Recognising Tonbridge

Do you recognise where this decorative Victorian canopy is in Tonbridge High Street

Hundreds of people walk below it every day.

You just have to look up.

Any ideas?

Do you Remember Bill ?

Tonbridge Technical School for Girls - New Tennis Courts

I was sent this photo by a former pupil of Tonbridge Technical School for Girls.  The school later became The Weald of Kent Grammar School.  This is what she wrote:-

'1959/60 at the Tech all the girls sat glued to the windows watching 'Bill' with the wheelbarrow.

They were creating the tennis courts a few months after we moved into the school.

He was quite dishy for those days and we all bought this photo!'

It seems that Bill's popularity became big business for the girl who was selling the photos even though 'Bill' is barely visible.  She really was quite an entrepeneur.  I wonder where she is now?

And, does anybody know the whereabouts of 60's heart throb Bill? We would love to know what became of him.

Tonbridge artist is London 2012 Storyteller

There was good news for Tonbridge today, and good news for local artist Sarah Ledger, when it was announced that she was one of the 100 people who have been chosen to be BT official storytellers for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  She will be part of a team who will document and bring to life the journey of the Olympics, and also the build up to the games.

Sarah is a professional artist whose paintings include animals, portraits and landscape.  She is also a sculptor and photographer who is known for her portrayal of horses ... so we could be in for some memorable equestrian art.

The storytellers' news, work and stories will be available on www.bt.com/storyteller
Sarah's art can be viewed on http://www.sarahledger.com/new-work

TONBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET

Tonbridge the second Sunday of every month. 9.30am – 1.30pm Sovereign Way, Tonbridge TN9 1RG After the last market the manager Steve Wood said “ I can't believe the number of Tonbridge residents who come up to me to say thank you. Quite a few said that this is the sort of thing Tonbridge has been waiting for for years”. A lot more said “ I didn't expect anything like this, it's a lot bigger and busier than I expected”. He also said “if the public support us the market can only get bigger and better, so I hope to see a few more customers this month”. The market is actively looking for charities or local groups to take up the offer of a free pitch which is available at every market. Contact details  Steve Wood 07876 685853 steve@tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk www.tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk

Recognising Tonbridge

Where am I today?  

This pretty postcard scene is more north than south.  

Where is the white house in the distance?

Any ideas?

Tonbridge Theatre and Arts Club Taster

Here is a taster of The Tonbridge Theatre and Arts Club Annual Exhibition at The Oast Theatre, London Road.  It's open until Saturday July 30, and if you want to take a look it's hanging in The Janet Young Room, upstairs in the roundel.  Opening times are evenings only.  Monday to Friday 7 - 9.30pm and on Saturday 5 - 9pm.  Admission Free. 

Recognising Tonbridge

Where in Tonbridge am I ????

Penshurst Place Garden Evening

Last week I was invited to a champagne reception at Penshurst Place followed by a talk with Head Gardener, Cory Furness. As I stood in the magnificent Barons Hall surrounded by paintings and tapestries displaying English pastural scenes, sipping on a never-ending supply of bucks fizz and eating nibbles (the parmesan bites were incredibly moorish),  my mind wandered to those who may have stood on the flagstones before me.  Could Queen Elizabeth I have dined in this awe inspiring hall?  Her visits to Penshurst seem to have been well documented, and a painting is on display in the house showing her dancing with Robert Dudley.  A scene that fuels the speculation of the Royal affair.  Could that image have been set in the medieval hall where I was standing?  Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother had definitely visited as a painting hanging in the hall depicts her being received by Viscount De L’Isle, and of course The cast of The Other Bolyen Girl and BBC's Merlin had filmed under the impressive 60ft-high chestnut-beamed roof.  My feet could have been tracing the gorgeous Eric's Bana's footsteps.  

As for all special occasions held in this stunning fourteenth century hall, violet neon shafts of light lit up a display of antlers on the wall opposite to the Minstrels Gallery, turning the bleached branch-like structures into contemporary sculptures.  Magic!!!!! I was really enjoying the evening and 'feeling' the grandeur. 

