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This week, we look at the cannabis farm busted in High Brooms, the new World Food shop coming to town and the 'tourist' charged with drug offenses. Head the Imperial this Wednesday for some 'weird prizes' and this week is probably your last chance to buy Barrioke tickets!

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 19°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌧️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: Police found cannabis worth over £3 million in a Tunbridge Wells warehouse. They discovered the cannabis farm with around 3,500 plants on Chapman Way on 10th January. The discovery followed the arrest of two men during a vehicle stop in the High Brooms area. Police arrested three extra suspects at the scene. The five men will attend a court hearing on 10th February at Maidstone Crown Court. Police charged all five men with being concerned in the production of cannabis.

More Context: The arrests are part of an investigation into a suspected organised crime group. The suspects include Novrus Ceta, 32, of Gateshead, and Bledar Sinani, 27, Tafani Shpetim, 45, Nikolla Meniku, 40, and Luan Demarku, 29, all of no fixed address. The group had converted the warehouse into a large-scale cannabis cultivation site. The town's Neighbourhood Task Force led the operation.

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THE BRIEF

World Food: Owner of The International Shop, Kash Patel has bought an iconic Tunbridge Wells building. The shop at the corner of Crescent Road and Calverley Road. Patel plans to open "World Food" within three months. The shop will offer an expanded range of international groceries, fresh produce, and clothing. Patel bought the property for a £200k discount below the auction guide price. It has previously been home to Baldwin's and Wesley-Barrell. The renovated site will feature a basement, first floor, and increased stock from countries worldwide.

Spa at the Spa: The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells is set to open a state-of-the-art Wellness Suite in April. The Hotel will offer luxurious spa facilities including a hydro pool, sauna, steam room, ice fountain, cold plunge, and more. The near seven-figure expansion, aims to fill a gap in the town's wellness offerings. The suite will complement the hotel's existing spa facilities and be available as an upgrade option. Managing Director Andrew Scragg highlighted the demand for luxury spa facilities in the area. Scragg described the project as an "exceptionally exciting time" for the hotel.

Spoons Opens: The Opera House Wetherspoon pub in Tunbridge Wells reopened on 13th January. It closed unexpectedly last weekend due to staff illness. The closure allowed for a deep clean, a decision made by the manager and area manager. This follows a similar closure in 2016 due to a suspected norovirus outbreak.

Drug 'Tourist': Police caught Adrian Badea from Crewe, dealing drugs in Tunbridge Wells in March 2023. Badea claimed to be on a sightseeing tour of South-East England. Police found cannabis on him and cocaine hidden in his shoe. Investigations revealed he was working for an organised crime group. He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis, and driving without insurance. The court sentenced him to two years and four months in prison.

Railway Fundraising: The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells is appealing for volunteers and donations to replace the corroded Broom Lane Bridge. The bridge is a vital part of its route between High Rocks and Groombridge. The £300,000 project will be completed in phases, with £30,000 already allocated for design. Without the replacement, trains may no longer run along the entire railway. The fundraising effort includes events like the "Stride the Line" sponsored walk on 2 February. Backed by MP Mike Martin, the campaign has raised £4,820 so far, with the aim of completing the project by 2025.

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THIS WEEK

I 💖 Quizzing | Wed, 7:30pm | Make sure to book your table at the Imperial in Southborough for Rob's quiz featuring "truly weird stuff" and "truly sh*t prizes" | £3​

Evans & Bristow | Fri, 7:30pm | Acoustic guitar & violin, pop, blues, funk & soul at The Buzz | Details​

Angels Music in Mortal's Dress | Sat, 2:30pm | The Church of King Charles the Martyr is hosting an illustrated lecture | £10​

Soroptomists International Meet Up | Mon, 7:30pm | Join the worldwide organisation of women, linked to the United Nations | Details​

Community Coffee Morning | Sat, 9am | Head to Rusthall for cakes, drinks and lots of friendly people | Free​

The Drifters | Thurs, 7:30pm | Back on tour and coming to the Assembly Hall! | £30.83​

Think Floyd | Fri, 7:30pm | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Wish You Were Here" at the Assembly Hall | £30.60​

Kent's Kindertransport Legacy | Sat, 2:30pm | The Amelia is hosting two distinguished author this Holocaust Memorial Day | Free​

ABBA Forever | Fri, 7:30pm | See one of the best ABBA tributes at Trinity Theatre | £29.50​

Bob Dylan's Greatest Rejected Tracks | Sat, 7:30pm | World authority on Dylan, Michael Gray is talking at Trinity Theatre | £16​

Sorrel Nation & Bea Everett | Fri, 7:30pm | The Grey Lady sessions have two spellbinding acts this week! | £12​

I'm Not Creative Workshop | Sun, 10am | Arty Farty are out to prove everyone can be creative | £30​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

FURTHER OUT

Barrioke | 31st Jan, 8pm | The hugely popular event always sells out fast! | £23.50​

Gian & Emily | 31st Jan, 7:30pm | Popular songs from all eras with a Latin-inspired soulful twist | Details​

Cranbrook Comedy Club | 14th Feb | Laugh until your ribs ache! | £9+​

TN90's Festival | 24th / 25th May| Head to Tonbridge for some of the best 90's acts! | £25+​

World Book Day Silent Family Disco | 6th Mar | Get your kids on the dance floor at the Amelia| £5​

Speak Easy Smooth Jazz Night | 1st Feb | The Hawkenbury is hosting an evening of soulful tunes and smooth drinks | Details​

Winter Lantern Parade | 8th Feb, 5:30pm | This year's parade has a storytelling theme | Free​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

18th Jan - Tunbridge Wells 2 - 1 Lordswood AFC

25th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. Hollands & Blair

🏉 RUGBY

18th Jan - Camberley 35 - 35 Tunbridge Wells

25th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. London Welsh

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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