Tonbridge Daily Photo

Sunny Sunday afternoon in August and Jazz on the Castle Lawn

What a difference a week makes

What a difference a week makes and there's a nip in the air. The flowers beds on Castle and Cannon Lawn have been grubbed out and are now bare. Autumn is definitely here and winter just around the corner.

Castle Lawn

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #303 - The long shadows of autumn on Castle Lawn

Hot Air over Tonbridge

It was perfect timing when a Virgin balloon flight floated overhead during the Killer Queen concert on the Castle Lawn, and take a look at the guys in the basket waving to the crowd.

Thanks again to Carl Lewis for sending me his photograph. Great shot!!!!!!!!!

 

Art on the Railings

There are so many art events happening at the same time in and around Tonbridge, and this morning as I crossed the Big Bridge I spotted the back of what I thought were paintings on the railings around Castle Lawn.  So, I made my way up to the castle to check it out, and a number of artists had braved the wind and the threat of rain to exhibit their art in the open-air.

I have to admit it wasn't too pleasant weather-wise high up over the river, but the colour of the paintings at least brightened up my mood.

I had a chat with two of the Tonbridge artists - Samantha Webster was displaying very intricate fabric pictures that had a 3D effect. She had obviously put a lot of close work into each image. They were perfect for a child's bedroom or nursery. I really liked them.

Tonbridge Artist Samantha Webster

Gary Taylor was exhibiting his photographs as digital prints on canvas. These were landscapes and places of interest.  I did spot one fairly local image of Aylesford Bridge in Kent, but most of them were taken further afield.

Gary Taylor

They will all be there tomorrow and part of the Tonbridge Taster Day so do go along and have a chat with them, and have a look at their work.

Tonbridge Carnival 2013

Carnival Fete on Castle Lawn

Tonbridge town centre will be full of excitement tomorrow when the town’s annual carnival takes to the streets. This year the carnival theme is “That’s Entertainment” so you can expect to see local interpretations of all varieties of entertainment from theatre, cinema, TV and maybe even local radio!

In a break with an almost unbroken custom that has existed over twenty five years, this year's Tonbridge Carnival procession will not be assembling in Brook Street. Instead the carnival floats, classic cars, bands and other groups will gather in the Sovereign Way car parks, close to the Tonbridge Farmers' Market (which will also be up and running at Sovereign Way tomorrow) and then proceed from Avenue du Puy at 12.30 pm along the High Street passed Tonbridge Castle. With a variety of walking groups and motorised float entries, this year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better than ever and will also include the Southern England Marching Band Championship and Morris dancers.

The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling and Lion President will judge the entries later in the afternoon, on the Castle lawn, and will present shields to the best in each category taking part in the procession.

In addition to the fun of the carnival procession, there will be a Fête on the Castle Lawn and along Castle Walk providing an array of entertainment and fun activities throughout the afternoon including the silver band 2nd Wind who will perform at the Watergate entrance from 11.45am – 12.45 pm.

As usual the show will feature Punch & Judy, Rondo the Clown, children's entertainment area, bungee trampolines, children's rides, a full arena programme presenting local talent, including the Cannon School of Irish Dancing, song and dance by Stagecoach and music from local band Rosewood Drift. And in the tradition of this popular event, there will also be a wide selection of tombolas, raffles and side-shows including the coconut shy, crazy kitchen and other games to test your skill as well as stalls selling cakes, jams, books, toys and jewellery. Hot and cold food, drinks, ice creams and scrumptious cream teas will also be on sale.

The Carnival is organised annually by Tonbridge Lions Club with support from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Proceeds from the day will help local good causes and Lions' charities.

New spot for banners

There was a great deal of disappointment when the path from the Watergate area to Castle Lawn was closed. Many of us had used the footpath for years and were sorry to lose the facility.  Community clubs and societies also raised concerns that they would no longer be able to use the railings to advertise events. They needn't have worried as I spotted that the lower railings along the river are now the new place for banners.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

Several military trophies were displayed in the castle grounds after WWI, including an army tank which was sited on a concrete plinth on Castle Lawn. It was removed to be melted down during WWII to help with the war effort. 

Tonbridge Passion Play

Over 2000 onlookers braved the bitterly cold temperatures on Good Friday to watch the first ever Passion Play staged in Kent.

The dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ, his trial, suffering and death was performed in the shadow of the castle walls, and moved through the heart of the crowd on Castle Lawn.

I was impressed with the whole production, the acting and the dedication of the cast. I was also impressed with the enormous crowd who had gathered to support and share the experience.

This certainly was something very good for Tonbridge and hopefully it will be a start of a new Easter tradition for the town.

