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TW Life

No clickbait websites, just good news. Get the best local news in Tunbridge Wells every Monday. For free.

📰 Local Landmark to Disappear...? 🕰️

Sponsored by This week’s TW Life covers big local updates: Jamaica Blue café has opened in Royal Victoria Place after a £300k investment, while Primark gears up to launch its long-awaited Tunbridge Wells store this November, bringing 100 jobs. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra kicks off its new season under Peter Selwyn with a world-class programme including Wagner and Berlioz. Highlights on stage include The Bootleg Beatles at the Assembly Hall and lively Irish & Trad Sessions at...

📰 Guess Who’s in the Top 10? 🏆

Happy Monday! Half-term travel could get tricky with major train works between Tunbridge Wells, Hastings and Bexhill – so plan ahead if you’re heading out. On a brighter note, Tunbridge Wells has just been ranked the 10th best place to live in the UK 🎉. Looking for things to do this week? Cabaret legends Fascinating Aida hit the Assembly Hall tonight, and comedy fans can catch Stephen K Amos at Trinity Theatre on Thursday. WEATHER Monday: 5°C 🌡️ 15°C | ⛅ Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 15°C | ⛅ Wednesday:...

📰 Births Paused Over Staff Shortages 👼

Sponsored by Good Morning! Campaigners fighting cuts to the 51 bus say they’re feeling hopeful after meeting councillors, while Crowborough Birthing Unit has announced births will pause from October until next spring. Looking ahead, cricket legend Jimmy Anderson takes the stage at Assembly Hall on Saturday, while Trinity Theatre hosts Tim Peake with stories from space on Sunday. And don’t forget the Hospice Run on Sunday at Lower Common Cricket Ground – a chance to get moving for a great...

📰 Church Walls Smashed by Lorries 🚚

Sponsored by This week in TW Life: HGV chaos continues in Goudhurst, with MP Mike Martin launching a petition to stop lorries using the A262. Dunorlan Park celebrated its 500th parkrun, with Dame Kelly Holmes joining the festivities. Upcoming highlights include Eddie Izzard’s bold solo Hamlet at Trinity Theatre and the Climate & Nature Fair in Calverley Grounds. Looking ahead, astronaut Tim Peake visits Assembly Hall on 21st September. Plus, the RBL Poppy Appeal is seeking local volunteers...

📰 Kent Town With Highest Rent Burden 💸

This week’s TW Life covers soaring rents in Sevenoaks, where residents spend 42% of income on housing, and the return of Laser Quest at Knights Park with arcade games and party rooms. Upcoming events include Spa Valley Railway’s Real Ale & Cider Festival (16th to 19th Oct) with 200 ales, live music, and train rides, and the Pantiles Folk Festival (Sat & Sun) featuring global food, family fun, and live folk music. WEATHER Monday: 11°C 🌡️ 18°C | 🌦️ Tuesday: 12°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛈️ Wednesday: 13°C 🌡️...

📰 Penshurst House Prices Plummet 📉

Sponsored by Good morning, Tunbridge Wells! This week brings big changes on the horizon, with plans unveiled for more than 500 new homes in Paddock Wood and coffee fans awaiting the arrival of Jamaica Blue at Royal Victoria Place. Looking for things to do? Don’t miss Local & Live’s final day of grassroots music or unwind with Jazz in the Garden at the Spa Hotel. And looking further ahead, lace up your trainers for the Hospice Run on 21st September - a chance to support an incredible cause....

📰 Piano-Bike Rolls Into Town 🎹🚲

Sponsored by: Good Morning! This week brings a mix of music, community, and big local debates. From Chloe Marie Aston’s piano-bike rolling into Kent towns, to 11-year-old Laila Fitzgerald racing her way into karting history, there’s plenty of inspiration on our doorstep. Looking for plans? Don’t miss Local & Live 2025, four days of grassroots music and festival spirit, or the Kent Gin Train on Saturday. WEATHER Monday: 13°C 🌡️ 23°C | 🌤️ Tuesday: 13°C 🌡️ 23°C | ☀️ Wednesday: 11°C 🌡️ 20°C | 🌤️...

📰£2.8m Gothic Tower Listed 🏰

This week’s TW Life features Mencap’s One Big Walk fundraiser and the sale of Hadlow Tower, the UK’s tallest Gothic folly, for £2.78m. Sports highlight Paralympic champion Will Bayley’s unbeaten run with gold in Spokane. Upcoming events include Tom Robinson Band at The Forum on Thursday and Biddenden Tractorfest this weekend with tractors, displays, and family fun. Plus, Old Spot Butchery opens on Camden Road, Southeastern hosts a recruitment day at Tonbridge Castle, and Penshurst Place’s Toy...

📰 CQC Upgrades TW Maternity Rating ⬆️

In partnership with TWLife has partnered with TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells. Today we're featuring an interview about Paul Cheese’s talk being chosen as an editor’s pick. Local news: Tunbridge Wells Hospital’s maternity services improved to “good” after a focused effort. High Brooms Station won approval for accessibility upgrades via the Access for All Scheme. This week you can visit the Pantiles Antiques & Vintage Fair. WEATHER Monday: 10°C 🌡️ 21°C | 🌧️ Tuesday: 9°C 🌡️ 21°C | ⛅ Wednesday: 12°C...

TW Life Partners With TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells

TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells is thrilled to announce our new partnership with TWLife, supporting our activities and broadening our reach to thousands of people from around Tunbridge Wells and beyond. Nathan Friend, Curator and Event Producer for TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells, said “I’m really excited to begin working with Jamie at TWLife, and looking forward to bringing some exclusive content from TEDxRTW to the newsletter over the coming months. With TWLife’s focus on community events and news,...