Keep Your Nakedness OFF This Beach!

Apparently somewhere in Herne Bay there is a Naturist beach....

but it's not here on the route from Hampton to Whitstable!

What's Going On Here Then....

This chap is the owner of the lovely little dog on the sea wall... it was lovely to see this cute chocolate brown Labrador stop on his walk to say hi =0)

Solitary Seagull...

This cute little chap was busy hunting for food.... when we came along at Hampton to disturb his fishing! OOps!

Where's Your Bin.....

These bins can be found near the sailing club at Hampton. I find it interesting that the only way they differentiate between contents is to write on the lid... I wonder how much 'non glass' waste gets put in the bin marked 'glass only' =0)

Blossom....

I love this time of year when the blossom is on the trees =0)

Having said that, it's a bugger to clear up when it starts to fall =0(. This blossom is on the apple tree in my back garden. I hope that I'll have a good crop of apples this year.

Where did you get that hat!

I couldn't resist taking this photo, they had just come out of the Kings Hall, not sure what they had been doing but it looked like they had enjoyed themselves!

Street name

As the sign says Victoria Park sounds very royal, I often wonder who named the roads in Herne Bay!

Stop me and buy one...

Hopefully when the weather gets warmer there will be more customers for this Ice Cream vendor...

Sandcastles

A bucket and spade is all you need to create a sandcastle, it was good to see this boy enjoying himself in the sunshine....

Texture....

I love monkey puzzle trees and spotted on in a garden in Fleetwood Avenue. The texture of these trees IMO is amazing =o)

Lonely Bench!

Photographing empty benches and chairs is actually one of my favorite subjects... Yes I know I am a sad lonely individual.... Haha

I love this picture!

How Did That Get There?

While out walking along Station Road, I noticed that someone has managed to hook a bike tyre over the sign to the station! This left me wondering whether someone had to walk home, or got caught out playing 'hoopla'!

Tides Out....

These boats can be found down by Neptune's arm, behind the clock tower. They always seem to be there when I walk by, and today when I passed by there was a seriously strong odour that was not in the least bit pleasant.... It spoilt my walk, so Canterbury City Council needs to sort out the sewers!

Enjoying The Sunshine

As mentioned in an earlier post, Herne Bay has more than its fair share of elderly people... However it is nice to see them out and about enjoying the gardens by the clock tower on a sunny day like today =0)

What's Your Preference?

Personally I'll have a cuppa!

Waiting for Summer....

I love the changing seasons and the impact this has on the trees arounds us... This grand tree bare of its leaves stands outside Herne Bay Station.... I suspect when filled with leaves it stands tall and glorious.... Maybe I'll remember to photograph it again later this year =0)

Who Thinks Up These Street Names....

Who lives in a road with 'cobblers' in the title.... Is it you?

Bikes!

If you are looking for a bike then this is the shop for you, it has a large variety of bikes to choose from and is in Mortimer Street.

Which Supermarket?

These shopping trolleys were spotted abandoned by Herne Bay train station... No wonder the supermarkets make us use trolley coins or pound coins to use their shopping collection vessels when irresponsible people clearly have no respect for other peoples property.... Less they forget the crack-head prices we're paying for food helps pay for these trolleys!

Blue Boat

While I was out walking making the most of the recent sunny weather, I spotted this blue boat, it had been left on the beach...

I'm A Dingle Dangle Scarecrow.....

I spotted this quirky scarecrow in the garden of a local nursery... Not sure he's scarey enough to actually frighten away any birds.... Not so sure about the children though =0)

Riggings Restaurant

The restaurant is in East Street and offers local produce its speciality is fish!

Tables and Chairs....

With summer fast approaching and fingers crossed, warmer weather winging its way to us... this picture of empty tables and chairs in the bandstand will be a longed for phenomenon!

Gas Tanks

This is a moody photo of the gas storage tanks which are on Sea Street, opposite Hampton School.

Cup Of Tea In The Memorial Park... Or NOT!

Looks like we won't be enjoying refreshments in the park this summer, unless someone opens up the cafe.... Fingers crossed huh!

Enjoying the sun

I couldn't resist taking this photo, the lady was making the most of the sun while waiting for a bus at Dollies Corner in Beltinge!

Local Childcare

This nursery is located in Stanley Road... Now I'm not advocating it for your childcare, I just liked the sign LOL.

All Aboard!

This is the main railway line that goes to London, I took this photo from Blacksole Bridge!

