characters | £20.50+
Now That's What I Call an 80's Night | Trinity Theatre | 7th June | Live '80s tribute show with video screens and special effects | £27
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SPORT
🏏 CRICKET
17th May:
Tunbridge Wells beat Minster (Sheppey) by 6 wickets
24th May:
Hayes vs. Tunbridge Wells
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THANK YOU
Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!
Jamie
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