RTW Civic Society

@RTWCS I have sent an email of support for listing this building to Heritage England - hopefully that will help in their decision to save it.

The Civic Society began working on an alternative proposal immediately after first learning from the Council’s consultant team that the hall was to be substantially demolished. Photography Sarah Mott @thevicsoc #TunbridgeWells

In fact, they have submitted a formal request to Historic England asking it to specifically rule out the possibility of listing the FSH.

Thread Two months ago, the Civic Society indicated to the developers how they could retain the Friendly Societies Hall (FSH) while still meeting the cinema operator’s requirements for three screens & an associated bar area, simply by moving them closer to the Calverley Precinct

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council revealed it wishes to demolish the Friendly Society Hall, leaving only the facade on Camden Rd. @RTWCS have made an application for listing to @HistoricEngland. Exterior + interior photographs of the historic Hall and snooker centre @SarahJaneMott

Others which could be mentioned are Kentish Mansions and The Hare Public House.

William Barnsley Hughes designed the Friendly Societies Hall as already mentioned. Of his landmark buildings in the #TunbridgeWells area only the stables at Salomons House in Southborough is currently listed. A certain case of underlisting, surely?

Like many Friendly Society events, it was widely celebrated with a procession, triumphal arches, and a loyal address at the Great Hall, and on to the Friendly Society Hall itself. 📷Sarah Mott : Photographer

With her country house in Rusthall she was invited to take part by the Hon Frances Molyneux, who lived on Mt Ephraim and was a great supporter of the Friendly Societies.

ome more #TunbridgeWells history : The foundation stone for the Friendly Society Hall itself was laid by Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, and daughter of Queen Victoria, in June 1877.

The Friendly Society Hall was designed by William Barnsley Hughes when he was apparently only 25 years old. An accomplished piece of Victorian eclectic design which deserves conservation as a building, not just as a façade … Thanks Sarah Mott : Photographer #tunbridgewells

We do have the wonderful Tunbridge Wells Equitable Friendly Society banner though. With the best tag line ever - 'Sickness is ever present, Death comes to all'. They believed in telling it like it is in those days!

Meanwhile we've applied for the building to be placed on the national list of protected buildings. Why pull it down? Some interior shots. Sarah Mott photographer 📷

The Council's developers say the snooker hall has to go to make space for the cinema. We have shown this is not so. The snooker hall is valuable socially & the building for its history & architecture. We have shown the developers our alternative & are waiting for their reply.

From the historic Pump Room & Great Hall to iconic spaces like the Opera House and Assembly Hall, discover how theatre has evolved and how public attitudes toward it have changed over time. A captivating journey through culture, history, and performance this is one not to miss!

First delivered at Trinity during Heritage Open Days 2023, this updated talk brings fresh insights into a story that spans more than twenty venues across the town.

Step into the rich theatrical past of Tunbridge Wells this April as our Newsletter Editor, Chris Jones, re-presents his fascinating talk, ‘Exits and Entrances’.

Quite hard to miss this one #tunbridgewells

@CarolynTGray @theamelia_tw Great that there is one in the local studies room @theamelia_tw Wonder how many of our titles are there?

This morning in Woodbury Park Cemetery, and then @theamelia_tw local studies room. I'm not sure why there are no non computer desks in there, I had to stand up rather than occupy a desk. Looking through @RTWCS map book ( so I don't need to buy it!) #TunbridgeWells