A riot of creative entertainment at this year's SUMMER SQUALL in Ramsgate!

A SUMMER SQUALL: Sat 23 - Mon 25 August 2014

The group of trusty folk who put the Squall together hope very much that you'll enjoy what's on offer at this year's explosion of creative energy, on Ramsgate's royal harbour...

http://ramsgatearts.org/a-summer-squall

We've kept some existing ideas - there's music and performance all day Saturday on the open air stage by the beach. We've invited London's Unexpected Opera to perform NAKED OPERA on Sunday evening (with our own bar alongside, raising vital funds for the festival). Ramsgate's expert in 'model theatre' ROBERT POULTERbrings a double-bill of horror-inspired (but hugely funny) paper theatre on Saturday evening at the King's. 

http://ramsgatearts.org/squall/summer-squall-programme

We've got new things happening - our theme is rebellious elements so there's a few unexpected things around town. We have our first 'Artist in Residence' with Teresa Smith of Mooch creating a CROWNING GLORY. Our first textile installation with OPERATION POPPY and our first film screening in the newly-opened Ramsgate Tunnels with SEVERN AND SOMME. 

There will be arty crafty workshops all weekend, with a theme of Vikings....oh, and there's a boat....the chaps from the Broadstairs Town Shed are building a replica longboat for us to burn on the beach on Monday night. 

Almost all the work is FREE of charge and where there is a charge, it's to help us raise the cost of putting on the festival, all of which is produced by a voluntary team who want to help make Ramsgate a great place to be, with creative work that's inspiring and enlightening. 

Do come if you can, do pass it on to anyone you think would enjoy taking part AND if you or friends in the area would like to do 2 hrs or so as a volunteer steward over the weekend, PLEASE get in touch!

From the Dream Team at our Summer Squall

Ramsgate Arts

A SUMMER SQUALL festival 23-25 August 2014

A RIOT of creative entertainment

 

www.ramsgatearts.org 

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Largest bottle of English wine signed by Emin and Hirst goes on sale to raise funds for Turner Contemporary - 5 September 2014

Britain’s biggest ever bottle of English sparkling wine, produced by award winning, Kent-based winery Chapel Down, signed by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Edmund de Waal will be sold at Christie’s ‘Out of the Ordinary’ auction on 3 September 2014 to raise funds for Turner Contemporary.   The unique bottle, produced to celebrate Turner Contemporary’s one millionth visitor in August 2013, is an expertly made 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar of Chapel Down’s trophy-winning Blanc de Blancs 2007 sparkling wine.   The bottle is currently on display at Christie’s South Kensington with an estimated price of £10,000-£15,000. All proceeds raised from the sale will significantly contribute towards Turner Contemporary’s Catalyst Endowment Fund, which must reach a £1 million target by March 2015. You can explore Christies's 'Out of the Ordinary' online catalogue here.     That we're a charity. Your generous donation can help us continue our work. Give online today >     With thanks to our supporters:                Images: Seaview of bottle - courtsesy of Turner Contemporary Signed bottle and box - © 2014 Christie’s Images Ltd

Turner Contemporary Rendezvous Margate Kent CT9 1HGTel: +44 (0) 1843 233 000Fax: +44 (0)1843 233029 info@turnercontemporary.org turnercontemporary.org      Open  Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays 10am - 6pm (Closed Mondays)   Cafe opening times: Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 5.30pm Friday and Saturday 10am -10pm Sunday including bank holidays 10am - 5.30pm (Closed Mondays) Join us on:

Chief Executive of Visit England visits Margate

Chief Executive of VisitEngland James Berresford visited Margate this week (Tuesday 12 August) to witness first-hand the developments at Dreamland and the regeneration of the area since the arrival of the Turner Contemporary.

Mr. Berresford enjoyed an itinerary developed by Visit Kent including the Dreamland Expo, lunch at Sands Hotel, visits to the Turner Contemporary and the Visitor Information Team and a tour of Margate Old Town.

The visit also served to demonstrate activities being undertaken as part of the Thanet Destination Management Plan and to highlight the great opportunity for VisitEngland to support the development of a major tourism destination.

VisitEngland already has a good relationship with the area and supported the Pride of Thanet Tourism Awards which took place during English Tourism Week and features the area in its range of marketing and press activity.

Leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Iris Johnston said, “We take tourism incredibly seriously in Thanet and this was a great opportunity to showcase the fantastic tourism offer available in Margate and Thanet. We are developing into a leading quality destination and the Destination Management Plan is helping us work with local businesses to achieve this.

“There’s huge opportunity here for further growth, creating more jobs, and we welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate the area’s unique buzz and immense potential to VisitEngland.”

Mr. Berresford said, “” I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting Margate and know from first-hand experience what a great experiences the destination offers visitors.  The local investment has reaped its reward in terms of developing the product and as a result has created important jobs for the local area.”

Tourism is worth around £2.3 million to the Thanet economy and supports over 5,000 jobs. The council is positive with the support of Visit England that Margate and Thanet’s tourism offer will continue to thrive.

VisitEngland is the country’s national tourist board. Its role is to grow the value of tourism by working in partnership with the industry to deliver inspirational marketing campaigns and to provide advocacy for the industry and visitors.

Your playground, your choice

Residents can comment on designs for five local playgrounds as a round of consultation events is held across the district next week (18 to 22 August).

Thanet District Council have pledged nearly £200,000 to revamp play equipment in the District including four brand new sets of play equipment and one replacement set. The council has commissioned leading play equipment designers to create proposals and now the council is bringing the designs to parks to find out residents’ preferred choice. 

Residents can view the designs and choose their favourites at the following times:

10am to 1pm 18 August at Crispe Park, Birchington

10am to 1pm 19 August at Northdown Park, Cliftonville

10am to 1pm 20 August at Memorial Recreation Ground, Broadstairs

10am to 1pm 21 August at King George VI Park, Ramsgate

10am to 1pm 22 August at Warren Recreation Ground, Newington

The council need to take into account many factors including price, delivery and quality, however resident feedback will form part of the final decision.

Leader of Thanet District Council and Cabinet Member for Community Services Cllr Iris Johnston said, “It’s great to have input from the community as to what would be their preferred design. Going out to the parks affected means that we can get a real, on the ground view from park users as to what they would like best in terms of equipment – some of the proposals even incorporate zip wires! I’d urge anyone who uses these parks to come along to view these exciting proposals and choose their favourite.’

For more information on this consultation please contact morgan.harris@thanet.gov.uk or call 01843 577114 

Latest news - market testing now underway

Thanet District Council is asking for expressions of interest to determine whether there are suitable indemnity partners for the potential compulsory purchase of Manston Airport and its subsequent operation.

This is part of the council’s considerations as to whether the compulsory purchase of the airport would be a viable option.

The council has issued a ‘Prior Information Notice’ as part of a market testing exercise which was approved by Cabinet on Thursday 31 July.

Interested parties have until Wednesday 20 August to register their interest, providing their contact and organisational details to procurement@thanet.gov.uk

Following registration, applicants will then have to complete a questionnaire to identify their interest, capacity and capability in the market. Questionnaires need to be completed and submitted by no later than Monday 1 September.

The third and final stage will then involve face to face sessions which would be likely to take place in mid-September, although the exact details are still to be decided and depend on the level of response to the earlier phases.

The Council has been working to understand viability of the continuance of the site operating as an airport. An independent report was published last month (as part of the 31 July Cabinet paper) with initial findings.

The independent report revealed that compulsory acquisition of the site would rely on an identified indemnity partner making significant investment with a minimum 20 year business plan to deliver a viable and sustainable airport operation.

Under planning powers the Council could apply for a CPO however, if successful, the council would incur significant costs which would have to be met by a suitably qualified indemnity partner, to underwrite and meet all costs incurred by the Council.

Given the significant risks involved, the council has a duty to ensure any interested parties have the capability to cover the associated costs.

It is anticipated that this initial market testing exercise will then inform an options paper to be considered by Cabinet in the Autumn.

Walpole Bay Hotel to celebrate centenary with party extravaganza

Fashion Show.  Murder Mystery Dinner.  Grand Ball.

 

Margate’s iconic Walpole Bay Hotel is to mark its 100^th anniversary with the “party extravaganza of the season” on Saturday 11^thOctober.

