LOCAL

Shaping the borough, making a difference

Winter 2020

Pg 5–7

Covid-19

Pg10–13

Christmas Special

Pg 20–21

Climate Change

Jensen Podbury, aged 8

Follow the latest news at... TWellsCouncil TunbridgeWellsBoroughCouncil tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Five-Year Plan update The Council is reviewing the current Five-Year
Plan and starting to think about what priorities
The Amelia Scott
should be set for the future.
Current projects in
progress…
● The Amelia Scott
● The Sports Facilities Strategy:
Hawkenbury Hub
● The Local Plan
Southborough Community Hub ● The Community Hubs: Cranbrook,
Paddock Wood and Southborough
Two additional projects
added…
Assembly Hall Theatre
● Review of options for
the Assembly Hall Theatre
● Review of options for the Town Hall
Town Hall
Future priorities…
Sustainable Growth – Attract new
investment; Increase housing provision;
Improve infrastructure provision
Green Environment – Protect
biodiversity; Promote sustainable travel;
Reduce carbon emissions
Culture and Leisure – Strengthen and
preserve the cultural and heritage offering;
Provide leisure opportunities; Protect
green spaces.
A report looking at the Council’s strategic
planning approach over the next two years
will be considered at Cabinet on
3 December. When published, the report
can be found on our website. Look out for
future updates about the strategic direction
of the Council in the magazine.

Be in the know…
Sign up today and get the latest council
news direct to your inbox

Your bin day reminder, local planning

near you, urgent news and more

Visit twbc.online/alerts to get started

Welcome
We’re now approaching
the end of 2020, a
year that must surely
go down as one of the
most difficult in any of
our lifetimes.
This time last year no-one had
heard of Covid-19. Yet over
the last 12 months the disease
spread around the world which
had a huge impact on our
community, our way of life and
on both the national and local
economy.
In March, at the start of the crisis, the Council reacted quickly to
make sure our most vulnerable residents were protected. We set
up a Wellbeing Hub and distributed hundreds of food parcels to
those most in need around the borough.
We also worked with the Russell Hotel in Tunbridge Wells to
provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers, and we
set up a Coronavirus Helpline to advise anxious residents.
We kept vital local services running. Our outside spaces
remained open for residents of all ages to enjoy. Our bins
continued to be emptied, residents were able to get assistance
at the Gateway or remotely from Council staff on matters such
as planning applications.
It would be unfair not to mention the unprecedented assistance
the Government gave to local people. Thousands of our
residents received payments from the Furlough or Self-Employed
Income Support schemes, while others benefited from the uplift
in Universal Credit or the cut in Stamp Duty.
Assistance was also given to local firms to keep the local
economy afloat. Business rates were waived for 12 months
on small commercial properties, and millions of pounds of
government money was distributed to small firms and charities
around the borough. Advice was given on how to reopen
businesses in a Covid-safe way when the time came.
So while it has been a difficult year, we got through it by
pulling together. I would like to thank all our key workers, local
volunteers and Council staff for their hard work throughout the
crisis. Please remember you can still nominate key workers and
volunteers for a Community Hero Award and recognition from
the Mayor – please see page 4 for more details.
Finally, I hope you have a wonderful festive season. But please
follow all government guidelines to keep the virus under control
so we can enjoy the best possible start to 2021.
Cllr Alan McDermott
Leader, Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council

It was truly inspiring to see how the wider community rallied

round to help their fellow citizens. Many local charities worked
harder than ever, while thousands volunteered to deliver food
or medicine. Many new community groups sprung up to make
sure their neighbours were helped and protected.

Congratulations to Vivian Murray, Tunbridge Wells who is the winner of our autumn competition.
She wins a six month art course with Arty Farty Retreat. Well done, Vivian!

We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about Council services and news. If you have
any comments about the magazine, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us by:
E-mail: Local@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Phone: 01892 526121
Post: Lizzie Goodwin, Communications Manager, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS
TWellsCouncil TunbridgeWellsBoroughCouncil
To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd on 01892 677721 or e-mail davidh@spacemarketing.co.uk
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do not endorse the products and services advertised in Local.
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.

If you require Local magazine in large print or on audio please phone 01892 526121
tunbridgewells.gov.uk 3
 COMMUNITY HEROES
Lockdown was a very difficult time for many between
23 March and 15 June 2020.
We were all amazed by those who volunteered to help our
community or who bravely kept working during the Covid-19 crisis, so
we want to recognise those unsung heroes.

Who did something special to help you?

Let us know and we can say thank you on your behalf.

Tell us online tunbridgewells.gov.uk/heroes or

complete the form below and send to: Communications team, TWBC,
Town Hall, Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS
We need their contact details to:
● send them a signed certificate from the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Joy Podbury
● get their consent to publish details of their contribution on our website, on social media and in Local magazine

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Nominee e-mail/tel no: ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Tell us why:
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 Covid-19 Contacts
If you need help this winter, volunteers in your town or village are on hand to help.

