LOCAL

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council magazine

tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Summer 2017

inside:

Proposed theatre, office and

civic suite special
TWLotto is here
News, competitions, features
and loads more
 C
ome and experience the wide range
of flexible healthcare services,
guest stays and wellbeing events
Acres of beautiful gardens and woodland to enjoy
Rehabilitation following a hospital stay or illness
Respite care
Assisted stay for those who would like a holiday
but need a little help
Outpatient services, counselling, physiotherapy
and hydrotherapy
Guest stays and therapeutic stays
Church and Spiritual Wellbeing events
Tea room, bookshop and gift shop open everyday

Call Reservations 01892 865988 to find out more

www.burrswood.org.uk
email: enquiries@burrswood.org.uk
The Dorothy Kerin Trust. Registered Charity No. 1095940

Transforming lives through whole person care

2
 Welcome to Local costs less than 9p a copy to

Summer Local! produce and deliver to your home

In this edition we bring you the latest on many Council

initiatives, plus so much more. You'll be able to read
about the proposed plans for the new theatre, office
4to6
New buildings
building and civic suite on p46. Love Where We Live
campaign is now in full swing, so get your entries in
by 28 July 2017. It's easy to do online. If you haven't
heard, we've launched a lotto to help good causes in
our borough, with 60 per cent of proceeds benefiting
the good causes. More information throughout the
magazine. Go to TWLotto.co.uk to buy tickets for

7
the first draw on 8 July. Good luck if you've entered a
'Bloom' competition; if you haven't there is still time. Go
to p14 for details.
Heritage Open Days
If you love the outdoors, put on your walking boots and
explore some of the circular walks around Tunbridge
Wells take a look on p16. Enjoy!
Lizzie Goodwin, Editor

8to9
Love Where
We produce Local to keep you up-to-date about We Live
Council services and news. If you have any
comments about the magazine, wed love to
hear from you. Contact us by:
E-mail: Localemail@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Phone: 01892 526121
Post: Lizzie Goodwin, Communications
Manager, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, 14 13 Farmers' Market

Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 to

1RS
TWellsCouncil 15 Bloom 2017
tunbridge-wells-borough-council
To advertise, contact Space Marketing Ltd,
01892 677721

16
or e-mail antoinettem@spacemarketing.co.uk
Advertising helps to keep our costs down. We do
not endorse the external products and services
advertised in Local. Circular Walks
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
Tunbridge Wells
Lottery

If you require Local magazine in large print or on audio please phone 01892 554273
3
TW1317
 Development
Plans
Its been a while since we
updated you about plans
for a new theatre and civic
development in Royal
Tunbridge Wells which will
bring benefits to the whole
borough.
The Council has set out a bold
vision for major investment in civic
infrastructure. The vision includes a
new theatre and a new office building
and civic suite which is fit for modern
requirements.
The project will be a significant
investment in the borough and will
help ensure it stays a great place to
live, work and visit. The new theatre
will inject an annual sum of at least
14 million in to the local economy
and the new office will provide
20,000sqft of new office space for
local businesses. It also safeguards
Council services as our funding in the
future will not come from government
grants but will be directly linked to the
prosperity of the borough.
4
Vision
Tunbridge Wells Borough
presence of the theatre in the town. The
Council has committed
to providing a major
1,200 new theatre for the
town. We are also keen
to provide much needed
new office space and new
improved car parking.
Theatre
The proposed 1,200 seat theatre will
establish a major new cultural facility for
Tunbridge Wells and the wider borough.
It will replace the existing Assembly Hall
with the best modern auditorium able to
attract major shows, and will create an
attractive and dignified frontage on to
Calverley Grounds.
The decision to locate the theatre
adjacent to Calverley Grounds means
that the existing Assembly Hall can
continue to operate whilst the new
theatre is built. This continuity is crucial
to support the many groups and local
businesses which benefit from the
building has been designed to work
sensitively with Calverley Grounds. It
replaces the existing multi-storey car
park and service road at the park edge
with a new glazed atrium which will be
the main caf-bar for the theatre. This
will be open throughout the day for
anyone to use, providing a welcome
public space and a source of income for
the theatre.
West End theatre experience
on your doorstep.
Caf/bar overlooking Calverley
Grounds.
Enhancing the entrance to
beautiful Calverley Grounds.
Adds 14m annually to the
local economy.
Offices and civic suite
The new office and civic suite building
will deliver spaces which are fit for
modern needs and will help the Council
deliver its services cost-effectively. The
existing offices in the Town Hall are
expensive to run and maintain and are
not suited to modern office requirements.
The proposed offices will provide new
accommodation which is much cheaper
to maintain and has a significantly
reduced energy requirement. The office
space will accommodate Council staff
and will provide new commercial office
floorspace in the heart of the town.
Much-needed office space
that can be let to local
businesses.
Providing a long-term income
to support Council services.
New offices
A better carbon footprint.
Flexible civic suite.

