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There's a surprising amount of WWII bunker-related news this week, Tunbridge Wells is well represented in SquareMeal's Top 100 restaurants and pensioners are warned about phone scams. Comedy Night is back at The Guinea, there's murder mystery on Spa Valley Railway and famous doctor, Adam Kay is at the Assembly Hall.

Have a great week!

WEATHER

Monday: 7°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌦️

Tuesday: 2°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌧️

Wednesday: 4°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌦️

MAIN STORY

WWII Bunker For Sale: A woodland site in Tunbridge Wells containing a network of Second World War bunkers is up for sale. The 4.69-acre area is located near Hargate Forest. Agents are marketing it as a "freehold land investment opportunity." They emphasise the redevelopment potential. The military built it in 1941 for the 12th Corps, Q Branch.

The bunker complex includes two long tunnels with eight rooms and three access points. Flooding led to limited wartime use. The adjacent Hargate Forest, owned by the Woodland Trust, is a popular walking spot. The land falls within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and has a tree preservation order over half of the site. Residents have raised concerns about redevelopment citing the historical significance of the site.

Another WWII Bunker? Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a development has sparked controversy. A 76-bed nursing and care home is being planned near Pembury. The controversy lies in claims that the site includes a Second World War "bunker control room." The historical link intrigued heritage enthusiasts. But further investigation revealed the structure as a project from the 1980s. The proposed care home, designed to support Tunbridge Wells Hospital, features extensive facilities.

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THE BRIEF

Nightmare Flats: Residents of Hamilton Court in Tunbridge Wells are facing severe disruptions. Unfinished roof work has allowed rainwater to stream into the building. A sub-contractor added pre-fabricated flats the block in May. But then went into administration in September, leaving the project incomplete. Castlemere Developments claims to have spent £11,000 making the roof watertight. Yet, residents and landlords report significant water damage, mould, and delays. The developer has arranged on online meeting to update residents on the progress.

Salomons Holiday Lets: Salomons Estate has submitted a planning application to convert the Grade II-listed Runcie Court. The plan is to convert it into holiday and short-stay flats. Additional commercial uses such as small weddings, lectures, and meetings are also detailed. The estate aims to preserve the building's historical features. The project is part of a 10-year plan and follows the conversion of potting sheds into holiday lets. The estate has scheduled public consultations, including a tour and Q&A with architect Gaby Higgs. Historic England supports the project. The cite minimal harm to the site's significance and heritage benefits. Runcie Court was built as stables in 1884 and reflects the legacy of Sir David Lionel Salomons, a pioneering scientist and inventor.

Phone Scams: Kent Police have warned residents in Tunbridge Wells about a phone scam. Fraudsters pose as police officers and claim criminal activity on victims' bank accounts. They urge victims, often elderly, to withdraw cash for a fake investigation. A courier is sent to collect the money. Police received five reports on 16th January, but no money was lost. Officials urge people to hang up on suspicious calls, verify claims with police, and never hand over money. Report scams to the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604 100 or Action Fraud on 0300 1232 040.

Top Restaurants: SquareMeal's top 100 restaurants outside London feature several in Kent. Tunbridge Wells is home to Tallow (24th) and The Counter (97th). Other Kent entries include Updown Farmhouse in Deal (12th), The Sportsman in Seasalter (41st), The Blue Pelican in Deal (82nd), and Quince in Westgate-on-Sea (87th). These spots highlight British ingredients and Kent's rich dining scene.

THIS WEEK

Sensing Culture: Group for Blind & partially sighted adults | Fri, 10:30am | These sessions last for 2 hours and are held in The Artist Residency Studio at the Amelia Scott. | Free​

Murder Mystery | Sat, 6:15pm | Spa Valley Railway is hosting a murder mystery experience (with dinner!) | £60​

Games Fest | Sat & Sun, 11am+ | Calling serious gamers, casual console players and anyone in search of something fun to do with family and friends! | £7.25+​

Comedy Night at The Guinea | Thurs, 7:30pm | After 5 Sold out shows in a row, their comedy night returns! | £7​

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

Darts Night | Mon & Tues, 8pm | Head to the Rusthall Club and play for fun or join a team! | Details​

25 years of Marshall Mathers LP | Sat, 7:30pm | The Forum is celebrating Eminem this Saturday | £18​

An Evening of Burlesque | Sat, 7:30pm | The UK's longest running burlesque show is coming to the Assembly Hall | £32.63​

Speak Easy Smooth Jazz Night | Sat, 7:30pm | Experience an evening of soulful tunes, smooth drinks and good vibes at The HawkenBury | Details​

Adam Kay: Undoctored | Fri, 7:30pm | The doctor is at the Assembly Hall, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe and West End | £31.75+​

Firebrand | Sat, 7pm | Watch Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, be named regent while the tyrant battles abroad at Rusthall Cinema | £5​

The Simon & Garfunkel Story | Trinity Theatre is showing the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel | £28.50​

Quiz Night | Tues, 7:45pm | Help raise money for TS Brilliant at the Red Lion | £5​

Pop Up Market | Sat, 10am | Head to Crowborough for their monthly market! | Details​

Wedding Fayre | Sun, 11am | Penshurst Place has its magical winter wedding fayre this Sunday | Details​

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

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FURTHER OUT

Stabat Mater | 15th Feb, 6pm| Vox Anima Chamber Choir are playing at St Luke's Church | Free (Suggested donation £15)​

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

Children's Market | 29th Mar, 10:30am | Discover a range of activities, including kids clubs and birthday party entertainment | Free​

Fame | 6th to 8th Feb | Cranbrook School Performing Arts presents Fame at the Queen's Hall | £10+​

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+​

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

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

25th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. Hollands & Blair (POSTPONED)

28th Jan - Bearsted vs. Tunbridge Wells

1st Feb - Snodland Town vs. Tunbridge Wells

🏉 RUGBY

25th Jan - Tunbridge Wells 12 - 47 London Welsh

1st Feb - Tunbridge Wells vs. Maidenhead

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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