RT W
Together
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ISSUE ONE / CHRISTMAS 2021
FREE T OW N C E N T R E M AG A Z I N E
44
COVER STORY
Putting the
in Tunbridge Wells
Includes: GOUPIE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WALSH BROS SELF DEFENCE CLASSES THE BODY SHOP R EMEMBR A NCE DISPL AY GRUB &
LIQUOR
TOWN CENTRE MAPS
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FREE / RT W TOGETHER.COM
Royal
PAGES OF TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES AND BID NEWS
THE PLANT BASE, ISSUE#1 CAMDEN ROAD
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P. 4 — 7
CLOCK TOWER
Time for Remembrance
P. 1 0 — 1 3
IN THE SPIRIT
With visits from Santa P. 1 4 — 1 6
GRUB & LIQUOR
Going out out P. 1 8 — 2 1
letter
BID LI G HT S THE WAY
Town centre Christmas lights P. 2 4 — 2 9
W H AT THE BID D ID
Why working together matters P. 3 0 — 3 1
CHARTING A COURSE
Town centre map refresh P. 3 2 — 3 5
KICKING INTO ACTION
Free self defence classes P. 3 6 — 3 7
SMELL OF SUCCESS
Christmas at The Body Shop P. 3 6 — 3 9
Sarah-Jane Adams Wecome to the first issue of RTW Together’s town centre magazine, designed to promote the collective of traders, big and small, represented by our Business Improvement District.
LOVE YOUR LOCALS
Shop small at Chapel Place P. 3 8 — 3 9
BID DIRECTOR
ROYA L T UNB R ID G E S PEL L S
Experience the magic
Inside, you’ll find information on some of the projects carried out by us as the BID, such as the installation of the town centre’s Christmas lights and recent Remembrance display in Calverley Precinct, alongside features on central businesses. You can also read this magazine online at www.rtwtogether.com/magazine, and for more stories and photos like those showcased here, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @rtwtogether
WRITTEN, PHOTOGR APHED AND DESIGNED BY RT W TO G E T HER B US INE S S IMPROV EMEN T D I S T R I C T. © RT W TOGETHER
IN S TAG R A M: RT W TO G E T HER T WITTER: RT WTOGETHER YOUTUBE: TUNBRIDGE WELLS TOGETHER
A very happy holiday season from our community to yours.
Sarah-Jane S A R A H - J A NE @T U NB R I D G E W EL L S TO G E T H ER .CO.U K
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WELCOME
Inside the Christmas Issue! Editor’s
BIG BID PROJECT
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TO G E T H ER’ S L I V I N G S TAT U E D I S PL AY
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B ISDE C TPI ORNOT JI TEL EC T
BRINGING MOMENTS OF REFLEC TION TO A BUSY PUBLIC SPACE .
Time to remember CLO CK TOW ER D I S PL AY CHIME S A CH O R D
The RTW Together Business Improvement District marked the period of Remembrance for 2021 with a large-scale display in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre. The BID dressed the clock tower in Calverley Precinct in a striking collection of artificial poppies and autumnal foliage, cascading down the legs and onto the base of the landmark. The project ran from November 1st until November 14th. BID Director for RTW Together, Sarah-Jane Adams, explains “Remembrance is always an important time of year, and this year perhaps more than ever, we have reason to stop and reflect on not just
those we’ve lost recently, but those who came before and the contribution that the Armed Forces have played for all of us, throughout history and still today. We hope this display will be a poignant way to mark the changing of the seasons, pay our respects to those who have and continue to serve their country, and provide a beautiful point of interest for the top end of Tunbridge Wells town centre.” The commission for the piece was awarded to town centre florist, The Cove, High Street, themselves a BID member. ■ To view photos and videos of this special event, visit rtwtogether.com
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BELOW: AMY AND PHIL OF THE COVE, HIGH STREET
PAY ING THEIR R E SPEC T S:
Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Woodward, Roz Heaton of the Safe Town Partnership, and Nicky Blanchard, Centre Manager of Royal Victoria Place lay wreaths at the RTW Together clock tower tribute.
