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Good morning! 🌤️ This week, we celebrate Kent’s 47 Green Flag Award-winning parks, including Dunorlan Park and Mote Park - a big win for our green spaces! Meanwhile, rail disruption looms as two key lines close over October half-term for vital upgrades. Looking ahead, don’t miss the Repair Cafe at Trinity Theatre (your last chance until autumn!) or the Johnny Cash tribute at The Forum this Friday.

WEATHER

Monday: 12°C 🌡️ 19°C | ⛈️

Tuesday: 12°C 🌡️ 21°C | ☁️

Wednesday: 12°C 🌡️ 20°C | ⛈️

THE BRIEF

💚Green Flag Awards: Forty-seven parks and green spaces across Kent have won a Green Flag Award in 2025. The award recognises top-quality management and public benefit. Sites range from iconic Mote Park in Maidstone to coastal gems like Lower Leas in Folkestone and heritage-rich spots in Tunbridge Wells. Some, including Dunorlan Park and Oare Gunpowder Works, also earned Green Heritage Accreditation. See if your favourite made the list - read more from Sam Honey here.

🚂Half-Term Shut Down: Two major Kent and Sussex rail lines - Tunbridge Wells to Hastings and Bexhill to Hastings - will close for nine days over October half-term. Network Rail plans essential upgrades to track, tunnels, embankments, and signalling. Replacement buses will run, with a shuttle service between Hastings and Ashford. Passengers are advised to check travel info and allow extra time. Read more from Bob Dale here.

🐀Rat Run Action: Transport bosses have agreed “urgent action” is needed to tackle traffic issues on Cornford Lane in Tunbridge Wells. While councillors rejected a full road closure, they voted for new talks with residents and a push for swift solutions - especially to avoid losing nearly £20,000 in ring-fenced funding. Read more from Mary Harris here.

🌊New Flood Warning System: Over 100 properties in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are now covered by a new flood warning system for the Southborough Stream. The Environment Agency hopes the targeted alerts will give residents more time to act before flooding hits. Locals are urged to register directly for the free service for maximum benefit. Read more here.

🥂Bewl Wins Court Battle: Wadhurst Parish Council has lost its High Court battle to block an 80-pitch campsite and four yurts at Bewl Water. Despite strong local opposition and an 80,000-strong petition, the judge upheld the planning inspector’s decision, citing limited visual impact and seasonal use. Campaigners fear public land is being turned over to private use. Read more from Mary Harris here.

THIS WEEK

Repair Cafe | Trinity Theatre | Sat, 10am to 1pm | Whether it's IT, mechanical, electrical, clothing, jewellery or something else - they can help! (FYI - last cafe until the Autumn) | Details​

Summer Fun | Royal Victoria Place | Wed to Fri | Pirates, mermaids, and a treasure hunt for kindness! | Details​

Southborough Film Club Relaunch | Southborough Civic Centre | Wed, 19:30 | Help relaunch the local film club - your ideas welcome! | Details​

Love Your Labels Lock In | Tonbridge Store | Thurs, 5pm to 9pm | Exclusive fashion sale—refresh your wardrobe and support hospice care! | Details​

Reggae Road Block | Ridgemont Pavillion | Sat, 7pm | Reggae tunes all night—come ready to dance and vibe! | £11​

A Celebration of Johnny Cash | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Live tribute packed with grit, spirit, and Cash’s outlaw soul! | £20​

Summer Jousting | Hever Castle | Fri to Sun | Epic knight battles, royal drama, and summer jousting thrills! | With Admission​

Joyfest | Caracol Camping | Sun, 2pm to 8pm| Family festival magic raising funds for an incredible boy’s bike! | £11.11​

Alice In Wonderland Murder Mystery Tea Party | Quantum | Sun, 4pm | Mad hats, mystery, and mayhem — tea has never been deadlier! | £35​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

FURTHER OUT

Toy Museum Reopens | Penshurst Place | 31st Jul | Teddy bears, toys, and timeless fun—museum reopens with magic! | Details​

A Celebration of The Pogues & Shane Macgowan | The Forum | 8th Aug | Pints, punk, and a wild Pogues tribute — don’t miss it!| £20​

Climate and Nature Fair 2025 | Calverley Grounds | 13th Sep | Community fair uniting locals to act on climate and nature! | Free​

Oktoberfest | Tonbridge Race Course | 17th & 18th Oct | Beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian beats — Oktoberfest fun awaits! | Details​

Unforgettable - Gone Too Soon | Assembly Hall | 3rd & 4th Sep | A powerful musical tribute to legends lost too soon | £28​

Finchcocks Festival 2025 | Finchcocks | 16th & 17th Aug | Picnics, piano, and bubbly in stunning garden concerts! | £21​

JOBS

• Customer Services Advisor | Blue Motor Finance | More Info​
• Assistant Educator | N Family Club | More Info​
• Commercial Metering Engineer | Yü Group | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

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

SPORT

🏏 CRICKET

19th July:

Tunbridge Wells beat Minster (Sheppey) by 4 wickets

26th July:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Hayes (Kent)

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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