Ramsgate Mitch

delayed.....having a laugh...or what!

2008-10-26T17:01:00.006Z

Yes, it seems as though I published the second birthday 'romp' and then disappeared for 2 weeks. As those of you that know me; there are times when time flies by and seems to go far too quickly.... and today we lost an hour as well going back to GMT. Here it is 6pm and 'pitch black' out there. There goes another summer and Christmas is around the corner!
When I think of working full time and still do the things I do now and more. True, as somebody said maybe I did them a lot quicker then to meet deadlines which frankly don't exist now! If it gets done great! If not, do I worry?
Back to serious matters. Though I don't publish, I still keep up with what's going on and I notice Michael has published some plans/drawings of a replacement for the Marina Cafe site on the sea front. See what you mean about flying saucers! I thought it was to be replaced by a reproduction of what was there using modern building methods not 'futuristic' design that'll stick out like a 'sore thumb' on what is supposed to be a listed terrace from numbers 1 to 4. Come on somebody's having a laugh trying to link that monstrosity to what's left of the remaining elevation.

birthday girl......

2008-10-14T16:03:00.005+01:00

As you can see my youngest grand daughter celebrated her 2nd birthday and thoroughly enjoyed herself. With the food (remains still to be scraped off!) and party games. Good fun but was I glad to be able to disappear into the garden every now and again; where the weather was definitely 'summer like'. Her older sister will be 5 next March and with starting school last September is becoming more 'lady like'..... My daughter thought it might be a good idea for me to 'look after' Neve now that her sister is at school and that will enable her to relax for a couple of hours or so. Sounds like a good idea to me walkabouts round the town and on the sea front, we'll see!

I've just invested in the latest iPod Classic with 120 GB of memory. Since I've been uploading and saving photos of family and friends I'm looking at nearly 4000 photographs without the audio and video files. Still got 108 GB left to take the movies and music so that'll keep me busy and above all they will be transportable and it has a video screen to watch as well as the standard headphones for the audio tracks. Bit of an upgrade from the 'Walkman' I've been used to...ain't this technology wonderful, when you've worked out the buttons to push.

So....

2008-10-10T17:13:00.003+01:00

In my order of preference:

We've got our own Town Council from next year and God bless all who sail in her. At least they've got plenty to work on. Just walking about locally will ensure there's no shortage of projects for improvement in the area...

Phase 1 of China Gateway has received the go ahead including all the amendments required to make sure it is 'safe to do so'!

The residents of Acol and the surrounding areas that are now blighted with what looks like a hell on earth scenario; must be sitting on a time bomb if they need to sell up.

I came past Richborough this morning and noticed apart from the 'Siemans' signs on the fencing, there was very little else going on. ECR published a problem with the wind farm development on one of his postings. I expect with the shortage of cash, it'll go on hold for the time being along with much other development; as one of my commentators has said to my thoughts about leaving demolished sites empty for a while.

rest over...back to the grindstone.....

2008-10-09T12:50:00.003+01:00

Well back to 'normal'......

What happened to Tuesday and Wednesday, they came and went.....

Fantastic weather so I decided to spend the time in the garden, getting tidy and planting for the coming winter season. It always amazes me how much 'garden stuff' you manage to accumulate over the summer. That will take care of the coming Friday morning going to the tip getting rid of it all and probably meet a few like minded people.

The last two days spent in the sunshine, supping tea and making everything smart and that's in my 'postage stamp' size area. I can quite understand how those with a vast area have to get help! What seemed like a 'walk on the park' (no pun intended), a few years ago could be viewed with panic or just leave it until later; now. Five or so years ago, I made a point of trying to get everything outside pretty maintenance easy. It has paid off so I can take 2 or 3 fine days keeping on top of it all! At least it means when we get the weather to sit out in, I can do just that. It's another room to use.....

just for emergencies......

2008-10-06T14:26:00.004+01:00

Got back from my travels over the weekend and thought the above photo was rather apt with previous conversations about the lack of facilities in the town now. My bedroom for the Friday night had this magnificent piece of furniture as my bedside table. An original wash-stand without the matching wash bowl above but the marble top made a good depository for today's mod cons, including phone etc.

