Broadstairs

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.
Contributed by Peter Yates

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!
Contributed by Dorothy George

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 ...read more here
Contributed by Catherine Murray

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).
Contributed by Bette Schoots

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 ...read more here
Contributed by Sheila Stover