Dame Janet Stancomb-Wills

Years Elected: 1923

History:
The daughter of Mr. George Stancomb at trowbridge, and niece by
marriage and adopted daughter of the first Baron Winterstoke,
founder of the Tobacco firm W.O. and H.O. Wills.

1. Patron of the arts inc; President of the Royal West of England
academy since 1912, - plus various other art institutes.

2. Remarkable for her generosity to Ramsgate. She had the
Winterstoke Gardens laid out for the Public use. The Maternity
Unit and Nurses home at Ramsgate General Hospital and Jackey
Bakers Recreation Grounds were examples of her generosity.

3. She brought the site for Ramsgate coach park.

4. Provided land for new elementary schools (named after her).
Provided St. John's ambulance Brigade with a motor ambulance, and
was responsible for modernising the fire brigades equipment.

5. Set a sterling example during war years. Stayed in the town during
the troubles. Member of many war time committees. Rescued the
borough finances when depletion of the population caused near
bankruptcy to the town.

6. Helped to administer Prince of Wale's trust fund for general distress
and also the Canadian government fund, during war time.

7. Came to Ramsgate in 1911 becoming a member of the Town Council
in 1913 Elected unopposed to the Sir Moses Montefiore ward.
She was soon employed on a sub-committee to make arrangements for
the opening of the new Ellington Council Schools.

8. It was for her war effort that she was made Dame of the British
Empire in 1918 by the King.

9. In 1927 she was elected as a J.P. for Ramsgate.

10. In 1922 18th March Dame Janet was admitted to the Freedom of the
Borough.

11. In 1923 elected first lady Mayor of Ramsgate and Kent.

12. 15th June 1923 Winterstoke Gardens opened by Dame Janet.

13. Holy Trinity Church was where she worshipped and was a Sunday
School Teacher.

14. Founding manager of Holy Trinity mixed schools. Plus many generous
gifts to help parish hall and numerous charities.

Lady of unequalled generosity and sense of Duty.

Died early hours of Monday 22nd August 1932 at her home East Court.