LOCAL

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine

tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Autumn 2017

inside:

Events not
to miss
New lotto
News, features
and loads more
 Spooky
Welcome to
Sparkly
Local costs less than 9p

and Autumn Local! a copy to produce and

deliver to your home!

Fun this Autumn and Winter!

This issue brings you 24 pages of news and updates
about what we are doing and what's happening around
the borough. There are a few events coming up too!
If you like to try different cuisines, don't miss the Food

6
Festival in Calverley Grounds on 23 and 24 September.
Diary Dates The Puppetry Festival, which was a huge success last
time, is back in October - see more info on p14.
Halloween Shriek Week For those who like the outdoors, why not try a walk Playground refurb
Sat Oct 21 - Sun Oct 29
st th around Paddock Wood - see seven walks to choose
from on p10.
Appearance of Thanks to everyone in our borough who is sending in
Scooby-Doo! poppies for our Remembrance Day display, and those
Wed Oct 25th
Appearances
SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements & TM Hanna-Barbera
(s17)
who are supporting local good causes through TW
Lotto - your help is making a difference.
Lots more to read about - enjoy!
7
Try these bus
services
of Hello Kitty Lizzie Goodwin, Editor
Tues Oct 24th
and Thurs Dec 21st 1976, 2016 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Winter Wonderland
We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about
Illuminations Council services and news. If you have any
Daily Light Show comments about the magazine, wed love to
Sat Nov 18th - Mon Jan 1st
Meet Father Christmas
hear from you. Contact us by:
E-mail: Localemail@tunbridgewells.gov.uk 10
TW Food Festival
in his Christmas Cottage Phone: 01892 526121
See website for dates, times and prices
Meet Father Christmass
Post: Lizzie Goodwin, Communications Manager,
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS
11 Proposed new
theatre
Reindeer and Hug a Husky TWellsCouncil
See website for dates and times
tunbridge-wells-borough-council
To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd,
01892 677721
or e-mail antoinettem@spacemarketing.co.uk
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do
not endorse the external products and services
21
Hottest shows this
for
Discoun advertised in Local. autumn

T ic
book on kets
lin
ted
e in adv
The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or
subsequent changes. 23
Ice skating in
www.d the park
rusillas. ance
co.uk
If you require Local magazine in large print or on audio please phone 01892 554273
2 3
At Alfriston just off the A27 near Eastbourne Call: 01323 874100 TW1382

Flying high
Green Flags once again for
Tunbridge Wells parks
Parks and open spaces in Tunbridge Wells
have been recognised by the Green Flag
Award Scheme as among the very best in the
world. Once again we are proud to be flying
the flag for five of our beautiful open spaces
that have retained their prestigious Green Flag
Awards for another year.
Woodbury Park Cemetery, The Grove,
Grosvenor and Hilbert Recreation Ground,
Calverley Grounds, and Dunorlan Park
which also has a Green Heritage Site
Accreditation all met the objectives of the
Green Flag Award scheme putting them
among the record-breaking 1,797 UK parks
and green spaces receiving a Green Flag
Award.
We value our parks
Councillor Jane March, Cabinet member
with responsibility for Tourism, Leisure and
School visits as part of civic
development engagement
By Councillor Tracy
Moore
In early July I had the opportunity
to visit three secondary schools
in Royal Tunbridge Wells, to
present the vision of the new civic
centre and new 1,200 seat theatre
to pupils. I was keen to gather
feedback from young people
on this ambitious proposal to
invest in the town. After all, they
represent the future beneficiaries
of this investment. The proposal
is intended to enhance the
cultural offer of the town and
wider borough, and to provide an
economic benefit of around 14
million pounds per year. Despite
the young people not having a
vote yet, they do have a voice.
I wanted to hear what they had
to say.
At both the Skinners' Kent
Academy (SKA) and the Skinners
School, a show of hands
demonstrated the vast majority
supportive of the project. (We ran
out of time to survey the girls at
TWGGS!) Most of the pupils had
been to both the Assembly Hall
Theatre and the West End and
attentive and engaged audiences
asked good questions and were
particularly concerned about the
future of the caf in the centre
of Calverley Grounds, and also
sought reassurance that the
popular Christmas ice rink would
continue. There are absolutely
no plans to close the tea room
caf. In fact, I think it will be an
ideal place for continued public
engagement during construction,
to inform everyone of timescales
and progress. I also feel if the
construction site is kept as small
as possible, the ice rink should be
able to continue throughout. It was
a privilege and a pleasure to meet
so many inquisitive young people
and flattering to be
invited back
again at
SKA!

C
Economic Development said: We value our were enthused about enabling ome and experience the
parks and are very proud of them. We have West End touring productions to wide range of flexible
become rather accustomed to retaining the come to Tunbridge Wells. These healthcare services,
Green Flag Awards but these awards are only guest stays and wellbeing events
possible with the support of the respective Acres of beautiful gardens and
Friends' groups and the hard work of the Parks woodland to enjoy
team and our contractor Sodexo. The flags are
Were now using
Rehabilitation following a hospital
well deserved and I hope this will encourage stay or illness
more people to visit and enjoy their parks. Respite care

Skype for Business Assisted stay for those who would

like a holiday but need a little help
Outpatient services, counselling,
If youve called us recently, it is unlikely you would have physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
noticed any difference to a time before. However, using Guest stays and therapeutic stays
Skype for our internal and external calls, free of charge Church and Spiritual Wellbeing events
via the internet, means we can look forward to substantial Tea room, bookshop and gift shop
savings on our 76,000 annual phone bill. open everyday
Call Reservations 01892 865988
The cost of the new software was covered by funding from to find out more
the Department of Communities and Local Government,
following a successful bid to their Transformation Challenge
www.burrswood.org.uk
email: enquiries@burrswood.org.uk
Award fund, and has been purchased in partnership with The Dorothy Kerin Trust. Registered Charity No. 1095940
Maidstone and Swale borough councils.
Transforming lives through whole person care

