Ramsgate Town Council Magazine

uk

Inside - all your local events, clubs & groups

Ramsgate Quarterly | Nov 2014 - Jan 2015

TownCouncil

5th ISSUE

community magazine

www.ramsgatetown.org

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CONTENTS Councillors ������������������������������������ 6 Mayor’s Charity ��������������������������10 Interview: Barbara Byne ����������24 Events ��������������������������������������������26 Interview: Beverley Perkins ����30 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . ���������32 Interview: Jocelyn McCarthy �34 Local Groups & Clubs ����������������40 Published by Community Ad Web Ltd 01843 834160 email info@communityad.co.uk web www.communityad.co.uk The views expressed in any published content are solely those of the contributors. The Publishers and Ramsgate Town Council accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in the publication. The contents of this magazine including images may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, downloaded or displayed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Ramsgate Town Council and/or Community Ad Web Ltd. Unless otherwise specified, the authors of the literary and artistic works in the pages in this magazine have asserted their moral right pursuant to Section 77 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of those works. The Publishers reserve the right not to publish a submission or part of a submission that they consider defamatory or otherwise inappropriate for publication.

Inside you will find information on the town, the council, the Mayor, forthcoming events, Ramsgate’s history and the different community groups.

This is the fifth issue of the magazine, which has been published alongside our website; we would like to thank all who have contributed to the magazine and Community Ad for assisting us with its creation.

Send us your pictures of Ramsgate for a chance to have them displayed on the front cover. We look forward to receiving any articles you might wish to submit, plus your letters and views.

You can send them by email to info@ramsgatetown.org or write to: Ramsgate Town Council, The Custom House, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, CT11 8LP.

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

Welcome

front cover: Crowning Glory Theresa Smith’s sparkling addition to Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour photo: Chris Constantine

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES A big thank you goes out to all the local businesses that have advertised and supported the Ramsgate Town Council Magazine

Please support local businesses and mention Ramsgate Town Council Magazine when responding to advertisers

To advertise please call Daniel on 01843 294187

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RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

Ramsgate Town Council website As of September 1, the Ramsgate Town website had received 102,940 visits.

The website’s social media presence is collectively over 1,000 people, 454 on Facebook, 599 on Twitter.

We continue to expand the website for the community, residents and visitors, we encourage people to join us on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr to keep up-to-date with local news, events, history etc.

Despite the growth and expansion of the website, we are looking for local historians and photographers to help us to celebrate the rich history of Ramsgate. If you would like to help please get in touch by emailing dean.williams@ramsgatetc.org.uk Future development on the website includes a Ramsgate Rocks booklet page for local events, an allotments page and any future consultations by Ramsgate Town Council.

www.facebook.com/RamsgateTown www.twitter.com/RamsgateTown www.flickr.com/RamsgateTown

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Ramsgate Town Council

Your Councillors Central Harbour Ward Councillor Mary Dwyer q01843 309532 n07955 708842 Emarydwyer17@hotmail.co.uk Councillor Peter Campbell q01843 570368 Epetercampbell49@gmail.com Councillor Tony Ovenden q01843 581425 n07980 550732 Ermatt6891@aol.com Eastcliff Ward Councillor Corinna Huxley q01843 590461 Ecorinna.huxley @btopenworld.com Councillor David Green q01843 591495 Edgreen.home@btinternet.com Councillor Rick Everitt q01843 590461 Erickeveritt@btinternet.com

Nethercourt Ward Councillor Kim Gibson q01843 599199 Eredakasha@hotmail.co.uk Councillor Steven Alexandrou q01843 597035 n07557 808180 Estnethercourt@gmail.com

Newington Ward Councillor Patricia Moore q01843 595152 n07546 426924 Eclanmoore01@btinternet.com Councillor Richard Nicholson q01843 580057 n07758 902205 Emember@rnicholson 3.wanadoo.co.uk

Pegwell Ward Councillor Patrick Doyle q01843 592903

Northwood Ward Councillor Kay Dark q01843 592302 n07720 375529 Ekaydark@hotmail.com

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Sir Moses Montefiore Ward

Councillor Elizabeth Green q01843 591495 Egreenliz@btinternet.com

Councillor Alan Poole q01843 602594 n07729 611417 Ecllr-alan.poole@thanet.gov.uk

Councillor Trevor Shonk n07748 685371 Etrevor.shonk@kent.gov.uk

Councillor Michelle Fenner n07766 452552 Emichellefenner@hotmail.com

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Ramsgate Glass Centre gives you a warm welcome when you come and visit us, whether your needs are cut glass, bespoke mirrors, glass shelves or greenhouse glass. We also supply and install UPVC and aluminium products.

Our family-run business has a generously stocked shop offering you items like adhesives for windows or mirrors, silicones and mastics.

We now have a huge stock of hardware for your windows and doors. Items range from locks to cylinders, strikes to night vents, plus all types of handles for windows and doors.

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Old Ramsgate

A Trip Down Memory Lane Once a month up to 180 people turn up at the King’s of Ramsgate Community Theatre Club to enjoy a nostalgic look at Ramsgate’s glorious past. They see the images going back to the earliest photography and listen to amusing stories and anecdotes.

The chat and views seems to take the audience back in time to their childhood, when the mode of travel was trams, steam trains, paddle steamers or horse and carriage. There were so many theatres, cinemas and various forms of family entertainment that did not include a television. Live family fun was what was on offer.

November 20 (7.30pm) features those amazing times when we were at war, with the community spirit of Ramsgate never higher.

The contribution that Ramsgate made during these horrific times included the return of the Little Ships of Operation Dynamo, when the townspeople gave up many of their treasured possessions to help others, the many buildings that we turned into military hospitals and

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the amazing service that the Ramsgate Tunnels did to get us through those awful days. The tunnels saved thousands of lives, thanks to all the efforts of the wartime mayor, Councillor ABC Kempe, and his dedicated team.

