Categories
PACT

PACT – next meeting 23 July

Join us at 7pm on Wednesday 23 July at Rickards Hall, Edenbridge for the next PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting.

While these meetings are not Police-led, they are a chance for residents to hear from and speak directly with key agencies including Kent Police, West Kent (Housing), youth organisations, and others involved in keeping our community safe. They are organised by Sevenoaks District Council’s Community Safety Team, and we are pleased to facilitate them for our town. They are very much about everyone working together.

Thank you to Sevenoaks District Council for scheduling these meetings, and reintroducing an evening meeting following residents’ feedback, which we hope will make it easier for people to attend.

The next and last PACT meeting for 2025 will take place at 2pm on 20 October – mark your calendars.

Categories
News

Family Fun Days return to Stangrove Park this summer!

Poster for family fun day. Children with face paint and magician

Join us for four afternoons of games, activities and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy:

  • Thursday 31 July
  • Thursday 7, 14 & 21 August

2pm to 5pm. Stangrove Park, Edenbridge.

Each week brings something new to enjoy—and it’s all completely free! No need to book, just turn up and get stuck in.

Special August highlights:

  • 7 August: African drumming workshop
  • 14 August: Live magician performance
  • 21 August: Face-painting fun

These events are funded by Edenbridge Town Council, with the 31 July event funded by Sevenoaks District Council. They are run by Play Place.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Invite your friends, and let the summer fun begin!

View the leaflet to see details of more Family Fun Days across the Sevenoaks District:

Categories
Community News

Edenbridge Games Club nominated for Tesco vote

We’re excited to share that Edenbridge Town Council’s application to the Tesco Stronger Starts programme has been successful! Our project, the Edenbridge Games Club, will be included in a customer vote across local Tesco stores from July to September 2025.

Through Tesco Stronger Starts, customers can vote for local good causes to receive up to £1,500 in funding. If you’re shopping at Tesco Express in Edenbridge or nearby stores, you’ll receive a blue token at checkout – just drop it into the voting box for the cause you’d like to support.

While we’d love your support for the Edenbridge Games Club, this is also a great opportunity to back any of the projects you feel passionate about. Every vote makes a difference!

About Edenbridge Games Club

We’ve created a welcoming weekly space where residents aged 55 and over can connect through classic board games, card games, and more – reducing isolation, encouraging conversation, and having fun.

Every Monday from 10am to midday at Rickards Hall, Edenbridge. No need to book – just turn up. Refreshments provided.

older people sitting at table playing board game together

For more about the Tesco Stronger Starts programme, visit tescostrongerstarts.org.uk.

Thank you for supporting community initiatives in Edenbridge!

Categories
Market

Market staple: John’s fresh produce and 30 years of friendly service at Edenbridge Market

For nearly three decades, John has been the man behind the vibrant fruit and veg stall at Edenbridge Thursday Market. John’s stall (JB Fruits) is stocked, prepped, and delivered after some seriously long shifts – often 20-hour days spent sourcing the freshest produce and bringing it straight to market.

“I’ve been here so long I’ve almost lost count, but it’s coming up to 30 years,” says John, who left a decade-long career as a bricklayer to take on a new challenge. “I thought I’d be doing fewer hours in this job – but that’s not the case!” he laughs, as he unloads crates of produce from his van.

His workday often starts at midnight, heading to Western International Market near Heathrow to source the freshest stock. Local berries come from farms near Maidstone, and cherries are dropped off directly from Kent growers. The result? A stall packed with variety and quality, tailored to what Edenbridge customers love.

“I’ve got almost a box of every type of product you could imagine. People here like to try everything – more so than at my other markets.”

John does three markets a week plus some shows, but Edenbridge stands out.

“I’m not just saying it – it really is my favourite market. The people are just so lovely, friendly and genuine. Every year it gets busier, and I think the Council’s done a great job bringing more people in.”

And it shows. John sets himself a sales target every year – and he’s already smashed this year’s goal, he tells us.

Popular picks change with the seasons. Asparagus is a current hit, while strawberries are a year-round best seller. Customers can also place orders in advance and swing by after work – John often stays until 5 or 6pm to accommodate busy schedules.

Local resident Selina says, “It’s really lovely to have the market as part of our community. Whenever I have a day off on a Thursday, I like to pop down with my young daughter. She loves it – and it’s a great introduction to fruits, vegetables, and colours!”

At 53, John admits it’s a physical job, but he has no plans to slow down just yet.

“I’ve still got another 10-15 years in me,” he says with a grin.

So if it’s fresh, local produce you’re after – and a friendly chat with someone who knows his apples from his avocados – John’s your man!

Categories
Transport

Edenbridge highways improvement – new town gateways installed

As part of the Highways Improvement Plan (HIP) for Edenbridge, we’re pleased to share that two new town gateways have been installed! These gateways, managed by Kent County Council Highways in collaboration with Edenbridge Town Council, mark key entry points into our town. They have been part-funded by a members’ grant from Councillor Margot McArthur.

You will see the gateways on Crouch House Road (near the railway bridge) and at the northern approach into town before Marlpit Hill. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, it’s not been possible to install one along Mill Hill. However, we will continue working with KCC to explore the possibility in the future.

Why are town gateways important?

  • Encourage safer driving – Clearly defined entrances help reinforce speed limits and road safety.
  • Enhance town identity – They create a welcoming entrance, fostering local pride.
  • Improve traffic flow – By naturally slowing vehicles, they contribute to a calmer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Highways Improvement Plan (HIP)

The HIP allows town and parish councils to identify and prioritise key safety improvements in their areas, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping these developments in Edenbridge. While Kent County Council Highways manages requests, there is no central funding pot, meaning councils may need to contribute financially or explore other funding options to bring projects to life. The Town Council submits up to five priority areas for consideration, with Kent Highways assessing feasibility, costs, and potential solutions.

