Parking Proposals

Almost all of Thanet’s car-parking charges will be frozen for 2014/15 and the Saturday free parking schemes are to continue - that’s if proposals from Cabinet are agreed at Full Council in December.

These are just two of the measures being proposed following a public consultation involving more than 700 local people, businesses and visitors.

The consultation was carried out as part of a wider review of the council’s parking service.

Feedback revealed that car parking charges were the biggest priority for people when deciding where to park and where to shop, with the availability of parking and the range of shops on offer other key factors.

Additional proposals to be considered by Councillors at a meeting in December include:

• moving all off-street car parks to a linear charging system (so motorists get parking time for all money inserted into the machine);
• reducing the charging period for on-street parking from 7.00pm to 6.00pm
• closing Mill Lane Multi-Story Car Park at 7.00pm;
• bringing the on-street charge at Lawn Road (Broadstairs) in line with other on street charges of £1.20 per hour.

The proposals would also see an extension of the free Saturday parking schemes, which were introduced in June 2012 to support local businesses and to encourage visitors and residents to shop locally.  This includes Vere Road in Broadstairs, Harold Road in Cliftonville, Mill Lane in Margate and Leopold Street in Ramsgate.

In addition, the scheme in Albion Road car park in Birchington will continue, but will now include a 10p charge for the first 30 minutes of parking to prevent the anti-social use of the existing free ticket scheme.

Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Cllr Alan Poole, said: “We’ve listened to residents and the results of the parking consultation show that parking charges must be seen to be reasonable. We have a delicate balance to maintain that ensures that there are sufficient parking spaces available in key areas without discouraging visits to our town centres.

“The parking review was about more than just parking charges. We were looking at the condition of our car parks, the signage in place, the number of spaces available and where people actually want to park.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation. The feedback we’ve received has been invaluable and will be used to make continuous improvements to the service we provide.” 

Results to the public consultation are available to view now at

www.thanet.gov.uk

ARTIST ROOMS Sol LeWitt at Turner Contemporary 3 December 2013 - 8 June 2014

17 October 2013   ARTIST ROOMS: Sol LeWitt, Wall Drawing #1136 at Turner Contemporary ARTIST ROOMS On Tour 3 December 2013 – 8 June 2014 Turner Contemporary showcases work by the prolific and influential American artist Sol LeWitt (1928-2007), presenting his spectacular Wall Drawing #1136 in the gallery’s Clore Learning Studio from the 3 December 2013 until 8 June 2014. The work is one of a number of vibrant drawings LeWitt made in the last years of his life, following his earlier works in pencil and ink. Curved and vertical bands of brightly coloured acrylic paint (every primary and secondary colour plus grey) are applied by hand directly onto the walls to create a dazzling environment that surrounds the viewer. Sol LeWitt is particularly associated with the development of Conceptual art in the 1960s. Like other conceptual art works by LeWitt, Wall Drawing #1136 is concerned with ideas of geometry, repetition and mathematical precision and exists as a set of instructions written by the artist and accompanied by an illustrated diagram. Designed to be physically executed by others (only the very first Wall Drawing was produced by LeWitt himself) the works can be endlessly repeated in different locations at different times, generally only existing for the period of the exhibition. Wall Drawing #1136 is on loan from ARTIST ROOMS, an inspirational collection of modern and contemporary art acquired for the nation by Tate and The National Galleries of Scotland through the generosity of Anthony d'Offay with additional support from funders, including the Art Fund. The ARTIST ROOMS tour programme, now in its sixth year, is showing at 18 museums and galleries across the UK in 2014. The tour is made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England and the Art Fund. To find out more information about ARTIST ROOMS On Tour please visit artfund.org/artistrooms. To see the full ARTIST ROOMS collection please visit tate.org.uk/artistrooms andnationalgalleries.org/artistrooms.

Looping the Loop: A weekend of theatre in Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs

All Aboard! Take part in this festival of world-class performance. Live, local and yours for the taking. Friday 18 - Sunday 20 October

Over the weekend of 18-20 October, there’s a huge programme of world-class theatre taking place in Thanet. In venues traditional and surprising, you can catch a line-up of plays and performances to enthral and amuse.

