The whole High Street next time please!!!!!!!

The town did itself proud on Tonbridge Taster Day. I loved seeing the community stalls along River Walk and under the Castle walls, and there was a real coming together on that day. I throughly enjoyed the whole day - the dragon boat racing, entertainment, the dog show, art display and Mr Chatfield's fabulous sausages in a roll, and have to commend the Town Team for all their hard work and effort in getting it off the ground, but in the end it was the spirit of Tonbridge that made it a successful

After the event there was a lot of talk about why the whole High Street was not closed off, and to be honest I agree with those who think that doing this would have been a positive move.  I remember when The Tour de France came through the High Street some years ago, and the whole town turned out to witness a little bit of history being made as the competitors sped through the Tonbridge.  For this event to take place the whole stretch of The High Street had to be closed, and it enabled the shops and businesses, and community groups to benefit from the crowds in the town.  But, not only did they benefit - we did too. The Rose & Crown organised an incredibly popular BBQ on the pavement outside the hotel, various shops opened their doors, tables were outside charity shops, even The Parish Church took the opportunity to invite in visitors by offering cream teas outside the church, and walking through the crowds with drinks and cakes for sale.  I do hope that if a Tonbridge Taster event happens again, and hopefully it will, the upper and rather more attractive and interesting section of the High Street will not be forgotten either, as the High Street really does not start at the Big Bridge. It would give all the independent shops and restaurants (and let's face it there are certainly more at this end) a chance to take place as well, and greatly enhance the experience of what Tonbridge has to offer. By their inclusion it would really be a Taste of Tonbridge and this would  showcase the not only the whole town, but also the far more interesting historical section. That has to be positive doesn't it?

Recognising Tonbridge (not) Recognised

Recognising Tonbridge Feature

This has to be a first - a Recognising Tonbridge NOT Recognised.  I did give clues to look out for on Tonbridge Taster Day, but I'm sure you were all too busy looking down onto the Medway at the Dragon Boat races, rather than looking at what was above you at the time, or you would have recognised the wrought iron entrance gates at the castle Watergate.

Tonbridge Taster in Pictures

There have been so many fabulous images of the Tonbridge Taster, but here are a few more I took on the day. I'm certainly not a photographer, so hopefully I've captured a little of the sense of fun we all experienced on Sunday. The Taster Day was enjoyed by thousands and showcased our town as a vibrant and energetic community.

Tonbridge Taster Opens

The Tonbridge Taster Day kicked off today at 10am with Dame Kelly Holmes leading a workout to warm up the members of the Dragon Boat teams. Here it is in pictures.

Dame kelly with Tonbridge Boots Camps

Dame Kelly

Tonbridge Juddians

Juddian Dragon Boat team members

Dame kelly and The Juddians Team

Dame Kelly encourages The Bridge Trust Tonbridge

Even the Mayor is joining in the excitement

The Bridge Trust Dragon Boat team members

KAT Dragon Boat team

Art on the Railings

There are so many art events happening at the same time in and around Tonbridge, and this morning as I crossed the Big Bridge I spotted the back of what I thought were paintings on the railings around Castle Lawn.  So, I made my way up to the castle to check it out, and a number of artists had braved the wind and the threat of rain to exhibit their art in the open-air.

I have to admit it wasn't too pleasant weather-wise high up over the river, but the colour of the paintings at least brightened up my mood.

I had a chat with two of the Tonbridge artists - Samantha Webster was displaying very intricate fabric pictures that had a 3D effect. She had obviously put a lot of close work into each image. They were perfect for a child's bedroom or nursery. I really liked them.

Tonbridge Artist Samantha Webster

Gary Taylor was exhibiting his photographs as digital prints on canvas. These were landscapes and places of interest.  I did spot one fairly local image of Aylesford Bridge in Kent, but most of them were taken further afield.

Gary Taylor

They will all be there tomorrow and part of the Tonbridge Taster Day so do go along and have a chat with them, and have a look at their work.

The Wharf's looking good

It was really good to see that the river side of The Wharf has been spruced up with a lick of paint and given a facelift.

Could this be a knock on effect of the Tonbridge Taster Day that's on the horizon. Whatever the reason it's all positive, and the building looked particularly attractive in today's warm sunshine.