Jesus and his disciples

The Last Supper

Judas

Young Onlookers

Cast and Crowd Mingle

Jesus is nailed to the cross

The Crucifixion

Final Rehearsals for Tonbridge Passion Play

The cast of the Tonbridge Passion Play braved sub zero temperatures to rehearse at Tonbridge Castle this afternoon. These guys really have to be admired for their enthusiasm and dedication as the wind chill factor was positively arctic.

It was all looking very professional and sounding good as Tom Holland who is playing Jesus projected his strong voice around the Castle Lawn. I also caught my first glimpse of the enormous cross built by carpentry students at the West Kent YMCA designed to bear the weight of the 6ft 4in Jesus. Impressive!

There will be one performance only on Good Friday, and this will start from St. Peter and St. Paul Church (Parish Church) at 10.20am, with a procession to Tonbridge Castle where the play will begin at 10.30am, in front of the audience on Castle Lawn.

This is the first ever Passion Play to be set in Kent and it is going to happen in our town, so please go along and support the event.  Remember to take your camera and wrap up warm. This is not to be missed!!! Just think you will be able to say you were there at the very beginning ... when Tonbridge started a new tradition.

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #185 - Picnic on Castle Lawn

What a difference a few days make. I took this photograph last week in the Spring sunshine as group of schoolchildren had a picnic lunch on the Castle Lawn, while on a trip to the historic castle.

'That's Entertainment' is the 2013 Carnival Theme

Carnival Fete on Castle Lawn

Tonbridge town centre will be full of excitement on Sunday 9 June when the town’s annual carnival takes to the streets. This year the carnival theme is “That’s Entertainment” so you can expect to see local interpretations of all varieties of entertainment from theatre, cinema, TV and maybe even local radio!

IN a break with an almost unbroken custom that has existed over twenty five years, this year's Tonbridge Carnival procession on Sunday will not be assembling in Brook Street. Instead the carnival floats, classic cars, bands and other groups will gather in the Sovereign Way car parks, close to the Tonbridge Farmers' Market and then proceed from Avenue du Puy at 12.30 pm along the High Street passed Tonbridge Castle. With a variety of walking groups and motorised float entries, this year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better than ever and will also include the Southern England Marching Band Championship, a display of classic cars, and Morris dancers.

The then Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr. Howard Rogers and Lion President Mike Stout will judge the entries and later in the afternoon, on the Castle lawn, will present shields to the best in each category taking part in the procession.

In addition to the fun of the carnival procession, there will be a Fête on the Castle Lawn and along Castle Walk providing an array of entertainment and fun activities throughout the afternoon including the silver band 2nd Wind who will perform at the Watergate entrance from 11.45am – 12.45 pm.

As usual the show will feature Punch & Judy, Rondo the Clown, children's entertainment area, bungee trampolines, children's rides, a full arena programme presenting local talent, including the Cannon School of Irish Dancing, song and dance by Stagecoach and music from local band Rosewood Drift. And in the tradition of this popular event, there will also be a wide selection of tombolas, raffles and side-shows including the coconut shy, crazy kitchen and other games to test your skill as well as stalls selling cakes, jams, books, toys and jewellery. Hot and cold food, drinks, ice creams and scrumptious cream teas will also be on sale.

The Carnival is organised annually by Tonbridge Lions Club with support from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Proceeds from the day will help local good causes and Lions' charities.

There is still time to take part in the Carnival procession, contact Barrie Bromley on 01732 851415, or to book a stall space at the fête, contact Peter Godsall on 01732 354174.

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #153 - Castle Lawn

There's a Mochafella in the Playground

Whilst walking through the Sportsground today I came across Mochafella, Jem by name, serving steaming hot drinks in the childrens playground. How brilliant is this!!! Jem's little pop-up van really is a gem, and this little tardis specialises in hand pump espresso coffee, tea and creamy rich hot chocolate - all very welcome on a cold day in the park. There are even a couple of comfy directors chairs to use when sipping away at your warming drink, and you can have a chat with the man himself. 

Mochafella - Jem and his pop-up

This is really what is lacking in Tonbridge especially around the river areas of the town, and I for one would like to see more pop-ups where we can sit, and socialise, next to some of the best views in the town. I think the Watergate area is underused. In the summer it's welcoming to see the icecream van, but on the other side of the gates, on the High Street side, there's plenty of room for a pop-up cafe, or maybe around the Castle Lawn.  What do you think?

Coffee in the Playground

Please drop into see Jem, stop for a chat and enjoy one of his drinks and snacks. In the 30 minutes I stopped we found connections between the people we knew. And, that's what I like about these places, they provide an opportunity to bring us together, and we start to communicate. He's a Tonbridge man with children who attend Tonbridge schools and clubs, and it would be great to support him. Afterall we really don't want to lose him to another town do we!!!