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M I S S H O L I DAY S W I N G PROV I D ED V I N TAG E M U S I C
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We’re loopy about Goupie! Chocolate connoisseur? Know your tempering from your emulsion? Just like to eat the stuff? Whatever your level of expertise, all choccy lovers are welcome into the cosy corner that is Goupie, nestled in Central Market.
A NEW OUTLOOK
Mac Man
to Fixio
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL,
but under a new identity for Mac Man, Goods Station Road. Now Fixio, the tech repair store facade has undergone a spectacularly colourful makeover, carried out by Humor Street Art.
“Having our first chocolate house has been so special for us, and being in Tunbridge Wells has made it even more so. Having our own site means we get to communicate first hand with our customers, and really remind ourselves how special the product is. We have such a great community of independent business owners who really make Tunbridge Wells a special place to visit. Goupie is a family recipe, from my grandmother’s handwritten cookbook and was the go-to treat in our family for years! Our hot chocolates are made with real chocolate, and can be made to order depending on the tastes of the customer. We’ve also got our extra thick hot chocolate, based on the traditional Spanish recipe. Everything we do is vegan friendly, including our marshmallows and whipped cream.
Co-founder and Tunbridge Wells resident Jon Traquair explains the rebrand: “We opened our first Tunbridge Wells shop in the Pantiles in 2011, and we’re keen for our new name to represent our development into broader expertise. It reflects our strategic move to add non-Apple repairs, sales and support to our existing offering.” Fixio provides instore repairs, a large stock of refurbished Apple tech and a buying service. ■ www.macman.co.uk ISSUE#1
@RT W TO G E T H E R
BID BUSINESS
GOUPIE, CENTRAL MARKET
We’ve opened up our Christmas shop, selling all sorts of sweet treats such as Christmas puddings, panettone, candy canes and drinking fudge, alongside Goupie goodies like gift boxes and hot chocolate tins. We also have a Christmas menu, so you’ll be able to find our gingerbread, mince pies and pumpkin spice muffins in store. We have Christmas movie nights coming back this December, and sugar craft workshops, storytelling, gingerbread house making and hot chocolate tasting experiences. We’re also hosting a different local popup every Saturday between 11-3 outside our shop, so you can get your shopping done in one place! These indie creators will be selling a range of homewares, candles, beauty products and jewellery.” ■ www.goupiechocolate.com Instagram: @goupiechocolate house ISSUE#1 | PAGE 9
RTW TOGETHER. COM/ CHRISTMAS
ZE RO WA S T E CO M PA N Y, PA N T I L E S
Santa, we know him! Your favourite businesses will be seen on screen. W W W. RT W TO G E T H ER .CO M/CH R I S T M A S
The RTW Together Business Improvement District works closely with local authorities such as TW Borough Council, and Kent Police... but did you know we also undertake partnership working with a very special VIP from the North Pole?
and after all that thirsty work, dropped by Fuggles Beer Cafe for a cheeky drop of mulled cider. All the businesses that form the BID are on my nice list!”