Two London producers are behind the performances, working in collaboration with arts venues and companies across the isle; Theatre Royal Margate, Tom Thumb Theatre, Ramsgate Arts, Scandalmongers and director/producer Ellie Jones. Battersea Arts Centre and Fuel will be working with Thanet over the next two to three years.

The programme on offer is:

Fri 18 Oct     2pm           Mouth Open, Story Jump Out by Polarbear  (Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate)

Fri 18 Oct     7.30pm      The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey (King’s Theatre, Ramsgate)

Sat 19 Oct   12pm         Mouth Open, Story Jump Out by Polarbear  (Westwood Cross centre)

Sat 19 Oct   1.30pm      The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey (King’s Theatre, Ramsgate)

Sat 19 Oct   2.30pm      Mouth Open, Story Jump Out by Polarbear  (Westwood Cross centre)

Sat 19 Oct   7.30pm      Landscape II by Melanie Wilson (Theatre Royal Margate)

Sun 20 Oct 12pm         Mouth Open, Story Jump Out by Polarbear  (King’s Theatre, Ramsgate)

Sun 20 Oct 7.30pm      Gym Party by Made in China (Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate)

All shows are produced by Battersea Arts Centre except Landscape II which is by Fuel.

Shows are either ‘pay what you can’ or at very low ticket prices to make it easy to take part.     There’s a special ‘2 for 1’ offer at Theatre Royal Margate for Daughters & Mums (or Grandmums!)

The Battersea Arts Centre shows are presented as a festival LOOPING THE LOOP, which took off on 5^th October with street theatre in Ramsgate town centre and Margate’s old town and seafront. The Flight Team issued passports and caused a lot of laughter. They turned up at Westwood Cross on Sat 12^th and entertained shoppers throughout the day.

As one stallholder said ‘it’s brightened the place up, given Ramsgate a bit of character again.”

What we’re most excited about in this project is that it gives opportunity for performers to get involved and take part, and work with us to create new work here in Thanet over the next three years. So, if anyone’s keen on working in the performing arts, or is a professional who wants to do more work, please get in touch with us via info@ramsgatearts.org .

There’s details about all the events, times and prices here:

www.ramsgatearts.org

www.loopingtheloopfestival.org.uk

And via our facebook page LOOPING THE LOOP.

We can also take enquiries at info@ramsgatearts.org, info@tomthumbtheatre.co.uk or by phone to 01843 221791 or 07939 542990.

To find out about Landscape II offers, go to www.theatreroyalmargate.com or 01843 292795/296111. CONTACT

For general information & photos:  Suzy Humphries 07939 542990 / suzyhumphries@talktalk.net

MANSTON AIRPORT STATEMENT BY Cllr CLIVE HART - TDC LEADER

"I am pleased that Ann Gloag is approaching the purchase of Manston with such a positive attitude and that she clearly see's a strong future for the airport. I sincerely hope this means that jobs at the airport are secure and that the settlement can be completed as soon as possible in the interests of all concerned. I look forward to forging a good working relationship with the new owners".

Cllr Clive Hart - Leader of Thanet District Council. 

Thanet District Council meeting webcast,

Here is the link http://thanet.gov.uk/the-thanet-magazine/council-meeting-webcast/

COURT OF APPEAL DISMISSES DREAMLAND APPEAL

Thanet District Council’s ownership of the iconic Dreamland site in Margate has been confirmed by a Court of Appeal decision today (Tuesday 8 October).

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal has comprehensively dismissed the appeal launched by the former owners. This appeal challenged the High Court decision to uphold the order (approved by the Secretary of State) empowering the council to purchase the Dreamland site.

The council made the Compulsory Purchase Order in May 2011 after the site had stood vacant and unused for more than five years.

Although ownership of the site transferred to the council on 3  September this year, the ruling today effectively marks an end to the latest legal challenge. The council, in partnership with The Dreamland Trust, will now progress with plans to create a world class visitor attraction for Margate – an amusement park of thrilling historic rides.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr. Clive Hart, said: “This is fantastic news and marks a key milestone for the future of Dreamland.

“With significant external funding in place and overwhelming public support, we have remained confident in our vision to create a world class visitor attraction on this site.

