NEW FILM SPOTLIGHTS "DISASTER" AT BROADSTAIRS GP PRACTICE

A new film has been made about "disastrous" events in a GP practice in Broadstairs, Kent.

In 2011 the Broadway practice in Broadstairs, Kent, was taken over by the London-based private limited company, Concordia Health.

The company made patients many promises  but, as the film shows, it all went disastrously wrong.

Patients complained of never seeing the same doctor twice and lack of access to doctors.

Thousands of patients left the practice.  In July Concordia gave notice they were pulling out of the practice and there are now plans for local GPs to take it over.

Film-maker Christine Tongue who is a patient at the practice made the film called "Bad Practice?" to highlight what she claims is "a vivid proof of the damaging effects of the creeping privatisation of the NHS."

Christine says: "A private limited company takes over a popular GP surgery, causes havoc in the way it operates it, then throws in its contract early. It's horrifying, really."  

Added Christine: "If anyone wants evidence that privatisation of the health service doesn't work, this film is it."

A clip from the film is now on You Tube on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR_YUkM0kXA

MORE INFORMATION FROM CHRISTINE TONGUE ON 01843 604253 / 07989 070843 inmeds@yahoo.co.uk

“STOP FARAGE” CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED

A campaign has been launched to stop UKIP leader Nigel Farage being elected as MP for Thanet South.

Thanet Stand Up To UKIP is a broadbased campaign supported by trade unions, local people, Labour and the Green Party, LGBT and disabled activists.

The campaign has been launched even though UKIP hasn’t officially announced Farage is standing,

Campaign coordinator Bunny La Roche said: “Local UKIP activists have said Farage is on the shortlist and that means he’s bound to be chosen to run for Thanet South.” 

Bunny continued: “We are dismayed that Nigel Farage is on the selection shortlist for south Thanet.  Farage is part of the establishment - a hard-right Tory.  He tries to present himself as the man of the people, he's not.

“He will only look after the interests of his class - the rich and powerful. That's why he's happy to make deals with the Tories. He has nothing to offer people of Thanet, except hatred, racism and bigotry. “

As evidence of what it claims is Farage’s “racist” attitude, the campaign is pointing to a report written by 18 year old Thanet resident Sula Shephard which appeared in the Independent  on Sunday newspaper.

"I intend to study politics at university,” Sula wrote in the newspaper, “so, before the European elections, when Farage held a rally in Margate, my friend and I went to hear what he had to say, away from the media spotlight.

“Naively, we believed that it would be an open meeting and that other non-Ukippers would have come to hear him, but we seemed to be the only two there.

“Surrounded by mainly middle-aged, white men and a few women, we felt out of place. But we became even more uncomfortable when Farage finally took to the stage. The standing ovations were so unsettling that we wanted the floor to open up and swallow us. Strangely, his racist remark about not wanting to live next door to Romanians, which he had publicly explained away as being down to ‘tiredness’ was repeated during the rally, eliciting another ovation."

Thanet Stand Up To UKIP, said Bunny, will be campaigning to try to stop Farage getting elected, by asking people to use their vote to stop Farage'.

Added Bunny: “We will be holding meetings, producing publications, and organising protests. We will also be involved in some fantastic cultural events to get our message across south Thanet, until Election Day in 2015.”

People are asked to contact Stand up to UKIP on thanetsutu@gmail.com  if they want to get involved.

FILM ABOUT TROUBLED BROADSTAIRS PRACTICE TO BE SCREENED

A film about the troubled Broadway Practice in Broadstairs will be screened on Wednesday August 6. The announcement of the screening follows the news that Concordia Health Ltd, the controversial private company which has run the practice for the last two years is now pulling out. Film-maker Christine Tongue, who is also a patient with the practice said that the aim of the film is to show people why things went wrong. “I have documented the whole sorry tale of what happened from the process by which Concordia was chosen to its departure,” Christine said. She added: “This film is, I believe, powerful evidence of the damaging effect of the creeping privatisation of the health service.” “It’s patients who have suffered – principally a through lack of permanent full-time GPs.” “There are important lessons to be learnt here – and we must try to avoid making the same disastrous mistake again.” “There are important lessons in this story for people everywhere. Anyone who’s a patient in Thanet or any other part of the country may face similar problems in the future,” Christine said An initial cut of the film will be screened on Wednesday August 6 at 7pm at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Rd, Broadstairs CT10 2BT. The screening will be followed by a discussion. “Entry is free and all are welcome,” Christine said.