Car parking
Parking is an important priority for the
Council. It is a key part of keeping the
town centre working well and it supports
other Council services. Options are being
developed to show how we can increase
the towns parking capacity alongside the
other important elements of the scheme.
With this in mind we would like to build
a new underground car park under the
new office and extend the Crescent
Road car park.
The new underground car park and the
extension to Crescent Road car park will Car parking
be developed to achieve several aims:
Minimise the impact on Calverley
Grounds.
Minimise the impact of
construction on Calverley
Grounds.
Minimise the impact of traffic
on existing residents in the
area.
Increase the overall number of
parking spaces in the area.
Improve the quality of parking.
Bigger spaces open 24 hours.
The proposed scheme

All images are artist impressions 5


New entrance to Calverley Grounds
What about Calverley Grounds?
Calverley Grounds is not at risk.
The proposed development would be
built on car parks adjacent to Calverley
Grounds. The total amount of park
that would be built on is only two per
cent. The scheme would open up
areas of the park that are currently
less accessible and also improve the
entrance to the park.
New development could take
up the space of the existing
theatre. There could also be
the option to add new rooftop
elements, provided these reflect
the symmetry of the building and
maintain the importance of the
central tower.
6 common architectural character and
There are no plans to close the caf in
the park and public toilets will be built in
the proposed new theatre.
The current proposal means some
trees will be have to be lost but the
plans include replacement trees and
planting which will be sympathetic to
the existing landscape. Well make sure
we work with the Friends of Calverley
Grounds to get this right.
What will happen to the existing
civic buildings?
The existing group of civic buildings is
an important part of the character of
the town centre. They are not practical
in their current form for modern theatre
and office requirements, but the Council
recognises that it is important to plan for
their long term sustainable future.
The Council has been working with
Historic England to define the important
aspects of the character of the buildings
and establish principles which can
guide their future adaptation and re-use.
The most significant characteristic is the
strong range of buildings which forms
the Mount Pleasant Road and Crescent
Road frontage. These are unified by a
14m annually into the
local economy
Only 2 per cent of Calverley
Grounds will be developed
24 hour parking
No loss of total car
parking spaces
20,000 sq ft of new office
space to let
1,200 theatre seats
How much will the
project cost?
The net cost of the project is
72million. The Council will
take out a loan to pay for the
development and pay it back
over a long period of time.
There will be no increase in
Council Tax to pay for this
project. A fully costed and
independently audited plan will
be presented before any final
decision is made.
distinguished with their own distinctive
entrances. A further key characteristic
is the overall symmetry of the group
centred around the strong tower on the
corner of the Town Hall.
The Council is developing guidance for
the site which will identify appropriate
ways to work with the historic buildings
enabling them to be adapted for modern
usage.
These principles leave open options
for a range of uses such as higher
education, hotel or housing, but we
know that retail space is unlikely to be
practical due to the constraints of the
listed building.

Cultural & Learning Hub
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council
are working together to create a new Cultural & Learning
Hub for Tunbridge Wells. This exciting redevelopment
brings together in one modernised set of buildings the
museum, art gallery, library, adult education, visitor
information and Gateway services. Our aim is to create
a space to engage with art, culture and the heritage of
Tunbridge Wells, making a space to learn new skills,
socialise and be inspired!
Since the November 2016 appointment of Purcell, the
lead architects for the Cultural & Learning Hub, work has
progressed at an exciting pace! Public consultation took
place on the concept designs in March 2017, with feedback
at the presentations overwhelmingly positive.
Since then, the team have held pop-up consultation events
in the district libraries, including Paddock Wood, Cranbrook
and Rusthall. These pop-up sessions have also taken
place in the museum and library, Adult Education Centre
and Gateway with the team answering key questions about
the future programming and exhibitions in the Hub.
After a series of consultations around the renaming of the
Hub, Vincent Designs was appointed Branding Consultant
to work through the results and help produce the new
name!
Stay up-to-date and find out more about the project by
visiting the website: tunbridgewellsmuseum.org/
cultural-hub
E-mail: museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
HERITAGE
OPEN
DAYS
2017
This year's Heritage Open Day event will
take place between 710 September.
Organised by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society,
and supported by the National Trust, the event is growing
and becoming more successful year by year, thanks to the
dedication and hard work of the members of the society
and those groups, organisations, and individuals that
participate.
With more than 40 notable buildings or events open to
the public, and free of charge, 2017 will see some new
participants which are anticipated to attract even more
visitors to the town, and neighbourhood, and which will
undoubtedly increase interest and awareness in the
architectural and cultural heritage that the town and
neighbourhood have to offer.
Many of the buildings that will be participating in this year's
event are not usually open to the public. Others may have a
special exhibition to coincide with the openings. Either way,
it is an ideal opportunity to see some hidden gems, and to
enjoy aspects of your neighbourhood that you are unfamiliar
with. Look out in the local press and magazines between
now and September for further information regarding which
events and buildings will be open to the public.
Tunbridge-Wells-Heritage-Open-Days-
1125521210903950
Twellsheritage
7
Love Where We Live Awards 2017
What are the Love Where We Live Awards?
These awards celebrate the people who make our borough a great place to live.
They recognise individuals, groups and organisations who are dedicated to helping
others in our community, benefiting the environment or accomplishing personal goals.
The awards are not just about great achievements or overcoming adversity, but also
the small things that can make a big difference.
There are seven categories open for nominations this year. The winner of the eighth
award, the Love Where We Live Award, will be chosen by a panel of judges as an
overall winner from the other seven categories.
Please tell us about the local people you would like to see rewarded for all their hard
work, commitment and achievements in our borough.

