Joyland Books

Dear all,

Just a quickie. Am currently reading the rather excellent "Our Hidden Lives" by Simon Garfield, which basically consists of entries by several non-famous diarists during the period shortly after the 2nd World War.

By Herbert Brush, entry dated 2nd May 1946

[i]In Margate, we had a cup of tea in the British Stores on the front. Called in at Dreamland but the place is closed at present. Butlin, the holiday club magnate is trying to take the place over.


Dave D

Ah, a cup of tea in the British Stores. I guess this was the British Home Stores building on the High Street and Front, which has panoramic views over the bay. It's Primark now and the plate glass windows and fantastic views are thoroughly wasted.

I was thinking of Butlins the other day. Being a magpie, I couldn't resist a little look when they cleared out the Grand Hotel prior to demolition. I came home with more door handles than I will ever need (but they're pretty) and a larger than life cut-out of a scantily clad cartoon lady holding a Merry Christmas from Butlins sign. I bumped into it in the stock room this week and silently cursed my hoarding habits.

Sarah