“We are committed to delivering this landmark project and believe the compulsory purchase of the land was the only viable option to save and restore Dreamland, given the unacceptable length of time it has remained empty.

“Dreamland is a precious asset for Thanet and beyond, so we are thrilled with today's ruling.”
Work is now underway to protect the three important heritage assets on the site, the Grade ll* listed Scenic Railway, the Grade ll* listed cinema building and the Grade ll listed Menagerie Cages.

The Dreamland Trust and renowned HemingwayDesign team, will also continue to lead on developing a brand and progress with the creative design of the park.

Broadstairs residents and visitors support call for better meat labeling

Last Sunday Broadstairs Labour asked locals and visitors in the town centre to lend their support to calls for better meat labeling. Last month the European Commission agreed to introduce country of origin labels for fresh meat, covering where the animal was reared and where it was slaughtered. The new measures will cover fresh pork, poultry and lamb; beef is already covered under existing rules. Labour asked people for their support during the highly successful Broadstairs Food Festival, and found that many people were concerned about where their food comes from and particularly the long distances some animals are transported before slaughter. Some of the many comments received from members of the public are repeated at the end of this press release.
Anneliese Dodds, Labour's top-placed European candidate for Broadstairs, said: "People want to know not just that the meat they eat was reared in Britain, but also that it was slaughtered here. That applies as much to processed meat in pies and sausages as to fresh meat like steak and chops. I was pleased to see that local people and visitors to Broadstairs Food Festival supported our call for better labeling of all meat products, to really give people the choice to 'buy British' meat".
Will Scobie, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for South Thanet, said: "I’m supporting Anneliese and the European Labour Party to guarantee the quality of the meat in our supermarkets. Not only for people, but also so we know what conditions the animals were raised and slaughtered in”.
Councillor Jenny Matterface, Labour Councillor for Beacon Road Ward, said: "The recent horsemeat scandal was a wake-up call for consumers who were horrified at being misled and the fraud being perpetrated. Clear labeling on all meat is the only way to ensure we know what we’re eating".

And Councillor Michelle Fenner, Cabinet Member for Business, Corporate and Regulatory Services at Thanet District Council, said: "As a Labour administration on Thanet District Council we have made our position well known against Live Animal Exports. We are involved in a court case with the Live Exports transporters following the very difficult situation we found ourselves in as owner of Ramsgate Port where our own staff were put at risk by the cavalier lack of care from the transporters towards the welfare of the animals. We deplore the lack of support from the Conservative-led Government, particularly for not being more diligent in applying EU regulation. We are glad to have Anneliese joining us to campaign on this vital issue in Broadstairs."

 

Here are quotes from local people who supported our call for better meat labelling:

Mr Case said "We must know exactly what we are eating."

Angela, visiting from London said, "We have a fundamental right to know what we are eating."

Mr Webb from St Margaret-at-Cliffe said, "Buying meat must be safe."

Miss Dellzell from Newport Pagnell said, "It's a very important issue."

Mrs Lawrence from Broadstairs said, "People should know exactly where all their food comes from."

Thanet Council - International move to get fitter

From today (Monday 7^th October) Thanet District Council, in partnership with Your Leisure is providing a host of free sporting activities as part of MOVE Week.
 

54% of people in the UK are seldom or never physically active, despite the fact that lack of physical activity is the biggest threat to public health. MOVE Week is a new European campaign that focuses on the benefits of being physically active. 

Sporting activities include swimming, golf and cycling. Sunday includes a charity bike ride for the British Heart Foundation. More information can be found on www.bhf.org.uk. If you are interested in continuing with these activities on a regular basis, Thanet Park runs always start at 9am on Saturdays from the Brown Shelter, 5th Avenue, Cliftonville or at Pegwell Bay’s Country Park.
Cllr Iris Johnston, Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “MOVE Week is a celebration of active lifestyle, sport and physical activities. 
The Sports Development team are working very hard at get residents of Thanet interested in sport and physical exercise and doing their bit to keep active.”

This is the second year that Move Week has taken place. In 2012 more than 100 events were held in 23 countries with approximately 140,000 participants. The vision is to have 100 million more people in the UK active in sport and physical activity by 2020. 
Find out more about Move week http://nowwemove.com/  or contact James Gregory on 01843 577728 or james.gregory@thanet.gov.uk to find out more about the free activities available.

