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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14th May at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
'An Archaeological Review of Our Local Landscape' - an illustrated talk by Nigel Stapple when we shall learn what he has been uncovering since his last report to us in May 2023. Nigel reckons that our part of West Kent has, historically, been much overlooked by mainstream archaeology, with very few 'professional' excavations taking place. Whilst we have a reasonable historical narrative from the 17th century onwards, our older history (and indeed our prehistory) has been somewhat neglected. However, community-led archaeological research since 2012 has shown our local landscape to have had a far richer past than most of us would realise. From Mesolithic rock shelters, Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements to Iron Age hill forts, Roman period finds, Saxon dens, medieval villages and 16th century industrial ironworking, we are surrounded by a fascinating and culture rich landscape.
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Saturday 23rd May
Outing to Cranbrook, known as the Capital of the Weald. Many members may not have visited this nearby historic town with a medieval street layout, or forgotten how lovely it is. We have chosen a Saturday as it's the only day the historic windmill is shown working. All visits are free entry with a choice of a donation. There are two car parks near the centre, one just off the High Street and the other behind the church.
Meet at 11 am in the 13th century Grade I listed St. Dunstan's Church, Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HA often referred to as the Cathedral of the Weald, and walk around its amazing interior, followed by a walk along the historic High Street.
There are a wide variety of places for lunch within a few minutes walk of the church such as Larkins' Alehouse, The George Hotel, Arthur's, Kypseli Kitchen and Willow & Sage Bistro.
2-3pm tour of the local Cranbrook Museum, Carriers Road, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3JX in a 15th century building close to the church which has a wide range of collections including pictures by the Cranbrook Colony.
3-5pm walk to the working windmill, the Grade I listed Union Mill, The Hill, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3AH built in 1814.
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Friday 5th June
Outing to the Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers.
This amazing flower festival in the Cathedral only happens every two years, so hopefully members will take the opportunity to experience it this year! The coach leaves from outside the Assembly Hall at 9am, so please start boarding at 8.45am and we return at 5pm. We are booked on the 12.30-2pm visitor slot. In addition to the Festival of Flowers, there is an on site market in the Cathedral's 600-year old Cloisters and cafe facilities on site for lunch.
The cost is £55.00 per person to include coach travel and admission to the Festival.
To book please click on the link below:
Chichester Cathedral
or pay direct into our bank account:
CAF Bank 40-52-40, RTWCS 00017200, and reference with your name and initial - Chichester Cathedral
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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11th June at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Never Look at an Ugly Thing Twice': the life & work of C.F.A.Voysey - an illustrated talk by Alastair Dick-Cleland, whom many members will remember from last summer when he introduced us to the wonderful work and properties of the Landmark Trust. Charles Francis Annesley Voysey was one of the leading Arts & Crafts architects, whose practice flourished between 1890 and 1910. He was one of the most successful and sought-after architects of his day, and was awarded the Gold Medal by RIBA in 1940. As well as designing houses in his own distinctive style, he produced numerous designs for wallpapers, fabrics, rugs, furniture and much else besides. Alastair will give us a finely illustrated account of the life and work of this fascinating man.
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Saturday 1st August
Garden Party - 6pm to 8pm - at 23 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TA.
By kind permission of Jenny Chambers. Please note that the event is only open to members of the Civic Society and their guests and is all ticket. Details to follow soon.
- 10th September at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'The Husseys of Scotney' - an illustrated talk by Helen King, Collections and House Manager at Scotney Castle, who will focus on the significance of the Castle's collection, he Picturesque movement, and the work of Christopher Hussey who inherited Scotney in 1952 with his wife Betty, and who left the property to the National Trust. Scotney is considered one of the best examples of a Picturesque garden, and the mansion and Old Castle sit within a designed landscape. The collection is on track to be one of the five largest within the National Trust, and, as an Accredited Museum, it tries to vary the display and tell stories of the inhabitants.
- 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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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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8th November - 10.30 at the War Memorial
Remembrance Sunday - members are invited to attend the parade in Civic Way.
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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