Way Back Then.

A Memory of Margate.

lived in margate from approx. 1945 to 1952. There was a pier with a life boat station halfway up.Took a trip on the lifeboat, public once year, and was really seasick. There was also the Pavilion, close by was a 'pillbox' a wartime concrete structure meant to provide defence against invaders. As kids we would get into it and explore all kinds of things. First time I ever saw someone naked. would love to hear if anyone else looks back on those times. We would s-pend all hours on the beach and now hate to admit it, rifle holiday makers belongings left on the beach while they went swimming. There was the sea-water pool below the pavilion. Then there was the pier with the lighthouse.
Then fast forward to about 2000 visited from my home in Canada. Stayed in a BB nearly opposite from where the pavilion used to be, and lo and behold, no pavilion, no useable sea water pool, signs watch out for sewage, no pier, no original lighthouse, clock tower not working,Psalmerstone school looked desolate, the park close by with the bowling green also desolate, it didn't seem to be the same place as I remembered.
Even Chatham House Grammar School had changed, a trip through there viewing the headmasters windows, seems to be brighter, no more slaps across the arse, ok in those days.
So this has been great, recalling those days, 81 now, anyone around that can still remember those summer holidays on the beach, especially Norma. Thank you.