On December 11, it is Ramsgate Entertains, with all the cinemas (the Odeon, the King’s, the Palace Theatre & the Picture House); the theatres (Granville, West Cliff Hall and Royal Victoria Pavilion) attracted many famous names such as the Rolling Stones, Max Bygraves, Benny Hill, the Drifters, Del Shannon and many more.

The iconic Coronation Ballroom boasted Victor Sylvester, Ted Heath (band master), Johnny Dankworth - even Hollywood silver-screen idol Stewart Granger attended the crowning of Miss Merrie England.

Every third Thursday throughout the year has a different story to tell. The 180-strong audience cannot be wrong give it a try!

Contact Ralph Hoult via email ralphhoult@aol.com.

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The team from Explore Kent has added new pursuits to the Active Ramsgate programme, providing maps and interpretation for a range of ways for people to enjoy our town and the surrounding areas.

Now available is a a canoe trail, which has been set out by Sport England so that it uses the best and safest route from the River Stour to Ramsgate harbour.

You may have seen a new bicycle hire facility at the harbour through the Harbour Chocolate Lounge. Plans for next year include more hire options, organised by Kent Cycle Hire.

The series of three town and coastal walks continue, bringing visitors into the local shops, bars and restaurants.

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To see the trails and download maps and guides, go to www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate

Town Council Meetings The Cttees will only meet if there is sufficient business and may be subject to cancellation. Meetings will commence at 7pm unless otherwise indicated.

November 2014 Wed 05 Council Wed 12 Planning & Environment Cttee Wed 26 Amenities Cttee (Budget) December 2014 Wed 03 Town Promotion Cttee Mon 15 Planning & Environment Cttee January 2015 Wed 14 Planning & Environment Cttee Thurs 22 Finance & General Purposes Cttee (Budget) Wed 28 Amenities Committee

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The Mayor of Ramsgate’s Charity Annual The purpose of this competition is to produce an improved Christmas festive atmosphere to Ramsgate Town by increasing the number of properties with Christmas light decorations and to support the Mayor of Ramsgate’s local charities by paying a small competition fee.

This competition is open to any residential property in the boundary of Ramsgate with a postcode of either CT11 or CT12, where the occupants would like to decorate the front of the property with Christmas lights.

The competition will be judged in two stages, the first stage will be judged in the Ramsgate Council seven ward areas producing a ‘ward’ winner, who will then go forward with all the other ward winners to find the best Ramsgate decorated property.

There will be a presentation evening where all ward winners will win a prize and when the best decorated property in Ramsgate winner will be announced and win an additional prize.

10

Competition Timetable Competition application forms including a £5 competition fee must be sent to the following address by the November 23, 2014, at the latest: 9 Gloucester Avenue, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2HP. 1st stage judging will start on Monday, December 1, to the last day on Sunday, December 14.

2nd stage judging of the ward winners will start on Thursday, December 18, until Saturday, December 20.

The presentation evening is on Sunday, December 21 (7 for 7.30pm) in the function room at the Racing Greyhound public house. This is where all ward winners and the Best Christmas Decorated Property in Ramsgate will receive their prizes.

Competition Rules • The competition is open to only Ramsgate residential properties with a post code of CT11 or CT12 and not business properties.

• Competition application forms with a competition fee of £5 must be received at the following address by November 20, 2014. Christmas Light Competition, 9 Gloucester Avenue, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2HP the latest. Applications received after November 20, will have their forms returned.

• Properties must have their lights switched on from dusk each day complying with the judging above dates for the first and second stages. Failure to do so may mean that they will miss being judged.

• The property number must be clearly seen in the dark so as not to be missed.

• Application forms are available from the Ramsgate Town Council website www.ramsgatetown.org or from the Ramsgate Visitors Centre, Harbour Parade.

Also on the town website you can find out which ward you live in, just go on the above website and under ‘Town Council’ and then ‘What Ward am I In’.

You can then use the ward maps to find your ward.

Forms are also available from local ward shops whose details are listed below.

• Competitors must ensure that their property is in the correct ward to avoid disqualification.

• Ward winners will be notified by phone before the second stage judging and a notice will be displayed in the local ward shops.

• First stage judging will be carried out by some Ramsgate councillors and individuals from local organisations. Second stage judging will be carried by the Mayor of Ramsgate and other local celebrities. Judges’ decision is final in both first and second stages.

• The winner of this year’s competition cannot enter next year’s competition.

• The winner will receive a prize and a trophy, the trophy must be returned by November 30, 2015.

Ramsgate Town Wards with the address of the local shop Central Harbour Ward Newsagents, 80 High Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9RX Eastcliff Ward Victoria Express, 29 Victoria Road, Ramsgate, CT11 8PP Northwood Ward Newsagents, 334 Margate Road, Ramsgate, CT12 6SQ Nethercourt Ward Rydal Mini Mart, 41 Rydal Avenue, Ramsgate, CT11 0PX Newington Ward Spar Store, 7 St Johns Crescent, Ramsgate, CT12 6LB Pegwell Ward Co-operative Food, Grange Road, Ramsgate, CT11 9NA Sir Moses Montefiore Ward Off-Licence, 74 Hereson Road, Ramsgate, CT11 7DS

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

Property Christmas Light Competition

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Computer & game anniversaries in 2014 At the Micro Museum we’ve been looking back at this year’s anniversaries of computer-related inventions. You may be surprised by how old some of them are.

300th anniversary The first typewriter patent 300

years

Granted to English inventor Henry Mill in 1774.

180th anniversary The Analytical Engine 180

Invented in 1834 by English mathematician Charles Babbage, the Analytical Engine was designed to do mathematical calculations. Unfortunately, the technology of the day wasn’t good enough to build a working complete machine, so only a trial section was made in his lifetime.

