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 will take place at a specified venue or on Zoom, details of which are emailed out to members in advance. Non-members are welcome.
Programme for 2023
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8th June at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
'Michelham Priory: the site and its history' - an illustrated talk by Helen Poole, a very experienced speaker, albeit new to us. In 1229 a group of Augustinian canons established Michelham Priory on an idyllic site in the bend of the Cuckmere river near Hailsham. It survived difficult times before ending up as Thomas Cromwell's first Sussex property at the Dissolution. Since then it has hosted a number of tenant farmers and others, with some residents reputed to remain as ghosts haunting their former home. Set in beautiful gardens and featuring a reconstructed Iron Age setting in the grounds, it is open to the public and provides a lively education and events programme.
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Wednesday 14th June
Annual Outing to Woolwich Arsenal and Lesnes Abbey
The Royal Arsenal was the largest manufactory in British history. At its peak, in 1916, it employed 79,000 with a further 20,000 under contract. Its history can be traced to 1517 when a gun-wharf was opened to serve the nearby Royal Naval Dockyard. From the 1670s the greatest architects of the day were engaged and the work of Hawksmoor, Vanbrugh, the Wyatts and many others can be seen. Twenty five of its buildings are on Historic England's list of structures of architectural and national significance.
Nearby Lesnes Abbey was founded by Richard de Luci in 1178 as penance for his role in the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. The abbey was closed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525. It is now in ruins in an attractive wooded site. Lesnes Abbey is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is Grade II listed, with an ancient Mulberry Tree planted by King James 1st.
The coach will leave the Assembly Hall at 9.00am, so please be there to start loading at 8.45am. We then leave for a guided tour of the Woolwich Arsenal site followed by a ploughman's lunch at the historic Dial Arch Pub, a restored 18th century munitions factory. In the afternoon we visit Lesnes Abbey to walk around the ruins and the restored Monk's Garden returning to Tunbridge Wells by 5pm.
The cost is £35 per person to include coach travel, services of the tour guide, and ploughman's lunch (drinks extra).
To book please click on the link below:
Woolwich Arsenal and Lesnes Abbey Outing
or pay direct into our bank account:
CAF Bank 40-52-40, RTWCS 00017200, and reference with your name and initial - Outing Woolwich
or send a cheque payable to RTWCS to: John de Lucy, 28 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TB.
If paying by cheque please make sure you include your phone contact details in case of query as there will not be any tickets issued for this event.
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Sunday 18th June
'Schubert Trios' by the Trio Goya 3pm - a programme of Mozart and Schubert trios at the Richard Burnett Heritage Collection, The Finchcocks Charity, Waterdown House, 51 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5LE.
Katrina Burnett of The Finchcocks Charity has kindly agreed to host the Civic Society again this year at 51 Frant Road. The Trio Goya is led by Maggie Cole whom you heard last year. They are featuring trios by Schubert which should be lovely.
The price is £25 per person, same as last year, which includes drinks and nibbles afterwards in the garden.
To book please click on the link below:
Finchcocks Charity Concert
or pay direct into our bank account:
CAF Bank 40-52-40, RTWCS 00017200, and reference with your name and initial - Finchcocks Concert
or send a cheque payable to RTWCS to: John de Lucy, 28 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TB.
If paying by cheque please make sure you include your phone contact details in case of query as there will not be any tickets issued for this event.
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Saturday 8th July
Garden Party 6pm to 8pm - at Birchmead, Nevill Gate, Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5ES.
Mr and Mrs Richards have kindly offered to host our garden party this year in their beautiful garden at their home, Birchmead, at the end of Nevill Gate, beside the tennis courts.
The price is £17.50 per person to cover drinks and canapes from our usual caterers. Please note this is a members only event.
To book please click on the link below:
Garden Party
or pay direct into our bank account:
CAF Bank 40-52-40, RTWCS 00017200, and reference with your name and initial - Garden Party
or send a cheque payable to RTWCS to: John de Lucy, 28 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TB.
If paying by cheque please make sure you include your phone contact details in case of query as there will not be any tickets issued for this event.
- Friday 8th September to Sunday 17th September
Heritage Open Days in and around Tunbridge Wells.
- 14th September at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
The Local History Group presents its most recent work.
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12th October venue to be confirmed
Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards Evening - presented by Dr David Wright.
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9th November at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
Annual General Meeting followed by an open forum for members.
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12th November - 10.30 at the War Memorial
Remembrance Sunday - members are invited to attend the parade in Civic Way.
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14th December at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
'Overture, Beginners, Curtain up! Then 40 Years of Trinity' - an illustrated talk by Brian Lippard and Roger Norton who take us through a remarkable success story.
As this is the Christmas meeting the traditional refreshments of wine and mince pies will be provided after the presentation. Tea and coffee will also be available.
Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society - Registered Charity No. 276545