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Good morning! This week’s newsletter brings a mix of celebration and concern. The TW Fringe Festival kicks off with a bang at Dunorlan Park this Saturday - expect live acts, games, and a silent disco to mark the start of weeks of creativity across town.

But not all is festive: Tunbridge Wells’ Poundland may close its doors as part of a national shake-up, prompting locals to rally in protest. We also spotlight a petition to finally make High Brooms Station accessible and report on the shocking van assault that left a woman seriously injured.

WEATHER

Monday: 11°C 🌡️ 22°C | ☀️

Tuesday: 14°C 🌡️ 23°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 15°C 🌡️ 25°C | ☀️

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS IN NUMBERS

40% - The drop in trade one shop in Hawkhurst has suffered due to long-running roadworks.

THE BRIEF

♿High Brooms Access For All: Mike Martin MP has launched a petition pushing for the long-awaited upgrade to High Brooms Station. Wheelchair users still can’t access Platform 2 at the station due to steep stairs. Though full upgrade plans are already drawn, Government funding hangs in the balance. Recent revelations showed the Tories failed to cost the £350m Access for All scheme. Martin warns of years of delay and calls for immediate construction on stations with ready plans. The Minister says a decision is coming soon - meanwhile, the petition is live.

🚙Woman Pushed From Van: A woman suffered serious injuries after being violently assaulted and pushed from a moving van in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday (14th) night. The attack happened on Pembury Road between 9 pm and 9:45 pm. Police say the suspect, known to the victim, punched her repeatedly before shoving her from the vehicle near Dunorlan Park. He fled the scene and is still at large. Officers are urging witnesses and anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage to come forward. The van, a small grey model, may have been seen driving erratically. Read more here.​

💷Poundland May Close: Poundland in Tunbridge Wells may close this autumn as part of a major shake-up following the chain's sale to US firm Gordon Brothers. Up to 100 stores face closure, and staff at the Grosvenor Road branch have been warned. Locals have launched a petition to save it, with many citing its affordability and community value. The store opened in 2015 to huge queues and has been a mainstay for shoppers ever since. But with falling revenue and corporate restructuring ahead, its future hangs in the balance. Read more from Mary Harris here.​

❤️‍🩹NHS Job Losses: Up to 150 jobs could be at risk at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust as part of a national £36.5m workforce savings plan. Staff in corporate roles, including porters and infection control, are being consulted as the trust braces for cuts. Unison has voiced deep concern, calling on the trust to avoid redundancies. A formal consultation begins in July, with outcomes expected by year-end. One long-serving nurse called the move “a slap in the face” after Covid. The trust insists no final decisions have been made. Read more from Nicola Jordan here.​

🚭Vapes Seized: Trading Standards officers have seized over 2,000 illegal disposable vapes from five Kent shops just weeks after a national ban came into effect. Spot checks across 80+ retailers led to 2,163 products being confiscated, with follow-up visits planned. While most shops complied, some needed “more advice” or ignored the new law entirely. The ban, aimed at reducing environmental harm and toxic waste, requires all vapes sold to be reusable. Repeat offenders risk fines and even jail time. Read more from Patrick Barlow here.​

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

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⛵ Mariners of Bewl |Sailing | Inclusive sailing for all. Join Mariners of Bewl on Saturday mornings – no experience needed. Just bring curiosity, we'll handle the rest. | enquiries@mariners-of-bewl.org.uk​

🍽️ Complete Catering Consultancy | Catering Support | Expert help for food businesses across Kent & East Sussex. Improve hygiene ratings, menus, and margins with our free consultation. | george@completecatering.co.uk | Website​

ADVERTISE ON THE BOARD

THIS WEEK

Clocktower Tours | Trinity Theatre | Tues & Sat | Explore the town’s history then enjoy amazing rooftop views | Free​

Total Stone Roses | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | A celebration of Stone Roses! | £20​

Ashes To Ashes - Spiritual Fair | Capel Village Hall | Fri, 6pm | Spiritual readings, healing, and good vibes with lovely people | £2​

Omid Djalili Namaste | Assembly Hall | Fri, 8pm | Omid Djalili lets rip - funny, fiery, and brilliantly furious | £33.25​

Book Folding With Bumble & Bloom | Arty Farty Retreat | Fri, 7pm | Make your own folded book art - creative, calming, surprisingly fun | £35​

Fiesta Latin Night | The Grey Lady | Fri, 7pm | Non-stop Latin beats, tasty tapas, and dancing all night! | £10+​

Rusthall Village Fete | Southwood Road Playing Field | Sat, 12pm to 4:30pm | Annual village fete with music, entertainment, games, activities, food and drinks | Details​

TW Fringe Opening Event | Dunorlan Park | Sat, 12pm to 10pm | Epic kickoff to Fringe—live acts, games, and silent disco! | Free​

Bollywood Night At The Pantiles | The Pantiles | Sat, 7pm | Live dhol drums, Bollywood dancing, and pure party energy! | £10+​

I 💖 Quizzing | The Imperial Pub | 25th June | Teams up to 6, rounds on music, TV & Film and even Crisps! | £ 3 per person​

Jumble Sale | Bell Yews Green Village Hall | 29th June | Tea, cake, and treasure hunting with all funds raised going towards the village hall's upkeep | Email friendsofbyg@gmail.com to book a table for £10​

Langton Green Festival | Holland's Farm | 28th June to 13th July | Loads of fun shows in a pop-up dome - magic, comedy, theatre! | Details​

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

FURTHER OUT

Tonbridge Music Weekend | Tonbridge Castle | 4th to 6th July | Tributes, dancing, family fun - three nights of summer magic! | Details​

Cheesy Bingo Party | Assembly Hall | 11th July | Cheesy tunes, wild bingo, dancing and giant inflatables! | £19​

Summer In Nashville | Eridge Park | 20th July | Line dancing, American BBQ, Rodeo, Fancy Dress and More! | Details​

Super Car Sunday | Hever Castle | 3rd Aug | Supercars, stories, and roaring engines against a castle backdrop! | With Admission​

JOBS

• Assistant Branch Manager | IBMG | More Info​
• Finance Manager | Hand Picked Hotels | More Info​
• Cleaner | TC Facilities Management | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

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

SPORT

🏏 CRICKET

21st June:

Tunbridge Wells beat Bromley by 35 runs.

28th June:

Holmesdale vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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