Did You Know....

CAREFUL COFFIN DODGERS ON THE MOVE!

Herne Bay has the second largest number of old peoples homes in England.... This is second to Hastings... I guess if I have my facts wrong, someone will tell me =0(

Crocus's

Is this a sign that spring is on its way, I hope it is, as we have all had enough of this winter weather!

If In Doubt.....

Get it delivered!

Theme Day - Glass

Today is the Daily Photo theme day. I’m sure I’m not the only one to choose a stained glass window to fit the theme, this one is in East Street!

Pure Madness.....

I was totally shocked to see these young people jumping, sliding and riding bikes on the frozen pond in the memorial park! This to me is the epitome of stupidness!

Bay Card launch!

Today I spotted these two gentlemen in Mortimer Street at the launch of the new Bay Card. The idea of the Bay Card is to encourage people to shop locally and receive discount hopefully this will improve the towns economy, 130 businesses have signed up to the scheme so far!

There For The Taking....

As I wandered along Tyndale Park I came across this scooter, simply laying on the pavement waiting to be ridden away!

Lovely garden

This garden is in the grounds of a building at the rear of a car park in Market Street. I think the building is used by the council, such a shame it is hidden away.

Are Billboards Good Advertising Or....

Simply something that distracts drivers on their way???

These specimens can be found in Hampton.

Pathway

I often use this pathway when I walk down to the shops, it is beside Christ church and opposite the council offices and swimming pool.

Washing....

Do you sort your washing into colours? I love this line of autumn coloured clothes.... Wish it was mind =0)

Jade Garden Chinese

This is the Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant in william Street where there was a fire on January 24th. The flats and restaurant have have been badly damaged, but at least no one was hurt.

The Old Bakery

This is the house sign for the 'old bakery' located in Stanley Road. I nearly purchased this tiny detached house back in 1997.

Art Deco

This building was originally built in early to mid twentieth century possibly as a shop and workshop. In the 1950's part of the site was used as a fitter's workshop. More recently in 1984 planning permission was granted to use part of the site as a snooker hall and in 1993 the snooker hall was extended. In 1994 the snooker hall was again extended onto the first floor. The snooker hall closed in 1997, the rear of the building was subsequently used as a night-club, however due to the unacceptable nuisance this use caused to local residents it is understood that its licence was revoked. The building has remained unoccupied since the club closed. It has recently been converted into eight flats.

Love That Cat!

This little fella came to say hello as we walked along Fleetwood Avenue... How cute is he?

All lit up!

We have posted a photo of the clock tower before, but I liked this one as its taken at night when the clock is all lit up!

Bag 'O Bricks

I spotted these bags of builders bricks outside the builders merchants at Hampton... I am surprised no one has tried to take the contents away! Mind you, you'd need to be pretty strong to carry one of these away!!!

Umbrella for two

It was a good job this umbrella was big enough for two, they certainly needed it with all the rain we have been having lately.

Gingerbread Houses

I was looking at the houses along Beltinge Hill when I noticed the fascia's on a select row of houses... Don't you think this looks like icing... maybe from the Gingerbread house LOL

Skinny latte

I thought I would show you my favorite past time, as you can see I enjoy a skinny latte! One of my favorite places is Cafe Latino in Mortimer Street; they serve nice food as well if your passing!

Pampas Grass.....

I love the look of Pampas grass and I spotted it growing near the Heron Pub.... As much as I like it, I have to confess I don't really see the point of it!!

Canoeing

Its good to see people making the most of the sunshine and good weather when they can, personally I can't wait for the summer to come!

Welcome...

This colourful welcome can be found at Kings Road Infant school.... I don't know but would assume it has been reproduced based on a child's painting.... Isn't it great!

Beach House

As the sign suggest Beach House is located just across from the beach and has lovely views out to sea!

The Heron....

This is another pub which was used as part of the first season of Little Britain... There was a sketch where Vicky Pollard was trying to buy drinks and produced some ID which was a hand drawn child's picture... Isn't it great to live somewhere which is now part of 'cult TV comedy'!

Statue

I was surprised to find this statue, it was in the grounds of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart R.C Church in Clarence Road.

Elvis Is In The Building!

Do you know how long arcades have been around? How long we have visited them whilst enjoying our holidays by the sea? I have no idea, but I do know that when it's raining and it's holiday time, the arcades remain buzzing.... Can you resist?

