Joyland Books

I was in Margate today and when I went into W H Smith, there was a chap sat in the corner at a table... on further investigation this turned out to be Nick Evans, who was signing copies of "Dreamland Remembered" and his new book "East Kent Explored".

So I introduced myself, and Charlie who was with me at the time. It's always a pleasure to meet another member of the campaign.

We've got "Dreamland Remembered" so I bought "East Kent Explored" which is a history of the East Kent Road Car Company and I would have to say that this book is every bit as well-researched, well-written and beautifully illustrated as Dreamland Remembered.

It's fascinating to see pictures of the type of bus and coach on which visitors would have ridden on their way to a visit to Dreamland in its earliest years. Edwardian bus engineering was so beautiful compared to the depressingly utilitarian and functional appearance of today's boxy and slab-sided fleet, just as a Scenic Railway is more beautiful than yet another branch of Morrisons.

The book is as much a history of the area as it is a history of the EKRCC so it isn't just for transport enthusiasts..

East Kent Explored costs £15 and if you are looking for a really classy Christmas gift for someone with an interest in local history, then I reckon you have hit it on the button with this.









Vince

Just a question is their much difference in the first and second edition of Dreamland Remembered? I brought the second edition today and so far it's been a good read and since most of it I havn't been alive for it gives me alot more information than I knew before. The lido section surprised me since I didn't notice it was in there and the pictures are great (must of taken ages to research and find most of this information).

Ian

The second edition contains everything that was in the first edition, but with an update which largely deals with the SaveDreamland campaign and its efforts to save Dreamland.

I look forward to many new editions over the years to come!

First editions are always more valuable, both aesthetically and financially, and although the first edition sold out within weeks of being released, I understand that ten first edition copies have recently emerged in Whitstable and are on sale somewhere.......

lol on website there is 1 old vesion in stock....pricey but I'm tempted lol

Hello All,

Many thanks Vince for the kind words re East Kent Explored - so glad you enjoyed it.

Those first editions of Dreamland Remembered were lodging at the Whitstable Visitor Information Bureau - tourism office - Oxford Street, Whitstable Tel 01227 275482. They told me about a month ago they had nine copies left.

I'm not sure about long term values of the book at all - it will probably be worth twice as much after I've passed on. Hopefully for me, that will be a long way off! Do bear in mind there aren't as many second edition copies around though so that may be an influencing factor.

In the new year I will become closely involved with a local history magazine called Bygone Kent. This has been around for many years but, as it is largely subscription only, not many people get to see loose copies.

I'm keen to introduce a news section reporting on things like progress at Dreamland so look forward to keepping the campaign flag flying.



Happy Christmas to all.

Nick