Tunbridge Wells charity launches appeal for World Mental Health Day
October 10 is World Mental Health Day and local charity, Mental Health Resource are using the day to launch an appeal to raise vital funds and shine a light on the challenges that some residents face with access to mental health care… This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is, ‘Make Mental Health and […]
Group sows the seeds for change
Last week Tunbridge Wells Fairtrade Town Group planted seeds in Calverley Grounds to ‘sow their solidarity’ with climate-hit Fairtrade farmers. Mandy Flashman-Wells spoke to the Times about the project… The campaign for Fairtrade Town status began in Tunbridge Wells in 2003 as an initiative of the Churches Social Responsibility Group. A steering group was formed […]
Tonbridge conference aimed to help women in justice system
A CHARITY dedicated to women prisoners which recently opened a shop in Tunbridge Wells is now inviting potential employers and mentors to a conference in Tonbridge. The #SheMatters Criminal Justice Conference has been in the planning since lockdown, but is finally set to take place at the River Centre in Tonbridge on October 21. With […]
All aboard the award-winning bus
A RESTORED bus from Tunbridge Wells brought home a retro award from the last ever SHOWBUS display, held late last month in Hertfordshire. The red DAF double-decker was named ‘Best 90s Bus’ at the 50th anniversary show on September 25. It had been restored and returned to its former glory by a team at the […]
Paddock Wood residents asked to name new community centre
PADDOCK Wood Town Council (PWTC) is asking residents for a name for the new Community Centre being built in Memorial Field. The £3million mixed-use facility will include a 40-place nursery, hall, car parking, and a 300-seat theatre and community hall. Designed with eco-friendly features such as electric car charging points, solar panels, an air-source heat […]
In Bloom team ready to compete in national competition next year
THE FLOURISHING neighbourhoods, spaces and habitats of Tunbridge Wells will be judged nationally after the town won gold medals and a category award in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) regional competition. As reported in last week’s Times, the Royal Town walked away from the South & South East In Bloom (SSEIB) with a gold medal […]
Women’s fashion store scoops top retail award after 12 years of trade
AN INDEPENDENT Tunbridge Wells-based womenswear shop has scooped one of the fashion retail industry’s most prestigious awards. High Street-based Bod & Ted was named Womenswear Independent of the Year at the Drapers Independent Awards on Thursday, September 22. Co-founder Sophie Bland told the Times: “After 12 years trading on the High Street it is wonderful […]
Festival returns with noteworthy concerts for classical music lovers
A superb lyric tenor, internationally renowned pianists, and one of the world’s greatest clarinettists. Eileen Leahy discovers more about the forthcoming annual Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival which starts on Friday October 7 We’re pretty spoilt when it comes to having the chance to enjoy live classical music in our borough. From the Royal Tunbridge […]
Commuter misery resumes as bus and rail strikes return
THE largest bus and train operators in Kent are set to return to industrial action at the weekend, after planned strikes were cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Around 600 workers at bus company Arriva are to walk out over pay during a series of strikes that are to begin on Friday (September […]
Council reverses gear on scrapping free car parking
THE Council’s ‘Borough Partnership’ has u-turned on a decision to scrap free parking in two Tunbridge Wells towns after 80 per cent of residents opposed the plans. The Lib Dem-led coalition Cabinet, which also consists of Labour and Alliance councillors, had planned to scrap the first free hour of parking at the Council-owned car park […]