ENDS

EDITORS NOTES
This is the list of events throughout the week:

MONDAY - Just Play Football @ Jacky Bakers Astro Turf 6-7pm
TUESDAY - Gold Driving Range @ Stonelees Golf Centre 6-7.30pm
WEDNESDAY - Beach Volleyball @ Margate Main Sands 5.30-7.30pm
THURSDAY - Bike ride, meet at council office, Cecil Street to Reculver and back 5.30pm - 7.30pm
FRIDAY - Gym session @ Hartsdown Leisure Centre 5 - 6.30pm
SATURDAY - Park Run, meet at Either brown shelter, 5th Avenue Cliftonville or Pegwell Bay Country Park 9-10am
SUNDAY - British Heart Foundation charity bike ride (either 30 or 56 mile ride). Start at Viking Ship, Sandwich Road 9am registration. 

For anyone interested in joining a group or the gym please follow the links below:

http://www.thanetroadrunners.org.uk - Local running club

http://www.yourleisure.uk.com - For all classes, swimming pools, and gym memberships

http://www.thanetrc.org.uk - Thanet road club for cycling.

http://www.bhf.org.uk/default.aspx?page=14294 - To book your place on the British Heart Foundation Viking Bike Ride!

https://www.justplay.thefa.com - For more information on the Just Play sessions that run until Christmas!

http://www.stonelees.com - For the best golf facilities in Kent!

STAND UP FOR LABOUR

Following a successful launch in Brighton at the 2013 Labour conference and a knockout show at The Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs

The STAND UP FOR LABOUR Comedy Roadshow continues on its journey through the by-ways of Thanet over the next few months.

Compered by London circuit favourite, and recent Margate resident, Andre Vincent the shows will bring some light relief to an otherwise hectic Planet Thanet.

Organised on behalf of STAND UP FOR LABOUR for a series of events throughout Kent, the shows will bring into the county the very best of UK Stand Up.

1st DECEMBER 2013 – The Centre, Birchington

With  Tim Clark, Steve Gribbin (Skint Video) and Kevin Precious

3rd MARCH 2014 – The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate.
Artistes TBC

Put together by Malcolm Bailey, Malcolm has served as  promoter, agent and personal manager to a number of comedy legends: Frank Skinner, Alan Davies and Caroline Aherne.

With this pedigree you can guarantee a quality product .

Tickets £8   Doors  7.00pm

Contact:  maljb@mac.com
http://tinyurl.com/StandUpForLabour2

Thanet residents urged not to lose the right to vote

As from 4 October Thanet District Council is making sure that voter registration forms are dropped through letterboxes throughout Thanet. Residents are being urged to register online at www.thanet.gov.uk or return their forms as soon as possible to ensure their name is added or stays on the electoral register.

Chief Executive Sue McGonigal said: "It is important people make sure they are on our electoral register. Unfortunately people often think that because they pay council tax they are automatically registered, but this is not the case.”

Registering to vote is simple. All residents need to do is update the annual canvass form with the details of everyone in their household who is eligible to vote online at www.thanet.gov.uk or return the voter registration form to us as soon as possible.

On the electoral registration form people can opt to have their details excluded from the edited register. This will mean their details cannot be bought by individuals and commercial organisations.

Anyone needing more information about the annual canvass, the voter registration form itself or elections generally should contact the Elections Office on 01843 577500, or e-mail electoral.servcies@thanet.gov.uk

TDC AGAINST THE BEDROOM TAX

Last night at Full Council I put forward a motion against the bedroom tax, called such euphemisms as ‘power to reduce housing benefits’, ‘under occupancy penalty’ or ‘spare room subsidy’.

As a Labour Councillor I was proud that my party is firmly committed to repealing this bedroom tax in 2015.

This motion was agreed on by a majority of Councillors.

This tax is nasty, squalid, unfair and impractical.

It is nasty because it targets the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable here in Thanet and nationwide.

It is squalid because it was ill-thought-out and is proving to be full of contradictions and doesn’t address the real issues about under-occupation.

It is unfair because no local authority has a stock of properties that people being told to “down-size” can move into

And it is impractical because the only choice most people have is to give up a secure council or housing association home and move into a private rented, potentially insecure one where the rent would be much higher – and the consequent cost to the public purse much greater.