THANET FREEDOM FESTIVAL IS THIS SATURDAY!

The first ever Thanet Freedom Festival is going to be held on Saturday 19 July at the historic Cliftonville Lido in Margate

In the spirit of the previous years festivals, Love Music, Hate Racism, the aim of the festival, is to bridge cultural differences and build a more cohesive community in Thanet.

This will be a free day festival with a live music open air stage near the seafront and a DJ stage in the bar together with stalls from the area’s diverse ethnic communities and people involved in community-building in the area.

There will be food, dance, a retro market and a glittering array of local performers. The festival will, the organisers hope, send a powerful anti-racist message to the world.

“The festival will be an implicitly anti-racism festival in an area where we have witnessed increased racism and where racists are gaining ground,” says Cris Johnson, one of the organisers.

“We want to strengthen links and build a more cohesive community. We seek to bridge cultural differences and show that we can all co-exist peacefully and constructively together.

“By putting on a cultural exchange which showcases the talents of members of our community, we can then better illustrate the divisive nature of the mainstream political debate and the right wing policies that portray our immigrant communities in a negative light.

“By working with trade unions in the creation of this event we will strengthen the sense of working class solidarity.”

Added Cris: “We decided to turn a good cause into a family-fun day to promote and support multiculturalism and anti-racism.”

More details of the bands and performers taking part will be released nearer the time. More info: Cris Johnson  07741493687

 https://www.facebook.com/events/286623274852499/

 http://thanetfreedomfestival.weebly.com/

FILM ABOUT MISTRUST IN THANET COUNCIL TO GET SECOND SCREENING

A film showing a history of public mistrust in Thanet Council is to get a second showing in Broadstairs at 7.30pm on Wednesday 2 April.

The second screening comes, according to film-maker Christine Tongue, due to “overwhelming public demand.”

“We were amazed how many people crowded in to see the first screening in March,” Christine said. “We never expected there would be such an interest. The place was packed out and many people couldn’t get in.”

“People clearly feel a high degree of dissatisfaction with the performance of Thanet Council over many years, and are eager to discuss how to improve things,” Christine added.

The film, called “Thanet Council: A History of Mistrust” will include new material not shown in the first screening. Christine said: “Things are moving on all the time. We will try to include the most important developments as they happen.”

The first screening provoked heated responses, according to Christine.

“There was an extremely interesting and lively debate after the screening, with some people arguing for replacing the district council with a unitary council, where Thanet would get back powers from Kent County Council.

“Other people were keen to give more power back to the towns, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. Another argument was put for abolishing the cabinet system which runs the present council and replacing this with a committee-based approach.”

Christine believes these sorts of public debates are essential to the health of local democracy. “Many people seem to believe their elected representatives aren’t listening to them. We’ve got to keep talking and looking for a better way forward.”  

The screening will be followed by an open discussion.

The screening is at 7.30pm, Wednesday 2^nd April at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Rd, Broadstairs CT10 2BT. Entry is free. For more information or to book a place ring 01843 604 253, or 07989 070843.

NEW FILM HIGHLIGHT “HISTORY OF MISTRUST” IN THANET COUNCIL

Next week (Wed 26 Feb) sees the screening of a new film about public attitudes to Thanet Council.

Called “Thanet Council: A History of Mistrust” the film documents the council’s record over the last 20 years – and what local people have said about it.

Including interviews with councillors of both major parties, the film includes controversial material about the old Pleasurama site in Ramsgate, Westwood Cross, the proposed Broadstairs community centre and Dreamland in Margate.

The film is the work of Christine Tongue and, she says, “it offers a fascinating insight into what councils - controlled by both major parties - have – and haven’t done -- and the way ordinary people react to the results.”

Following the screening there will be an open discussion in which people will be invited to consider what, if anything, should be done to improve local government in the area.

Christine said: “In recent months people have been telling us the council should be scrapped and replaced with a unitary authority. Others have been blaming the cabinet system of local government and saying we should have a new committee-based system.