The evening’s entertainment begins at 5pm with a fashion show, organised by the hotel’s in-house hair and make up stylist, Jerome Hillion.  The former British Hair Dresser of the Year Award winner will use the event to showcase his latest collection.  Instead of the usual catwalk format, models will be position in various locations within the hotel’s ‘living museum’ through which will be guided through its unique collection of historic artefacts and memorabilia from years gone by.

Models will be dressed by the acclaimed fashion stylist Amy Still, who has styled many top catwalk, with her work photographed for the leading glossy magazines.

“The models will be positioned in different rooms on the 2^nd floor museum, like mannequins reminiscing and reflecting the Walpole’s glorious past,” said Jerome, adding “My hair dos will be inspired by the Walpole's tales and  pay tribute to its long history, but bringing up to the present day plus some more futuristic creations – reflecting the town’s brightening economic and a tilt an the next hundred years.

The fashion show will be followed by a special Murder Mystery Dinner, where professional actors will entertain guest bas the enjoy a special menu of the hotel’s favourite dishes.

The evening concludes with a grand ball in the hotel’s basement ballroom, featuring its1920’s maple sprung dance floor.

“The party will be a night to remember and I’m looking forward to seeing many of our regular guests who have become great friends over the years,” said hotel owner and museum curator, Jane Bishop.

Tickets are £65 per person, with double rooms, including a champagne breakfast, costing £110 per person.

A charity raffle will be held in aid of Pilgrim’s Hospices.  Prizes include: a hair and make up make-over from Jerome, a 5-course taster menu at Jason Freedman’s  new Taste of The Med tapas restaurant upstairs at The Minnis n Birchington, a gourmet meal for two with wine at one of Dev Biswal’s Ambrette restaurants in Margate, Rye or Canterbury and a meal for 4 with wine at the award winning Indian Summer restaurant in Brighton.

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.

Join us for some creative fun and more this week in Margate

Our series of summer family workshops continue here at Turner Contemporary. This week we explore colour and light with scientists from the University of Kent, where you can build your own spectrascope. True Colour of Light and Matter Wed 13 & Thu 14 Aug, 1 - 4pm Drop in There's even more creative fun to be had over the summer holidays: Easy Sundays Every Sunday, 1 - 4pm Experiment with colour and make large scale sculptures at our alternating weekend activities Colour Collage and Build and Play.   Blank Canvas, Wed 20 & Thu 21 Aug, 1 - 4pm Our intergenerational community ask you to choose a colour, reflect on it... and create your own pair of spectacles! You will then be able to experience Margate in alTURNERnative colours. With artist Lucy Steggals.   Colour Catwalk, Sun 24 Aug, 1 - 4pm Make your own ready-to-wear pieces with jewellery designer Tatty Divine, milliner Jordan Gene Bowen, wool artist Dan Chilcott and fashion designers Luca Marchetto and Julian J Smith.    Animate Boogie Woogie Wed 27 & Thu 28 Aug, 1 - 4pm The artist Mondrian loved Disney films, and at this workshop you can try your hand at making your own animation with artist Reza Ben Gajra.   All workshops £3.50 per child, free for adults, under 3s and CT9 postcode residents       Sign up for the Art Beat Project's FREE workshops taking place in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate all summer. Activities include dancing, sculpting, digital music and theatre. Whatever you’re interested in, we have something for you, no previous experience or skills are necessary to take part.   If you would like to book a place either email learn@turnercontemporary.org, call 01843 233000, text: 07530 532 615 or via our Facebook page    Gain an Arts Award for FREE By taking part in the project you can complete Arts Award for free! Arts Awards inspire young people to grow their arts and leadership talents: it's creative, valuable and accessible. We will be offering the Bronze and Explore Awards.   Elliot Gavin Trio Wed 13 & Thu 14 Aug Exhibition & Performance 12pm, 2.30pm & 5pm The award winning Elliot Galvin Trio in collaboration with film-maker Alex Morley, sculptor Stuart Brough and sound artist Joe Wright present a brand-new, multimedia art installation delving into the memories of Margate residents.  Alongside this audiences will be treated to an original Dreamland-inspired silent film by Alex Morley accompanied by master improvisers Elliot Galvin on piano, Tom McCredie on bass andSimon Roth on drums. The trio will be performing live in the space as part of the installation.           What a Vintage Carry On Sat 16 & Sun 17 August Margate’s vintage fair returns for another fun packed year. Lots of events are taking place at several venues in Margate which will collectively celebrate all things vintage for visitors no matter what age. Activities include vintage / antiques indoor and outdoor markets, classic cars, double decker bus tours, vintage bakery, children's evacuee tea party and live music & dancing in the street. Event closes with a Vintage Ball and Quiz Night at Morgan's. Find out more >       Discover your Summer of Colour Feel the joy of being by the sea in a colourful explosion of dance, performance, theatre, art and activity in Margate and the surrounding area of Thanet, inspired by the artist Piet Mondrian. Every week, experience something colourful, new and exciting. Take a look at our dedicated website for all the events and share your Summer of Colour atsummerofcolour.org. Share on:Twitter @SummerofColour #SummerofColourFacebook.com/summer-of-colourPinterest.com/summerofcolour       That we're a charity. Your generous donation can help us continue our work. Give online today >     With thanks to Art Beat project supporters:             With thanks to our Summer of Colour supporters:                   Images: Family workshops at Turner Contemporary. Photo Jess Limbrick. Art Beat Project workshops - courtesy of Art Beat project. Elliot Gavin Trio Album Cover - courtesy Ellito gavin Trio. What a vintage carry? -  courtesy of the group.