Barons Hall

Magic under Chestnut Ceiling

After the champagne reception, we were led by the Head Gardener through the gardens and to the restored double herbaceous borders where he talked of the redesign.  Not being a gardener myself I was surprised at the complexity of producing such displays and Cory, with all his professional wisdom and enthusiasm, explained the two year process that the team had undergone to produce this renaissance of vibrant display.  The colours followed the Humphry Repton's principle that hot colours should graduate through to warm shades with the cool tints in the distance, and it works beautifully drawing the eye through the variation of colours from reds to cool blues.

Well, this really was an unforgettable evening and I learned so much about colour and structural planning of plants.  Cory's enthusiasm was infectious and  I left Penshurst Place full of aspiration and eagerness, together with glimmers to redesign my own small, but potentially beautiful, town garden.  Now where's that bottle of wine ... I need to sit outside and do some planning!!!!!

 

Cory Furness - Head Gardener

New Borders

The Hot Colours

The Blue Hues

Tonbridge School Drawing Master

Victorian Visions

Victorian Visions is currently showing at the Tunbridge Wells Museum Art Gallery.  It's an amazing collection of Victorian Paintings that were left to the museum in the will of Ernest Russell Ashton in 1952, and are known as the Ashton Bequest.    The collection is small but reflects many genres of painting including social history, portraiture, the exotic and landscape giving an excellent overview of life in Victorian England.

So what has an exhibition in Tunbridge Wells museum got to do with our home town of Tonbridge?  The answer to this question is that two of the paintings in the exhibition were painted by artist Charles Tattersall Dodd Senior (1815 - 1878) who was the Drawing Master at Tonbridge School for 40 years. The two paintings exhibited are worth a view.  'The Timber Wagon' is of a scene at Fairlight Cove in East Sussex, and the other of a rural Rusthall Common virtually unrecognisable to the 21 century eye, other than one house that still remains today.

Left - Russell Common                             The Timber Wagon - Right

Charles Tattersall Dodd was a member of the Temperence Movement that encouraged reduced use of alcohol, and he must have disapproved of the free beer given out in celebration by Tonbridge brewers Bartrams during the time he was employed as a Master at Tonbridge School.  He probably kept a close eye on the pupils' drinking habits too.

The exhibition is really worth a visit and is open until September, so next time you are out and about in Tunbridge Wells check out this Tonbridge connection.

Promenading At Tonbridge Castle

The Victorians were highly interested in taking a leisurely walk in public so as to be seen by others. Everyone dressed in their finest and came out to see and be seen.  It was a time that piers and seaside promenades were an essential part of life gaining the favour of a generation who were experiencing more leisure time, and therefore a walk about town or along the seafront was socially popular.

Tonbridge Castle

It is then of no surprise that in 1898 Tonbridge castle and the surrounding grounds were acquired by the council for the people of Tonbridge.  A walk was planned and constructed so that the area and river could be made accessible to residents, and the walls and gatehouse could be partially renovated.

River Walk Tonbridge Castle

In May 1900 the new walkway and the grounds were officially open to the public and so the promenading could begin for the Victorian residents of Tonbridge.  One can only imagine what a sight that must have been.

Tonbridge hosts Beer Festival

There has been lots of activity going on around the Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club in preparation for the 5th SIBS South East Beer Festival that opens today.  Over 120 real ales are ready to titilate the tastebuds and the prize winning beers, chosen by a panel of experts, will be ready to sample tonight.  They'll be plenty of locally sourced cider too for those who like the alternative taste the humble apple can produce.  Tutored tastings are happening on Saturday but be quick as places are limited.