How do the awards work?
Step 1: Complete a
nomination form
Simply tell us about the individual,
group or company that has inspired you
and why you think they deserve to be
recognised.
Complete the opposite nomination
form and post it to us or drop it off at
the Gateway, Town Hall, Town and
Country Housing Group or Weald
Information Centre, or youll find an
electronic version on our website at
LoveWhereWeLive.co.uk. Additional
nomination forms are available from
Saffron Phillips on 01892 554085 or
e-mail saffron.phillips@tunbridgewells.
gov.uk.
Nominations can be submitted by any
member of the community, including
councillors, paid workers and volunteers;
however, nominees must not have
derived any personal financial gain as
a result of their work (not applicable to
the Ethical Business Award). You can
nominate yourself for an award.
Please ensure we receive your entries
by the closing date of Friday
28 July 2017.
Step 2: Choosing the winners
Finalists and winners will be selected
by an independent judging panel
whose decision is final.
8
Step 3: Awards ceremony
All finalists will be invited to an awards
ceremony to be held on Wednesday
4 October 2017 at the Assembly Hall
Theatre.
The Categories
Best Group Award
Is there a group of people who are the
life blood of your community? Perhaps
they can always be relied upon to help
out at events or raise funds. It could
be that they are championing a green
project, or creating opportunities for
people to get involved in local activities
such as a club or other social group.
Do you admire a groups collective
energy, enthusiasm or achievements?
Sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council
Charity of the Year Award
This award is for any registered
charity that operates in the borough of
Tunbridge Wells. Nominations can be
received from staff, volunteers or from
those who benefit from their work.
Tell us about a charity that enhances
the lives and wellbeing of residents in
the Tunbridge Wells borough.
Sponsored by Town & Country
Foundation
Ethical Business Award
This award will recognise a local
company that can demonstrate its
commitment to having a positive
impact on the community and/or the
environment. This could include taking
steps to reduce carbon emissions,
such as a recycling or energy saving
programme, supporting a local charity,
providing employment opportunities
for young people or buying from local
companies.
Do you know or work for an
organisation that is putting
something back into the community?
Sponsored by John Lewis at home
Tunbridge Wells
Individual Hero Award
There are people in our borough
who make a vital contribution to their
community, or who make a special effort
to enhance other peoples lives. Perhaps
someone has been going out of their way
to help others for a number of years, or
perhaps they are someone who is always
there if they are needed, an unsung
hero who deserves to be recognised. We
would like to hear about them.
Are you inspired by someones
dedication and commitment?
Sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council
Love Where We Live Award
This award is not open for nominations;
the winner will be selected from the
other categories by a panel of judges.
It is an overall award for the individual,
group or company that has made the
most outstanding contribution to their
community and/or the environment, or
realised the most exceptional goals.
Their work will embody what it means to
Love Where We Live.
Whose time is it to shine in 2017?
Sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council
Sports Achiever of the
Year Award
Through this award wed like to
recognise and encourage an individual,
team or club who has made exceptional
progress, reached extraordinary goals
in their discipline, or made an important
contribution to sport locally.
Young Sports Achiever of the
Year Award
Specifically for those aged 16 and
under*. Do you know a young person,
a youth team or a young coach who
deserves recognition?
*nominees must be aged 16 or under on
28 July 2017
Nomination form
Please return to: Love Where We Live Awards 2017, Communications Team, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town
Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS by 28 July 2017 or use the online form at LoveWhereWeLive.co.uk
Your name
Your address
Your telephone number
Your e-mail
Category entered
On a separate sheet please say in approximately 500 words why this person, group or company deserves an award.
In kind sponsor for 2017
These awards arent just about moving
up the grade, but also about personal
achievement, overcoming adversity and
supporting others to do so.
Who are your local sporting
champions?
Sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle and King
Charles School Old Boys Association
Young Volunteer of the
Year Award
This award is for that young person you
know, aged 24 or under*, who stands
out as somebody with very special
qualities; somebody who gives up their
spare time to volunteer, and in doing
so, contributes to the welfare of others,
their community as a whole or the
environment.
*nominees must be aged 24 or under on
28 July 2017
Would you like to see a particular
young person rewarded for their
efforts?
Sponsored by Kent and Sussex Courier
Name of nominee
Nominee's address
Nominee's telephone number
Nominee's e-mail
Terms and conditions
Previous nominees, finalists and
winners can be nominated again.
Nominees can be entered for more
than one category.
All nominees must be based in
the borough of Tunbridge Wells;
nominations must be for a living
person.
Nominations per person or
organisation are unlimited, but each
must be submitted on an official
entry form.
Nominations can be made by any
member of the community, whether
or not they themselves are based in
the borough of Tunbridge Wells.
An individual, group or company can
nominate themselves.
All eligible nominations will be
shortlisted, before going to an
independent judging panel, whose
decision is final.
Finalists will be invited to an awards
ceremony on Wednesday 4 October
2017 at the Assembly Hall Theatre.
Closing date for nominations is
Friday 28 July 2017
9

