.jpg)
Once again, this year seems to have flown by. I am writing this article in the middle of November 2025, but by the time you read it, it will be in the first couple of months of the new year 2026. The girls will be getting ready to stand down on March 7, and those who want to enter are preparing themselves for the tasks ahead. I want to highlight the brilliant year the Ramsgate Court have had: Miss Ramsgate, Annie Johnson; Deputy Miss Ramsgate, Kayla Armer; with Ramsgate Princesses, Chloe Berry and Brooke Stokes; Deputy Princess, Shannon Grainger and Ramsgate Mascot, Leah Pearce. Although the Court was busy in the earlier part of their reign, the girls have still enjoyed the events so far. Overall, the Court have attended 37 events up to November 13, 2025, with more events to carry out and attend before they step down on March 7, 2026.
When I go to speak to anyone about the Carnival Queens or the Town Court, I get many comments that girls should not be parading in swimwear, and some parents, particularly Fathers are very against their children taking part. I wish to make it clear we are not a beauty pageant and girls do not wear swimwear or skimpy outfits. They are judged mostly on their personality and the girls who are chosen to represent Ramsgate have a brilliant year and get opportunities they may never get anywhere else.
Many teachers and educational staff say what a good thing it is for the girls to be in the Court, as they gain more confidence in themselves, they make a lot more friends, some for a lifetime, their posture improves, their ability to join in educational group work improves, their grooming and personal appearance improves as does their own self-worth. They feel that they have a place in society, and they know how to behave in different social situations. Although the Court have a lot of official events they can attend in the town, there are also a lot of fun times that the girls join in with.
Apart from attending carnivals around Kent and some in Essex, this year’s girls on the Court have had a memorable time this year. The Court have attended 42 events, with more planned before the end of their year.
In my last article that I wrote for this magazine, I highlighted the events that the girls had attended, from their Selection in March until Ramsgate Carnival day at the end of July. The carnival was a good event, and the Court thoroughly enjoyed the day. Numerous people wanted to talk and photograph the girls; and they were received well by the crowd watching the parade and everyone seemed to like our Sunflower float. Unfortunately, the number of carnivals in Kent are decreasing and even more so their carnival Courts. For example, Margate, Herne Bay and Whitstable all have a carnival, but no Court, which is why we want to maintain the tradition of Miss Ramsgate. After the carnival, the Ramsgate Court and the Miss Ramsgate Organisation Committee host a meal and a dance for all the visiting Courts and their Chaperones, which usually consists of around 150 people. This is always a lot of fun, but this year with the Women’s FA Cup Final on the same day, we had the TV on for those who wished to see it. As the game progressed and England won the match, the atmosphere was remarkable, and the spirits rose in celebrations. It was an event to remember.
The whole of our year is based on the girls having fun, and often there are events put on for all the Kent Courts. The AKCO (Association of Kent Carnival Organisations) games has everything from a quiz to a sack race with four in a sack; blindfold races and balloon between the leg race to name a few, followed by a BBQ. Ramsgate only had two girls involved that day, so Kayla and Leah joined with two girls from Minster, Carla and Eden, calling themselves the “Ramsters”, and they won!
Other carnivals have some fun after their meal. After Sheppey Carnival, the Courts are allowed to go on the fairground rides and also watch the fireworks. After Minster Flower Show / Carnival, there were more games and a BBQ. One weekend they went to the Ramsgate Tunnels to see the Steam and Trains models, and they got to ride on the miniature train along the seafront. At Burnham on Crouch Carnival, they were given a tea at the Royal Burnham Yacht Club, before joining the torchlight parade.
The girls have taken part in a couple of Fancy dress events, one as a Country and Western party, with Line dancing - fantastic fun. The second was a Halloween / Night Before Christmas theme at Sheppey. Our Court went as a ghostly wedding and won the fancy dress section and the decorated table and came 3rd in the games.
After I submit this article, the Courts from Kent are going to Quex Park to enjoy a session of Ice Skating, then they have Ramsgate Christmas Light Switch On, and a Christmas party in Deal. The year finishes with a parade in Ramsgate on New Year’s Eve Afternoon. The Court then starts again on January 11, when awards are presented for the best in the past year, so we keep our fingers crossed. The Girls stand down on March 7, but before that on February 20, they go to see the Police Pantomime. Carnivals award prizes for the Court, Queens, Princesses and Floats and I am pleased to say that up to this point Ramsgate have won 37 awards from all sections. Well done girls!
Any girls wishing to enter Miss Ramsgate for 2026, entry forms will go out on our Facebook page or contact the Court Manager on 07798 677140. Girls must be 13 - 21 years old and live in CT11 or CT12 postcodes. Judging is in two parts, in the afternoon and evening, and you must attend both sessions. This takes place on Saturday March 7, at Manston Sports and Social Club in Manston.
Written by:
Marion Pearce
Miss Ramsgate Court Manager