Many of you will know that, after two years, Rob O’Callaghan has had to step away from Twuttle so he can work on a new venture. This has been on the cards for some time so we’re lucky to have kept him for so long! But life goes on, as does Twuttle.

I would like to add my personal thanks to Rob because without his vision and tenacity, Twuttle – and maybe even it’s spin-off Twuddle – probably wouldn’t exist. They certainly wouldn’t be so successful. My own Tunbridge Wells Events probably wouldn’t exist either! It is largely down to Rob that Twuttle and Twuddle are taken seriously in the town; the Borough Council, the police, even our MP are all keen to talk to us.

It may look as if Twuttle and Twuddle run themsleves – but over the last two years Rob and Mike Goode have worked tirelessly (with the help of a few others)  arranging our many successful events, smoothing the way with our venues, running the various web activities such as this site, encouraging people to come to our bigger meetings and a whole lot more.

But, as I said, life goes on and there is a new King in town. And that King is YOU! Twuttle has created it’s own identity as a result of the people who have attended over the years, some have come and gone, some are still involved – but everyone has left their mark. Twuddle, while involving many of the same people also has a different identity. And I am sure the Crowborough (Cruddle) and Sevenoaks (both Skuttle and Oakuddle) meet-ups will be different again. All of these events and meet-ups are shaped by those who attend them.

So what is Twuttle? It’s perhaps not quite what was originally envisaged – which was ‘a space where like minded individuals could gather, share ideas and work together on their social media projects’ (Rob may correct me on this.) Although thinking about it, we are not far off this original aim. It’s much easier to say what we’re not – ie we are not a traditional business networking group. Because we are so successful we do attract some ‘old school’ networkers who are looking for quick business. But from what I have seen, these people receive fairly short shift and usually don’t come back. There are far better business networking groups for such people. On the other hand, those who appreciate an eclectic mix of social, community, technical (and occasionally business!) related chat will find Twuttle just their cup of tea – or coffee! Both of which are expertly served by our hosts, Paul and Viv, who run the Divinity Café at the Trinity Theatre. Thanks must go to them, and indeed the Trinity Theatre, for their continued support.

So Twuttle goes on. Without doubt it’s character will continue to change, influenced by the people who attend. Rob will certainly be missed, not only for what he has done, but also for his cheery and enthusiastic demeanour. But I am equally sure that come next Wednesday there will be 30 or more people at the Trinity café indulging in what Twuttle does best. – whatever that is!

Several people have volunteered to assist in running the group and I will be talking to them over the next week or so to see what help each person can offer. If you have any views on what works well, or what could be done differently, please use this post to let us know. Or alternatively, just grab me next Wednesday morning.

So it’s same time, same place… Twuttle lives on!

Dave Barnett