The Analytical Engine included almost all the logical features of a modern digital computer. As a result Babbage is often referred to as “the founding father” of computing. years

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130th Anniversary The first electronic tabulating system 130

Invented by Herman Hollerith in 1884.

Hollerith’s company later became part of the original IBM. years

70th Anniversary Colossus After using Enigma coding machines since 1926, years Hitler’s High Command began using the Lorenz cipher on more complicated machines for high level communications. The messages were picked up first at Knockholt, Kent, and then at Bletchley Park, Britain’s top-secret codebreaking centre.

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An engineer named Tommy Flowers at the Post Office engineering department, Dollis Hill, London, designed an

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Reassembled at Bletchley Park, it filled a room and weighed approximately one ton so was dubbed Colossus. On February 5, 1944, it began working, immediately doubling the codebreakers’ output. The Mark 2 redesign produced vital information for the D-Day landings and it is believed that because of Colossus (the first modern programmable electronic computer) the war was shortened by at least two years.

50th Anniversary BASIC Created by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz and years first used on a mainframe computer in the USA in 1964, BASIC (Beginners’ All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) revolutionised computer programming.

50

In the 1970s and 80s the BASIC language enabled people to write their own programs. In the 1980s the BBC Micro

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30th Anniversary Apple Macintosh computer 30

On 24 January 1984 the Apple Computer Company launched the Macintosh (Mac) Computer. years

30th Anniversary Tetris The addictive game of manipulating falling blocks years on a screen was created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov in the USSR (old Soviet Union). He based it on the game Pentominoes, translating it into a game to be played on a computer. He named his game Tetris after the Greek word for the number four. It is still one of the most popular puzzle games for electronic devices.

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The Museum will be closed until Easter 2015 but if you want to learn more about these anniversaries or about the Museum, visit The Micro Museum Facebook page, where I’ll be posting more information. Carol Deer

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RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

electronic machine that would speed up the calculations to help decrypt the messages but his idea was turned down. Tommy and his team went away and built the machine, successfully demonstrating it at Dollis Hill in 1943.

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Montefiore Heritage Now in its fourth year, the Ramsgate Montefiore Heritage has been going from strength to strength.

This year there has been another well attended lecture, this time by Joseph Mirwitch, also a member of the Pugin Society and most knowledgeable about Ramsgate’s architecture.

The talk was about the architect of the Montefiore synagogue, David Mocatta, Sir Moses’ cousin; there was also speculation about the responsibility for the design of the mausoleum: was it WJ Smith, Ramsgate’s own architect and builder, working for Edward Pugin, who also designed the alms houses in Jerusalem for Sir Moses.

Our next event was the annual Montefiore Day concert in June, this time by the BOYbershop quartet, who sang to a crowded synagogue. The enthusiastic audience especially appreciated those melodies from Spanish and Eastern traditions. It is hoped that they will pay us another visit.

Our August event was at the Italianate Greenhouse in George VI Memorial Park as part of the Summer Squall Arts Festival where, despite the worst possible weather on Bank Holiday Monday, at least a hundred people came to listen to Eastern European Klezmer music and Jewish music from Mediterranean places like Morocco and further East like the Yemen.

The audience was wildly enthusiastic and the very professional group, SHIR, was most impressed by the warmth of their reception.

A return visit during the festive season at the end of the year is being planned, so for future events do check www.ramsgatemontefioreheritage.org.uk

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Ramsgate experienced a late summer heatwave this year. We cannot promise you a heatwave at Christmas, but we can guarantee you a bright and festive start to Christmas in Ramsgate.

Ramsgate Town Council has been preparing designs for a new display of Christmas lights in time for the switch on in the town centre on Sunday, November 30, at 5pm. They have sworn the elves making the lights to secrecy, but all will be revealed on the night.

In recent years the Ramsgate Christmas lights have been a cheerful reminder that even when Britain is facing hard times there is much to celebrate and this year will be no different. We hope to lead the way in Thanet by producing the brightest most cheerful Christmas display.

You can do your bit to help, by displaying Christmas lights and decorations in every shop front, window display, private house and ship or boat in the harbour. If everyone makes an effort, Ramsgate will stand out literally as a beacon of light.

To help make the switch on memorable,

Ramsgate Town Council has asked the organiser, Mike Taylor, to arrange some entertainment and activities for visitors prior to the switch-on.

This year we are hoping that singers Emma Jane and the Kent Rock Choir, will perform all the festive favourites.

A Christmas craft fair will be there to offer bespoke gifts and products not found anywhere else, and of course Father Christmas will take a break from his busy schedule to visit the children of Ramsgate.

The festivities will start at noon on November 30 and continue until 6pm.

So come down to Ramsgate Town Centre and join in with the countdown to Christmas with the annual light switch-on.

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Visitor Information Centre Ramsgate’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC), located at the Custom House in Harbour Parade, is funded by Ramsgate Town Council (RTC) and managed by five volunteers. They operate in shifts to provide a seven-day-a-week service. The VIC is open for advice 364 days a year.

The VIC can advise on destinations within Ramsgate, Thanet and Kent and there is a comprehensive selection of leaflets covering a wide range of activities and attractions.

Ramsgate hosts a wide range of cultural and leisure activities during the year. You will find information on those activities in the VIC. If you want to know what’s on and when in Ramsgate, the VIC is the best place in town for event information.

The VIC volunteers are dedicated to helping visitors and residents get the information they need. Their advice is completely free and is backed up with a fine selection of local maps and guides.

Bookings are taken for National Express, Carol Peters and Buzz Lines coach services and tours to the UK and abroad.

The town council is based on the first floor of the Custom House and the VIC

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also acts as a reception for RTC visitors.

Telephone enquiries are taken by the volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre on 01843 598750.