Benenden Hawkhurst Sissinghurst

Caroline Levett, Clerk Hawkhurst Community Support Group Andrew Fairweather
clerk@benendenparishcouncil.org hawkhurstcommunity@gmail.com Andy.Fairweather@TunbridgeWells.gov.uk
07715 251966 01580 453015 07976 290185
Nicola Thomas, Chair
nic.jthomas@btinternet.com
Horsmonden Southborough and High
01580 240364
Lucy Noakes, Clerk Brooms
clerk@horsmonden-pc.gov.uk Alain Lewis, Chair
Bidborough 01892 724989 lewis@southboroughcouncil.co.uk
Evelyn Divall, Clerk 01892 529176
d.divall@btinternet.com
01732 457541
Lamberhurst Tracy Kelly, Clerk
David Hurst-Brown, Chair clerk@southboroughcouncil.co.uk
Quentin Stevens, Chair
chairlamberhurstpc@gmail.com
quentinstevens@btconnect.com
Tracie Dodd, Clerk Speldhurst
parishclerk@lamberhurstvillage.co.uk Chris May
Brenchley and Matfield 01892 891440 clerk@speldhurstparishcouncil.gov.uk
Chantal Brooks, Clerk 07760 769513
clerk@brenchleyandmatfield.co.uk
01892 723586
Paddock Wood Neil Barrington-Johnson, Chair
Paddock Wood Community Support neil.barrington-johnson@
Georgie Warner speldhurstparishcouncil.gov.uk
www.pwcs.org.uk
georgie.warner@pc.brenchleyandmatfield.
co.uk 07385 105340
The Community Storehouse
The Wesley Centre, TN12 6DS
Capel Help and support
enquiries@communitystorehouse.co.uk
Capel Covid TV 075821 42948 during lockdown
capelcovid@gmail.com When there’s a crisis many people will
Charles Mackonochie have friends, family and neighbours
alvisaoc@aol.com Pembury they can call on for help but if you’re
01892 832118 The Pembury Hub
vulnerable and need support, or you
Jon Stronell pemburyhub@pemburybaptistchurch.org
know someone who is, call the Council’s
07917 050648 01892 825590
helpline 01892 526121 or Kent
County Council 03000 41 92 92.
Cranbrook Rusthall
Covid Cranbrook Alex Britcher-Allen, Chair of the RVA and Don’t be duped
Vice Chair of the PC Sadly, even during a pandemic, there
covidcranbrook@hotmail.com
alex.britcher@rusthallparishcouncil.org.uk are some people who are ready to take
0300 770 2262
Rusthall Village advantage of those who are vulnerable or
Contact@rusthallvillage.org just not as focused as they would usually
Frittenden Su Denne, Clerk be. Fraudsters are persuasive and ready to
Anthony Staples, Chair clerk@rusthallparishcouncil.org.uk trick you out of your money or get your
anthonystaples@btinternet.com 07805 475397 personal information if you let them.
Emma Nightingale, Clerk
01580 292576
Stop and take a moment, could it be
Sandhurst a scam?
Helping Hands
● Take a moment before you give
Goudhurst Jane Burnham personal information to anyone,
Corona Kindness helpinghands@sandhurstkent.co.uk
Louise Vickerman 01580 850312 / 851084
● Take a moment before you sign up to
gkcovid19help@gmail.com
any offer.
07903 332 014 Actionfraud.police.uk

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 5
HAV E YOU BEEN TOLD TO
SELF -ISOLAT E?
Test and Trace Support
Payment scheme
£
If you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or
after 28 September you’re under a legal obligation to do so, and
could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.
You may be eligible for the payment if you meet all the criteria,
including being unable to work from home and receiving certain
benefits. If you don’t fulfil all the criteria you may instead be able
to apply for a £500 discretionary payment.
Whether it’s a Test and Trace Support Payment or a discretionary
payment you must apply within 14 days of your self-isolation
period ending.
See tunbridgewells.gov.uk for full details and how to apply.

Hands Face Space

Here’s one message that doesn’t change. Wash your hands, cover
your face and remember to make about 2m space around you.

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
or using hand sanitizer, regularly throughout the day will reduce
the risk of catching or passing on the virus. Face covering means
if you’re carrying the virus you’re less likely to spread it when
you exhale and continuing to make space has a powerful impact
when it comes to containing the spread.

NHS App
The NHS COVID-19 app is available to
download for free. It is the fastest way to see if
you’re at risk from coronavirus. The faster you
know, the quicker you can alert and protect
your loved ones and community. If you enter a
venue that has an official NHS COVID-19 QR
code poster at the entrance, you should scan it
with your app, that way if other people were at
the same venue at the same time as you, and
later test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19),
you may get an alert to let you know. Download
the app at covid19.nhs.uk

6 Local Winter 2020

 HEALT H AND WELLBEING
Most people feel anxious
or scared sometimes,
but if it’s affecting your
life or you’re finding it
hard to cope there’s
support available.
Mental Health Resource is an award-winning, local mental
health charity, which supports over 1,000 people every
year with their mental wellbeing in West Kent.
They don’t just help adults, Reachout Youth is for anyone
aged 13-19 who may be struggling with their mental health,
feeling low, anxious or lonely, want to meet new people, or
are just looking for something fun to do. While face-to-face
sessions are not possible virtual groups meet up via Zoom.

Samaritans Mental Health Matters helpline Shout 24 hour Text Service

116 123 (free phone number) 0800 107 0160 Text the word Kent to 85258

Release the Pressure Find a counsellor near you

0800 107 0160 counselling-directory.org.uk

Get moving
Whatever your age, there’s strong evidence that being physically active
can help you lead a healthier and happier life says nhs.uk. And, being
healthy can help you fight infection. If taking that first step seems
daunting why not try one of the Health Walks mentioned on page 23
or consider visiting your local leisure centre, see the special offer from
Fusion on page 23.
Paddock Wood
Community Advice Centre
Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre is open and offering face to
face advice to its clients.
A dedicated team of advisers are on hand to support people with their
Universal Credit applications including access to their office computers
for those residents who are struggling to set up their account or
experiencing problems.
They offer a successful Welfare Benefits Appeals Service to support
clients through the process and represent them at Tribunal if required.
Face to face appointments continue for people struggling to pay their
bills and for those who have debt issues, advisers will discuss the
options available to them. There is also a Debt Relief Order Intermediary
in the office. Advice for clients on how to maximise their income and
budgeting is also on offer.
Book an appointment or drop-in Monday – Friday 9.30am-1.30pm if you
need advice. Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre can be found at
64 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, TN12 6DP. They also operating
email, telephone and video advice services for people who cannot
attend the office.
pwadvice.org
01892 838619 info@pwadvice.org
Have you seen what’s on TW Social? An online
community that offers something for everyone.
Entertainment for all ages, tips and workshops for
healthy living and helpful information on where
you can go to get more support if you are feeling
anxious or lonely
Citizens Advice Tunbridge
Wells and District
At Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells & District, staff
and volunteers are continuing to provide support
for local people via phone, e-mail, and webchat.
They are anticipating a spike in demand for advice
as the various measures put in place to support
people, such as the furlough scheme, eviction
ban and mortgage and rent holidays, come to an
end. Please get in touch if you need help with
employment issues, claiming benefits, housing, or
money worries, and they will their best to help you
to find a way through your problem.
Their (free) number is 0800 144 8848 or you can
send an e-mail to: advice@catwd.org.uk
View the website at: citizensadvice.org.uk where
you might find the answer to your query.

