Broadstairs memories
Here are memories of Broadstairs and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Broadstairs or a Broadstairs photo.
The Post in The Centre of The Bay
I am not sure which grandfather it was (how many greats do you want?) but the old part of my family, the Strevens, have lived in Broadstairs for the last five hundred years, and have the honour of having erected the post in the middle of the bay. This was one of five snubbing posts that allowed the barges to warp right up to the pier where they loaded tar and coke from the gas works at the top of Harbour Street (now a car park). The tar pipe is still visible in the side of the pier where it used to run down the hill still hot from the coke ovens, and into the barges.
My Stay at St Mary's
l think it was 1957 but am not sure. l remember my stay at St Mary's very much. After my first 2 weeks of being home-sick l loved it, the nuns and nurses were so kind. l remember beetroot with every meal and going down the steps to the sea. l was there for 6 weeks for Christmas and my birthday and we had a Christmas party and l also had a birthday party. The sea was so rough but it was great. l had never seen the sea before. We also went to a pantomime. Santa gave me a boy doll which l still have and l was the fairy as l was the only girl with a white dress. l can remember having sweets, we would choose one in the morning and have half in the morning and half after our afternoon nap, l always chose the slab of toffee with the banana flavour in the middle. l can remember a girl with a glass eye, she would... Read more
Memories of Saint Marys Broadstairs
I Patricia Kenny was at Saint Marys in early 1950s with my two sisters Penny and Pamela. I was 2 years old, Pamela 5 and a half and Penny seven years old. I can remember the dormotories, the nuns and kindly nurses. Having our hair washed with this disgusting mushy carbolic soap that came from a large tin, lol, and each being given a ribbon for our hair. I can remember having Marmite on toast followed by tinned spaghetti for tea only if I finished the Marmite which I never did urrr, still hate it today. We were sent there because our mother had TB and we were being isolated. Dad would visit and I remember him carrying me down steps cut through chalk cliff leading from the house grounds to the sea, there was an iron gate at the bottom. I have a picture of us three little girls with buckets and spades and warm woolly cardigans so were very well looked after. I remember playing with little rock... Read more
1955/6
I had a spell of six weeks at St Mary's, my sister came along with me for company. I suffered from chest infections and was sent there hoping the sea air might go me good. I remember going down the stone steps to the beach. Every day we were sent to bed for a nap. My green candlewick bedspread had a teddy bear on. We thought it was a bit odd being sent to bed in the afternoon. I guess that considering the fog horn kept us awake at night, we needed the sleep. I would love to hear from anyone who was at the home in my time.
My Worst Summer Holidays Ever!
I was sent there for the school holidays to recover from Whooping Cough when I was 8 years old. It was awful. We had to sleep in a dormatory with a nun in charge who slept behind a curtain. Every time I coughed she would come and shout at me so I spent most nights with my head under the covers trying not to cough. I dreaded breakfast. We had to eat porridge with sugar which I hated and drink tea with no sugar which I hated! My parents came to visit one day and brought me some sweets which were conviscated. I tried to write a letter to my parents asking them if I could go home but they found out and made me write a letter telling them how much I was enjoying myself! The only time I liked was going to the beach where we were allowed to collect shells, take them back and paint them but that only happened once! I'm glad it's gone but will... Read more
Port Regis, Kingsgate (School For Delicate Girls)
Around 1958-1959 I attended this school due to bad asthma. On the plus side, but probably due to the climate only, my asthma did seem to improve while at this school but otherwise it was one of the most unhappy stages of my life. I was not personally abused but twice saw terrible abuse of others: Frances and Bernadette (I forget their surnames). The former was savagely beaten and the latter was made to eat food which made her sick, including (unbelievably) her own vomit. The education was virtually non-existent and most nuns were cruel. One interesting experience I had there was to see a ghost along with several other girls one evening: a hovering white shrouded figure on a landing. However, I do not believe in ghosts at all so hesitate to mention this! Is there anyone else out there from this time? I remember a Diana, Edith, Hazel .....