“The screening of the film will be a good opportunity to get these ideas out into the open and to debate what realistically might be done.”

The meeting is on Wed 26 February at 7pm at The Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Rd, Broadstairs CT10 2BT. Entry is free but seating is limited so book your place now. Email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk or tel 01843 604253 / 07989 070843 

THANET CORRUPTION MEETING NOW ON FILM

A film has been made of the “Corruption Question Time” meeting held in Broadstairs recently.

In the packed meeting a number of speakers called for an end to a culture of secrecy in Thanet council.

One of the speakers was citizen journalist Louise Oldfield from Margate, who came to fame recently for tweeting daily reports of the court case involving ex-Thanet council leader Sandy Ezekiel.

She claimed that it is perfectly legal to film council meetings – and that people should be ready to do it.

“In the council chamber there is a sign which says no filming, no recording of meetings. But that sign is wrong. Tweeting or recording public meetings is perfectly legal,” she said.

On the film she encourages people to record council meetings

“It is not renegade behaviour to get your phone out and film a meeting – and you can do it.”

Independent councillor Ian Driver, who was also at the meeting, said that the only way of dealing with corruption in local government was for people like himself to be prepared to leak confidential documents.

“Leak, leak and leak again, I say,” Mr Driver said, “And I’m going to continue doing that.”

One of the meeting’s organisers, Christine Tongue, said the event was so successful, more will be mounted in the future. She said: “There is obviously a great need for this kind of gathering. We hope more of Thanet’s politicians and other figures will be happy to take part in the future.”

Edited highlights of the Corruption Question Time meeting film are available on Youtube. The whole film is available on DVD at a charge of £10.

For more details contact the Independent Media Society on 01843 604 253, MOB 07989 070843 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk.

THANET GETS ITS OWN CORRUPTION “QUESTION TIME

A special emergency meeting in which people will get a chance to put questions about corruption in Thanet will be held at 7pm, on Wednesday 20 March in Broadstairs.

The meeting will take a format similar to the TV “Question Time” programme, with a panel of experts answering questions submitted by the audience.

The meeting is being held by Thanet’s Independent Media Society in the wake of the imprisonment of ex-council leader Sandy Ezekiel and the news that Kent police are widening their investigations into other planning applications and major development in the area.

Mr Thomas, one of the meeting organisers said: “The trial and conviction of one of our leading local politicians has, of course, raised widespread concerns in Thanet.

“People are asking how far and deep this corruption goes and what this means to our local democracy.

“This meeting will give people a chance both to find out more about what’s happened and to put their views about what’s going on.”

Mr Thomas hopes that members of both the major parties will come. “We need to hear from our local politicians what they’re doing about this scandalous state of affairs.”

“Most people I think would agree that Thanet has enough problems as it is without its elected representatives getting up to criminal actions on their own behalf.”  

The panel of experts will include Ian Driver, chair of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny committee, and Louise Oldfield, “citizen journalist” and blogger.

People with questions they want to be put to the panel should send them to IMS, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs CT10 2BT or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01843 604 253.

“You can simply ask questions on the day, of course,” Mr Thomas said, “but submitting your questions in advance will give you a better chance of being called.”

The meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday March 20 at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Rd, Broadstairs CT10 2BT. All are welcome.

SARAH’S BACK … WITH BELLS ON!

Broadstairs songstress Sarah Hale is back singing in her home town – but for the first time with a team of bell ringers on her bill.

“I’m not actually performing with the bell ringers,” Sarah said, “but just having them here adds a whole new musical dimension to the day.”

The bell ringers are the Bedford Family Ringers, a long-established group who have performed all over the world.

They’ll be performing with Sarah on Sunday November 25 in Broadstairs.

“I’ve sung jazz, I’ve sung in musicals, and every era of classical music,” Sarah said, “But singing with bells – that’s a new one on me!”

Sarah, with accompanist Jakob Rothoff, will be performing works by Fauré, Debussy, Argento & Rorem.

Born in Japan, Sarah came to live in Thanet when she was seven years old and still regularly comes back to Broadstairs.

Sarah is currently singing choral works in London while she studies to be a speech therapist.