4 5

The Mayors
Charity DVD
available at Tunbridge
Wells Museum & Art Gallery
Local producer David Dor was inspired
to make the film Olive Walton The
Fight to Vote. after, in his words, a
somewhat arrogant and ill-considered
response by a member of the Nevill
Cricket Club to a question put by a local
suffragette:
'Of course women are allowed in who
do you think makes the tea?'
He could not imagine a more
provocative reply and was not surprised
to learn that the result was the most
6 7
Mary Caley playground
refurbishment
Mary Caley playground at Rusthall has
been completely refurbished this summer
and re-opened in July, just in time for
summer holidays.
The old playground was in urgent need of renovation, with
most of the play equipment being dated and worn. The
new playgrounds layout has been designed by architects
at Mainwaring Ditch Associates, with help from TWBC
and Rusthall Parish Council, as well as residents local
to the area. Works have been completed by Playsafe
Playgrounds Ltd.
The playground mainly includes new equipment for
toddlers as requested by local families but also has
a scale swing, new net spinner and a climber suitable for
older children.
Old swings have been replaced with new toddler-friendly
swing sets, including a giant basket swing and a Tango
swing seat that allows an adult (or older child) to swing
face-to-face with a toddler. To add more play value for
little ones, a new baby playhouse, see-saw, rockers, small
rotator and balance trail have been installed. In addition,
all fencing, gates and picnic tables have been replaced.
A giant snappy timber crocodile, hand carved by Playsafe
Playground craftsmen, is keeping potential vandals away!
The works have been paid for using s106 developer
contribution funds from planning applications within the
local area. For more information on the project contact
parks@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
serious arson attack ever to take place
in Tunbridge Wells. The subsequent
silk purs
e films
OLIVE WALTON
- The Fight to Vote
involvement of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle the story of the
Tunbridge Wells
and the burning
of the Nevill Pavil gettes
added an irresistible element.
16mins
THE KENTISH
REBELLION
These astonishing events took place in
a story of the Secon
d English Civil
1913, at a time when Tunbridge Wells
16mins
was a hotbed of suffragette activity.
two documentarie
s by
local lm maker
David Dor
all proceeds from
the sale of this
Contributors to the film include Maggie
to the Mayor's
charity
Weaver, our very own Dr Ian Beavis,
Brian Bissell, and a small cast of actors
play cameo roles.
Narrated by Patrick Carr, it sheds a
'Olive Walton The Fght to Vote' runs
fresh light on a very dramatic piece of
for 16 minutes, so David has added a local history.
second film The Kentish Rebellion
an engaging account of the Battle of DVDs are now on sale at the museum
Maidstone during the Second Civil War. shop priced 10 with all proceeds going
directly to the Mayor's charity, Domestic
The film contains a very powerful battle Abuse Volunteer Support Services
scene staged by The English Civil War (DAVSS).
Society.
The Hop
Pickers Line
You may have read in the spring
edition of Local about the work
being done by the Hop Pickers Line
Heritage Group to signpost and
mark the route of the Hop Pickers
Line. This was the single-line
steam railway that every summer
brought thousands of people from
the East End of London to the rural
communities around Paddock Wood
for their hop picking holiday.
The project has now taken a step
OLIVE WA
OLIVE WAL
TON
forward with the formal opening
by Councillor Elizabeth Thomas,
The Fig
ht to Vote
LTO
Borough Councillor and Chair of
suffra
ion in 1913
N - The Figh
Paddock Wood Town Council, of the
first information panel installed in
t to Vote +
T
War
Paddock Wood Station. The panels
e plus
The Ken
provide a map showing the 11-mile
x
tish Rebellio
t route of the original line, together
DVD will go
with many attractive graphics and
n
The Kentis
h Rebellion useful information about the route,
including locations where it may still
be visible.
ALL ABOARD!
Shopper Bus to
Maidstone
Five Oak Green, Pembury and Paddock
Wood residents will be pleased to hear
there is a weekday direct shopping bus
to Maidstone town centre and back.
This service will be reviewed after three
months and will need to be viable to
continue, so residents are encouraged
to use the bus.
Nu-Venture started the new service on
4 September:
Mondays and Wednesdays buses
will depart from Five Oak Green at
9.39am
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays it
will start from Pembury at 9.30am
On all days it will serve Paddock Wood,
East Peckham and Wateringbury,
arriving at Maidstone town centre at
approx 10.35am. The return journey
from Maidstone will be at 1.30pm and
will serve the same stops.
Carol Mackonochie, TWBC Councillor
for Capel, is delighted: 'Apart from term
time buses which fit in with school run
Fancy a trip to
the coast?
journeys, the only service running via
Five Oak Green is to Paddock Wood
and Tonbridge. It is a great addition and
I will continue working with operators
and KCC for an improved service for
our community.'
KCC member and Borough Councillor
Sarah Hamilton is also very pleased to
know that a journey to Maidstone will
be possible without the need to change
buses. 'The situation has been difficult
and must be resolved. Many people
have experienced a lot of uncertainty,
worry and inconvenience, but it is so
important they are encouraged to use
the service.'
The councillors are working with
Arriva to investigate the new Arriva
Clik service currently being piloted in
Sittingbourne. Discussions are very
positive and hopefully there will be a
trial in the local area. The vehicles are
normally ordered using a phone app
but it may be possible to use land lines.
An update will be in the winter edition of
Local magazine.
Try the Sunday bus service
from Cranbrook to Hastings
A local resident has contacted us
to ask if we would mention that the
Stagecoach 349 bus exists. More
local residents need to use
the service or it could
be stopped. The bus
has been running from
around April this year.
Visit Stagecoachbus.
com for more
information.
Walks
around
Paddock
Wood
Footpaths
around Paddock
Wood have been
used since medieval times when
they were used by villagers as a means of
getting to work, to the village centre and to the
church. These days, they are more often used
as a means of access to the countryside on
foot for not only the seasoned walker, but for
families to enjoy too.
Some improvements have been made to the paths
around Paddock Wood over the past couple of
years, such as repairs to stiles and bridges, erecting
fingerposts and waymarks and clearing undergrowth.
Here are some walks you may wish to try:
Walk 1 through Moatlands Golf Course to
Gedges Hill (3.25 miles)
Walk 2 to the High Ground of Castle Hill and
Brenchley (5.25 miles)
Walk 3 a walk in Mascalls country (2.5 miles)
Walk 4 around Paddock Wood town (3.25 miles)
Walk 5 from Paddock Wood into the parish of
Capel (5 miles)
Walk 6 along the River Medway (5.75 miles)
Walk 7 Foal Hurst Wood Nature Reserve (40
acres)
Help local good causes, and be
in with a chance of winning up to
If you would like more information about any of these
walks visit paddockwoodtc.kentparishes.gov.uk
8
The path to a healthier lifestyle
is in the palm of your hand!
You can now access services to as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking more
than the recommended limits, smoking and lack of
help you lead a healthier lifestyle exercise are responsible for around 40 per cent of
all deaths in England.Studies show people who live
in one convenient location. healthily in middle age can double their chances of
being healthy when they are 70.
One You is the place to go to find out about weight
management or exercise classes, personalised health One You aims to encourage adults, particularly those
trainers, to get help to cut down on drinking or to quit aged between 40 and 60, to take control of their
smoking. Best of all, theyre all free! health to enjoy the benefits both now and in later life.
Juggling modern day life can make it challenging to Visit oneyoukent.org.uk and take the first step
keep your health a top priority. Everyday habits, such towards a healthier lifestyle.
How are you?
Take the How Are You online quiz and in
just 10 minutes youll get a personalised
health score, together with tools to help
you take action where it is needed most.
The One You website also includes
details of free downloadable apps to help
you maintain your healthy changes.
One You services
Services include:
Exercise classes
Healthy eating courses
Courses to help you reduce
alcohol intake
Support to quit smoking
Weight loss courses
Local health walks
Personalised health trainers
Find out more
25,000 Visit oneyoukent.org.uk
or call us on 01892 554201.
One You is funded by Kent County
Only 1 per ticket! Council.
TWLotto.co.uk 9