Port Regis Convent For Delicate Girls
I am writing this excerpt on behalf of my mother who now lives abroad. 'My name is Elizabeth Ferrier, nee Tyrrell. I was seven years old in 1953. I was sent to Port Regis in late 1953 or early 1954. I was there for 18 months which included part of 1955. I remember Jean Hankinson, Pauline King, Margaret Sedgewick, Dolores Doyle and Doreen McGovern. As far as I know these girls didn't suffer physical abuse with the exception of Jean Hankinson who was in trouble on occasions. During my stay I was often caned severely on both hands at the same time. I had to hold them both out at shoulder height whilst Sister Mary Bonaventure repeatedly thrashed me using a bamboo cane. This took place in the hall, I screamed and cried. At 7 years old I'd never felt pain like it. Only once on a Sunday morning was I hit on the bottom, kneeling over a bed... Read more
Girls Who Were Underweight And Frail
I was at Port Regis in 1950 for 3months and in 1952 for 9months. I saw the coronation there, and went with three other girls from my area. I remember playing with a girl called Teresa, also Sister Mary Magdalane. I was not abused or cruelly treated, probably due to the fact that my dad always left a good tip for the nunnery, I was taken on outings and remember the light house very well which I visited. I was not abused but did witness it with some of the other girls, when two of them ran away, and I remember the person with the skin condition, in fact I slept in a room with her for a couple of weeks when she would be bound from head to foot in bandages, and would have scratched them all off in the morning. We slept with the window open even in the freezing cold winter, some happy memories, but very strict and cruel at times. Sister Mary Magdalane was the... Read more
Why Was I Here?
I remember being sent to St Mary's Home when I was about 7 years old, I was taken by train, I can't remember by who, I was sent there because I was a sickly child, all due to not having enough food to eat at home, where things were very bad. My mum did her best but could not feed me very well. I remember being very frightened, I didn't know why I was sent there, I thought I had been bad and was being punished, my mum never told meIi was going and didn't explain anything to me. I was just sort of dumped, or that's what I thought, being only 7, but I did love going down the steps to the beach and watching little eiroplanes of all different colours flying very low over the beach. It was the first time I had ever seen the sea. I think I was there about 6-8 weeks and oh, the joy when my mum came to take me home. I... Read more
My Lost Youth
As a wee lad of 7 o r8, I had (I think) TB, my illness was called debility. My only memories are, an ambulance at my home in Walsall, my mom/dad waving and the tears, 2 nuns and then a hell of a long scary train ride. Margate was my destination and I was there for about 2 years +, then from there I was sent to the Isle of White, St Catherine's. That school is still there and they had my details and sent them to me but they don't state where I came from. When I got back home I was then sent to Reedswood Open Air School but I can remember those days, even the names of other pupils, and I find that odd. I have been in touch with a fella called Bill (nice fella) who was at Margate and gave me an addy for 'Sister Susan' to try and get some details of my stay there but it didn't help. Does anyone... Read more
My Stay at St. Marys Convalescent Home in 1947
I was at St. Marys Convalescent Home, as it was known then, around 1947. I was seven years old and spent a whole year there. My name then was Carole Hunt. I was sent there from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, as I had a shaddow on my lung which they said was T.B. but as far as I know this diagnosis was never confirmed. I have happy memories of my stay there apart from the awful home-sickness. My mother and father visited once a month. The nuns were strict but very kind - I can remember going to church fairly frequently and as far as I can remember, for long daily walks. I can also remember the tunnel leading down to the beach. On one occassion we had a fancy dress party and the Nuns dressed me up as a Nurse - When I left school I actually trained as a nurse - perhaps the memory of the the fancy dress party left a lasting impression... Read more
My Time in Hell
I would like to hear from anyone that was there at the same time as me, Nov till 31 Dec 1959. I do not have good memories of my time there. I had gone to see if the sea air would do my chest good, instead they made it worse. I was off school for months when I came home. My email is hazelrollins9@gmail.com or phone 01543 672316, I am also on facebook.