“I find my love of music perfectly complements my work in speech therapy. It all revolves around this amazing instrument that is the human voice.”

Sarah and the family will be performing for the Broadstairs Music Recital Society at Sunday November 25^th at 3pm at the Methodist Church, York Street, Broadstairs.

Entrance by programme purchased at the door: £9 (members £7)

SHOCKING NEW THRILLER SET IN THANET

A shocking new thriller set in the Isle of Thanet, East Kent paints a picture of vicious hate crime, poisonous politics and naked corruption.

“Death In Thanet” tells the story of private detective Jane Marks called in to investigate the death of a local councillor. She finds deadly danger lurking in the seaside locality.

Author Arlene Blower says her book is entirely fictional but based on her experiences after coming to live in Thanet three years ago.

“I knew there was something in the air when someone told me Thanet actually means “island of death”,” Blower says.

“It really is an amazing area,” Blower says, “On the one hand it’s a very poor seaside area, with homeless people and ghettoes.

“On the other hand you have people from London attracted by the hopes of regeneration, bargain property prices and the Turner Contemporary.

“Mix in with all that a history of corruption and gangsters going back to the KrayTwins and you have in Thanet the perfect location for a modern day thriller.”

The book is being serialised in Thanet Watch magazine, with the first instalment appearing in the November issue, and the book scheduled for publication in 2013 

Thanet Watch publisher Norman Thomas says that he’s really excited to be able to serialise Death In Thanet in the magazine.

Norman says: “It really does give you a real feel for the seamier side of life on the Isle. I think it will shock some people – but this is really how things are around here.”

Thanet Watch will be on sale in newsagents from November 1^st.

NEW PLAY LIFTS LID ON ARSON & CORRUPTION IN THANET

A sensational new comedy spotlighting arson and corruption in high places opens in Broadstairs this Wednesday, 19^th October.

Called “Gangsters In Thanet,” the play begins with a secret meeting between a property developer and a local politician at a seaside restaurant.

A dead body is found on the premises, triggering a series of sensational revelations about dodgy deals, corruption and gangsters who use arson in property development.   

The play is a purely fictional, comic romp, according to its writer Mr Norman Thomas, but inspired by real events.

“Thanet has a long history of  important properties being mysteriously burnt down, “ Mr Thomas said, “and these burnings-down almost always turn out to be highly convenient for some people.”

He added: “These things are difficult to prove, but many people know they’re going on, and believe that local politicians are involved, too. I hope we can now at least bring the whole thing out into the open.”

Mr Thomas has been researching the subject since he first came to Thanet in 1991. “I saw my first gangsters in Ramsgate not long after arriving here – they looked like gangsters, they talked like gangsters. I could hardly believe it.”

He intends to follow the play up with a film about the area’s longstanding underworld connections. 

He said: “Thanet has a long history of gangsters and corruption which goes back to the smuggling gangs of old, but the gangsters of today see the real money is to be made out of property development – and they’ll stop at nothing to get their way.”

The play opens on Wednesday October 19^th and runs until Sunday October 23^rd at 7.30pm at the Red Hall, Grosvenor Road Broadstairs. Booking is advisable – telephone 01843 604253

For more details telephone Christine Tongue on 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk. Pictures attached: please credit Bill Harris.

TIME TO BREAK SILENCE ABOUT THANET'S GANGSTERS,

Gangsters have played a major part in the past of the isle of Thanet– and are continuing to exert a big influence today, according to writer Norman Thomas.

“It’s actually quite horrifying the extent to which people on the isle go in fear of a small number of powerful individuals,” Mr Thomas said. “And it’s not just petty crime and drugs. I believe people with gangster links are involved in major property deals and developments on the island.”

Mr Thomas has come to this conclusion after years of researching the subject. Now he intends to spotlight the topic in a play which premieres in Broadstairs on Wednesday October 19^th and a film which will be screened in the new year. His aim, he said, is to “break the silence about Thanet’s gangster past”.

“For far too long people have been scared to talk about Thanet’s gangsters. I once asked a journalist why he hadn’t written about them,” Mr Thomas said. “He said he didn’t want to end up in a concrete overcoat in Margate harbour!”

