Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Ooooops ... Obstruction
Ooooops - A bollard/post has been knocked over on Big Bridge and it's now obstructing the cycle path.
The Castle will look brighter
It's good to see The Castle on the Big Bridge is at last in the process of being brightened up with a lick of paint. It's been looking very tired and sad recently, and considering it's on a prime location with river frontage it certainly was in dire need of this.
A Tonbridge Spoilsport
After the incredibly successful Tonbridge Taster event, that was free for everyone to join in and enjoy, I thought it was worth repeating a post I wrote a few years ago.
Whilst researching the Venetian Fete and River Carnival that was held in Tonbridge every year during Cricket Week ... I came across an interesting snippet published in the 23 June 1933 edition of the Tonbridge Free Press. It appears that over 100 years ago there were people who would do anything to stop the public having fun, or gaining anything for free.
The programme for the evening of the fete and carnival began at 8pm, with a diving exhibition from Big Bridge by two members of the Amateur Diving Association, and a team from Monson Swimming Club, 8.30pm was the Ladies Canoe Race followed by Punt Races and finally at 9.45pm a procession along the river of the illuminated craft.
The following week it was reported:-
'THE HOARDING AT BIG BRIDGE
On Saturday morning a large screen was erected at Big Bridge, the idea being, of course, to prevent people having a free view of the procession. This caused some resentment, and in order to avoid unpleasantness later in the day, the screen was taken down.
We understand that the Urban District Council was not approached with regard to the erection of the screen, also that the matter was not brought before the general committee (Cricket Week Entertainments Committee).'
It's hard to imagine where the screen would have been, and even harder to imagine that someone could have been such a town spoilsport.
Whilst researching the Venetian Fete and River Carnival that was held in Tonbridge every year during Cricket Week ... I came across an interesting snippet published in the 23 June 1933 edition of the Tonbridge Free Press. It appears that over 100 years ago there were people who would do anything to stop the public having fun, or gaining anything for free.
The programme for the evening of the fete and carnival began at 8pm, with a diving exhibition from Big Bridge by two members of the Amateur Diving Association, and a team from Monson Swimming Club, 8.30pm was the Ladies Canoe Race followed by Punt Races and finally at 9.45pm a procession along the river of the illuminated craft.
The following week it was reported:-
'THE HOARDING AT BIG BRIDGE
On Saturday morning a large screen was erected at Big Bridge, the idea being, of course, to prevent people having a free view of the procession. This caused some resentment, and in order to avoid unpleasantness later in the day, the screen was taken down.
We understand that the Urban District Council was not approached with regard to the erection of the screen, also that the matter was not brought before the general committee (Cricket Week Entertainments Committee).'
It's hard to imagine where the screen would have been, and even harder to imagine that someone could have been such a town spoilsport.
Sunday, 23 June 2013
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.
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| Dame kelly with Tonbridge Boots Camps |
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| Dame Kelly |
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| Tonbridge Juddians |
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| Juddian Dragon Boat team members |
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| Dame kelly and The Juddians Team |
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| Dame Kelly encourages The Bridge Trust Tonbridge |
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| Even the Mayor is joining in the excitement |
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| The Bridge Trust Dragon Boat team members |
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| KAT Dragon Boat team |
Saturday, 22 June 2013
Skateboards at K College Art and Media Show
The K College Art and Media Show is now over, and this year there were some exceptionally talented student exhibits. I of course had my favourites, and was really impressed with the skateboard designs and graphics by James Sales who is studying BA Graphic Design. His brief was to brand a fictional skateboarding company, and James created 'Four Seasons' and produced not only the board designs but all the promotional items too. Brilliant!!!! Here they are!!!
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.
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| Tonbridge Artist Samantha Webster |
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| Gary Taylor |
Friday, 21 June 2013
Opportunity for Local Artists
email: info@artpull.co.uk
Mix it up I
A group show of paintings, sculpture, mixed media and prints by various artists
Exhibition runs from 30th July - 3rd August
Private view - 30th July, 6pm - 9pm
Mix it up II
A group show of paintings, sculpture, mixed media and prints by various artists
Exhibition runs from 6th - 10th August
Private view - 6th August, 6pm - 9pm
Mix it up III
A group show of paintings, sculpture, mixed media and prints by various artists
Exhibition runs from 13th - 17th August
Private view - 13th August, 6pm - 9pm
Website: www.artpull.co.uk
Recognising Tonbridge
This is a beautiful spot in the town but where in Tonbridge am I standing today?
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Doggie Bags
Dear Tonbridge Dog Owners
I know that you are not all guilty of this horrible crime, but many of you dog owners seem to think it's ok to leave your pet's mess neatly tied up in a plastic bag and dumped along our country pathways. Even worse these bags of poo are carefully hung on low branches, placed in hedgerows or dangle in the breeze from fences. What is it all about??? Why are you so lazy??? Why can't you just clear up after your dog??? Those of you who do this are irresponsible and unsociable. Take your mess home with you, or throw it in the bin that has been specially provided, and stop ruining the countryside with your unsightly doggie bags.
Tonbridge Daily
Nick Hebditch - Tonbridge Open Studio
Every year, during the South East Open Studio time I make the effort to visit Tonbridge artist Nick Hebditch at his home in Deakin Leas, and every year I am not disappointed, but thrilled that I have once again had the opportunity to view, not only some of Nick's older work, but his latest pieces too, and to make a fuss of his two well-behaved Scotties.
