‘‘The blaze was devastating, it spread from the bingo hall to Bonner Williams furniture shop’’
Peter Ruck

July 1997 - Capitol Bingo Hall

Swampy, The Teletubbies and Geri Halliwell (and that dress of hers) all became household names in 1997, and for the first time in my lifetime there was a Labour government and five channels on TV. For Paul Bonner and many long term Tonbridge residents the summer of 1997 will be better remembered for the Capitol Bingo Hall Fire, a huge blaze which ripped through his business and resulted in the one time cinema being left derelict for years to come.

Listen to Peter Ruck who was working across the road at Baldwins recount his memories from that day.

Pic: Gavin Sawyer

Music: ‘Ill be missing you’ (instrumental)- Puff Daddy/Faith Evans,