During his visit, the RTW Together team took the chance to film a very When Father Christmas told us he special promotional video, created by wanted to fit in a spot of tourism before town centre resident Simon Cossons. his busy season, we didn’t hesitate to show him the sights of Tunbridge Of his involvement in the piece, the Wells town centre, visiting some of local creative said “I moved to Tunour super excited BID traders. bridge Wells town centre during lockdown, and am only now getting After his trip, Santa told us “I had the chance to explore the area. It’s a great day out around Tunbridge really great to be able to get to know Wells - I had a much needed beard these businesses and capture the trim, stopped in to the TWFC Youth sense of community spirit on camera. Centre to play a spot of table football, Working with the BID is hopefully
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T W YFC YOUTH CENTRE
CHRISTMAS
the start of a collaboration to document the vibrancy of the town and the things that are happening here.” The businesses that we represent were also full of joy at the sight of the man in red. Donna of Stampede, Camden Road, says “Even in my older years, Father Christmas brings magic and fills me with the true holiday spirit.” Storm at Denny’s Place Barbers was “shocked and surprised that Santa turned up for a trim, but even he has to look dapper for the big day ahead!” Our special film aims to bring a lighthearted look at Christmas 2021, after a difficult period of uncertainty for traders. So don’t forget, when you’re writing your wishlist for Saint Nick, your Tunbridge Wells town centre businesses, big and small, would really appreciate a mention... and a visit! THE PANTILES C AMER A SHOP
GOUPIE, CENTRAL MARKET
S A NTA G E T S A BEARD TRIM AT DENN Y ’ S PLACE BARBERS, GROSVENOR ROAD! THE PL ANT BASE, CAMDEN ROAD
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THE PLANT BASE
TO VIEW RTW TOGETHER’S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SHORT FILM, visit www. rtwtogether.com/christmas, search Royal Tunbridge Wells Together on Youtube, or follow us on social media - twitter.com/ rtwtogether and instagram.com/ rtwtogether Every view and share counts, but most importantly, come into your town centre this holiday season if you are able, or shop online with your local favourites - it really makes a difference. ■
Santa can’t wait to come back to Tunbridge Wells, particularly on Christmas Eve!
THE PLANT BASE LAKELAND
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MANIC CERAMIX
@RT W TO G E T H E R GRUB & LIQUOR, NEVILL STREET
CHRISTMAS
S TA MPED E , C A MD EN ROA D
WOLFIT PET SHOP
CHRIS POTTER
GRUB & LIQUOR
COUNTRY SPORTS
READY FOR HIS CLOSE-UP IN LUSH!
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INTERVIEW w. SARAH LUCAS of GRUB & LIQUOR NEVILL STREET
Determined to become the town centre’s party hotspot, General Manager Sarah Lucas shares why Grub & Liquor is getting ready to go out out.
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We’re trying to provide a really fun, party atmosphere, which I think is lacking in Tunbridge Wells - you’ve got lots of nice fine dining restaurants and coffee shops for during the day, but we’re trying to provide a carefree place where people can just come and have some drinks, enjoy themselves and let their hair down! We’ve started doing regular DJ sets on a Friday and Saturday, which are really taking off. We’re looking to do more of that in the New Year, themed party nights on Thursdays and across the weekend, themed brunches on a Sunday, cocktail deals and offers on the drinks people love - just trying to make it the place that people come for occasions such as hen dos and birthday parties. We’ll be refurbishing our function room downstairs, which is really popular at the moment. It has a 95 person capacity, so it’s a big space. It has its own separate bar and facilities, so it’s completely exclusive for your party - you don’t have to come upstairs or be part of the bar crowd, so it’s a really great party space, that you can decorate yourself. We also want to work more with the community, so I’ve opened up the function room free of charge for community groups, charities, anyone who needs a space, but can’t afford to hire one. It’s our way of giving something back, and getting to know the people around us, and being a part of the town, being more involved locally.
around Christmas this year, obviously it felt like last year was a little bit cancelled so people are just so eager to get out. I love Christmas anyway, and fingers crossed everyone is healthy and safe and nothing will come in the way of the celebrations this year. We’ve had quite an early surge in both private party and Christmas party bookings, so I’m hopeful - and people are booking for next year as well! We’re busy planning for New Year’s Eve, with two floors - a disco upstairs and a disco downstairs with different genres of music. But also holding a second New Year’s Eve party for those who have to work on the actual night, so the following week we’ll have a second one for emergency services staff and those who were on call.
