Tonbridge Busks for the British Legion

It's 'Busking for the British Legion' today in the High Street and the town is filled with music, performers, buskers and dancers amongst many other fantastic moments.

There are fabulous acts and plenty of talent out there today, and here's a taste of this morning in the town.

If you haven't been into the High Street the event will be running until 10pm this evening.

President of the Tonbridge RBL Derek Still with Veronica Jackson Poppy Appeal Organiser & helper

Talented 12 year old Jessica Hinz - Weald of Kent pupil - Singing like an angel 

George Hall collecting donations at Angel Walk

Musician Matt Hovenden playing his own music at Angel Walk

Colourful Tonbridge Oast Theatre members collecting donations

The CC Street Dancers who meet at Teen & Twenty Club performing in The Pavilion

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Tonbridge Daily Photo #306 

Can Tonbridge be mystical and mysterious? Yes it can!! The above moody and misty Medway was taken by Adam Norris on his way to work early in the morning. I love this autumnal landscape of our town. More please Adam!!!!!!!

In the footsteps of knights

The Medway Crossing

Tonbridge historian, Deborah Cole, has been spending her time recently researching a walk around Tonbridge and beyond, based on routes that were used by knights in the 13th century.

Her new book gives directions for a 33 mile circuit, broken up into manageable stages and contains a series of short circular walks.

Deborah said  'I always thought that Tonbridge should have its own long distance circular walk, and I found that it had one in 1279!'

This is a must for those who enjoy walking in the countryside. Every route has historical notes of interest along the way, and Deborah has thought of everything as each walk passes a pub or cafe.

The book is available at Tonbridge Castle.

Digital Piano for Hospice Choir

Tonbridge Lions’ President Keith Bourne and the Hospice Choir.

The Hospice in the Weald choir was formed to bring together families of patients, carers and friends of the Hospice, as part of their Music Therapy Programme. 

Singers of all abilities were invited to join in community singing, learning new songs in harmony, with the intention of entertaining patients and families, and fund raising for the Hospice. 

The choir has been so successful, it was considered that the Hospice`s own small keyboard was inadequate for accompanying them, so Tonbridge Lions Club have donated a new Yamaha digital piano to the Hospice.  

 Kylie Ferris, Music Therapist, said “The donation will be appreciated by both the patients and staff in providing a high quality accompaniment for the choir, and for music therapy sessions.”

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Tonbridge Daily Photo #305 - Exposed

The former party shop in Tonbridge High Street has now closed leaving the old Freeman Hardy Willis sign exposed. Does anyone remember the shop or have any memories of buying shoes there.

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Tonbridge Daily Photo #304 - Sky over Tonbridge last night

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This embroidered montage caught my eye at the Parish Church craft fair over Heritage weekend.  I have to admit I don't know the first thing about tapestry work, in fact sewing buttons back on is just about my only strength where a needle and thread is concerned ... however, it was obvious that a lot of close work and time had been invested by the Tonbridge Cage Green WI, in this detailed piece of needlework illustrating Tonbridge. Can you recognise all the well know town spots on either side of the River Medway? I loved the swans and their real feathers. Well done ladies of the WI ... you have done Tonbridge proud.

 

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Alan Mak and Headteacher both wearing the Judd School's 125th Anniversary tie

Judd School welcomes star speaker Alan Mak

Business leader inspires sixth for students with talk 'From Classroom to Boardroom'

The Judd School in Tonbridge welcomed award-winning business and community leader Alan Mak as its guest speaker last Friday in association with BBC Business Editor Robert Peston’s high-profile education charity “Speakers for Schools”.

Alan spoke to 170 Judd sixth form students, teachers and staff, and then took questions during his 4 hour visit,  just days ahead of Judd’s 125th Anniversary which was yesterday Tuesday September 17.  

In his talk entitled “From Classroom to Boardroom” Alan shared his story of success and his leadership journey from his parent's corner shop in Yorkshire and his state school classroom to the City of London, the corporate boardroom, and the world of international law, business and finance. Alan also gave first-hand advice to students about how to succeed in their school and university life, build successful careers, and achieve their ambitions, whilst also positively contributing to their communities, charities and good causes.   

 

Alan also gave first-hand advice to students about how to succeed in their school and university life, build successful careers, and achieve their ambitions, whilst also positively contributing to their communities, charities and good causes.   

Mr Robert Masters, Headteacher, said, “At Judd, we are committed to helping our students be both academically successful and passionate about making a difference in their community and the wider world. Alan’s talk, and his success professionally and in the community, has undoubtedly inspired our students to think big, aim high and achieve more during their time at Judd and beyond.” 

Sixth Form Students with Linda Thomas

Mrs Linda Thomas, Head of Careers & Higher Education, said, “Alan is one of the best guest speakers we have ever had at Judd. Alan has an engaging and down-to-earth style which young people can relate to, and our students enjoyed his inspiring personal story, anecdotes, and leadership advice. We are delighted to partner with Speakers for Schools and look forward to welcoming more outstanding speakers in the future.”   

