Ramsgate Town Council

Ramsgate Town Council – First 30 Days - Mayor's report for June 09

It’s been a good month for Ramsgate, starting with the inaugural meeting of the new Council, and ending with a hugely successful “Ramsgate Rocks”, the two day family entertainment event, organised by the Ramsgate Town Partnership. The Council itself has been occupied with the formalities of electing working committees etc.

There has been plenty of good news for Ramsgate during the month, including the reopening of Harvey’s on Harbour Parade as the Fish Market and Oyster Bar, and the announcement that 99p Stores will be opening in the old Woolworths building in the High Street.

The reopening of Ramsgate Maritime Museum on Saturday under the stewardship of the Steam Museum Trust is very welcome. It follows much hard work and good will from the Trust, Thanet Council, District and County Councillors, and many others who supported the campaign to retain the Museum. The early announcement that work is to start immediately on the restoration of the Cervia Tug in the Marina Dry Dock is very encouraging.

During the month, I have represented the Town at:

The Annual Triangle awards ceremony, an inspirational event, held at the Winter Gardens, to recognise the many achievements of young people in Thanet and Dover.

The opening of the new Harvey’s restaurant. For those who like seafood, certainly adds to Ramsgate’s expanding range of restaurants.

Raising the standard in Margate to mark Armed Forces day. This was a national day of commemoration, Ramsgate organisations certainly turned out in force to represent the town.

A recital by Thanet Choral Society at the Marlowe Academy. An enjoyable evening with a very enthusiastic group. Was impressed by the facilities at the Marlowe.

The civic service and blessing of the fishing boats at Folkstone. Was able to meet mayors from many local towns and gain good advice concerning many aspects of creating a successful Town Council.

St Lawrence Junior School speech day.

Opening of Ramsgate Rocks, Two day family entertainment. My thanks to Ramsgate Town Partnership and main sponsor, Farleys of Chatham Street for the event,

I have had useful and interesting discussions with:

Mr Dexter, clerk to Broadstairs Town Council
Mr Wilkinson, chair of Ramsgate Town Carnival Committee
Mr List Brain. Chair of Preston Steam Museum Trust
Mr Seed, Thanet District Council Director for cleansing, parks and seashore.

Maritime Museum to Reopen this Weekend!

I don’t want to be prematurely optimistic, but it looks as though Thanet Council have finally realised what an enormous and unnecessary “own goal” the closure of the Ramsgate Maritime Museum has been.
Since the closure, Ramsgate and Broadstairs residents have, through the petition organised by Ramsgate Councillors, and through letters and phone calls, let the Council know what they think of the decision.
The Council have been fortunate that the Preston Steam Trust have been able to pick up where the EKMT have failed, and promise a future for the Museum. This seems to have triggered a “save our museums” campaign in the Gazette Newspaper, perhaps motivated more by the plight of Margate Museum, future still unknown.
Most recently we were informed that Council “red tape” and protocols were frustrating an early reopening of the Ramsgate Museum in time for the Summer Season when there are visitors in the town.
Cllr John Watkins, a volunteer worker for the EKMT and skipper of the “Sundowner” vessel, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to overcome the difficulties.
It now seems that with good will on all sides, including the Preston Steam Trust, TDC, myself as Ramsgate Mayor, and Cllr Elizabeth Green as Ramsgate County Councillor, we may well see the Museum open for Ramsgate’s own “big event” Ramsgate Rocks.
If so, I would like to thank John personally, and thank the many people of Ramsgate that have supported the campaign to keep Ramsgate’s Museum and retain the historic clock house for public use.