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Community News Transport

Sign up for digital notifications from Network Rail

Engineer working on the railway line

Sign up for digital notifications from Network Rail so they can reach you faster and keep you informed of planned work in our area.

Network Rail owns, repairs and develops the railway infrastructure across England, Scotland and Wales, working 24/7 to keep the railway running. Its new digital notification service has been introduced to inform lineside neighbours and communities of planned works, whether it be general maintenance or projects on a larger scale. With Edenbridge having two railway stations, we know this service will be very useful for keeping residents informed about works that could impact rail services as well as possible road closures.

It is expected to take 6 – 12 months for the service to be fully implemented across the country so it is possible you may still receive postal notifications during this time.

Stay connected and stay informed! Sign up now:

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Community News Events

Remembrance Sunday – 10 November 2024

Poppies in a field at sunset with words We will remember

The Town Council has been working in partnership with the Royal British Legion and local groups to coordinate this year’s act of remembrance in Edenbridge on Sunday 10 November.

At 10.30 am there will be a march from Leathermarket car park to the old War Memorial Hospital (with road closure), followed by a wreath-laying service at 11.00 am.

The whole community is invited to join, but please be advised that there will be no parking available at the old hospital site. Instead, you should park in the town. Parking is also available at the Cricket Club pavilion parking area, Blossoms Park.  Those who need to travel by car should arrive to park by 10.15am to avoid the road closure.

Road closure will be in force 10.15 am to 12.00 noon (from Church Street, High Street, Mill Hill to just past the hospital; and includes the Hever Road junction).

Help with Transportation

A Scouts minibus will lead the parade, with limited seats available for those with walking mobility issues. These should be booked in advance via this booking form. Alternatively, please email chris.barrow@sevenoaksscouts.org.uk or telephone 07746 816092.

Remembrance schedule
Morning

10.15 am: Arrive at Leathermarket car park to join the parade

10.30 am: Scouts lead march to old War Memorial Hospital

10.45 am: Arrive at War Memorial Hospital, and gather around memorial for opening prayers

11.00 am: Last Post and two-minute Silence followed by wreath-laying, and National Anthem

11.20 am: March back to the Leathermarket car park   

Afternoon           

2.30 pm: Service of Remembrance at St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Music by Edenbridge Town Band. There will also be a cascade of poppies on display.

Working in partnership

Thank you to all the organisations and volunteers that are helping to make this possible including the Royal British LegionEdenbridge Bonfire SocietyEdenbridge Scouts and Girl GuidesSt Peter & St Paul’s ChurchEdenbridge Town Band, Edenbridge Town Councillors, Kent Police and Sevenoaks District Council.

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Community News

Streetlight upgrade at Market Yard Car Park

We have recently installed two new streetlights at Market Yard Car Park as part of our ongoing streetlight replacement programme. The light at the High Street entrance will also be upgraded soon.

The upgraded LED lights and new columns are more energy-efficient and cost-effective, replacing older metal and concrete columns. This year’s budget of £45,000 is helping us modernise and brighten our community streets for everyone’s safety.

Edenbridge Town Council streetlights can be identified by a number 0-247 on the column. Streetlights that are managed by Kent Council have letters and numbers.

Report a fault with a streetlight

For Edenbridge Town Council streetlights (1-251) call 01732 865368

For Kent County Council streetlights report online or call 03000 418181

Edenbridge Market

Market Yard Car Park is home to our weekly Thursday Market! Come along and support local traders as well as our many High Street shops and businesses.

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Community News Events

Silver Sunday – events and offers for over 55s

This year’s Silver Sunday boasts lots of local events for people aged over 55, most of which are free.

Silver Sunday was originally set up to tackle loneliness, but in recent years it has become a national campaign to celebrate the contribution of older people while encouraging social activity.

Promoted locally by Sevenoaks District Council, and running from September to December, residents can sign up to a variety of activities and events.

For more information and a full list of events across the Sevenoaks District, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/silversunday. To request a leaflet listing this year’s Silver Sunday events, call 01732 227000 or email communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Events in Edenbridge

One-day leisure pass
Residents aged 55 plus can claim a free one-day pass for Edenbridge Leisure Centre on the first Sunday of October, November and December.
Please email communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk for details, terms and conditions and to request your pass.

Health & Wellbeing Day at Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Wednesday 20 November 2024, 10am and 2pm 
One You advisors and personal trainers will be on hand to offer advice on exercise and nutrition. There will also be an opportunity to have an NHS health check, speak to a diabetes nurse and get a strength and balance test. There’s no need to book and there will be free tea and coffee.