The journey was trouble free and a marvellous time was had by all to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary and some of the speeches from friends and relatives of my era made for interesting listening. The younger generation looked on in amazement that their parents/relatives could have behaved in such a way! Made them realise there was such a time as the 'swinging sixties' and it wasn't just something thought up as a 'history lesson' for them. Some of the fashions worn by their parents and their hairstyles proved they were there and the 'old men' of now did have hair!

I took the opportunity of using almost an hour of video footage which I can play with and send them a DVD for them to keep as a memory of the occasion.

When we finally finished, I fell into bed and the following morning finished my stay with a swim in the pool, steam bath, sauna and a 'proper' breakfast. Duly nourished I returned home during the day through rain storms flooded roads to our part of the globe. Today it was back to reality and catch up with normal life until the next chance to wander down 'memory lane'......

surfing...aha and an alien....

2008-10-02T13:55:00.005+01:00

When things go 'pear shaped' technically I mean... It's good to search and read all those 'political and contentious' offerings that pervade the blog site airwaves. It's interesting to note the stuff that 'might happen' vs the stuff that 'has happened'. I suppose when factual news is quiet, a bit of scandel or 'truth stretching' makes for interesting reading. This month should certainly see a few questions answered but I think our local problems will be sorted out and of course the cost of these decisions will be borne by us the tax payers and more decisions will be made to please some and upset others!

One of my students went home yesterday and phoned me as I asked him to; when he got back to his family. On September 3rd he travelled to London to apply for a transit visa from the Belgian authorities. No problem they said so he left his passport and paid the fee, got a receipt and came back here. Last weekend he'd heard nothing and was due to leave October 1st, another trip to London to collect what they had promised to post to him. At the same time he was due to sit an examination, no passport NO EXAM! Picked up his passport from the authorities with NO VISA. Took the exam and came back here. Yesterday he went to Gatwick to catch a plane to Belgium where he intended to pick up his flight to Burundi (Africa). With no visa, if there was any delay in the long haul flight he would be unable to leave Brussels airport and would have to wait there...hey ho!
We think our systems are bad, imagine his predicament. He would have been stuck there because his paperwork made him an alien and transported back to the UK by the Belgian authorities!

here we are again...

2008-10-01T15:03:00.008+01:00

It looks as though yesterday's effort was labeled with the correct day. I saved what I'd managed and then edited it this morning and posted with the relevant comments added.

I was trying to thank Nethercourt for his comment we reference to our problem and if it's interfearing with his social life, that's a serious matter!

I must admit to being very much in the dark with these 'technical' misdemeanours. My mind is still firmly stuck in the 'button A and button B' age and to think all this information along with phone calls and TV comes along the same piece of copper wire that's been dangling from my house to the telegraph pole that's been there for the last 30 years plus is nothing short of a miracle! Enough...'cos it can only get better and maybe I'll absorb a bit more....hmmm!

At least the transport situation has improved; started on the button at 4 am this morning and got me back here from Gatwick 4 hours later. So let's hope the next marathon 410 miles at the week end goes OK. I'm glad it's diesel and not petrol. I manage a little over 50 mpg on a run so it doesn't quite 'break the bank'. Sorry, wrong metaphor at this moment in time!

Had a personal visit from a neighbour who's interested in the possible development behind Gina Court AKA Mount Albion House. She too, had read Michael's blog and his publishing of Don Long's various narratives about our area. I directed her to two other people in the viscinity who'd be more up to date with what's going on there, if anything.

Good that our communications are producing results and creating local interest. Let's keep it going.

rain, rain and still more to come!

2008-09-30T15:21:00.005+01:00

With all this wet stuff, no need to tend the garden. No way I'm going walkabout today so I'll surf the net and do some studies and if my network ISP doesn't drop out. I wouldn't mind but they keep flashing that they're 'having difficulties'. That doesn't help when you're getting into something interesting or trying to reply to a mailing. Yes, I 'back up' and 'save' when I remember but you can guarantee some thing will go 'pearshaped' when you don't expect it.

This was due tobe published yesterday but yet again my ISP decided to drop out . So if you read the previous paragraph as yesterday's (Tuesday 30.9.08); then I'll start again for today with another posting.

going, going, gone.....

2008-09-29T16:21:00.004+01:00

I had to walk into the town this morning and in common with most of the older generation; looked for a loo! They're getting very few and far between...

