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In this week’s TW Life: a powerful new campaign led by Tunbridge Wells local Chris Jeffery, calling for better support for working carers, and the uphill battle faced by Hawkhurst organisers to keep their village fete alive amid rising red tape and costs.

Don't miss Jools Holland at Assembly Hall on Thursday or the Tonbridge Classic Car Show on Saturday for a weekend of entertainment.

Plus, we're on the lookout for great local businesses to partner with. If you know someone we should be referring work to, get in touch. As always, thanks for reading and sharing TW Life!

WEATHER

Monday: 11°C 🌡️ 24°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 13°C 🌡️ 25°C | 😎

Wednesday: 13°C 🌡️ 25°C | ⛅

SPONSORED BY ORION STUDIOS

New Studio Offers Professional Production Without Leaving Tunbridge Wells​
Orion Studios is a new creative space in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, built for anyone who wants to create professional video or podcast content without the hassle, cost or compromise of heading to London. Whether you’re a business trying to improve your content, a creator tired of DIY setups, or someone who’s simply not sure where to start, Orion makes it easy. Founded by a BAFTA and Emmy-winning filmmaker and a multi-award-nominated podcast producer, the studio is based inside the Town Hall and designed to help you look and sound your best - with everything you need, all in one place.

Inside, you’ll find two purpose-built recording spaces. One is a sleek video studio ideal for interviews, promotional shoots, online courses, and social content. The other is a sound-treated audio room designed for podcasts, voiceovers, and narration. Every booking includes a professional studio engineer to make sure everything runs smoothly, and if you’re not sure where to start, the team is on hand to support you from planning through to post-production. If you’d rather record somewhere else, Orion can also bring the crew and kit to your location.

With over 45 years of combined experience and a clear focus on simplicity, flexibility and quality, Orion Studios brings industry-standard production within reach. Whether you’re a solo creator or part of a growing business, you’ll find a space that’s easy to use, thoughtfully equipped and designed to help you do your best work.

📍 Just 5 minutes from the station. 🎙 Ready when you are.

Book your session today at orionstudios.uk and bring your ideas to life.

THE BRIEF

🗣️Carer Campaign: Chris Jeffery from Tunbridge Wells is leading a new campaign with Kent County Council to spotlight the rights of working carers. The campaign draws from his own experiences as both a carer and someone who receives care. Jeffery warns that the Government overlooks many carers, especially those ineligible for Carers’ Allowance. With millions juggling jobs and unpaid care, he stresses the urgent need for employer awareness and support. The campaign, Working carers – someone’s listening, hopes to give this “forgotten army” a voice. Read more from Mark Norman here.​

🪪Fear For Future Fetes: Hawkhurst’s village fete is going ahead this year but only after organisers battled a mountain of bureaucracy. The committee faced licensing hurdles, training requirements, and almost £2,000 in compulsory security costs. Together these almost wiped out most of the parish council’s annual events budget. Despite fears this could kill off future fetes, the team pressed on. The organisers are determined to keep the event free for adults and affordable for families. Coconut shies, bouncy castles, and birds of prey await on 28th June. Read more from Davina Jethwa here.​

🧼 New Luxury Brand: Luxury well being brand Rituals opened its new Tunbridge Wells store last Wednesday, bringing bath, body, and home products to the town’s high street. Early shoppers were treated to exclusive goody bags, with only 50 available. The store launch taps into the area’s premium retail appeal and growing appetite for self-care rituals. Read more here. Or apply for the Supervisor role here.

🚔Life Sentence For Abuser: A man who inflicted a year of brutal, controlling abuse on his partner, culminating in attacks with a hammer, bike lock and clothes steamer, has been jailed for life. Ozgur Suyolcu, 30, left the woman with broken bones, burns and collapsed lungs, and claimed to police that drug dealers were responsible. She managed to call for help in April 2024, prompting police to discover the full scale of injuries. A life sentence was handed down on 13 June 2025, with a minimum term of 13 years. Read more from Kent Police here.

👩‍⚖️Local Law Firm Merger: A Tunbridge Wells law firm with roots stretching back to 1852 is in early talks over a major merger. Cripps, employing over 500 people across Tunbridge Wells, London, and Horsham, is exploring a potential tie-up with Michelmores. The proposed merger could form a powerhouse legal firm with over 1,000 staff and £100m in annual income. Discussions remain at a preliminary stage. Read more from Mary Harris here.​

TW LIFE COMMUNITY BOARD

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?

🍔 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​​​​​​

⛵ 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​

Hawk Rec Fest | Hawkenbury | Sun, 11am to 3pm | Demos, music, food and fun — all for a good cause! | Free​

Sussex Day Celebration | Chapel Green, Crowborough | Today, 3:30pm | Free family fun with shows, dancing, BBQ, and cream teas! | Free​

In The Night Garden | Assembly Hall | Wed, 10am, 12pm & 3pm | Magical toddler joy with Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, and friends! | £20.50+​

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra | Assembly Hall | Thurs, 7:30pm | Big-band brilliance and feel-good energy with Jools and friends! | £40.50+​

Queen By Candlelight | Assembly Hall | Fri, 7:30pm | Epic Queen anthems by candlelight - pure goosebumps and singalongs! | £27.25​

Intro To Comedy | The Rackcliff Centre | Fri, 2pm | Curious about stand-up? Try this fun, friendly comedy taster! | £15​

Tonbridge Rotary Classic Car Show | Tonbridge Castle | Sat, 10am to 4pm | Classic cars and castle vibes! | Free​

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

FURTHER OUT

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​

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

Mencap One Big Walk | Tunbridge Wells | September | Organise a Mencap One Big Walk this September and help raise funds for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK | Sign Up Here​

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

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience | Eridge Park | 18th Jul | Ibiza anthems with a full orchestra | £24.50+​

Sausage & Cider Festival | Eridge Park | 19th Jul | Sausages, cider, and loads of festival fun | £35+​

BBC Big Band | Pamoja Hall | 5th Jul | Bond themes with a big band twist - slick, stylish, unforgettable night! | £30​

Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival | Calverley Grounds | 20th Jul | Celebrate music, art and food from around the world! | Free​

REAL ESTATE

If you're looking to move (or nosy, like me)...

• 7-Bedroom House | Bishops Down Road | £3.3m​
• 4-Bedroom House | London Road, Southborough | £895k​
• 2-Bedroom Flat | Molyneux Park Road | £525k​

JOBS

• Store Assistant | Sweaty Betty | More Info​
• Interim Business Analyst | Hand Picked Hotels | More Info​
• Supermarket Assistant | John Lewis | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

SPORT

🏏 CRICKET

14th June:

Tunbridge Wells beat Blackheath by 6 wickets

21st June:

Bromley vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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