“People are already booking their parties for next Christmas!” Although we’re next to the Pantiles, we’re a little bit tucked away, so not everyone realises we are here. We’re really trying to focus on raising that profile, and attracting new customers. During the summer we took part in the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival, and we had so many events here, and lots of people that wouldn’t necessarily have come here before, now come here and spread the word. I think we are slowly getting into the community, but theres still more we can do. It’s a nice place to be part of, there’s lots of lovely things going on. We want to support local acts, offering them a space that they can perform in free of charge, giving them exposure but also bringing in customers who weren’t aware of us previously.” ■
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B I DS E CBT IUO NS TI INT LEE S S
“The new owners took over in February, during lockdown, so a real baptism of fire as a time to open a new business! I got here in June as General Manager, and we pretty much started from scratch with a new staff team, so we’ve all grown together with the business, which is lovely. We’re a strong unit now.
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Free to read,
free to feature! BETTER BUSINESS
Cut costs
IT’S HERE! We hope you’re enjoying the new town centre magazine for Royal Tunbridge Wells, by RTW Together. But why stop at just reading it?
for Christmas!
Features are entirely free for town centre BID businesses, with professional photography included in the absolutely no cost advertising!
Your RTW Together BID provides town centre businesses with access to top money, energy and supplier experts to assess your bills and identify and implement savings for you - and it’s completely free!
Each seasonal issue will be distributed with local newspapers, delivered to each town centre business, and available to pick up across the area in outlets such as coffee shops, retailers, hotels and eateries, always free to take home. It’s also available to view in a digital format online at www. rtwtogether.com/magazine
If you’re a BID business, and would like to check your bills for potential savings, make an appointment by contacting sarah-jane@ tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk, or direct at info@placesupportpartnership.com
This is your publication - so when you have a story to share, just want to get involved, or wish to become a stockist with free stock to give away to your customers, contact BID Director Sarah-Jane at sarah-jane@ tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk Twitter and Instagram: @rtwtogether ZORBA MEZE GRILL W W W. RT W TO G E T H WW E R. W. SCTOM U D IO - S TA N DA I SRSD U .CO E # 1 I |S SPUAE G # 1E 1 17 7
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B ISDE C TPI ORNOT JI TEL EC T
BID lights the way! Christmas is coming, which means our town centre is now dazzling with festive lights - but did you know that the RTW Together Business Improvement District organises and predominanlty funds the scheme?
You can also meet our glowing clockwork ballerina and fairy stilt walker throughout the town centre on Saturday 11th and 18th of December.
This means that your favourite town centre stores, services and venues contribute to the Christmas lights that we all enjoy. That’s why we’ve produced a special short film, by local movie maker Simon Cossons, to showcase the involvement of businesses in lighting up central Tunbridge Wells. To view the video, head to www.rtwtogether.com/ christmas
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BID PROJECT
TAG US IN YOUR XMAS LIGHTS SNAPS: @RTWTOGETHER
IMAGE CONTENTS
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Jewel in the Crown
For traditional jewellers Walsh Bros, impeccable service is worth its weight in gold. 16 MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD
Up
the Art Deco entranceway to Walsh Bros, owner Richard Burrow is ready to greet you with not just a dazzling array of modern day gemstones and fine antique luxuries, but a long standing history of perfectly polished customer service. “We’ve had the business for coming up to 20 years now, it’s completely independent, and we offer not just the sale of the goods that you see, but also repairs on-site, in our own workshop, and engraving. We are an old fashioned jewellers in the true sense - the service we provide is as important to us as the pieces on display. If you come to us for advice, we want ISSUE#1
to provide you with the most honest advice you’ll receive, whether we can help you or not. Every purchase is made through our expert eyes. Walsh Bros have a vast and unique collection of jewellery, representing the very best in antique and vintage jewellery. Antique jewellery is becoming increasingly fashionable, sought after due to the hand cut stones, craftsmanship and uniqueness. We also take old pieces of jewellery to remodel at our on-site workshop. Buying a piece of jewellery is not just about the purchase - it’s an experience, of having that advice, to understand what you’re buying. There’s a difference between a jewellery shop and a jewellers, and when someone comes to us to buy a diamond, we’ll @RT W TO G E T H E R
pass them a magnifiying loop so they can truly look at the stone. We are trained gemologists, and that’s really important, that people know that as they are talking to you, that they can trust your knowledge. Everyone is treated the same, we want everyone to have a great personal experience - we want them to come back, every birthday, every Christmas. And we do have a really loyal customer following.
