The Cake - Spring 2022

LOCAL COMMENT
IVOR'S COLUMN
The Rich History
of the Crane Brook
Ivor Hatcher, our long-time parish warden, takes a look at the
meandering path taken by the town’s pretty stream
Often, when I am picking cans,
bottles, bikes, and other rubbish
out of the Crane Brook, I think
of its rich history, powering
industries past.
Who would believe that the stream that
runs through the Crane Valley, from which
the name of Cranbrook derives, used to play
such an important part in the industry of the
town in yesteryear?
The stream rises at Hartley, winding its way
through field and woodland to the Tanyard,
where surface water from other areas of the
town flow into it. The Crane Brook, which
becomes Hammer Stream at Hammer Mill on
the outskirts of Sissinghurst, is a tributary to
the River Beult winding its way from Ashford
through Headcorn and on to Yalding, where it
joins the River Medway.
The Crane once had tributaries that
powered the town’s watermills at the Freight
and Baker’s Cross. These were probably
‘fulling mills’, which formed
part of the woollen industry.
In the Tanyard, John
Tooth, a hat maker, used the
power of the water to power
his hat factory. Hard to
believe that there was enough water to power
a water mill. As it flowed, it once powered
several watermills, including one at Moat
Farm, and the Sissinghurst watermill, which
was on the site of Lake Chad.
It is surprising how much the river does
rise when there is heavy rainfall. The grid
in the Tanyard prevents the river blocking
under the car park, as has happened in the
past, flooding the Old Bakery several times. I
once saw a mini car float across the car park
because the water was so high!
Toilets to Re-Open with Children’s Murals!
As you are most likely aware, we have been without public toilets in
Cranbrook for some while. This is not acceptable in such a vibrant
place.
The parish council took over responsibility for the toilets from
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council after they had expended almost
all of their funding trying to maintain the building due to repeated
vandalism, leading to their closure.
The parish council looked at several sites in the town for suitable
temporary toilet facilities but, due to varying factors, none of these
sites proved viable.
We have decided to take the risk of opening the toilets again by
refurbishing the Ladies, making them Unisex and available 24/7. The
disabled facilities will also be opening, accessed by key. To keep costs
down, it was agreed to keep the old gents’ space closed.
We had not envisaged spending any money on the externals but
we were contacted by the Belle Vue School, whose headteacher and
pupils had commented on the poor state of toilets.
The children came up with the
idea of murals they would paint on
the outside walls and doors. They are
aware of vandalism but are happy to
make good any damage by looking at
the building on a weekly basis.
We are very pleased by their kind
offer and applaud their willingness
to support our community in such
a way.
We have decided to invest some
of your money on doing something different by
providing and having constructed a timber shelter for youngsters to
gather in the Crane Valley. This will, hopefully, distract them from
further damage to the loos. Any other constructive ideas are very
welcome.
Cllr Colin Gilbert, chairman Burial Grounds and Properties
The Cake • Spring 2022 19