Celebrating local artistic skills
The latest Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society exhibition is up and running and on until this Sunday. Here, its Vice Chair, Suzy Phillips, tells Eileen Leahy all about it.
“There is a bit of a watery theme going on at Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society,” smiles artist Suzy Phillips, who’s also Vice Chair of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society (RTWAS).
“Memories of summer holidays and days out are currently adorning the gallery walls,” she says, explaining the theme of the society’s current show.
“In amongst the portraits you’ll also find images from our season of ‘plein air’ paintings and work produced from each artist’s imagination. Even our Jubilee celebrations will not be forgotten,” laughs Suzy, referencing the talented portrait of HM The Queen.
She goes on to say that RTWAS has over 120 members who vary from gifted amateurs to professional artists and ‘everything in between’.
For those not familiar with RTWAS then, in brief, it runs a full weekly programme of activities, many of which lead members to showcase their work in one or more of the society’s three annual full members’ exhibitions.
“This means these events are often the first time a painting will be shown anywhere,” adds Suzy.
adds Suzy. So why not head down to the RTWAS HQ on The Pantiles to view, and perhaps purchase, a unique piece of work from the artists themselves?
The exhibition is on at Sussex House, 61 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TE until Sunday September 4 from 10.30am to 4.30pm daily, and entry is free
For further details of the exhibition and membership, please email Suzy Phillips, Vice Chair at: info@rtwas.org
On stage and screen
FOR a night of cinematic mystery, thrills and drama, head over to Trinity Theatre next Tuesday (September 6). What begins as a story of young love soon turns into murder in this captivating story from the best-selling novel ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. For years, rumours of a Marsh Girl have haunted the quiet fishing village of Barkley Cove. Then, when the popular Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect wild, barefooted Kya Clark…
For an amazing outdoor cinema experience, The Green Duck Coffee House and Bar will be screening ‘The Greatest Showman’ this Saturday (September 3). Celebrate the birth of show business, as a visionary rises from nothing to creates a spectacle that becomes a worldwide sensation. Doors open at 8pm, with the film starting shortly after sunset. Bring a blanket or two and get comfortable as you tuck into the delicious snacks available at the bar. If you aren’t ready to pack away your summertime spirit, why not hide away at the Odeon from the rain (or the sun) and enjoy a summer blockbuster. ‘Minions: the Rise of Gru’ (U), ‘The Railway Children Return’ (PG) and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (12A) are all still on at the Odeon…
Going live
Soulstice Festival returns to Colebrook Park this weekend (September 2-3). Established in support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Young Minds, it has raised over £12,000 for the two charities over the past three years. The festival will host a diverse line-up featuring some of the best emerging talent in the UK. Tickets from: eventbrite.co.uk
The Pantiles’ ever-popular annual Gin & Jazz Festival returns this weekend (September 3-4). The sun-soaked event that has previously attracted more than 6,000 visitors will host over 30 producers of some of the world’s best gins, mouth-watering food stalls and toe-tapping jazz tunes on the bandstand each day. The festival will be taking place from 11am to 7pm. Entry is free.
Is The Forum the space that launched a thousand hits? Well, it’s certainly launched several music legends! Now all are invited to this Saturday’s (September 3) album release by Kay Hazel, an independent alternative pop solo artist based in Tunbridge Wells. Her ‘sad bop’ sound is already known to regulars, but if not, she will play the whole of her debut EP, ‘What Defines Grief’.
Family fun
There’s story time for under-fives this Monday (September 5) at the National Trust’s Knole Park (Sevenoaks), where children can enjoy tales and nursery rhymes both new and old. This free event takes place every Monday. Meet in Knole’s bookshop in Green Court at 11am.
Make the most of the last few weeks of summer at Bewl Water, where families can enjoy up to 20 per cent off selected activities. Throughout September, the Aqua Park is £18 (was £21), laser challenge £12 (was £15), child cycle hire £5 (was £10), and camping £11.20 per night (adult price, minimum two nights required, was £14). All bookings must be made online by September 10, but sessions can take place on any date throughout the month.
Adult families, join the Spa Valley Railway for a gin-filled afternoon this Saturday (September 3) departing from Tunbridge Wells West at 2.45pm. Hop aboard the 1960s carriages, sit back and relax as you enjoy three different gins from the Anno Distillery, with fruit garnish. A delightful selection of canapés keeps hunger at bay. Tickets cost £35 and booking is highly recommended.