Royal Oak

The Royal Oak used to be a popular public house for the younger generation of Herne Bay, but it has been closed for quite some time, another victim of the credit crunch.

Colemans All Shoes....

If you visit Herne Bay and arrive by car, you surely cannot miss Colemans Allshoes... The fact it is located on the Canterbury road at the junction of one of the main roundabouts into Herne Bay obviously helps....

For all your outdoor clothing needs, a visit to Colemans is just the job....

Heron Swimming Pool

This is the entrance from William Street car park, it leads to the Heron Swimming Pool, and the Kavanagh Cinema.

Garden Fun...

It never amazes me the things you see in peoples front gardens.... this little piggy doesn't appear to be on his way to market though!

Snow

This photo has been taken from my bedroom window, and is of Herne Bay. Snow has been creating a lot of chaos in the south-east, resulting in many schools closing and even rail links being cancelled too.

Relaxing

I have never understood why people fish, but it looks very relaxing, and a good way to sit and reflect, even if it is cold.
I hope he caught some fish!

Terrace houses

This row of terrace houses is located on the sea front in herne bay, opposite the bandstand.

Local Fish

I like to eat fish, and its good to see that we have a fish shop that sales local fresh fish!

Museum

This is a very intresting place to visit I found out the information below from the Internet:-

Herne Bay Museum is Open: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Also Sundays in July and August 1pm - 4pm. Closed on Good Friday and part of Christmas week. Free admission.
This bright and modern museum highlights the history of the Victorian seaside resort of Herne Bay and its surrounding area. Themes include seaside holidays and attractions, the town's piers and the development of the resort. Find out about the town's famous clock tower (once the tallest in the country) and have your photo taken through a traditional seaside Aunt Sally!

Exciting finds from the nearby Roman fort and Saxon church of Reculver are also on display, as are important fossils from the local area, including mammoth tusks. Fossilised sharks teeth can be discovered by searching through a hands-on sorting tray, a very popular activity with children.

Also on display is a prototype of the famous Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb from the Second World War. These weapons used in the historic Dambuster raids were tested off Reculver. Find out more in the Dambuster audio-visual.

Tunnel

If you look to the side of Herne Bay train station you will find this tunnel, it goes under the railway line and leads to the Thanet Way!

Busy Bees

It looks like someone has been busy sorting out their wardrobe, and good to see they are donating lots of things to charity!

The Round Window!

I spotted this lovely round window, at Herne Bay train station above the door!

Sad times....

This is sadly becoming a common sight in Herne Bay, yet another shop has closed down, lets hope that it won't be long before something else opens in its place!

Curious!

I spotted this hoover in Mortimer street, it was locked to a cycle rack, I have no idea why!

Vic Kimpton.....

This shop is in Mortimer Street, and stocks menswear for the larger man.....

Steps

These are some steps leading down to Central Parade, on the left are some amusement arcades, where people like to spend time playing on the machines, spending thier money. You can just see the end of the pier in the distance.

Spend spend spend....

With the Christmas indulgence carefully under wraps, the shops continue to entice us with their fabulous offers....
What always surprises me with the sales is the fact they can offer 50% or more off the selling price which suggests the goods were clearly over priced to start with! Bah Humbug me thinks!

Cute Hairdressers

I wonder if this is the smallest hairdressers in Herne Bay, it looks very cute tucked in between some houses, it is located in Sea Street

Going Going.... Gone!

It's refreshing to see that as the New Year unfolds and the credit crunch continues properties continue to sell.... Maybe it's time I looked for an upgrade on my humble abode!

Ducks on Ice...

We have posted photos of the ducks swimming in the Memorial Park pond before, but these little ducks where finding it hard to walk on the ice, it was fun to watch though!

Sweets....

Now I know you're still recovering from over indulgence during the festive season, but when I spotted these colourful jars of yummy sweets I could hardly contain myself =0)
I remember when I was growing up you would see these jars of sweets in all of the corner/paper shops.... lusting after a quarter of your favorites.... I don't remember when they disappeared from the shops - no doubt something to do with hygiene! But I am aware they have been making a comeback for some time now.... So its delightful to see that when wandering along the high street in Herne Bay you can turn back the clock and enjoy a quarter of your favs....

Curio Corner!

I found this shop called Jeans down a back street called Little Charles Street, it sells all sorts of curious things. I'll pop back when its open to have a rummage.....

Gargoyles To You...

