LOCAL musicians treated the town to a medley of songs and tunes on River Walk last Saturday [September 2] to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
It was the first of many events organised by the Tonbridge Poppy 100 team, Pam Mills, Carl Lewis and Georgina Thomas, in the build-up to the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War next year.
The occasion raised £649 to help the Royal British Legion’s work on behalf of Services veterans.
Basking in the late summer sun, the 17th Scout and Guide Band opened the Busking Beyond the Grounds festival.
More than 100 people lined the banks of the Medway and were treated to a sensational set by 10-year-old Kiah Spurle.
Kiah, who recently took part in the ‘kids’ version of talent show The Voice in Germany, also performed in a West End show called The Dreamers, about local Royal Engineers who perished off the coast of Gallipoli in 1915.
Among the other performers were Tom Carradine with his Cockney singalong, burgeoning Tonbridge talent Lee Williams and local singer songwriters Ryan Weeks and Matt Bridle.
Deputy Mayor Pam Bates thanked the Tonbridge Poppy 100 team along with Matt Sergeant of Phoenix Events and Beyond The Grounds café for hosting the event.
Mr Lewis said: “The people who came to support were brilliant, the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. Marion Roe, a lady who is in her eighties, was only too ready to get up for a bit of dancing to Lee Williams.”
He added: “Everyone was so generous with donations and we thank you all on behalf of the Poppy Appeal.”
If you would like to help the Poppy Appeal, please contact hmsstrongbow@yahoo.co.uk