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 7
Amelia Scott
Artist
Commissions
A quick update on the renovations... we are pleased to say
that progress continues to be made on site and everything
is on track to open to the public in spring 2022.

To get ready for the opening, we have launched an invitation to

designers and artists in the creative world to submit ambitious
and exciting proposals to create seven large-scale artworks
(by different artists if possible!) that will take pride of place
in The Amelia Scott Building, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Each
piece of art will embody The Amelia’s mission of ‘enriching
lives, inspiring learning’. These innovative new art pieces
will welcome and encourage visitors to explore, engage and
interact with them. The commissions have only been made
possible through generous funding from Arts Council England.

We will receive proposals in early January, and the artists will

be chosen by March 2021. All submitted proposals will be
considered by the Artist Commission Selection Panel, made
up of industry experts and the local community. Once the
decisions have been made we will share the news with readers.

More information is on the Amelia website theamelia.co.uk

The Artist Commissions

Main Entrance Lighting Curated Courtyard Design
To lead visitors inside the building to explore its spaces, facilities, Seeking innovative ways to establish a green and urban exterior
and activities. space through community gardening and ownership.

Exterior Ironwork Gates Courtyard Drinking Fountain

Will take their inspiration from the flora and fauna of Tunbridge
Wells borough and High Weald and enclose the exterior courtyard
enabling group activities and events to happen outside in
seclusion.
Foyer Modular Furniture
Providing a designed and multi-functional natural gathering point
for visitors.
Celebrating our significant and historic relationship with water,
offering all visitors refreshment, and promoting the reduction of
single use plastics.
Foyer Visitor Resource Point
Welcoming visitors into the building and aiding their journey
through its facilities, services, and activities.
Exterior Brickwork Decorative Artwork
Celebrates the natural geology and its many uses within the town
and borough.

8 Local Winter 2020

Supporting Porchlight
Mayor Joy Podbury says... I have chosen Porchlight as the charity
for my year of office. Porchlight supports homeless, vulnerable,
and isolated people in Kent. As you can imagine the demand for
their service has increased enormously over the last few months.
To mark World Homeless Day, and to raise awareness of the
work they do, Porchlight asked us to support them by ‘Wearing
Purple for Porchlight’ and sharing our photos on social media.
The response was phenomenal, especially when we soon
discovered purple is not currently a fashionable colour.
We also visited Porchlight head office and met with
members of the team, to learn about the additional
difficulties they are having to deal with due to the risk
of Covid-19. We were greeted with the news that
we have received over £2,000 in donations! Such
fantastic news as we are currently unable to arrange
fundraising events.
If you wish to make a donation, it would be very
much appreciated, please visit
porchlight.org.uk/donate and reference ‘Mayor’
in the comments box.
Wishing residents of Tunbridge Wells a
happy and safe Christmas.

A safe place to stay Struggling

Since the government’s ‘Everyone In’ announcement on 27 March, Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council has been providing accommodation and ongoing support for rough to pay your
sleepers and those facing rough sleeping or homelessness. Over 40 people needed
longer-term homes, and we have helped those individuals into private rentals, supported
housing or a home through a housing association.
rent?
If your job or income has been affected
Help and support during Covid-19 was made possible with the ‘can do’ attitude of by Covid-19 and you’re finding it hard to
local partner agencies, as well as some local residents and businesses of Tunbridge pay your rent, you may want to contact
Wells. One of these, the Russell Hotel who, when hotels were advised to close their the Housing team at the Council for some
doors, agreed to remain open in order to provide accommodation for the rough sleepers help and advice. We want to prevent
and homeless residents of the borough who we were supporting. The hotel staff have people becoming homeless wherever
continued to work very closely with us to provide possible, so if you have rent arrears we
support and food to some of our most vulnerable can work with you to help you tackle
residents. We are very grateful to all the staff and them. You may want to chat to your
management at the hotel for their willingness to help. landlord as well to let them know about
your situation.
Tunbridge Wells Street Teams have supported vulnerable
people, including rough sleepers, for many years. They Use our benefits calculator to see whether
have been helping by providing an evening meal to the you can qualify for some help right now
homeless guests staying at the hotel. and how much that could be.
One former guest of the hotel who
has recently moved on into settled Search our website for
accommodation said ‘I am really grateful benefit calculator
for the support I have received from Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council and Porchlight, as well as the staff
at the Russell Hotel. They were bang on it with everything they did
tunbridgewells.gov.uk
for me and I’m really pleased to now have somewhere settled to be’.

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 9
Christmas
in Tunbridge Wells
The always popular
Skate returns for its tenth
ear in Calverley
Grounds. We are
waiting to welcome
you and if it’s your tenth
birthday this year you
skate for free!
The Spa Valley Railway
has plenty to offer too,
from the popular Santa
Specials to Gin and
Steam! a tasting event
on 30 December.
A brisk walk after the festivities
could be just what you need.
Follow one of the routes at
the local National Trust
properties at Scotney
or Sissinghurst, explore
the Commons in
Tunbridge Wells or try a
section of the Tunbridge
Wells Circular Walk, see
visittunbridgewells.com
10 Local Winter 2020
Tunbridge Wells is a great place
and there’s still lots happening
over the festive period even
though we may have to do
things a bit differently this year.
If your Christmas isn’t complete
without a panto then the
Assembly Hall Theatre’s
pop-up panto may be
the answer. Jack and the
Beanstalk is on from 18
December and there’s a
variety of other shows on
offer if panto isn’t for you.
Christmas at Bedgebury is
an outdoor option where
you can follow the after
dark trail through the
National Pinetum and
be captivated by the
magical lights.
Please check web pages before you travel
for booking details and the most up-to-date
information about visiting and remember to keep
safe, be responsible and follow the latest guidance
around restrictions when out and about.
You’ll find a comprehensive list of events on
tunbridgewellsevents.co.uk.
Christmas and New Year recycling and waste collections
Refuse / Recycling Garden Waste
Christmas/ Normal Christmas/
Normal New Year
New Year Collection Day
Collection Day Collection Day Collection Day
Monday 21 December Collections as normal Monday 28 December Tuesday 29 December
Tuesday 22 December Collections as normal
Tuesday 29 December Wednesday 30 December
Wednesday 23 December Collections as normal

Thursday 24 December Collections as normal Wednesday 30 December Thursday 31 December

Friday 25 December Monday 28 December

Thursday 31 December Saturday 2 January
Monday 28 December Tuesday 29 December
Friday 1 January Sunday 3 January
Tuesday 29 December Wednesday 30 December

Wednesday 30 December Thursday 31 December Week commencing 4 January garden

waste collections as normal
Thursday 31 December Saturday 2 January

Friday 1 January Sunday 3 January

Need to go to the tip?

