Monday, 10 June 2013
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 Carnival Procession Prize Winners 2013
WALKING GROUP - CHILDREN
First - Cage Green Primary School
First - Cage Green Primary School
High Commended - Geraldine Fox Academy
 |
| Cage Green Primary School - 101 Dalmations |
 |
| Geraldine Fox Academy |
WALKING GROUP - ADULT
First - Nepalese Community Tonbridge
Highly Commended - Tonbridge Royal British Region
 |
| Nepalese Community Tonbridge |
 |
| Tonbridge Royal British Legion |
FLOATS - ADULT
First - Tonbridge Art Group
Highly Commended - Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre
 |
| Tonbridge Art Group |
 |
| Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre |
FLOATS - JUNIOR
First - Cannon School of Irish Dance
High Commended - DW&K Carnival Association
 |
| Cannon School of Irish Dance |
First - Tristar Twirlers
Highly Commended - Carousel Majorettes
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Saturday, 8 June 2013
Tonbridge Carnival 2013
 |
| Carnival Fete on Castle Lawn |
In a break with an almost unbroken custom that has existed over twenty five years, this year's Tonbridge Carnival procession will not be assembling in Brook Street. Instead the carnival floats, classic cars, bands and other groups will gather in the Sovereign Way car parks, close to the Tonbridge Farmers' Market (which will also be up and running at Sovereign Way tomorrow) and then proceed from Avenue du Puy at 12.30 pm along the High Street passed Tonbridge Castle. With a variety of walking groups and motorised float entries, this year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better than ever and will also include the Southern England Marching Band Championship and Morris dancers.
The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling and Lion President will judge the entries later in the afternoon, on the Castle lawn, and will present shields to the best in each category taking part in the procession.
In addition to the fun of the carnival procession, there will be a Fête on the Castle Lawn and along Castle Walk providing an array of entertainment and fun activities throughout the afternoon including the silver band 2nd Wind who will perform at the Watergate entrance from 11.45am – 12.45 pm.
As usual the show will feature Punch & Judy, Rondo the Clown, children's entertainment area, bungee trampolines, children's rides, a full arena programme presenting local talent, including the Cannon School of Irish Dancing, song and dance by Stagecoach and music from local band Rosewood Drift. And in the tradition of this popular event, there will also be a wide selection of tombolas, raffles and side-shows including the coconut shy, crazy kitchen and other games to test your skill as well as stalls selling cakes, jams, books, toys and jewellery. Hot and cold food, drinks, ice creams and scrumptious cream teas will also be on sale.
The Carnival is organised annually by Tonbridge Lions Club with support from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Proceeds from the day will help local good causes and Lions' charities.
Friday, 7 June 2013
Suspended in the air
While walking along Bradford Street I couldn't take my eyes off the enormous amount of concrete suspended by this crane. I've seen this before, so it's obviously nothing unusual, but does anyone know why cranes are left overnight with concrete blocks hanging in the air. I find it fairly scarey to be truthful, but there has to be a reason for it. Could it be to stabilise the crane or balance it in some way? Can anyone enlighten me on the subject?
The Flying Coffee Bean
This week I dropped into FCB (The Flying Coffee Bean) the new coffee shop that has opened next door to Tonbridge Station, and what a warm welcome I received. The two very friendly baristas were ready to chat about what's on offer, and Adam Norris the Manager came to introduce himself and he is brimming with enthusiasm about the new venture in Tonbridge. Adam probably has the most unusual office in the company, as its at the very end of Platform 2 (that'll keep him fit).
To be honest the shop is a little gem, offering various artisan produced coffees, and I'm pleased to say many delicious local products. I was really impressed that a Community Notice Board is available for us to display local events, and there's blackboard chalked up with interesting facts about coffee.
Although the service has only be in action for a very short while it already has a local feel, and that in itself gives it a belonging in the town, and makes it very welcome. My only disappointment is that it's not larger so that I could linger a little longer there.
To be honest the shop is a little gem, offering various artisan produced coffees, and I'm pleased to say many delicious local products. I was really impressed that a Community Notice Board is available for us to display local events, and there's blackboard chalked up with interesting facts about coffee.
Although the service has only be in action for a very short while it already has a local feel, and that in itself gives it a belonging in the town, and makes it very welcome. My only disappointment is that it's not larger so that I could linger a little longer there.
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
The 1880 Parlimentary Election results caused a riot in Tonbridge when
several thousand people started to hurl stones and cobbles at each other
near the Rose and Crown Hotel.
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Tonbridge Daily Photo
 |
| Tonbridge Daily Photo #239 |
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
New spot for banners
There was a great deal of disappointment when the path from the Watergate area to Castle Lawn was closed. Many of us had used the footpath for years and were sorry to lose the facility. Community clubs and societies also raised concerns that they would no longer be able to use the railings to advertise events. They needn't have worried as I spotted that the lower railings along the river are now the new place for banners.
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.
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.
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
In 1724 Daniel Defoe writes of Tonbridge ... 'the Houses in the Town are mostly ill-built, and the Streets sorrily paved'
It seems as though there has been no improvement in the condition of pavements in Tonbridge in almost 300 years. Nothing changes!
It seems as though there has been no improvement in the condition of pavements in Tonbridge in almost 300 years. Nothing changes!
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Can You Help - Kent Police Appeal - Two Tonbridge Burglaries
Kent Police - Appeal
Two burglaries in Tonbridge
Location: Hadlow Road, Date: 28 May, Time: Around 12pm
A man whose home was broken into while he and his wife went out
shopping is appealing for people with information about the crime to
contact police.