Mr Thomas traces Thanet’s gangster history back to the smuggling gangs of the eighteenth century.  One of the isle’s beaches, Joss Bay, is believed to have taken its name from Joss Snelling, leader of the Callis Court Gang, and was known as the “Famous Smuggler of Broadstairs”. 

In more recent times, fifty years ago, Mr Thomas said, Thanet had links with some of London’s most notorious gangs including the Kray twins, the Richardsons and “Mad” Frankie Frazer.

And Thanet’s council has had its criminal connections, too, according to Mr Thomas. “The most famous example is Cyril Hoser, a councillor who was convicted for forging money in the 1980s.”

“What’s really disturbing is the respect and honour in which many of the people I spoke to still hold these characters,” Mr Thomas said, “I talked to someone who said they thought the Krays weren’t mad thugs but ‘good people’.”

But despite their vicious image,  Mr Thomas has taken a comic approach to the way he portrays gangsters in his new play.  “Gangsters In Thanet” tells the story of two newcomers to the area who discover a dead body in their home and a gangster coming to dinner.

 “It’s a pretty wild piece,” Mr Thomas “a bit like Arsenic and Old Lace meets Fawlty Towers,” Mr Thomas said, “but amid the laughs, there’s a lot of truth, too.”

Norman Thomas is the author of “Gangsters In Thanet” which runs from Wednesday October 19^th to Sunday October 23^rd at 7.30pm at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road Broadstairs CT10 2BT. Booking is advisable – telephone 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk.   

“GANGSTERS” PLAY

A brand new play about extraordinary goings-on in Thanet, involving gangsters, arson and a dead body, opens in Broadstairs October 19^th.

“Gangsters In Thanet”, a black comedy, tells the story of two people down from London who open their dream restaurant in the locality only to find two gangsters booked in for dinner and a dead body in their fridge.

Written by local film-maker Norman Thomas, the play contains lots of local references including hints of scandalous links between local politicians and corrupt property developers.

“It’s all purely in fun of course,” Mr Thomas said, “It’s a wild, farcical, piece –

 a bit like Arsenic and Old Lace meets Fawlty Towers.”

The play is stuffed full of well-known local talent from all over the isle, including Steven Todd from Broadstairs, Lisa Payne, as well as impressive newcomer Katharine Elvin from Margate.

The play came out of a piece of long-term research Mr Thomas has been doing into Thanet’s “gangster” past.

“Over the years many people have told me stories about the darker side of life in Thanet, with stories of concrete overcoats, corruption and arson,” he said, “I’ve taken some of the juiciest bits from the stories and put them all together in the new play.”

“So there is a lot of truth in there, too, along with the laughs.”

“But it’s not all about the gangsters,” said Mr Thomas, “It also features a woman who turns into a dog, songs and one of the most extraordinary stripteases ever performed.”

 

Mr Thomas added: “Anyone who comes will hopefully enjoy a bizarre, scandalous and laugh-a-second night. But seating is limited so it’s a good idea to book early.”

The play will be performed from Wednesday to Sunday, 19^th to the 23^rd October at 7.30pm every night at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs. All tickets are £6. To book ring 01843 604 253.   

GANGSTERS WANTED BY FILM MAKER!

Do you know anything about gangsters in Thanet? If so, local film-maker Norman Thomas wants to hear from you – in strictest confidence, of course!

Mr Thomas, co-producer of the highly successful “Thanet On Film” series, is researching Thanet’s gangster history for a provocative new multi-media project and is asking anyone with stories to tell to get in touch.

“Thanet has long been known for its gangster links,” said Mr Thomas. “Most famously the train robber Ronnie Biggs spoke about his dream of leaving prison and having a pint in a Margate pub – but its underworld connections, I believe, go much deeper than that.

Mr Thomas believes that well-known London gangsters such as the Kray twins had associates who came to live on the isle and that the links have continued to the present day.

“Seaside areas have long attracted members of the criminal fraternity,” Mr Thomas said, “but Thanet’s closeness to the nation’s capital has made it even more attractive to gangsters, big and small.”   

Mr Thomas wants people’s experiences to feed into a play and film he’s working on.  The play will premiere in October and the film will be screened next year.