Nick's fascination with architecture and buildings is reflected in his work and he has painted everything from weathered walls or doorways, to the wider views of several buildings through to cityscapes. This interest has drawn him to the beauty of Venice, Paris, Barcelona and the South of France. These places, transformed into colour, cover the walls as you journey from country to country through the house. However, amongst all his work I recognised the unmistakable architecture of the Bailey & Cogger building that stands in the north end of our very own High Street.
There are only three more days to view the collection as the Open Studios close on Sunday for this year. I thoroughly recommend a visit ... it's really worth the trip and Nick will be on hand to give you a friendly welcome. No appointment is needed. Opening times and directions are set out in the link http://www.seos-art.org/artists/nickhebditch/
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
Tonbridge Daily Photo
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| Tonbridge Daily Photo #246 |
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Tonbridge Fair
With the Tonbridge Taster event approaching I thought it would be interesting to revisit this amazing poster of the Tonbridge Fair. There's 200 years between the two events.
Courtesy of Tonbridge Historical Society
Getting Lost in Art
Last night we all got lost in the fabulous art on display at the Tonbridge Art & Media Show at K College.
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
In 1927 Tonbridge was becoming very modern in the kitchen as 324 gas cookers were installed in residents' homes.
Tonbridge Daily Photo
This beautiful image of early morning sunlight streaming through the trees in Brook Street was taken by Tonbridge author Robert Morschel. He said 'it captured my mood nicely'.
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| Tonbridge Daily Photo #245 |
Tonbridge Art & Media Show 2013
Creative Arts students at Tonbridge will be showing off their work from this year.
Work includes Fine Art, Sculpture, Fashion Textiles, Graphic Design, Photography and Media
Location: Hawthorn Building, Tonbridge Campus (TN9 2PW)
Times: Wednesday 19th - Friday 21st June (10am - 4pm)
The show will also be open to view during the Open Day on Saturday 22nd June 10am - 1pm.
Times: Wednesday 19th - Friday 21st June (10am - 4pm)
The show will also be open to view during the Open Day on Saturday 22nd June 10am - 1pm.
Monday, 17 June 2013
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
By1891 the population of Tonbridge was over 10,000 and Freeman, Hardy and Willis, and the International Tea
Company are the first chain stores to arrive in the High Street.
Tonbridge Daily Photo
Today there are two Tonbridge Daily Photos taken in the town at the weekend, and both are courtesy of Adam Norris the Manager of the new Flying Coffee Bean coffee shop next to the station. Adam says he's loving Tonbridge the more he's here.
If you wish to contribute to the daily photo of Tonbridge please send the image to tonbridgedaily@gmail.com
If you wish to contribute to the daily photo of Tonbridge please send the image to tonbridgedaily@gmail.com
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| Tonbridge Daily Photo # 243 |
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| Tonbridge Daily Photo # 244 |
Tonbridge Daily Snippet
It is claimed that an earthquake shock was felt in Tonbridge on the 8th September 1692
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Tonbridge Artist Sue Walker
I love this arty time of the year. It first kicks off for me with the Brighton Festival and all the superb open houses, The Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy of Art follows, then come the block buster exhibitions around the country and abroad, the degree shows and our very own local South East Open Studios which are in full swing at the moment.
Yesterday I visited Sue Walker who is exhibiting in a hidden funky little summer house in York Road, Tunbridge Wells. You'll find this gem in the road next to the old Habitat building (just follow the South East Open Sudios sign), so if you're out shopping it's well worth spending some extra time dropping in to see Sue's work. http://www.seos-art.org/artists/suewalker/
Sue is a Tonbridge based artist, a neighbour and allotment buddy. Professionally she works for the BBC in graphic design and is now rediscovering her creativity through painting. She has a natural sense of colour and I was particularly drawn to her beautiful series of cathedral paintings.
The whole experience of this exhibition was brilliant - finding the hidden location through the foliage in the centre of town was such a surprise, and then to encounter such interesting colour and energy in the paintings in such an unusual space was the icing on the cake.
We have a thriving community of local artists quietly working away in Tonbridge, and this is your opportunity to get to know them and see their work. I'm hoping to get around to many more of them today. The Open Studio exhibitions are all free, but have different and specific opening hours. You'll find all the Tonbridge exhibitions here on the SEOS website http://www.seos-art.org/search/?q=Tonbridge&x=0&y=0
Yesterday I visited Sue Walker who is exhibiting in a hidden funky little summer house in York Road, Tunbridge Wells. You'll find this gem in the road next to the old Habitat building (just follow the South East Open Sudios sign), so if you're out shopping it's well worth spending some extra time dropping in to see Sue's work. http://www.seos-art.org/artists/suewalker/
Sue is a Tonbridge based artist, a neighbour and allotment buddy. Professionally she works for the BBC in graphic design and is now rediscovering her creativity through painting. She has a natural sense of colour and I was particularly drawn to her beautiful series of cathedral paintings.
We have a thriving community of local artists quietly working away in Tonbridge, and this is your opportunity to get to know them and see their work. I'm hoping to get around to many more of them today. The Open Studio exhibitions are all free, but have different and specific opening hours. You'll find all the Tonbridge exhibitions here on the SEOS website http://www.seos-art.org/search/?q=Tonbridge&x=0&y=0
Saturday, 15 June 2013
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