MALLING BLUE PLAQUE SCHEME

The Blue Plaque Scheme was launched in Autumn 2016 with MPs Tracy Crouch and Tom Tugendhat. William Alexander, High Sheriff of Kent, Michael Harrison Chair of Kent County Council,  Amanda Cottrell Chair of "Visit Kent", and the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling were also present.

The Blue Plaque Scheme was the brainchild of local West Malling resident Peter Cosier. He pointed out that the histories of significant local residents and visitors to the town were under threat of being lost.

A volunteer group of researchers and supporters was formed under the chairmanship of Trudy Dean to begin rewording these stories in a way which was readily accessible to everyone. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council provided financial support and advice. With invaluable support from Ray Lawrence, a much cheaper Blue Plaque was developed, carrying brief details of the individual concerned and a QR code. These codes, when scanned by a smartphone, give access to more detailed information, illustrations and further sources for reading. The QR code also provides a key to the Blue Plaque Trail and 17 sites throughout the town, arranged in a circular walk taking just over an hour to complete (and passing several cafes, pubs and restaurants). All material is available in sixteen languages and is hosted free of charge on Kent's top visitor site “Visit Kent" at https://www.visitkent.co.uk/malling-blue-plaques/

We have a list of more local personalities to research, and are pleased that Wateringbury has begun its own scheme, and East Malling is just setting out on theirs. The West Malling Scheme subsequently won a High Sheriff's  Community Award in 2016. 

For Information on how to set up your own Blue Plaque scheme please contact trudy.dean@kent.gov.uk