Alternatively, you can email an enquiry to ramsgatevic@gmail.com The VIC is looking for new recruits to help assist the existing team. New volunteers should have good communication skills, be computer literate, have handled money before and be older than 16.

Training is provided for all volunteers to help develop and adapt their skills.

Please contact the Visitor Information Centre Co-Ordinator, Ralph Hoult, for further information.

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We are the oldest established classic car club in Thanet, having been set up by a small group of enthusiasts back in 1981.

The club continues to be successful to this day, having some 170 members, with the emphasis being on fun and also keeping our cars on the road for people’s enjoyment. We “drive” and organise many local rallies, such as the Great Bucket and Spade Run, the largest classic vehicle event in Thanet, now in its 33 rd year; The Cobweb Rally; and the Sandwich Festival Classic Car Show.

These are attended by many members and other clubs, in addition to our own large membership.

We are not content just to turn up to rallies - although of course we do this but are willing to organise them as well, supporting many local charities and good causes. Our club also carries the all-important public liability insurance necessary for any public gathering.

We offer a truly excellent club and social scene, featuring film nights, trips out, meetings and buffets.

Our cars vary from exotica such as E Types and Mark Two Jaguars, Alvis, Lanchesters and Rolls Royces to Minis Morris and Austins.

Cars are welcome from rolling restorations to Concours. We have excellent technical back-up for members, marque experts, subsidised breakdown and recovery, and a wide network of trade suppliers and MOT stations.

We also produce a packed bi-monthly newsletter, which is included in our very modest membership charge (single membership from £12 per annum)

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

The Ramsgate Old Motor and Motor Cycle Club (ROMMCC)

If you would like more information, please see our website on www. rommcc.org.uk where you can download an application form, or contact the club on 07779422780

21

In 1982 a group of theatre-minded people set up Starlite Entertainers Productions with the aim of providing a platform for young and old to get an opportunity to tread the boards, get on stage and develop their talent and gain confidence, at the same time give entertainment to others. This mainly attracted the young - and soon the notso-young.

In 1996 the group set up the Ramsgate Events Group (REG), to look after the mainly outdoor entertainment events.

The combined groups have now staged over 700 different shows with the help of over 1,000 acts. They have used nearly every theatre venue in Thanet, including the Theatre Royal, Winter Gardens and Granville Theatre, and they are now based and run the King’s of Ramsgate Community Theatre Club.

Having raised over £250,000 with the two groups for national and local charities and good causes, the group has decided to expand yet again.

In 2014, the new group is called Community Spirit of Ramsgate, a fundraising group for Ramsgate people.

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If you are a community group, club or have a good cause that needs some additional help and support to move forward, please get in touch.

If you are an existing group in Ramsgate that wishes to support our campaign to help the Ramsgate community, please get in touch.

Our aim is to raise a substantial amount of funds to help others in Ramsgate.

The fund will be made up of awards of £250, but more than one award can be made to those in need of support and the committee will nominate groups.

We will also have a community fund for any groups to apply for and the committee will decide the successful candidates that will receive this award.

Working together does work, so please do get in touch and help us make a big difference to our town.

More details from Ralph Hoult, chairman, Community Spirit of Ramsgate, on 07969 672 674, email ralphhoult@aol.com. Follow me on Twitter @MrRamsgate or Facebook Ralph Hoult.

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Barbara Byne How long have you lived in Ramsgate?

I came to Ramsgate at the age of 17 with my parents from London and I left five years later and went back to London.

But then in 1968 when I was 24 I started travelling with Invicta Airways at Manston, because they wanted German speakers. They had some planes based in Berlin and I went there for two weeks, then to Manston for two weeks, all through the summer of that year. So you can imagine how pro-Manston I am.

Although I already had the languages I wanted to work for them, but back then you had to be 21 before you started.

However, by the time you reached 21 you were doing other things, and then you found you had to have experience. I was always grateful to Invicta Airways for sending me to Berlin.

Why did you start helping the local community?

The first port of call was the church because I knew it had all those committees - social committees, flower ladies, holy dusters - and I kicked off with them at lunchtime, such as helping with washing up.

I did this between seasons and once I retired it was like a swarm of bees: “Now you can do a tour of the church’’, “Now you can do a tour of the churchyard”. To start with I said no, because I have done that all my life. I wanted to do something different.

So I did bereavement visiting, helped friends out house-sitting, child-sitting and the first year I was pretty busy doing those things, well the first two years,

24

Interview

really, and then by accident I got on to the council.

I thought I would get to know Ramsgate a bit better, so I joined the Ramsgate Society. I didn’t do their walks, but I swotted up on Ramsgate a lot. I kept an interest in my ward.

I told the Ramsgate Society, who had already asked me, that I would do their guided walks, because I had already given in and started doing a guided tour of Ramsgate. I arrange the Ramsgate Society excursions now.

What are your earliest memories of Ramsgate?

As a child I was brought up here with my brother by my grandmother and her sister when on holidays, and I fell in love with it.

What are your ambitions?

Well, I see the St Laurence Church and the churchyard not just as a place of worship, but as an asset that is very much misused.

You have a timeline of history in that church. It has been there since 1062AD and if people are interested in history, which most people are, you can go into almost every corner of that church and go through the ages. Perhaps there is an emphasis on the Napoleonic and Victorian times but nevertheless the rest is there.

I think it is important for Ramsgate to appreciate what we have there.

What are you currently working on or towards in Ramsgate?

To make St Laurence Church an asset for Ramsgate and to do everything I can to encourage tourism.

Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum The Airfield, Manston Rd Ramsgate CT12 5DF

Why did you start this current project?

The church tours, the walks and I’ve organised an open church. What is the point of having a church if you can’t see what is inside it. It was open before during the 1960s and 1970s but some things got broken and they decided to lock the door.

Where did you get the idea from to start this?

