Pink Floyd star leads classic car drive for Childline fund
CLASSIC car enthusiasts are set to participate in National ‘Drive It Day’ events across the South East to raise money for Childline. The annual motoring rally, organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) and led by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, will see motoring fans meeting up to share their love of […]
Eurovision to be shown live at Tonbridge Castle Lawn
THIS year’s Eurovision Song Contest is to be live-streamed to Castle Lawn in Tonbridge, for “a gigantic celebration that the area needs”. Tickets for the official ceremony in Liverpool on May 13 sold out in 35 minutes, and “demand to join in the party is spilling out everywhere” said Andy Brett, the long-time organiser of […]
Downton jewellery goes on display for Arts Society
A LITTLE bit of Downton Abbey sparkle came to town this month, when The Arts Society Pantiles saw a display of tiaras, brooches and necklaces worn by the stars of the show. So although not here in person, one could say that the likes of Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Lily James and Elizabeth McGovern have […]
Hotel group offers saving grace with last-minute wedding sale
Couples hunting for the perfect last-minute wedding venue in Kent need look no further than Tunbridge Wells, where a 19th-century country house and luxury boutique hotel celebrate the big ‘I Do’ with mid-week discounts that could ending up saving couples thousands. Brand new for 2023, Tunbridge Wells-based group Elite Leisure Collection, which owns One Warwick […]
Reopened Penshurst store forges community links
A THREE-year revamp of a mechanic’s garage and filling station has left Penshurst with a community hub and shop that doubles as an outlet for local goods. Originally the village smithy on the High Street, Forge Stores became a garage and filling station, with a Post Office and convenience store added later. However, when the […]
Researcher traces the family of shot-down New Zealand pilot
PLANS to erect a Battle of Britain memorial plaque in the heart of the Kent countryside received a boost recently when a researcher made contact with the family of one of the pilots shot down over Hadlow Estate. Kate Teacher started her research into pilots shot down over the Kent countryside when she learnt of […]
Post-pandemic fund boost for basketball
BASKETBALL at the Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre has received a boost, thanks to the post-pandemic Kent Reconnect funding scheme, which supports young people in resuming physical activity. Although Reconnect had been due to finish in August 2022, an underspend resulted in funding still being available. This meant that centre operator Fusion Lifestyle was able to […]
Charity insurer offers prize pot
A CALL has gone out to Kent charities to apply for a UK-wide funding pot worth £25,000, to boost projects that benefit communities. Initiated by Ansvar, a specialist charity and faith insurer, registered charities have until Monday April 17 to fill in an application form and explain in 500 words or fewer why their project […]
Further Safe Space rolled out for Tunbridge Wells
METRO Bank is the latest local store to offer a ‘Safe Space’ refuge to those at risk of domestic abuse. The UK SAYS NO MORE campaign created Safe Spaces in 2016, making use of consultation rooms in pharmacies and banks to provide safe and discreet locations from which to reach out to friends and family, […]
Heartbreak for owners as Zero Waste shop loses battle against rising costs
AN ETHICAL shop and café on The Pantiles has closed following struggles with the cost-of-living crisis and recovering from the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Zero Waste Company confirmed it has ceased trading and is being placed into liquidation after the rise in cost and effects of lockdown had made the business financially […]