Convalescence at St. Mary's, Broadstairs
I have vivid memories of my time at St. Mary's and they are not particularly nice. I can recall the large dormitory where we had a midday nap after first being put in our pyjamas. It must have been autumn because the leaves had fallen from the trees, which I used to kick whilst taking a walk after our nap. I remember us all being in line like a crocodile and can recall visiting the lighthouse on occasions and climbing up the spiral stairs, on other times we went onto the beach. We had our meals sitting at tables which were in a line and we sat on benches opposite each other. The toilets were at one end of the room behind a wooden partition. I can recall a man collecting me from my home and taking me and my case to the railway station and escorting me to Broadstairs on the train, it must have been heartwrenching for my parents to see me taken away. My stay was for six... Read more
Convelescent
I think I might have been here in the 1950s, I was sent here after I left hospital with pneumonia and brochitis. I was sent there for 6 weeks. I remember they made you drink hot milk, yuk. My parents never came to visit, I think it was because they could not afford the fare from London W10. There was a song that all the kids used to sing, when I remmeber it I will post it on here. I was there wiuth another boy from Queens Park, London, and yes, we had to have a nap if it was nice, it was outside. They had a school attached so if you were old enough you went to school there. I also remember walking down to the beach with other kids... Babs
My Mother Was Port Regis Convent
My name is Natasha Buckley, my mother was at Port Regis Convent as a child, as she had severe asthma as a young child. I think she was there from 1954 to 1961. She told me that it was a horrible place and that the irish nuns there were cruel and evil. She hated the place. Her name was Carol Ann Millott.
I Was There in The 1980s...
I remember being a wee girl I learnt how to ride a bike here. I remember a fountain in the grounds. I remember it was ran by nuns, it was a lovely place. We had dormitories. I try not to remember the past as I'm 38 now but hey, I so remember this place, this place has always stuck in my mind. My parents didn't care where I went but I loved it. Catholic nuns ran it. Later I went to Port Regis just down the road in Kingsgate. I was a disadvantage child so they say, I went on to Port Regis, Kingsgate, that was a disadvantage school for children. Maybe I was difficult but then social workers didn't care. I didn't care, I was a young girl, I wanted to climb trees, I wanted to be tomboy, I wanted to go out with my torch and light up the woods, I so didn't care. When I was here I was free up the tree, nobody knew where I... Read more
Childrens Convalescent Home
I was in a children's convalescent home in Broadstairs in (I think) 1961. I was sent on a train from Westminster Children's Hospital and spent some time there. I don't know the name of the place and didn't like it, I was ill whilst there. Would love to share experiences and chat with others. I was aged six at the time and had been in hospital for almost a year. I remember it had a large garden, and a very big dormatory we slept in. I spent most of my time there in bed I think.
Holy Cross Open Air School Port Regis
I was at Port Regis for approximately 2 years during 1950-1952 from age 9-11. My memories are snapshots only as these memories have been blanked out and have only resurfaced after seeing the comments on this site. Firstly Port Regis was for girls only and was run by Catholic Nuns, St Mary's was a different home run for both boys and girls and was Anglican and not RC. It is true the a lot of the nuns were cruel and I was one of those girls who cried myself to sleep and was beaten and and humiliated for wetting the bed, or some other misdemeanour. I suffered from asthma and used to have to sit up in the organ loft whilst Sister Mary Audrey, who was a also one of our teachers, played the organ at daily mass. I was put up there because I was always disrupting mass because of my constant fainting. I remember wearing light straw boaters in the summer and dark ones in the winter whenever we had to... Read more
PORT REGIS CATHOLIC GIRLS SCHOOL
I attended the above school for quite some time. Unfortunately I do not have a photo. I too went to Broadstairs in 2009 to try and find this school but had to give up. I was wondering if anyone had a photo they could send me, I would be most grateful. Being at this school from 4 years old, when I came back it was like coming home.