CURTAIN UP!
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE
LIKE 'LIVE THEATRE'
Its a wonderfully visual
art form, an engaging and
exhilarating experience,
an elusive energy between
audience and performer.
If youre partial to comedy-drama
or theatre that bursts into song and
dance, youll want to make sure
youre booking for the best. Heres a
selection of some of the best shows
coming to the Assembly Hall Theatre.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE
It is 30 years since Willy Russell
introduced audiences to Shirley
Valentine, a bored middle-aged
Liverpool housewife trapped in a
stale and loveless marriage who
rediscovers her zest for life when
invited on a holiday to Greece with her
best girlfriend. A role made famous by
Pauline Collins on stage and screen,
the play has been performed all over
the world with many great actresses.
This current tour stars Jodie Prenger,
who is perhaps best known for winning
the role of Nancy in the West End
production of Oliver! Most recently
Jodie toured the UK in the classic
musical Tell Me On A Sunday. She
also played the title role in the national
tour of the musical Calamity Jane and
has starred in One Man, Two Guvnors
both in the West End and on tour,
and as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot.
Jodie is also a regular presenter on
BBC Radio 2.
THE WEDDING SINGER
The bright and breezy musical is
based on the 1998 film starring
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
A comedy with outrageously catchy
songs, shoulder pads, skinny ties,
cumberbands and a set that has such
an amplified 80's feel that you cant
help but be taken back in time.
10
The musical stars Ray Quinn (X
Factor), Cassie Compton (X Factor),
and Ruth Madoc (Benidorm).
Its 1985. Hair is huge, greed is good
and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart
is New Jerseys favourite wedding
singer. When his own fiance dumps
him at the altar, a seriously bummed-
out Robbie makes every wedding as
disastrous as his own.
Can sweet-natured Julia and her best
friend Holly lure Robbie out of the
dumpster and back into the limelight?
Or is he going to see her head off
down the aisle with Wall Street bad boy
Glen? Only Grandma Rosie seems to
be able to see that Robbie and Julia
are the couple that is meant to be.
FLASHDANCE
Prepare to be blown away with an
astonishing musical spectacle and
phenomenal choreography to this
iconic score, including the smash
hits 'Maniac', 'Manhunt', 'Gloria',
'I Love Rock & Roll' and the award-
winning title track 'Flashdance What
a Feeling'. Produced by the award-
winning team at Selladoor Productions
producers of Footloose, Avenue
Q and Little Shop of Horrors and
Runaway Entertainment producers
of In The Heights, Guys and Dolls and
Lazarus, Flashdance the Musical is not
to be missed!
It tells the inspiring and unforgettable
story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by
day and flashdancer by night, who
dreams of going to the prestigious
Shipley Dance Academy and becoming
a professional dancer. When a
romance threatens to complicate her
ambitions, can Alex have it all?
Shirley Valentine
Mon 3 Sat 8 July
Signed performance
The Wedding Singer
Tue 5 Sat 9 Sept
Signed performance
Flashdance
Mon 13 Nov Sat 18 Nov
Signed performance
Assembly Hall Theatre
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Box office 01892 530613
 Help local good causes,
and be in with a chance of
winning up to 25,000
Buy tickets now for our new online lotto
Only 1 per ticket!
First draw: Sat 8 July, 8pm TWLotto.co.uk
Improvements to the Kent
& Sussex Crematorium
2017 has seen a Memorial Wall and
significant number of Cloister Garden
improvements to the The Memorial Wall has been
Councils Bereavement completed, and already
plaque dedications have
Service for the benefit been purchased. The
of people across the landscaping, tree and shrub/
borough and the wider flowerbed planting has also
community. been completed, which
enhances the area and will
Weve re-branded, which mature for current and future
includes new literature, a visitors to enjoy.
website and new signage
around the grounds. The The Cloister Garden redesign
range of memorial products has created a tranquil
has been extended, and a setting for friends and family
number of improvements to to pay their respects to
our systems have enhanced loved ones. A new suite of
the customer experience. bespoke aluminium flower and Cloister Garden by products that can be
vases been provided for use. Councillor Jane March purchased in memory of a
Additional plaque units have accompanied by other loved one.
been installed, as well as councillors and senior
three Buxton benches to Well feature more in the
managers, together with
provide a visual balance autumn edition of the
those involved in the project.
to the Cloister Garden. magazine.
Both developments add to
Since the redecoration a range of commemorative
of the area, additional
ad-hoc items are not
permitted. Saturday 2 Sep Open Day
Thursday 25 May saw Come along any time between 10am3pm to
the official opening find out a little more about our services. Go to
of the Memorial Wall kentandsussexcrematorium.com for more information