This was a suggestion from the church to share out and encourage people to learn its history and that of the people buried there.

What can Ramsgate look forward to from you in the future?

Subject to my health, more of the same, but I’m getting towards the end of the perch.

How do you feel your contribution has helped or made a difference to Ramsgate?

I probably haven’t; little contributions here and there, with the church tours and The Ramsgate Society.

It is good to be part of the events organisation as we get to promote one another’s things. We were at Ellington Park and then they came to our fair in August and everybody works together.

We put their ads up and they put ours up.

Where do you see yourself helping the community in a year’s time?

I hope to be doing what I do now in a year’s time, but nobody knows the future so we will have to wait and see.

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Pick up a copy of Ramsgate Rocks around town for your annual calendar of events. Below are listed many, and any recent updates to the calendar Courtesy of REO Ramsgate Event Organisers

NOVEMBER 2014 Wednesday 29 Oct - 5 Nov Lesley Williams Solo Exhibition York Street Gallery Saturday 1 (10am-noon) Tour of historic St Laurence Church Over 1,000 years of history, superb stained glass windows and intriguing stories. Refreshments available.

Wednesday 5 (6-9.30pm) Ramsgate’s Spectacular Firework Night Southwood Football Ground, Prices Ave Wednesday 5 - 12 Lee Nicholls York Street Gallery Thursday 6 (8pm) Gogo Penguin Ramsgate Music Hall

Monday 10 (7-9pm) REO Ramsgate Event Organisers Bi-monthly Meeting The Custom House, Harbour Parade Tuesday 11 (11am) Ramsgate Remembers Service Ramsgate Town Centre Cemetery.

Wednesday 12 - 19 Acol Art Group York Street Gallery Saturday 15 (10am-5pm) Handmade Arts and Crafts Fair The Custom House, Harbour Parade Saturday 15 (7 for 7.30pm) Fun Quiz Night St George’s Church Hall, Broad Street

Friday 7 (8pm) 2:54 Ramsgate Music Hall

Saturday 15 (8pm) The Great Tree presents Rainer Hersch & His Orchestra King’s Community Theatre Club King Street, Ramsgate. Tickets £10

Sunday 9 (9.30am-1pm) Thanet Farmers’ Market The Marlowe Academy

Wednesday 19 (7.30pm) Ramsgate Society Members’ Evening, Saint George’s Church Hall, Broad Street

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DECEMBER 2014

Wednesday 19 - 26 Jason Robbins York Street Gallery Thursday 20 (7 for 7.30pm) Old Ramsgate - A Trip Down Memory Lane: Ramsgate at War King’s Community Theatre Club, King Street, Ramsgate Tickets £4.

Wednesday 3 - 10 Lesley Gray - Solo Exhibition York Street Gallery Saturday 6 - 14 (2-5pm weekdays & noon-5pm weekends) Christmas Tree Festival Saint George’s Church, Broad Street

Thursday 20 (7.30pm) Led Bib Ramsgate Music Hall

Saturday 6 (10am) Tour of historic Saint Laurence Church Over 1,000 years of history, superb stained glass windows and intriguing stories. Refreshments available.

Wednesday 26 - 3 December Terry Bunton - Circus Art York Street Gallery

Saturday 6 (7pm) Christmas Draw St Lawrence Parish Hall, St Lawrence High St

Friday 28 (7pm) Friends of Ellington Park Fun Quiz Night Saint Laurence Church Hall, High Street

Wednesday 10 - 17 Karen Gaetz - Solo Exhibition York Street Gallery

Sunday 30 (all day) Ramsgate Christmas Lights Switch On Ramsgate Town Centre Lights on 5pm

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RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

December continued…

JANUARY 2015

Saturday 13 (2.30pm) The Christmas Cracker Variety Show 31 King’s Community Theatre Club, King Street, Ramsgate. The Family Fun Festive Variety to get your Christmas Season off to a good start. First Ramsgate Senior Citizens to book are free, Tickets £7/6 ea

Saturday 3 (10am-noon) Tour of historic Saint Laurence Church Over 1,000 years of history, superb stained glass windows and intriguing stories. Refreshments available

Saturday 13 (7.30pm) Thanet Obelisk Award Gala Night King’s Community Theatre Club, King St. The Show that rewards Thanet’s Top Talent in Theatre & Events. A Starlite Entertainers Production. Tickets £5 for all Saturday 13 (10.30am-1pm) Christmas Fair Saint Laurence Parish Hall, Broad Street, stalls, music, refreshments Saturday 13 (10am-5pm) Handmade Arts and Crafts Fair Albert Court off York Street Sunday 14 (9.30am-1pm) Thanet Farmers’ Market The Marlowe Academy Wednesday 17 - 31 York Street Gallery Christmas Exhibition York Street Gallery Saturday 20 (12noon) Petanque in Ramsgate Charlotte Court. Registration at 11am, Prizes: winner £100, runners up Hamper Saturday 20 (8pm) Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell Ramsgate Music Hall Sunday 21 (7pm) Carols by Candlelight Saint George’s Church, Broad Street Wednesday 31 (Midnight) New Year’s Eve Firework Display Harbour Arm

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Sunday 4 (10am) Mayor of Ramsgate’s Winter Wonder Walk with Dogs Leaving the bandstand on Broadstairs seafront to walk to Ramsgate.

Monday 12 (7-9pm) REO Ramsgate Event Organisers Bi-monthly Meeting The Custom House, Harbour Parade Thursday 15 (7 for 7.30pm) Old Ramsgate - A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Building of a Town, Ramsgate The King’s Community Theatre Club Tickets £4 Wednesday 21 (7.30pm) Ramsgate Society: Speaker from Manston Fire Training School – Saint George’s Church Hall, Broad Street Saturday 29 (9am) Raising of the Royal Standard of HM King George IV Over the Royal Harbour of Ramsgate at the Town Flag Pole in Wellington Crescent.