Games Club
Come along and play your favourite games while making friends and having a cuppa!

This friendly group meets every Monday from 10am to 12 noon in Rickards Hall, Edenbridge and play different games such as, cards, Chess or Connect4. Refreshments are provided.

For further details, call Edenbridge Town Council on 01732 865368.

Eden Centre events
The Eden Centre in Edenbridge holds lots of weekly events including gentle exercise classes run by Age UK, yoga for over 50s and more! Find out all the dates and times.

Bridges Café
Bridges Café in Edenbridge serves delicious coffee and cakes as well as holding fun, social events. Find out what’s going on..

Forget-me-not café
Last Friday of every month at the Eden Centre 10.30am to 12pm

Discounted golf
Over 55s can claim a 25% discount on tee times at Lullingstone Park Golf Course. This discount is valid Monday to Friday through October to December 2024 for residents with valid ID and a Silver Sunday programme. Alternatively, show this page on your phone.

Discounted Tee Times must be booked in advance by calling Lullingstone Park Golf Course on 01959 583019 or visiting the course in person at Parkgate Road, Chelsfield, Kent BR6 7PX.

Getting to and from events
If you need help getting to and from any Silver Sunday activity, contact Dial 2 Drive on 0300 7771200.. Charges apply for this service.

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Community News Emergency Planning

Edenbridge Town Council supports National Preparedness Month

This September, Edenbridge Town Council is proud to join National Preparedness Month, encouraging all residents to take steps toward being prepared for emergencies and local impacts. Whether it’s severe weather, flooding, or a utility outage, being ready can make a significant difference in how you, your family, and your community respond.

To help residents become better prepared, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has developed a simple 5-Step Guide with practical actions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. These steps will empower you to respond confidently to potential emergencies.

The 5-Step Guide to being prepared

You can visit the campaign directly at www.kentprepared.org.uk/5-steps.

In addition, Edenbridge Town Council has an active Emergency Planning Committee that will be reviewing the council’s Resilience Plan this month to ensure we are ready to support our community in the face of any emergency.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and help build a resilient Edenbridge!

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Community News

Chairman’s Summer Reception: A celebration of community spirit

On 4 September, the Town Council hosted the annual Chairman’s Summer Reception, bringing together councillors, council staff, partner agencies, and local community members, to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and hard work that keeps Edenbridge thriving.

Held at Rickards Hall, the evening was an opportunity for volunteers, individuals, and community groups to be personally thanked for their invaluable contributions. Among the attendees included volunteers who have worked with the Community Warden to help with litter-picking, bulb-planting, Speedwatch and the Games Club. Representatives from the Great Stone Bridge Trust and West Kent Housing also came along, both of which help fund the Community Warden’s role, as well as providing other vital services in the town. It was also lovely to welcome past councillors, Edenbridge’s local beat officer PC Maunsell and residents from the New Edenbridge Residents’ Association (NEDRA).

Chairman Cllr Bob Todd, who has now hosted the event for three years, expressed his appreciation for the community’s efforts.

Cllr Todd remarked:

“This is my third year hosting this special evening of gratitude, and it’s always something I look forward to. It is an opportunity to personally thank the many volunteers, individuals, and community groups who make Edenbridge such a wonderful place to live. I also want to express my appreciation to my fellow councillors and officers for their ongoing dedication.

“It fills me with pride to see our community come together like this, united in our shared commitment to making Edenbridge the best it can be. I’m especially heartened by the strong support from local organisations for those living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia – causes that are very close to my heart.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside everyone as we build on the successes of our town.”

The event was made even more special by live music from singer Steve Conway, whose performance added a warm and uplifting atmosphere to the evening.

Chairman Cllr Bob Todd
Chairman Cllr Bob Todd gets some help with acoustics from Steve Conway!

As the town moves forward, the Chairman’s Summer Reception remains a testament to the strength of community spirit in Edenbridge, highlighting the importance of collaboration, recognition, and continued support for vital causes such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Edenbridge Town Council looks forward to another year of working hand-in-hand with its community to maintain and grow the town’s vibrant spirit.

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Community News Open Spaces

Edenbridge Gardens in Bloom: celebrating community, creativity, and green thumb glory!

What an incredible success this year’s Edenbridge Gardens in Bloom competition has been!

A huge thank you to all the residents, community groups, and schools who put their green thumbs to work, showcasing such amazing talent and dedication.