Port Regis
My sister and I were both at Port Regis for Delicate Girls between 1957 -9 approx. Various memories (good & bad). Very hard to find a site that is just for this convent. Seems to split between a Broadstairs site. Various names crop up but none that I recognise.
Port Regis
I was at Port Regis on two occasions - my sister was there longer than I. I was aware of cruelty but that depends on where you are standing. On many occasions I thought I was in Paradise! Possibly the girl you are thinking of was Kathy (who had very bad eczema), but Sister Mary Nerie was my nightmare. Remember the scarlet fever outbreak as have posted on another site, but none seem to link up. My sister is called Sheila if this rings anybody's bells.
St Mary's Home, Broadstairs, Summer, 1956.
I spent a few weeks at the now long gone St Mary's Children's Convalescent Home overlooking the sea in Broadstairs, Kent. In the summer of 1956, when I was nine years old and my name was David Welsh, I was sent there from my home in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to convalesce following illness with the now unheard of rheumatic fever. Broadstairs was such a truly beautiful place. In fact, I had never been anywhere so picturesque and lovely. The nuns and nurses at the home were kindness itself and ordinarily, I should have been very happy there. But I had never been away from home before and certainly not that far away from home and eventually, I began to get very homesick and miss my mummy. I started running away and trying to get back home with no maps and no money. Not exactly 'The Great Escape', more like 'Sammy Going South' in reverse. On the first occasion, I was caught by a nun on the High Street and on the... Read more
Broadstairs And St Mary's Home 1957
I was 6 years old and had had bronchitis and asthma and so I was sent away from smoggy London to St Mary's Home in Broadstairs. I was taken with other young children on a train by a nurse in a brown uniform. We all slept in dormitories and every Wednesday we had early morning exercises. Sometimes we were taken down the steps to the beach which was lovely. A friendly nurse sewed me a smocked dress, it was very pretty. All parents arrived every Sunday and took us out... it was so exciting to hear your mum calling you as the gates were opened. I remember feeling very lonely and I was moved from my dorm to another as unkind children called me 'ten ton Tessy!' My best memory was the sweets. We had to put the sweets given by parents to the staff, but they were never seen again, so my parents told me to hide my sweets in my coat pocket and every day I would have a few. My... Read more
WERE YOU AT PORT REGIS Convent For Delicate Girls 1954-1956?
I was at Port Regis between 1954 and 1956. I was 8 when I got there and left just before my 10th birthday. Was anyone else at Port Regis, Broadstairs when it was a convent for delicate girls? The nuns, thinking about it now, resembled Roman Catholic ladies who were probably forced in many cases to be nuns. This was a great honour during that time for a Catholic daughter to become a Roman Catholic nun. I was NOT a Roman Catholic at all. Neither was my family, but as we children were forced to pray to the rosary several times a day. I assume it was a Catholic convent, also the Virgin Mary was the main issue in the chapel. The treatment there was out of this world CRUEL but only for SOME and only during certain years. Obviously certain nuns were unhappy and took it out over the children (some children). Some of the punishments some of children had to stand was plain abuse. It was a horrible place. It... Read more
Was Anyone Else Convalescent Here?
I think this was where I was sent at age about 4. I lived in London and was packed off with some other children on a train. I remember the nuns that looked after us and the stone steps cut in the cliff where we would access the beach. It was winter and freezing cold. I was there for a month and remember the church services on a Sunday and also being visited by a soldier who they told me was my dad. He and my mum had separated so I didn't really know him.
I never thought about going home, just remember being surprised when they came and said I was going home that day.
