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Good Morning! Reform UK has ended 28 years of Tory control in Kent, while Tunbridge Wells prepares to launch Safe Havens for women and girls. This week’s highlights include Martin Clunes live at the Assembly Hall and Lex Croucher at TW Litfest. In sport, Tunbridge Wells lost to Reigate Priory by 27 runs. Next up, Sandwich Town.

WEATHER

Monday: 3°C 🌡️ 13°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 6°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☁️

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THE BRIEF

🫨 Political Earthquake: Reform UK has swept to a shock victory in Kent, ending 28 years of Tory control by winning 57 of 81 council seats. The result, described as “apocalyptic” by the Tory leader before midday, marks a "political earthquake" across the county. Reform promises a “common sense agenda” and a US-style audit of council spending. Critics warn of inexperience and looming challenges in delivering vital services. Leadership of the new council will be decided shortly, with Maidstone’s Linden Kemkaran tipped as a frontrunner. Read more from Simon Finlay here.

🩷 Launch of Safe Havens: More than 150 Tunbridge Wells businesses are being asked to become “safe havens” for women and girls walking alone at night. This is part of a new initiative by #TogetherAsAllies and MP Mike Martin. Launching in May, the scheme will provide training and signage so businesses can offer shelter, phone charging, or help calling a taxi. Martin says this is the first step in tackling safety concerns. Whilst laws designed to criminalise sex-based public harassment remains unenforced. Read more from Charlotte Phillips here.

📸 Reflections on Emigration: After fleeing Ukraine in 2022, award-winning photographer Taras Bychko settled in Tunbridge Wells. He began documenting the emotional toll of forced emigration. His project Where Paths Meet captures shared feelings of loss, hope and transformation, drawn from interviews with 50 others who’ve faced displacement. Known for poetic street photography, Bychko also created Dreamland, a haunting off-season portrait of England’s coastal towns. Both bodies of work reveal the stillness, silence, and search for identity in uncertain times. Read more from Cene here.

❤️‍🩹 Comedian's Diagnosis: Milton Jones has cancelled several dates on his Hamilton tour, including his Tunbridge Wells show on 6th July, after revealing a prostate cancer diagnosis. The 60-year-old comedian, known for Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, shared that the cancer is treatable but he needs time to recover from surgery. He's postponed four shows to autumn, while 13 dates have been cancelled outright. Read more from Sam Lawrie here.

STORY 5: Brian Bissell, 82, of Tunbridge Wells, has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of raping a young girl during the late 1960s and early 70s. The abuse, which took place in multiple locations including the victim’s home and a nearby woodland, came to light after a 2018 investigation. A retrial in March 2025 resulted in five convictions. Police praised the victim’s bravery and stressed it's never too late to report abuse. Read more from Davina Jethwa & Kent Police here.

THIS WEEK

Mayday Festival | Southborough Cricket Pitch | Mon, 11am to 6pm | Stalls, food, beer, music, the MAYPOLE and more!! | Free​​

Imagine The Beatles | Hever Castle, The Orangery | Sun, 2pm | Top Beatles tribute band live for an afternoon event | £21​

Lex Croucher, TW Litfest | The Forum | Tue, 7pm | Lex Croucher on writing complex queer characters in historical fiction | £10​

Martin Clunes: Meetings With Remarkable Animals | Assembly Hall | Wed, 7:30pm | Martin Clunes shares extraordinary, moving tales of remarkable animals | £25​

Out of Bounds Comedy Club | Dunton Green Social Club | Fri, 8:30pm | Top comedy night in Sevenoaks with Bob Mills | £20​

Leading Ladies | Queen's Hall | Sat, 2pm & 7:30pm | Celebrating Kent’s female theatre talent with hit musical performances | £16​

Macy Gray | Assembly Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Macy Gray live: 25 years of On How Life Is | £48+​

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

TW LIFE BUSINESS BULLETIN*

Supporting local businesses helps make Tunbridge Wells a great place to live. Take a look below and help support:

🍔 | Grub & Go | Food Delivery | Craving bold flavours? Try Grub & Go: epic pizzas, burgers, bao & more - dine in at The Manor House or order on your apps! | Deliveroo | The Manor House​

*Want your business featured? Email us about pricing here.

FURTHER OUT

Picnic & Live Music | The Spa Hotel | 18th May | Picnic and live retro music with The Violet Jive | £50+​​

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra | Assembly Hall | 19th Jun | Live with Special Guests! | £40.50​​

A Bunch of Amateurs | Penshurst Village Hall | 22nd, 23rd & 24th May | Hollywood star joins amateur UK cast in theatrical mix-up | £10+​

Summerfest At The Spa | Spa Hotel | 12th & 13th July | Family-friendly food and music festival at The Spa Hotel | £10+​

Back To The 80's | The Forum | 31st May | DJ Alex Macnutt (The Common Room / Ministry Of Sound) brings you a night of 80s heaven | £10​

In The Night Garden | Assembly Hall | 18th Jun | Magical live show with favourite Night Garden characters and puppets | £20.50+​

Cheesy Bingo Party | Assembly Hall | 11th Jul | Bonkers bingo meets cheesy tunes, dancing, drinks, and prizes | £19​

SPORT

🏏 CRICKET

3rd May:

Reigate Priory beat Tunbridge Wells by 27 runs

10th May:

Sandwich Town vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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