Thanet Times, Tuesday 24 November, 1964.

Bob aims to have a trio of pubs.

"I'm the 3rd generation of my family to have a pub. In fact, I was born in one," said Mr. H. R. (Bob) Colson, licensee of the "Dog and Duck Hotel" Canterbury Road, Westbrook, Margate. He was born in the "Britannia Hotel," Croydon, kept his father, but Bob's grandfather had been a licensee before that.

Mr. Colson came to Margate long before he thought about running a public house. He was at school at Stanley House, leaving there in 1927 to continue his education at Bethany House, Goudhurst.

Bob's first house was the "Green Man" at St. Margaret's Bay, Dover, but in 1940 it was requisitioned by the army. "And for the next five and a half years I served with the R.A.F." he told me.

It was in 1948 that he really settled down in Margate when he took over the "Shakespeare Hotel," Canterbury Road. Five years later he moved to the "Dog and Duck" further along the road, and since then he has seen his hotel become increasingly popular with residents and visitors.

Rebuilding.

Mr. Colson is also licensee of the "Duke of Kent" on the Thanet Way, and here he has rebuilding plans totalling £50,000.

A keen angler he loves nothing better than a day's fishing, while he is also interested in boxing. For 3 years he was match secretary of Margate Amateur Boxing Club. He is also a keen supporter of Margate Football Club. Another interest in the Twelve Nails Club, of which is the chairman this year.

His ambition - to have a third public house and then retire in about 10 years' time.

Bob paid a handsome tribute to his charming wife, Kay. "Without a wife in this business things would be hopeless," he said. "It's a partnership and if you haven't got that you cannot succeed."

From the Thanet Times, Tuesday 14 February 1989.

Pub's party fun for handicapped.

A party for the mentally handicapped has been held in the "Dog and Duck" pub, Westbrook. It was organised by landlord Mr. John Monks, after a toy auction raised more than £800 for MENCAP. Half the money collected paid for the celebrations. The rest will be presented to the charity at the end of the month. Picture by Chris Fright.