F
ancy trying your hand at
sugarcraft, blind tasting insects
or eating delicious food grown
in the area and prepared by local
restaurants including The Warren?
Yes! Then head to Calverley Grounds
this September for the first Tunbridge
Wells Food Festival. Entry is free and
youll be able to enjoy food and drink
from over 70 stalls, including freshly-
brewed coffee and fabulous cream
teas. Also, local chefs will be running
demos showcasing their culinary skills
and sharing recipe ideas using local
produce.
September sees the inaugural Food
Month across Tunbridge Wells with the
grand finale being the Tunbridge Wells
Food Festival. Expect two days of
tasting delicious locally produced food,
final judging of the Tunbridge Wells
10
Bake Off and a Horrible Foods eating
competition. The Food Month and
Festival are supported by the Farmers
Market (Town Hall) which will run as
usual on the Saturday, September 9
and 23.
International street food trucks and
stalls will be selling foods such as dim
sum by Sunisas, locally reared meats
and game from Chiddingstone Farm,
and locally roasted coffee from Bean
Smitten.
The festival takes place in Calverley
Grounds and is supported by Royal
Tunbridge Wells Together and
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The
month will start with the Pantiles Food
Festival (810 September) and end
with festival celebrations in Calverley
Grounds. Karen Pengelly of Royal
Tunbridge Wells Together, says, 'As
farmers and vineyards harvest their
crops, Tunbridge Wells is going to
spend a month celebrating food. With
food festivals, farmers markets, pop-up
events and a celebration of everything
food related, theres a huge array of
events to stimulate your taste buds
and have you coming back for seconds
(and thirds and fourths )'.
Therell be lots of
fun and exciting activities
for families, including a childrens stage
and entertainment area, cooking and
science demonstrations, music-making
with vegetables, and the final judging
of the cake making competition.
For grownups there is a beer and cider
tent with over 30 different local brews
available to taste, and a street food
area with local producers serving hot
and cold dishes throughout the day.
Bring the family and have a delicious
day in the park!
Tunbridge Wells
Food Festival
Calverley Grounds, Royal
Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RG
Saturday 23
& Sunday 24 September
11am 6pm
FREE ENTRY
A fun family day out enjoying
delicious local, national and
international food and drinks
in the beautiful Calverley
Grounds in the middle of
Royal Tunbridge Wells.
What can a new theatre do for
our community?
If
the Council goes ahead with
its plans for a new theatre
its a given that the programme
will be a very different mix from
the current offering. The chance
to do something different with
the programme and bring in
new productions will, I hope, be
a source of inspiration for the
many talented local groups and
individuals in the borough.
A new mix of shows will also give
us the chance to work with new
and different productions on a
talent and artists development
programme supporting local
talent and helping it grow. There
are opportunities for young people
too as we will continue to develop
our schools and work experience across different price bands so
programme. that the programme is affordable
for all. We will have new facilities
The theatre can become a
opening up opportunities for
community focus point, where
captioned and audio described
people can meet, have lunch and
performances, induction
so on - very different from the
hearing loops, and a more
current offer at the Assembly Hall
extensive schedule of relaxed
Theatre.
performances.
For our customers who struggle
The new theatre will also create
with mobility, they will find a
jobs, as the staffing structure will
fully accessible theatre, so they
need to be broader in order to
can choose seats in the dress
support the new programme.
or upper circles with family and
friends. I really do believe that the new
building will truly bring a new and
The increased number of seats
an enhanced offer to all sectors of
and the added revenue that
our local and regional community.
brings will also help us ensure
that ticket prices are spread JJ Almond, Theatre Director
11
 Tunbridge
Wells Puppetry
Festival is back this
autumn!
Tunbridge Wells is set
to become
a colourful
showground
for live
theatre and
animation
when the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival
returns to the town this October.
Following the success of the first festival held in 2015,
organisers are promising an even bigger, more varied
line-up of award-winning entertainment for all ages when it
returns on 13 and 14 October.
Get set for a packed programme of world-class puppetry,
animation and object theatre, including global theatrical
phenomenon Disneys THE LION KING who will be
partnering this years festival with workshops for schools
and two exciting events at Trinity Theatre an exhibition
of costumes, puppets and masks from the West End
production, plus an on-stage masterclass and Q&A with
members of the cast and puppetry department.
With some of the very best in the business lined up to
perform their magical, funny, moving and amazing shows
across the town centre, there really will be something for
everyone, including a host of free entertainment
to enjoy on The Pantiles on Saturday 14 October, so if
youve never considered seeing a puppetry show before,
why not come along and give it a go?
Funded by Arts Council England, Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council and Kent County Council, and with thanks to many
local sponsors, tickets are on sale now, starting from just 5.
For more information and to book visit
twpuppetryfestival.org
Box Office 01892 678678
twpuppetryfestival
@twpuppetryfest
twpuppetryfest
TW Lotto
supporting local good causes
Our very own TW Lotto
launched in July, and you
may well have read about it
in the local press, here in the
summer edition of Local, on
the Councils website and
social media, or even on the
side of our waste and recycling
vehicles! Maybe you have
already bought a ticket and are
in with a chance of winning
the weekly jackpot prize of
25,000.
Its still early days, but our lotto is off to
a flying start. Even before the first draw
was made around 50 local good causes
had signed up, taking advantage of
this new and simple way to raise funds
and public awareness. And more good
causes are joining all the time.
TW Lotto is a weekly online lottery
designed to support good causes,
voluntary organisations and community
groups across our borough. Tickets
cost only 1, and 60 per cent of all
proceeds go to support local good
causes. The lotto is currently on course
to raise over 30,000 for good causes
in its first year!
Local organisations can sign up to TW
Lotto as a beneficiary and get their own
branded page on the website. There
organisations all across the borough.
are no fees or administration charges
You can see the full list of good causes
and we even provide the marketing
materials.
on the TW Lotto website.
Lottery players can choose to support a
Many local organisations have spread
specific good cause that is close to their
the word among friends and supporters
and are already starting to bring in
hearts or simply support the central TW
much needed extra funds. If you know
Lotto community fund. The central fund
is used to support the Councils own
of other good causes that you think
community grants programmes. Any
would benefit from being part of TW
Lotto, then why not encourage them to
lucky winners can have their prize paid
sign up? Registering as a good cause
directly into their own account or donate
is very simple and once your application
the winnings back to their chosen good
is approved by the Council, you can
cause.
start promoting the site and your own
Good causes currently benefiting from branded page to your supporters and
TW Lotto range from Age UK Tunbridge friends, as well as the wider public.
Wells to Brenchley Pre-School, from
Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre to
Pepenbury, and from Tunbridge Wells A big thank you to all
Scouts to the Mental Health Resource those who are already
Centre as well as a large number of supporting TW Lotto!
local arts, sports and community based

