Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

The smallest house in Tonbridge? A pigeon house? A lookout or observatory? It's none of these. The small oddity on the roof above Tonbridge library houses nothing more than a water tank. It's easy to spot just look up next time you are passing 

Milk with two sugars ... please!

There's a splendid selection of cupcakes, doughnuts and victoria sponge at Tonbridge Library. I think I also spotted a number of jam tarts and an array of teapots too, but don't get excited thinking times have changed, and you can sit quietly and read your book over a cuppa. They're not the real thing, but a knitted teatime display to advertise the Knit and Natter group who meet weekly, every Monday from 10 to 11am. If you want to join in simply turn up or contact the library for more information on 0300 333 6022

 

 

Missing at Tonbridge Library

It's good to see that Tonbridge Library have a notice board in their foyer for displaying posters of missing people. The more people who are aware of loved ones who have disappeared, the better the chance of someone being recognised and maybe found. Check it out when you are next passing.

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.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

In 1897 a Cardiff  architect named John Philips won a national competition organised by the New Buildings Committee in Tonbridge  to design a modern structure. His winning plans were used for the Library and the Technical Institute. The large windows that we are familiar with today were not part of the original design but were incorporated at a later date. 

Tonbridge Tollgates

Three iron posts, in separate locations in Tonbridge, mark former tollgate sites in the town.
All the commemorative markers are identical, and were put in place by TUDC (Tonbridge Urban District Council). They are undated.

The first is situated outside the Public Library on the corner of The High Street and Avebury Avenue. It's hard to imagine a tollgate in this busy area of the town, but until the coming of the railway the southern part of Tonbridge, as we know it today, simply did not exist.

Outside the Public Library on The High Street

The second marker is on the corner of Hadlow Road and Mill Lane.  This was one of several tolls along this route and it was there until 1868.  There is an undated photograph of this location on

http://www.tonbridgehistory.org.uk/photos/other-roads-and-streets/slides/15.Had2b.html

 

The final tollgate marker can be found on Shipbourne Road.  This one is very hard to spot as it sits behind railings and is slightly hidden by foliage.  The location is directly opposite the petrol station that is next to The Royal Oak pub.

 

Shipbourne Road tollgate marker

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

A iron post sits outside the main library in Avebury Avenue marking the location of a former tollgate.

Thanks Tipz 'n' Toez

The girls at Tipz 'n' Toez nail bar in Avebury Avenue certainly deserve a mention for their friendliness today.  I broke a nail while sifting through some research papers in Tonbridge library and noticed the studio across the road on my way out.  I gingerly popped my head around the door and asked if they could fix it, and within seconds my nail was glued back together.  Now, they could have easily sent me away, or charged me a fee, but the girls were so obliging and welcoming.  It's not often this happens nowadays so what more could I do but to give them mention here.

I remember when Wickenden's Clocks traded from the same building and have many happy memories of playing in and around the shop as a small child. Maybe the place creates good energy. Today's experience really gave me the feel good factor.

Thanks girls!!!!