The Wadhurst Warriors started life as a group of dads that was an offshoot of the School’s PTA, they took it upon themselves to maintain the school’s playing field. They met every Monday night at Dobbins Inn for Harvey’s assisted brainstorming about other ways they could help raise money for the school's activity equipment, which is still used in the school playground today.
After the first successful year the Smooth Fruities became the Monday Night Marauders, with a mission to have fun while raising funds for the school. They arranged a Casino Night and a Beach Party (complete with a man-made beach!), an event which culminated with the fire brigade being called when a Chinese Lantern accidentally set fire to a large oak tree - but all in for good cause! As funds for the PTA grew, so did their plans. The following year, this fast growing gang of friends entered the Bewl Dragon Boat Race festival named "The Wadhurst Warriors", all dressed in traditional Māori war outfits. They also performed the Haka, were skippered to unexpected victory by Charles Fuggle, and from that point, there were was no stopping them. They continued to enter the race, succeeding to victory another 3 times and became the team to beat until retiring as winners in 2018.
Today the Wadhurst Warriors still put on a number of events with new ones coming and new ideas always being put forward to bring the community together. Among our events are the Quiz Nights, putting up and taking down the High Street Christmas lights and trees with ribbon wishes and, of course, the legendary Bonfire & Fireworks display, which have all been extremely popular events for the local community.
Oliver Orchard
Paul Beyer
Nicholas Craig
Sam Maynard
Jamie Cates
John Belton
Andrew Burnett
Michael Penfold
Paul Allen
Nigel Froggatt
See below for national press coverage showcasing the Wadhurst Warriors' incredible charitable endeavours, spreading positivity and making a real difference in our community.
Wadhurst Warriors named as stars of the show in best place to live in the UK BBC News
Wadhurst Warriors stars of the show and a quote from our previous chairman Times of Tunbridge Wells
The Wadhurst Warriors, a group of fathers who began fundraising for the town’s primary school in 2004 and now raise money for the whole village, were praised as the “stars of the show” ITV News
The stars of the show are the stalwarts who keep the place vibrant, especially the Wadhurst Warriors Sussex World
Wadhurst Warriors listed on Neighbourly
Become a Wadhurst Warrior and join our team. If you enjoy putting on events and would like to help raise money for our community or you just want to offer your time to help - we would love you to join us, you also get a lovely orange t-shirt and winter fleece, but more importantly you're part of a team making a difference.
If you like more information, please Get In Touch – we’d love to hear from you!