FOREMAN RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS
After a career spanning five decades and mirroring that of his late grandfather , Hadlow Estate foreman Mick Cheesman is hanging up his tools for the final time . Mick , 66 , is retiring following a long career that began thanks to a chance meeting in the local pub in 1970 , between his father and the Estate ’ s carpenter . The discussion led to 15-year-old carpentry apprentice Mick starting work there .
Mick recalls : “ When I began working on what was then the Somerhill Estate , I used to ride to work from Tudeley to the carpenter ’ s yard about two and a half miles away . We then used our bikes to ride all over the Estate to our different jobs . I enjoy the variety of the job , you don ’ t know what you are going to be doing from one day to the next . One minute you could be making a window and the next you ’ ll be unblocking a drain .”
Mick has a particularly special connection with the Estate as his grandfather Ernest Catt worked there as a woodman for 60 years . “ It was for that reason that I always wanted to do my full 50 years .”
Kate Teacher , of the Hadlow Estate , said : “ Mick ’ s depth of knowledge of the Estate and how it works has been invaluable . He has worked on all of the Estate ’ s houses , barns , oasts and buildings , as well as knowing its woodland and farmland over three generations . He ’ s always been generous in sharing his knowledge but does so in a way that ’ s kind and unassuming – which is a rare quality . We wish him well for his retirement .”
FIND FROSTY TO WIN £ 200
Tunbridge Wells ’ spectacular Christmas lights have been switched on , not only illuminating the special streets and bringing some seasonal spirit to entice Christmas shoppers back as soon as allowed post lockdown , but also bringing Frosty , a fantastic 3.3 . m tall snowman to the town too !
To celebrate his arrival ( as well as his perfect picture opportunity ) and the plentiful shopping opportunities in the area , Royal Tunbridge Wells Together have launched a ‘ Find Frosty ’ competition where one lucky entrant will receive £ 200 of vouchers to spend in Tunbridge Wells this Christmas . Shoppers who visit the online Christmas Gift Guide at www . twchristmas . shopping , will not only be able to browse online before shopping in-store , but will also be able to see how many times they can spot Frosty hiding amongst the gifts .
Going one step further to ensure everyone really can enjoy the town this Christmas , visitors will be able to park for just £ 2 all day on a Sunday . During the week , parking in the main central car parks will also be free after 3pm , allowing visitors to see the lights in all their evening glory !
Ross Feeney , chief executive of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together , the town ’ s BID , said : ‘ Our Christmas light switch , marks the start of the festive season for many . We wanted this year , more than ever , to provide some much-needed fun and happiness in a year that has been , far too dull to date . Royal Tunbridge Wells has so much to offer and these big and bold lights shine a light on our town ’ s cracking character and community .”
INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR BRITAIN ’ S OLDEST BREWER
Winners in five different categories , Shepherd Neame have been honoured with eight medals at the 2020 International Beer Challenge , a global competition which attracts entries from more than 40 countries .
In the flavoured beer category , a silver medal was awarded to New Dawn Citrus IPA and in the stout / porter category Double Stout achieved a bronze medal . Other awards collected were bronze for Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager and India Pale Ale , silver for Whitstable Bay Blonde and Bishops Finger and the highlight , winning gold for their bottle conditioned ale 1698 .
Mike Unsworth , Shepherd Neame head brewer , said : “ We are delighted to have been recognised with a selection of medals including gold at these prestigious awards , demonstrating our beers are amongst the finest in the world . Our team is passionate about beer and committed to quality and innovation .”
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