In the last couple of weeks we have seen the first batch of appeals against this tax in the Courts – and I am pleased to point out that in the first hearings the Judge upheld four out of the five of them, showing that even the Judiciary don’t think much of this badly-written change to benefit legislation.

This tax is one that bypasses elected local councils, who have no power to fix the amounts deducted nor to decide which properties are affected.

We firmly believe that local authorities should be the bodies that deal with under-occupation – not thebureaucrats in Whitehall and Tory MPs who know little and care less about social housing.

Under-occupation is best dealt with by the “carrot” and not the “stick”. Building more smaller-sized council properties that can be offered to our tenants is the long term solution – not forcing some of our poorest residents to use money that should be used for food or heating on paying for a shortfall in their housing benefit.

On average the tenants affected by this legislation will pay £750 a year because they cannot move to anywhere and therefore they have to pay it. This is why it is a tax, and this is why it is an unfair tax.

This motion is a reasonable declaration of where we stand and what is practical for T.D.C. to do.

In voting in favour of this motion the Councillors joined the voices of concern from the Local Government Association, the National Housing Federation, the Chartered Institute of Housing and virtually every other respected national organisation in the field of housing and local government.   

 

This motion was not only about trying to mitigate some of the impact of this tax but also, as a progressive Council that takes its social responsibility seriously sending a strong message to the government against this damaging piece of legislation.

 

Cllr.Michelle Fenner

Cabinet Member on Thanet District Council

4^th October 2013

Council summer sport success

Attendance to the council’s Sport 4 NRG sports programme soared to more than 1,500 this summer.

Providing its most ambitious programme yet – with at least one sports activity every day across Thanet - the Sport Matters team offered a wide variety of free or low-cost activities all designed to get young people fit, active and outdoors this summer.

Activities ranged from football, beach volleyball and surfing to street dance, handball and boxing. They were either organised or funded by the council’s Sport 4 NRG team, as well as a range of alternative activities provided by local sports clubs.

‘Sports Matters in the Park’ tours, were a key feature of the programme. The tours included the popular inflatable football pitch provided by Generation Sports and the mobile skate park in partnership with Hang 10. This was taken to Dane Park and Cliftonville Viking Ship in Margate, Newington and Government Acre in Ramsgate and the Memorial Rec in Broadstairs.

The annual Beach and Summer Blast fun days hosted by the Engage Forum were also popular events with more than 700 young people attending the two days at Margate Beach and Dane Park.

New activities this year included Samba style football on the beach in partnership with FA Skills Coaches from the Kent FA as well as disability sessions including trampolining, gymnastics, badminton and aerobics in partnership with SkillNet.

Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr. Iris Johnston, said: “Participation in this summer’s sports activities has been a great success.   Our Sport 4 NRG team has worked hard to pull together a creative programme of sporting events to ensure there was something on offer to suit all tastes, ages and abilities.

“As a council we aim to encourage more young people to engage in sport, which not only helps to boost self-esteem and fitness but also keeps them safe and occupied during the holidays, and it doesn’t just end there. Many of the young people are returning to take part in more activities which is part of our wider aim to create sporting habits for life.”

Dominic Crawford 16 years old from Ramsgate, was a regular visitor to SPORT 4 NRG's beach football and volleyball sessions.

Domininc said: “It was great to give beach volleyball a go on a proper court with a proper net as it's a sport that I've never tried at school. It was great fun and we will definitely be back next summer!”

Megan Cavell 14, also from Ramsgate got involved with handball, a worldwide popular sport but one that has only become popular in England since London 2012.

She said: “It was fun to play as it was so fast. It didn't take long to get the hang of either!”

Handball takes places every Tuesday 4-5pm at Ramsgate Leisure Centre and is free of charge.

For more information on the sports activities available go to www.thanet.gov.uk/sport  or www.facebook.com/sport4nrg

Thanet Council Agrees “Charter for Corruption”

Green Party Councillor Ian Driver has condemned Thanet District Council’s revised Planning Protocol as a “Charter for corruption in public office”.

