Morris Men finale at the Tonbridge Carnival Procession

The Morris Men are always my favourite part of Tonbridge Carnival and I was really pleased they were there again this year. Here are some photographs for those of you who missed them.

Tonbridge Art Group's 2012 Autumn Exhibition

Last Friday evening I was invited to the preview and opening of Tonbridge Art Group's Autumn Exhibition at the Castle Chamber. I always look forward to seeing the diverse range of Tonbridge artistic talent, and as usual the Art Group didn't disappoint with pieces in oils, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media.

Anne Hook Chairman with speaker Cllr Maria Heslop

Cllr Maria Heslop formally opened the exhibition with a passionate speech on the importance of art in society, and especially within our schools. After receiving a bouquet of flowers from Chairman Anne Hook she went on to choose this year's winner of the Brenda Hook Award.

The worthy winning artist Jenny Herbert was presented with a trophy by the late Brenda Hook's daughter Wendy. Jenny's painting 'A Night Out In Tenby' can be viewed until Friday October 5th at the exhibition.

It happened to be my favourite piece too, alongside a second of Jenny's paintings immortalising the afternoon when the Morris Men came to town, and what better place for it to be displayed than overlooking the Castle lawn where they danced.

Brenda Hook's Daughter Wendy with this year's winner Jenny Herbert

When the Morris Men came to Town - Jenny Herbert - Watercolour

African Setting - Valmae Irving

Autumn (detail)  -  Greta Quaglia  -  Acrylic

A Traditional English Afternoon at Tonbridge Castle

Castle Lawn

With a Hey Nonny Nonny, jangling bells, a procession of white leggings and flowered  hats, troupes of Morris Men joined together this afternoon in a massed celebration and display of dancing on the Castle Lawn.   The Mayor was in attendance to see the incombent Squire of the Morris Ring, Peter Halfpenney, dance out and the new Squire, Robin Springett, dance in.

Laughing about our folk traditions is an English tradition in itself, but it seemed that both young and old were enjoying the afternoon of music and dancing, and to be honest it was a fabulous spectacle,. It could only have gone down even more of a treat with a cream tea.

Now how quintessentially english can one get?????

Tonbridge Carnival In Pictures

Gathering of Morris Men

Tonbridge singer Colette Redgrave

Angel Indoor Bowls Club

Tonbridge Angels Football Club

Have a Go with Angel Indoor Bowls

Tonbridge Oast Theatre

Nepalese Community Tonbridge