Please ensure your bin(s) and green
box are out for collection by 7am.
We apologise in advance if you are disturbed by noise from
weekend collections over the festive season.
Kent County Council’s Tunbridge Wells Household Waste
Recycling Centre – the tip – at North Farm is closed on 25
December and 26 December, and on 1 January 2021.
Please remember you need to book online before going to the
tip, for further details and how to book visit kent.gov.uk

Christmas and New Year opening times

Town Hall and Tunbridge Wells Gateway Kent and Sussex Crematorium
Our offices, contact centre Thursday 24 December Closed The crematorium and cemetery grounds will
and phone lines will close remain open through the period and the Book of
Friday 25 December Closed
to the public at 5pm on Remembrance will be open every day 9am – 4pm.
Wednesday 23 December, Monday 28 December Closed
The office will close at 4pm on Wednesday 23 December
and we reopen at 9am on Tuesday 29 December Closed and reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 29 December.
Wednesday 30 December.
Friday 1 January Closed The office will close at 3pm on Thursday 31 December
Our offices, contact centre
and reopen at 8.30am on Monday 4 January 2021.
and phone lines are also closed on Friday 1 January.
An out of hours service is available if there is a genuine
emergency. There is more information about this on the Council
website twbc.online/emergencies

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 11
 Christmas Recycling
Christmas cards
(no glitter or metallic foil)
Green box
Old greeting cards also make
great upcycled gift tags. Cut
out the central motifs from the
cards, then write your message on the
plain back and save for next year.
Your quick guide to what
you can and can’t recycle
this festive season...
Gift packaging Artificial trees
Household Waste and Recycling
Paper and card Centre at North Farm (the tip)
(not wrapping paper)
Green box Alternatively remove your
decorations and store your tree
Plastic gift packaging away to re use next year.
Green household waste bin

Wrapping paper Food packaging Real Christmas trees

Green household waste bin
Wrapping paper isn’t good enough
quality to be recycled. Go online
for some recycle-friendly
alternatives. You’ll find some
great ideas including fabric
wraps, paper bags and glass jars.
Glass bottles and jars
Brown bin
Some glass jars might be
useful to keep for homemade
pickles and jams.
Black garden waste
Plastic bottles, tubs, pots and
trays. Cans, biscuit and sweets Trunk should be less than
three inches (7.5cm) thick.
tins and tubs, and turkey foil If your tree is over six feet tall
Brown bin please cut it in half.
Cardboard boxes and sleeves If you haven’t signed up to
Green box the garden waste scheme
please take your tree to the
Food waste Household Waste and Recycling
Centre at North Farm (the tip).
Food waste bin
Or freeze your leftovers
for another day Small household batteries
Brown recycling bin
in a small bag on top of
the recycling bin

The Teddy Mayor is hoping

you can help the Toy Appeal.
It could be a very difficult Christmas this year for many families but your help
could mean a happier Christmas Day for lots of children in the borough.
Once again the Mayor’s Toy Appeal will be making sure children
and teenagers across Tunbridge Wells have presents to open on
Christmas Day and they’d like your assistance in making this
happen, although lockdown means there’s not much time!
This year’s Appeal is encouraging you to support local businesses too by
donating only new gifts and purchasing them locally. And, thanks to the
generosity of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together there’s a £500 shopping Gifts can be donated
voucher ready to be won when you buy your Toy Appeal gift locally.
between 4 and 21 December
If you would prefer to make a financial donation that would be amazing
too. You can find out more information about how to do this and at the Town Hall, Royal
suggestions for suitable gifts at the Teddy Mayor’s Toy Appeal Tunbridge Wells
website twmta.co.uk

Prize draw open from 4 December – 21 December (lockdown permitting)

Buy your gift locally for a chance to win £500 shopping voucher
Take your gift receipt to the Town Hall, 11am – 3pm, weekends included, until 21 December and collect
your free prize draw entry ticket
Winner to be notified after draw takes place on 23 December

12 Local Winter 2020

Christmas Hot Chocolate
Christmas is an excuse for lots of us to indulge in some
chocolate treats so we asked Goudhurst-based Goupie,
winner of the Love Where We Live 2019 Ethical Business
Award to give us some inspiration.
We’ve got a devilishly decadent festive hot chocolate to get
you in the Christmas spirit. It’s super simple to make at home
and completely naughty! Shop for your ingredients carefully
and make this a vegan treat too.
What You Need
Goupie’s 55% Orange Hot Chocolate
Oat Milk
Ground Cinnamon
Mini Marshmallows
Squirty Cream
What You Do
1. Heat 200ml of oat milk in a
pan on a low/medium heat.
2. Stirring continuously, add 30g of Goupie’s 55%
Orange Hot Chocolate Mix and ¼tsp ground
cinnamon.
3. Once the mixture is completely combined, pour into
your best mug.
4. Squirt your cream starting at the edge of the mug and
working inwards in a spiral
5. Dust a little cinnamon on top of your cream and add
as many mini marshmallows as you can fit on top!
6. Enjoy! Dunking a biscuit is highly recommended…
If you want to learn more about Goupie and their
chocolate confectionery you can visit The Goupie
Chocolate House at Ely Court, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Sprouts Anyone? Shredded sprout,

