Joyland Books

Im a newbee. Ive been keeping an eye on the development of Dreamland for the past few months as my grandparents used to live in Grotto Gdns (round the corner from Shell Grotto). We used to visit every summer when I was a child and recently my family have been discussing a visit to Margate to reminisce. Im extremely pleased to see the recent news about Dreamland re-opening this year and it kind of seals the decision to visit Margate, but we have our reservations. Now please dont take this the wrong way, but am I right in thinking that Margate has become a haven for asylum seekers? I saw an article in the Sunday papers with regard to this, and about a year ago I was reading a magazine and there was a page about a refugee that had found accommodation in a seaside town and I immediately recognised the hotel from my childhood days in Margate. We are still keen to visit though, but just wanted to get an idea of how things are there because I love the place!

Welcome Miss L,

I don't think you should have too many concerns reference your proposed visit to Margate. I certainly haven't encountered any problems anyway. I do not know the precise population mix in the Margate area as I'm not exactly local. I suppose it can be a rather controversial subject that you mentioned; we seem to have enough "non local origin" people where I live these days, but as long as people fit into society and partake in the economy I don't really have a big problem.

Hope you have fun.

Martin

We have some asylum seekers in Margate; they're no trouble at all. I'm hoping a good few will settle here long term and open some interesting restaurants!
Your family will find Margate much changed though. It's suffered from a severe lack of investment over the years and parts of the town do look a bit sad. BUT the beach is still fantastic, the front will be much as you remember it and of course Dreamland is looking very promising.
If you are going to stay over, pick somewhere fantastic like the Walpole Bay Hotel and you'll all have a great time.

Sarah

PS Grotto Gardens hasn't changed a bit.

The Walpole comes highly recommended by myself as well. We stayed there for the closing weekend of Dreamland last year and were treated superbly.

So good we're going back in a couple of weeks time, shame the park won't be open yet.

Many thanx for your replies. I wasnt expecting any considering my point re asylum! Apologies if Ive offended anyone. You have restored my faith in Margate though. I still wander off into a dreamworld thinking about how much fun I used to have with my grandparents. We'd spend all day on the beach (more Cliftonville way although sometimes on the main beach opposite "Bembom Bros") and the evenings in the arcades on the pier which I was very sad to see had burnt down one year when we returned for our annual holiday. We'd visit the Shell Grotto every year too and I still have jewellery that was purchased from there! I have seen many recommendations for the Walpole Hotel although we'll probably only visit for a day trip. Thanks for mentioning it though. Does anyone know the name of the pub that was just round the corner from the Shell Grotto? We spent alot of time there as my grandparents were friends with the owners.

There are two just round the corner. The one at the bottom of the hill is called the Mulberry Tree. The one just up the hill and around the corner is the Good Intent. The pubs of Margate will be my specialist subject should I ever find myself in the Mastermind chair.

Do pop in and see us at the Grotto when you are down. Wearing your Grotto jewellery of course! My grandparents also brought me here every year when I was little, never expected to end up living here. I use all the shell boxes I bought here over the years to display our stock in now!

Sarah

Sarah - The Mulberry Tree, that's the one. I can see me now on the swings in the garden. I am definately planning on coming back to the Grotto. Whereabouts do you live in Margate if you work there? Does the park still exist which was on the same road as the Mulberry Tree?

Yes, Dane Park is still there. As are the swings in the Mulberry garden! You'll find me in the Grotto every day (except when I pop out for some fresh air and a bit of sanity).

Sarah