11
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Farmers'
Market
Summer months in
the farmers market
are some of the most
bountiful with stalls full
of colourful, seasonal
soft fruits, organic
vegetables, fish and
meats perfect for season.
Stallholder numbers always
increase over the warmer,
sunnier months as local farmers
start harvesting produce from
early strawberries in June to
the gooseberries, apples and
redcurrants in August.
Home cooks are also seeking new,
fresh lively flavours with locally-
grown strawberries for summer
puddings and jams, and cherries
for indulgent trifles, while in later
summer and early autumn apples,
pears and plums start appearing on
the stalls in favourite recipes.
Lying in the heart of the Weald and
surrounded by fertile agricultural
lands, the borough of Tunbridge
Wells is very much part of the
Garden of England and is home
to many farmers and home-based
producers making delicious bread,
cakes and drinks, some foraged
from wild fruits and berries.
Part of the fun of visiting markets is
chatting with stallholders and buying
something you werent expecting
to; a surprise perhaps some
blueberry macarons or wild boar
and port pate. However, it might be
an idea to think about what recipes
you might like to make before
coming to the market. Come early in
the day armed with a shopping list
to get the freshest produce possible.
For example, if youre planning a
BBQ then farmers markets are
ideal places to buy sausages and
Rosemary & Apple Burgers with Apple
and Cider Relish
Serves: 4 50g/ 2oz sugar
Time to prepare: 15 minutes 30ml/ 2tbsp balsamic vinegar
Cooking time: 25 minutes
150ml/ pint cider
Ingredients 1 In a large, shallow bowl mix all the
450g/ 1lb lean lamb mince burger ingredients together. Using
slightly damp hands shape the mixture
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
into 4 x 9cm (3inch burgers). Cover
30ml/ 2tbsp freshly chopped rosemary and chill for 20 minutes.
1 medium cooking apple, peeled, cored 2 Prepare the apple relish; place all the
ingredients into a large non-stick pan
and coarsely grated
and gently bring to the boil. Reduce the
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes,
1 medium cooking apple, peeled, cored stirring occasionally. Serve cold.
and coarsely grated
3 Cook the burgers on a prepared
For the apple and cider relish: barbecue or preheated grill for 68
minutes on each side until cooked and
2 dessert apples, cored and finely
any meat juices run clear.
chopped
4 Serve the burgers in rolls of your choice
225g/ 8oz cherry tomatoes, halved
with salad leaves, onions and a spoonful
1 small red onion, peeled and finely sliced of the relish.
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Recipe and image courtesy: simplybeefandlamb.co.uk
burgers, sourced direct from the Monthly farmers markets across
farmer, or perhaps try some fish. Tunbridge Wells borough
Flash-fried prawns on the BBQ
served with a slice of crusty, organic Tunbridge Wells (Town Hall),
bread and a generous dollop of 2nd & 4th Saturdays
sweet chilli dipping sauce is always
a party favourite. Tunbridge Wells (Pantiles),
1st & 3rd Saturdays
There are several busy and
Cranbrook, 4th Saturday
popular farmers markets across
(3rd in December)
the borough full of lovely, fresh
vegetables and great places to
meet family and friends for a catch-
Lamberhurst, 1st Wednesday
up in the sun. Sissinghurst, 2nd & 4th Fridays
(closed October April)
So, its time to dust
down the BBQ and
get cooking. Why
not try this great
recipe over the
summer with
most of the
ingredients
available from
your local
farmers market.
13