This cute little fellow can be found sitting about a house on Bank Street... There is an interesting history attached to the house that owns the creature. You can see the actual house if you scroll back to 14th November, however the history of this property is yet to be shared!

Why.....

Why do people feel the need to dump rubbish, I spotted this next to the recycling bins in the william street car park, whoever dumped it must have used their car so why didn't they just take it to the tip?

So Long Farewell......

OK, so I expect you're thinking I'm going to say cheerio to 2008 and hello to 2009... well I'm not... I know I should but I feel this is an appropriate entry to say a fond farewell to a family institution...
Yes its Woolworths.... Like many of my friends I started my working life behind a counter in Woolies... So I say it here.... Goodbye fair Woolworths!

Happy New Year!

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and hope you enjoy visiting are blog....

Post Christmas High Street Blues....

Stroll along the Promenade

Herne Bay is blessed with many walks, this one along the promenade will take you to Reculver, you can see the Towers in the distance.

Empty Shops... Whatever Is Occuring...

It would appear that where ever you look in Herne Bay another shop has closed its doors... It is very sad to see the town disappearing before our eyes and watching the buildings deteriorate!

The Old Brown Teapot Cafe

The Old Brown Teapot Cafe is in Beltinge, a nice place to stop and have coffee with a piece of homemade cake, or even a hot dinner if you don't feel like cooking....

Deserted Streets.....

With Christmas over it's curious to note that already some shops are open for business, however by the looks of these empty chairs no one has any room left to taste the culinary delights of the local cafe!

Merry Christmas!

Love them or hate them people like to decorate their homes at christmas, here are two that are lit up near where I live, Merry Christmas!

View from the Pier

As it was such a lovely day on Sunday, I decided it was time to take a few photos, this is a view looking from the pier out towards Whitstable

Its a SNOW person

This little fellow was spotted sitting in the window of the hairdressers in Herne Bay!

The Beacon Church

This is the Beacon Church, you can find it in Sea Street. I missed the Christmas Carol Service as it was yesterday!

Fair Trade

For more than 15 years the co-op have been at the forefront of Responsible Retailing Issues.
In 2008 the co-op conducted the world’s largest consumer poll on Food Ethics. 100,000 of it's members gave them their backing and they launched their Food Ethical Policy.

Yay for the Co-op and it's commitment to fair trade. And you can visit this particular store in Herne Bay at the top of the town =0)

Neptunes Arm

This is a close up photo of the end of Neptunes Arm......

Art Gallery and Museum

If you take yourself along to William Street you will find Herne Bay's very own Art Gallery Museum!

This bright and modern museum highlights the history of the Victorian seaside resort of Herne Bay and its surrounding area. Themes include seaside holidays and attractions, the town's piers and the development of the resort. Find out about the town's famous clock tower (once the tallest in the country) and have your photo taken through a traditional seaside Aunt Sally!

Take a walk...

If you take a walk down this road, you will end up on the sea front, its ok walking down but its quite steep walking back.

KARAOKE... Oh Yes....

If you're in need of some entertainment mid week, then get yourself down to the Bun Penny for a dose of Karoke.... Its sure to put a smile on your face =0)

Closed for winter....

In these winter days, the Herne Bay amusements hardly ever open for business seeing as the seafront is more often than not deserted.

Antiques....

I think its fair to ponder that society today lives in a world of disposable items.... We buy cheap and discard quickly! It is therefore interesting to see a shop selling 'antiques'.... or maybe this is a modern day sign for the 'old peoples residential home'!! I wonder!

L'ESCARGOT

A corner of France can be deliciously explored in Herne Bay High Street. Culinary excellence is the hallmark of the French and Alain & Joyce Bessemoulin have earned a reputation over the last 23 years at their restaurant for high quality traditional French dishes, with an added touch of individuality from chef Alain.

They pride themselves on providing fresh local produce whenever possible and on friendly, efficient service in a cosy atmosphere.

The restaurant has attracted recognition from many food guides and over the years has seen valued loyal customers, who visited with their parents, now bring their own children to sample the French cuisine.

Alain Bessemoulin said: “We pride ourselves on cooking simple French Cooking. Traditional dishes are given an added touch with my delightful sauces!”

Street Signs...

I have to confess there isn't very much to say about this street sign.... It's pretty much the same as any other you may find around Herne Bay...

However, put simply... I just love this photograph.... I hope you do to!

Hot Dog...

I Couldnt resist taking a picture of this giant Hot Dog, it was outside a cafe on the sea front.