Love Letter to Ramsgate

Ramsgate is the best-known secret outside of London and sometimes I wish to keep it that way. Where would you find in one tiny spot on The Isle of Thanet so much history in its towns and coastal areas? But Ramsgate is what I want to talk about. Where does one start when one’s passion for this place keeps renewing on discovering its wonderful Georgian architecture, its town squares, blue plaques, listed buildings (over 900 of them with 200 in the vicinity of the harbour) and its numerous connections with so many historical figures, writers, painters, scientists, royalty, benefactors and more galore! Plus, I haven't even mentioned the jewel in the crown … its Royal Harbour!

I must admit I am a DFL, a Down From London girl, who has fallen in love with Ramsgate. The first impression that struck me was the topography of the landscape, Westcliff and Eastcliff joined together, like two arms caressing its manmade harbour, views from which extend along a glorious sandy beach on one side and Pegwell Bay with its nature reserve on the other. Then off the coast nearby, the Goodwin Sands, constantly changed by wind and sea and to top it off, an open sky which even on a wintry day reminds us how it continues to inspire the careful eye of the painter, the bird watcher, and the seafarer.

I see how in times gone by when the cult of the seaside retreat was established here, why visitors returned time and again for that same sense of magic and although the fabric of the town has had a few rough patches where time has not been kind, the truth is evident that today, Ramsgate’s revival is very much on the march. Like a forgotten old dame, we are putting the crown back on her head where it belongs. I think we all have a responsibility in making this happen. There’s no sense in moaning if we don't like something. Small changes can be powerful if they are accumulative, especially from the grass roots, the people in the community who make them happen. One only has to see this in action through the many wonderful, passionate volunteers who have done so much for this town. This is another reason why I love Ramsgate so much.

Having said that, I think we should have a celebratory Volunteer Day every year, highlighting and recognising the value they bring to the town and using it as a platform to recruit even more! We need more Ramsgate Days to celebrate who we are and what we have…(Who’s bringing the drinks?!)

I am also impressed by the many associations like The Ramsgate Society that challenges negative impacts on Ramsgate but also spearheads good ones like the recent bid for the Government Levelling Up Fund for Ramsgate, an initiative which includes a relaunched Maritime Museum in a newly refurbished Clock House and the creation of a new town square in Pier Yard. What a showcase that will be for Ramsgate’s historic waterfront. Bring it on!

Written by:
Sandra Silva