All Starlite Entertainers Productions and Old Ramsgate Nostalgia Evenings are staged at the King’s Community Theatre Club, King Street, Ramsgate to the rear of the Red Lion pub in the town centre

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Interview

Beverley Perkins How long have you lived in Ramsgate?

I have lived in Ramsgate for 10 years and have been chair of the Friends of Ellington Park for 16 months.

Why did you start helping the local community?

There was already a strong community spirit centred on the park, which I found very appealing.

What are your earliest memories of Ramsgate?

Ramsgate is such a lovely town, with friendly, generous people – the friends of Ellington Park are an example of this.

What are your ambitions?

Our ambition is to improve the park for the local community and visitors with the help of our 50+ volunteers.

What are you currently working on or towards in Ramsgate?

Currently we’re creating a wildlife garden with funding from the People’s Millions, local students are making some of the furniture as part of their A-level studies and six sculptures which will be in the garden next spring.

Why did you start this current project?

By including local schools we hope the next generation will love and protect the park for many years to come.

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Where did you get the idea from to start this?

The park desperately needs water for the birds, bats and other animal in the wildlife garden, it grew from that!

What can Ramsgate look forward to from you in the future?

We are hoping to be granted monies from the Heritage Lottery Fund to regenerate other areas of the park including the bandstand, paths, railings and gates. Facilities will include a Learning Centre, a café and a shop, as well as much needed toilets.

How do you feel your contribution has helped or made a difference to Ramsgate?

The Friends have over 50 regular volunteers and many more ad-hoc helpers; this has fostered community spirit by the bucket-full! Local school children have planted daffodils and geraniums that they will be able to show to their children one day!

Where do you see yourself helping the community in a year’s time?

If we get the HLF monies we’ll be regenerating the park; if we don’t, we’ll be fundraising to make the improvements in a piecemeal fashion.

Either way, we are determined to bring the community together in this wonderful, historic park.

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Letters Many thanks for the Ramsgate Town Council magazine through the door. I wish to thank all volunteers and others for making Ramsgate a nice place still to live, unlike Margate.

I recently met workers that are Friends of Ellington Park and I would like to get involved when I retire as I live close to there.

However, how can you do nothing about the eyesore that is dragging lovely St Lawrence down?

I am talking about the derelict site of Ramsgate Swimming Pool on Newington Road.

First it was going to be houses then a fire station on the site, this is outrageous. That land was given to the people of Ramsgate by Warre.

That land should be put back the way it was … grass and trees, also for recreation which it was left to be, for people of Ramsgate to enjoy … grass and trees on that site. from P Newing, Ramsgate

Editor’s note Thanet District Council has granted planning permission for the fire station and agreed to sell the site, avoiding the considerable cost of demolition and generally making the site safe. In addition, local people and ward councillors fought to retain car parking to serve the adjacent clinic and schools.

This has also been agreed and will be put in place before the swimming pool car park is closed. The Warre Rec itself will also benefit from a new children’s play area and skate park at the same time.

Please send letters intended for publication to Richard Styles, Town Clerk, Ramsgate Town Council, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, CT11 8LP or email info@ramsgatetown.org, marked “Community Ad Magazine”.

The council reserves the right to moderate and edit the content of any correspondence according to the requirements of the magazine. If there is insufficient space to publish all the correspondence received, we may instead post it on the Town website.

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I am writing to congratulate you on your excellent “Ramsgate Town Magazine” which is a very useful and informative magazine.

I am also very proud to live here in this lovely part of Kent and, enjoying a walk along the seafront with my Yorkshire Terrier, Bertie, I was delighted to see so many families also enjoying our lovely beaches.

Recently it was also a joy to see so many of the London Jewish Community enjoying the sea and sunshine. Ramsgate has so much to offer to so many different people, and it is good to see the Tunnels open now, with so many people visiting them.

But there is one thing which makes me very angry and I would like to get it off my chest, although I doubt whether you can do anything about it!

We have many roads in Ramsgate where parking is a serious problem for the people living there. Yet there seem to be more and more touring caravans and very large camper vans being parked out on the roads where their owners do not have the space to store them in their own properties.

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If a driver is unfortunate enough to have to pull in behind one, then it becomes a dangerous hazard to overtake it, needing the driver to pull out almost to the opposite side of the road, because he or she is unable to see if the road ahead is clear.

I am not a miserable spoilsport as we have owned a caravan for over 40 years, loving the independence and freedom which it gives us and have enjoyed many, many wonderful holidays in it, both here and abroad.

But we do store ours safely away, off the public highway, where it is neither a danger or nuisance to other road users.

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

Letters

We have to pay for this storage, and it means that when we are preparing for a holiday, we have to make several journeys to our storage area to load our caravan with clothes, bedding, cooking utensils, etc.

It would be much more convenient to have it outside our house and this is probably the view taken by the inconsiderate people, who aren’t prepared to pay for their storage or to consider the danger to other road users.

Can you use any publicity to share my concerns with other residents, please?

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Jocelyn McCarthy How long have you lived in Ramsgate?

Twenty-eight years: I came down in 1986 when I returned from working in the Middle East.

Interview

community events.

Why did you start helping the local community?

When I moved into Vale Square the gardens in the middle were in a pretty bad state. As I had a background in horticultural landscape, I was asked to become a member of the Vale Square Residents’ Association.

When the library burnt down in 2004 it was an absolute tragedy for the town.

Kent County Council didn’t want to rebuild - they wanted to move it to the Marlowe Academy. We could not let that happen, so a group of us formed the Friends of Ramsgate Library with me as chairman. After a long fight the library was rebuilt: the Friends raised £15,000 and we commissioned the beautiful stained glass memorial window.

We reclaimed the square and raised money to put railings around it.

