‘No plans’ to shut Fenwick in RVP after Bond Street closure
THERE are ‘no plans’ to close the Fenwick department store in Tunbridge Wells after the flagship shop in central London was sold last week after trading for more than 130 years. Last week Fenwick confirmed that its Bond Street store, which has been trading since 1891, was to close after making fewer than half the […]
Students receive author’s lessons in self-defence techniques – and how to write a successful novel
Award-winning writer and black belt martial artist visits Beacon Academy… Beacon Academy students in Years 7 and 8 enjoyed an exciting day of all-kicking, all-punching readings, demonstrations and book signings with award-winning author and black belt martial artist, Chris Bradford earlier this month. The events focused on the author’s popular Young Samurai and Bodyguard […]
Sustainable scheme improves biodiversity in Crowborough
A LEADING conservationist has praised Walshes Park in Crowborough for its biodiversity, after it registered a wide variety of plants, birds and butterflies, some for the first time. Kevin Crook, an expert in the conservation and biodiversity sector, and founder of Crowborough Wildlife Group (CWG), commended the management scheme at the site, which is owned […]
Refugee charity delays Christmas campaign for urgent baby appeal
A TONBRIDGE-based refugee charity has delayed its Christmas campaign in favour of an urgent appeal for nappies in northern France, to discourage refugee families with babies from attempting the risky Channel crossing. During a recent routine aid distribution trip to northern France, Refugease discovered over 80 families with toddlers and babies, living in makeshift camps […]
Disability campaigner invited to organise ‘drop-in’ for MPs
A TUNBRIDGE Wells man who has been campaigning for working carers for 13 years has been invited to organise a ‘drop-in’ session for MPs at Westminster in February. Chris Jeffery’s Mending the Gap campaign is calling for the government to legislate paid time off for all working carers to take their loved ones to appointments. […]
Town Council abandons its bird sanctuary plan
TOWN councillors responsible for a historic pond on the edge of Southborough Common have abandoned plans to turn it into a wildlife haven for birds. Southborough Town Council (STC) decided in 2021 to close Holden Pond to fishing, after reports of poaching and abuse of the fish, as well as increasing reports of anti-social behaviour. […]
Record number of requests made to Mayor’s Toy Appeal
THE Mayor’s Toy Appeal in Tunbridge Wells has received requests for gifts for a ‘record’ number of children this year as the number of families unable to afford Christmas has increased. The seasonal charity drive has been running since 1987 and aims to ensure children in the borough who might go without due to financial […]
Hosepipe ban lifted after heavy November rainfall
LOCAL water company South East Water has ended its hosepipe ban for Kent and Sussex after three and a half months, after heavy rainfall last month. It follows moves by other companies, such as Southern Water and Thames Water, which cancelled their Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) on November 4 and 22 respectively. It had been […]
Dunorlan car park plan sparks more protests
PROTESTORS opposed to planned parking charges gathered outside Dunorlan Park at the weekend to campaign against the move. The move came following last week’s Times’ front page (November 30), where we revealed the resurfacing of the plan to impose parking charges at the popular Tunbridge Wells park. The protests on Saturday (December 3) were organised […]
MP quizzes Council over its use of government’s levelling-up money
GREG Clark has written to the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) over its use of government funding earmarked for ‘levelling-up’ rural areas. The Council has been allocated £443,604 to be spread over the next two years from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The fund, which is part of the government’s levelling-up agenda, is meant […]
