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The Objects of the Civic Society

Welcome to the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society

  • we have more than 400 members from the historic borough of Royal Tunbridge Wells in the High Weald of Kent;

  • we are committed to the development and improvement of our town, as well as its protection and preservation;

  • we hold monthly members’ meetings with a speaker, which are also open to the public;

  • we scrutinise planning applications in our area, discuss with developers and make representations to the Council where necessary;

  • we give awards for development and conservation work in any style that enhances its environment;

  • we publish scholarly monographs on aspects of the history of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and run Heritage Open Days;

  • we respond to policy documents published by the Council and the Government on planning, housing, heritage and sustainability;

  • we campaign on issues affecting the character of the town and the rights of citizens to participate in decisions about its future.

Listed below are just some of the current issues and events involving the Society:

  • Bandstand



    The Council has now demolished the bandstand in Calverley Grounds having received Government approval. Despite a campaign by the Society and the Courier newspaper for a new bandstand suitable for a range of entertainment nothing has yet to be agreed.

  • Panorama



    The Society’s Panorama of Royal Tunbridge Wells in the form of a boulder with an explanatory plaque has now been erected on Mount Ephraim to mark the centenary of the `Royal` designation. The official unveiling by the Marquess of Abergavenny took place on Friday 25th September 2009. The Panoroma can be found just opposite The Royal Wells Inn.

  • Heritage Open Days

    The Society is currently organising Tunbridge Wells Heritage Open Days for 2010. This is the scheme which opens historic properties not usually accessible to the public, free, staffed by volunteers, for a few days in September each year. Last year we had over 50 participating properties and events.

  • Dunorlan



    A planning application for a block of flats on the site of Dunorlan House, opposed by the Society, has been refused. The Society has asked the Council to draw up a planning brief for this key site and the adjoining land overlooking the Park.

  • Future of Town Hall



    The Society continues to question the Council’s wish to move out of the listed Town Hall and sell the site for commercial use. The Society believes the municipal complex could be modernised as a lively community centre, keeping civic activity at the heart of the town.

  • Evolving Master Plan

    In anticipation of the master-plan for the town centre to be drawn up by the Council in concert with their commercial partners the Society has produced its own statement about the changes it would like to see. More space for pedestrians, more planting and improved urban design are key features.

  • Jubilee Celebrations

    On June 17th 2009 the Society celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its foundation in 1959 with a town walk led by founder-member Philip Whitbourn OBE, a talk by Dr Philip Whitbourn and a tea at Trinity Arts Centre, the Decimus Burton church saved by the Society.

  • Cricket Week



    Members enjoyed the use of Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club's marquee at The Nevill Cricket Ground during the Kent v Essex match between the 16th and 19th June 2009.


The Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society 2010 - Registered Charity No. 276545