For more details visit twlotto.co.uk

MYTH-BUSTING ON THE NEW CIVIC CENTRE

Myth:
No new users have been
identified to occupy the
existing Council offices
and Assembly Hall, risking
a second derelict site in
the centre of town like the
current cinema site.
12
Fact:
Unlike the cinema site, the Council
owns the current civic site, and so
will be able to control what happens
to it and how it is brought to market.
The Council has already been
undertaking soft market testing on
the current complex. This gives some
reassurance that the size and scale of
opportunity are of interest to the market.
The Council will retain an interest
in the site to ensure timecales are
met for redevelopment and it could
not be sold on time after time, as
happened with the cinema site. The
Council will also ensure that potential
developers have the capacity to
deliver and will complete proper
checks on prospective owners.
A Planning Framework for the area
around Church Road and Crescent
Road has been produced which
sets out clearly what the Council
expects future redevelopment of
the site to look like, how it should fit
with the rest of the town, and what
is and isnt acceptable on the site.
Any planning application submitted
for the existing Town Hall and
Assembly Hall sites will have to
conform to that Planning Framework.
We have also been working closely
with Historic England to define the
important aspects of the character
of the buildings and to establish
the principles that can guide their
future adaptation and re-use.
See more myth-busting about the
proposed new development at:
twciviccentre.co.uk
13
 Relax in Comfort Proposed New Civic Centre Development
with a new Neither the Town Hall nor Assembly Hall
Riser Recliner Theatre is fit for modern day purposes
and a decision needs to be taken over
their futures, and whether to refurbish,
redevelop or do nothing.

