"Hello everyone, my name is Lexi, and I've been a PCAS member for
the past 4 years. When away from the Internet, I am a clinical
psychology graduate student, and I live in New York.
Living
in New York, Whitstable is a bit more than a hop, skip and a jump away,
and I figured that I would only ever see it via Internet. Fortunately,
my parents had planned a tour of Europe for this summer, including
London. My parents are not horror movie people, but they are well
accustomed to my whims by this point, so they graciously agreed to take
half a day out of our schedule and take the train over from London (I
sent them off shopping, and they seemed happy).
My
description of the rest of the trip follows with the pictures. I'm
thrilled to be able to give back to the Society members by sharing
them! I hope that you all enjoy them, especially if you've never been.
I found it to be a very special place."
Sign marking Cushing's View. This is a very discreet little area and I
needed some help finding it. I asked some locals for help (I'm rubbish
with maps) and they actually seemed surprised that I wanted to find
something so small! The older people seemed to be more understanding
that it was something special.
The very popular 'Lovers Bench' which looks out to sea by Keam's Yard, which was donated by Peter Cushing 25 years ago, and installed at 'Cushing's View'
Me, on the bench, to give an idea of its scale. Very cosy and just
right for two people to cuddle up together on, which I imagine was
Peter's point. The little brass plaque on the bench reads : Presented By Helen And Peter Cushing Who Love Whitstable and It's People So Very Much. 1990.
Views from the bench. I think the bottom one, might be the Oystery? I sat here for about 20 minutes and people
watched. A wonderful, calm spot and the weather was gorgeous. It was
very meaningful to me to experience the View as I imagine Peter wanted
people to enjoy it.
The Tudor Tea Rooms. Another place that was quietly tucked away,
although I was able to find it myself. Very small inside but they seem
to do a brisk business.
Inside the Tudor Tea Rooms, Peter's plaque, which is attached to the post right next to his table. Teared up a bit here.
Me, at the table, with a bit of the restaurant behind. I had imagined
Peter setting up court in a corner booth, but this is a very small table
wedged right in the middle of everything! Maybe he felt more "normal"
doing it that way? I also talked to the cashier about the significance
of my trip. She said that Peter had been at her wedding, that he was "a
lovely older gentleman," and that he was just as wonderful as I had
always heard.
The large picture over the Peter Cushing Pub's bar. I wish I had taken
more pictures here, alas! The bartenders were both very friendly,
knowledgeable about the town, and set me up with a delicious cider.
Peter's house. Took me a little while to find this one--I had to cut
down a few side roads and eventually ended up on the beach, which the
house runs alongside. I can't tell if it's currently occupied.
I (and my parents, who amused themselves with other things) had a
fantastic time. Everyone we met was helpful and friendly, and it's a
beautiful town. Thank you for providing the map, Marcus (I did my best
with it!) and for sharing in my joy when I messaged you while I was
there. I hope you and everyone else enjoy these pictures.
EVERY SATURDAY HERE AND AT PETER CUSHING APPRECIATION SOCIETY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE #ONSETSATURDAY Pics from the sets and behind the scenes on Peter Cushing films. there's a new feature coming up NEXT!