I tried to find it again some time ago but I think it's been pulled down. If anyone has any more information I'd be interested to hear from them.
I Got Married Here.....
I got married in this church in 1994 and my daughter was christened here in 1995. What a beautiful church and great memories to hold forever. Jo Laight
It's Still There After All These Years...
This photograph from 1887 shows a post in the middle of the picture, standing upright in the sea - to this day it is still there. As a child it was always a point at which I arranged to meet with my brother, or my mum if I wandered off whilst on the beach. Growing up in Broadstairs was just the best place for a child to start life - we had great freedom, a great place to play and a beautiful, historic town - a privilege.
Jo Laight
Port Regis
I remember Port Regis very well, I stayed there as a child. It was a convalescent home then for girls. The nuns used to take us down to the beach every Wednesday afternoon - Kingsgate beach that is. Though it is 40-some odd years ago I still remember it as if it was yesterday. I remember my very best friend there, her name was Frances. There also were the sisters Diane and Sheila, and I also remember all the nuns' names. It was a special time in my life. Until 1966 we went to Broadstairs every year for our holidays, parking on the jetty and going to Viking Bay, the arcade that was there, and the coffee shop that one of your readers said now is a pizza parlour. I wish I could revisit those days but I can't, plus I now live in Florida, but I have my memories. Ann Venters.
The Grand at Broadstairs
Laurie used to play at the Grand every Saturday night. In the afternoon he would play the piano at Booby's, an upmarket sort of Debenhams in Cliftonville. My mother and I would go and have tea in the restaurant, which served a three tier tray of cakes, my favourites were Kunzle cakes. They were a case, either round square or oblong, filled with sponge and a creamy topping and a sugared fruit top - very fattening! During tea in the afternoon, mannequins would parade through the restaurant showing off the latest clothes. Because Laurie knew us from the Grand Ballroom, as I walked in he would play 'Sweet Sue' and as I left he would play 'I'll See You Again'. I never knew how he lost his leg, probably during the war, but he was a lovely chap and a great pianist.
I met my husband during the Barn Dance, which was always held in the middle of the evening and my mother passed him on to me. During... Read more
Cafe
I remember coming here as a child. My Mum used to go to Broadstairs every year when she was young & we used to have day-trips for my Mum & Nan as a nostalgic visit. We always used to go into this cafe (can just see windows on left of pic) for breakfast & even after 40 odd years it was still being run by the same family and they always recognised my Nan's (really not that Cockney) voice! Bearing in mind that they only visited once a year I always used to think that was amazing! Unfortunately, it has now been sold and is now a pizza place. Have never been in there, and to be honest, don't think I will if my Mum & Nan have anything to do with it!
Port Regis
I had a couple of holidays at Broadstairs, staying at the Convent at Port Regis. I attended St Philomena's in Carshalton Surrey and I think they owned the Convent at Port Regis. I can remember Broadstairs and going to Margate. I now live in Sydney, Australia but will be in England in September and I hope to get down to Kent (amid a very busy itinerary) and relive those memories. Bette Schoots (nee Miller).
Ancestral Ties
My 4th Gt grandfather was Michael Breckinridge--he died in a storm at sea c 1808. He and his son, Michael (married to Elizabeth Shrewsbury---her father and husband both shipwrights), were both Chief, Cinque Ports.
Some of the (then) cousins, surname Hiller, were born IN the North Foreland Light. My 3rd Gt. grandfather, Edward William Breckinridge, who married Mary Ann Adkins of Ramsgate, Kent, sailed to America in c1833, my 2nd Gt. grandfather Henry Breckinridge, in their arms.
Later, Mary Ann's sister, Martha, left there--joined them in the US---living with Henry and Mary Ann until she died.
Henry's sisters (born in the US) and his nieces, made trips back---hopefully I will make the trip one day soon myself. Some of the Hiller descendants are here in the US, some of them live in Australia. They HAVE been back.
