Seaside Delights

Vintage Film Nights 1 and 2

Trustee Gretchen Cornwall reports:

I think it’s fair to say that the popularity of these evenings took us slightly by surprise! We realised that Trustee Mandy Wilkins had unearthed some treasures, with Nick Dermott’s assistance, and we knew we had much to be grateful to Thanet District Council for in allowing us to screen them. However, we didn’t anticipate that we’d sell out two shows before we had even had time to write a press release!

I must confess, for the first programme, I sat in the back row and enjoyed the audience as much as I did the films and photos!  As the vintage films rolled on people were whispering in delight.  “I went there!”, “I remember that!” and many terms of endearment for Margate and Thanet at large.

Nick Dermott presented the evening with dry wit and a vast bank of information, and blended the old films and photos with care. There were sad moments when we were reminded of the buildings and scenes which are gone forever. The loss of affectionately remembered sites such as the Palm Bay Tea Room and the dwindling grandeur of Dane Park left a feeling of pathos in the room, a real longing for those places of beauty and fun where our great-greats from 1917, or even our childhood selves,  had enjoyed a holiday, or moments in the sun. 

However, Nick has a fantastic sense of humour and the moments of sadness were swiftly followed by a good laugh, with a happy crowd eager to share Thanet's memories.

The Walpole Bay Hotel was the perfect venue for such a screening and Jane the Proprietress is always a lovely hostess! 

Our thanks…it’s a team effort!

I'd like to say thank you to Jane for opening up her lovely  hotel for our night, helping FOSG to raise much-needed conservation funds for the Margate Shell Grotto. 

Thank you also to Sarah Vickery of the  Grotto for endlessly encouraging FOSG in our fund raising efforts!   

To Nick Dermott, for devoting so much time to these evenings. And to Liam Dermott for doing all the technical stuff that none of us understand.

To 20th Century Frocks, located at RG Scotts Antiques, who donated lovely red jackets for the usherette costumes! And to Debbie, of My Old Dutch in Margate Old Town, who made the usherettes’ stylish hats.

To Kapo and The Stylish Ice Cream Company for handsomely handing us their profits.

Thanks to Steve Villette for being our trusty sound man, and Ralph Hoult, Bob Pryor and Margate Civic Society for kindly loaning us equipment.

For more photos of the evening see our photo gallery!