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 take place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall or the Royal Wells Hotel.
Non-members welcome. Entrance to the Town Hall is via the main door. If you are late and find that it is locked, please ring the bell and wait to be admitted.
Programme for 2020
-
13th February in the Royal Wells Hotel
'The Development of the Kentish House' - we welcome back Paul Britton for another in his series of illustrated talks. For many centuries, Kent has been a heavily populated and fairly prosperous area, and accordingly it presents us with a fine legacy of vernacular architecture, as good if not better than that of any other English county. It is especially rich in good houses of all periods. On this occasion, therefore, Paul Britton will examine the development of smaller and medium sized houses from the medieval period down to the 20th century, looking in particular at changes in style, plan and building materials.
-
12th March in the Town Hall
'Industries & Utilities in Tunbridge Wells' - John Arkell's talk uses rarely seen photographs from the Museum archives to show how much productive activity was going on beneath the traditionally serene appearance of our town.
-
9th April in the Town Hall
'Flemish Weavers in Kent' - Fred Lemont explains how weavers from Flanders built up a prosperous broadcloth industry, notably in the Weald of Kent, by making use of local sheep, oak, rivers and fuller’s earth.
-
14th May in The Royal Wells Hotel
'Michelham Priory' - Helen Poole recounts the history of this beautiful house near Hailsham from its foundation as an Augustinian priory in 1229, via Thomas Cromwell, to its present ownership by the Sussex Archaeological Society.
-
11th June in the Town Hall
'Art Nouveau Architecture around the World' - Ian Gledhill is back again to illustrate the expansion of this glorious architectural style through Europe and as far afield as America and Australia.
- July
Garden Party - at a venue and on a Saturday to be arranged.
- 10th September in the Town Hall
The Local History Group presents its most recent work.
- Friday 11th September to Sunday 20th September
Heritage Open Days in and around Tunbridge Wells.
-
8th October in the Town Hall
Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards Evening - presented by Dr David Wright.
-
8th November - 10.30 at the War Memorial
Remembrance Sunday - members are invited to attend the parade in Civic Way.
-
12th November in the Town Hall
Annual General Meeting followed by an open forum for members.
-
10th December in the Town Hall
'Tunbridge Wells in Colour' - new compilation by David Sandford of rare film material illustrating our town, this time in colour.
As this is the Christmas meeting the traditional refreshments of wine and nibbles will be provided afterwards.
Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society - Registered Charity No. 276545