Alderman Arthur Bloomfield Courtenay Kempe

Years Elected: 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942 

History:
Eldest son of Dr. A.W. Kempe of Exeter, came to Ramsgate in 1931
from Barnstaple, Devon. A descendant of Archbishop of Canterbury of
1452.

Elected to town council in 1933 for West Central Ward.

In 1935 elected to aldermanic bench.

Lived in the town, taking active part in social events, especially noted for
his work as organiser of Ramsgate's Carnival week, which helped raise
money for Ramsgate General Hospital.

Elected member of management committee of the hospital and as a life
governor, in recognition for his efforts to help the Hospital.

Known as "The top-Hatted Mayor" in the days before the war.

Keen sense of publicity which helped to further Ramsgate's image as a
seaside resort second to none. (Until the war interrupted matters).

Entertained many visitors over his time as Mayor, from "pearly Queen
to Royalty".

Took up task of organising entertainments for the troops, for which
efforts he was made welfare officer for the district and honorary
chairman.

Chairman in 1942 of Sands and Entertainment Committee.

Asked by Ministry of information to visit certain towns to tell them about
the suffering of Ramsgate as a result guilford in Surry 'adopted'
Ramsgate.

Held record for longest number of successive years in office.

Arthur Bloomsfield Courtenay Kempe;- Born Exeter 1882.

Married his wife Emily (born 1886) who came from Halesford,
Yorkshire.

Celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1954.

Lived at the following address;- 9 Bursill Crescent, Ramsgate.

Organizer of Ramsgate's 'Sports Week'.