Over the last month, in support of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s ‘Say Hi to your High Street’ campaign, we’ve given you a small glimpse of what the high streets of Paddock Wood, Hawkhurst, Southborough and Cranbrook have to offer – but now it’s time for a little fun!

This coming weekend, Paddock Wood will be the first of our local high streets to host a Treasure Hunt, encouraging residents and visitors to find clues hidden by participating businesses.

When all the clues have been discovered, treasure seekers 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 Paddock Wood this weekend, you could win a luxury delicatessen hamper from The Kings of Fine Food worth up to £50, a personalised light from Snobs Gifts, a voucher for Barnsley’s Department Store or entry for four people to the Hop Farm.

To enter, you simply need to visit Paddock Wood this Saturday, find the clues and then share a selfie showing your haul using the hashtag #sayhipaddockwood 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 Paddock Wood 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 town.

Claire Webb, The Darling Buds
Whether it’s a thank you bouquet or milestone event, there are flowers for every occasion! The Darling Buds is owned by Claire Webb, who took over the shop two years ago. She has a wealth of experience in the industry and, after 10 years of working for other people, she decided the time was right to start her own business in Paddock Wood.
But Claire’s creativity doesn’t stop with arranging beautiful blooms – she also has an interior range of rugs and cushions, all of which she has personally designed.

“Being able to do your own designs is what I love; everything is my own idea, and I can create bouquets that reflect myself as a person,” Claire says. “We also do a lot of wedding arrangements, from table centrepieces to bridesmaid and bridal bouquets. Being able to create the perfect floral arrangement for their special day is something I really enjoy!”

Martin Stammers, Snobs Gifts
From birthdays to weddings, Snobs Gifts offer a range of engraved and printed products for customers looking for truly personalised gifts.

Owner, Martin Stammers, has been serving the Paddock Wood local community as part of the family-run business for 21 years.

“We started as a small shoe repairing and key cutting business in 1999. Soon after our engraving venture began, we offered a trophy engraving service which has since expanded to house signs and memorial benches. Over the years the requests increased and, with newer machines and techniques becoming available, we were able to begin making bespoke gifts,” he says. “In 2006 we launched our website and began distributing our gifts worldwide. The business has continued to grow ever since.”

“I love the interaction this job brings and it is nice to see customers happy with the finished product. Some of our customers even send us photos of the personalised house signs we've made for them hanging up in their homes!”

Miguel Fenton, The Hop Farm
The Hop Farm is one of Kent’s most iconic and historic landmarks, opening its gates to over 500,000 visitors every year. Originally owned 450 years ago by the Whitbread brewery company, it operated as a fully working farm before opening its doors in 1997 to the public, offering a wealth of events and attractions for all ages to enjoy.

“The Hop Farm provides a multitude of leisure and entertainment; we have something for everyone. From a farm where you can get up close and personal to animals with children’s rides and soft play areas, to drive-in cinema events and live entertainment,” says Miguel Fenton, Head of Sales and Marketing. “We even have Olly Murs and Tom Jones playing here this summer!”

“We have a large number of venues for hire for weddings and business meetings – and even an award-winning campsite. It is great that we are able to provide this for our local community.”