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BUSINESS
Local News
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Wednesday November 29 | 2023
Picture: David Bartholomew
Award-winning florists pick up double delight
By Ben Cornwell TUNBRIDGE Wells business Colonnade Florist, run by Sharon Alff and Charlie Avis, had a week to remember after being named Florist of the Year at both The Kent Wedding Awards (November 16) and the South East Regional Wedding Industry Awards (November 21). The multi-award-winning company has been owned by Sharon for over 20 years. She initially ran the much-loved shop on Monson Road, but in 2019 Sharon made the decision to close the shop and move into a studio in the heart of Tunbridge Wells with fellow florist Charlie – a move which both florists said reignited their passion for floristry.
Honoured Owner Sharon has been a florist since she was 16 and holds some of the profession’s highest qualifications, including a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal, as well as several silver medals. Charlie, who now manages the wedding side of the business, has been a florist for almost eight years after walking into Sharon’s shop looking for some work experience and being offered a full-time job. The two work very closely together along with their trusted delivery drivers to ensure all the flowers are expertly delivered to their clients across Tunbridge Wells and Kent. Charlie told the Times that they were both ‘truly honoured’ to be nominated along with some amazing florists in their category for both awards. She said: “We are completely over the moon and thrilled to have won. It was so lovely to get dressed up for both ceremonies and celebrate
Annual Law Society dinner sees thousands raised for local charity By Elena Percy
WEDDING WINNERS: Charlie Avis (left) and Sharon Alff of Colonnade Florist with our fellow wedding suppliers. We’ve entered both awards before – achieving a win in The Kent Wedding Awards in 2021. However, this was during lockdown and as lovely as it was to win, it’s not quite the same in a virtual ceremony. “We put such a lot of work into improving our business and growing our skills this past year and to have that recognized and be there to celebrate was an amazing feeling.” She added: “The Wedding Industry Awards is judged in large part on the votes and comments from our couples over the last year. We hope that the judges, and most importantly our couples, see the passion that we put into our work. We truly love what we do and are excited for every wedding we get the pleasure to work on.”
THE Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society (TWTDLS) annual dinner took place at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on Friday November 17, the evening raised £1,650 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Hosted by TWTDLS President John Spence, a Property Litigation Partner at the Tunbridge Wells-based law firm CooperBurnett LLP guests included Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Georgie Warner; Under Sheriff for Kent, Catherine Lloyd; the Mayor, Councillor Hugh Patterson; Vice President of The Law Society of England & Wales, Richard Atkinson and the President of the Sussex Law Society, Manjinder Nagra. The guest speaker was former BBC South East presenter Rob Smith, who left the organisation two years ago and now runs his own business, offering a variety of services including media training, consultancy, voiceover work and hosting. TWTDLS, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in May this year, is sponsored by TN Recruits, Newman Business Solutions and Tower Street Finance. Led by a committee elected annually, it offers support to local solicitors and other legal professionals,
including networking, training and social events, while also representing the local members in consultations with The Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority and other Government bodies. In addition to solicitors, the membership also includes paralegals, trainees, legal executives, barristers, and in-house counsel. Mr Spence, who is in his second year of presidency, said: “West Kent is home to many highly respected law firms and it was good to see so many represented at The Spa Hotel. The TWTDLS has been bringing the legal profession together as a community in our two towns for over 90 years and continues to go from strength to strength.” During his time as President, Mr Spence has increased both the membership, the number of training and social events the organisation provides, as well as strengthening its relationship with the Law Society of England and Wales. The event raised £1,650 for Demelza Hospice Care For Children, which is Mr Spence’s chosen charity for his presidency. The charity was represented by Anyès Sineux-Reading, who told guests about the vital support and services Demelza provides.
Our new office on Tunbridge Wells High Street is now open, and we'd love you to join us for a festive celebration to mark the occasion! When:
Thursday 7 December From 2.30pm Toast by The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells at 3pm
Where:
Thomas Mansfield Solicitors 65 The High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XX
01892 577092
events@thomasmansfield.co.uk