North Foreland Light is something the two Michaels saw every day---and the last thing of home Edward and Mary Ann saw as they left for the... Read more
Port Regis
I am honestly not sure when I was at Port Regis. I know it was around 1966 as as I remember the Abafan Disaster being on the news and the song 'Little Donkey' lol. I was there because of a head injury I suffered in the early 1960s. My memories are stark, they incude the massive garden, woodlands, with a house that I thought lived a witch lol. The daily rituals of attending church, rosary beads etc. All the school plays, the nuns' punishment in the small room, the large ship in the cabinet in the reception area. We used to have massive firework displays in the adjoining field. They were brilliant! We used to have our school meals in the large hall, just like in the Harry Potter films lol. If anyone remembers this period and me (unlikey) please get in touch. I have been trying to get hold of old photographs of this period at Port Regis with no success.
Port Regis Boarding School
I was there as a child in 1963 waiting for my parents to move down from Yorkshire. I remember well a Sister Armstrong and two lads, Phil Snook and Paul Gardner (or Smith). There was also an Egyptian boy with a slight mental problem, always getting into trouble and catching quite a hand from the nuns (the former Armstrong, and the name was very fitting indeed!). I did enjoy the large playground and the trips to Joss Bay beach in the summer months. On my arrival the first day, my attention was caught by a big model battleship displayed in the hall, grey with a red hull....funny how these details stick in your mind. Visiting Broadstairs last year (I now reside and work in Italy) I saw that Port Regis is now a Nursing Home : alas, the ship is no more!
Alana Mcgaffin
Alana, I was at Port Regis the same time as you, I also remember Cecilia Lennon. To be honest I never thought I would hear your names again, a pleasant surprise. Regards Fred Oddy
St Lo
A place on Westcliff Road, Broadstairs, during the early sixties, named St Lo. Used as a skating rink, and as a dance rock n roll club, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Anyone having any descriptive memories, of this St Lo, social hall - rock n roll club, I would be most interested. The details of the building escape me. Yet, during those early sixties, it was one of the very few places, where we teens could not only listen to our records being played, but be able to dance to them as well. It was a much needed and much appreciated venue by us teens . Any memories, please. Thank you.
A Question Answered
Finding this website I think has answered a question I have pondered on over the years. I remember having Scarlet Fever when I was about 5 - 7 years old, after which I was sent to Broadstairs on convalescence. I never knew where I was sent and only remember a little of what happened while I was there. The only definite thing I remember, is having to drink all of my cup of tea, even the grouts, yuk!
I have often wondered what the name of the place was and now believe it must have been St. Mary's. I intend to go to Broadstairs again and see if anything triggers my memory.
Port Regis White Street Sign.
While on Google Earth 2 days ago I looked at the white signpost on the driveway of Port Regis, it still looks the same as the first time I saw it in the 1960s. Today it says 'Nursing Home', but it still looks the same along with the white fence, for me like looking back in time.
Port Regis Convent
I was sent to Port Regis Convent between 1963 and 1967, I had bad asthma and the sea air was thought to be good for my health. I have good and and bad memories. One nun I remember being cruel was Sister Peter Anthony but the lovely ones were Sister Patrick Mary who I think was from Dublin, Sisterr Veronica and Sister Ursula, I think she was from Germany, they were really kind. I had a good friend called Geraldine Lee, I think she was from Manchester, and Cecilia Lennon who was from Newry. My surname was McGaffin then.
Port Regis School
I can remember very clearly my first day at school, arriving at Victoria coach station, London and getting onto a coach, destination Port Regis School. I was a very young boy of 9 years old arriving at the school. I now have fond memories of my teacher Mrs Robinson, doing lines in the blue corridor when I was naughty, swimminig well, trying to swim in the sea, walking through the school and staring at the model of a great battleship, Mr Kemp the cook with his tea towel over his shoulder waiting to sting you, nicely of course, with it if you were caught in his kitchen, Sister Carmicheal, she was strict but fair, and Sister Mary, who always was nice, the very scarey Sister Anita, and the most lovely evenings on the veranda drinking warmed orange squash. If anyone reading these comments remembers this also, please come and say hello.
