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This week in TW Life:

Kent councils unveil draft plans for a major local government reorganisation, while a Tunbridge Wells mum faces delays selling a retirement flat due to lease complications. Plus, don’t miss the M.A.P Art Fair at The Amelia on Saturday, a free celebration of local creativity. For something active, join table tennis or badminton at Sunnyside Hall, where your first session is free.

Have a great week everyone! 😄

WEATHER

Monday: 8°C 🌡️ 13°C | ⛈️

Tuesday: 13°C 🌡️ 14°C | ☁️

Wednesday: 12°C 🌡️ 15°C | 🌧️

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✨ Silent Lights: An Evening to Remember, Reflect and Celebrate ✨

This December, join GM Valentine Family Funeral Directors for a truly special community event, Silent Lights. Together, we’ll fill the peaceful grounds of St James Church, Ferndale with the warm glow of candles, each one a heartfelt tribute to a loved one.

🕯️ Wednesday 10 December

• 6:30 pm – Doors open
• 7:00 pm – Candlelight remembrance begins

Festive drinks and mince pies will follow in the Church Hall.

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Come together, share memories, and light up the night with love.

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THE BRIEF

📄Draft Council Cases: Councils across Kent and Medway have released draft business cases outlining potential models for reorganising local government. This would be the most significant overhaul in 50 years. Compiled with KPMG, the proposals explore options for three or four new unitary councils to replace the existing two-tier system. Each council will decide its preferred model this month. Submissions are due by 28th November and government consultation expected early next year. The public’s priorities include efficiency, clear accountability, and value for money. Read more here.

🛵Slow Scooter: Motorists were left astonished when an elderly man was filmed driving his mobility scooter down the A21 in Tunbridge Wells. Dashcam footage captured him calmly travelling in the inside lane as cars sped by, prompting drivers to slow down out of concern. The clip, shared by motorist Will Sparshott, has already been viewed over half a million times. Police are yet to comment, though experts note that only certain class 3 scooters can legally use dual carriageways under strict conditions. Read (and watch) more from Robert Foker here.

💳Retirement Raid: A Tunbridge Wells mum says she can’t sell the retirement flat she inherited. Karen Inglis accepted a £20,000 offer from We Buy Any Home, but says Sanctuary Housing has delayed a decision for months. In the meantime, she’s faced fees, council tax pressure, and ill health. Sanctuary calls it “complex” and says lease rules on private retirement schemes must be followed. Karen wants permission to sell and a rethink of the process. Read more here from Elli Hodgson.

🌳Hospital Garden: Critically ill patients at Tunbridge Wells Hospital can now enjoy time outdoors thanks to a new ICU garden funded by a generous bequest. The space, complete with raised flower beds, benches, and living walls, offers patients a peaceful escape from the ward and supports their rehabilitation. The project was made possible by a donation from the late David Nicholson, a long-serving hospital administrator. His daughter, Carol, said the garden is a fitting tribute to her parents’ legacy. Read more here from Alan Smith.

🚆£9m Rail Improvements: Train services have resumed between Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, and Bexhill after a £9 million upgrade programme. Over nine days, engineers completed 25 projects across five sites, from laying new rail and sleepers at Etchingham to stabilising cuttings and tunnels dating back to the 1850s. The improvements aim to boost safety, reliability, and comfort for passengers. Read more 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?

M.A.P Art Fair hosted at The Amelia

⭐Saturday 15 November 2025

⭐10am-4pm

⭐The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1AW

⭐Free entry

Meet.Art.People will be holding an Art Fair in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, showcasing a diverse collection of work from local artists, including original paintings, handmade jewellery, photography, textiles and handcrafted ceramics.

​Entry to the Art Fair is free - we would love to see you there!​

ADVERTISE ON THE BOARD

THIS WEEK

Kevin Bloody Wilson | Assembly Hall | Fri, 7:30pm | Aussie comedy legend brings his no-filter humour for one night only | £39.75​

The 80s Show | Assembly Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Ultimate 80s nostalgia night with live music and dazzling lights | £32.25​

Susie Dent - Word Perfect | Assembly Hall | Sun, 2pm | Funny, fascinating dive into the quirks of the English language | £34.25​

Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio | Trinity Theatre | Tues, 8pm | Dramatic film uncovering Caravaggio’s genius, secrets, and mysterious life | £13.50​

Attention All Shipping – A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast | Trinity Theatre | Thurs, 7:30pm | Funny, heartfelt tribute to Britain’s beloved shipping forecast and its quirks | £21​

Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers | Trinity Theatre | Fri, 8pm | Hilarious, fearless take on midlife reinvention and female empowerment | £20​

Adam Kay + Support | Trinity Theatre | Sat, 8:30pm | Hilarious night with Adam Kay and top comedy support acts | £33​

Bark Bark | Trinity Theatre | Sun, 5:30pm | Haunting, funny folk-horror told through live puppetry and animation | £16​

Have Yourself An Aromatic Christmas | Hever Castle | Sat & Sun | Create festive essential oil blends in this relaxing Christmas workshop | £80​

Chartreuse | The Forum | Tues, 7:30pm | Emotive indie band Chartreuse perform songs of connection and resilience | £13​

Mad Dog Mcrea | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Folk-rock party with infectious tunes and wild, feel-good energy | £20​

Back To The 80’s | The Forum | Sat, 8pm | Throwback club night packed with iconic 80s hits and dancing | £10​

Table Tennis | Sunnyside Hall | Mon & Sun, 6:30pm | Every week, your first time is free! | £4​

Badminton & Pickleball | Sunnyside Hall | Fri, 6:30pm | Every week, your first time is free! | £5​

FURTHER OUT

Danny Rampling | The Forum | 28th Nov | Legendary DJ Danny Rampling spins three hours of pure house bliss | £22.50​

Christmas Good Times with NORMAN JAY MBE | The Forum | 29th Nov | Dance legend Norman Jay MBE brings festive rare groove party vibes | £25​

SKATE | Calverley Grounds | 5th Dec to 4th Jan | Fancy festive outdoor skating under lights - book ahead; relaxed sessions available | Details​

JOBS

• Employment Senior Associate | Themis Recruit | More Info​
• Corporate Tax Senior Manager | TPF Recruitment | More Info​
• Care Worker | Starrycare Recruitment Services | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

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

SPORT

⚽FOOTBALL

3rd Nov:

• SC Thamesmead 3 - 4 Rusthall

8th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells 4 - 0 Sheerwater FC
• Stansfeld 1 - 3 Rusthall

15th Nov:

• Hollands & Blair vs. Tunbridge Wells
• Rusthall vs. Punjab United

🏉 RUGBY

8th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells 29 - 7 Farnham

🏑HOCKEY

8th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells (Women's) 1 - 1 Sevenoaks
• Tunbridge Wells (Men's) 2 - 1 Guildford

15th Nov:

• Burnt Ash vs. Tunbridge Wells (Women's)
• Tunbridge Wells (Men's) vs. Horsham

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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