I Decided yesterday to treat the other 'alf to a day out in Kent. First stop, was
the ancient cathedral town and poetical topic of olde-worlde English writer Chaucer. Yep, Canterbury seemed quite busy. Not only was the place awash with the usual day-trippers, but being that it's the middle of summer, it was also flooded with foreign tourists. We inquired about popping into the famous cathedral (pictured right), but to our dismay found that only some parts were open this week due to the passing out celebrations of the local university students. Apparently there is meant to be an entrance fee if you wish to visit the cathedral...last time I was there I waltzed straight in without paying a bean (and it wasn't that long ago)!
the ancient cathedral town and poetical topic of olde-worlde English writer Chaucer. Yep, Canterbury seemed quite busy. Not only was the place awash with the usual day-trippers, but being that it's the middle of summer, it was also flooded with foreign tourists. We inquired about popping into the famous cathedral (pictured right), but to our dismay found that only some parts were open this week due to the passing out celebrations of the local university students. Apparently there is meant to be an entrance fee if you wish to visit the cathedral...last time I was there I waltzed straight in without paying a bean (and it wasn't that long ago)!So, we decided to shit-can a tour of the cathedral in favour of a small exhibition of various art pieces that were on display at the library in the main street that runs alongside and through the old part of the town. Amongst all the "curios" that were spotted was this rather
fetching Thatcher tea-pot, a stunning likeness of the former Prime Minister (pictured left). Also on display (of which the taking of photographs were forbidden) were some great contemporary pieces of glass art and some fantastic oil and canvas self-portraits of Thee Billy Childish. And talking of which, a whole room was devoted to the long history of The Royal East Kent Regiment, formerly known as The Buffs. I didn't know their origins dated back to Queen Elizabeth I...
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After a reasonably pleasant meal, we decided to bugger-off "dahn ta Margate". I remember what a buzzing seaside resort this used to be when I last went there as part of a summer school day out over 20 years ago .
It's surprising and sad how this once typical English coastal resort has gone downhill. Stores and shops are boarded up (or as Colin Moulding would say "2 by 4-ded up"), Benbon Brothers amusement park has gone only to be replaced by Dreamland - it's still in essence the same funfair but it's only open in the summer at the weekends and during the school holidays (rumour has it that the present owner bought it for the land, with plans to redevelop the area into more shops and houses...except that The Scenic Railway rollercoaster ride is a Grade II listed building, which in turn could stop planning permission from being granted).
It's surprising and sad how this once typical English coastal resort has gone downhill. Stores and shops are boarded up (or as Colin Moulding would say "2 by 4-ded up"), Benbon Brothers amusement park has gone only to be replaced by Dreamland - it's still in essence the same funfair but it's only open in the summer at the weekends and during the school holidays (rumour has it that the present owner bought it for the land, with plans to redevelop the area into more shops and houses...except that The Scenic Railway rollercoaster ride is a Grade II listed building, which in turn could stop planning permission from being granted).
A local shopkeeper blamed the advent of cheap foreign holidays and a badly run local council for the demise of Margate, which seems plausible to an extent as Southend, Blackpool and Brighton seem to be doing well as day-trip / holiday resorts. The trouble with Margate is that it has limited appeal. People are bored with the run-of-the-mill seaside town and are wanting more than just sandy beaches and "kiss me quick" hats. Why piss it up in England when you can have guaranteed good sea, sun, beer, good clubs and loads of "'ow's yer father" for a lot less wonga in places like Ayia Napa and Ibiza?
Still, Margate is marginally better than Herne Bay. You know...where the old folks retire to.
A.K.A Hernia Bay!
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