The Society provides a programme of monthly talks and other meetings thoughout the year. Meetings start at 7.30pm on the second Thursday in the month (unless otherwise stated), and from March will take place at our new home of Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL (except for a one-off return to Christ Church for the May meeting). The February meeting is on Zoom, details of which will be emailed out to members in advance. Non-members are welcome.
Programme for 2026
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12th February 7.30pm on Zoom
'The Walled Kitchen Garden: its evolution, loss and renaissance' - an illustrated talk by Lucy Pitman of The Walled Kitchen Gardens Network. Such gardens once formed an essential part of many historic estates, serving as highly productive growing areas for the household and staff by providing protected environments and creating a favourable microclimate. Heat-retaining walls extended the cultivation of fruit and, with the addition of heated glasshouses, supported the growth of tender produce and extended the growing season. Today, many have fallen into neglect and are poorly understood despite their cultural and horticultural significance. The Network was established to revive interest in these historic sites, encouraging their restoration and public appreciation. The talk will explore the origins of protected growing sites and highlight the renewed recognition and conservation of walled gardens across Britain.
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12th March at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Capital to Coast' - an illustrated talk by returning speaker David Clarke. King Harold's epic journey to the Battle of Hastings is encapsulated in a 100-mile walk from Westminster Abbey to Battle Abbey: David Clarke traces the route along the Roman road network that was still being used in 1066, on Watling Street to Rochester and then south through Maidstone, Staplehurst and Bodiam. It is a clear route through the daunting Forest of the Andreasweald, past castles and battle sites with rivers, streams and valleys to cross, forests to forge, hills to climb, and Roman roads, green lanes and ancient footpaths to walk. This engaging account of King Harold's march will review why it all happened and the reasons for the Battle of Hastings.
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9th April at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Exits & Entrances: a history of theatre in Tunbridge Wells' - an illustrated talk by our newsletter editor Chris Jones, that he gave appropriately enough, at Trinity Theatre, for Heritage Open Days in 2023. It is a topic that has perhaps been addressed before, but Chris would like to think that he has new information to offer, in a story that includes the Pump Room and the Great Hall, as well as the more obvious venues such as the Opera House and Assembly Hall. In fact he addresses more than twenty venues, but also looks at how opinions about theatre changed over the years. Theatre in Tunbridge Wells is really quite a big subject.
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14th May at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
'An Archaeological Review of Our Local Landscape' - an illustrated talk by Nigel Stapple who returns with more on his team's findings around Tunbridge Wells, which have ranged from Mesolithic rock shelters to 16th century iron workings.
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11th June at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Never Look at an Ugly Thing Twice' - an illustrated talk by Alastair Dick-Cleland about the distinctive work of C. F. A. Voysey, the leading Arts & Crafts architect whose talent also extended to the design of wallpaper, fabrics, rugs and furniture.
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Saturday 4th July
Garden Party - at a time and venue to be confirmed.
- 10th September at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'The Husseys of Scotney' - an illustrated talk by Helen King, House Manager at Scotney Castle, who tells about its significant collection for which she is responsible and the work of Christopher Hussey, the last owner of the castle with his wife Betty.
- Friday 11th September to Sunday 20th September
Heritage Open Days in and around Tunbridge Wells.
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8th October at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards Evening - presented by Dr David Wright.
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8th November - 10.30 at the War Memorial
Remembrance Sunday - members are invited to attend the parade in Civic Way.
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5th November at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
Annual General Meeting (NB: First Thursday in November) followed by an open forum for members.
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10th December at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Land's End & Back on a Bus Pass' - our Treasurer, Chris Weller, a Chartered Accountant, illustrates how imaginatively he manages his own resources.
As this is the Christmas meeting the traditional refreshments of wine and mince pies will be provided after the presentation.
Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society - Registered Charity No. 276545