“The gangster connections of this area are its great unspoken secret, and I believe they still exert an enormous influence on what happens in the locality,” Mr Thomas said.

Mr Thomas added: “I’ve already found it’s a subject which many people are scared to talk about. But I’m hoping there will be somebody out there who’s ready to speak from their experience – and I’m guaranteeing anyone who contacts me complete confidentiality. “

Anyone interested should ring Mr Thomas on 01843 604253.

The play, called “Gangsters In Thanet”, will be performed from Wednesday to Saturday, 19^th to the 22^nd October at 7.30pm every night at the Red Hall, Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs. All tickets are £6. To book ring 01843 604 253. 

May 6th: Absolutely last screening of THANET ON FILM II at the Granville

A film about Thanet has proved so popular that the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate has brought it back for one last screening.

Producer Christine Tongue said: “The final screening was supposed to have happened at the end of March, but that was sold out, so the theatre has decided to give it another showing.”

“Thanet On Film” tells the story of the area from the 1920s to the present day, with footage of showing the resort towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate when they were at their most popular.  

The film has been showing in independent cinemas across Thanet, since October 2009.

 “We only intended to show the film once on one evening,” said producer Christine Tongue, “But there has been such huge interest, the cinemas have just kept on screening it. I reckon numbers of people have watched the film seven or eight times.”

But people aren’t just going out of nostalgia, according Christine, who offers Q&A sessions after the screenings as often as she can. “The film charts the decline of the area and the tremendous social problems which have hit our seaside towns – and viewers tend to get very angry with what’s been lost and criticise local politicians.”

Screenings of the film regularly spark heated debates among the viewers.

“Thanet isn’t famous for its political consciousness, but I think the popularity of our film shows how genuinely passionate people in this part of the world feel about their area.”

Christine is already working on the next edition of Thanet on Film and is inviting people to send in ideas, memories and old home movies. “These films stand or fall by the contribution of local people,” Christine said, “It’s a sort of people’s history of the area.”

The Very Last Screening of the present edition of Thanet On Film will take place on Friday May 6^th at 7.30pm at the Granville Theatre Ramsgate. Booking is advisable – telephone 01843 591750.  

THE VERY LAST CHANCE TO SEE THANET ON FILM!

A film about Thanet has proved so popular that the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate has brought it back for one last screening.

Producer Christine Tongue said: “The final screening was supposed to have happened at the end of March, but that was sold out, so the theatre has decided to give it another showing.”

“Thanet On Film” tells the story of the area from the 1920s to the present day, with footage of showing the resort towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate when they were at their most popular.  

The film has been showing in independent cinemas across Thanet, since October 2009.

 “We only intended to show the film once on one evening,” said producer Christine Tongue, “But there has been such huge interest, the cinemas have just kept on screening it. I reckon numbers of people have watched the film seven or eight times.”

But people aren’t just going out of nostalgia, according Christine, who offers Q&A sessions after the screenings as often as she can. “The film charts the decline of the area and the tremendous social problems which have hit our seaside towns – and viewers tend to get very angry with what’s been lost and criticise local politicians.”

Screenings of the film regularly spark heated debates among the viewers.

“Thanet isn’t famous for its political consciousness, but I think the popularity of our film shows how genuinely passionate people in this part of the world feel about their area.”

Christine is already working on the next edition of Thanet on Film and is inviting people to send in ideas, memories and old home movies. “These films stand or fall by the contribution of local people,” Christine said, “It’s a sort of people’s history of the area.”

The Very Last Screening of the present Ramsgate edition of Thanet On Film will take place on Friday May 6^th at 7.30pm at the Granville Theatre Ramsgate. Booking is advisable – telephone 01843 591750.

                                               

Pictures attached. For more details and pictures, and a 90 second trailer for “Thanet On Film”, telephone Christine Tongue on 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk.

Post removed at the request of Thanet Earth

 

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THANET ON FILM!

This month sees the last chance to see the Thanet On Film II, the phenomenally popular film which explores the Isle of Thanet’s past, present and future.

The film has been showing in cinemas across Thanet since November 2010 – but the screenings are now coming to an end.

“We hadn’t been intending to show the film again,” said producer Christine Tongue, “But there has been such huge interest, we just wanted to make sure that everyone who wants to see it has the chance,” Christine said.