The installation of these town gateways is a great example of local collaboration for a safer, more welcoming Edenbridge!

Categories
Open Spaces Tourism

New Nature Trail and Art Adventure at Millennium Wood!

Look out for the plaques

If you go down to the woods today, you may discover something new…our new Nature Trail and Art Adventure at Millennium Wood!

Spot the ten special plaques nestled on wooden posts to discover the wildlife, flora and fauna that thrive in this special part of Edenbridge.

Children will especially enjoy bringing the illustrations to life through the magic of crayon rubbings!

Spot our bug hotels

If you look closely, you might also spot a few insect and bug hotels dotted around the woodland too. These cozy habitats are part of our effort to support local biodiversity and provide a home for some of nature’s smallest – but most important – residents.

Plan your visit

Millennium Wood is open year-round at Mowshurst (home to Nomads Football Club). Free parking available. Please help us look after the woodlands for all to enjoy – do not litter, and clear up after dogs.

Categories
Tourism

Explore the beauty of Edenbridge anew – 10 updated Eden Valley walks leaflets now available!

We are delighted to announce the release of our newly updated walks leaflets, featuring ten scenic routes through the beautiful countryside and villages, in and around Edenbridge. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a longer adventure, there’s a walk for everyone.

These carefully revised guides invite residents and visitors alike to rediscover the rich countryside, historic landmarks, and hidden gems that make this corner of Kent so special.

You can pick up a guide from the Town Council office (Doggetts Barn, 72a High Street, Edenbridge) or download a mobile-friendly version online at www.visitedenbridge.com/discover/walks

We have been able to update these popular guides thanks to funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy and a Kent County Council Members’ Grant (from County Councillor Margot McArthur 2021-2025), to help both residents and visitors enjoy the area.

“Promoting Edenbridge as a visitor destination is a key part of supporting the local economy and showcasing our spectacular location and everything our town has to offer”, said Cllr McArthur.

Get your leaflet and head out to explore one of the walks – you’re sure to find something new to love!

Categories
Community News Environment

Help shape the electric vehicle charging network

Suggest a charge point location

Kent County Council has been awarded vital Government funding for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) to significantly increase the amount of public charge points in Kent.

The Council is currently identifying potential locations for on-street charging points and welcome your thoughts, especially if you own an EV or are thinking about making the switch.

If your street has already been nominated don’t let it put you off as it is useful for the Council to know where interest is high. It cannot guarantee that every suggested street will be suitable for a charge point, but it will investigate every suggestion made.

To suggest a location, use the interactive map at https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/on-street-ev

Electric vehicle charging point

New overnight tariff – Market Yard car park, Edenbridge

A cheaper, overnight rate has now been introduced across our EV charge points at Market Yard car park.

Day rate: 53p per kWh
Overnight rate (Midnight – 7am): 43p per kWh

All chargers in the network are now smart charging enabled, so you’ll automatically get the best price during off-peak hours.

Categories
Market

Meet Alan – the friendly face behind the flowers at Edenbridge Market

Every Thursday in Edenbridge, you’ll find a warm welcome, colourful displays of seasonal plants, and a familiar figure setting up shop – Alan, one of the market’s best-loved traders.

Market trader man with Union Jack bunting
Alan taking part in Edenbridge’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations

At almost 75, Alan brings decades of experience and passion to his plant stall. Though he lives in Lingfield and has a nursery in Reigate, it’s Edenbridge where he’s been trading for the past six years – just before the pandemic – and he keeps coming back for the people.

“I enjoy the friendliness of the people at Edenbridge and all the regular faces. It’s nice to have a chat each week,” Alan says with a smile.

And it’s not just about plants – it’s the personal service that keeps locals coming back. Regular customer Linda sums it up: “I ask Alan for his advice all the time. What would I do without you, hey Alan?” Recently, she popped by to ask about deadheading geraniums and to pick up some trailing begonias he’d sourced for her the week before. She also stocks up on winter pansies – all at prices that are often better than the big stores. “Last week, Alan had six pots of lavender for £20. I saw the same ones at the supermarket – two for £20!”

Alan’s knowledge runs deep. He left school at 15 to work in a nursery for over 12 years before spending 37 years with Royal Mail. Ten years ago, in retirement, he returned to his horticultural roots and turned his weekend hobby into a business.

“I’m 75 this year and I don’t want to stop!” he says – and with the support of loyal customers and his sidekick Sharka, a chilled-out Bulgarian rescue dog who enjoys sunbathing at the stall, there’s no sign of him slowing down.

Alan also supplies plants to a local pub in town, adding even more greenery and charm to Edenbridge.

With Love Your Local Market running from 16 to 31 May, there’s no better time to stop by Edenbridge Market, say hello to Alan, and enjoy expert advice, great value, and a friendly chat – you’ll leave with more than just plants, you’ll leave with a smile!

Categories
Community News Council Open Spaces

New tree planted as a lasting legacy for 130 years of Edenbridge Town Council

To mark 130 years of the Town Council, a new Amber Liquid tree has been planted in Stangrove Park – a symbol of our town’s heritage and growth.

This tree isn’t just a tribute to our history. It also marks the closing chapter of Councillor Bob Todd’s tenure as Chairman. Planting the Amber Liquid was one of his final acts before stepping down this week (12 May), adding a personal and meaningful touch to the Council’s milestone.

The tree will stand as a reminder of both the Council’s enduring presence and Cllr Todd’s dedicated service to our community.

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons