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Happy Monday! Our main story this week is the ongoing fallout from the collapse of local property investment company JVIP Group. We also look at a local "mumpreneur" and the Spa Hotel's new Spa. Have a great week!

WEATHER

Monday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | ⛅

Tuesday: -2°C 🌡️ 8°C | ☁️

Wednesday: 0°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌦️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: JVIP Group, a local property business, collapsed in 2022, leaving about 150 investors with losses of £40m. The company had promised returns of over 10% on investments, but many of its 140 associated firms went into administration. Documents show the group took out over 40 government-backed Bounce Back Loans. Businessman Peter Dabner, who ran JVIP, denies any wrongdoing. Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin has called for a full police investigation. He wrote to the City of London Police, which is now reviewing his request. Kent Police assessed the case but passed it to fraud specialists, who decided against further action.

More Context: Investors say they lost life savings, pensions, and even homes. Mark Palmos, who lost £429,000, warns that inaction will encourage more fraud. Martin’s letter, backed by 22 MPs, describes the crisis as devastating for "ordinary people." He says many now face severe hardship. Kent Police stated they consulted experts before deciding not to investigate. But growing political and public pressure may push the City of London Police to act.

THE BRIEF

🧼 Get Cleaning: RTW Together BID is leading Tunbridge Wells' cleanup for The Great British Spring Clean 2025 on 4th April. Volunteers can join work teams, community groups, or friends to pick up litter, clean street furniture, remove graffiti, and de-weed. The national campaign runs from 21st March to 6th April, aiming to create cleaner, more welcoming spaces. Volunteers can choose from four shifts, and all equipment and refreshments are provided. This year’s event is for adults only, as schools have their own clean up. Residents and businesses can suggest areas to clean by 25th March. Sign Up For The Royal Tunbridge Wells Spring Clean 4th April 2025​

💰 Lottery Funds for Church: King Charles the Martyr Church in Tunbridge Wells has received £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to fix its church hall roof. The Grade I-listed church, known for its historic plaster ceilings, is raising more funds to repair leaks and add a disabled-access ramp. Work will begin this summer. The National Lottery’s support helps community projects across the UK. Donate here!​

♨️ Spa Gets New Spa: The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells will open a new Wellness Suite in April 2025. This near seven-figure project adds a luxury spa with a sauna, steam room, hydro pool, cold plunge, and more. Guests, visitors, and members can enjoy exclusive day and overnight packages. Managing Director Anthony Scragg says the town lacks high-end wellness facilities, and this expansion fills the gap. The suite will be an upgrade option for the Spa Health Club, offering a space to relax and escape daily life.

🪠 Local "Mumpreneur": Amber Taylor, a mother from Tunbridge Wells, is making her invention, Chomp, a reality. Tired of messy mealtimes, she designed a better suction plate. On The Big Idea Works, hosted by Sara Davies of Dragons’ Den, Amber saw her sketches turn into a working prototype. Sara praised her idea. Since then, Amber has improved the design, added baby cutlery that attaches with straps, and started a crowdfunding campaign. Each sale donates £1 to the charity Family2Family.

🚧 Road Works: Drivers in Tunbridge Wells will face major disruption in April as three sets of roadworks hit key routes. Temporary traffic lights on the A264 Pembury Road and a full closure of Major York’s Road will start in early April. At the same time, ongoing work will continue on North Farm Road. SGN is upgrading gas mains, with more work on Langton Road from April 22, lasting 11 weeks. Recent roadworks have already caused long delays, some over an hour. SGN says the timing matches the Easter holidays to reduce impact, but many drivers are frustrated.

THIS WEEK

Walking Tennis | St John's Tennis Club | Tues, 1:30pm | Coach led, rackets provided, trainers required | Free​

I 💖 Quizzing | The Imperial | Wed, 7:30pm | It’s March Mayhem at the anything-but-regular quiz at The Imp | £3 per head​

Wedding Venue Showcase | Chiddingstone Castle | Sun, 10am to 4pm | The showcase includes tours, suppliers, and prize giveaway | Free​

Not Radiohead | The Forum | Fri, 7:30pm | Celebrate Radiohead almost 30 years to the day after The Bends' release | £20​

Green Haze | The Forum | Sat, 7:30pm | Celebrate the punk icons blending energy, melody, and social themes| £20​

An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst | Assembly Hall | Thurs, 7:30pm | Geoff Hurst’s farewell tour: legendary 1966 hat-trick hero live | £33.75​

Chris McCausland: Yonks! | Assembly Hall | Fri, 8pm | Hilarious new 2025 stand-up tour from TV comedy favourite | £34.25​

Soul Kitchen | The Grey Lady | Sun, 12:30pm | Great Mediterranean food and rare 60s & 70s soul | Free​

Jazz Brunch | Mereworth | Sun, 10am | Laura & Co Jazz present a talented musician each month | Free​

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

FURTHER OUT

Freestyle Jive Box | The Masonic Hall | 11th Apr, 7:30pm | An incredible night of freestyle dancing with a live band and a % of each ticket going to The Royal Marsden| £20​

Art Fair | One Warwick Park Hotel | 5th Apr, 10am to 4pm | Meet.Art.People present their first art fair. Explore local art, meet artists, and buy commission-free | Free​

Great British Spring Clean | Tunbridge Wells | 4th Apr | Join RTW Together’s litter clean up | Details​

Day Out With Thomas | Spa Valley Railway | 26th & 27th Apr, 3rd & 4th May | Celebrate 80 years of Thomas with rides, games, and entertainment | £19.50​

Back To The 80's | The Forum | 29th Mar | Feelgood pop, dance, indie, and electronic anthems | £12​

Sound of the Lioness | The Forum | 5th Apr | Amy Winehouse tribute celebrating her soulful, Grammy-winning musical legacy | £22.50​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

4th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Faversham Town (POSTPONED)

8th Mar - Lydd Town 3 - 1 Tunbridge Wells

11th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Corinthian (POSTPONED)

15th Mar - Tunbridge Wells vs. Hollands & Blair

🏉 RUGBY

8th Mar - Tunbridge Wells 17 - 34 Hammersmith & Fulham

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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