“There’s a difference between a jewellery shop and a jewellers.” We increasingly feel more part of the Tunbridge Wells community, and I certainly think that due to Covid, people now realise that the idea of ‘if you don’t use it you lose it’ is tangible, they’ve actually been able to see it. Some places have not been able to withstand, but the longevity of the shop has helped to keep us going. We all need to support local, and people have seen what can happen if you don’t. Like most people, we have had to look at the business - we’ve now got a brand new website, where you can buy direct. But we still want people to physically come into store where
they can. Christmas is going to be good this year, we’ve got to be positive. We have seen an uplift in footfall, even over the summer for us, and other shops we’ve spoken to, August was a really good month. We think people were staying at home, or staying in this country, and Tunbridge Wells has a lot to offer as a staycation. It’s a great place to base yourself and go out and have a potter around. It’s becoming more of a destination town. Our tagline is ‘uniquely beautiful, beautifully unique’, and that’s how we see Tunbridge Wells.” www.walshbros-jewellers.co.uk ■
REPAIR S AND REMODELLING TA K E PL ACE IN THE ONSITE W O R K S H O P.
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SOPR ANO, HIGH STREET
CHAPEL PLACE
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BID S E CB T IU O NS TII N T LE E SS
WE ARE ALL
the BID! The RTW Together Business Improvement District was formed for, and funded by, town centre traders. Here’s how we help. RTW Together is a notfor-profit organisation that represents the interests of town centre businesses in Tunbridge Wells, from family independents to well known big name brands, we are all the BID. So with the time of family and community upon us, we invited our retailers, foodies and entrepreneurs to come together for some street-based group portraits. BID Director Sarah-Jane explains why this trading period is so important for our local stores and services. “The past couple of years have been such a shock to our economy, and this year we’re hoping that this Christmas season will give
the town centre traders that we represent a real boost, both financially and morally – we know that Tunbridge Wells locals are loyal and supportive towards our town centre businesses, and we’re lucky to have such a high proportion of independent and creative entrepreneurs to complement the much loved brand staples. Big and small, we are all part of the BID, and we encourage customers to come offline if they can and drop by to spend in store, grab a festive bite to eat and let shop, restaurant and salon owners do what they do best. When you buy your gifts in person, you’re putting a smile on more than one person’s face.”
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The BID supports the town centre by funding footfall driving events, such as Local and Live, Jazz On The Pantiles, the Museum of the Moon, and TW Fringe Festival, and carrying out activities of its own, such as the autumnal poppy display recently seen at the Calverley Precinct clock tower. We work on promoting our businesses through advertising campaigns, media exposure, videography and social media promotion, and of course, our new town centre magazine. We supply the Christmas lights to the area, and carry out street scene initiatives, such as contributing to the parklets and floral planter scheme in the High Street, training and help with day to day operational issues. Local busineses are seeing a benefit to being part such a collective - Storm of Denny’s Place Barbers in Grosvenor Road says “The BID has been a breath of fresh air in a town in need of a boost –to have a contact such as Sarah-Jane who passionately cares about our business as much as we do is vital. The BID have made each business feel important and acknowledged our contribution to the town. We are a community, a family and Christmas is all about family, so please shop locally with yours.”
