Joyland Books

I realise this isn't directly about Dreamland but can I encourage you to take a look at www.shellgrottofriends.org

Hope you have all managed to have a look and found the special event taking place at the Shell Grotto next week.

Just to provide a bit more info here (and another plug for the Halloween event!):

The Shell Grotto has provided the campaign with its Margate base since the start of the Save Dreamland campaign and Sarah's work has been a vital part of the campaign from day one.

The Shell Grotto is now pretty much the only remaining major tourist attraction operating in Margate! It like the Scenic is listed (at Grade I) and it like the Scenic has maintenance needs.

The following quote from the Friends of the Shell Grotto explains the aims of the group towards the long term security of the Grotto:

By placing the Grotto on their Buildings at Risk Register, English Heritage acknowledged the uncertain nature of the site's future. In the last year, Kent County Council and Thanet District Council have each committed £10,000 to conservation works, and this has already paid for essential maintenance to underground pipes, halting decades worth of damage to the shellwork in the Rotunda.

Now English Heritage has made an in-principle offer of over £75,000 towards further essential conservation works. These works would help to secure the Grotto's long-term future. However, there is a shortfall in funding of over £9,000 and the Friends of the Shell Grotto are committed to raising as much of this figure as possible.

It would great if as many people as possible can get involved with this campaign and it's Halloween event as well.

Membership info can be found here

The Halloween event details :

We will be there, our places already booked!

Hi all,

I might well be able to attend this as it looks like my proposed second trip to Blackpool is now off, plus I have this day off work still. I'll try to confirm things asap.

Martin

I'm working that evening but hope to make an appearance at the end of the night. See you all there!

I will be there and looking fabulous with my accessories !

There's a bar? Darn. If I were a little closer...

Well I'm going to miss the bar (and all the other ghostly attractions!) as I'm unfortunately out of the area this Friday when it takes place.

I hope those that can go do enjoy it - have fun supporting the Grotto !!

Hello

Just wanted to thank those who came along, and who joined up as Friends. We had a good crowd and raised a very decent sum of money, which I'm sure Susan will divulge once all the adding up has been done. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves...judging by the photos I saw, a good time was certainly being had at one table! Those feathers were a right pain to hoover up...

Sarah

Sorry about the feathers Sarah but did have a fabulous time ! Maybe those photos shouldnt make there way onto any websites ! Only really recovered today thats why I havent been around at the weekend. Will catch up with you soon though, thanks to Nick Evans and his wife, and Jez, Cheryl, Francessca and Jessica and Sam for a great laugh !

Sorry I missed you all. Looks like I might have sinusitus again which is making me feel very poorly indeed! Will catch you all next time I'm sure. I look forward to seeing the pics from Friday night.

Hi, we all had a great time on Friday, special thanks to Dave and Nick Evans for giving us a real giggle; I enjoyed the company of everyone else on our table as well - Sue and Sam.

Yes, there are some great photos on our camera!

Thanks to Sarah for making it such a great atmosphere - will get the photos to you soon.

Hi Claire - I wondered what happened to you last Friday. Sorry to hear you were very poorly; hope you get well soon.

See you at the next event, all being well.

Martin