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Uber has been given the green light to operate in Tunbridge Wells, stirring local taxi firm concerns. A new platform, Tunbridge Wells Works, is also live - offering jobs, volunteering, and business links. This week’s highlights include U2 By Candlelight at Assembly Hall on Wednesday and Super Car Sunday at Hever Castle. Rail services between Redhill and Tonbridge will be suspended from 16th to 25th August. Campaigners continue to call for a non-selective secondary school in Cranbrook.

WEATHER

Monday: 12°C 🌡️ 23°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 14°C 🌡️ 21°C | 🌦️

Wednesday: 13°C 🌡️ 22°C | ☁️

THE BRIEF

🚕Finally Uber: Uber has been granted a one-year licence to begin operating in Tunbridge Wells. It already operates it's food delivery service, UberEats. The company plans to recruit local drivers and also serve nearby towns like Paddock Wood and Southborough. The move has stirred tensions among traditional taxi firms, especially as Tunbridge Wells is now one of the most expensive places in Kent to get a cab. The council approved the application on 17th July. Taxi drivers have questions over how the decision was announced. Read more from Daniel Sexton and Daniel Esson here.

⚒️TW Works: A new platform called Tunbridge Wells Works has launched to support the town’s thriving business scene. Backed by RTW Together BID, it offers a job board, volunteering hub, and networking directory tailored to the area’s 6,500+ businesses. With high employment and satisfaction rates, Tunbridge Wells is pitching itself as the place to live, work and grow. Whether you’re a startup, corporate, or jobseeker, the site aims to connect you to local opportunities and community. Explore what makes the town tick in this piece by Index Digital Team read more here.

🏎️130 Anniversary: Tunbridge Wells will mark 130 years since hosting Britain’s first motor show with a two-day Festival of Motoring. Set for 2nd to 3rd August at The Pantiles, the event will feature vehicles from the 1890s to the present day. Exhibitors include Autohistoric and the Tunbridge Wells Motor Club. It commemorates Sir David Salomons’ 1895 Horseless Carriage Exhibition, which drew thousands and made motoring history. Entry is free and no booking is required. Read more from Sam Lawrie here.

🚸Calls For Cranbrook School: MPs Katie Lam and Mike Martin are backing a renewed push for a non-selective secondary school in Cranbrook. Their calls follow the 2022 closure of High Weald Academy. A recent meeting with the Department for Education yielded little action. The MPs and campaign group Support Weald Schooling argue that long travel times, rising homeschooling, and growing housing developments all point to urgent need. The government says it's Kent County Council’s call - but campaigners believe the data underestimates demand. Read more from Alan Smith here.

🛤️Redhill Rail Closure: Rail services between Redhill and Tonbridge will be suspended from 16th to 25th August as 13 miles of high-voltage cables are replaced and landslip protection works begin near Edenbridge. A 360-metre steel wall will be installed, alongside bridge inspections and rail upgrades. Southern trains will be replaced by buses, with longer journey times expected. Network Rail says the ten-day closure avoids months of weekend disruption. Read more from Christian Fuller.

THIS WEEK

U2 By Candlelight | Assembly Hall | Wed, 7:30pm | U2 hits performed live by candlelight - goosebumps guaranteed! | £27.25+

Teddy Bears Picnic | Penshurst Place | Thurs, 10am to 5pm | Toy Museum reopens with crafts, games, and teddy bear fun! | With Admission​

Edenbridge Family Fun Days | Stangrove Park | Thurs, 2pm to 5pm | Free kids’ fun days with games, crafts, and surprises! | Free​

Force 10 Big Band | The Pantiles | Thurs, 7pm | Epic big band swing and jazz to celebrate Independence Day! | £7.50​

Cirque The Greatest Show - Reimagined | Assembly Hall | Thurs, 7pm | Musical theatre meets circus in a jaw-dropping spectacle! | £29+​

Forest Fest | Chiddingstone Castle | Fri, 8pm | Sunset yoga vibes meet Ibiza beats in the forest! | £26.25​

Super Car Sunday | Hever Castle | Sun, 10:30 to 5pm | Epic supercars on show against a castle backdrop - arrive early! | With Admission​

The 4th Horseless Carriage Exhibition | The Pantiles | Sat & Sun | 130 years of motoring history celebrated with stunning cars! | Free​

Meet The Artists: Genetic Moo | The Amelia Scott | Sun, 11am to 3pm | Create digital art and code with real artists - fun for all! | Free​

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

FURTHER OUT

Britpop Night | The Imperial | 16th Aug | Throwback indie night—expect bangers, bucket hats, and big vibes! | Details​

Stevie Wonder Celebration | Chiddingstone Orangery | 10th Aug | Live Stevie Wonder tribute with soul, jazz, and summer vibes! | £25​

Whitney Houston By Candlelight | Assembly Hall | 11th Sep | Whitney’s greatest hits live by candlelight - pure magic! | £27.25+​

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody | Assembly Hall | 20th to 25th Apr | Hilarious musical parody of Friends - you’ll laugh all night! | £34+​

JOBS

• General Manager | KFC | More Info​
• Beauty Expert | Sainsbury's | More Info​
• Backend Software Developer | Wavenet | More Info​

Check out all the listings on TW Jobs​

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

SPORT

🏏 CRICKET

26th July:

Hayes (Kent) beat Tunbridge Wells by 5 runs.

2nd August:

Bexley vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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