Tonbridge Brewery, our very own local micro brewery, will be there with quirky named real ales such as Blonde Ambition, Auburn Myth, Ebony Moon and Coppernob made from the finest malted barley and locally grown hops.  Go and try their distinctive tasting ales over the weekend.  There's nothing like knowing it's been produced on home ground.  If you want to know more about them check out their website on http://tonbridgebrewery.co.uk/index.htm

This is not just a festival for the beer drinkers among us; it is a family event with plenty of space outside on the meadows for families to enjoy a picnic and ball games, and soft drinks are available for the non-drinkers.  There will be a Hog Roast available on Saturday afternoon (get there early for the crackling) and a local concert band will entertain. Sunday is BBQ day.

Beer related events are really not new to Tonbridge.  In February 1840 free beer was distributed to the 'industrious poor' of the town so that they could celebrate the wedding of Queen Victoria in style.  And in 1855,  the people of Tonbridge partied on free beer that was provided by Bartrams Brewery, to mark the end of the Crimean War Campaign. Bartrams were situated close to The Big Bridge and more or less where Weatherspoons garden is now.  Apparantly the whole town made merry and the brewery cannons were fired from the castle wall and fireworks were set off from barges and in the street.

Finally, take a look at the ad below for a Hadlow Brewery.
1903, now that was when beer was cheap.

Tonbridge Tales, pub. John Hilton

Sea of Yellow

I was cutting through Tonbridge Parish Church graveyard this morning and was struck by a sea of yellow between the memorials.  If you are in the High Street try to take a leisurely stroll through the churchyard yourself - it really is very beautiful and peaceful.  You will be pleased you did!

Traffic Chaos

The congestion and pollution problem in Tonbridge High Street was again highlighted in this week's Kent & Sussex Courier.  Traffic jams have been a problem in the town centre for years.  Today it is a daily problem, with the added complication of air-quality, but even as far back as the 1960's there were weekend snarl ups as people headed through the town, on what was then the only route to the coast from London.

Nothing has eased the traffic.  Not the building of a by-pass, or the route around the industrial estate, nor the straightening of the High Street, or the widening of the road that led to the destruction of medieval buildings.  Not parking restrictions, nor car parks, traffic lights, roundabouts or double yellow lines, and according to The Courier TMBC now 'proposes stricter parking enforcement to reduce "idling of engines"... improved junctions ...and a reduction in harmful emissions from buses.' Will it ever end?

Even over 100 years ago, in Victorian Tonbridge, the town was proposing measures to ease 'traffic' in the High Street.  The problem in 1871 was more about the amount of people and animals travelling through the main thoroughfare, than the 'motor' vehicle snarl-ups we now experience.

Apparently more than a century ago on the town's market day the amount of traffic The Little Bridge carried was constant, and when special events occurred such as the County Cricket matches there were queues of slow moving carriages in the High Street.  This was often made worse by large traction engines hauling waggon trains on behalf of the Medway Navigation Company.  In some spots the road was only 14ft wide and these places caused blockages and made it unsafe for pedestrians.  The line of buildings was then totally irregular and what pavement there was was generally used by High Street traders to display their goods. It was all very 'hit and miss'.

So in 1871 a 'Town Improvements Committee' was formed to use their imagination and expertise to permanently solve the High Street's traffic problems, so as to create a healthy and pleasant environment for the people of the town.  Little did they know that even after all their well intentioned improvements a century later the problem would have worsened catastrophically.

The Committee recommended a number of improvements to ease the flow of traffic such as the removal of all bow windows and steps to High Street buildings around the Little Bridge Area (NO, I hear you cry), so as to give more pavement width.  A second recommendation was to raise enough funds to buy as much frontage as possible to be used for widening the road.  And so the devastation of the town's heritage began.

A census was conducted in August 1871 (140 years ago) to establish the amount of traffic that passed over the Little Bridge on three chosen days.  On market day 1084 animals were counted crossing the bridge, 101 of them horses, now that must has been a sight, but also a great difficulty if road in some places was only 14ft wide.

Mid-Victorian England, C.W. Chalkin, KCC, c1977

So, what is next for our town?  How is Tonbridge ever going to solve its traffic problem? A century has past and we seem to be no further.  Any ideas?

