We're not disgusted, we're DELIGHTED
IT has become a synonym for Middle England, painting a picture of narrow-minded killjoys who spend their days scanning the streets or the newspapers for issues to moan about.
But Tunbridge Wells residents have had enough and are ready to shake off the tag that has dogged them for decades.
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Tunbridge Wells residents want to smash the Disgusted tag
When we hit the streets to ask residents if they thought of themselves as the "Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells", most visibly cringed as soon as the phrase was read out to them.
One of those residents, Sue Thomas, said: "It's tarring everyone in Tunbridge Wells with the same brush. It makes us sound pedantic.
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"If you say you come from Tunbridge Wells, that's the first thing most people think of."
Student Kat Sommers, 24, summed it up saying: "It's a stupid thing. It makes us sound like we're old and angry but we're not."
Council leader Roy Bullock agreed the tag was inappropriate and said the town's residents did not deserve it.
He added: "It may be appropriate for town residents to use when speaking or writing about events outside of our town confines.
"For example, I'm disgusted with the Scottish government about the release of the Libyan bomber. I am disgusted that Gordon Brown only now is doing an amazing U-turn in, at long last, saying that there will have to be cuts in public expenditure and I'm disgusted by the weather."
Cllr Bullock has come up with a new tag for the people of Tunbridge Wells, however. He said: "As far as residents speaking about our town, the most appropriate term to use is now Delighted of Tunbridge Wells."
The Rev Brian Senior of St Philip's: "I would say it's a very stereotypical label. It's representative of a small segment of Tunbridge Wells society but it's the same in any community, not just of Tunbridge Wells."
However, some locals have adopted the phrase as a marketing gimmick.
The town's tourist information centre sells mugs, t-shirts, magnets and postcards with Delighted and Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells from the shop at the Pantiles.
Tourist Information Centre manager Jan Spencer said: "The purchases are mainly made by local people as gifts or for Tunbridge Wells people who have moved away.
"The feedback from the phrase is of humour and affection. Those who know the phrase usually love it – but don't consider it true. Those unfamiliar with it find the items informative and funny and enjoy the joke when it is explained."
Ms Spencer added the Disgusted range outsells the Delighted range by two to one. Apparently, they're very popular gifts for spouses and bosses. In total they have sold more than 900 items over the past two years.
What do you think? Comment at www.thisis kent.co.uk/tunbridgewells
Comments
by MC, Sunny Tunny
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 12:52PM
“Every time I hear the phrase 'disgusted with Tunbridge Wells' I actually feel a little bit ashamed- from James Mays Toy Adventures to Trinny and Susannas show- WE ARE PROUD OF OUR TOWN not disgusted!!”
by Adam de Gurdon, Tunbridge Wells
Sunday, November 22 2009, 9:04PM
“Yes. there is some good and some appalling. What shops remain open look great and Mount Pleasant is still wonderful. But aren't there a lot of fat people about? Particularly women who seem not to have anything other than a makeup mirror at home. Taxi drivers are also gross but that probably goes with the sedentary job. Skinners Kent Academy is going to be an unmitigated disaster for local residents - they will build on virgin sites and floodlights and peeping whistles will destroy all peace on the old playing field. As the school is public sector they will railroad through all objections by giving 1% and taking 99%.
Disgusted? I should say so”
by stilldisgusted, Tunbridge Wells
Sunday, October 11 2009, 1:14PM
“You really are from a different planet. I thought elected representatives were accountable to/servants of their electorate. I can assure you that I do take action when I feel something needs to be done and I have had a number of contacts with Kent Highways and other arms of local government when I have felt the need to. But local politicians are surely the ones who determine local government POLICY and priorities taking advice from permanent officials but ultimately making the decisions. There is nothing about the highways and parking arrangements in Tunbridge Wells town that I think any objective observer would describe as "delightful". I hold you politicians accountable for that either because you've got the wrong priorities or because you've let the relevant officials deliver a substandard service. As leader of the council the buck at political level surely stops with you.
Incidentally although the video in following link is aimed at national government there are clearly lessons for us locally too.
http://voteforachange.co.uk/page/s/nextstop”
by roy bullock, tunbridge wells
Thursday, October 08 2009, 6:32PM
“Dear Still Disgusted,
Never mind quoting someone else. You do something for a change and report a genuine fault to Kent Highways and see what response you get. Take some personal responsibility, instead of blaming everyone else.”
by still disgusted, Tunbridge Wells
Thursday, October 08 2009, 8:34AM
“A quote from another story in today's pages!
"Putting a request in with Kent Highways is like putting it into Holden Pond ¿ they just sink to the bottom," said Cllr Colin Bothwell. "I have absolutely no faith whatsoever."
Do elected representatives have no control over Kent Highways?”
by roy bullock, Tunbridge Wells
Sunday, October 04 2009, 10:32AM
“To those of you who have complained about the Highways - please
do something and report the faults at www.kent.gov.uk/eFault/Application/ReportCategory.aspx or phone 08458 247 247. This is a 24 hour phone line.
Oh and by the way - why are there so many anonymous contributors? Could there be some of my politcal opponents amongst them?
Regards
Roy”
by gbb, usa
Saturday, October 03 2009, 2:52AM
“No one takes it seriously and it's always fun to say!
It's also assumed that we are all very well educated academically and socially and totally live on our own planet.
Utterly fabulous,don't give it up!”
by barbara deane, tun wells
Friday, October 02 2009, 2:06PM
“Perhaps this article heading should be renamed - "Not delighted of tun wells, we are still disgusted" - as it would appear that there are far more dissatisfied residents than happy ones!!”
by Still disgusted, Tunbridge Wells
Friday, October 02 2009, 1:20PM
“PS
I've just noticed that Councillor Bullock lives in Lamberhurst (so a little detached from the problems of the townsfolk of Tunbridge Wells) and that he has declared an interest as a member of the Grand Charity, run by Freemasons.”
by Still disgusted, Tunbridge Wells
Friday, October 02 2009, 1:05PM
“"Of course with all such comment the anti's (sic) will come out of the woodwork and vent their their prejudiced and at times jaundiced view of our really wonderful Borough"
This is precisely the kind of patronising and contemptuous language I was talking about below. I cannot believe this man is representative of David Cameron's "new" Conservatives unless this is the true face they are hiding from us. The state of the roads in the town of Tunbridge Wells is an utter disgrace. Who will accept responsibility for this which predates the recession by many years. My road has been patched -badly - just once in the thirty odd years of its existence. It's used as an all day car park by people who work in town. Barbara's absolutely right - you haven't even bothered to respond to many of the questions here. Just who do you represent Mr Bullock? To whom are you accountable?”