RTW in Bloom 2017
campaign is in full swing,
and we are busy with
preparations for the visit of
South & South East in Bloom
judges next month.
Encouraged by the high marks our town
and parks achieved last year, we have
entered the town centre and seven of
our open spaces in to the South & South
East in Bloom competition. Results will
be known in September, and we hope
that the back-breaking work will pay off!
This year we teamed up with Hospice
in the Weald and organised our first
ever Open Gardens tour in Tunbridge
Wells town. The event took place on
4 June and it was great to see so many
people interested in horticulture and
supporting both the Hospice and the
14
Bloom 20
Bloom campaign. We plan
to organise another Open
Gardens tour next year
please let us know if you would
like your garden to take part in
the scheme.
Are you proud of your garden,
flower basket or a planter?
There is still time to join the
local Bloom competition
we accept residential and
commercial competition entries
until 30 June so please hurry
if you want to take part. All
participants will be invited to
the Bloom Awards Ceremony
in September at One Warwick
Park Hotel.
campaign. For more details please visit
There are other ways to get involved in royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk or
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom you call us on 01892 554031. You can follow
can volunteer in our parks, join Friends us on Facebook and Twitter.
groups, organise a big clean up in
your neighbourhood or sponsor our
royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk
017
COMPETITION
ENTRY FORM
Closing date: 30 June 2017
(1 June for allotments)
On receipt of your entry form you will be sent a
5 voucher to spend at Coolings Nurseries,
our main sponsor.
Please tick which category you will be entering
(You can tick more than one category)
Best Basket Best Street and Flats
Planter/Tub/Container Best Front Garden
Best Community Best Front Patio/
Allotment/Garden Balcony
Best Wildlife Garden Best Caf/Pub/Club
Best Business Ground Best Shop Front
Best Allotment Best Back Garden
Best Commercial
Basket/Planter by Cranbrook in Bloom
Entrants name______________________________
Address___________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Postcode___________
E-mail_____________________________________
Phone number______________________________
Leave at Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road or post to:
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, Town Hall,
Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS
Cranbrook
in Bloom
Cranbrook in Bloom
is an active and
enthusiastic group
of volunteers aiming
to keep Cranbrook
looking colourful
and cared for all year
round.
In addition to the town
centre, other areas tended
volunteers, include Forge
Orchard, Regal Car Park, the
designated Roadside Nature
Reserve, Library Pond,
Crane Valley and Waterloo
Cottages.
The purple crocuses, planted
as part of the Eradicate Polio
campaign at the crossing
point in the High Street, gave
a glorious display in spring.
The Roadside Nature
Reserve is flourishing. The
clearing, management and
planting of wildflowers has
seen a significant increase
in the number becoming
established. Local residents
take great pride in the area
and keep it litter free.
In previous years Cranbrook
has gained several high
level awards in the South
East in Bloom competition.
This year, they are looking
forward to the regional
judging on Wednesday 10
July. There will be judging of
the town and two It's your
neighbourhood' entries.
These are parts of the town
that show how friends and
neighbours have come
together to improve the area
in which they live. Waterloo
Cottages, near the junction
of Stone Street and The Hill,
are quite outstanding and a
great example of residents
individuality in their planting
and design. Forge Orchard
represents an isolated but
very important remnant of
the traditional English apple
orchards that once flourished
throughout South-East
England. It is a delightful
venue and home to many
species of insects, small
mammals and birds.
Good luck Cranbrook
in the 2017 campaign!
If you would like to join the
volunteer group, please visit
cranbrookinbloom.co.uk
or contact Cranbrook and
Sissinghurst Parish Council.
15
 Country
Walks around
Tunbridge Wells

In partnership with the Kent High

Weald Partnership and Explore Kent,
we are improving and promoting the
Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk. This
is a 27.5 mile trail with linked routes
into the town centre.

T
he first stage of the project has included a
survey of the route, improvements to stiles
and signage and the preparation of leaflets
for the four shorter circular link routes.
You can read about the whole walk at
VisitTunbridgeWells.com or ExploreKent.org
and download/print the leaflets.
The leaflets will be available to buy
at the Tourist Information Centre.

Websites to visit for

information on walks:
visittunbridgewells.com/things-
to-do/activities/walking
or explorekent.org/activities/
tunbridge-wells-circular-walk/

16
STRAY DOGS
If you have lost or found a
dog, you can let us know
by completing our online
form on the Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council
website. If you are not
online, contact us during
working hours on 01892
526121, or out of working
hours on 01892 515392.
If lost, your dog may have been
found and held by a member of
the public, taken to a veterinary
surgery, a dog rescue centre
or collected as a stray dog and
kennelled by the Dog Warden.
Dogs with collars, tags and/or
microchips
If we find your dog as a stray we will
try to contact you and return your dog,
although we are not obliged by law to
do so. The fee for doing this is 65 per
dog.
If your dog has been found straying
more than once, it may be taken
straight to the kennels.
The law requires that every dog while
in a highway or in a public place
shall wear a collar with the name and
address of the owner inscribed on the
collar or on a plate or badge attached
to it, so if your dog is found straying
it is more likely to be returned to you
avoiding the costs involved if the Dog
Warden is called out to collect your
dog.
The law also requires that your dog is
correctly microchipped.
Dogs collected as a stray by the
Dog Warden and taken to the
kennels
When you reclaim a dog that has been
seized and detained as a stray by
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, by
law you must pay all costs incurred for
the dog's detention as a stray before
the dog can be released back to you.
Kennelling costs are by the day or half
day; these fees are payable at the
time of collecting your dog and must
be paid directly to the kennels and not
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
To ensure you get your dog back as
soon as possible, Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council will invoice you
We have launched a new
online lottery
Help local good causes, and be in with a
chance of winning
More details on page 23
for the costs. Payment is required
promptly.
Fees:
Dog Warden fees for the collection
and removal of a stray dog to the
kennels is 65 per dog.
If your dog is kennelled a
Government Levy of 25 per dog is
applied.
An out of hours fee is applied if your
dog has been collected and taken
to the kennels between the hours of
4pm and 9.30am, or at weekends
and on bank holidays. This fee is
35.
If your dog has to be seen by a vet
for its immediate welfare you will be
charged for this service.
When collecting your dog you must:
Provide proof of identity such as
passport or driver's licence
Provide proof of address such as a
recent utility bill or bank statement
Sign a form at the kennels stating
that you agree to pay all other fees
as invoiced by Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council.
A stray dog will be kept in the kennels
for a period of seven days, after which
it can be legally rehomed. Every effort
will be made to rehome dogs but
where we are unable to find a suitable
home or the dog is too aggressive to
be rehomed the dog may be put down.
TWLotto.co.uk
17

