In memory of Ann Barford

Under the heading burial at the crossroads, this article by Mick Twyman and Alf Beeching from the Margate Historical Archives is about the tragic story of Ann Barford.

The loss of the "Hawksdale" 27th January 1899

Another winters tale from the Maritime Margate archives published by the Margate Historical Society , this article written by Mick Twyman and Alf Beeching , tells the story of the loss of the "Hawksdale" in January 1899 and its cargo of 900 pianos during a all too familiar January storm.

The loss of Pilot Officer John Allen

In reply to a enquiry about the spitfire that crashed into the sub station in Omar Avenue , Cliftonville , Margate during the Battle of Britain claiming the life of Pilot Officer John Allen. I have attached notes from John William's archive.

As you can see from reading the notes Pilot Officer John Allen was a true hero a eight victory ace who died for King and Country.

The Long Row 1895

This story of determination and endurance of Margate boatmen took place in 1895, written and researched by Mick Twyman for the Margate Maritime archive. It is about the Margate Lifeboat "Quiver"and the crew of 14 under skipper Steve Clayson, who rowed a round journey of 80 miles to rescue the crew of the Norwegian Barquentine "Tvedstraved" only to abort the mission to find out later that the crew had been rescued by the Harwhich lifeboat.

Oh dear , Oh Lor , she's going over

I have received a request for some information on the "Friend to all Nations" surf boat disaster on the morning of 2nd December 1897 claiming the lives of nine Margate men. Rather than send out the information I have posted it on the blog for all to share. The extractis froma article by Mick Twyman and Alf Beeching from the History of the Margate surf boats, Maritime Margate number two published by the Margate Historical Society 2002. Also included is the details of the Nayland Rock seafront statue and the monument at Margate cemetery on the lifeboatmen grave.

Margate Historical Society will be running in 2010

Seasons Greetings to all followers of the Margate Historical Society. The result of the consultation of all past Members is that we will be resuming the Society in 2010.

We all here at the Society would like to thank all of you that have responded so positively and are planning an Annual General Meeting for April 2010 for elections; but hope to have a meeting in March for those of you able to attend, details will follow.

We are keen to have new Members and we would like you to mention to anyone you know of the restart and pass on contact details.

C/o 87 Trinity Square
Margate
CT9 1QD
01843 223300

I will be good meeting you in the New Year and would like to take the opportunity of wishing you a 'Happy and Safe New Year'

1930's Dreamland

Like the previous articles, this article by Alf Beeching is about Margate in the 1930's. Taken fron the 2005 annual special it is about Dreamland Amusemant Park, soon hopefully to be reopened as a Heritage park.