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Good morning Tunbridge Wells! 🎅🎄

24,000 homes remain without water after a chemical fault shut down the Pembury Treatment Works. Meanwhile, redevelopment plans for Torrington Car Park move forward, proposing 120 build-to-rent homes and new commercial space beside the station. This week’s highlights include the opening night of SKATE at Calverley Grounds and The Sherlocks bringing big indie energy to The Forum. Plus, community efforts continue with the Mayor’s Toy Appeal supporting local children ahead of Christmas.

WEATHER

Monday: 8°C 🌡️ 11°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 4°C 🌡️ 11°C | 🌧️

Wednesday: 6°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌥️

SPONSORED BY TEDX ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

If you are looking for a gift that invites someone into new ideas, fresh perspectives and conversations that stay with them long after the day itself, TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells has you covered. Returning on 8 March 2026, the event offers a day that challenges thinking, sparks curiosity and leaves people seeing the world just a little differently.

TEDx events are rooted in the belief that ideas can shape how we think, feel and act. From powerful personal stories to bold viewpoints on society, creativity and human potential, each talk is carefully curated to provoke thought and encourage fresh insight.

A ticket is a considered gift for someone who enjoys being inspired, stimulated and part of something meaningful. It is a chance to step outside the daily routine and into an environment filled with ideas, conversation and energy.

To make festive gifting even more appealing, a limited Black Friday offer gives 15% off tickets. Simply use the code TEDXRTW15 at checkout before midnight on 15 December to secure the saving. Buy the perfect gift for your loved one here.​

THE BRIEF

🚱 Running Dry: About 24,000 customers are now without water after a bad batch of chemicals shut down Pembury Water Treatment Works on Saturday. South East Water says the disruption will run into today. Tankers are moving water around the network and bottled water stations opening across Tunbridge Wells. Shops are selling out, pubs have closed, and families are heading elsewhere to manage basic needs. A new chemical batch has arrived, but checks are still under way. Read more here.

🅿️ Torrington Torn Down: A major redevelopment is on the cards for Torrington Car Park in Tunbridge Wells. Grifo Developments are proposing about 120 build-to-rent homes and new commercial space on the site beside the railway station. All 405 parking spaces and The Range’s large ground-floor unit would be re-provided. Public consultations have begun, with a planning application expected next spring and potential completion in 2029. The scheme is pitched as a key chance to transform a tired gateway into the town. Read more here.

🍻 Taproom Arrives: Mad Dog Brewery has opened a new taproom in the former Gloster Tavern beer cellar on the Lower Pantiles. The tavern is a fresh craft beer spot with wine, cocktails, pizza and bar snacks. The Cardiff-based brewer says it wants to make beer more accessible while catering to all tastes, and hopes to become part of the community. The venue opens daily from 3pm in winter and noon in summer, joining the brand’s sites in Cardiff and Brighton. Read more here.

🎞️ See The ABC Site: New images show Paramount Place taking shape on the long-vacant former ABC cinema site. The £76m retirement development for over-65s is rising fast. With 167 apartments across four blocks, plus shops, a restaurant, a wellness centre and a public courtyard, the scheme promises modern living right in the town centre. RVG says the first residents should move in by late summer 2026, with facilities also open to the wider community. Read more here.

🏉 NIMBYs Here?: Plans for 184 homes on Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club’s current ground have sparked fierce debate. Objections have come in over loss of green space, traffic and the club’s proposed move to Bunny Lane. Supporters call the reaction “plain nimbyism” and say the new sports facilities would be a major upgrade for rugby and cricket in the area. Wealden District Council is considering the application, which sits over the Sussex border. Read more here.

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

🎁 Bring Christmas Magic to a Child in Need 🎄

The Mayor’s Toy Appeal has supported local children for over 30 years - last year alone helping 642 kids across our borough. From 12th Nov to 17th Dec, visit the Pop-Up Shop (Royal Victoria Place, top floor) to donate a new toy or gift for ages 1 month to 18 years. Or pick a tag from our Giving Tree and drop off at one of our collection points. Give joy. Change a Christmas.

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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?

ADVERTISE ON THE BOARD

THIS WEEK

SKATE Opening Night | Calverley Grounds | Fri, 5:30pm | Festive vibes, skating, music, and great food to kick things off | Free​

SKATE | Calverley Grounds | Fri to Sun | Season-long festive ice skating, lights, and cosy rink vibes | Details​

The Roses | Rusthall Community Cinema | Sat, 6:30pm | Darkly funny look at a crumbling marriage, fancy watching? | £5​

NT Live: The Fifth Step | Rusthall Community Cinema | Sun, 2pm | Taut, gripping drama about trust cracking under pressure | £10​

The Sherlocks | The Forum | Thurs, 7:30pm | Big, loud, feel-good indie chaos with a fiercely loyal crowd | £22.50​

Mötley Crüde | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Total, unapologetic rock mayhem from the kings of chaos | £20​

Irish & Trad Sessions | The Sussex Arms | Sun, 4pm | Total, unapologetic rock mayhem from the kings of chaos | Free​

The Last N.O.E.L. Mini Panto! | Penshurst Place | Thurs, 6pm | Fun, silly Christmas adventure where kids help save the workshop | £9​

Father Christmas Afternoon Tea | Chiddingstone Castle | Sat & Sun | Wholesome castle wander, storytime, and festive tea with Father Christmas | £40​

Fragrance Design Experience | Tunbridge Wells Hotel | Thurs, 7pm | Fun, indulgent afternoon creating your own signature scent together | £49+​

FURTHER OUT

Baby Dave & Friends | The Forum | Wed, 8pm | Raw, honest indie energy born straight out of a rough patch | £28​

Beatles Night 2026 | The Forum | Sat, 7pm | A big, joyful night belting Beatles classics with brilliant local talent | £18​

Sleeping Beauty | Assembly Hall | 13th Dec to 31st Dec | Big, silly, magical panto chaos, proper festive fun for everyone | £19+​

JOBS

• Community Psychiatric Nurse | NHS Tunbridge Wells | More Info​
• Nursery Room Leader | Banana Moon Day Nurseries | More Info​
• Registered Nurse (Bank) | Westbank Care Home | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

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

SPORT

⚽FOOTBALL

29th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells vs. Kennington (POSTPONED)
• Hythe Town 2 - 3 Rusthall

6th Dec:

• Tunbridge Wells vs. Windsor & Eton
• Rusthall vs. Corinthian

🏉 RUGBY

29th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells 47 - 14 Maidenhead

6th Dec:

• Jersey Rugby Football Club vs. Tunbridge Wells

🏑HOCKEY

29th Nov:

• Tunbridge Wells (Men's) 3 - 2 Canterbury
• Folkestone Optimist 2 - 0 Tunbridge Wells (Women's)

6th Dec:

• Sittingbourne vs. Tunbridge Wells (Men's)
• Tunbridge Wells (Women's) vs. Bromley & Beckenham

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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