New Exhibition
Open Now!
'Springlines', exploring hidden and
mysterious bodies of water, is an exhibition
of paintings by artist Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis
and words by poet Clare Best which opens
on 9 June and will run until 14 October.
During the drought of 2012 writer Clare Best and painter
Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis went in search of bodies of water
that are concealed, forgotten or overlooked. They found
places rich in history, wildlife, culture and myth. Through
Springlines, Mary Annes paintings and Clares words
celebrate the variety and vitality of this water. Their work
explores some of the most evocative hidden corners of
English landscape from dewponds to ancient wells, from
old clay pits to furnace ponds, from chalk springs to man-
made pools.
For this exhibition Clare and Mary Anne have developed
some new work for their Springlines project, reflecting the
overlooked water sources of Tunbridge Wells. Inspired
by the collections at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art
Gallery and walks throughout the borough, their paintings,
photographs and poetry capture the essence of our natural
and industrial heritage. The exhibition also presents these
objects, prints and paintings from the museum collection.
For more information or to view Springlines events visit the
Museums website: tunbridgewellsmuseum.org.uk
Image above: Furnace Pond by Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis
18
St Johns Rec
St Johns Recreation Ground is located in the north side of
Tunbridge Wells, with the main entrance on Beltring Road.
The historic grounds provide nearly 8 hectares of green
space with grassland, trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders
and a large meadow area known as Reynolds Lane
Pastures or the Meadows at the north part of the park.
The park has a range of facilities for sport and relaxation,
including a popular childrens playground, bowling green,
tennis courts, ball games area and a caf.
St Johns Rec, opened to residents of Tunbridge Wells in
1900, is a good example of a smaller-scale Victorian urban
park. The park has a very interesting history which we want
to make available to the park users in the form of a leaflet
and interpretation boards displayed in the park. Do you have
old photographs and memories of the park you would like
to share with us? If yes, please contact the Parks team at
parks@tunbridgewells.gov.uk, or give us a call on
01892 554031.
The recently formed Friends of St Johns group is taking
an active role in management decisions for the park. Over
the past six months the Friends helped the Parks team to
develop a Management Plan for the park, which will help us
to apply for the Green Flag Award next year. The group is
working together with the Community Safety Unit team to
tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour that has sadly
recently increased in the park. If you are interested in finding
out more or wish to join the Friends of St Johns Park &
the Meadows, please contact the Parks team at parks@
tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
Reynolds Lane Pastures, adjacent to the park, are rich in
a variety of habitats and have been classified as a Local
Wildlife Site. The area is managed by Kent High Weald in
partnership with TWBC. KHWP runs regular volunteering
sessions at the Pastures, most recent included coppicing,
creating deadwood habitat, streamside clearance, removal
of invasive and non-native species and the installation of
benches.
Their next volunteering sessions will take place on
Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 July volunteers will be
improving access on some of the slippery slopes by using
chestnut coppiced in the winter.
More information on KHWP can be found on their website:
khwp.org.uk.
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19
West Kent LEADER
Grant Funding
Do you run a small rural business?
Grants are now available which aim to support the
local rural economy. Farmers, growers, foresters, rural
businesses and communities can apply.
Part of the Rural Development Programme for England
(RDPE), this is funded by DEFRA and the European
Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Over 1.5 million is available for projects between
20152020.
There are six core priorities which the West Kent
LEADER funding applies to:
Improving competitiveness, productivity and financial
self-sufficiency of farming and forestry
Boosting innovation and diversification of the land-
based sector
Supporting start-up and scale-up businesses and
entrepreneurship in the rural sector
Promoting local heritage and rural tourism businesses
Supporting the increase of services for rural
communities
Ensuring best practice in land management and
promoting sustainable development
Projects funded by LEADER so far include: village
community shop, irrigation equipment, timber harvesting
equipment, gin distillery, farm diversification projects and
a brewery expansion. Emphasis is placed heavily upon
providing jobs and growth in the rural economy.
Minimum grant is available of 2,500 and a maximum
of 100,000 (which can be flexible considering
circumstances).
Applications are open until 31 March 2019, but are
encouraged to be submitted sooner rather than later. instructions so somebody can silence the alarm for you.
Visit: westkentleader.org.uk
Contact: Caroline Lingham at westkentleader@
sevenoaks.gov.uk or 01732 227282
or tunbridgewells.gov.uk/business/enterprise-and-
regeneration/support-and-advice
20
FAULTY ALARMS
A faulty or continuously sounding alarm
from a property can cause a disturbance
to neighbours, especially when owners,
keyholders or the monitoring alarm
company cannot be contacted to switch
the alarm off.
The Environmental Protection Team at Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council receives a number of calls from
residents regarding alarms sounding from commercial
premises and residential properties. There are incidents
where alarms ring continuously for a number of hours or
cut-off, re-set and then reactivate continuously. We are
often unable to find a contact to disconnect the alarm and
have to take formal action.
As the holiday season is approaching we recommend
that you ensure your property alarm is working
correctly and serviced on a regular basis. The
alarm should have a cut-out device that silences the
alarm after 15 minutes with a limited number of short
automatic resets.
Ideally a monitored alarm system should be installed that
automatically notifies the owners, keyholders or alarm
company and can be remotely switched off if required.
You may wish to leave your contact details with a friend
or neighbour with access to a key and alarm operating
Alternatively, you may wish to register your keyholder
details with the Environmental Protection Team by
e-mailing EHAdminTWBC@MidKent.gov.uk. The details
you provide will be kept on a confidential list and will only
be used in the event of an audible alarm sounding at your
premises.
The database contains contact phone numbers of key-
holders or alarm companies who will come out when
called and silence the alarm.
Please be aware, if we cannot contact someone to
silence the alarm we can serve a notice under the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 and have the alarm
disconnected. The cost of the work and the officers time
will be invoiced to you.

