visits, exploration and comments...

Saw my daughter yesterday, played with the grandchildren, did the school run and called into my friend for the much needed cup of tea...

On the return journey thought I'd come back via Queen Street, parked up and did some exploration around the old Tomson and Wotton site; now Waitrose. Nothing there but I did notice on a walk to look at the library, one of the little turnings there was called 'Tomsons Passage' now that couldn't be a coincidence not with that spelling. I've had no response to my request for info' so I'm going to put some enquiries into the Internet search engine and see what happens....

Why is the library site taking so long to complete? Development for housing goes from the groundwork to occupation within six months! I know there is a question of ensuring the existing structure salvaged from the disastrous fire has to be blended and fastened safely to the new building, but FOUR years is pushing it. I remember that there was a no photographs allowed ruling so I just looked and wondered in silence....

So the Maritime Museum will be closed and vacated by October 1st, nice idea on ECR's site about a fish restaurant but what about the one next to the 'Oak Hotel' I think it's called 'Atlantis' and like the hotel; owned by 'Thorley Taverns'. I know we need competition but that's pushing it; a bit like Weatherspoons (suggested for the sad Pavillion site) vs the Sovereign (just opened in Harbour Street). I tell you what, it would make the perfect 'piat de terre' seaside residence for the millionnaire boat owner, just for that second home to be near the boat! Even the Pavillion would divide into luxury accommodation to 'die for' and the extensive refurbishment and renovation required wouldn't present any problem to the monied gentry looking for that 'special postal address'. Then maybe we could let the Pleasurama site be returned where it belongs to the Ramsgate residents to develop as an asset to be enjoyed by everyone; not just the favoured few!

.....best laid plans and a question?

................as it was the middle of the week yesterday...I started to think about the weekend! As you do..... You know, plans and all that. Sat down to watch a bit of TV and the phone goes, it's my daughter on the other end. Was I busy on Friday? Then she said, she remembered my usual shopping visits were made on Friday morning but would I like to visit for lunch? Then would I take my grandaughter to school. Being her first experience of primary school she goes for half a day, three days a week. We don't want her to miss any attendances if possible. Her father would pick her up on his way back from work. Well a chance to see a 'cherub' and join in the school activities, yea.....

So, a bit of re-scheduling with the shopping completed this morning and other little jobs done this afternoon, that left me to blog and make ready for lunch and the school trip tomorrow! Nothing like a bit of re-organisation to keep you active...hmmmm..

I was thinking of having a wander onto the other cliff, to see how the 'posh' people live! Talking to some people about Waitrose the 'posh' peoples shopping place to meet! I seem to remember it stands on land once occupied by the Tomson and Wotton brewery and was bought for development by the supermarket. My research antenae started to twitch and I wondered if there were any landmarks left over there. Does anyone have any photos or narrative about the old place, would it have been older than the Shepherd Neame, Faversham brewery? Michael if you're reading have you got any answers? Anyway I'll go and have a look and see what I can find, probably next week.

I do use the supermarket sometimes as I'm an ardent fan of John Lewis department stores in both London and Bluewater but that's another story from my very early past......