Andy Thomson Visits Angels

Andi Thomson England Captain

The gates of the Angel Indoor Bowls Centre were decorated with balloons this morning, and there was no doubt that something very special was happening at the club today.  When I arrived inside there was an air of excitement and hushed concentration as England Captain, and former world champion, Andy Thomson was in mid-play with two of the club juniors. It must have felt tremendous for the boys to have been given the opportunity play a former world champion in their own sport.  That really doesn't happen very often to a budding young sportsman, whatever their sport, but for these two boys it was happening today at their home club in Tonbridge.  Alex Bishop and James Brooker put up a good fight against the champ but one loose end lost them the game, but smiles and autographs won the day.

Photo Opportunity with the England Captain

Andy Thomson was at the club to unveil the new carpet and to take on some of the club's best players, including very lucky member, Cyril Stares, who won a chance to play the former champion when his winning number was chosen in a raffle.

Cyril Stares and England Captain Andy Thomson

There was time available for a lengthy question and answer session with the England Captain, lunch and refreshments before play resumed for the afternoon.  Andy beat womens club champion Val Harvey, 2 sets to 0, but at one point in play Val shocked the England Captain with a 3. To round off the afternoon Andy played club champion Paul Gent, winning 9-5. Despite some good woods from Paul, Andy's class and shot play was evident

Andy's professional opinion on the new Angel playing carpet was that it had nice lines with no runs, and a decent speed.  He will be returning on 22nd October when the Angel face the Cyphers in the first round of the Denny Cup.

Last but certainly not least 'The Big Pink (charity) Breakfast Morning' will take place on Saturday August 6 at the club. Andi the chef will be preparing delicious breakfast dishes from 9 until 12 noon.  The cost is £5 and 50% - £2.50 - will be donated directly to the charity. Try to get along for this event as it is in aid of breast cancer.  It is also an opportunity to have a look inside the club, ask questions, find out what's on offer.  So why not take a break from shopping and enjoy a relaxing breakfast.  It is afterall for a very good cause.     

Andi Club Chef

RECOGNISING TONBRIDGE

I've been out and about again in Tonbridge and came across this chicken laying an egg very close to The High Street. 

Where am I this week?
No prizes!
Just a round of applause.

Tiger Who Came To Tea

Look Out - Look Out !!!

There's a Tiger About.

He was spotted in a window in Church Lane.

Is it the tiger who came to tea?

Church Lane Tonbridge

Thanks Tipz 'n' Toez

The girls at Tipz 'n' Toez nail bar in Avebury Avenue certainly deserve a mention for their friendliness today.  I broke a nail while sifting through some research papers in Tonbridge library and noticed the studio across the road on my way out.  I gingerly popped my head around the door and asked if they could fix it, and within seconds my nail was glued back together.  Now, they could have easily sent me away, or charged me a fee, but the girls were so obliging and welcoming.  It's not often this happens nowadays so what more could I do but to give them mention here.

I remember when Wickenden's Clocks traded from the same building and have many happy memories of playing in and around the shop as a small child. Maybe the place creates good energy. Today's experience really gave me the feel good factor.

Thanks girls!!!!

Demelza House Charity Sale

Demelza House Stall

I've just returned from the Demelza House sale held at Tonbridge school.  Sadly the event was little advertised and the usual super-sized banner, advertising the event to the passing public, seemed not to be in place in front of the school this year.  The sale is for such a good cause, and held in rather a splendid room with high ceiling beams above a gallery of Tonbridge School linked portraits, it is such a shame for more of us not to know about it, even if it is an opportunity to peep inside the school building and have a cup of coffee.

I happened, by chance, to be in the town library this morning and noticed the event on the pinboard, so I took myself over to the school to have a look what was on offer.  I am really pleased I did as I managed to pick up a bargain unused Ping golf bag, and a box of rather delicious cookies made by a group of Tonbridge pupils who were running the refreshments - very efficiently might I add.  The boys told me they had made them the night before, and I tried not to think too much about the mess they had probably made whilst making them, but I have to congratulate them on their splendid cookie baking skills. They were delicious!!! Top work boys!!!!!

