Description

For over 150 years the sound of brass has filled the air around Edenbridge from the Edenbridge Town Band. The Band was first documented when the first member of the Wallis family became conductor in 1866. For over half a century, the band practised every Wednesday night in a small wooden hut at the back of the Doggetts Barn in the Church House Precinct. Since 1988 the Band has rehearsed in its own new purpose built bandroom, in the Market Yard.

Today, the band flourishes with a membership of around 28 musicians, whose ages range from 8 to 80 years old. Although most of the Band live in the Edenbridge area, some travel from as far afield as Caterham, Tunbridge Wells and Reigate to take part. Like many brass bands there is a loyalty and enthusiasm which runs right through the whole family, with parents, children and even grandchildren coming together to make music, under the baton of our Musical Director Mr David Pocock. The family spirit extends even further than the stage, as those who are not so musical often help in many other ways to keep things running smoothly.

Through the summer months the band can be seen at various functions ranging from fetes and festivals to sports days and bandstands. Bookings are taken regularly around Edenbridge and as far afield as the south coast. During the Autumn months the band takes part in the Armistice Parades and the Edenbridge Bonfire Society’s procession through the streets on Bonfire Night. Christmas sees the band out in the streets again playing carols.

The Edenbridge Town Band meet every Wednesday from 7.30pm – 9.45pm in the Bandroom, Market Yard Car Park, Edenbridge. We are always looking to welcome new members so if you are interested in joining or booking the band, please get in touch.

Description

Central Park comprises some 26 acres ranging from formal gardens near to the Town Centre, through ornamental areas to informal open space at the southern end towards Princes Road.

The picturesque River Darent runs along the park's eastern boundary.

The formal gardens abut the War Memorial and Library and include summer and winter bedding, herbaceous and shrub beds, together with a carpet bed which depicts the badge of a local organisation in the summer months.

Each summer at least 45,000 plants are used to create stunning colourful bedding displays.

The formal gardens are complimented by a rose garden and pergola, which was installed in 2002 and is quite spectacular when in full bloom.

The park is extremely popular with local children and visitors alike.

Image of riverThe informal areas of the park include large grass areas, junior football pitches, secluded tree shaded walks by the river and is home to the Dartford Harriers running track and pavilion.

Central Park hosts numerous events, particularly in summer, including the popular Dartford Festival in July.

There are public conveniences* and a small car park near the Cranford Road entrance at the southern end of the park (next to Fairfield Pool), and conveniences just outside the park in Market Street.

The park has a large children's playground which has a variety of traditional swings and slides as well as a climbing net, aerial runway, climbing wall, graffiti wall, track for bikes, skate boards etc, and a fully enclosed ball games area, all of which is monitored by CCTV.

The very popular Skatepark is located in Central Park.

The new bandstand has been erected very close to the original site of the first bandstand and will form a vibrant centre-piece for a range of concerts. The stone paving; steps and edges are of Ragstone composite to match the traditional materials of the plinth cladding. Protected by CCTV and other security measures, the bandstand has its own power supply, lighting and a music system for effect when not in use.

Central Park,

Dartford,

Kent,

England,

DA1 1EU.