A Little Knot of Narrow Streets

A Little Knot of Narrow Streets is a fitting title for a new book on the history of The Slade. Written  and compiled by Jacquie Wyatt, together with a team of contributors, the book successfully relates the past stories of the residents of The Slade.  The memories of these people, often now elderly, are full of historical details and interesting tales of past lives in this close-knit community .

Speaker Jacquie Wyatt opens the launch

I can remember when Jacquie first started her research (probably about a year ago), and notices started to appear in the town asking for people to come forward with their memories and photographs of The Slade. Interviews over cups of tea with the older members of the community followed, and personal memories were recorded. It was obviously successful, as the book is jammed packed with fascinating facts and events told through a number of real life characters. With the help of a community grant the team were able to produce a glossy 119 page publication full of invaluable memories, and historical evidence on The Slade.

Jacqui Wyatt and Liz Turton

The book was launched last Saturday at The Slade School with many of the contributors present. It was joyous occasion filled with speeches, exchanged memories, celebration, a vintage tea party, tables covered in green gingham, and cakes like they used to be.

First glance at the book

I was honoured to be invited and was able to chat with some interesting characters on times gone-by, including two of the eldest at the launch. The two gentlemen, Albert Hazell and Harry Elliott, remembered not only my father, but also my grandfather who was the school inspector in Tonbridge. Albert had vivid memories of him, and described him as a Sergeant Major type who was pretty scarey too. I would like to say this made my day, but it didn't, it actually made my year to hear about the grandfather I never met.

Oldest Contributor - 97 year old Albert Hazell 

Chris Burgess who had vivid memories of The Slade and Mill Crescent

This was a fabulous afternoon filled with colourful memories and stories of Tonbridge, but most important of all it was real hands-on living history.  Congratulations to all the team for their invaluable work and dedication.  The little gem of a book is at present not for sale, but will be available to view at Tonbridge Library.

Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

Recognising Tonbridge Feature

Slade School Tonbridge

With a little pushing through Twitter, many of you recognised the feature above as the ornate cupola that can be seen all over the Slade area, and crowns the Slade School grey slate roof.  It was also pointed out that the weather vane that tops this feature has the letters KCC in gold on its highest point.  There is another similar copula on The Judd School which is known as the Dovecote.

Moving from The Slade's highest point to below the building, many of you may be interested to know that an air raid shelter was built below the playground for use in WW2.   The school and area was considered particularly vulnerable being located close to the town centre, and en route to German bombers flying over Tonbridge to London.  The entrance to the shelter has now been sealed.  It would be fantastic if the shelter could be opened for a peak on Heritage Day, but I doubt that is possible due to its poor condition and safety.  However you can see photographs of this fascinating underground area on    http://www.undergroundkent.co.uk/slade_school_air_raid_shelter.htm

Painter Man

A short video of Tonbridge Round Table painting Slade School - Well Done Chaps!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-r22KSlfzI&feature=youtu.be

The Slade

Have you ever wondered why the area next to Tonbridge Castle was named The Slade?  This small area nestles close to the river and includes The Slade School, The Rugby Club and a late Victorian residential area all of which were built on a low lying moist area that can be prone to flooding.  According to Websters Dictionary the definition of 'slade' is a little dell or valley or a flat piece of low, moist ground.  Interesting!