Say Hi to your High Street: Hawkhurst Treasure Hunt
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s ‘Say Hi to your High Street’ campaign moves back to Hawkhurst this weekend (5 June) as the Wealden village becomes the second of the four borough high streets to host a treasure hunt.
Residents and visitors are invited to visit the businesses in Hawkhurst to find hidden clues.
When you have found all of them, you can enter to win a great selection of prizes, from vouchers that can be spent at local stores, to gifts and products hand-selected by the shop owners.
In Hawkhurst this weekend, you could win a vibrant selection of handmade cushions from Ooh How Lovely, a core range of cooking pots and pans from IN Design Kitchens, a voucher for Lindsay Barrow Designer Florist and even a joint annual membership to Hawkhurst’s independent cinema, Kino.
To enter, you simply need to visit Hawkhurst this Saturday, find the Say Hi logos (nine in all), ask in the shop for the letters that make up an anagram and then share a selfie showing your word using the hashtag #sayhihawkhurst either on Facebook, tagging @VisitTunbridgeWells, or on Instagram, tagging @tunbridgewellsvisitor. Alternatively, you can email your photo to business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk – you will need to use this option to enter if your social media profiles are private.
Meet the traders
The traders of Hawkhurst are looking forward to saying ‘Hi!’ to you this weekend – and helping you to find the treasure. Here are a few who are keen to welcome you to their village.
Sarah Martin, Martins
When it comes to white goods, Martins has everything plus the kitchen sink. With a spread of showrooms, new appliance displays and even their own repair workshop across three floors, this specialist shop has kitchens covered. The family run business has been open for 40 years now, sharing their decades of experience with the local community.
Sarah Martin, Sales and Marketing Manager, first joined the team in 2013 as a front of house greeter but, as her knowledge grew, she quickly became a key part of Martins’ Sales and Marketing team. When lockdown restrictions came into place, however, new attention had to be given to how their growing customer base could stay connected.
“We were able to talk to customers on the phone and order in items for them. The interest in kitchens has gone mad so we are busier than ever!” Sarah says. “It really is a team effort; our designers guide you through the decision-making process of selecting door styles, worktops, sinks and taps, and then our appliance team will help you decide on the best fit from a wide selection of models.”
“To ensure we can give the best possible service, we work hard to get to know you as much as possible. Knowing our customers’ lifestyles and needs allows us to pick out the perfect appliances and kitchen for them. We like to show our customers that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it right!”
Two Chicks gift shop
Established nearly five years ago, Two Chicks provides a range of cards, balloons and gifts for every occasion. From birthdays and weddings to congratulations and milestones, the shop looks to be the first stop for Hawkhurst’s gift-giving needs
The growing fan base has enabled it to widen its range, meaning it is now confident that it has something for everyone.
Thanks to the support of their loyal customers throughout lockdown, Two Chicks was able to expand further to offer specialist eco-friendly furniture paints alongside their core range of cards and gifts.
Two Chicks prides itself on its strong relationships with its customers – if you become a regular you can be sure of a personal welcome.
Pete Gibson & Nicki Crowhurst, The Royal Oak
At home with the stylings of the peaceful Kent countryside, The Royal Oak hotel makes an ideal spot to relax with its traditional pub, restaurant and garden terrace. Over 100 years old, the property was taken over by hospitality veterans, Pete Gibson and Nicki Crowhurst, in early March 2021.
Despite lockdown restrictions only allowing for the business officially to re-open for the past month, their enthusiasm for delivering customers an unforgettable experience has only grown.
“We have been in hospitality our whole professional careers; I have been a chef since I was 21 and my partner Nicki has been in the hotel industry her whole life. We have always wanted to be our own bosses and put our own personal touch on something, so we decided to take the risk and buy the Royal Oak,’ says Pete Gibson.
“We do everything we can to deliver the service that we believe you should get. We want to make sure everybody leaves happy. One of the main reasons why we’re in this industry is because of the relationships you build with customers – you can’t beat it!”