John Davis, 66, and his wife Sue left their home in Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, at 11:30am on 28 May. The house was locked but the couple returned at 3:45pm to find burglars had forced their way in.
Among the items missing were two laptop computers, an iPad, three digital cameras and a large amount of gold jewellery.
He said: ‘They took our laptops, including mine with our photos saved on. They were backed up on a mobile hard drive - but the burglars took that too.
‘They also took my wife’s work computer, and my daughter’s with her university coursework on.
‘Some of the jewellery had been handed down to us and we were planning on passing it to our daughters. There were two ladies’ watches including a 18ct Raymond Weil gold one and one in a red box.
‘It was the middle of the day so someone must have seen something. We think they left with the items in carrier bags because they left one behind and that’s been handed over to police.’
DC Tracy Evans from Kent Police said: ‘Burglary is one of Kent Police’s top priorities and we are keen to track down the offenders and recover Mr Davis’ items. As well as being valuable, they are also of significant sentimental value.
‘We are also investigating a second burglary in Hadlow Road which took place at roughly the same time and there is a good chance the two offences are linked.’
Anyone who can help with Kent Police’s enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting crime report YY/10066/13.
John Davis, 66, and his wife Sue left their home in Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, at 11:30am on 28 May. The house was locked but the couple returned at 3:45pm to find burglars had forced their way in.
Among the items missing were two laptop computers, an iPad, three digital cameras and a large amount of gold jewellery.
Victim appeals for information
Mr Davis is sure someone will know what happened and is appealing to their better nature to help Kent officers with their enquiries.He said: ‘They took our laptops, including mine with our photos saved on. They were backed up on a mobile hard drive - but the burglars took that too.
‘They also took my wife’s work computer, and my daughter’s with her university coursework on.
‘Some of the jewellery had been handed down to us and we were planning on passing it to our daughters. There were two ladies’ watches including a 18ct Raymond Weil gold one and one in a red box.
‘It was the middle of the day so someone must have seen something. We think they left with the items in carrier bags because they left one behind and that’s been handed over to police.’
Sentimental items
Among the items of jewellery taken were a 24ct gold bracelet with a flick latch, from Malaysia worth £2,500. There was also a 24ct gold necklace link chain with two solid gold bands attaching three hearts, also from Malaysia, and a V-shaped 24ct gold necklace.DC Tracy Evans from Kent Police said: ‘Burglary is one of Kent Police’s top priorities and we are keen to track down the offenders and recover Mr Davis’ items. As well as being valuable, they are also of significant sentimental value.
‘We are also investigating a second burglary in Hadlow Road which took place at roughly the same time and there is a good chance the two offences are linked.’
Anyone who can help with Kent Police’s enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting crime report YY/10066/13.
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
In 1840 extra police are drafted in to Tonbridge to deal with the influx of railway navvies
Tonbridge Daily Photo
Today's Tonbridge Daily Photo was sent in by Shane Straeche, who also took the early morning photographs around the Castle.
Squirrels are always scampering along the railings around the castle area on the look-out for their next meal from us humans. I can remember feeding them as a child, and it is still a favourite pastime with families who visit the Sportsground and the castle area.
Squirrels love munching on unroasted peanuts (with or without shell), and I believe pet shops sell a suitable munching mix for them. But remember to be careful, as they have very sharp teeth and nails, so keep a fair distance to avoid bites and cuts. If you do get a small squirrel injury it’s best to have it checked out.
Squirrels are always scampering along the railings around the castle area on the look-out for their next meal from us humans. I can remember feeding them as a child, and it is still a favourite pastime with families who visit the Sportsground and the castle area.
Squirrels love munching on unroasted peanuts (with or without shell), and I believe pet shops sell a suitable munching mix for them. But remember to be careful, as they have very sharp teeth and nails, so keep a fair distance to avoid bites and cuts. If you do get a small squirrel injury it’s best to have it checked out.
 |
| Tonbridge Daily Photo #237 |
Monday, 3 June 2013
Recognising Tonbridge Recognised
 |
| Recognising Tonbridge detail |
If you look closely on the larger pillars the makers of the ironwork, Gray Brothers, can be seen. Gray Brothers were a Tonbridge company who made the intricate and beautiful railings in their Avebury Avenue foundry in 1887. The site of the former workshop was approximately where the Adult Education building now stands.
Next time you cross either of the bridges stop to look at the railings, as more often than not, we are so used to our surroundings we simply don't notice how stunning they are, and the added bonus is they were made in our town by Tonbridge men.
Talented Claire dreams of The West End
Great performance from local girl Claire Tilley performing No Good Deed from her favourite musical Wicked at the Regional Finals of Britain Does Variety 2013 in Southend.
The talented Claire, who lives in Kings Hill, has revealed her ambition is to perform in The West End.
The early hours in Tonbridge
Occasionally I am sent photographs or information on our town by readers of the blog. The images below were taken by Shane Straeche at around 4am in Tonbridge. I have to admit I've not walked around or seen the town at this time of the morning, and therefore I thought these atmospheric photographs reflecting a peaceful view on Tonbridge were worth sharing.
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
In 1596 Katherine Brystone was found guilty of poisoning her husband and was burned to death in Tonbridge. Public executions in the town took place either outside the Chequers Inn or nearby.
Saturday, 1 June 2013
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.
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
In 1259 The Earl of Gloucester was granted the right to hold a weekly market in Tonbridge. Since 2011 the town now hosts the monthly Farmers Market
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)