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Morning, Tunbridge Wells! 🌤️

It’s a busy week ahead - trains between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings are out as engineers tackle major upgrades, while Southborough’s Temper Temper Chocolate is feeling the heat of global price hikes. On a brighter note, Camden Road’s getting a tasty new addition with burger joint Sip & Slide, and music lovers are spoiled for choice - from The Sound of Music at the Assembly Hall to I Screamed A Scream at Trinity Theatre this Friday.

WEATHER

Monday: 7°C 🌡️ 12°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 7°C 🌡️ 13°C | 🌧️

THE BRIEF

🚆Hastings Train Closed: Train services between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings are suspended this week as engineers carry out major safety and performance upgrades. The work includes replacing brickwork in tunnels near St Leonards, renewing almost a kilometre of old track, and improving drainage and signalling. Replacement buses will run throughout, and tickets will be accepted on alternative Southeastern and high-speed routes. Passengers are urged to check before travelling and allow extra time. Read more from Charlotte Phillips here.

🍫Shrinkflation: Rising costs and poor cocoa harvests are forcing Temper Temper Chocolate in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, to shrink its products. Manager Sarah Hall said customers can now buy smaller bars as ingredient prices soar, with chocolate up 15% in a year. Droughts and climate change have hit crops in West Africa, while nuts and fruit have also surged in price. Despite the strain, Hall remains hopeful prices will soon ease. Read more from Liz Saul here.

🎶Opera House Hotel: A 14-room hotel could soon open in the upper floors of Tunbridge Wells’ Grade II-listed Opera House. The plans, submitted by Clear Summer 2 Limited, would see the long-vacant space above Burger King and other shops restored with careful attention to heritage details, including sash window glazing and stonework. The proposal promises no external alterations beyond two “heritage enhancements,” preserving the building’s Edwardian charm. Read more from Mary Harris here.

🥇NHS Trust 1st: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been named Kent’s top performer in new NHS league tables, ranking 12th nationally. The Department of Health and Social Care says the quarterly rankings aim to raise standards and ensure better value for patients. High-performing trusts will gain greater freedoms and investment, while struggling ones receive support. The trust runs hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, both praised for strong performance. Read more from Charlotte Phillips here.

🍔More Burgers: A new burger and craft beer restaurant, Sip & Slide, is set to open on Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, replacing the former Haven vegetarian kitchen and cocktail bar. Run by local resident Philip Barrington-Johnson, the venue has applied for a licence to serve alcohol and plans to feature live music on New Year’s Eve. The move adds to Camden Road’s growing reputation as a hub for independent food and drink spots. Read more from Mary Harris here.

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 5,000 friends?

A Musical Smörgåsbord

Assembly Hall | Sun, 3pm

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra’s next concert on Sunday 2 November is a feast of variety and contrast. Nicolai’s sparkling Merry Wives of Windsor Overture sets the scene before Tom Poster brings grandeur and poetry to Beethoven’s mighty Emperor Piano Concerto.

The evening culminates in Nielsen’s powerful Fourth Symphony, The Inextinguishable, a bold and exhilarating work driven by raw energy and duelling timpani!

Buy Tickets Here - 22+

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ADVERTISE ON THE BOARD

THIS WEEK

Voice of the Heart | Quaker Meeting House, TN1 2BB | Sat, 7pm | An enchanting evening of Rumi’s poetry and soulful storytelling | £12

The Sound of Music | Assembly Hall | Tues to Sat | Classic musical joy and nostalgia — you’ll leave humming every song! | £25

RTWSO: A Musical Smörgåsbord | Assembly Hall | Sun, 3pm | Epic mix of wit, grandeur, and pure orchestral power | £22+

Friends of the Earth - Waste | Trinity Theatre | Mon to Sat | Creative exhibition turning everyday waste into thought-provoking art | Details

NT Live: Mrs Warren's Profession | Trinity Theatre | Mon & Thurs | Imelda Staunton shines in this sharp, witty clash of generations | £20

I Screamed A Scream | Trinity Theatre | Fri, 7:30pm | Sinister showtunes and devilish fun - perfect Halloween night out! | £26

Judi Love: Work In Progress | Trinity Theatre | Sat, 7:30pm | Hilarious, bold, and unfiltered - Judi Love testing fresh material | £16

Halloween Half Term | Penshurst Place | Mon to Sun | Magic trails, spooky crafts, and enchanting Halloween storytelling fun! | Details

BILK | The Forum | Tues, 7pm | Loud, witty, and chaotic - Bilk bring pure indie energy | £12.50

Towrag 'Down in the Locker' | The Sussex Arms | Fri, 7:30pm | Haunted pirate shanties and spooky chaos - Halloween done right! | £6

Irish & Trad Sessions | The Sussex Arms | Sun, 4pm | Lively Irish tunes, pints, and proper pub craic guaranteed | Free

The Great Baldini Presents: The Family Magic Show | Trinity Theatre | Sun, 2pm | Hilarious magic, puppetry, and sweets galore - fun for all ages! | £12

FURTHER OUT

Fat Freddie & The Queens | The Forum | 19th Dec | Festive Queen tribute full of singalongs, swagger, and big smiles | £20

Danny Rampling | The Forum | 28th Nov | Three hours of pure house bliss from a dance music legend | £22.50

Babatunde Aléshé - High Expectations | Assembly Hall | 6th Nov | Baba jokes about fame, family life, and Costco chaos | £21.75

Tabletop Tales | Assembly Hall | 8th Nov | Roll dice, fight monsters, and craft your own epic adventure | £35

Autumn Light Up Your Mind Quiz | The Skinners School | 21st Nov | Fun quiz night raising funds for local mental health support | Details

JOBS

• Manager (Part Time) | Claire's | More Info
• Supermarket Assistant | John Lewis | More Info
• Head of Sales | IMT Resourcing | More Info

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs

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

SPORT

⚽FOOTBALL

21st Oct:

• Rusthall 1 - 0 Phoenix Sports
• Tunbridge Wells 0 - 4 Punjab United

25th Oct:

• Hythe Town 0 - 3 Tunbridge Wells
• Rusthall 1 - 1 Larkfield & New Hythe

28th Oct:

• Banstead Athletic vs. Tunbridge Wells

1st Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells vs. Bearsted
• Kennington vs. Rusthall

🏉 RUGBY

25th Oct:

• Bracknell 29 - 33 Tunbridge Wells

🏑HOCKEY

1st Nov:

• Marden Russets vs. Tunbridge Wells (Men's)
• Blackheath & Elthamians vs. Tunbridge Wells (Women's)

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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