THE MA SSAGE COMPAN
Michelle of Manic Ceramix in Camden Road,
HIGH STREET
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BID BUSINESS
NY
THE PANTILES
MONSON ROAD
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agrees: “Being part of the BID feels like being part of a family and it’s so great to get to know everyone and have the support of each other.” To keep up with the work of the BID, visit www.rtwtogether.com, where you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @rtwtogether
CAMDEN ROAD
GOOD & GREEN
You can read this publication online at www. rtwtogether.com/magazine, where you will also find a list of local pick up points. ■
ROYA L V IC TOR I A PL ACE
GROSVENOR ROAD
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FAT FACE
BID marks the
spot
We’re leading the way with refreshed tourist map. W W W. RT W TO G E T HER .CO M/M A P
The RTW Together Business Improvement District is plotting its way across the town centre with the help of its newly revised tourist maps. Originally created several years ago, the leaflet features a beautifully illustrated map by local artist Elaine Gill, commissioned by RTWT. The brochure has now been updated to include fresh information, photographs of the town centre and reflect the BID’s refreshed branding. The map also generates work for BID member Minuteman Press of Camden Road, who undertake the printing. The new map has been warmly been received by many town centre businesses, with a variety of eateries, retail stores and reception areas now displaying the tourist staple. A full list of stockists can be found at www. rtwtogether.com/map
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Kate Finch of the town’s Tourist Information Centre, located in the Pantiles, has been providing the maps to eager visitors: ‘The Tourist Information Centre attracts visitors often looking for a useful map and an attractive souvenir, and the newly designed picture town centre map from RTW Together is the perfect complement to the other local information that we stock. They are proving to be very popular with tourists and locals alike!” Charlie Thompson of the Massage Company in Monson Road agrees, explaining ‘With a significant number of our customers coming to Tunbridge Wells from outside the town, we’re often called upon to provide local guidance. The new TW Together maps give a real focus to both the occasional town visitor, and also those seeking inspiration as our town goes through the post-Covid transition.’ @RT W TO G E T H E R
TECH MENDER
WOLFIT, MONSON ROA D
TA S TE W ELL S
The map is printed by town centre business Minuteman Press
MINUTEMAN PRESS
CHRIS POTTER COUNTRY SPORTS S E A S A LT, H I G H S T R E E T
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IL VESUVIO, CAMDEN ROAD
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B ISDE C TPI ORNOT JI TEL EC T
Stronger
Together
RTW Together kicks into action with free self defence classes for town centre workers. W W W. RT W TO G E T HER .CO M/B IDS CH O O L
RTW Together has helped over 120 town centre workers to learn self defence for free. BID Director for RTW Together, Sarah-Jane Adams, explains “With the darker nights and mornings, many of us are thinking about getting to work or home safely, and after recent high profile events, personal security is a very current and real consideration. We felt it was important to offer a free self defence class and personal alarm to the workers who are employed within our town centre, to give more people confidence as they come and go from work.
a chokehold, knife defence, mugging, being followed, bag defence – how what we carry can be used as a defensive weapon and the legality of self defence – the law regarding defending ones self and what we can / cannot do. Participants have also received a free personal alarm, a worksheet of moves, and a code to access a safety app.
We’re lucky that Tunbridge Wells is a relatively safe town, and ideally we’re hoping to provide the women and men who come along with skills ” that they will never have to use!” Instructed by Surge Self Defence, the session covered topics and physical elements such as being grabbed from behind and evading the hold, being grabbed by the wrist, escaping
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Trainer Heather Jordan explains why she is so pleased to be delivering this initiative on behalf of RTW Together: “I am passionate about women having access to self defence knowledge and techniques. It’s really important that women know how capable they are of overpowering someone bigger or stronger with simple techniques and skills. I love seeing the confidence grow in each and every person. Working with Sarah-Jane at Tunbridge Wells Together has been amazing, it’s brilliant to work with people who share the same passions regarding town centre staff accessing self defence. I’m really looking forward to working alongside RTWT over the next few weeks.” The lessons have been available to anyone who works within a town centre business, such as salon, bar, shop, restaurant or office, taking place in central locations.
event space at Geography for the BID self defence classes. As a female business owner, I personally think it’s really important we all have the tools we need to defend ourselves should we need to. It’s empowering, and at the end of the day, just common sense. It’s also great to be a part of the BID community and contribute in any way we can.”■ www.rtwtogether.com/bidschool
A number of town centre businesses have helped host the classes, such as Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, Lush, and Energie Gym, and Geography wine bar in the High Street. Owner Fleur shares why she kindly volunteered her venue: “We didn’t hesitate to offer up our brand new
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SUPPORT LOCAL
G A B R I E L L A’ S J E W E L L E RY, C H A PE L PL AC E
Sold with
love!
