Civic Medallion to be awarded to founder of The Forum

The email newsletter sent on 17th February 2022 contained an item about Jason Dormon, recipient of a Civic Medallion in 2019. The item and link should have referred to the award of the Civic Medallion to Mrs June Bridgeman CB. The details of this award can be found on our website. Our apologies to Mrs Bridgeman for the error.

Members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will award a Civic Medallion to Jason Dormon, co-founder of The Forum, the independent music venue in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

A Civic Medallion is only given to those people who have made an outstanding contribution and who have been highly active in participating towards community life.

Mr Dormon was nominated for the award by Council cabinet member with responsibility for tourism and leisure, Councillor Jane March who said:’ Tunbridge Wells is honoured to present this award to a resident who has put the town on the international music map.

‘Jason Dormon has shown his commitment to young and old alike by making The Forum an inviting venue where artists can try out their craft. A truly well-deserved award of the borough's most prestigious gift.’

Full Council considered the nomination at their meeting in December and gave their unanimous approval for the award to be presented at their next meeting on 27 February 2019.

A real honour

In response to the nomination Mr Dormon said: ‘It is a real honour to be awarded the Civic Medallion and I will gladly accept this award on behalf of the Forum team: all the staff and volunteers, plus artists and gig-goers who have helped to facilitate a thriving, internationally recognised live music and cultural scene in Tunbridge Wells for more than 25 years.‘

In 1993 The Forum opened in a former public toilets as a new music venue. In 2012 NME voted The Forum Britain's Best Small Venue and in 2018 the venue celebrated its 25thanniversary.

The Council’s medallion scheme has been in operation since 1981 to recognise those people who have made an outstanding contribution and exceptional service to the local community. Medallions are only given once a year and it is not automatic that an award will be made. The nomination process is made through borough councillors.