Turner Contemporary Rendezvous Margate Kent CT9 1HGTel: +44 (0) 1843 233 000Fax: +44 (0)1843 233029 info@turnercontemporary.org turnercontemporary.org      Open  Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays 10am - 6pm (Closed Mondays)   Cafe opening times: Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 5.30pm Friday and Saturday 10am -10pm Sunday including bank holidays 10am - 5.30pm (Closed Mondays) Join us on:

DO YOU WANT A TOWN COUNCIL FOR MARGATE AND A PARISH COUNCIL FOR WESTGATE?

All residents of Thanet are being asked to give the council their views on a new proposal for a Town Council for Margate and a separate Parish Council for Westgate.

The proposal has been put forward for public consultation by the council’s Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Working Party as stage three of the Community Governance Review of Margate. Stage one of the review was a public consultation which ran from 3 March to 2 June 2014 and asked which form of local governance would be best for Margate.  The second stage of the review was the consideration of the stage one consultation responses at the Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Committee meeting on 3 July and the agreement to consult on the following proposal:

A division of the existing unparished area into two separate Parishes:

• a Town Council which will serve the wards of Cliftonville East, Cliftonville West, Dane Valley, Garlinge, Margate Central, Salmestone and Westbrook and will be known as Margate Town Council. Ward boundaries will remain unchanged and 17 Town Councillors will be elected;
• a Parish Council which will serve only the ward of Westgate-on-sea and will be known as Westgate Parish Council. The ward boundary for Westgate-on-sea will remain unchanged and 10 Parish Councillors will be elected.

Elections to the proposed Margate Town Council and Westgate Parish Council would be held on 7 May 2015 alongside the scheduled Parliamentary and local elections.

Should the above proposal be agreed, the indicative annual cost to each resident has been estimated as:

Margate Town Council:

Before Parish - Margate Charter Trustees: £6.57

Should a Town Council be established: £14.86

Westgate Parish Council:

Before Parish - Margate Charter Trustees: £6.57

Should a Parish Council be established: £24.58

The consultation on this proposal will run from 4 August 2014 to 29 September 2014 is open to all residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Two public meetings to discuss the proposal will be held:

• 7pm Wednesday 27 August at The Westgate Pavilion, 44 Sea Road, Westgate-on-sea CT8 8QW

• 7pm Thursday 28 August at the Council Chamber, TDC Offices, Cecil Street, Margate CT9 1RE

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration and Chair of the Boundary and Electoral Arrangements Working Party Cllr. David Green said: “Margate is the last remaining area in Thanet without a Town or Parish Council. I encourage all our residents to take part in this consultation and give us their views on the proposal for two new Parish/Town Councils in Margate. We want to ensure that Council can take full account of public opinion when deciding whether or not this should go ahead and need your responses to do this. Information explaining the proposal and what it would mean for Margate, including the powers of Parish/Town Councils, is available on the council’s website and I recommend that everyone, particularly those living in Margate read this and respond.”

Visit www.thanet.gov.uk/speakup for more information to take part in the consultation.

  

ENDS