This Christmas, let’s get back to the things that matter. W W W. G A B R I E L L A J E W E L L E RY. C O. U K
As a resident retailer in Chapel Place, a hub of independents in Tunbridge Wells town centre, Gabriella Taylor tells RTW Together why we should all be getting behind local businesses this Christmas. “People have missed out on so much over the past 18 months, people have come in saying they didn’t get a present last year because they weren’t able to be together with loved ones. With jewellery, there’s always a memory attached to it, there’s a always a story and a celebration, and that lasts, it’s not something you just throw away. It triggers an emotion.
So this Christmas will be about being with family and making up for that missed time. Independents are likely to do well this year, especially coming off the back of COP, we’re much more interested in sustainability, and not having the air miles attached. The thing that is lovely about
CHAPEL PLACE
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Chapel Place is that we are mostly independents. We are very passioand and all work very hard, and hopefully that comes through.
“We’re passionate about supporting family businesses like ours - a lot of our suppliers are second or third generation.” Looking at the little businesses and companies that we support, we’re passionate about supporting family businesses like ours. A lot of my suppliers are second and third generation, right down to the window cleaner, a local man, and my accountants are a father and daughter. Big Orange for our advertising, the Times of Tunbridge Wells newspaper... from one small independent, there are so many other businesses in the area that it supports. I think that’s good for the whole of Tunbridge Wells, and the whole of the economy of the town. When you shop local, you’re benefitting from a level of knowledge and craftsmanship that you might not get elsewhere. It’s years of experience on your doorstep. It’s not all about disposable culture, it’s about repairing and repurposing things. We do a lot of remodelling and bespoke work, taking an old piece and refashioning it, so that the intrinsic elements are still there, but giving new life to it for the next generation, and the next story, which I think is really nice. This year, take the time to enjoy the people that you love, and not have this dreadful panic that we had last year. Fundamentally, that’s the most important thing. We all deserve it! It’s been a tough couple of years for so many people on so many different levels that we wouldn’t even understand, so have fun, and be nice to the people that are around you!” ■
TA L K O F T HE TOW N
Press play on
local radio!
West Kent Radio is now live on your airwaves, having launched this month from their new town centre base in Camden Road. Manned by volunteers, the station offers local chat, upbeat music and a rosta of friendly hosts. BID Director Sarah-Jane will be appearing regularly to provide updates on the work of RTW Together. To tune in, ask your smart speaker to ‘Play West Kent Radio’, dial in on 106.7fm in Tunbridge Wells, or listen live at west kentradio.co.uk ■
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Scrubbing up well!
Give it up for great gifing!
G E T H O L I DAY PA R T Y R E A DY W I T H OU R
COU N T DOW N TO G OI NG G L A M A T T H E B O D Y S H O P, ROYA L V IC TOR I A PL AC E!
3. 1.
T A K E T I M E T O PA M P E R with so much going on, it can be easy to neglect that precious me time, so make yourself a priority with the Soothe & Smooth Almond Milk and Honey Treats gift, £6. A L L E Y E S A R E ON YOU - a great eyeshadow palette will see you through all the different looks you need for work events, family functions and parties with pals. The Own Your Natural Palette, £15, has shimmers and mattes for every eventuality.
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SPICE U P YOU R L I F E!
Now is not the time for pale and interesting - with so many nights out beckoning, it’s time to tan with the Coconut Bronze Gradual Tan Lotion, £19, perfect for a slow glow that builds up as you need it.
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B I DS E CBT IUO NS TI INT LEE S S
4.
S M E L L A - P E E L I N G - The scent of citrus is a tangerine dream at this time of year, which is why the Clementine and Starfruit Hair and Body Mist, £10, is the zest!
