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This week in Tunbridge Wells: have your say on a proposed new board game café, with a short survey shaping everything from games to food.
In the news, South East Water will face MPs after the town’s prolonged water outage, while Marks & Spencer has closed its Fountains Retail Park store for a major refurbishment.
Looking ahead, petrolheads can enjoy F1 The Movie at Lamberhurst Community Cinema, and Bowie Night returns to The Forum with guaranteed singalong energy. Plenty to get involved with!
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WEATHER
Monday: -5°C 🌡️ 2°C | ☀️
Tuesday: 1°C 🌡️ 3°C | ⛅
Wednesday: 1°C 🌡️ 4°C | 🌨️
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HAVE YOUR SAY
Have your say on a new board game café coming to Tunbridge Wells 🎲☕
A local founder is planning to open a board game café right here in town - and before a single table is set, he wants your input.
From casual coffee-and-a-game visits to full-on tabletop nights, this short survey will help shape opening hours, pricing, food, and the types of games on offer. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist, a family gamer, or just curious, your opinion genuinely matters.
It takes 2 to 3 minutes, and your answers will directly influence a new local space built for the community.
👉 Share your thoughts and complete the survey here!
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THE BRIEF
🎸 Applications Open: Local&Live has opened applications for bands to play at its 2026 festival, alongside the launch of a new ‘New Band’ Bursary for under-18s. The bursary offers mentoring, recording, promotion and live performance slots, including appearances at The Forum and on the main festival stage. Applications opened on 1st Jan and close on 31st March, with the festival taking place from 28th to 31st August. Read more here.
🍹 Smoothie Bar Popup: Mindful Chef is taking its first-ever smoothie bar on tour this January, bringing functional blends to busy London spots and Tunbridge Wells. Prices start at £5.90, with free samples and a prize draw via QR codes. The pop-up lands at The Pantiles this Saturday and Sunday, promising a healthy lift after the festive lull. Read more here.
🪠 Fresh Water Issues: Residents on Charltons Way and London Road in Tunbridge Wells have faced fresh disruption after multiple burst water mains caused low pressure and temporary supply issues. South East Water blamed freezing temperatures and carried out emergency repairs, warning of possible cloudiness or discolouration in taps. The problems come just weeks after thousands endured a prolonged outage and boil notice across the town. Read more here.
🏪 Major M&S Works: The Marks and Spencer store at Fountains Retail Park has closed temporarily for a major refurbishment. The upgrade will expand the food hall and add a new in-store bakery and coffee counter, with reopening planned for spring. Staff will be redeployed to nearby branches while work is under way. Read more here.
🏅 CEO Honoured: Founder of Voluntary Action West Kent has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours. Caroline Anne Shaw, who founded the charity in Tunbridge Wells before it became Imago Community, has been awarded an MBE for services to community development. She dedicated the honour to the staff and volunteers supporting vulnerable people across the South East. Read more here.
💧 SE Water to Face MPs: Senior figures from South East Water will face MPs after thousands of residents in Tunbridge Wells were left without safe water for nearly two weeks. Chief executive David Hinton and the head of the Drinking Water Inspectorate are due to give evidence on failures at Pembury treatment works, including planning, resilience and leadership. The session follows prior warnings about risks at the site. Read more here.
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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?
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THIS WEEK
F1 The Movie | Lamberhurst Community Cinema | Sat, 6:45pm | Big-screen F1 drama - fast cars, Pitt charisma, proper edge-of-seat fun | £6.20
The South Cottage 1936 | Sissinghurst Castle | Mon, 11am to 3:30pm | Quietly fascinating - step into their lives and soak up the atmosphere | With Admission
The Pantiles Something in the Water | The Pantiles | Sat, 2pm | Lovely bit of local history - surprisingly juicy stories and charm | £15
Making Language: Emma Smith | The Amelia Scott | Sat & Sun | Thought-provoking art about justice and voices | Free
BSL Tour: Commons, a film by David Blandy | The Amelia Scott | Sat, 11am | Thoughtful, accessible art walk - really lovely if you use BSL | Free
Reflective Ramble - A Soulful Walk | Hever Castle | Sat, 10am | Proper head-clearing walk: calm, reflective, and genuinely nourishing | £55
Bowie Night 2026 | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Pure Bowie love, singalong vibes, great crowd, always a belter | £20
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
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FURTHER OUT
An Evening With Damon Hill | Assembly Hall | 19th Jan | F1 stories, Schumacher battles, and sharp takes on today’s grid | £39.25
Cheesy Bingo Party | Assembly Hall | 23rd Jan | Utter chaos bingo, cheesy tunes, big laughs - go with mates | £23
NT Live: The Fifth Step | Trinity Theatre | 16th Jan | Gripping, funny, uncomfortable - brilliant performances that really stick with you | £20
Justin Moorhouse | Trinity Theatre | 17th Jan | Properly funny, warm storytelling - guaranteed big laughs all night | £17
Bruise Control | The Forum | 8th Mar | Sweaty, shout-along punk. Loud, chaotic, and ridiculously fun live | £12
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JOBS
- MET Technician | Steer Automotive Group | More Info
- Site Maintenance | The Bowles Rocks Trust | More Info
- Front of House Manager | N Family Club | More Info
Check out all the listings on TW Jobs
(Use discount code TWLIFE30 for 30% off your first listing)
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SPORT
⚽FOOTBALL
3rd Jan:
- Snodland Town vs. Rusthall (POSTPONED)
10th Jan:
- Rusthall vs. Kennington
- Tunbridge Wells vs. Phoenix Sports
🏉RUGBY
10th Jan:
- London Scottish Lions vs. Tunbridge Wells
🏑HOCKEY
10th Jan:
- Oxted vs. Tunbridge Wells (Men's)
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THANK YOU
Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!
Jamie
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