bacon and
chestnut salad
We’re delighted to share this tasty recipe from the National A very quick and delicious
Trust’s winter cookbook, it’s a great way to use up some of winter salad recipe that focusses
on using any sprouts leftover from the
those Christmas ingredients and cut down on food waste.
Christmas feast.
The recipe comes from the Trust’s cafés. Income from the cafés
is an important source of funds for the organisation. • Preparation time 10 minutes
For more winter and Christmas food inspiration visit the online • Serves 6
recipe hub, nationaltrust.org.uk/recipes
Ingredients Method
600g raw sprouts, shredded 1. Place the sprouts, chestnuts and cranberries in
200g smoked bacon, cooked and shredded a bowl and mix well.
100g chestnuts, broken into small pieces
2. Combine all the dressing ingredients together
40g dried cranberries
and pour over the sprout mix.
60g spinach
For the dressing 3. Place the spinach in your serving bowl and top
1 orange, juice and zest 60ml cold pressed rapeseed oil with the sprout mix. 4. Finish with the shredded
salt and pepper to taste bacon and serve.

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 13
Active travel
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in May 2020, the
Government announced the Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF)
to support the installation of temporary highway schemes with the
aim of making both social distancing and active travel - walking
and cycling - easier. The funding for these schemes was given to
Kent County Council (KCC) as the Highway Authority.
The scheme in the High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells introduced
a new northbound one-way system, allowing pavement widening
on one side of the road. Feedback on the scheme has been
collected from both businesses and shoppers. There was a mixed
response from those that were asked their views with some very
supportive and others not so.
Particular concerns that were raised were the appearance of the
red and white barriers and difficulties with deliveries. We are now
seeking to address these concerns by replacing the barriers with
parklets or planters that will be more attractive and creating some
additional space for delivery vehicles. The aims of the scheme will
remain the same.
The High Street is also now part of a central Royal Tunbridge Wells
20mph scheme. This has been well received and requests to extend
this further have come from some residents.
The other schemes in the borough included the introduction of
light segregation on the A26 cycle route, an access only route
along Reynolds Lane in Southborough and a one-way/bus gate in
Commercial Road, Paddock Wood. The Paddock Wood scheme
is currently suspended because of the need for utility works in
the town centre and concerns that this would lead to increased
congestion.
The timescale for delivery of the EATF schemes was very short and
therefore the schemes have been implemented on a trial basis,
with each scheme being closely monitored and amended using the
feedback received.
Expressions of support, objections or concerns about any of the
EATF schemes can be made by emailing
activetravelfund@kent.gov.uk or
businesscovid19@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Could your business

Kickstart a young
person’s career?
The Government’s Kickstart scheme aims to create thousands of
new jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment by
offering six-month job placements.
There’s funding for employers and you don’t have to be a big
business to be involved, working with the West Kent Partnership
smaller firms can offer placements too.

Find out how your business can get involved

kickstartwestkent.co.uk

EMPLOYERS
UK Transition
is your business ready?
Check
Change
Go
The UK has left the EU and new rules for

Can you offer a young

business with the EU start on 1 January 2021.You must act now
to prepare your business for the changes ahead.

person a job placement

Find guidance and support at gov.uk/transition

14
that will give them the
experience they need?
ABC cinema site
The future of the vacant site of the Councillors had a detailed briefing at It is clearly an important site for the town
former ABC cinema site in Royal the end of October on the history of the and the Council will convene a panel of
Tunbridge Wells is now in doubt again cinema site and the significant challenges experts, with the assistance of the local
as the Council understands the current it presents. In response to questions about MP, to answer councillors’ questions and
owners have put it back on the market what the Council can do about securing explore councillors’ suggestions regarding
for an asking price of £17million. the future of the site by purchasing it, the site.
Deputy Leader Councillor Jane March
Disappointingly the Council was not
has said that ‘the Council is only able to
advised by the owners that they were
pay what a site is worth as supported by a
marketing the site. The Council has taken
certified valuation rather than speculative
a positive approach in all its discussions
hope value’. Cllr March also indicated
with the owners to enable planning
that all other avenues would have to be
permission to be delivered. The current
exhausted before the use of Compulsory
planning permission, which remains
Purchase Order (CPO) powers could be
valid until February 2021, establishes the
demonstrated to the Secretary of State as
planning position for a significant mixed-
the legal route forward.
use development to be brought forward.

15
Love where Our Love Where We Live finalists have been chosen
and we have a range of wonderful individuals and
organisations from across the borough.

We Live Awards These community awards celebrate the people who

make the borough of Tunbridge Wells a great place

2020
to live and work.
Under normal circumstances we would
be celebrating them with an awards
ceremony, for now we would like to
acknowledge them and share some
snippets of what makes them
a finalist…

BEST GROUP
CHARITY OF TW Self Isolation Support Group
THE YEAR This group of community minded volunteers took the initiative at
the start of lockdown to provide a contact point for communication
Age UK and assistance, the people behind this initiative deserve recognition
Age UK went above and beyond during
and thanks for their insight, energy, and commitment.
the lockdown supporting the over 55s,
they have been a real lifeline to so Horsmonden Responds
many during this very stressful time. They have provided a service over and beyond, by
helping with so many little extras which have made life
Mental Health Resource so much brighter for people at this difficult time.
We are so proud that during Covid-19
Mental Health Resource have adapted their Paddock Wood Community Support
services and are delivering new initiatives. This group is absolutely fabulous, and a huge community bond
Their work is needed now more than ever. has formed with all the volunteers and the people that required
additional support and assistance in this challenging time.
Community Car Service
I use CCS to get to my many hospital
appointments, the service that CCS
provides is very professional, they are very
understanding and not at all judgemental.

SPORTS ACHIEVER
Tiger Gymnastics
Chris and his team of coaches at Tiger Gymnastics have always brought out the
best in the individual, they offer praise, and advice on every step of the journey.
Jo Cartwright
Jo is a brilliant role model for women in sports. She has worked tirelessly
with Grosvenor Bowls Club to make sure that the club continues.
Dominic Bowen
Dominic works tirelessly for the youth section of the cricket club. As well
as coordinating and coaching all groups at the club, he fundraises and
organises holiday clubs for the kids. A true pillar of the community.

