The back street garages of the Bay [pic heavy]

[egg]

Here's the story about SAM spares closure in the local rag

 

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/news/high-street-shop-of-34-years-closes-203512/

 

“I tried to keep it open for as long as I could, but, to be honest, I should have given up about five years ago,” the 58-year-old said.

 

“I kept it open out of pride really and wanted to keep people in work.

 

“We tried to provide the best customer service we could, but you can’t survive just by fitting wiper blades and bulbs anymore.”

 

Mr Middlebrooke attributes in part his recent struggles to advances in car manufacturing, which have increased vehicle reliability.

 

As a result, he believes the “DIY motorist is fading away”.

[egg]

We've lost the only other independent Motor Factor in the town. Sam's went last year (see above) and now Rudolph's are closing due to Covid. Sad times, they were very helpful in there. One of those places with all sorts of stuff tucked away and did a good line in tools etc.

We're just left with Jayar now (outside of town on a small industrial estate).

[Tadhg Tiogar]

On 6/11/2017 at 10:20 AM, Joey spud said:

....Hernia Bay does seem to be on the up though.

Probably taking the overspill from the gentrification of Margate.

[egg]

3 more to add here.

[af1]

Holy thread revival. 
when I was a ‘yoot’ I always considered Herne Bay as a mecca for car bits. 
 

Need a cheap run about? There would always be a line of cars with notes in the window for sale along Sea Street.
Got a bit more cash in your back pocket? Then just down the road on York Street was a garage specialising in cheap motors. 
 

Need a tool and an in depth explanation on how to use it? Rudolph’s was your go to place. Staff there were amazing. So knowledgeable. They had a really cool dog too. 
 

Need a Car Part on a Sunday? Sam’s Spares had you covered. Near enough everything in stock on the shelf. 
 

Decided to get into Motorbikes and need a repair on your bike? Herne Bay Motor Cycles would have you covered.

 

in fact a lot of Whitstable and Herne Bay had small one man band style repair, tyre and parts shops. Crumbling workshops on old industrial units. All now demolished and full of new builds. 
 

Wow the last paragraph makes me sound old 😂