We’re also grateful to our judges, local organisations, and businesses who generously sponsored an array of fantastic prizes – from family days out and afternoon teas to cinema tickets and memberships. Your support and enthusiasm have helped us come together as a community, fostering pride and a sense of togetherness.

The awards were presented on 2 September during a celebratory evening, with special guest Neil Miller, Head Gardener at Hever Castle, handing out the honours. Neil leads a varied team of gardeners, ranging from trainees to experienced professionals, who work hard to maintain Hever Castle’s award-winning gardens.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next year. Thanks for making Edenbridge bloom!

Scroll down to see some photos from the presentation evening and the full list of winners.

And the 2024 winners are:

ALLOTMENT
Winner: Min Reynolds
Runner-up: Michael and Rosemary Hill

Thank you to prize sponsors: Haskins and Falconhurst Estate

FRONT/BACK GARDEN

Winner: Peter and Penny Brook
Runner-up: Terri Scanes
Runner-up: Manor Care Home

Thank you to prize sponsors: Penshurst Place, Pashleigh Manor Gardens and Hever Castle

YOUTH/SCHOOL GROUPS

Joint Winners: Marsh Green School; Hever School

Thank you to prize sponsors: Godstone Farm, Kent and East Sussex Railway, Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Fishers Farm Park and Buster Ancient Farm

YOUNG GARDENER

Winner: Edenbridge Beavers

Thank you to prize sponsors: Canterbury Cathedral, Scott Cinemas and Standen House

WINDOW BOXES/HANGING BASKETS

Winner: Sarah Mirianashvili
Runner-up: Neil Batchelor
Runner-up: Pat Raynor

Thank you to prize sponsors: Chartwell, Leonardslee Lake and Gardens, and Chiddingstone Castle

STRANGEST/UNIQUE SPACE TO CREATE A COLOURFUL DISPLAY

Winner: Sue Butcher
Runner-up: Judy Bucknall

Thank you to prize sponsors: Wakehurst and Nymans

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Community News grants

Attention Edenbridge community groups – apply for funding by 21 October

Are you part of a local initiative that makes a difference in our community? Now’s your chance to secure funding to help your project grow!

Annual Grants

Our Annual Grants fund, which is £8,000 this year, is open for applications! Last year, we supported fantastic projects like:

  • New outdoor seating and children’s activities at the Bridges Centre
  • A new outdoor literary area at Marsh Green Pre-School
  • Transport services for hospital appointments
  • Improved facilities at the Recreation Ground Pavilion

These grants are designed to boost local activities, encourage participation, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Deadline: Monday 21 October, 5.00 pm

Apply now and make a lasting impact on Edenbridge!

CIL funding

Applications are also being invited for “infrastructure projects”. If you are an organisation or local group looking to enhance or provide new facilities for the benefit of Edenbridge, you can also apply for CIL funding; there is currently over £100,000 available. The closing date for CIL funding applications is 21 October.

Previous awards have included:

  • Stage lighting at the WI Hall
  • New playground facilities and Shepherds hut for teaching at Hever Primary School
  • An artificial pitch at Edenbridge Cricket Club
  • New flooring at St Paulinus Centre
  • Contribution to the new Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre

All applications for grants and CIL funding will be considered at the Charities & Grants meeting on Monday 25 November 2024.

Categories
Community News Open Spaces

Celebrate Edenbridge’s top gardens at awards night

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Edenbridge Gardens in Bloom competition! The judges have been truly impressed by the variety and creativity of all the entries, from colourful flower beds to innovative green spaces, and will be announcing all the winners and runner ups at an awards evening in just under two weeks.

Monday 2 September 4 – 6 pm | Rickards Hall, Edenbridge

Although this is a by-invitation event, we do have a limited number of extra (free) tickets, available on a first-come-first-served basis. It might be just the inspiration you need to get out more in the garden yourself! An opportunity also to meet others in the community with a shared passion and interest.

The awards will be presented by Edenbridge Town Council Chairman Cllr Bob Todd, and Neil Miller, Head Gardener at Hever Castle.

If you would like to attend, please email information@edenbridgetowncouncil.gov.uk
You can also call us on 01732 865368 or pop into the office Monday to Thursday 9 am to 3.30 pm.

Categories
Community News

Joining the war memorial clean-up initiative

It was heart-warming to see our community coming together recently through NEDRA (New Edenbridge District Residents’ Association) to start on the War Memorial Cleanup Initiative, and we are thrilled that our Grounds Team could pitch in by providing waste bags and taking away the rubbish. A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard.

Over the coming months, more teams organised by NEDRA will be stepping up to continue this important work, and we look forward to helping out again.

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