Thanet Times, Tuesday 1 December, 1964.

A publican in Margate for just on 20 years.

Mr. Bert Lilley, popular licensee of the "Bellevue Hotel," Northdown Road, Margate, celebrated his 62nd birthday just over a week ago. He is also near to celebrate his majority as a licensee, for he has been a publican in the resort for just on 20 years.

Bert, London born, first came to Margate in 1921 when he was with Mr. Bangham, coach proprietor, whose place was in Cecil Square where the Regal Cinema building stands today.

In 1933 he and Mrs. Lilley moved back to London, but he still continued with the coach business, acting as courier for a large London firm. During the war the coaches were taken over by the War Office and Bert went with them as a civilian driver.

"Driving coaches in those days was hard work; mighty different from the luxurious vehicles on the road today," he said. It was in 1945 that Mr. Lilley took over the "Six Bells Hotel" in Margate High Street, and after 2-years there, moved on to the "Bellevue Hotel."

During these last 17 years Bert has built up an extensive regular trade, augmented during the long winter months with dinners and other social functions, while in the summer the holiday makers return year by year and are now regarded as old friends.

He surprised me when he said: "We've even catered for members of the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace." Twice, members of the Buckingham Palace staff have had lunch at the "Bellevue" when on a days outing, and each time there has been a telegram from the Queen wishing them an enjoyable day at Margate.

Apart from his duties as a licensee, Mr. Lilley is a past trustee and governor of the Licensed Victuallers' National Homes at Denham, and a committee member of the Isle of Thanet branch of the L.V.A. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Margate.

His son Jim, is following in dad's footsteps, for he is the licensee of the "Cinque Ports Hotel" at Marine Terrace.