No sand in Sandgate

After sitting in the garden on Saturday and enjoying the warmth of the sun and even going a bit pink, what better way to spend Sunday, than on the Kent coast?!
I hatched a plan which The Grey was happy with although there was an 'Mmm..' on looking at where Sandgate is in relation to home. Why Sandgate you must be asking by now? Especially if you've been there. (Sorry, Sandgate.) We were told by Martial (our wedding coordinator) of a wonderful antique shop there and with our conservatory looking very empty except for a couple of deck chairs it was time to find untold treasures to fill it.

First stop was Camber Sands and a stroll along the beach which proved chilly and The Grey's fingers turned blue. To avoid me talking my loafers off (yes, it was that cold) he piggy backed me across the shallow streams that divide the beach. Must ask him if his back's OK today.

The coastal road up to Sandgate (nearly Folkestone) was a bit of an eye-opener for me as I've never been that way before. The Grey turned into a complete snob complained most of the way and we resolved to return inland vie Tenterton.

On reaching Sangate and discovering the beach is pebbly it was 1.30pm and we were starving but there didn't seem to be many places to grab a light lunch.  At last we spotted a Tapas bar which turned out to be serving a carvery! An unsatisfactory meal later the woman at the cafe told us the antique shop wasn't open on Sundays. One thing I've learnt recently is to remain optimistic in the face of adversity.

It was open.

Andree, a 92 year old lady (we think French) (by the way I guessed at her age)  has 3 premises with many floors of wonderful antiques and reproduction furniture and we suantered round for an hour or so delighting in our finds.

And so we returned with 4 items, a coat stand, a station clock, a bamboo ladder and a painted wrought iron tray on a stand. All very useful, I'm sure you'll agree.

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