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Last chance for the Mayor's Toy Appeal, town centre car park getting a major upgrade and a local man is determined to head back to university after contracting sepsis. It's all Christmas events again this week, with Panto starting at the Assembly Hall and Trinity Theatre.
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WEATHER
Monday: 6°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌧️
Tuesday: 5°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌧️
Wednesday: 3°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☁️
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MAIN STORY
What Happened: In July, officers attending a disturbance in Hornbean Avenue, near Tunbridge Wells, encountered 21-year-old Aden Maynard. They determined he was acting suspiciously with a shoulder bag. After running into nearby woods, Maynard emerged without the bag, claiming he was out for a walk. Police brought Dog Charlie in to assist the search and located a concealed bag.
It contained almost 220 grams of cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis. They also found more than £1,400 in cash, burner phones, and a lock knife. Maynard, linked via CCTV and phone records to an extensive drugs network known as the AD line, was later arrested and charged.
More Context: Police estimated the value of the seizure at £30,000 on the street. They argued this illustrated Maynard’s leading role in a supply chain operating across West Kent. Maynard admitted involvement in:
- The supply of many drugs;
- Possessing drugs with intent to supply;
- Carrying a knife in public, and;
- Possessing criminal property (the cash).
Last Monday, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to three years and four months in prison. The evidence included phone records, CCTV footage, and items bought from local shops. Together providing irrefutable proof of his involvement in a broad operation supplying drugs to many users.
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THE BRIEF
Mayors Toy Appeal: Last chance to donate to the Mayor's Toy Appeal. Head to their website and see where you can donate!
MP Urges Government: MP Mike Martin is urging the government to put in place the Ukraine Permission Extension ("UPE") scheme. Many Ukrainian refugees in the constituency face uncertainty with housing and jobs due to their expiring visas. Martin believes the previous government's response showed little clarity. He has written to Minister of Migration Seema Malhotra stressing the need for immediate action.
The Home Office has now announced that from 4th February, eligible Ukrainian visa holders can apply for an extra 18 months in the UK. They will maintain their right to work, study, and access public funds. The MP praised local support, including that of the St Mary’s Ukrainian School in Tunbridge Wells. Martin welcomed ongoing measures to help Ukrainian refugees integrate while the UK.
6 Stories Approved: The Council has approved plans to add six extra flats to the top of Mountfield Court in Tunbridge Wells. Strong opposition from residents and civic groups failed to prevent approval. Opponents argued the design was too imposing and out of character. They also said it would worsen parking shortages. Developers claimed the extension would add visual interest and improve sustainability. The news leaves some locals disappointed. They questioned the value of the conservation area’s protections.
Survivor Determined to Return to Uni: Eighteen-year-old Hamish Wilson from Crowborough, contracted pneumonia and meningitis at university. This left him with life-threatening sepsis and the need for quadruple amputations. Hamish lost his right hand and facing amputations of both legs and his other hand. He remains determined to return to his philosophy course at Southampton University. The support shown has moved his family. This includes an online fundraiser which has raised £80,000. Hamish’s friends have already arranged accessible housing for his return. His mother describes him as a loyal, caring, and resilient “tour de force.”
Car Park Upgrade: A Tunbridge Wells car park serving the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and town centre is set for a £9 million refurbishment to improve safety, accessibility, and infrastructure. The upgrade, planned for early 2025, follows the council’s acquisition of the shopping centre. It includes corrosion repairs, LED lighting, enhanced disabled parking, and technology improvements. Including mobile phone boosters and number plate recognition. The project, which was key to attracting major retailers like Primark and retaining anchor tenants, requires an extra £4.5 million in funding. Solar panels and other enhancements are also under consideration.
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THIS WEEK
Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star | Tues to Sun | The Little Vic Theatre is hosting this magical production | £7+
Aladdin | Sat & Sun | Panto starts this week! Starring Ore Oduba, Stewart McCeyne and James Peake | £30+
Trinity Comedy Club | Thurs, 7:30pm | Slim, David Tsonos and Martin Durchov come to Trinity Theatre | £20
Sleeping Beauty | Sat & Sun | Trinity Theatre's panto starts this week! | £28
Penshurst Panto | December | Tickets for The Ice That Nearly Cancelled Christmas! panto in Baron's Hall in Penshurst Place are now on sale. Quiet sessions are also available. | £8.50
The Polar Express | The Polar Express returns to the Spa Valley Railway | £45+
Father Christmas Afternoon Tea | Sun | Head to Chiddingstone Castle's White Rose Room for afternoon tea | £40
Christmas At Hever | Mon to Sun | A Christmas trail, fairground rides, food & drink and shopping | £23.50+
Christmas at Bedgebury | Until 1st Jan | With a trail created by award-winning producers, Christmas at Bedgebury is always unmissable. | Family Price: £55+
Sex Swing | Fri, 7:30pm | The psychedelic band come to The Sussex Arms this Friday | £11
London Calling | Fri, 7:30pm | Celebrate the 45th anniversary of London Calling at the Forum | £22.50
Wensch + Kelly Bourne | Sun, 7:15pm | Head to the Grey Lady for live music and food | £10
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FURTHER OUT
Wealden Vocals | 21st Dec, 7pm | Carols in Concert by Wealden Vocals comes to Sevenoaks | £15
New Year's Eve at the Pantiles | 31st Dec | Head to the Pantiles for live music, DJs, fireworks, food and drinks | £15 (early bird)
SKATE | 29th Nov to 5th Jan | Ice skating, Curling and the Wheel return to Calverley Grounds | Details
Winter Solstice Gathering | 21st Dec | Gather round the fire and create a sacred pause for yourself at Hever Castle | £55
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SPORT
⚽ FOOTBALL
7th Dec - Tunbridge Wells vs. Crawley Down Gatwick - POSTPONED
14th Dec - Corinthian vs. Tunbridge Wells
🏉 RUGBY
7th Dec - Brighton 23 - 13 Tunbridge Wells
14th Dec - CS Stags 1863 vs. Tunbridge Wells
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THANK YOU
Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!
Jamie
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