Monday 20 January 2014

Sunday 19 January 2014

Run For The Homeless


Local charity, The Bridge Trust, are delighted to announce that they have recently been chosen as one of the official charities for support in this year’s Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon on Sunday 2nd March.  They are now eagerly looking for runners, who could raise sponsorship to support their work with single homeless adults in the community and a free running place is on offer for people willing to do this!  However, the free places are limited and the DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 31st JANUARY, so anyone interested needs to contact The Bridge Trust for a VIP/Complimentary Entry Form without delay!  Contact Caroline Dunmall on 01732 368363; or email her at cdunmall@thebridgetrust.org.uk
This well-established event is described as “a challenging, yet fast, course through some of the most beautiful countryside in Kent”. It is hugely popular and there is always a big demand for places!  All runners will receive a free T-shirt and finishers medal and lots of prizes will be up for grabs – including cash!  So dig those running shoes out and get running for the homeless!

Thursday 16 January 2014

Flooding in Tonbridge High Street 1968

A few more photos of the 1968 floods taken in Tonbridge High Street


Clearing up and salvaging what's left at the Sea Cadets HQ
Tonbridge High Street knee deep in water
Tonbridge High Street

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Man of Kent, East Street

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Book Early For Christmas

The Christmas tree is still in place on the canopy of the Rose & Crown. This tree was the first to appear in the town for the Christmas season, and it seems it is the last to be taken down. The Tonbridge landmark even has stars twinkling in each of their High Street windows. The hotel seems to have lost the plot, or are they already taking bookings for next December. I'm confused!!!!!




Friday 10 January 2014

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Messing about on a summertime river

Tonbridge in August

Thursday 9 January 2014

Those were the days!!!

Who remembers the Birchwood Garage at Southborough? It was on the lefthand side just before going down the hill next to the common.

Here's an ad showing some of the cars on offer in 1968. I noticed they were all British, that the garage was closed on Sundays and I loved the line at the bottom that states 'Demonstrations with Pleasure'

And what about the 1963 yellow Austin Mini Saloon at £260 - Bargain


Tonbridge Daily Photo

Day 3 of sunny summer Tonbridge photographs to give you all something to look forward to.

Tonbridge Castle



Wednesday 8 January 2014

Tonbridge Flood in 1968

In 1968 parts of Cornwallis Avenue and Darwin Drive were flooded. It's very hard to believe but as the photos show it really did happen.

Darwin Drive
Cornwallis Avenue
 Courtesy of The Advertiser 1968 Flood Edition

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Sunny Sunday afternoon in August and Jazz on the Castle Lawn

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Fancy a little friendly local rivalry

Fancy a little friendly local rivalry - then look no further than the Tonbridge Triathlon Team Competition.

Tonbridge Lions Club, in conjunction with Harwoods Land Rover of Tonbridge, is laying down a Triathlon challenge for local buinesses and organisations.

Entries into this year's Tonbridge Triathlon can be made by 'teams of three':
One team member to swim 400 metres
One to cycle 25 km
One to run 5km

The fastest team over the Triathlon Sprint distance will be awarded the Harwoods Cup, a new trophy for the Triathlon in its 24th year.

The teams will also be able to obtain sponsorship and raise funds for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance's new night flying service. The Lions Clubs in South East england have pledged to raise £250,000 for the Marden based charity over 10 years to help support its 24-hour operation.

The Triathlon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday May 5 at Tonbridge School's sports complex. So plenty of time to step up the training!!!!!!

To book a place go to www.tonbridgelions.co.uk and click on the Triathlon 2014 tab or call 07549 949615

Tonbridge Daily Photo

There's been far too much wind, rain and bad weather recently. To be honest I'm thoroughly fed-up with it, and so for the next few days the Tonbridge Daily Photo will be of summer sunny days and blue skies.

August at Barden Lake

Friday 3 January 2014

Power back outside Wetherspoons

The exterior power has been restored to Wetherspoons, but unfortunately the interior needs to be reconnected too.

You can thank these lads for the job on the High Street outside the pub, but a pint inside was still in their dreams.



 

Tonbridge artist - Sue Walker - at The Trinity Tunbridge Wells

This week I visited The Trinity Gallery in Church Road, Tunbridge Wells to take a look at the solo exhibition by Tonbridge Artist, Sue Walker, and I wasn't disappointed. I love Sue's vibrant work, and I'm also very fond of this beautiful little sandstone gallery space in the former Holy Trinity Church designed by Decimus Burton.


In Sue's latest exhibition, 'Highlighting Form', her painting and drawings are particularly influenced by light, shadow and the human form. She draws inspiration from the unexpected shapes cast by an evening light, the dappled effect of the midday sun filtering through the canopy of a tree, or the way light falls on a figure.


Her art complements the space where exhibits hang beneath large imposing church windows that allow just the right amount of light into the interior. The whole works as a visual treat. A perfect relationship.

Amongst the Sue's work are two stunning canvasses. A beautiful male form, isolated in desperation and agony, hangs opposite a painting of two carefree young boys on a summer's day. One boy looks over his shoulder as if looking at the male figure. I loved the positioning of these two pieces and the symmetry between the images.



Apparently the best selling images from this exhibition have been male nudes which puts to rest the idea that the female form is more popular. Several of Sue’s studies include drawings of the Tunbridge Wells renowned “naked cyclist” Roger Coupe.


Sue is not only an accomplished artist, but has also forged a career as a graphic designer for the BBC. She has drawn since she was a child and has always loved everything connected with art and creativity.

The exhibition runs to Saturday January 11 and admission is free.

Thursday 2 January 2014

1968 Tonbridge Floods

What an image!!!

Again, from the wonderful find in my office of a copy of the 1968 flood edition of The Advertiser.

Here the 122, Maidstone and District double decker, severly tilts as it pushes its way through the High Street floods.

Just look at those faces at the front window of the upper deck.