The Protocol (1), approved by an overwhelming vote at a meeting last night (3 October), allows councillors to accept gifts and hospitality from planning applicants of more than £100, provided they are noted in the Register of Members Gifts and Hospitality which is not available for inspection by the public (2).

The £100 figure has been increased by a staggering 400% on the previous Protocol which was agreed just over a year ago in July 2012 which had a limit of £25(3).

Whilst allowing councillors to accept what many people might see as inducements or bribes to support and speak in favour of planning applications, the new Protocol prohibits council planning officers from accepting any gifts or hospitality whatsoever. 

Previously planning officers, like councillors, were allowed to accept gifts and hospitality provided anything worth more than £25 was declared (4)

Furthermore the new Protocol also includes further unjustifiable preferential treatment for Councillors involved in submitting planning applications.

For Council officers - if someone submits a planning application on their behalf or if a planning application in which the officer has a financial interest is submitted this must be declared and is then specially determined by the Planning Committee (5).

For a Councillor - if someone submits a planning application on behalf of a Councillor, or if a planning application in which a Councillor  has a financial  interest in is submitted it does not need to be declared and the application is processed in the normal was (6).

Said Driver “These new rules are outrageously corrupt. They legitimise the procurement of expensive gifts and hospitality from planning applicants and provide encouragement for councillors to pimp out planning permission in exchange for booze, meals, tickets to shows and costly gifts”.

“I am disappointed that the vast majority of councillors – both Labour and Tory – voted like pigs with their snouts in the trough – to approve these rules. The actions of these greedy politicians has brought the Council into disrepute.”

“I am also amazed that rules for council officers involved in planning were massively tightened up. But the rules for Councillors have been relaxed. Why is this? What can’t they be treated the same?

“In my opinion nobody, officer or councillor, should be allowed to accept any gifts or hospitality from people submitting planning applications, not even a cup of tea.  And planning applications submitted by councillors or officers should be treated in exactly the same way”.

“These news rules are disgraceful. They have damaged the Council’s reputation. The councillors who voted for these rules last night   have also behaved in a shameful and disgraceful way. They should be thrown out of office at the next election”

Turner Contemporary announces 2013 autumn events programme

Press release Turner Contemporary announces 2013 autumn events programme  Following a lively summer where we welcomed our one millionth visitor in just over two years, Turner Contemporary has an exciting autumn programme lined up. Turner and Constable: Sketching from Nature. Works from the Tate Collection and Dorothy Cross: Connemara open on 5 October followed by a series of stimulating talks, including artist Dorothy Cross in conversation with writer Brian Dillon, and a curator’s talk and tour on the exhibition Turner and Constable by its curator Michael Rosenthal. In addition, on the 23 November Turner Contemporary will play host to a major new choral performance, Lachrymose, a vocal response to the conflicting emotional landscape of remembrance for those lost at sea in the World Wars.

Artist's talk: Dorothy Cross in conversation with Brian Dillon Sat 5 October, 3pm, £6/£5 Dorothy Cross talks about Connemara, her new exhibition at Turner Contemporary, with writerBrian Dillon.     Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Palette Painting Sun 6 October, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Make your own paintings, using the same colours and materials as renowned British artists JMW Turner, John Constable and John Sell-Cotman.

