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I hope you're all wrapped up for this week, amber weather warnings are in place. A man was charged with the murder of Wayne Woodgate this week, 87 homes are planned for Pembury and energy consumption falls. Lots of options to dance this week, including the Forum's 8th Beatles Night.
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WEATHER
Monday: 0°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌧️
Tuesday: -3°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☀️
Wednesday: -1°C 🌡️ 3°C | 🌨️
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MAIN STORY
What Happened: Wayne Woodgate, a 54-year-old from Tunbridge Wells, was reported missing on 17th October. after last being seen entering a van in the Goods Station Road area. His body was discovered on October 23 in a rural area of Peasmarsh, East Sussex, covered in a plastic sheet and leaves. Police charged Stephen Castle, 59, of Matfield with Mr. Woodgate's murder. He has pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2025.
More Context: People described Mr. Woodgate as a beloved father and grandfather who was well-known in the community. A compression of the neck caused his death, as confirmed in an inquest. Tributes from his family highlighted their devastation. His son, George, described him as a "dedicated family man" whose absence has left the family "utterly robbed." A GoFundMe campaign has raised over £3,500 for his funeral, scheduled for January 16.
Next Steps: Police continue to appeal for dashcam and CCTV footage from areas near Peasmarsh and Four Oaks. Police are planning a full inquest into Mr. Woodgate's death for March, ahead of the trial in April. The proceedings will seek to establish the events leading to his tragic death. Mr Woodgate's relatives will be attending.
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THE BRIEF
Thieves Charged: Steven Padley, 44, and three unknown accomplices stole over £460 worth of goods from a BP garage. They stole Engine oil and shopping baskets, from a garage in John’s Road on 21st July. The items were not recovered. Padley pleaded guilty to shoplifting in Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on 18th December. Padley is already serving a suspended 26-week sentence for similar offences. The court gave Padley a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £100 compensation, and a £26 victim surcharge.
87 Pembury Homes: Vistry Homes has applied to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to build 87 homes on green belt land. They cite a lack of a five-year housing land supply and insufficient affordable housing. The Pembury site is part of the High Weald National Landscape Area and features Ancient Woodland. The Council proposed site's removal from the green belt in their draft Local Plan. The plan allocates it for 80 homes. The plan includes 35 affordable homes, 196 parking spaces, and a new access road off Hastings Road. Cllr David Hayward highlights concerns over increased traffic and inadequate infrastructure.
Energy Consumption Falls: Gas and electricity use in Tunbridge Wells has dropped since 2019. Gas usage fell 12%, and electricity dropped 5%, mirroring a national trend. Better insulation and energy efficiency have driven some of this change. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition warns some households cut energy use to unsafe levels due to rising costs. This leaves them in cold, damp homes. With bills rising again early in the New Year, the coalition urges a social energy tariff and more investment in insulation. The government points to its "warm homes plan" and support programs to help struggling families.
Recycled Toys Display: Staff at Tunbridge Wells Recycling Centre have created a display of discarded cuddly toys on a grass bank at North Farm Lane. The collection includes a reindeer, Humpty Dumpty, and more. Hawkenbury resident Clayton Schlimper praised the team for their humour and friendly attitude. They recalled past displays like a Donald Trump mannequin at Halloween. After staff shared photos online, residents responded calling the staff "fantastic" and suggesting seasonal themes.
Snow Warning: A snow and ice warning is in place for Kent, with "feels like" temperatures dropping to -7°C in Tunbridge Wells. An amber cold health alert is active until 8th January. The alert urges care for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children under five, and those with breathing issues. Heavy snow is forecast for Tunbridge Wells but will turn to rain by Sunday. The council's severe weather protocol focuses on helping rough sleepers. Support is available via the StreetLink platform. The council is encouraging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and seek help from NHS 111 if needed.
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THIS WEEK
Trinity Encore: Silver Swans | Tues, 10:30am | Practice your balance through ballet at the Trinity Theatre | £10
Trinity Encore: Movers | Wed, 10am | Improve your quality of life through music at Trinity Theatre | £5
Trinity Encore: Singers | Wed, 11:30am | Sing-along to music from the 50's, 60's and 70's at Trinity Theare | £5
Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Murder Mysteries, Cheese & Gin Trains and more | Details
Sam's Quiz | Wed, 7:30pm | Head to the Guinea to try and win a £50 bar tab! | £3 each
Learn to Lindy Hop | 9th Jan | Head to Frant Memorial Hall to learn this dance | £8
Pre-School Dancing | Fri, 10:30am | Take your 18 months to 3 year olds to Southborough to get them moving and grooving! | £6.50
Maternal Journal Group | Fri, 10am | Baby Umbrella are hosting a 4-week course for all mothers and birthing people | £15
The Wave Pictures | Fri, 7:30pm | The classic rock, jazz and blues trio have been together over 20 years! See them at the Forum | £17.50
Beatles Night 2025 | Sat, 7pm | The house band and an array of guest vocalists celebrate the Beatles | £16.50
For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)
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FURTHER OUT
Wicked Workshop | 18th Jan, 10am | Step into the magical world of Wicked with TheatreTrain Tunbridge Wells! Workshops for children 4 to 18. | Free
Wedding Showcase | 9th Feb | Head to Hever Castle this February for their annual wedding showcase | Register
Eminem Celebration | 1st Feb, 7:30pm | Head to the Forum to celebrate 25 years since the release of Marshall Mathers LP | £20
Winter Lantern Parade | 8th Feb, 5:30pm | This year's parade has a storytelling theme | Free
Sleeping Beauty's Pissed Up Panto | 4th Apr, 7:30pm | The ultimate adult panto is back! | £24.75
For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)
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SPORT
⚽ FOOTBALL
11th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. Corinthian
🏉 RUGBY
4th Jan - Wimbledon 15 - 24 Tunbridge Wells
11th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. London Welsh
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THANK YOU
Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!
Jamie
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