16 Local Winter 2020

INDIVIDUAL HERO
Olga Johnson
Olga Johnson has, throughout her life, been a change maker
in the charitable sector. Through her vision and stewardship,
Nourish supported 177 people in the first year (2012/13) and
this figure has grown to over 7,000 people per annum to date.
Dawn Stanford
Dawn IS the individual hero of so many in our community.
As Operations Manager of Nourish Community
Foodbank, she has worked tirelessly for over eight
years to ensure that nobody in crisis is forgotten.
Graham Jones
Graham Jones, is a hero known by many names. The Alley
Cat, The Flower Pot Man or the One-Man Army. Without
a single complaint or desire for gratitude, Graham has
volunteered hundreds of hours in all weather, cleaning,
weeding, and improving the streets of Southborough.
YOUNG VOLUNTEER
Billy Marsden
Billy Marsden, a Year 13 student who has done a particularly fine
job in his role as our first Wellbeing Prefect, was fundamental to
the organisation of the Wellbeing Week, which despite the fact
that no-one was physically in school was a raging success.
Nathan Friend
Nathan is being nominated for everything he does as a member of The
Skinners’ Kent Academy and Trinity Youth Theatre communities, as
well as other local organisations and events. Nathan’s organisation,
time management, technical skills combined with his patience and
observation is what makes him the excellent, selfless volunteer he is.
Isabel Smith
Isabel is 24-year-old dancer, who has been volunteering and
supporting young dancers for two years, she is such an ambassador
for This Is Us and has represented her dancing peers on a recent
steering committee relating to an inclusive arts event.

YOUNG SPORTS ACHIEVER

Alex Dunmall
Alexander is an 8-year-old junior golfer from Five Oak Green. In October 2018 against
all the odds Alexander won the Paris junior cup at The Disneyland Course. Plus he
qualified for the US Kids World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina in 2019.
Rusthall U11s
I would like to nominate Rusthall U11s for being such a great bunch of kind and caring
children and great friends on and off the pitch. All the boys did the Mount Everest challenge
walking over 812,000 steps collectively over two days and raising over £1,000 for the NHS.
Harley Curtis-Lawrence
Harley has shown pure grit and determination throughout this last year, he has
continued to train throughout, firstly with his injury and then following the
pandemic through zoom sessions. I have never seen such courage from a 12-year-
old and we are so proud of what good sportsmanship he has demonstrated.

ETHICAL BUSINESS
The Forum
Tunbridge Wells Forum has taken steps to reduce carbon emissions with a recycling, energy
saving programme. Introduced eco-cups and e-tickets to cut down on waste, replaced
PA system to be more eco efficient, along with new heating system, all lighting fittings
LED. Roof space insulated, reclaimed materials made use of and continued recycling.
Zero Waste Company
Charlotte and Holly run The Zero Waste Company on the Pantiles and have gone
above and beyond. They stock a wide range of vegan, vegetarian, eco-friendly,
ethical, sustainable and plastic free products so as well as serving the local
community they are helping fight plastic pollution and help save our planet.
TW Nappy Library
Tunbridge Wells Nappy Library is run by Kate. She is modest and seemingly unaware of what
an amazing thing she is doing. In just a generation we seem to have lost our way with cloth
nappies and this seems like an easy way to chip away at our huge environmental issues.

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 17
 Want to give to charity but not sure where to start?
The TW Lotto has been helping charities across the
Tunbridge Wells borough for over three years.
For every £1 ticket you buy 60% goes straight back
to our causes signed up… plus you have the chance
to win up to £25,000.
We hear from a handful of our good causes about
how the TW Lotto has been helping them…

Mental Health Resource

Mental Health Resource provides safe spaces and person-centred mental health support in
our community to help people improve their wellbeing. Covid-19 has deeply heightened
many of our clients’ anxiety levels, with a high proportion now experiencing deteriorating
mental and physical health compounded by challenges including food and benefit issues,
loneliness, bereavement, housing problems, anti-social residents and isolation.

With funds from the TW Lotto we can provide essential telephone and online support,
helping people stay connected within the community.

Imago Brenchley Pre-School Trinity Theatre

Imago offers support to a wide range of
people across the borough, from those
who are young carers supporting a
family member to adults via our Dial 2
Drive, helping them get out and about to
appointments when public transport isn’t
an option for them. The support of the
TW Lotto players enables us to provide
activity materials for the young people at
their workshops and respite activities, and
contributes towards the volunteer driver
recruitment and induction.
We are a charity, community based
pre-school that has been in the village of
Brenchley since 1964. We are struggling
with purchasing extra cleaning equipment
and gloves to keep our children, parents
and staff safe whilst they are accessing
the resources and activities, and have not
been able to buy any new toys.
We have a few loyal supporters but any
new would give us the opportunity to buy
these children additional activities so they
can learn whilst playing.
Trinity is more than a theatre. Our
community outreach programme
includes: ‘Trinity Encore,’ a choir for those
living with dementia; ‘Senior Cinema
Social, aimed at breaking the cycle of
elderly loneliness in Tunbridge Wells; and
initiatives run by our Youth & Learning
team. Supporting us through the TW Lotto
helps us continue to do everything we
can to secure our future.

18 Local Winter 2020

Kent Search and Rescue
TW Lotto supporters are helping Kent
Search and Rescue (KSAR) to save
lives. Without the money raised, it
would take much longer for our teams
of trained volunteers to find high-risk
vulnerable missing people in Kent. And
in emergency situations, every minute
counts. With TW Lotto’s help, we
have been able to develop an app that
provides real-time updates to the whole
team while live searches are underway
- feeding data back from search teams
to search managers and police advisors.
That means key information can be
reviewed faster, which in turn increases
our chances of finding vulnerable missing
people before it’s too late.
Aspens
Aspens supports children, young people
and adults with a range of disabilities and
complex needs, as well as those on the
autism spectrum.
Through the provision of highly
personalised, lifelong support we enable
people to learn new skills, live life to the
full and contribute to society.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a
devastating impact on our charity, which
has its head office in Pembury, Tunbridge
Wells, and supporting us through the TW
Lotto will enable us to continue to provide
this absolutely vital service to some of our
community’s most vulnerable people.
The Forum
The Forum Music and Arts Venue is a
Community Interest Company in the
heart of Tunbridge Wells. We are closed
indefinitely due to the pandemic but we
hope to open when we can; bringing
audiences more international and
national touring acts, more spoken word
and theatre, more community days and
festivals. We thank everyone for their
support over the pandemic and thank you
for nominating us as a worthy cause when
buying a lottery ticket. Any funds raised
will go towards supporting musicians,
community groups and improving the
building. Many thanks from the Forum
Team and good luck in the draw!

