In February 2020 I launched the TN card as a new way to encourage us all in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge to support our local independents which are the commercial lifeblood of our towns.
A couple of years on and the TN card supports just shy of 600 independents; has expanded into Sevenoaks and boasts 2000 members, all enjoying rewards for supporting local.
The TN card also supports mental health charity West Kent Mind through membership sales, events and fundraisers. To date over £11K has been donated, making a big difference to the services the charity can provide.
Last month, to coincide with the TN card’s second birthday, the TN card app was launched – moving the loyalty scheme online with digital memberships and exciting functionality that makes it easier than ever to find local rewards.
To celebrate, I hosted three special drinks receptions for our High Street independents in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, each one especially curated to commemorate each town.
In Tonbridge, I welcomed the town’s businesses to the prestigious Tonbridge School where we enjoyed canapés from Tonbridge School Events and drinks from our TN card partners: Sparkling English wine from Chapel Down, cider from Charrington’s, beer from Pig & Porter, coffee from Bean Smitten and chocolate from Mimi Coco. We were joined by speakers Matthew Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Ceri Hodgkiss, Training Manager for West Kent Mind. Goodie bags included chocolates from Mimi Coco and gift vouchers from COOK. Thank you to Warners Solicitors and Tonbridge School for supporting the event.
In Tunbridge Wells, we celebrated the town at TN card partner the Old Auction House, a dynamic new independent off The Pantiles. It was the perfect venue to honour both new and established independents. Guests feasted on a menu that included salads, slow roasted veal, cheese and charcuterie and mini desserts, washed down with sparkling English wine from Chapel Down and beer from Cellar Head Brewing Co. We were joined by Cllr David Scott of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kate Barnes of West Kent Mind who spoke about the power of community. Goodie bags included freshly baked cookies from Crumbs & Treacle.
The celebrations ended with a flourish courtesy of a drinks reception for Sevenoaks independents and partners at Hive Restaurant at Well Court, Bank Street. The canapés and fizz served up showcased the fine dining restaurant’s excellent menu and wine list. Guest attendees included Stevie Rice, the CEO of West Kent Mind, Cllr Dr Merilyn Canet, Mayor of Sevenoaks and Cllr Peter, Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council. Guests left with TN card embossed biscuits from Sarah Hunter Cake Design. Thank you to Warners Solicitors and Hive for supporting the event.
As the TN card enters a new phase with the rollout of the new app, I would like to say a huge thank you to not only the businesses who’ve joined the scheme over the past two years, but to each and every one of our valued members who have been part of our story so far, joining our growing TN community and supporting our independents and West Kent Mind. We can achieve so much when we come together as a community – here’s to supporting local and our unique, wonderful towns – I hope the TN card can continue to facilitate this.
The TN card app is available on App Store and Google Play.
For more information visit thetncard.com