My usual town centre establishment was still there in Cavendish Street. I then walked on to the old Police Station site. I'm pleased to say the old police building was there but the court next door (which in my opinion was a 'horror' anyway) was nearly gone. Mr Goody was doing a grand job in making it disappear. I had noticed the opposition in the knock 'em down game namely DDS had recently flattened the Pikes shopfitting site very quickly!

What a pity these areas can't be left empty for a while to 'air' and let people see how much land is actually taken by building. Maybe they are if you don't take the groundworks into consideration.
Yes, I know the old gasworks site in Boundary Road has been empty for years but that's not exactly 'empty' with all the ironwork and holes everywhere.

I can visualise a busy week ahead for your truly; so let's hope the transport works OK!

Welcome back Matt B, I see you're blogging again....

thanks and sorry....

2008-09-27T13:56:00.010+01:00

.... thanks for the 2 comments on my last posting, so it looks as though something is happening both at the Ramsgate Port and Richborough.

Sorry about my absence from the scene yesterday. Got a call from my daughter to pick up a car seat for my grandaughter. No problem, went over and picked it up, must keep within the bounds of the law. When my children were small, no problems they sat in the back with their favourite toys, blankets and pillows, five minnutes later all fast asleep until we arrived at our destination!

I got to her house with the required seat, stayed for lunch and then take Phoebe to school for her dad to collect on his return from work. Lunch eaten, seat attached, Phoebe and school books loaded. Vehicle won't start, just an ominous 'click'. As Phoebe said 'it's gone to sleep Grandad'. Phoned the breakdown assistance, one cup of tea and an hour later he arrived. Under the bonnet he can see a spark emanating from the starter motor cable. Tightens up the connection, 'brmm' no problem. Back into the house, phoned the school to apologise, another cup of tea. Phoned my local garage who kindly said they would check it out. Said my 'goodbyes' took my transport to the garage for had an oil and filter change at the same time as the 'checkover'. Went home and at 5.30 the garage phoned to day the motor was serviced and checked out OK. Day gone with not a lot accomplished but maybe the vehicle is 'better' now, only time will tell....

maybe not well, but it's alive....

2008-09-25T14:24:00.004+01:00

Through the letter box with a clunk...... as if to say: "I'm here, read me". Dropped a copy of the Thanet Extra. Delivered on time....

It answered a question that a friend of mine from the Midlands asked me a few weeks ago as we motored back from Dover along the A256. 'What's going on in the Richborough Power Station?" As we turned the roundabout and carried on toward Ramsgate. I said "nothing, it's all derelict with the generating gubbins sold to India". I remember the malarky with the transportation of the equipment to the port for loading onto a freight ship bound for distant lands. The cooling towers were to be 'blown up' and that was to be the end of the power station, hmmmm...... well, the towers are still there and it would appear the wind farm people are building something technical there. But, the last thing I heard there was a problem financing the building of the turbines and Shell had pulled out, leaving a shortage of cash. Now the article tells us the port will still be providing support for the project and this technical equipment is needed for ongoing connection!!

Anybody know what's going on ? Will we have lots of windmills to look at generating loads of power, providing loads of Ramsgate Port jobs. If so did anybody tell EDF who are taking over our nuclear power industry to build 4 new generating stations. Instead of importing French power maybe we'll be able to export it!

map as well now.....

2008-09-24T11:17:00.007+01:00

Sitting on my 'inbox' this morning was a map showing with clarity exactly where the premises were in relation to the surrounding streets.

There was no development on that side at all with the street layout yet to be put in place to service the housing that was to come....

Thanks again John for this 'gem' along with ther ancillary beer mat pictures; shame we can't materialise the 'good stuff' that sat on them!

PJK I'm glad the brewery picture invoked such pleasant memories of your GGG. I think in those days most of the local licenced premises were owned or supplied by T.W. or Cobbs of Margate. Serious socialization took place in the pubs where news and scandal was swopped about the local happenings and goings on in Ramsgate. Reminds you of something that can't return but we have those memories to cherish and swop amongst ourselves.

look at this...trees and all.....

2008-09-23T16:30:00.005+01:00

......and there's me looking at the weather and just like Peter (Checksfield), decided that best place to be was here; researching and studying....

In my e-mail was a photo of Tomson and Wooton brewery complete with trees, dray, barrels of the 'good stuff' with lots of people. A sociologists dream of some years ago. Anybody fancy dating it?

