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?