I Was at Port Regis 1972
I can just about remember my time at the school, it was run by nuns, Sister Sheila rings a bell. I was there with my two brothers, Thomas Keefe and Pandy Keefe. I remember geting the cane for kissing a girl and sneaking down to the bread bins late at night. If anyone can remember us please get in touch.
St. Marys Convalescent Home. Broadstairs.
I was at St. Marys convalescent home in 1956 when I was 9 years old and I would like to speak to any other people who stayed there to share our memories. Some of my memories are vivid others quite hazy. It was quite a traumatic time, to be taken away when as a child you have no idea where you are going or even if you will ever come home again. There were good times, some of the nuns were very kind, others not so. Do you remember the tunnel under the road, it smelled musty and water dripped on you as you walked to the beach and you must remember the doorstep of bread smothered in marmite, today I love it! Can anyone recall the loft where trestle tables were set up with little things for the children to buy. I hope that others will contact me.
My Dad's Grandfather Was Mayor of Broadstairs
My father's grandfather was Mayor of Broadstairs and it would be fun to know if anyone knows anyone "old" or young who have any info re this time
I'd be very pleased and grateful
Can't remember his first name name but his surname was as my maiden name of course
Pilbrow. My father w as born 1912,two months before the Titanic went down so that will give you a rough idea of the years his grandfather was the Mayor of Broadstairs
It would be GREAT to gain info regards Broadstairs during my father's grandfather's time as mayor !!!
He was known,as far as I have heard..............to be pretty keen on women and wine
(but maybe that was just gossip I dont know)
Hope to hear from you
kind regards Rita Pilbrow positiveenergy@live.se
Children's Beach Events, Mid-1950s
I can remember organised races and games, promoted by the publishers of 'Sunny Stories' and the Hulton Press comics, which took place on Viking Bay or Louisa? Bay. You needed to have a copy of one of the papers to participate; in my time it tended to be the 'Swift'.
The Punch and Judy shoes put on by a guy called Rollo (I think) were a bit violent.
I can't remember it raining, either. If it did, I'm sure we blamed it on contemporary atomic bomb tests.
Fun on The Beach
In the year 1950 (or thereabouts) we lived in Reading Street, a village quite close to Broadstairs. 'Mr. Broadstairs' used to organise events such as sandcastle competitions, races and each week held a contest amongst the children to choose a 'Prince' and 'Princess' for the week. He also used to put on shows on the jetty such as variety shows and talent contests. My father - Doug Vince - worked for Mr.Broadstairs helping to run these events and also appeared in the shows doing his act as a ventriloquist. My sister and I had such happy times then. I can't remember events ever being 'rained off' although I am sure they sometimes were!
Memories of Kent
The Tunnel
My name is Peter Marshall and I was at a Home / School called Whiteness Manor. To get to our School there was two ways from the Captain Digby, first way was as you come out of the Captain Digby turn right and go up Whiteness Road when you get to the stone wall on the right that was Whiteness Manor School boundy, the second way was to take the secret tunnel that ran from Whiteness Manor to the Captain Digby. Now I wondered what they used that for!!!
St. George's Preparatory School For Girls. North Foreland.
Unfortunately the FCJ convent doesn't exist any more but my memory goes back to those happy years from 1959 till 1964 as a little girl studying as a boarder and always waiting for my late uncle (Mr Paul Gunn) to come and fetch me for the weekends and take me to Kingsgate Castle where he owned a flat. What happy memories, especially as I was very lucky with the nuns, in particular Sister Dorothy who became like a guardian angel to me throughout my life! If anyone remembers me from those school years please get in touch!
