Copy Magna Carta shows up in Maidstone....

Ever since starting in the book trade over ten years ago I've dreamt of someone bringing in either a first folio of Shakespeare's Works or a copy of the Magna Carta. The dream is kept alive from time to time when I read about important works being unearthed in cupboards or in someone's attic. Only last week Maidstone county archives unearthed a copy of the 1300 edition of Magna Carta, belonging to Sandwich borough council, which was long forgotten, buried deep in a scrap book along with some other ancient documents. It is incredible that these treasures are still out there and I wait in the hope that one will turn up for me to at least see in the flesh, if not own. Read about the find here

Go to Tonbridge Library to see what they're planning for Tonbridge Town Centre....

TonbridgeBlog is keen to hear people's views on the latest proposed High Street Regeneration scheme as reported in the Courier today. I've yet to see the plans so I'll reserve judgement for now. Surely spending £2.62 million on the town centre can only be a good thing can't it? Or have we seen councils squander this kind of dough in the blink of an eye before and been left with very little to show for it? In this case it seems to be a joint project between Kent County Council, who are in charge of the Highways, and the borough council, TMBC. Some might see that alone as a recipe for disaster! For me, if they are to blow this amount, which is a serious sum for a small town centre like ours, the improvements would have to have a lasting legacy and not just look pretty for a couple of years. But what do you all think?...  See the plans which are on public display at Tonbridge Library and the web site here  I'm off there right now

Tonbridge to Penshurst Cycle Trail on YouTube....

....and as promised here is my video production of my own version of Happy Tonbridge. I'm never happier than when I'm out on my bike getting some exercise, fresh air and getting caked in mud in the process. So I thought it might be useful for some to see the whole route, start to finish, from Tonbridge to Penshurst village. If you've never done it just get on yer bike and give it a go. The Leicester Arms is very welcoming at the other end but don't forget that you still have to get back! As for the quality of the video and the audio for that matter? Look I never claimed to be Spielberg did I?! I'm just a novice with a new toy!...

Penshurst Trail video coming up soon....

...and speaking of Penshurst, as we weren't, I had a lovely, and very dirty bike ride out to Penshurst along the cycle trail last weekend. I also recorded it on my new head cam (look it was a Christmas present) so that anyone who wants to be adventurous can follow the route. The video will follow shortly once I've got my head around Windows Live Movie Maker software. I probably need to cut it down from its present half an hour but where to make those edits? That is the question....