Nostalgic memories of Broadstairs's local history

Share your own memories of Broadstairs and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 41 - 50 of 88 in total

I was at Port Regis in the 50s. I took the lead role in the Thumbelina play. Does anybody remember the crowning of Our Lady? I have a photo of that event. On the other side of the coin I was put on bread and water for three days for not eating macaroni cheese, I also saw a girl being sick because she did not like porridge and the nuns made her eat it. Sister Theresa hated my long hair and ...see more
I was born at 19 Church St, St Peters, where my grandfather owned the butchers shop. My first memory is of playing on the lino floor just inside the front door. My father, who served in the RAF during the war; worked as a carpenter in the area building many of the house that are around the Westover Road area. In 1950 we moved to Westover Gardens where my parents still live to this day. From ...see more
My father (Bill Rudland) lived in Broadstairs from 1914, and except for WW2, he lived there until he died. I lived there from 1944 to 1962. I remember St. Mildreds School, Uncle Mac, Mr. Broadstairs, the chalets being built in the Main Bay, the Viking Ship landing in 1949, Dickens festivals, the cinema down the High Street (forgotten it's name), the old jetty roof, a girl named Rosemary nearly getting drowned ...see more
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 ...see more
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 ...see more
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 ...see more
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
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 ...see more
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 ...see more
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 ...see more