Try Before
You Buy!
How much will the to the local community by
proposals cost and supporting the towns leisure
economy, for instance
how will it be paid for? restaurants and hotels,
Mobility Scooters | Riser Recliners | Stairlifts
It is expected that the estimated at 14m per year.
FR
EE

Wheelchairs | Walking Aids | Bath Lifts

development will have a net
Living Aids | Continence Care | Footwear In addition, the Council
cost of 72million to deliver.
2016-2
017 co.uk Ask about
home
*Price excludes VAT and is avaiable to those suffering from a long term illness upon
completion of a declaration
would generate either cash
The Council is taking or revenue from the sale or
our free nts
assessme
ility.
delivery
lmob
Free
on orders
rwel over
50

Delivery
.clea
www
Day
Next on orders
2pm
Available
before

Visit your local showroom today and ask for your

placed
local
your
Visit Mobility
Clearwell today
showroom
back
cover
see

FREE Clearwell Mobility Brochure and Seating Buying Guide! a medium-term view to
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
securing a positive future
26 Grosvenor Road for the town with three
Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AR components to the scheme.
01892 544 933 www.clearwellmobility.co.uk
It is proposing to borrow
72m, with the cost of
servicing the debt at around
2.5m per annum, which
includes the increased
theatre subsidy.
The offices will pay for
themselves within 25 years
and can be viewed in the
same way a resident takes
out a mortgage on a house.
Once paid for, this will
provide an income for the
Council. The offices will also
generate revenue through
the commercial letting of
space to businesses.
The car park will pay for
itself within 50 years, with
the capital cost and cost of
financing it paid back over
that period by the income
received.
While the theatre subsidy
would increase initially, it
would bring a wider benefit
lease of the existing Town
Hall and Assembly Hall to
offset the investment in the
new development.
How much of Calverley
Grounds will be lost?
The total amount of park
that would be built on is
around two per cent. The
scheme would open up
areas of the park that are
currently inaccessible and
would also improve the
entrance to the park.
Recognising the historic
setting of Calverley Artist impression. Final design not confirmed
Grounds, Historic England
has been fully engaged concluded that, given the still be too small. The foyer
with and is supportive of the constraints of the building would also be too small for
proposals. and its Listed status, it would an enlarged audience.
Why cant the Council cost 31m (up from 25m in
It is important to recognise
2013).
simply redevelop the that if the existing Assembly
existing Assembly Hall However, even with this Hall were redeveloped the
investment the Assembly building would have to close
Theatre?
Hall would still not be large for 23 years, removing an
Expert consultants have enough to attract the bigger important leisure amenity
reviewed all options for productions; the theatres fly from local residents, and the
the redevelopment of tower would remain too low economy.
the Assembly Hall and and the backstage would

To find out more about the proposed development visit twciviccentre.co.uk

14 15

Tunbridge Wells Borough Open Space, Sport
and Recreation Study your chance to help us
plan for the future
We would very much like to hear your views on Tunbridge Wells Annual Canvass
boroughs open spaces, sport and recreation facilities you can help by Responding online has never
filling in this survey: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TWellsOS
been easier
The study is collecting information about how much and what type
Every household within the borough should
of open space, sport and recreation facilities are needed to meet the
have now received a Household Enquiry Form
needs of local people now and in the future. The study is very wide-
to check and respond to. The Elections team
ranging and covers things like swimming pools, leisure centres, parks
would like to express their thanks to all those
and recreation grounds; play areas and youth facilities; tennis courts
who have responded so far. More people are
and bowling greens; allotments; wildlife areas/nature reserves, natural
now responding online which saves time and
green spaces; footpaths, bridleways etc; and amenity and informal
reduces the cost of printing and postage.
green spaces.
Responding to your form
The findings from the survey will feed into the study and be used by
the Council as part of the evidence base for the new Local Plan, and
If the information provided on your form
will provide valuable information in assessing if there are any gaps in
is correct and there are no changes to be
provision with the aim of ensuring that existing and future facilities meet
made, we recommend you respond online or
the needs of local people.
by Freephone. Not only is it quick and easy,
but you can rest assured that we will receive
The deadline for responses is 6 October 2017. your response.
If the information needs updating, such
as eligible electors moving in or out, you
can respond online or complete the form.
Responding online is quicker; you do not have
to visit a post box, and you can guarantee that
your response has reached us.
Details of how to respond are provided on the
Household Enquiry Form.
There is free access to the internet at the
Gateway in Royal Tunbridge Wells and Weald
Information Centre in Cranbrook. You do not
have to book an appointment. If you need
further assistance an Elections Officer
will be present at the Gateway every
Wednesday between 11am and midday
until 15 November 2017.
16
A big thank you
'Some people look for a
beautiful place, others make a
place beautiful'
is not only about gardening tasks
Hazrat Inayat Khan
The success of Tunbridge Wells in
the South & South East in Bloom
competition would not be possible to
achieve without help we receive from
volunteers.
Our main parks and open spaces
have volunteer groups who work
in partnership with the Parks team,
helping to plant and maintain borders,
trees and seasonal bedding displays.
The majority of the Friends' groups
have a gardening sub-committee
taking active part in maintenance of
the gardens. Conservation sessions
organised by the Kent High Weald
Partnership are very popular and
attract a steady number of volunteers.
We also receive support from
corporate volunteers, mainly from the
biggest employer in town AXA PPP
Cheaper
Parking In
Tunbridge
Wells
if you pay by phone
From 1 October:
Free to use pay by phone no
service charges
10p discount for first hour of
parking
20p discount for two hours or
and from local schools like Oakley
more
and Claremont. Register with our new provider
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
RingGo through our website, or
download the RingGo app.
it also includes all-year-round
planning and marketing by the
Bloom committee, historic and nature
conservation research carried out by
Friends and KHWP, and litter picks in
neighbourhoods organised by local
communities and the Street Scene
team.
Volunteers are priceless, we know
that, but we should not ignore the
financial impact they have on our
campaign. According to our estimate,
over the past 12 months volunteers
contributed in total well over 10,000
volunteering hours, with a notional
value of 75k.
To find out how to join a Friends'
group, visit tunbridgewells.gov.uk or
call the Parks team on 01892 554031. We have launched
For information on Kent High Weald
volunteering projects, visit khwp.org. an online lottery
uk or call on 01580 212972.
Help local good causes,
and be in with a chance of
winning
TWLotto.co.uk
17
 PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE
Are you getting the help that you need?
Did you know?
Disabled Facilities adaptation they will make
Grants are available for a referral on your behalf to
property adaptations and the Local Authority to enable
improvements to help you to apply for a grant.
disabled people both
young and old to continue A Disabled Facilities Grant
to live independent lives is a means-tested Council
in their own homes. grant of up to 30,000 to
assist with the costs incurred
The first step is for an in adapting your home to
Occupational Therapist allow access to normal
Type of works that could be considered:
(OT) to undertake an household facilities. If the
assessment of the Ramps Kitchen adaptations
adaptation is for a child
disabled persons needs (under 19) you will not have Stair lifts Measures to make
to determine any works to contribute to the cost. the home safe for a
that would be necessary Door widening
and appropriate. The disabled person
Bathroom adaptations
OTs recommendations
are important as they are
required as evidence that For more Private Sector Housing Team
changes are essential. information E-mail: housingrenewal@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
If you need a major please contact: Telephone: 01892 554241