5.
G E T P E R F E C T P A W S - What’s
Christmas without a Body Shop handcream in the stocking! Harsh weather can play havoc with our hands, so sort those dried out digits with a tube of this classic formula. Our seasonal favourite is Vanilla Pumpkin, £5.50.
DITCH DULL MAK EUP -
6.
Christmas is a great time to experiment with new shades and textures - glitter anyone? But nothing quite beats the traditional red lip for getting in the holiday spirit, like the Colour Crush Lipstick in Athens Anemone, £8.
We're coming to N E W YOR K in Spring '19
March — Register for talks www.studio-standard.co
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PUTTING THE ROYAL IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS! A L I T T L E B I T O F S PA R K L E I S COM I NG TO T H E TOW N CE N T R E ON OU R S PE C I A L S AT U R DAY S . . .
With its Royal Tunbridge Spells campaign, the RTW Together Business Improvement District is bringing the magic back this Christmas by inviting the fairest princesses in the land to visit over the festive period. With free meet and greet sessions around the town centre, come and meet the belles of the ball for selfies and to spread the Christmas cheer!
I ' V E T R E A T E D T H E WA I S T C O A T
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R&B ACCE SSOR IE S , ROYA L VICTORIA PLACE
F I N D OU R FA N C Y E N T E RTA I N M E N T AT T H E FOL LOW I NG T I M E S:
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27TH / SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER / MONDAY 20TH DECEMBER / TUESDAY 21ST DECEMBER at these times and locations:
Businesses got into fairytale mode as the glam girls checked out the local shopping!
11-11.45am The Pantiles, 12.15-1pm Chapel Place, 1.30-2.15pm High Street, 2.45-3.30pm Calverley Rd and precinct, 4-5pm Royal Victoria Place shopping centre *Route subject to change in poor weather
From Saturday 18th December until Christmas Eve, you can also enjoy RTW Together’s free storybook sessions, with characters from the Christmas Kingdom and free spell kits to giveaway, on the Upper Mall of Royal Victoria Place shopping centre. Sessions throughout the day, just stop and sit! RTW Together is also adding some charitable magic through its festive door bow scheme - we’ll be wrapping the front doors of businesses across the town centre, in return for an optional £5 donation. The funds
THE ITA LI A N S H O P
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TR INIT Y THE ATR E
used to support the Goodwill Ball by Once Upon a Wish, an event offered to poorly and grieving children. If your town centre business would like a door bow, please contact sarah-jane@tunbridgewellstogether. co.uk Founder of Once Upon a Wish events, Jess Nelson, explains why the contribution from our door bow
Our princesses put on quite the show during a visit to Trinity Theatre!
project means so much. “We’re so delighted that after a considerable donation from Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, the Once Upon A Wish Events Goodwill Christmas Ball can go ahead. LAKELAND
Similar to RTWT, our goal was to unite local businesses, and in doing so deliver an extra sprinkle of magic to some rather special children this year. The inaugural Goodwill Ball will have a session specifically for children living with Neuro-Diverse conditions that mean they’d ordinarily avoid these events and a second session to bring a moment of Christmas Spirit to children living with or
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LUSH
TA S TE W ELL S , ROYA L V I C TO R I A PL ACE
affected by a life limiting illness orsignificant bereavement. My most heartfelt thanks goes out to the local businesses and RTWT for their support and I cannot wait to put on a great show and share some seasonal smiles with some very unique and special children.” ■ WHIRLIGIG TOYS
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RT W
Together
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ISSUE ONE / CHRISTMAS 2021
FREE T OW N C E N T R E M AG A Z I N E
44
PAGES OF TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES AND BID NEWS Includes: GOUPIE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WALSH BROS FREE / RT W TOGETHER.COM
SELF DEFENCE CLASSES THE BODY SHOP R EMEMBR A NCE DISPL AY GRUB &
LIQUOR
TOWN CENTRE MAPS
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