Now it is a beautiful space that the residents can use, and is also used for

I joined the Ramsgate Society in 1995 and became chairman in 2005.

One of the society’s biggest projects so far has been the restoration of the

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There are six buildings in Ramsgate that we wanted to help restore. The society realised that we needed a different sort of organisation to take them on,

What are your earliest memories of Ramsgate?

I vividly remember coming down in 1982 to visit friends who had a property overlooking the harbour. I thought it was absolutely magnificent - it reminded me of the south of France.

What are your ambitions?

I’d like to see the town centre (High

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

14 seafront shelters. The project cost over £500,000; 90 per cent was raised from a Lottery bid and 10 per cent from other sources. There were hiccups along the way, but eventually the work was completed in 2013.

so a group of us got together and the Ramsgate (Heritage Regeneration) Trust (RHRT) was formed, with 28 trustees. The Ramsgate tunnels was the RHRT’s first project. We acquired Lottery funding, got a lease from Thanet District Council and in June this year the tunnels opened to the public. The RHRT is working on plans for the future of the tunnels.

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Jocelyn McCarthy, continued…

Street, King Street, Harbour Street and Queen Street) become a lively and busy shopping centre. We’ve got lots of restaurants and cafes but we need more quirky and interesting shops to attract residents and visitors to the area.

What are you currently working on or towards in Ramsgate?

The Ramsgate Society is working on “The Ramsgate Heritage Promenade”, which includes the seafront from King George VI Park on the Eastcliff to the Chine on the West Cliff. It includes several listed buildings, including the Bandstand, the Westcliff Lift and the Monkey House (Boating Pool).

We’d love to revive the old Winterstoke Fountain which has been covered over, also the Winterstoke Gardens Pavilion, which would be a brilliant venue for summer events. In July 2014 we opened a shop in Harbour Street where we sell books, cards and Ramsgate Society products, and provide information to society members, residents and visitors. We are also working on a book called “Ramsgate Today’” which will be published later this year.

Why did you start this current project?

The Ramsgate Heritage Promenade was an initiative by Thanet District Council,

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who asked the Ramsgate Society to produce a consultation document. We got involved because it will improve Ramsgate and make things better for the residents.

Where did you get the idea from to start this?

This idea developed from the society’s work on the waterfall. We contacted Thanet District Council, who agreed to clear some of the overgrown shrubbery.

A generous resident gave us £150 for plants, and this was matched by the Ramsgate Society. Waitrose donated £650. A group of Ramsgate Society members then replanted the area around the waterfall. The Ramsgate Heritage Promenade project developed from this collaboration with Thanet District Council.

What can Ramsgate look forward to from you in the future?

The Ramsgate Society has several projects in the pipeline: there is the Ramsgate Heritage Promenade project; we also want to do some work on the harbour area and will be working in partnership with the Maritime Museum.

I’d also like to see hanging baskets throughout the town, like we used to have back in the 1980s.

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RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

How do you feel your contribution has helped or made a difference to Ramsgate?

I get a lot of positive feedback about the achievements of the Ramsgate Society, especially now we have the shop and people can drop in and tell us what they think. That is very rewarding. The shelters, the planting around the waterfall have been the recent highlights. And the opening of the tunnels is another project I am proud to have been associated with.

Where do you see yourself helping the community in a year’s time?

In a year’s time I will be 81! I’d like to see Ramsgate bloom, I’d love to see Ramsgate enter the Britain in Bloom competition.

I hope the Ramsgate Society shop will continue to prosper and act as a centre where people can find out about the work of the society.

Ramsgate is a beautiful place to live.

I cannot think of another town I would want to live in and I will do whatever it takes to improve it and put it on the map.

Fortunately there are lots of other people who feel the same and contribute their time and effort, often working quietly in the background. There are too many to list here…but they know who they are.

Improving our wonderful town is a team effort.

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! in the Sudoku Puzzle to !Fill reveal the amount of visitors !!that passed through the Visitor !!Informaton Centre in 2012. ! ! !! !!solution on page 43 !Fill in the Sudoku Puzzle to reveal the amount of visitors Did you know… !the Visitor Informa:on Centre in 2012.

Visitor Information Centre !!the had 17 -­20,000 people pass !through it last year? !Did you know the Visitor Informa5on Centre people pass through it last yea ! !

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On the December 31 last year, Ramsgate Town Council technical officer Dean Williams shaved his head to start growing his hair and a beard for the whole year for charity.

He chose to raise £2,000 for two charities in Ramsgate – Project Motorhouse and The Alfie Gough Trust.

A donation tin can be found in the Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre, where many donations have been made throughout the year.

As well as Dean’s sponsorship for growing his hair, he has attended many dog agility shows that he competes in, where the organisers of the shows have gone out of their way to help achieve his goal.

With fun competitions during the evenings at UKA Quadpaws he managed to raise £275.80, with additional help from the caterers, Potato Crazy.

Dean has also organised other events to help him reach his target, including a walk with dog owners and their dogs from Minnis Bay to Reculver back in June, a sponsored run between Ramsgate and Broadstairs bandstand in July and a sponsored 160ft Bungee Jump at the O2 Arena in September, as well as the final haircut and shave on the 31st December 2014.

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

Dean’s hair-raising experience

Between these events, he has managed to raise the total to just under £1,000.

Dean hopes that you will support him until the end of the year to reach that £2,000 target.

To follow Dean’s progress on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/hairandbeard If you wish to donate please go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/deanwilliams

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RamsgateTownCouncilMagazine

Local Groups & Clubs Ramsgate Active Retirement Association The Odds Club, 142 High Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9TY Contact Shirley 01843 5816500 • Sequin Dancing - Alternate Mondays 10am-12pm • Gentle Exercise - Every Tuesday 10am-11pm • Line Dancing - Every Tuesday 11.15am-12.15pm • Table Tennis - Every Friday 10am-12pm • Monthly Meetings 2nd Monday of each month Salvation Army Friendship Group and Lunch Meet for friendship and social lunch.

