A Message from the Mayor of Ramsgate - February 2023

For the residents of Ramsgate, I hope 2023 will be a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Every year I am proud to be part of this wonderful community and its spirit.

A big thank you to Ramsgate Town Council and the technicians who have made all last year's events possible.

Despite the weather our Christmas lights switch on was attended by hundreds of residents. Friends of Ellington Park provided several festive events which drew many residents and visitors to the town. December’s Lanterns Parade was a sparkling success followed by other popular events; the Winter Dip at the Western Undercliff, and New Year Day swim which took place on the main sands. It was a wonderful, as many brave swimmers and supporters joined the event.

December 2022 was a busy month for me and for the many volunteers who work hard to bring our community together. I was happy to a organise a mince pie and tea party at the Salvation Army in Ramsgate as a thank you to all our volunteers. It was wonderful to see so many people attend.

A massive thank you to Carl Whitewood and his team whose work supporting the homeless and the community has been fantastic. Carl organised a Christmas lunch and over 90 people attended, I was happy to give my support along with other volunteers.

I would like to thank Thanet District Council (TDC) for inviting me and members of the community to take part in various tree planting events. TDC’s Tree and Biodiversity Action initiative is extremely important. Every tree planted will bring incredible benefits for the Ramsgate community, local wildlife, and our climate.

I am particularly pleased that children and residents from Ramsgate have been given the opportunity to play their part in this project and are helping to make their local environment a nicer place to live.

I also want to mention the wonderful work of Councillor Anne-Marie Nixey and Susan Kennedy who organised the Advent Door event over the month of December to raise funds for the Winter Shelter.

And finally, I want to thank all the people who joined my litter picking event in Ramsgate’s Town Centre, on New Year's Day. Encouraged by our local belly dancers which proved extremely popular, we had a very productive morning.

Once again, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and a massive thank you to all the volunteers.

Written by:
Councillor Raushan Ara,
Mayor of Ramsgate,
Councillor for Central Harbour Ward