Two books on Thanet’s local history have been produced by author Richard Stakpool Riding based on Alf Beeching’s research on the island.
The first major work deals in depth for the first time with the tragedy of 1897 when the Margate Surfboat capsized in a huge swell off Neyland Lock, Margate. Nine drowned and four survived.
For the centenary in 1997, Beeching enlisted a 12-year-old high school girl to help create a small booklet. This successfully raised money for the legitimate cause of the late Mayor Roy Ford. Schoolgirl Janice Shepherd was born Margate’s first ever young citizen.
Now Richard Stacpoole-Ryding has rewritten the pamphlet and transformed it into an illustrated 337-page book. He also completed a small book called The History of the North Foreland Lighthouse.
Richard’s interest in Thanet began in the 1950s when he stayed with his grandmother in Broadstairs. His family moved to the town in 1962 and Richard attended St. Peters He attended CE Primary School and then Charles He attended Dickens. He then worked in London before joining the Royal Air Force.
After being discharged he worked for the British Transport Police before moving to HM Prison Service and working in the security industry between 2002 and 2018 until his retirement.
He lives in Sittingbourne with his partner Nicola and son Christopher, but has always considered Broadstairs home and has an affinity for the town.
He has published many books, specializing in the history of Thanet and the Battle of Maiwand.
These include this year’s The History of the North Foreland Lighthouse and Oh Dear. Oh Ro. She’s Going Over! This is the story of the Margate Surfboat.
He is also a regular contributor to Medal News magazine. Next year, Richard plans to publish two more of his books, The History of Broadstairs Lifeboat Station and The History of Kingsgate Lifeboat Station.
Contributions to the research come from Alf Beeching of Thanet, who has also written many local history articles and books, images from Chris Sandwell.
To purchase a copy of the book, send an email to stacpoole.r@googlemail.com. Richard will provide details on cover pricing, shipping, and package availability.
