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Good morning, Tunbridge Wells 👋

This week, there’s a mix of progress and play across town. Roadworks on Upper Grosvenor Road are finishing months ahead of schedule, with the road set to reopen by 6th November - a rare local success story. Meanwhile, YouTubers The Professional Idiots are bringing their DIY spirit to town with Pukka Putters, a mobile mini golf course built inside a lorry, opening 20th October outside The Amelia. Looking for plans? Catch Sara Pascoe’s hilarious new show at the Assembly Hall on Thursday or join Nick Sharratt’s family draw-along at Trinity Theatre on Wednesday.

WEATHER

Monday: 10°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛈️

Tuesday: 7°C 🌡️ 15°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 12°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛅

THE BRIEF

💧Works Progress: Roadworks on Upper Grosvenor Road in Tunbridge Wells have raced ahead of schedule, prompting the council to let SGN continue through winter rather than pause until 2026. Crews have replaced over a kilometre of gas mains since May, working six days a week and often into the night. While praised as a “success story” by project manager Dean Newell, nearby businesses say trade has dipped sharply. The road is due to reopen fully by 6th November, with more work planned in 2026. Read more from Phil Harrison here.

⛳Unique Course: A mobile mini golf course built inside a lorry by Tunbridge Wells YouTubers The Professional Idiots is set to open outside The Amelia Scott Centre on 20th October. Named Pukka Putters, the nine-hole course - complete with a bar - was hand-built by Josh Jones, his brother, and his girlfriend. The team, known for DIY projects like a double-decker bus café and a garage home conversion, say it’s “the most unique mini golf course you’ll ever see.” It’ll stay for two weeks - if it passes its MOT. Read more from Millie Bowles here.

⚠️No Commons Threat: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has reassured residents their access to the Commons “is not under threat” following news that owner Targetfollow plans to sell the 256-acre site. Council leader Ben Chapelard said the land, protected by laws dating back to the 1800s, remains safeguarded under planning rules and its Asset of Community Value status. The Friends of the Commons group now has six months to raise funds to bid, with chair Joy Podbury calling it “an exciting opportunity.” Read more from Mary Harris here.

💛Golden Turd Award: After finding a large pile of dog mess outside his Tunbridge Wells home, Roger Walker decided humour was the best response. Checking his doorbell footage, he identified a jogger and her spaniel as the culprits - then created a spoof “Golden Turd Award” and a tongue-in-cheek letter titled The Great Poo Mystery of Cumberland Yard. The post amused locals online, with some praising his creativity. Mr Walker says he isn’t angry - just hoping for an apology. Read more from Dee Lukasik here.

✔️Padel Approved: A new indoor padel centre with six double courts, a small gym, and a café-bar is set to open on Chapman Way in Tunbridge Wells after planning approval. Operated by Slough-based Padel Hub, the 2,105sqm venue will employ 16 staff and run daily from 7am to 11pm. A new footpath link will improve pedestrian access from North Farm Road. The project transforms a former light industrial unit into a hub for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Read more from here.

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

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THIS WEEK

Hans Zimmer and Film Favourites Illuminated | Assembly Hall | Mon, 6pm & 8:45pm | Epic movie moments brought to life by a glowing orchestra | £37.25+

Level 42 ' World Machine' Tour | Assembly Hall | Tues, 7:30pm | Funky nostalgia and timeless hits from Level 42’s golden era | £40.25+

Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop | Assembly Hall | Thurs, 7:30pm | Hilarious late-night musings from a sleep-deprived Sara Pascoe | £30.25

FastLove | Assembly Hall | Fri, 7:30pm | Unmissable George Michael tribute packed with hits and pure nostalgia | £36.25

Nick Sharratt’s Draw-Along | Trinity Theatre | Wed, 11am | Fun, creative family drawalong with beloved illustrator Nick Sharratt | £13

In the Dead of the Night | Trinity Theatre | Sun, 2pm | Spooky, funny adventure helping kids face their nighttime fears | £12

A Haunting In Venice | Rusthall Community Cinema | Sat, 6pm | Retired Poirot faces a deadly mystery at a Venetian seance | £5

Halloween Half Term | Penshurst Place | Mon to Sun | Magical garden trail and spooky storytelling for little sorcerers | Details

Pumpkin Picking | Sissinghurst Castle | Tues to Wed | Pick and carve pumpkins in a charming autumn garden setting | Details

Wrex | The Forum | Thurs, 7:30pm | High-energy alt-rock chaos blending punk, pop, and pulsing synths | £8

The Sussex Is Doomed II | The Sussex Arms | Fri, 7:30pm | Heavy riffs, sludge, and doom take over Tunbridge Wells | £12+

Lady Nade..sings Nina Simone | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Soulful tribute bringing Nina Simone’s spirit beautifully to life | £20

FURTHER OUT

80s vs 90s Halloween Day Party | Aura | 1st Nov | Spine-tingling daytime disco packed with 80s and 90s anthems | £15+

The Sound of Music | Assembly Hall | 28th Oct to 1st Nov | Heartwarming revival of The Sound of Music with timeless songs and charm | £25​

Alison Lessen: Reimaginings | Trinity Arts Centre | 4th to 9th Nov | Vivid, dreamlike forest scenes celebrating nature’s rhythm and joy | Details​

Harriet Kemsley | The Sussex Arms | Sun, 7pm | A laugh-out-loud Sunday with Harriet Kemsley and rising comics | £11.55​

Autumn Light Up Your Mind Quiz | The Skinners School | 21st Nov | Fun quiz night raising funds for local mental health support | Details

I 💖 Quizzing | The Imperial, Southborough | 5th Nov | All the fun of a pub quiz, minus the boring rounds, plus some weird rounds | £3

JOBS

• General Manager | KFC | More Info
• Senior CT Radiographer | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust | More Info
• Housing Options Advisor | Parkavenue | More Info

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs

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

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

18th Oct:

Rusthall 0 - 1 Tunbridge Wells

21st Oct:

Rusthall vs. Phoenix Sports

25th Oct:

Hythe Town vs. Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall vs. Larkfield & New Hythe

🏉 RUGBY

18th Oct:

Tunbridge Wells 32 - 20 Worthing

25th Oct:

Bracknell vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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