The second annual Reclaim the Night Walk in Tunbridge Wells, initiated and organised by writer Lauren Brook and local Councillor Jayne Sharratt, coincided with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. It also marked the year of the passing into law of a Private Members Bill by local MP, Greg Clarke, with the Protection Against Sex-Based Harassment in Public Act 2023 making it a crime to sexually harass someone in a public place. Although the law is a big step in the right direction, the statistics for violence and harassment against women and girls are still alarmingly high.

The slogan for this year’s Reclaim the Night walk was, ‘Empowered Together, Stronger Alone’. This resonated with players both on and off the pitch. As the dark nights draw in, many make journeys to and from the club in the dark when they should not feel threatened but able to focus on the training session ahead. For the club’s players, the walk highlighted the need for their borough to address the need to improve street lighting, bus services and cycle lanes. The rugby club is determined to do what they can to make a difference and help create an environment where their whole community feels safe and respected. 

Women’s shirts in Turkey

Teamwork and respect are rugby values they embrace and so they were delighted to see something familiar in an Instagram post about women’s rugby in Turkey, where the players featured were wearing Tunbridge Wells playing shirts.

“We are very fortunate that thanks to our sponsors the club is able to update our kit on a regular basis,” said Michelle Greenall, Honorary Club Secretary. “As we replace kit, we donate our shirts and other kit to SOS Kit Aid who use the kit and their network of relationships to harness the power of rugby and sport to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. We’ve donated well over 300 playing shirts to the charity and it was really great to see what has happened to just a few of them.”

“We have been in contact with the club in Turkey,” said Drew Raine, Club Social Media Officer. “What’s great is the match featured was the first full fifteen-a-side match played by the team. We will be staying in touch and look forward to seeing how the team grows.”

And women’s rugby is doing well locally.

“We are seeing huge growth in women’s rugby in Kent,” said Simon Parsons Head Coach of the club’s women’s 1XV. “We have an increasing squad here at TWRFC and it’s great to see our kit helping to support developing the women’s game in Turkey.”

Saturdays with the seniors

Younger players at Tunbridge Wells RFC are also looking forward to Saturday matches as, to improve engagement between the youth and senior sections, different youth teams play a game or train as a curtain raiser before senior squad home games then form a guard of honour to cheer the senior squad onto the pitch.  This new initiative is proving a big success in bringing together the different groups within the club and is also increasing the number of supporters at games. Since the start of the season, seven age groups have played and cheered as their role models ran out.

“It’s a fabulous way of bringing the community together which means we have loads of people coming down and cheering the team on . The kids get to see their heroes and idols from the club and there’s a great community spirit,” said Simon Hughes, Youth Chair.