Tonbridge Daily Snippet

Mr A Cornell, Jeweller & Watchmaker, is said to be the very first person to drive a car through Tonbridge High Street c1896. He traded from his south High Street premises until his business was absorbed by Frank East Department Store, previously sited where Christ Church (opposite MacDonalds) now stands.

Above is Mr A Cornell at the wheel of the Arnold-Benz motor car with an unknown lady passenger, and possibly car manufacturer Walter Arnold on the rear of the vehicle.

The winner of the first ever London to Brighton race drove an Arnold motor car manufactured by Arnold Motor Carriage Co of East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent.  The agricultural engineering firm built twelve cars patterned after the Benz and one still survives.  Arnolds exhibited at the 1896 Motor Show.

Photograph courtesy of www.gracesguide.co.uk

Charity Hog Roast

I don't generally include many local events on Tonbridge Daily, but yesterday I received one of the most politely written requests to advertise a charity event that I just had to give it a mention.

Thomas Munns and a friend will be off on their travels to India next month to support Back 2 Back, Asha and Iris ministries, and Christ Church in The High Street (that's the Big Blue Building opposite MacDonalds) will be holding a Hog Roast to raise money for the three charities.

So if you are in the town this Saturday (17 March), between 10am and 2pm, and fancy a delicious freshly roasted pork sandwich and a drink, it will only cost you £2.50, and you will be helping Thomas with the charities he and his friend are supporting on their trip. 

It sounds like a good place to stop for lunch.

All the best Thomas!!