Alan Mak said, “I had a fantastic time speaking at Judd. The passion and ambition of Judd’s students and teachers reflected the school’s reputation as one of Britain’s most academically successful schools. I was especially impressed to hear about Judd’s exam success this year and the breadth and depth of their curriculum which equips their students brilliantly for university life, the world of work and service to the community. Congratulations to all at Judd on 125 years – and counting – of success and achievement!”

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Tonbridge Daily Photo #303 - Terraced Cottages in Church Street

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This open door is the entrance to the belfry, and top of the tower, to Tonbridge Parish Church, St Peter and St Paul.  It's not often that the public have a chance to go through the door, and climb the medieval staircase to experience the far reaching views over the town, but today you have that chance as free tours will be going on all day as part of Heritage Weekend.

If you look on the third sandstone brick on the left-hand side of the door (from the bottom), you will see a mark that looks a little like a three pronged fork. That's a bench mark, and it's one of a handful left in the town. This chiseled mark would have been made by a surveyor in the stone structure, into which an angle-iron could be placed to form a "bench" for a leveling rod to calculate a 'mean' height. These are no longer used as digital and more accurate surveying equipment is available.

Have a look next time you are there and try to find the bench mark on the old Methodist Church in East Street.

A Total Failure!!!!

With all great intentions to capture a birds eye view over Tonbridge I joined one of the Heritage Open Day tours of the Parish Church Tower today.

Although I am not too good with heights, I was determined to climb up the medieval spiral staircase to the belfry, and then ascend the final steeper steps to the very top, where I wanted to take photographs of the old town below. I probably could have even looked into my garden (and the neighbours).

I failed completely!! It didn't help that one member of my group had brought a safety helmet along to wear (bit excessive) and that struck panic into me at the offset. After clinging on tightly for dear life to a rope on one side of the claustrophic stair well, and the wall on the other, I managed to go up about 6 steps, until fear took over, and I turned around to get my feet firmly back on the ground.

I managed this one wobbly photograph.

If you have a better head for heights than me, you'll have the opportunity to get to the top of the tower tomorrow. Tours will be running all day from 11am to 4pm.

Let me know if you do and send your photographs in so that I can include them on the blog.

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Tonbridge Daily Photo #301- Singer Collette Redgrave and Poppy

Saturday September 28th is the day our High Street will come alive with music, buskers, performers and actors all raising money for The Royal British Legion.

I've heard there will be a troupe of belly dancers performing in the town, Superhero characters to say hi to the children and even RBL Cadets to do your packing at the tills in Sainsbury.  Every day something new is on the agenda. So this is a day not to be missed.

Out of respect and remembrance The Last Post will played at 10pm to close this fun day of busking for Royal British Legion.

If you can help in any way contacts and information are here:-
http://thisiscoolsounds.wix.com/britlegionbusk

Or @BritishLegionBusk on Twitter

Heritage Open Day at Hadlow Tower

 With my online ticket booking firmly in my hand, I turned up 15 minutes early for my allocated group slot to visit Hadlow Tower. I wasn't about to miss this golden opportunity to spend time at the restored folly, especially as the ticket was issued free of charge for Heritage Open Day.

When 'my' group had gathered we walked through the grounds, with a very informative steward who led us to the main entrance to the tower. We passed this very old tree with a wooden prop that was put into place in 1951 - half a century ago!!!

Then it was on to a small exhibition centre on the ground floor with videos, a 3D tactile model and explanatory display boards about the history of Hadlow Castle, the people who lived there, the surrounding countryside and how the Tower was restored.

Original 1901....Disrepair 1995....Renovation 2012....Restored 2013

A lift took us up floor by floor to see the refurbishment of the rooms, that now can be rented for up to six people. The living space is on 3 floors all of which, of course, have a 360 degree view aspect of the surrounding countryside.

The last climb is a 100 step spiral staircase to reach the viewing platform which offers views as far as reaching as Tonbridge. I easily spotted Quarry Hill and K College in one direction and enjoyed a wonderful bird's eye view of Hadlow Village from another.

Hadlow Church and Village

Tonbridge in the distance - K College is the white oblong centre right

Hadlow Village

Looking towards Tonbridge

Castle Grounds

The restoration is fascinating!!! I particularly loved the relationship between the internal new architecture of strong metal girders and the original brickwork together with the wooden structural beams.

Above the living accommodation and looking up to the top of the tower

The final 100 step spiral staircase

Looking down

Original structural wooden beam

The tower is open tomorrow and over the weekend during the Heritage Open Days. Booking is online through the website http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/hadlow-tower but I'm not sure if there are any slots left.  Hadlow Tower closes for the season  on the 16 September and will open again next year. It's really worth a visit.

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I spotted this bargain in Beales Tonbridge.  A pair of boots for those with odd sized feet. Now don't all rush.

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There's plenty of wildlife to be spotted at Barden Lake. The above 'Recently Seen' list is on the notice board by the main carpark.

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Waiting for the happy couple to appear from the wedding inside Tonbridge Castle Chamber.