1
4 5
1 In the Council Chamber with St
Augustines Beavers and Christmas gifts
that they donated to the Mayors Toy
Appeal.
2 On a sunny summers day at the
Cranbrook Fun Day with children from the
Cranbrook Church of England Primary
School.
2 3
Some highlights
from the busy and
varied life of the
Mayor & Mayoress
of Tunbridge
Wells,
Councillor David
Neve and
7 Mrs Jill Neve
3 With Deputy Lieutenant and
local school children participating
in the National Commonwealth Flag
Flying Day.
4 With a group of volunteers
helping with the Great British Spring
Clean at Broadwater.
5 In the Council Chamber hosting a visit 9
from a group of students from Italy.
6 8 With some of the girl dancers from
At the Paddock Wood Carnival with
the Southborough School of Dance.
young winners from the float competition.
7 With the Bloco Fogo at St Barnabas'
9 With the officers and cadets of TS
Brilliant at their annual Inspection Parade.
School Fun Day.
21
 WHATS ON
Assembly Hall Theatre
JUNE JULY SEPTEMBER
Fri 2 Jun Count Arthur Strong Mon 3 Sat 8 Jul Shirley Valentine Sat 2 Sep Johnny Cash Road Show
Sat 3 Jun The Counterfeit Stones Sat 15 & Sun 16 Jul Italia Conti Dance School Tue 5 Sat 9 Sep The Wedding Singer
Sun 4 Jun Al Murray The Pub Wed 19 Jul Rhythm of the Dance Wed 20 Sep Russell Brand
Landlord Fri 21 Sun 23 Jul The Tiger Who Came to Tea Thu 21 Sep Madama Butterfly
Thu 8 Jun Stewart Lee Sat 23 Sep Henning Wehn
Wed 21 Sun 25 Jun Gangsta Granny AUGUST Sun 24 Sep Milkshake Live
Sat 5 Aug Twist & Shout
Sat 12 Aug Thatll Be The Day
Thu 24 Aug Hairy Maclary

For accessibility
Box Office 01892 530613 assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
information please visit

TWBC Cranbrook Office We have a room at the Wesley Centre,

Go online before making a journey
Commercial Road, Paddock Wood
Weald Information Centre Council Tax
The Old Fire Station Housing Benefit TN12 6DS, available for rent.
Stone Street Housing Needs
CRANBROOK Tourist Information Available for immediate occupation
Kent TN17 3HF Planning
Bins & Recycling - Bulky Measures 7.8 sq.m.
Opening Times: Waste Collection
Flexible lease one month's notice either
MONDAY FRIDAY 9am Bus Passes Bus
to 5pm Timetables way at any time
Local Information All inclusive rent (except telephone and
DROP-IN HOUSING
SURGERY EVERY Free internet access is business rates)
FRIDAY 10am 12 noon also available.
Seeking offers in excess of 250 per
Tunbridge Wells Borough month
Council Housing
Contact John Antoniades
Needs Officer and a
representative from Town 07584 327362
& Country Housing Group
attend to give advice,
support and information.
All Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council services
can be accessed through
the centre.
Information and advice
available on the following
services:

22
 We've launched
an online lottery!
Help local good causes and be in with a chance of
winning 25,000!

TW Lotto is a weekly online lottery with the

winning numbers for that week drawn at
8pm on Saturday night.
Each ticket costs 1 and consists of six
numbers. The more numbers you match on
your ticket the bigger the prize.
You choose which good cause your proceeds
go to from a selected amount. You can
support the community fund (these funds
are given to good causes throughout the
area), or a specific good cause.

You are notified by e-mail

when you win.
To claim your winnings youll
need to log in to the site and
choose to either have the
winnings paid directly into a
nominated account or donate
the winnings back to the
good cause.

For more information visit:

TWLotto.co.uk
23