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 Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #387

It's worth occasionally looking up when you're in the High Street. Above your eye-level is often a bygone world of architecture. This canopy is above the Nat West entrance on the corner of Castle Street.

Little Bridge Litter

Has anyone else noticed all the signs around and about that ask people to take their litter home, because other people do. These ugly signs annoy me, and I find them a constant reminder of the mess we often find on grass verges and in our streets. I find the signs so distracting along the roads and paths, that in I'd go as far as to say they are contributing to the problem, by being as unattractive as the litter we want to stop.

Yesterday I noticed that the river by Little Bridge in the High Street has been used as a litter bin, and even contains a street bollard (or something similar) floating in the water.

It seems as though litter isn't being taken home afterall but thrown into our town river instead. Come on Tonbridge clean up your act!

Floating litter by Little Bridge

Street Bollard

Remains of a takeaway

Neatly packed litter discarded in the water

Clean this up please!!!!

The Big Bridge is looking really clean at present and the new paintwork is showing off the ironwork features to its best advantage. I do hope that the Little Bridge, made by the same Tonbridge Foundry in Avebury Avenue, will now get the TLC it too deserves as it's looking a little jaded.

Situated outside the Shaw Trust on the Little Bridge is the most decorative ironwork I have come across in Tonbridge. I believe it too was made by Gray Brothers of Avebury Avenue, but it is far more delicate and intricate in design. However, it is in a poor condition and in desperate need of a clean. I don't know who is responsible for the wrought ironwork, but whoever that may be is allowing it to fall into disrepair. This is directly in the High Street and doesn't do the town any favours. It would be good to see this cleaned up and renovated so that everyone can enjoy this little bit of history in our town.

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.

Sometimes it's all worthwhile

I met a lady in the High Street this morning (you know who you are) who told me she checked in on Tonbridge Daily every day, and thoroughly enjoyed all the photographs and snippets, especially the recent Recognising Tonbridge feature on the former Corn Exchange in Bank Street. It reminded her that her late father had mentioned he often attended the Drill Hall which was on this site too for a while. This prompted her to visit the building, with her sister last weekend, in remembrance of her father.

I have no idea who views the blog, or even if it is enjoyed by locals, as very few comments are left on the site, and that's probably because it's such a faff to log in, and join to do just that. A bloggers life is quite a solitary one, but I do get a fair amount of comments on Twitter and receive emails about the site. So it was a good feeling this morning knowing that a post had triggered off family memories, and it's these little things that make it all worth while.

Keep reading!!!!

Tonbridge Then and Now

Baker's Garage with Tonbridge's first petrol pump, 1920s (later became Caffyns)

Tonbridge Historical Society Pictorial Collection No. 14C.419

Former ASK 2013 

Tonbridge Then and Now

Corner of Bank Street and High Street before road widening demolition

Tonbridge Historical Society Pictorial Collection No. 14C.401

April 2013