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Good Morning!

A rare chance to re-wild 613 acres near Lamberhurst is making headlines. Plans for pricey homes at the old AXA site in Tunbridge Wells have been put on hold. Looking for ways to spend the long weekend? Try the Easter Baking class on Friday or the Man in the Mirror tribute show on Thursday. And for sports fans - cricket is back! Tunbridge Wells faces Preston Nomads this Friday.

Let’s jump in.

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 15°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 6°C 🌡️ 15°C | 🌧️

Wednesday: 4°C 🌡️ 13°C | ⛅

MAIN STORY

A Rare Chance to Rewild Kent: Kent Wildlife Trust hopes to buy Hoathly Farm—613 acres near Lamberhurst—to restore it to nature. This would connect it with Furnace Farm and Scotney Castle, forming one of the largest wild spaces in Kent in decades. The land, once intensively farmed, will become wild again with meadows, hedgerows, woods, and pastures. It could bring back species like yellowhammers, turtle doves, and even pine martens.

Letting Nature Lead the Way: The plan uses Wilder Grazing, where cattle and pigs help shape the land as they roam. This natural approach boosts wildlife and improves the land more than machines or chemicals ever could. The changes will also improve air and water, store carbon, and reduce flooding. People will benefit too, with walking paths and green space to explore.

Act Now to Make It Happen: £500,000 needs to be raised by 24th May to match donations already pledged. Every penny goes to saving Hoathly Farm. If they fall short, the money will still help restore nature nearby. This is their best shot in years to bring wildlife back and protect the land for future generations.

THE BRIEF

RVP Car Park to Shut: The Royal Victoria Place car park in Tunbridge Wells will shut in June and July for major upgrades. Improvements include wider bays, better lighting, clearer signs, ANPR cameras, resurfacing, and solar panels. The full project will finish by June 2026. Outside of June and July, the car park stays open, though some spaces may be blocked. Drivers can use Meadow Road and Crescent Road instead.

New Houses Stopped: Plans to knock down the old AXA offices in Tunbridge Wells and build 44 new homes have been deferred. The council said the homes would cost too much, with few locals able to afford them. Developers called the plans “beautiful” and said the site was perfect for housing. But critics said the mix of mostly four-bedroom homes would shut out lower-income families. None of the homes were affordable, though the developers offered money for housing elsewhere. The council asked for design changes and a new footpath before making a final decision.

Local Kickboxer Tragedy: Joshua Goldstone, a 21-year-old kickboxer from Etchingham near Tunbridge Wells, died from a drug overdose in a Thai hotel in October 2023. He trained at Semtex Muay Thai in Tunbridge Wells, where he was seen as a key part of the gym’s family. Known for his fearless style and kind heart, Josh had a growing career in Thailand. His death shocked the community, with many paying tribute to his spirit and talent. An inquest is ongoing, with a full hearing set for a later date.

Knife-Wielding Man Arrested: A man with a kitchen knife was reported on Dorking Road in Tunbridge Wells around 7.40pm on Saturday. He left before police arrived. Officers launched a search with help from a helicopter. By 10.40pm, he was seen in Quarry Hill Road, Tonbridge. Police found him near Vauxhall Lane at 12.50am. The 30-year-old man was arrested, treated in hospital for injuries, then taken into custody.

Frant Post Office is Back: Frant Post Office and Stores, three miles from Tunbridge Wells, will reopen on 30th April after more than a year. It closed in February 2024 when the operator resigned, leaving locals—especially the elderly—without nearby services. The new branch will offer 55 hours of Post Office access each week, plus banking and groceries. Villagers have praised the return of this much-needed hub, calling it vital to daily life and community spirit.

THIS WEEK

All Star Wrestling | Assembly Hall | Tues, 7:30pm | Witness the wrestling MAYHEM! | £18​

Teach Rex Live | Stag Sevenoaks | Wed, 10am, 12:30pm & 3pm | Interactive dinosaur show returns to Sevenoaks for families | £14​

Spring Paper Wreath Workshop | ArtyFartyRetreat | Thurs, 11am | Celebrate Spring with this colourful workshop | £48​

The Enchanted Princess Ball | Stag Sevenoaks | Thurs, 1pm & 4:30pm | Magical princess adventure musical with songs, dancing, and fun! | £19​

Man In The Mirror | Assembly Hall | Thurs, 7:30pm | Thrilling Michael Jackson tribute show with hits, dance, and lights | £34.25​

Easter Baking | Ashdown Cookery School | Fri, 9:30am | Easter baking class: buns, macaroons, and blondies | £70​

The Easter Rabbit Goes On Holiday | Penshurst Place | Every Day, 10am to 5pm | Easter trail: find the rabbit’s lost holiday items | With Admission​

The Little Mermaid | Trinity Theatre | Thurs & Fri, 2pm & 7pm | Disney’s Little Mermaid performed by talented young cast | £14​

Back To The 90's | The Forum | Sat, 8pm | 90s club night with pop, R&B, Britpop, and more | £10​

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

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

FURTHER OUT

Naturally Creative | The Amelia | 25th Apr | Create natural watercolours and paint a Georgian-style hand fan | £10

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​

Leading Ladies | The Queen's Hall | 10th May | Celebration of women in theatre with hit musical numbers | £16​

Lambing Weekend | Hadlow College | 26th Apr | Lambing Weekend: animals, rides, crafts, food, and family fun | £14​

Jasper Carrott with Special Guests: Strictly ABBA | Assembly Hall | 27th Apr | Stand-up comedy and ABBA hits in one unforgettable night | £35​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

8th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells 0 - 0 Fisher

12th Apr:

Stansfield 2 - 1 Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall 5 - 0 Sutton Athletic

15th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Faversham Town

17th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Erith & Belvedere

19th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Corinthian

Rusthall vs. Whitstable Town

🏏 CRICKET

19th Apr:

Preston Nomads vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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