Community Car Service

The TW Lotto means we can continue to
support the elderly and disabled people
of Tunbridge Wells, driving them to their
medical and day care appointments. This
year with the funds raised we will be
delivering Christmas dinners.

For any
further
To buy a TW Lotto ticket and read more about questions on
how you can help visit: TWLotto.co.uk the TW Lotto
please contact
@TWLottoUK @TWLottery Emma on
01892 554155
If you or someone you know has a charity that needs
some support we can help, find out more here:
twlotto.co.uk/goodcauses
19

The Council has now completed an audit of the amount of energy
we use per year in our buildings and as part of the services we
provide. We found that our total carbon dioxide (CO2e), is down
from 6,046 tonnes CO2e in 2013/14 to 3473.4 tonnes CO2e this
year. As highlighted in the autumn edition of the magazine, these
reductions are in part due to energy efficiency measures installed
in our buildings such as insulation, changing to LED lighting
and producing our own renewable electricity by installing solar
panels on St John’s leisure centre.
The Energy Deal Scheme could help you
save money on your energy bills and
reduce your carbon emissions at the same
time! This collective energy switching
scheme is supported by TWBC and you
benefit through the bargaining power of a
large group.
The last auction took place in October and was able to secure
100% renewable energy. This electricity supply was matched by
renewable sources including wind, biomass and solar.
The next auction will take place in February 2021, so register
your interest now on our website… search reduce energy bill.
20 Local Winter 2020
CLIMATE
C H A N G E
However, we know we still have a lot to do if we are to reach our
ambition of being carbon neutral by 2030. Most of our emissions
come from our buildings (68 percent) and transport (32 percent)
contributing to our total carbon footprint.
A report will go through our committee process in early 2021 and
will recommend actions the Council will need to take to deliver
a rapid and very significant drop in our emissions. Information
on our action plan will be published in future editions of this
magazine.
We are also working hard to introduce initiatives that can benefit
residents. Read below about a scheme just launched which can
offer free gas central heating to eligible residents and our energy
switching scheme that aims to offer 100 per cent renewable
energy.
Is your home in need of
GAS CENTRAL
HEATING?
Residents living in the borough can
now benefit from grant-funded gas
central heating to help keep warm
and well this winter.
We have secured funding from Warm
Homes Fund, and other funding partners, to install a fully-funded
gas connection, first-time gas central heating systems and other
insulation measures for homeowners or private-renting tenants
living in the borough.
To be eligible you must be in receipt of benefits, on a low
income, or living with someone in the household who is
suffering from a health condition that is impacted by living in a
cold home. Eligible homes will be checked to ensure they are
near the mains gas network.
This gas central heating installation scheme is free to residents
who qualify, and applications are open until 31 December
2020. Search our website for Warm Homes Fund, e-mail
privatesectorhousing@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or alternatively call
01892 554241 to discuss.
Cutting Many of us are trying to avoid unnecessary plastic packaging
where we can, but did you know that it can be recycled only

Plastic
once and then has to be incinerated, whereas paper and glass
are infinitely recyclable. Plastics also leach toxins, which are
especially dangerous for human health, into our food and drink.

Packaging
Incineration of non-recyclable plastics simply releases the toxins
into the air we breathe.
Recently, several TV programmes have revealed the mountains
of plastic waste all over the world, as well as 50-year-old landfill
At Full Council last December Cllr Linda Hall proposed a motion sites in which plastics have failed to degrade.
to urge all supermarkets in the borough to begin to dispense
However, we are pleased to report that there is some progress in
with plastic packaging. After Full Council supported the motion
the borough. To highlight just a few examples, one supermarket
unanimously, our Chief Executive, William Benson, and Leader
has introduced brown paper bags for loose vegetables and fruit,
of the Council, Alan McDermott, wrote to the head offices of all
while others have used cardboard punnets for strawberries and
the borough’s supermarkets, while Cllr Hall spoke to local store
tomatoes. We are moving in the right direction.
managers about the issue.

Care for
the Air
During the Covid-19 lockdown we experienced cleaner air
and saw massive shifts in low pollution behaviours. Let’s
keep up the momentum and keep our air clean. We can
create a new normal with clean air by continuing to
make these positive changes and keep healthy. We are
Did you know?
● Every minute a car is left idling it creates
re-launching our anti-idling initiative to encourage
drivers to switch off engines when stationary. enough pollution to fill 150 balloons
● Every two minutes a car is left idling is
We know that air pollution can affect our health,
equal to about one mile of driving
so when we are out in our cars, switching off the
engine when not moving seems sensible enough. ● Switching off an engine and then restarting after a
When waiting for someone, whether it is minute will cause less pollution and use less fuel
outside a school, or in a supermarket car ● Your engine will stay warm for 30-60
park…switching off the engine minutes after being switched off
for just a few minutes can make You can make a difference… switch off when parked. Protect your
all the difference to the health and that of others, reduce air pollution and make our streets
air quality around us. nicer places to walk and cycle around.
You can check air
quality where you are
at kentair.org.uk

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 21
 An Update In August, the town council appointed
local company Baxall Construction to

From
progress the community centre project.
Baxall’s will complete the designs
and costings and apply for planning

Paddock permission. Representatives from the

community group will be working with

Wood Town
their Design team to ensure the plans
fit the requirement of the town and are
on budget. It is hoped that planning

Council permission will be granted in the spring

The Christmas lights and trees should be
up in Commercial Road by the end of
November and will hopefully add a bit
of Christmas cheer to what has been a
difficult year.
Sadly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
the annual Lights Up event has been
cancelled. Let us hope it will be back
next year and everyone will be able to
celebrate together. Please do try and shop
local this Christmas if you can. The shops
need your support more than ever.
Despite the restrictions the town council
has managed to progress its two main
projects.
so that building work can commence
early summer on this exciting project for
Paddock Wood.
The Neighbourhood Plan Group also
appointed a new consultant this summer.
Troy Planning and Design will work with
the group to deliver a plan for the future
of the Town. To relaunch the project,
every household should have received
a questionnaire seeking their views. The
results will be collated over the winter
months.
To help keep everyone up-to-date the
town council has also launched a new
website: paddockwood-tc.gov.uk
If anyone would like to be involved in
either of the above projects then please
contact the Town Clerk at
clerk@paddockwoodtc.co.uk
or 01892 837373.

