Thanet Times, Tuesday 10 November, 1964.

A comfortable Billet for the regulars.

Banking was the chosen career for Mr. Ivan Payne, and when he left school in 1938 he joined the staff of a bank in the City of London.

Three years later he joined the Royal Air Force and after 5 years' service as an air gunner and observer, returned to civvy street and banking.

But, like many other people, Mr. Payne, who is now 43, found that the war had changed him and it was not long before he started looking around for something different.

Mr. Payne, now licensee of of one of Margate's newest bars, the "Bowlers Arm's" on the Cliftonville seafront, shows the licensed trade.

He started in his new job in London's East End in 1948, learning the many demanding sides of the business before venturing into management.

The first licensed he held was that of the the "Bodega" in Nottingham and after more than 4 years there, he moved to the "Nag's Head" in Nuneaton.

He and his wife, Ina, were there for 18 months when they felt the need of a change of scenery and were chosen for their present seaside posting at the "Bowlers Arms," which stands on part of the site of the old "Cliftonville Hotel."

The bar there was opened on 14th May and once the season got underway the place was packed.

"We had longed for the chance to be at the seaside, but the business demanded so much of our time in the summer that we didn't get the chance," said Mr. Payne.

Now fully aware of the vast contrast between summer and winter trade, Mr. Payne is set on building up the latter.

"I am doing all I can to make it a comfortable Billet for the local people," he said.

His attachment and concern for the business was summed up in these words:- "It is the sort of business you have got to love to stay in. If not, you might as well get out."