Good Morning Tunbridge Wells!

Fuggles Beer Cafe is set to double its footprint, the beloved craft bar is taking over the empty shop next door on the high street. For your diary this week: TWODS opens Evita at the Assembly Hall on Tuesday, and the Hever Castle May half-term Plant Hunters trail runs all week. Have a great week.

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 19°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌧️

THE BRIEF

🍻 Fuggles Expands: Fuggles Beer Cafe - one of the town's most celebrated independent venues; is taking over the empty shop next door. Owner Alex Greig said the former Clearwell Mobility premises became available at the start of 2026 and the business "jumped at it." Fuggles has occupied its current spot for more than a decade and also runs a bar in Tonbridge. The expansion will give the award-winning craft beer venue considerably more space. Greig has been looking for a third location for some time and described the adjacent unit as "a great opportunity." An opening date for the new space has not yet been announced. Read more here.​

💚 Memorial Bench: A Tunbridge Wells family is set to unveil a memorial bench in memory of their son, with the aim of encouraging others to seek mental health support. The bench forms part of a wider national movement that places visible, community-based prompts in public spaces to help those who may be struggling. The family hope the bench will make a difference to local residents who need someone to turn to. The unveiling was reported this week. Read more here.​

❎ New Mayor: Cllr Bev Palmer has been elected Mayor of Tunbridge Wells for the coming year at the council's Annual Meeting. Palmer, who served as Deputy Mayor through 2025–26, represents the Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Benenden ward and has served the borough for over two decades. Council Leader Cllr Ben Chapelard was also re-elected for a second term at the same meeting. The Mayor traditionally supports a local charity during their term of office; Palmer's chosen cause is yet to be announced. Read more here.​

🔞 Council Targets Underage Sales: The Council is supporting a new campaign with Kent County Council Trading Standards to tackle illegal sales of age-restricted products to under-18s. These include alcohol, tobacco, vapes, knives and energy drinks. Residents who have concerns about a local business can report them via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. The council says it will take action where breaches are identified. The campaign runs across the borough. Read more here.​

🚶‍♂️‍➡️Crew To Walk Five Marathons: Four staff from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex set off from their Rochester base on Monday on a gruelling 131-mile, five-day walking challenge to raise funds for the service. The route passes through Tunbridge Wells before continuing to Lewes, Brighton and Dorking, finishing at Redhill Aerodrome last Friday.

One of the walkers, Warren Porritt, is taking on the challenge ten years after KSS saved his life following a motorcycle crash. "Taking on this challenge feels like a way of celebrating being here and saying thank you," he said. He is joined by crew members Sophy Dunn, Helene Poursain and executive medical director Dr Duncan Bootland. KSS has previously flagged the financial pressure of rising aviation fuel costs. All funds raised go directly to support the charity's operations across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Read more here.​

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

KentRelief provides vital aid to people affected by the war in Ukraine. Since 2022, the charity has delivered more than 150 tonnes of food, medical supplies and emergency equipment to communities in need. They also support Ukrainian families settling in Kent with essential items and practical help.

Every donation helps KentRelief continue this work. Your support can provide urgent supplies, assist vulnerable families and help reach those facing daily hardship.

If you can, please donate today or share KentRelief’s campaign with others. Together, we can continue to stand with Ukraine and support those who need it most.

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ADVERTISE ON THE BOARD

THIS WEEK

TWODS — Evita | Assembly Hall | Tue 26 May – Sat 30 May, 7:30pm (+ Wed & Sat 2:30pm mat.) | TWODS production of Lloyd Webber's iconic musical | From £25.00

The Detective Dog | Trinity Theatre | Tue 26 May, 1:00pm & 3:30pm; Wed 27 May, 1:00pm | Julia Donaldson's book brought to life on stage | From £11.50

Trinity Clocktower Tours 2026 | Trinity Theatre | Tue 26 May onwards (weekly) | Guided tours of the historic clocktower | See details​

May Half Term — Plant Hunters Tales & Trails | Hever Castle | Sat 23 May – Sun 31 May, 10am–5pm | Botanical explorer trail for families, included with admission | From £24.65

Around Penshurst in 9 Days | Penshurst Place | Sat 23 May – Sun 31 May, 10am–5pm (crafts 11am–3:30pm) | Adventure garden trail and crafts, included with admission | From £15.00

Dragonfly Discovery Trail | Scotney Castle | Sat 23 May – Sun 31 May, 10am–5pm | Self-led half-term trail through the estate | See details​

Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo (12A) | Trinity Theatre | Wed 27 May – Mon 1 Jun | Cinema screening of the acclaimed art documentary | See details​

NT Live: The Playboy of the Western World | Trinity Theatre | Thu 28 May, 7:00pm | Nicola Coughlan stars in National Theatre production | From £16.00

The Magic Faraway Tree (U) | Trinity Theatre | Thu 28 May | Family film screening | See details​

Shakatak | Trinity Theatre | Fri 29 May, 7:30pm | Jazz-funk legends live on stage | From £29.00

Repair Cafe | Trinity Theatre | Sat 30 May | Community repair workshop, drop in | Free entry​

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (PG) | Trinity Theatre | Sat 30 May | Documentary film screening | See details​

Table Tennis | Sunnyside Hall | Mon & Sun | Play table tennis every week (1st session is free) | £4​

Badminton & Pickleball | Sunnyside Hall | Fri, 6pm | Play badminton & pickleball every week (1st session is free) | £5​

FURTHER OUT

Trinity Dance | Assembly Hall | Thu 4 Jun | Annual student dance showcase | See details​

Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George | Assembly Hall | Sat 6 Jun | George Michael tribute show | See details​

Cars at the Castle 2026 | Hever Castle | Sat 13 Jun – Sun 14 Jun | Classic and luxury car show in castle grounds | See details​

An Audience with John Sergeant | Assembly Hall | Mon 8 Jun | Evening with the veteran broadcaster | See details​

Rude Science | Assembly Hall | Sun 31 May | Gross science fun for children | See details​

SPORT

Results

🏏 23rd May - Bexley vs. Tunbridge Wells (TW won by 8 wickets)

Fixtures

🏏 30th May - Tunbridge Wells vs. Bromley

THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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