I believe this is an annual event but it would be very welcomed if a Demelza sale could return to Tonbridge again very soon.

Tonbridge Country Market

Preserves and Honey

Every Friday morning in a small weather worn hut in Lamberts Yard ladies, in fresh white aprons, sell their locally grown and homemade produce.  It's like going back in time. You have to get there early as the weekly homegrown harvest flies out of the door as quickly as it is put on the table, especially the cakes.  The tiny hut is crammed with jams, jellies, plants, meat, eggs, crafts and home baking.

Sarah - Alba of Tonbridge

Apple and Pear Juice manufacturers Alba of Tonbridge offer three varieties of pure apple juice - Cox a juice with a tangy bite, Royal Gala which produces a clear sweet flavour and Egremont Russet a full flavoured and nutty juice.  The apples are grown on the family farm in Postern Lane and their aim is to press the fruit on the same day as picking.  One couldn't ask for better than that.  The pears come from a neighbours orchard.  Sarah the producer is happy to talk about the manufacturing process and answer any questions.

The early bird catches the worm as far as this market is concerned - doors open at 8.30 and close at 11 on the dot.

Recognising Tonbridge

Where am I?

No prizes! 

Just a round of applause.

Unveiling The Angel Indoor Bowls Centre

There has been a lot going on inside the Angel Indoor Bowls Centre this week as a new green carpet lawn has been laid, and a rather special event will be happening on Saturday July 9 when Andy Thomson, the England Bowls Captain and twice World Singles Champion, will take the honour of unveiling the carpet and play against the ladies singles runner up, a pairs match against two of the Junior members  and also a game against the men’s single champion.   It going to be an exciting day and a celebration for the Tonbridge club. 

Today I took up an invitation from Paul Gent, the Chairman of the Social Committee of club to have the opportunity to look around the facilities it provides, and get a glimpse the new carpet.  I was met by John, a happy smiling gentleman, who kindly gave me an informative personal tour and introduction to the world of bowls.  Don't be fooled by the austere exterior of the building, as the inside is warm and friendly just like the club members who I met today, and to my amazement there is plenty for all ages to get involved in and enjoy. 

On entering the club the space opened up like Dr Who's Tardis and I was thoroughly surprised how large the interior is.  There is an airy bar, with a roomy seating area of tables and chairs, that overlooks the indoor lawn.  Members can enjoy a drink and a chat here while watching all the games through a sea of spectator glass.  It looks extremely comfortable and relaxing, and what better way to watch all the action with drink in hand, without disturbing the players.

The indoor lawn is impressive and provides eight rinks (I hope I am right here).  And, for those who are not familiar with bowls terminology, which I was not until today, a rink is one of the parallel bowling strips on which play takes place. This vast green area is resting for a few days because the new carpet has just been laid.  It still smelt very new and looked very impressive.

New carpet

If you thought that bowls was only for the older members of our community you would be very wrong.  There is something for everyone at the club.  Younger members can join the junior teams,  and the social side of the club is certainly thriving.  The newly refurbished restaurant is proving popular with regular events such as a weekly curry night, freshly prepared and cooked by chef Andi and Lisa and 'The Big Pink (charity) breakfast morning' will take place on Saturday August 6.  Try to get along for this event as it is in aid of breast cancer.   In the pipleline are comedy and cabaret nights for August and September and a number of interesting local speakers to listen to.

Fresh cool blues newly refurbished restaurant

So there really is something for everyone at the club. Regular open evenings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month between 7pm and 9pm and there is always a friendly face to show you the ropes.  Give them a call on 01732 771200 or 01732 771262.

Give it a go, and try it out.  I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.  I certainly was and will definitely return.

THANKS JOHN FOR THE FABULOUS TOUR!