A Message from the Mayor of Ramsgate - January 2023

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous 2023.

As your Mayor, I am honoured to be a part of this wonderful town and its close-knit community. The last four years have highlighted the importance of volunteers in building social connectivity and community spirit. Thanks to the many volunteers who give their time, energy and skills to help our community continue to grow stronger.

I was proud to host a ‘Thank you lunch’ for the many volunteers who work for our community. This event was an opportunity for volunteers to network with each other.

As part of the Big Green Week in the autumn, students, and teachers from Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary and Rabbi Cliff joined me and volunteers on our monthly litter pick. Together we litter-picked: Boundary Park, Ellington Park, Winterstoke Gardens, and the Montefiore Woodland. The Montefiore Woodland is a hidden jewel in Ramsgate and is worth visiting for its tranquil nature and wide variety of butterflies and other wildlife. If you would like to join me on my monthly litter pick (last Thursday of every month), please contact my PA via Ramsgate Town Council.

I also attended the first anniversary of the opening of the Sea Garden at the bottom of the Eastcliff. The garden was restored and is maintained by volunteers. I want to congratulate the volunteers of the Winterstoke Gardens & Eastcliff projects group who received a Silver Gilt award from South East in Bloom. Thanks to volunteers, Ramsgate has managed to maintain and restore its natural beauty and spaces.

As Mayor, I attended the unveiling of a memorial plaque to commemorate the life of local artist Denys Le Fevre and would like to thank Father Andrew Jacobson who invited me.

I attended the 10th Anniversary of St Augustine’s Church being made a shrine.

For the very first time I was delighted to start the White Cliffs Walking Festival walk from Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay Country Park.

I would like to thank Carl Whitewood of the Salvation Army who has done so much for our community, and all the Ramsgate Town Council technicians, my PA, Kim, and a big thank you to Mac, our former Town Sergeant who retired in September 2022.

I would like to welcome our new Town Sergeant, Paul Revuelta, and I look forward to working with him.

As always, I am available for my residents as your Thanet District Council and Ramsgate Town Council Councillor and as your Mayor. I am always here to listen to you.

Written by:
Councillor Raushan Ara (Central Harbour Ward)
Mayor of Ramsgate