Dreamland Was The Greatest Place on Earth
Does anyone remember Dreamland up to the early 1970s? I have many happy memories of Dreamland and the Lido at Cliftonville. In Dreamland there were 3 Roller Coasters. The Scenic Railway at the front which is being restored (See save Dreamland Campaign). The second one was a dual track racing coaster. The thhird one at the Back was know as the Velvet Coaster, but nobody seems to remember it. I believe it was painted Orange and to my deep regret it was demolished in approx 1975. Does any one have any pictures or memories of it. I still love Margate and look forward to visiting when the Heritage theme park is opened. Ian Nicholls (Swindon)
Visits to Captain Digby in 1960s
I remember our annual holiday to Kingsgate in the 1960s. We stayed in various guest houses in Percy Avenue and often walked down to Kingsgate Bay for a day on the beach. In 1965 I was aged 7 and remember the pub just like this. During a two week holiday we visited perhaps once or twice for a drink as a special occasion. There was a large green area in the front, as pictured, and another further to the left before the cliff started. There was also a small bit of castle on this part of the grounds (now fallen into the sea). The footpath ran infront of the pub then - visible on left of picture.
Behind the verandah in the picture was a large "childrens room" with pinball machines and a Juke box - highly exciting and very, very noisy! We did not go in the main pub in the castle-like building at the back as this must have been the bar for serious drinking and over 18s.... Read more
Dreamland And The Odeon Cinema.
I remember Dreamland because I used to hang out with Derek and Brian Brenner whose father manufactured and ran racing machines there. You would sit in front of a sloping board and roll balls through holes in order to advance your car towards the finish line, to win a prize. I was going to St Lawrence College in Ramsgate,and as my parents were in Sudan,North Aftrica, the Brenner family let me hang out with them. I used to sneak into the Odeon Cinema,which was adjacent to Dreamland, without paying. I would wait at a side exit until someone opened the door,and came out so I could slip in. Around that time the "Free Film " movement in British Cinema was underway and someone made the documentary,"Dreamland,Oh My Dreamland",which depicted the ordinary working man on vacation. I remember going to coffee bars in Broadstaires,Westgate and Margate and trying to pick up local girls and trying to avoid getting into fights with the local boys. St Lawrence College was an all boys public school... Read more
Memorybank total
We're very pleased and excited by your response so far to our "Share your Memories" community.
You've shared 28,900 memories of 5,954 towns & villages across the UK - keep them coming!
Find Memories
Simply search for your favourite places to read others' memories and share your own.
Tips & Ideas
Not sure what to write?
It's easy - just think of an important place in your life and ask yourself:
How does it feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of this place?
How has it changed over the years?
How does it feel, seeing these old photos of your favourite place?
Do you remember stories about the local community, its history and people?
Start now!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the orange "Add your Memory" icon to begin.
Places this week
Here are some of the places you've shared memories of this week:
- Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
- Crawshawbooth, Lancashire
- Halton East, North Yorkshire
- Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire
- East Dean, East Sussex
- Netherbury, Dorset
- Bridge Of Gairn, Aberdeenshire
- Nazeing, Essex
- Dagenham, Essex
- Shotley Bridge, County Durham
- Severn Beach, Avon
- Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
- Carlisle, Cumbria
- Salford, Lancashire
- Dartford, Kent
- Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex
- Oadby, Leicestershire
- Duloe, Cornwall
- Oswestry, Shropshire
- Souldern, Oxfordshire
- ... and lots more - Browse this week's memories now.
Your memories
To jump straight to the memories you have added already to the Community, click here
I Remember When...
This stunning compilation highlights some of the best stories selected from the thousands contributed here on the
Frith website. The result is an absorbing chronicle of British life from the Second World War to the mid 1960s.
A colourful treasure trove of memories, "I Remember When" is an
irresistible mix of personal stories and recollections that affectionately reveal the detail of everyday life in Britain.