Its OK to talk about it.

You can Ask Phil any
questions you have about
what business support is
available for your business.
Whether its about starting
out or moving your
While personal health issues, like some the MonaLisa Touch, a scientifically business up to the next
symptoms of the menopause may be proven laser therapy for vaginal health. level, support or guidance,
licensing or regulations,
hard to discuss, they can be even harder
MonaLisa Touch is a quick, hormone-free Ask Phil will help new and
to live with. Its a relief to be able to talk existing companies find
procedure that helps women reclaim the most suitable type of
about it and find the right treatment.
their quality of life and enjoy personal business support available
for grants, funding and free
Benenden Hospital is proud to be one of relationships more fully. business advice.
the first hospitals in the UK to introduce Ask Phil is a team
of business support
navigators who you
can contact via
Call us on 01580 230 420 @KMGrowthHub,
benendenhospital.org.uk Ask Phil hes there to help kentandmedwaygrowth
hub.org.uk/ or by phone
The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee Registered in England, number Do you run a business, large or small? on 0300 4563565.
3454120. Registered charity number 1065995, Registered office, The Benenden Hospital Trust,
Goddards Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX You can also find lots of
Its OK to talk about it. is a registered trademark of Cynosure UK - A Hologic company
Do you want to run your own business? other business information
MonaLisa Touch is a registered trademark of DEKA M.E.L.A. srl Calenzano - Italy.
18
on the Councils website
tunbridgewells.gov.uk,
@TWB_Business.
Ask Phil is an initiative
promoted by Kent and
Medway Growth Hub forms
part of the South East
Business Hub, the South
East Local Enterprise
Partnerships overarching
business support
programme.
Ask Phil recently visited
the Town Hall where he
met Cabinet member
Councillor Jane March and
members of the Economic
Development Team.
Afterwards Ask Phil met
local business people at
The House a co-operative
and collaborative hub that
provides much-needed
affordable workspace
for small businesses,
freelancers and start-ups.
19
Its Showtime! Carry on Wells
Sunday 26 November at the Assembly Hall Theatre

