Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #303

This embroidered montage caught my eye at the Parish Church craft fair over Heritage weekend.  I have to admit I don't know the first thing about tapestry work, in fact sewing buttons back on is just about my only strength where a needle and thread is concerned ... however, it was obvious that a lot of close work and time had been invested by the Tonbridge Cage Green WI, in this detailed piece of needlework illustrating Tonbridge. Can you recognise all the well know town spots on either side of the River Medway? I loved the swans and their real feathers. Well done ladies of the WI ... you have done Tonbridge proud.

 

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #40  -  River Medway

Tonbridge Tea Lounge and Gardens

I recently came across two ads for George Dean's boating business in a 1924 Tonbridge tourist guide.  It seems there was a 'Tea Lounge and Gardens' on River Walk, that not only served refreshments on the banks of the river, but also provided picnic baskets for those customers hiring boats in the town.

We are extremely lucky in Tonbridge to have a river running through the centre of our town.  However, unfortunately there are now very few opportunities to eat and drink along the water, and the river frontage is not used to its best advantage.

Over the years, as the waterside businesses have been lost, they have not been replaced, and Tonbridge is now crying out for cafes along the river. There are many ideal spaces for new cafes to be built or for pop-up cafes to be sited, the kind that place fold-away tables, chairs and umbrellas and serve a decent coffee and snack. This could only enhance the town and bring a sense of well being, and pleasure for residents and visitors alike, to socialise and enjoy the open spaces along the Medway.

I believe it needs serious consideration, and would be interested in readers' thoughts on the idea.