The film features footage of Broadstairs in the 1920s and Ramsgate and Margate through the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

But people aren’t just going out of nostalgia, said Christine.

“Many people go to see the old days when the beaches were packed,” she said, “but lots are just as interested to see how things have changed in recent times and the prospects for the future.”

“With the opening of the Turner Centre and the revival in the popularity of holidays in Britain we may be standing on the brink of great new things for Thanet,” said Christine, “The film offers great evidence for what could be done here, if people make an effort.”

Christine is already working on the next edition of Thanet on Film and is inviting people to send in ideas. “These films stand or fall by the contribution of local people,” Christine said, “We would love to hear from people who have pictures of old Thanet, old movies or even just interesting memories.”

There will be afternoon screenings of the Ramsgate version of the film in the Granville Cinema at 7.30pm on Thursday 31st March. To book, ring the Granville on 01843 591750.

In addition there will be a special showing of the Margate version of the film at the Ursuline College, Westgate-on-Sea, on Wednesday 30th March at 7pm. This will be open to the public but booking is advisable, telephone 01843 834431

Pictures attached. For more details and pictures, and a 90 second trailer for “Thanet On Film”, telephone Christine Tongue on 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk.

Youtube trailer is on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCo7H2a3F-M

THANET ON FILM TO SCREEN AT LOCAL SCHOOL

The public will have their last chance to see the phenomenally popular “Thanet On Film II” when the Margate version of the film gets its final public screening at the Ursuline College in Westgate-On-Sea.

The 78 minute film includes vintage footage of Thanet from the 1920s to the 1970s and explores the impact of the decline in seaside holidays on the area. It also explores the future for Thanet and hopes for the regeneration of the area through initiatives such as the new Turner Contemporary Gallery.

Mrs O’Grady, Assistant Headteacher at the Ursuline College, saw the film when it was screened at the Carlton Cinema recently and felt that it was an excellent way to show her Geography students the changing tourist industry in Thanet, and also other current issues such as the decline of Dreamland, attempts to regenerate tourism and the Thanet Earth Developments.

Members of the public are invited to attend the screening and tickets, costing £5.00 can be booked in advance by telephoning the Ursuline College on 01843 834431

“Thanet On Film” will be shown in the Ursuline College, Westgate-On-Sea on Wednesday 30 March 2011 at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE THANET ON FILM!

This month sees the last chance to see the Thanet On Film II, the phenomenally popular film which explores the Isle of Thanet’s past, present and future.

The film has been showing in cinemas across Thanet since November 2010 – but the screenings are now coming to an end.

“We hadn’t been intending to show the film again,” said producer Christine Tongue, “But there has been such huge interest, we just wanted to make sure that everyone who wants to see it has the chance,” Christine said.

The film features footage of Broadstairs in the 1920s and Ramsgate and Margate through the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

But people aren’t just going out of nostalgia, said Christine.

“Many people go to see the old days when the beaches were packed,” she said, “but lots are just as interested to see how things have changed in recent times and the prospects for the future.”

“With the opening of the Turner Centre and the revival in the popularity of holidays in Britain we may be standing on the brink of great new things for Thanet,” said Christine, “The film offers great evidence for what could be done here, if people make an effort.”

Christine is already working on the next edition of Thanet on Film and is inviting people to send in ideas. “These films stand or fall by the contribution of local people,” Christine said, “We would love to hear from people who have pictures of old Thanet, old movies or even just interesting memories.”

There will be afternoon screenings of the Ramsgate version of the film in the Granville Cinema at 2.30pm on Monday 21st and 2.30pm on Tuesday 22nd March and one evening performance at 7.30pm on Thursday 31st March. To book, ring the Granville on 01843 591750.

In addition there will be a special showing of the Margate version of the film at the Ursuline College, Westgate-on-Sea, on Wednesday 30th March at 7pm. This will be open to the public but booking is advisable, telephone 01843 434431.
Pictures attached. For more details and pictures, and a 90 second trailer for “Thanet On Film”, telephone Christine Tongue on 01843 604253 or email inmeds@yahoo.co.uk.

Youtube trailer is on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCo7H2a3F-M