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Morning! This week we look at the woman convicted for stealing from Langton Green school, the local burger restaurant nominated for a national award and the agreed increase council taxes. Head to Hever for the Snowdrop Walk, the ArtyFarty Retreat wants to bring out your creativity and looking ahead, buy your tickets for the TN90s Festival in May!

WEATHER

Monday: -1°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☀️

Tuesday: 2°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☀️

Wednesday: 6°C 🌡️ 10°C | ⛅

MAIN STORY

What Happened: Lianne Simpson admitted to stealing over £7,600 from the Langton Green Primary School uniform bank. She volunteered at the school to handle uniform orders and payments. She transferred parent's payments into her own bank account instead of the school's. Another volunteer uncovered the fraud in September 2022 after noticing a funding shortfall. Simpson could not explain the missing money when question by the school. On 30th January, she pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and theft at Medway Magistrates' Court. She is now awaiting sentencing.

The Trial: The court heard that between May 2022 and December 2023, Simpson moved £7,136.69 from the uniform fund into her personal account. She also stole £549.50 from the school’s account. When questioned, she claimed she had paid invoices herself and planned to reimburse herself later. However, the funds never reached the school. The PTA had to cover a loan due to the missing money, prompting an investigation. Simpson, described as being of good character, will return to Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 12th March for sentencing. Magistrates have ordered a pre-sentencing report, with the possibility of escalating the case to crown court for a stricter sentence.

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THE BRIEF

😳 Correction: My summary stating the Council's approval for more seating on the Pantiles last Monday, was misleading. Targetfollow have four months to remove extra seating that is currently in place as well as other items such as planters.

🍗 Peri-Peri: Nando’s will open its new Tunbridge Wells branch on Wednesday. It will be in the former Tunbridge Wells Gateway building on Grosvenor Road. The peri-peri chicken chain, from South Africa, will be the 14th Nando’s in Kent. It joins other fast-food spots in the town centre, including KFC, Taco Bell, Greggs, Subway, and Costa. Plans for the restaurant were first revealed in July, and “coming soon” signs have been up in recent months. The site is near Royal Victoria Place, which the council purchased to support the town centre’s future.

🍔 Roddy Burger Nominated: The 2025 National Burger Awards have shortlisted Roddy Burger's Gazza burger. Richard Oddy started the chain during lockdown. The Gazza features smoked streaky bacon, homemade pickled onion, and a signature burger sauce on a brioche bun. Oddy started the business after being made redundant. He credits its success on quality ingredients and simplicity. He will compete in a cook-off in London on Tuesday, feeling both nervous and excited about the challenge.

🏚️ Housing Shortage: A new report highlights Kent’s soaring population and a shortage of affordable housing. House prices in even the cheapest areas now at least eight times median earnings. Tunbridge Wells has one of the county’s highest life expectancies and quality of life. Although Kent HIV rates are rising, Tunbridge Wells is not classified as a high-prevalence area. Kent faces rising homelessness, overcrowding, and housing insecurity. There are 3,597 children in temporary accommodation. The report also notes growing diversity, with 98 languages spoken in Kent. The findings underscore the urgent need for more housing and infrastructure to support the county’s growing demand.

💸 Tax Rises Agreed: Kent County Council has approved a 5% council tax increase from April. The council has ring fenced 2% for social care. This is to address a £150m rise in spending needs, particularly in adult social care, which saw costs soar by £80m last year. The budget includes £11m to replenish reserves, previously used to balance financial shortfalls. Council leaders blame government under funding, rising National Insurance costs, and higher living wages for forcing local authorities to raise taxes and cut services. Despite opposition, the budget was passed with 41 votes in favor, 10 against, and 7 abstentions.

THIS WEEK

Forbidden Nights | Thurs, 7:30pm | Celebrating 9 years of muscles, mayhem and over 11,000 shirt rips! | £32​

Soroptomists International Meet Up | Thurs, 7:30pm | SI Tunbridge Wells & District is keen to welcome new members | Free​

Wicked | Thurs, 2pm | Sign along to Defying Gravity at the Trinity Theatre | £6​

Life is a Rodeo | Sat, 7:30pm | Dust off your boots for a rodeo at The Stag | £12​

Oil Painting Day | Fri, 10am | Learn how to paint with different mediums at the ArtyFarty Retreat | £58​

Snowdrop Walk | Until 2nd March | Hever Castle has planted 150,000 snowdrop bulbs in the last few years | With Admission​

Falconry | Sun, 1:30pm | See the residents of Willow Birds of Prey at Hever Castle | £66.95​

I'm Not Creative Workshop | Sun, 10am | ArtyFarty are out to prove everyone can be creative! | £30​

Bon Giovi | Sat, 7:30pm | The world's premier look- and sounds-alike Bon Jovi experience | £27.10​

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

FURTHER OUT

The Rocket Man | 7th March | The Elton John tribute at the Assembly Hall | £34.25​

Sophie McCartney | 28th Feb | The award-winning comedian and author comes to the Assembly Hall | £21.75+​

Children's Market | 29th March | Explore a host of local businesses who focus on education & fun for children | Details​

TN90's Festival | 24th & 25th May | Tonbridge's 90's music festival returns this May | £25+​

All Star Murder Mystery | 28th Feb | Head to the Grey Lady for a 3-course meal, prosecco and murder! | £50​​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

11th Feb - Tunbridge Wells vs. Sutton Athletic (Postponed)

15th Feb - Faversham Town 4 - 0 Tunbridge Wells

18th Feb - Tunbridge Wells vs. Erith & Belvedere

22nd Feb - Tunbridge Wells vs. Kennington

🏉 RUGBY

15th Feb - Old Alleynians 49 - 34 Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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