The following article appeared in a local newspaper in 1967:
‘Queen’s Park Rangers, expected to become the first Third Division club to play at Wembley are varying their normal training routine this week by having a five-day spell at Broadstairs.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) they will be joined by Second Division Crystal Palace, who have also decided that a spell by the sea will help keep the team’s fitness at full-strength. Both teams will be staying at the Marchington Rest and Holiday Home, Kingsgate.
The reason for Broadstairs’ sudden influx of top professional footballers is that the home – a centre for old folk and convalescents during the summer, has decided to open its doors to soccer clubs wishing to train by the seaside during the winter.
The man chiefly behind the scheme is Kent and England cricketer, Colin Cowdrey, who is on the managerial board of the Textile Benevolent Association, which owns Marchington.
Colin, whose interest in soccer was recently disclosed when he joined the Board of Directors of Charlton Athletic, wrote to every league soccer club telling them of the fine facilities available for training at Broadstairs.
Queen’s Park Rangers and Crystal Palace were the first ones to book into Marchington, but more clubs are expected as training sessions for all-important FA Cup games commence.
Rangers have in their party all the regular first team, including the English League’s highest goalscorer Rodney Marsh, plus Manager Alec Stock and one or two other officials.
Says Rangers Secretary, Mr Ron Phillips: “This is in the nature of a few days’ relaxation for the side and I think some time will be spent on the North Foreland Golf Course.’
Steve Russell