Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Christmas Ice Rink at Tonbridge Castle?...

Seems a bit early in the year to be talking about Christmas but I did promise that I'd mention something on TonbridgeBlog so here goes. A Tonbridge resident, who can name herself if she wishes to, is lobbying the borough council to install a temporary ice rink on the Castle lawn over the Christmas period. Not a bad idea I thought when she mentioned it to me last week; might draw in a few shoppers and liven the centre of town up a bit. I'm pretty sure that technically it could be done as there are many examples of such installations. As I recall last winter was so cold we could have skated on the river but I wouldn't recommend it most years. What does the rest of Tonbridge think?...

16 comments:

Sunny_Tonny said...

I think it's a nice idea - and maybe a little Christmas market with mulled wine and crafts to go with it?

Anonymous said...

Look Tonbridge Blogger it isnt even christmas yet!!!!!!!!

get a life m8

Anonymous said...

I agree with Sunny Tonny an ice rink with a proper Christmas Market would be splendid. I would be absolutely delighted if it happened.

Anonymous said...

YEAH! Sounds like a brilliant idea. Let's start a petition to persuade those who rule over us in Kings Hill to make it happen! Come on Tonbridge, let's get behind this! Would be brilliant for kids, teens and adults alike, both residents and visitors.

Paul Bailey said...

Sounds like a winner to me. Let's hope the bureaucrats up at Kings Hill agree.

If we get a really cold winter, we could always have skating on the river instead!

Local News said...

This is a brilliant idea and I would be there sipping a glass (or two) of mulled wine.

Tonbridge blogger said...

Some of the more observant among you may have noticed that good old google ads is already showing adverts for mobile ice rinks on this page. No idea of the cost but their is obviously a market for these things. Judging by the comments there seems to be some backing for the project. The Christmas market alongside could work well so come on council let's have you approval and, more importantly, funding....

Anonymous said...

Brilliant idea - for everyone else (being terrified of ice skating) but the Christmas market - local produce? Mulled wine? Sounds good to me.

Chris Kidd said...

I think it sounds a great idea. I'd love a Christmas market - help keep Tonbridge independent.

Bex said...

I think it would be wonderful. We've been to lots of outdoor ice rinks over the past few years (Kew Gardens, Somerset House, Windsor etc) but it would be great to have one in London and I would definately bring my friends - it's such a lovely wintery day out, especially after a glass of mulled wine or two! I'll back a lobby!

Paul Bailey said...

Looks like it's over to you then, Tonbridge Blogger to start lobbying the council and getting the ball roling.

The Tomahawk Kid said...

I also think this is a great idea. What a fantastic way of putting Tonbridge on the map! You would have people flocking to Tonbridge from all over the local area. We could even try and get Mr Books to dress up as Santa!

Sadly, it is such a good idea that Tonbridge & Malling are almost certainly not going to like it. Just think of the Health & Safety issues of people possibly slipping over on ice or pulling muscles in their faces by too much smiling or laughter.

If the Council want to be really bold and try and encourage shoppers into Tonbridge over the festive period, what about having free parking for the period before Christmas?

I would certainly add my name (real name of course) to any petition.

Anonymous said...

All a very good idea but as usual, what about the people who live in the direct area, again we have to pout up with additional noise and traffic & as the norm nobody has ever been and asked asked if this intrusion into our lives is ok..as with the music show in July,church services at easter etc etc. I pay my tasex and as such feel i should be able to have as say. You may think im sad but let me just come and set up these disruptions in youe back garden year on year & see how it goes.

Delia said...

I am sorry you find the idea so intrusive Anonymous. I don't think you would hear anything during the winter months when windows are closed and people are well insulated indoors. There are certainly no gardens backing onto the Castle Lawn unless this lawn is yours. I too live centrally and every summer hear the music, festivities and fireworks. That's part of choosing to live in the centre of a town - it's the CENTRE and therefore not quite as quiet as the outskirts. Oh come on anonymous you are really a grumpy grump - maybe you should move to the wilds of East Peckham whre there is mud and sheep.

Anonymous said...

One of our Councillors has agreed to put the proposal to the Leisure Committee, so all may not be lost.

We all need to write/phone/email and let them know we would like it.

The Tomahawk Kid said...

That's great news. I have already sent an email. Can Tonbridge Blogger please give this lots of publicity and get as many people as possible to email the Council?