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people who would like to lose
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you to keep healthy and feel
better, both physically and
mentally.
One You Kent are running
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improve your health. The walks are led
by volunteer walk leaders, and the aim
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make to your health and how enjoyable
it can be! We have taken extra measures
to protect our volunteers and walkers so
numbers on the walks are limited and
booking is essential.
Are you interested in connecting with your
local community and helping people to
improve their health and wellbeing? Why
not join one of our free online training
courses and become a volunteer walk
leader!
For more information on Health Walks
contact the team on
01892 554411, email
health@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or visit
walkingforhealth.org.uk

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 23
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TW Works!
Royal Tunbridge Wells is home to a number of leading local
businesses and diverse global corporates, spanning sectors from
professional services, finance and property to creative media
and more. It is also home to an increasing number of innovative
local start-ups, seeking to turn the disruption of Covid into an
opportunity to work more flexibly and locally, with a better work
life balance.
Prior to Covid-19, Tunbridge Wells was also a hotbed for daily
commuters to London, something that has dropped dramatically
or at least paused amid the latest lockdown.
Covid or no Covid, we believe Tunbridge Wells has a lot to offer
businesses and workers. With a thriving business community
already in place, we want to build on this platform and attract
new investment and new workers with new office space.
This will in turn drive greater business for our high street and
local retailers, with more workers generating greater footfall and
more spend in shops and restaurants, right here in Tunbridge
Wells.
As such, we will be promoting Tunbridge Wells as a great place
to work, a great place to do business, a great place to open a
satellite office for commuters who value more flexible working,
and a great place to build new offices as part of our new
TW.Works campaign.

How you can help

We would like to hear from you to help us collate further insight into how Tunbridge Wells can become more successful as a business
destination, to help us build case studies and content on success stories, interesting anecdotes on how your business, job or work/life
priorities have changed post-Covid.
Similarly, we are on the lookout for anyone interested in being a business spokesperson or advocate for Tunbridge Wells business, and
anyone that would be willing to share their stories or experience in the media. If this is you, please get in touch with
laura@calvermont.com
You can also help us by completing an online survey, just 11 questions to answer. Go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TunbridgeWells

tunbridgewells.gov.uk 25
Gold and
Green
Despite the difficult days of lockdown
Tunbridge Wells achieved great results in
the annual South & South East in Bloom
competition. The assessments took place
a little differently this year as the judges
were not able to make site visits and so
the alternative was a detailed portfolio
submitted for each category entered.
As part of Britain in Bloom, South &
South East in Bloom is much more than
creating attractive floral places. There is
now as much emphasis on caring for the
Tell
us your
thoughts
about tourism
in your area
Visit Kent and Kent Downs AONB
would like to hear from you on what
you think of tourism in the borough
through a short online survey.
To begin the survey go to tinyurl.com/visitkentsurvey
Barnett’s Wood Local Nature Reserve
Calverley Grounds
Dunorlan Park
Grosvenor & Hilbert Park
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Common
Tunbridge Wells Cemetery and Crematorium
environment Woodbury Park Cemetery
and seeing the
community and
community volunteers becoming involved
in caring for their place. Well done to all
the volunteers behind this year’s results!
If you’d like to get involved why not
contact one of the parks’ Friends groups or
royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk
There was more good news too when the
Green Flag Awards scheme announced
that Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, St John’s
The survey explores your perceptions
of the impact that tourism has on the
economy in your area, on your local
community and on your wellbeing.
The survey is part of the Interreg
Experience project in which Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council is a partner.
The project seeks to ensure sustainable
growth of seasonal tourism across different
destinations in England and France,
without jeopardising the eco-systems and
quality of life of resident communities.
Your feedback will be hugely valuable to
the development of this project and will
help to guide us as we develop sustainable
tourism products and experiences.
A survey will be issued every six months
to allow for tracking of responses as
Silver Gilt
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Gold
Gold
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Park, Dunorlan Park, Calverley Grounds,
Woodbury Park Cemetery and The Grove
had retained their flags for another year.
These beautiful places are all looked after
by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and
volunteers and a Green Flag lets visitors
know that they’re in a well-managed park
or green spaces
RoyalTunbridgeWellsinBloom
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the seasons change and in line with the
current climate, to benchmark the social
impact that tourism has on our local
communities.
This research is being conducted for Visit
Kent and the Kent Downs AONB by the
University of Surrey, and is co-financed by
the European Regional Development Fund
with match-funding from the Council.
The survey will take around 12 minutes to
complete. Your participation in this survey
is voluntary, and you may discontinue at
any time. Any data collected will be kept
strictly anonymous and confidential. You
must be 18 years or over to complete the
survey.
FRI 18 DEC — SUN 3 JAN 21
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
tunbridge wells
For full details and to book tickets please visit our website
 COMEDY | SAT 12 DEC MUSIC | THU 3 DEC

MUSIC | THU 3 DEC MUSIC | FRI 4 DEC

VARIETY | SAT 5 DEC MUSIC | SUN 13 DEC

PANTO | FRI 18 DEC — SUN 3 JAN 2021 MUSIC | THU 11 FEB 2021

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
28
tunbridge wells
For full details and to book tickets please visit our website
COVID REFUND GUARANTEE