L ocal entertainer, Brian

Bissell, is marking the 25th
anniversary of the original
Tunbridge Wells Mayors
Command Performance by
starring in and producing
a variety show Carry on
Wells at the Assembly Hall
Theatre 7.30pm on Sunday
26 November. The show
is a fundraiser for DAVSS
(Domestic Abuse Volunteer
Support Services), the
chosen charity of Cllr Julia
Soyke, Mayor of Tunbridge
Wells borough, and Brians
chosen charity, Tunbridge
Wells Sea Cadets TS Brilliant.
It was in 1992 that Brian
originally conceived of the
idea of putting on a charity
fundraiser variety show and
approached the Assembly
Hall Theatre. However,
unbeknown to Brian, the
Mayor at that time, the late
Cllr Dennis Smith, had come
up with a similar plan! Finding
TS Brilliant helps young
people to develop skills and
this out the two met up and
decided there and then to join
forces! The show took place
on Saturday 26 September
1992 and was a great
success.
From that success the rest,
as they say, is history! Always
the showman, Brian loves to
entertain and has enjoyed
performing in and producing
charity fundraiser shows
locally.
For his show Carry on Wells
Brian has lined up an exciting
array of talent to help him
entertain and hopefully raise
much-needed funds for
DAVSS and TS Brilliant Sea
Cadets. DAVSS is based in
Royal Tunbridge Wells and is
the West Kent charity whose
trained and skilled volunteers
support anyone over the
age of 16 years who is
experiencing domestic abuse.
build self-confidence based
on the traditions of the Royal
Navy.
Being a Brian Bissell show
there will be singers, dancers,
an illusionist and of course
the man himself entertaining
in his inimitable style, in
other words there will be
plenty of laughter and fun!
So dont miss out Brians
shows are known to sell
out quickly! Tickets on sale:
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01892 530613
Priced from 20
Concessions 18 plus a 1.75
per ticket booking fee.
The show will be filmed.
DAVSS (Domestic
Abuse Volunteer
Support Service)
This is based in Theres so much entertainment this autumn that you really
Tunbridge Wells and are spoilt for choice here are some of our favourites!
is the West Kent
The autumn season will deliver more favourite West End musicals, comedy, fabulous family
charity whose trained shows, great one-nighters and our pantomime directed by our very own JJ Almond, Assembly
and skilled volunteers Hall Theatre Director.
support anyone over
Following his sell-out preview show last November, controversial comedian Russell Brand
the age of 16 years returns with a new stand-up tour. What is real? Who are we? Where did this baby come from?
who is experiencing In Re-Birth Russell Brand wrestles with these questions whilst unravelling the matrix of modern
domestic abuse. media, politics, sex, fatherhood and death.
DAVSS aims to break Scottish singer-songwriter Lulu returns with her biggest tour yet. She delivers a show packed
full of her hits, new songs and music that has influenced and guided her throughout her
the cycle of abuse,
incredible career.
enable survivors
to take control of For the little ones, CBeebies Mister Maker is back by popular demand in his smash hit live
their lives again, theatre tour, encouraging Mini Maker and grown ups to sing, dance and make some noise!
and improve life Other highlights include two heart warming musicals Son of a Preacher Man and
opportunities for their Flashdance. Based on the hit 80s film, Flashdance tells the story of a welder and her dreams.
children who are often Starring Strictly Come Dancing champion Joanne Clifton the show brims with physical energy,
traumatised by their immense choreography and a spectacular score which includes the smash hits Maniac, Manhunt,
experiences. Gloria and the award-winning title track Flashdance What a Feeling.
Son of a Preacher Man featuring the soulful music of Dusty Springfield embarks on a
national tour this year. Choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood,
it stars former X Factor star Diana Vickers along with Bad Girls and Coronation Street star Debra
Stephenson.
During the swinging 60s, in a Soho joint where the kids danced the night away to the latest crazes
and dared to dream of love, while the legendary owner, The Preacher Man dispensed advice to

Poppy Appeal 2017 Drop off locations: cure the loneliest of tears. Only that was a long time ago and all that remains are the memories,
the stories and the myths. Until now that is!
Gateway, Royal Tunbridge Wells For the first time in the Assembly Hall Theatres 75-year history, our own Theatre Director
Have you seen some of the If you have already been busy making Weald Information Centre, JJ Almond will direct the Christmas pantomime Aladdin. Produced by UK Productions in
association with the Assembly Hall Theatre, Aladdin will feature Michael Greco
communications over the last poppies, thank you so much. If you Cranbrook (EastEnders bad boy Beppe di Marco), Britains Got Talents Jess Robinson
havent and would like to get involved
couple of months on social theres still time. We need poppies Tunbridge Wells Library and CBBCs Mark Rhodes.
media, through the newspapers by 25 October so we can complete In conjunction with the Go! Card we have Pay What You Can evenings on
Showfields Library
or your local parish or town our display ready for Remembrance selected shows. We will be making a limited number of tickets available for
Day. Go! Card holders which can only be booked on the day of the performance at
council? Weve had so much Town Hall the Assembly Hall Box Office, either in person or by calling 01892 530613.
enthusiasm and support from How can you get involved: Rackliff Centre (old fire station) Visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk for more details.
around the borough. Lower Green Rd, Rusthall
You can knit or crochet a poppy for
We are working in partnership with a local display, perhaps your own Burgess Stores, High Street,
Kent County Council and the Royal hanging basket or planter or put Goudhurst
British Legion to be a part of this them into a drop-off box for us to
years remembrance campaign. collect. These will make up a large
We are taking part in a knitted/crochet display that we will mount by the war
poppy campaign across Kent to pay memorial.
tribute to those who have served in
war.
20 21
 WHATS ON AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE
Ice Skating
September Fri 13 Oct The Carpenters Story 2017 Tue 31 Oct Son of a Preacher Man
in the Park
Wed 20 Sep Russell Brand Sat 14 Oct The Selecter / The Beat
Thu 21 Sep Madama Butterfly Feat Ranking Roger November Friday 17 November '17
Wed 1Sat 4 Nov
Sat 23 Sep
Sun 24 Sep
Henning Wehn
Milkshake! Live
Sun 15 Oct
Tue 17 Oct
Totally Tina
Tap Factory Sun 5 Nov
Son of a Preacher Man
RTWSO Oberon Overture
Monday 1 January '18
October Wed 18 Oct Rip it Up Wed 8 Nov
Thu 9 Nov
Jimmy Carr
Joel Dommett: Live
Calverley Grounds
Thu 19 Oct Be Bop A Lula
Sun 1 Oct RTWSO Elgars Sea
Pictures Sat 21 Oct Killer Queen Fri 10 Nov Think Floyd Skating tickets from 9.50
Sun 22 Oct John Mayall in Concert Sun 12 Nov RTW Choral Society: Dvok
Thu 5 Oct Dire Straits UK
and Brahms
Tickets on sale at: tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com
2017
Fri 6 Oct The Hollies 13 Sat 18 Nov Flashdance - The Musical
Mon 23 Oct Nina Conti
Sat 7 Oct Get Ready