Opening Times: Every Wednesday 11.00am-1.00pm Salvation Army Friendship Group and Lunch, 167a High Street, Ramsgate Kent CT11 9TT 01843 599066 Over 60s Club Chat, bingo, cream teas, outings, Christmas shopping, raffles, annual fee Opening Times: 2-4pm Fridays St Georges Church Hall, Broad Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8QR Contact Mr N.F. Allen 01843 591071 Ramsgate Croquet Club Play croquet. Join in with social activities based around a competition in the summer. We also have quizzes and other activities throughout the winter.

Open Mon-Sun 9.30am-dusk May-Oct but you can play all year except Jan & Feb (weather permitting) Westcliff Lawns, Royal Esplanade, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0HE 01843 588878

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Bumble Beez Old Focus DIY, 7 Pysons Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 6RL 01843 570913 Mother and Toddler Group Mon 9am-12pm 50p for Surestart Members Reserved sessions for disabled children Wed 5.30pm-7.30pm; Sat & Sun 9am-10am £2 per session Thanet Ladies Bowls Club Facilities for bowls to all levels of ability at Montefiore Ave Ramsgate CT11 8BD. All welcome: ladies, gents, juniors. Whist drive, short mat bowls,bar and refreshments.

Open 10am-7pm. Bowls Club, Montefiore Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 6GT www.thanetbowlsclub@gmail.com Contact Mrs Piper 01843 591346 Thanet Hard of Hearing Club uses loop system and overhead projector to provide support to all with hearing loss. Speakers and social events.

Help with hearing aids, retubing, batteries and advice available Opening Times: 2.30-4pm. Meeting 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month St George’s Church Hall, Broad Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8QY Contact Jean Howarth 01843 867724 Royal Voluntary Service (formerly WRVS) - Good Neighbours Royal Voluntary Service works with volunteers to prevent isolation and help older people lead the life they choose. We offer a range of practical individual services such as befriending, assisted shopping and dog walking. Open 9.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri Royal Voluntary Service (formerly WRVS) Good Neighbours Foresters Hall Meeting Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9RT 01843 853321 Contact Rosie Weavers www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk thanetgns@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

The King’s Community Theatre Events take place in The King’s Community Theatre, behind the Red Lion Pub. For details contact Ralph Hoult on 07969 672674 • Old Ramsgate – a trip down memory lane Every third Thursday every month 7 for 7.30pm • Starlite Entertainers Variety Show March until June Thanet and District Sports Association for Disabled People Thanet and District Sports Association for Disabled People (TADSAD) run a junior section for disabled children aged 5-11.

The new club will meet at Ramsgate Leisure Centre on Wednesdays between 4.30 and 6p.m. For more details contact Karen on 01843 590614 Ramsgate Children’s Centres If you have a child under 5 then come along and find out what your local children’s centres can offer. We have three centres in Ramsgate and families can access health services, adult learning opportunities, drop in stay and play groups, support in accessing childcare funding for 2, 3 & 4 year olds, along with advice and support and signposting to other services such as Citizen’s Advice Bureau the centres also offer events for all the family during holidays. Come along to your local centre to register with us and meet your Community Involvement Workers - why not come along to our drop in stay and plays and experience fun ways to support your child’s learning and development, fun and support for you too!

• Newlands Kiddywinks and Bizzy babies is Tuesdays 1pm-2.30pm and incorporates a group for babies as well as toddlers.

No need to book.

• Priory Family Time Wednesdays 9am10.30am. Health Visiting clinic runs at same time so come along and get baby weighed also and talk to a health professional. No need to book.

• Newington Messy Rock and Roll on Fridays 1pm-2.30pm. Messy play - old clothes advisable! No need to book.

Newlands Children’s Centre Dumpton Lane, Ramsgate CT11 7AJ 01843 595110 Priory Children’s Centre Cannon Road, Ramsgate CT11 9SQ 01843 587457 Newington Children’s Centre Princess Margaret Avenue, Ramsgate CT12 6HX 01843 855570

RamsgateTownCouncil Magazine

Tell us about your local Group or Club email info@communityad.co.uk or call 01843 834160

Ramsgate Library You can renew books over the phone.

The services at the library include : computer buddies available - need to book. Reference library. Phoenix space area where you can relax with a hot drink & a newspaper. Lifts. Public toilets.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; (closed Sundays) 0300 333 6022 Guildford Lawn, Ramsgate CT11 9AY ramsgatelibrary@kent.gov.uk East Kent Independent Dementia Support Charity Registration No. 1148528 An Independent group supporting those living with dementia and their carers in East Kent. If you need support or would like to get involved. Please Contact Janet Britt, Hon Secretary, 01227 730000 info@ekids.org.uk, www.ekids.org.uk

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SCOOTERS TO SUPERBIKES

DAVE FOX

Sudoku !

Solution !

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8 1 3 2 6 9 7 5 4 Fill in the Sudoku Puzzle to reveal the amount of visitors that passed through the Visitor Informa:on Centre in 2012.

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07545 863193

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Did you know the Visitor Informa5on Centre has 17-­‐20,000 ! people pass through last year? !

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Care and support in your own home Help with getting up and going to bed Support with daily routines: personal hygiene, light housework, ironing, dog walking ● Shopping and meal preparation ● Prompting or assistance with medication ● Overnight support and live in care ● End of life care ● Respite services ● Socialising and leisure activities ● Companionship ● and much more… ● ●

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Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years

Strong academic results at 11+, GCSE and A Level Small classes offering close individual attention Exceptional facilities and expert sports coaching Scholarships and Bursaries Available For further information or to arrange a visit:

T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com

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St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE