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I may have (definitely did) accidentally included a Richard Herring event last week...that was taking place in Edinburgh. Apologies for getting anyone's hopes up.

This week we look at the divorce drama surrounding Groombridge Place, curling is back and the council by-elections. Sign up for PaintNGo, St John's Tennis Club's open day and the Cranbrook Comedy Night.

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 19°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌧️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: A legal fight is unfolding over the estate of TV and film producer Justin Bodle, who died in 2019. His long-term partner, Lucinda, lived with him and their two children at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells. But his 2013 will left everything to his estranged wife, Kinga Hazai. Now, Lucinda is taking the matter to court, asking for financial support for her and the children.

More Context: Groombridge Place, the historic moated manor near Tunbridge Wells, was once the centre of Bodle’s family life. The estate was thought to be worth £29 million, but after tax and debts, Kinga says only £320,000 remains. Lucinda is asking for £1.6 million to secure a home and income. She questions how Kinga handled the estate, including the sale of Groombridge Place for £6.75 million. It was later resold for £9 million.

A New Chapter: Groombridge Place is about to start a new life. The Pig Hotels plan to turn it into a luxury hotel and spa called The Pig-at Groombridge. The new hotel will have 56 rooms, a spa, and a restaurant, all set to open in 2026. The developers plan to spend £20 million to restore the site while keeping its old charm. This change will bring jobs and visitors to the local area. Once a family home and theme park, Groombridge Place is now set to become a high-end retreat with deep local roots.

THE BRIEF

🥌 Curling Is Back: Tunbridge Wells Curling Rink reopened on Friday after three years. Once called Fenton's, it’s now one of only two dedicated curling rinks in England. New owner Andy Eaton wants to make the sport more popular and is offering free coaching for young people. The rink has been fully refurbished, with a new ice sheet, a modern café, and accessible changing rooms. England team member Joe Sugden, now the rink’s ice technician, hopes to inspire others to enjoy the sport he fell in love with as a child.

📄 Primark Designs: New designs for the upcoming Primark store in Tunbridge Wells reveal a clean, modern look for the former BHS site. Plans include a refreshed shopfront with glass doors, updated blue and white signage, and a full interior upgrade. While the inside will get new flooring, the design keeps original features like the brickwork and high-level windows. The aim is to create a high-quality, inviting space that fits the character of the high street while meeting modern retail standards.

❎ Council By-Elections: Two Liberal Democrat councillors, Peter Lidstone and Tara Matthews, have stepped down from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Their resignations trigger by-elections in St John’s and Park wards on 1st May. Cllr Lidstone, recently re-elected, said he is leaving to spend more time with his young family. He called it a privilege to serve and to be the borough’s first walking and cycling champion. He hopes future changes in local government will carry on the work he started.

📵 Phone Scammer Arrested: A man has been arrested in Tunbridge Wells after allegedly posing as a police officer to scam a pensioner. The victim, in his 70s, was told his bank account was at risk and instructed to withdraw thousands of euros. He was then sent to a Tesco car park in Pembury, where police caught the suspect after a foot chase. Thai-Rye Wright-Lewis, 24, from Croydon, has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud. He was remanded in custody and will appear in court today.

❔ BAKING SODA: Police seized 50 bags of cocaine after a foot chase in Tunbridge Wells. Officers on patrol saw suspicious activity in an alley near Grove Hill Road on 17th March. They chased and tackled a man, finding several bags of cocaine and a hotel key card. The key led them to a room on London Road, where more drugs were found. Serxho Ndoj, 24, with no fixed address, was charged with supplying cocaine. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 22nd April.

THIS WEEK

Everlasting Dried Wreath Workshop | Mereworth | Fri, 6:30pm | Create a lasting floral wreath with dried flowers and wine | £65​

Freckle Productions: The Baddies Show | Assembly Hall | Tues to Thurs, 10:30am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm | Wickedly funny family show featuring mischievous Baddies and brave girl | £20.25​

Isabella Coulstock & Anouska Assisi | The Grey Lady | Fri, 7:30pm | Rising stars with powerful lyrics, unique sounds, and standout performances | £12.50​

Cranbrook Comedy Night | Queen's Hall | Fri, 8pm | Top comedians, 80s music, BBQ—Kent’s best comedy night! | £13.50​

Sounds of the Lioness | The Forum | Sat, 7:30pm | Amy Winehouse: Soul icon with timeless voice and Grammy-winning legacy | £22.50​

Easter Rabbit Goes On Holiday | Penshurst Place | 5th to 21st Apr | Help find Easter Rabbit's lost items in garden trail | With Admission​

Penshurst Farmer's Market | Penshurst Place | Sat, 9:30am | Discover fresh produce, local goods, handmade treats and more! | Details​

Family Crafternoons | Arty Farty Retreat | Sat, 3pm | Family-friendly afternoon of guided crafts, creativity, and fun together | £12​

Taylormania | Assembly Hall | Sat, 7:30pm | Award-winning Taylor Swift tribute show with hits, band, dancers | £31.50​

Pop Up Craft Market | Crowborough Community Centre | Sat, 10am to 2pm | Local goods, fresh brews, and talented makers to browse | Details​

Open Day | St John's Tennis Club | Sat, 9am to 1pm | Head to St John's for cardio tennis, pickleball, walking tennis, petanque and of course...tennis! | Free​

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

FURTHER OUT

PaintNGo | Buckhurst Works | Easter Weekend | Creative all-ages paint event to shape PaintnGo’s future | Details​

Martin Clunes: Meetings With Remarkable Animals | Assembly Hall | 7th May | Martin Clunes shares inspiring true stories of extraordinary, life-changing animals | £25​

Tina Turner & Blondie Back2Back | Crowborough Community Centre | 12th Apr | £15​

East 17 | The Forum | 3rd May | The 90's band come to town | £35.50​

Macy Gray | Assembly Hall | 10th May | Macy Gray celebrates 25 years of On How Life Is! | £48​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

25th Mar - Bearsted 1 - 2 Tunbridge Wells

29th Mar - Tunbridge Wells 0 - 0 VCD Athletic

1st Apr - Tunbridge Wells vs. Kennington

5th Apr - Tunbridge Wells vs. Larkfield & New Hythe

🏉 RUGBY

5th Apr - Jersey Rugby Football Club vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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