Platform: Graduate Award Exhibition 9 October-10 November 2013, Clore Learning Studio, free Turner Contemporary is showcasing the talent of emerging artists from East Kent in our Clore Learning Studio and other spaces, as part of the Platform programme which aims to support graduate professional development and nurture new talent. This year’s Platform exhibition showcases the work of seven graduates from three Kent Universities. Adult Workshop: Radio Intervention Sat 12 October, 10am-4pm, free Discover how to use radio as a space for creative intervention with Radio Arts. Record, edit, process and create soundscapes in specific sound environments and spaces in Margate, then hear your work broadcast onsite, via 12 solar powered radios and through micro-transmitters across Margate. Writer’s Squad Taster Event Sat 12 October, 10am-1pm, free Join a free taster event for our Writer’s Squad, open to all enthusiastic young writers aged 13- 17, and a brilliant opportunity to develop new skills and meet new people. By exploring a range of creative writing, from poetry to playwriting and lyrics to flash fiction, the Squad introduces young writers to a wide variety of writing styles inspired by Turner Contemporary’s exhibitions. The Squad meets once a month on a Saturday and is run by a writersDean Atta and Sarah Davies. Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Nature Imagined Sun 13 October, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Create large scale sculptures using unusual materials inspired by Dorothy Cross: Connemara.    Schools: A-level Master Class Day Wed 16 October, 10am-4pm, £11 per head/free for teachers A-level students and art teachers can take part in hands-on sessions with professional artists, learning new skills together inspired by artists’ work. Sessions are led by David Price, Sarah Spencer and Tracey Falcon. The day includes guided access to the exhibitions and all materials.      Adult Workshop: Painting in the Landscape Sat 19 October, 10am-4pm, book in advance A masterclass day for adults including sketching in the open air using Margate’s dramatic light, andTurner and Constable: Sketching from Nature: Works from the Tate Collection as inspiration. The masterclass is led by professional oil painterSarah Spencer.    Subject to weather conditions Adults aged 16 and over, book in advance, £50 per head, £40 concessions available for job seekers, students and those over 60. To book visit:  kentadulteducation.co.uk or telephone 0845 6065606   Family Workshop: Easy Sundays SpecialLachrymose Sun 20 October, 1 4pm, drop in In the run up to Lachrymose, a choral performance commemorating the centenary of WWI on 23 November, come and contribute to an artwork conceived by artist Emily Tull, remembering those who have been lost at sea. Curator’s talk and tour Turner and Constable Michael Rosenthal Thu 24 October, 6pm, £6/£5Art historian and curator of Turner and Constable: Sketching from Nature, Michael Rosenthal gives an enlightening talk about our current exhibition, the galleries, and the legacy of Turner, Constable and their contemporaries. Family Workshop: The Big Draw Wed 30 October & Thu 31 October, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Join artist David Price in the Clore Learning Studio to celebrate The Big Draw with a workshop inspired by the oil sketches of Turner, Constable and their contemporaries. familyartsfestival.com Talk: John Constable and the art of oil sketching Thu 31 October, 3pm, £6/£5 Presenting rarely seen imagery of works by Constable, Technical Art Historian Sarah Covetraces the development of the artist’s innovative oil sketching technique.

Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Palette Painting Sun 3 November, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Make your own paintings, using the same colours and materials as renowned British artists JMW Turner, John Constable and John Sell-Cotman.   Schools: Writer’s Master Class Wed 13 November, 10am-4pm, £11 per head/free for teachers Inspired by the rise of newspapers and literature during the Georgian period, the Writer’s Master Class day is an opportunity for children at Key Stage 3 and 4 to learn new skills with professional writers and artists. Pupils write in response to the exhibitions, and work with poet and playwright Joseph Coelho, artist Dawn Coleand writer Sarah Davies to create their own printed manifestos. What is Art? Panel Discussion Thu 14 November, 6pm, £6/£5Reflecting on questions raised at recent exhibitions, including Massimiliano Gioni's The Encyclopedic Palace at the Venice Biennale and the Hayward Gallery’s The Alternative Guide to the Universe, this talk, featuring major artists, critics and curators, considers how art is defined and who is understood to be an artist. Speakers include Sam Thorne, Associate Editor of Frieze international, artist Alan Kane and James Brett, the founder of the Museum of Everything. Schools: Parliament Week Women as Leaders Fri 15 November, 10am-2pm, free Parliament Week’s theme for 2013 is ‘Women in Democracy.’ Influential female leaders come together at Turner Contemporary to explore their experiences of leadership with young women. The day includes sessions led by South Thanet MP Laura Sandys and Turner Contemporary’s Director Victoria Pomery.  parliamentweek.org Talk: People United Living Room: Dorothy Cross and Tom Crompton Wed 20 November, 4-6pm, free In one of a series of four interactive and unconventional seminars, artist Dorothy Crossand Tom Crompton, Change Consultant at WWF-UK, discuss values in relation to the environment.       Talk: Constable: Nature or Art? with Anne Lyles Thu 21 November, 3pm, £6/£5 Art historian Anne Lyles discusses Constable’s work and the boundaries between naturalism and art, in the context of the exhibition culture of his time and the landscapes of his British contemporaries.   Film screening and Q&A: Time Bleeds Film screening and Q&A Sat 23 November, 11:15am, free Folkestone, the gateway to the First World War for 8 million troops, lies at the heart of the documentary Time Bleeds, which shows participants taken back to WW1 through a series of method acting workshops in order to answer key questions.   Performance: Lachrymose Sat 23 November, 2pm and 3.30pm, free Local singers perform a piece conceived by producer Tania Holland Williams and Turner Contemporary and composed by Jon Hering, in and around the gallery. The piece pays tribute aurally to lose lost at sea in the World Wars. It is further supported by Performing Rights Society Foundation and Arts Council England. Christmas Late Night Live: Make it Festive Fri 29 November, 6pm- 9pm, free To celebrate the festive season, join us for an evening of craft and creativity with our Christmas late night live. Alongside the Christmas tree lights being switched on, The Big Singcommunity choir returns for another year, leading a Christmas carol sing-a-long. Purchase handmade gifts from Kent producers at Made Contemporary, our artists and makers fair, and try your hand at making some holiday decorations of your own. The evening also marks the opening of Artist Rooms Wall Drawing #1136 by Sol LeWitt in our Learning Studio. Made Contemporary Fri 29 November until Sun 1 December 2013, 10am-6pm, free To celebrate the festive season, join us for a weekend of craft and creativity and buy seasonal products made by Kent artists and makers at our weekend long artist and makers fair. On Friday and Saturday, the Teenage Makers Market will take over our Clore Learning Studio, featuring products from Kent’s freshest young talent.Plus there’s a special family workshop Make on the Sunday.