Sun 8 Oct Milton Jones is Out There
Wed 11 Oct Lulu All About The Music
Thu 12 Oct TW Puppetry Festival:
Twinkle Twinkle
Fri 13 Oct TW Puppetry Festival:
Duvet Day
Box Office 01892 530613
Over the last 10 years
recycling has become a
social norm, and more
than six out of ten of
us count ourselves as
committed recyclers!
What better way to celebrate than
with a week dedicated to helping
Wed 25 Oct Kate Rusby
Thu 26 Oct Mister Maker & The
Shapes Live!
Sun 28 Oct Joe Brown
Mon 29 Oct
King of Pop The Legend
Continues
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
us to recycle even more? Recycle
Week is organised by the team at
Recycle Now and will take place
this year from 25 September
1 October. It will highlight some of
the materials that we dont always
remember to put in our recycling,
and some of the amazing
transformations our recycling
takes on.
A
Tue 21Sat 25 Nov TWODS My Fair Lady favourite festive destination,
Sun 26 Nov Carry on Wells
skating in Royal Tunbridge
Wed 29 Nov The Nutcracker Ballet Wells offers something for skaters,
shoppers and spectators across
the season.
From 17 November, Calverley Grounds
will be transformed into the ultimate
winter destination, signalling the start of
For accessibility the festive season. The Tunbridge Wells
information please visit ice rink returns for 2017 with stylish
skating, festive food and drink, music
and Christmas shopping inspiration.
By day or night, visitors can skate in
the beautiful splendour of Calverley
Grounds amphitheatre, decorated for
Christmas with twinkling festive lights.
On selected nights across the season,
the ice rink will once again collaborate
with The Forum the lifeblood of the
live music scene and host indie and
folk music nights.
Councillor Jane March, Cabinet
member with responsibility for Tourism,
Leisure and Economic Development
said: Once again its time to get your
skates on! In the magical setting of the
park the ice rink is definitely something
you should include in your festive plans.
With fantastic food and drink options
available at the rink and in town, Royal
Tunbridge Wells is the place to skate.
Supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council, the 35 x 20 metre ice rink with
a capacity of up to 250 skaters will
be open seven days a week (closed
Christmas Day). Make skating
the perfect day out for the family, a
first date or a festive office party.
Main skating sessions will take place
from 11am until 8pm. Please note
the last skating session will be 6pm
on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New
Year's Eve and New Years Day.
Skate tickets are now on sale: adults
14 and children 9.50 including
skate hire. A booking fee of up to
1.75 per ticket will be applied on all
tickets booked by phone or in person.
Online booking fees are only 0.85
per ticket (over 50% off other booking
methods). Sessions sell out quickly so
it is advised that visitors book tickets
in advance to avoid disappointment
on the day. Go! Card tickets available
at 5.
Dedicated 30 minute Parent & Toddler
sessions will take place every morning
at 9.45am, 10.15am and 2pm until the
schools break up for Christmas. Price
9.50 which includes toddler and adult
ticket and seal skating aid.
Advance booking is recommended
at peak times Thursday and Friday
evenings, school holidays and all day
Saturday and Sunday. Motorised and
non-motorised wheelchair users are
welcome to enjoy the rink in their own
wheelchair but must be accompanied
by an assisting companion.
Father Christmas
Tickets on sale now https://
thelittleboxoffice.com/
darrylcurcherevents. We strongly
advise booking in advance to avoid any
disappointment for children expecting
to see Father Christmas.
Fuggles Beer Cafe
Visitors looking for an aprs skate
drink can choose from a bar menu
stocked with seasonal classics such
as real ale and craft beers, some
Belgian classics and Christmas beers,
alongside their famous mulled cider,
mulled wine and a range of seasonal
gins, wines and soft drinks.
Basil Caf
Full of flavour, vibrant in colour and
always loaded with good, wholesome
ingredients, Basil will be serving up
loads of favourites, with new festive-
inspired cakes and bakes and a winter
barbecue.
Skate Corporate Package
Organise a group of at least 10 staff
and their family and friends, book a
30 minute skate session, and enjoy a
beer/wine/soft drink and a burger for
just 15 per person.

Find out more at: recyclenow.com/recycle-week-2017 and follow Supported by

Recycle Now on Facebook and Twitter to enter their daily competition. TunbridgeWellsChristmas RTW_Xmas
22 tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com 23
 With just a
5% deposit,
nows our chance
to live here.

About the scheme
Help to Buy is available to all new
homebuyers, not just first time buyers.*
You only need a 5% deposit to qualify

HELP TO BUY
You will only need to secure up to a
75% mortgage from a bank or
building society

at Knights Wood
The Government will lend you up to
20% of the value of your property
through an equity loan

Owning your first home in Royal Tunbridge Wells should feel like a dream come The loan can be repaid at any time
or on the sale of your home and is
true, which is why Dandara is delighted to offer Help to Buy at Knights Wood. interest free for the first 5 years

Help to Buy equity loan scheme SHOW HOMES

5% DEPOSIT
now open to view
means you can move with just a
5% deposit and is available for 75% MORTGAGE
both first time buyers and existing
home owners. 20% GOVERNMENT LOAN 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes
available with Help to Buy.
Example of a Victoria two bedroom house Prices from 341,000.
Dandara is delighted to offer Help to Buy,
priced at 341,000
making ownership of a stylish home at
Knights Wood a reality for you. 5% Deposit 17,050 01892 800 580
Our marketing suite is open daily from knightswood.co.uk
10am to 5pm, so come and visit us to see
20% Loan 68,200
*Help to Buy is not available to assist buy-to-let investors
how Help to Buy will get you the home 75% Mortgage 255,750 or those who will own any property other than their
you want for less. Help to Buy property after completing their purchase.
For further information speak to one of our sales
representatives or visit helptobuy.gov.uk