📰 Local NHS Cleaners Face Axe 🪓


This week in TW Life: The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust plans to cut 30 cleaning jobs, sparking safety concerns, while Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club faces backlash over proposed padel courts replacing grass courts.

Upcoming events include the Sausage & Cider Festival at Eridge Park on Saturday and Tunbridge Wells Mela at Calverley Grounds on Sunday, celebrating global music, food, and dance.

WEATHER

Monday: 13°C 🌡️ 27°C | ☀️

Tuesday: 13°C 🌡️ 23°C | 🌤️

Wednesday: 14°C 🌡️ 25°C | ☀️

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THE BRIEF

🧼30 Cleaners Axed: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is planning to cut 30 cleaning roles across its Pembury and Maidstone sites to save money - part of a wider effort to slash over £70m this year. Families of patients who died during a past C. diff outbreak have voiced concern, calling the move “scandalous”. Unions warn it could put patient safety at risk, with hundreds of NHS jobs across the region also under threat. The trust says it’s reviewing services and hasn’t finalised decisions yet. Read more from Mark Norman here.

🏓Padel Pushback: Plans to build three padel courts at Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club have sparked local outcry. Members and neighbours fear the “constant gunshot” sound of padel will ruin the club’s ambience and disturb nearby homes. The proposal would also see three grass courts replaced, leaving only five. Concerns have been raised over noise, flooding, and the lack of consultation. Supporters say the sport could boost accessibility and sustainability - but many believe it threatens the club’s 126-year legacy. Read more from Charlotte Phillips here.

🚌South East Bus Petition: Stagecoach has slashed key bus routes across Kent and Sussex - from half-hourly to hourly services - leaving disabled and elderly residents struggling to reach hospitals, college, and essential appointments. A petition led by Erin Wigham has gathered 1,600 signatures urging the company to reconsider. Stagecoach says the cuts reflect changing demand, but locals say they risk isolation and hardship. Read more from Sofia Akin here.

🪥Dentist Payouts: A long-time Tunbridge Wells dental patient has received £9,250 in an out-of-court settlement after a failed root canal led to infection, a tooth extraction, and lasting discomfort. Tom Chown claims remnants of dental files caused an abscess, requiring corrective treatment and impacting his family life. Dentist Dr Simon Azimi denies negligence and says the settlement involves no admission of liability. Read more from Charlotte Phillips here.

🚨Man Arrested in Brighton: A 25-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells has been arrested in Brighton following a knifepoint robbery at a High Brooms convenience store on 30th June. Police say the suspect threatened a staff member before stealing cash. He has been charged with robbery and appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded in custody ahead of an August hearing. Read more from Ed here.

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THIS WEEK

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac | Assembly Hall | Tues, 7:30pm | Fleetwood Mac tribute so good, even Mick Fleetwood approves | £39.25+

Sausage & Cider Festival | Eridge Park | Sat | Sausage, spice, speed - plus live tunes and plenty of laughs | £19.50

The Ibiza Experience | Eridge Park | Fri | Classic Ibiza anthems reimagined live by full orchestra and DJ | Details

Southern At War | Bluebell Railway | Sat & Sun | Immersive 1940s weekend with steam trains, Spitfire flyovers, and swing | £30

Tunbridge Wells Mela | Calverley Grounds | Sun, 12pm to 6pm | Celebrate music, visual arts, food and dance from around the world | Details

The Baby Fayre Mid-Sussex | South of England Showground | Sun, 11am to 2pm | Meet local baby brands, grab goodies, and connect with parents | £4+

Nashville Country Music Festival | Eridge Park | Sun | Line dancing, American BBQ & Street Food | Details

The Dinosaur Express! | Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Ride vintage trains with roaming dinosaurs - fun for the whole family | Details

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

FURTHER OUT

East Grinstead Jazz Festival | 14th to 17th Aug | Four-day jazz celebration with workshops, street music, and brunch vibes | Details

Super Car Sunday | Hever Castle | 23rd Jul | Marvel at 60 vintage cars on display in castle gardens | With Admission

Joyfest | Caracol Glamping | 27th Jul | Family festival with music, healing, crafts - raising funds for Junior’s bike! | £11

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SPORT

🏏 CRICKET

12th July:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Sandwich Town

19th July:

Minster (Sheppey) vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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