Family Workshop: Easy Sunday Special MakeContemporary Sun 1 December, 1 4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Join our Easy Sunday special linked to Makewhere you can create a response to Kent makers’ work.   Student Showcase Thu 5 December, 2:30pm-4pm, bookable/free Turner Contemporary’s successful collaboration with the University for the Creative Arts has resulted in a joint MA Curatorial Programme. Members of the public are invited to attend presentations by the students about projects that they have developed in response to our exhibitions. ucreative.ac.uk   Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Nature Imagined Sun 8 December, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Create large scale sculptures using unusual materials inspired by Dorothy Cross: Connemara.   Join the Conversation: Mondrian Wed 11 December 2013, 2-4pm Next year we're showing work by 20th century artist Piet Mondrian. Join Practical Philosopher Ayisha de Lanerolle and our Head of Learning Karen Eslea to discuss the artist's work and help us prepare for the exhibition. Places are free but please book at learn@turnercontemporary.org.       Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Palette Painting Sun 15 December, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Make your own paintings, using the same colours and materials as renowned British artists JMW Turner, John Constable and John Sell-Cotman.   Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Nature Imagined Sun 22 December, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Create large scale sculptures using unusual materials inspired by Dorothy Cross: Connemara.   Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Palette Painting Sun 29 December, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Make your own paintings, using the same colours and materials as renowned British artists JMW Turner, John Constable and John Sell-Cotman.   Family Workshop: Easy Holidays Environment Wed 1 January & Thu 2 January, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child.  Under 3s, adults and CT9 residents go free Make your own artwork with artist Tracey Falcon inspired by the work of Dorothy Cross.   Family Workshop: Easy Sundays Nature Imagined Sun 5 January, 1-4pm, drop in £3 per child / free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Create large scale sculptures using unusual materials inspired by Dorothy Cross: Connemara.

Free exhibition tours Every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday 11.30am, free Our Navigators take you on a 30 minute tour of the our current exhibitions Turner and Constable: Sketching from Nature and Dorothy Cross: Connemara. Spotlight talks Every Friday, 3pm, free Turner Contemporary staff give a personal tour of our exhibitions Turner and Constable: Sketching from Nature and Dorothy Cross: Connemara.   Craft Club Sat 26 Oct, Sat 30 Nov, Sat 28 Dec, 1-4pm, drop in, free Learn to knit, crochet, weave, sew and more with our friendly craft enthusiasts.   Family workshops Every Sunday, and Wednesday and Thursdays during school holidays, £3 per child/free for adults, under 3s and families living in CT9 Full event information can be found on our website at turnercontemporary,org/whatson Full event information can be found on our website at turnercontemporary.org/whatson.