Thanks John for taking the trouble to pass this fantastic photo to me maybe this could be the 'jolt' that'll remind people they have something interesting for me!

When I get some results from the local paper archives, I'll pass it on after adding the information to my notes.

I notice the 'Extra' could be in trouble. I'm afraid that if I pay for something advertising a service that will happen on the Friday and the paper arrives on the following Saturday or not at all. Then I'd expect the advertisers/customers of the paper to go elsewhere, withdrawing their support.

With electronic means of communication broadcasting news and events immediately. The days of 'snail' mail and newspapers are gone. Obviously daily, weekly and monthly sheets with interesting articles and points of view, still have a market for the moment....but for how long?

still researching.....

2008-09-22T14:01:00.003+01:00

At the time of writing, I've had no response to my request for any information on the Tomson and Wotton Brewery site. As I said previously there's nothing left on site apart from the alley name behind the school.

On my first 'net surfing' I've confirmed there was a 'brewery' on the site from1634. It would have been the oldest Kent brewery. The demolished buildings that made way for the supermarket were there from 1854 and closed when the site was sold in 1968.

I think I'll check the local paper archives of the time which should throw up something for about the time of demolision and development....

visits, exploration and comments...

2008-09-20T13:48:00.007+01:00

Saw my daughter yesterday, played with the grandchildren, did the school run and called into my friend for the much needed cup of tea...

On the return journey thought I'd come back via Queen Street, parked up and did some exploration around the old Tomson and Wotton site; now Waitrose. Nothing there but I did notice on a walk to look at the library, one of the little turnings there was called 'Tomsons Passage' now that couldn't be a coincidence not with that spelling. I've had no response to my request for info' so I'm going to put some enquiries into the Internet search engine and see what happens....

Why is the library site taking so long to complete? Development for housing goes from the groundwork to occupation within six months! I know there is a question of ensuring the existing structure salvaged from the disastrous fire has to be blended and fastened safely to the new building, but FOUR years is pushing it. I remember that there was a no photographs allowed ruling so I just looked and wondered in silence....

So the Maritime Museum will be closed and vacated by October 1st, nice idea on ECR's site about a fish restaurant but what about the one next to the 'Oak Hotel' I think it's called 'Atlantis' and like the hotel; owned by 'Thorley Taverns'. I know we need competition but that's pushing it; a bit like Weatherspoons (suggested for the sad Pavillion site) vs the Sovereign (just opened in Harbour Street). I tell you what, it would make the perfect 'piat de terre' seaside residence for the millionnaire boat owner, just for that second home to be near the boat! Even the Pavillion would divide into luxury accommodation to 'die for' and the extensive refurbishment and renovation required wouldn't present any problem to the monied gentry looking for that 'special postal address'. Then maybe we could let the Pleasurama site be returned where it belongs to the Ramsgate residents to develop as an asset to be enjoyed by everyone; not just the favoured few!

.....best laid plans and a question?

2008-09-18T15:39:00.010+01:00

................as it was the middle of the week yesterday...I started to think about the weekend! As you do..... You know, plans and all that. Sat down to watch a bit of TV and the phone goes, it's my daughter on the other end. Was I busy on Friday? Then she said, she remembered my usual shopping visits were made on Friday morning but would I like to visit for lunch? Then would I take my grandaughter to school. Being her first experience of primary school she goes for half a day, three days a week. We don't want her to miss any attendances if possible. Her father would pick her up on his way back from work. Well a chance to see a 'cherub' and join in the school activities, yea.....

So, a bit of re-scheduling with the shopping completed this morning and other little jobs done this afternoon, that left me to blog and make ready for lunch and the school trip tomorrow! Nothing like a bit of re-organisation to keep you active...hmmmm..

I was thinking of having a wander onto the other cliff, to see how the 'posh' people live! Talking to some people about Waitrose the 'posh' peoples shopping place to meet! I seem to remember it stands on land once occupied by the Tomson and Wotton brewery and was bought for development by the supermarket. My research antenae started to twitch and I wondered if there were any landmarks left over there. Does anyone have any photos or narrative about the old place, would it have been older than the Shepherd Neame, Faversham brewery? Michael if you're reading have you got any answers? Anyway I'll go and have a look and see what I can find, probably next week.

I do use the supermarket sometimes as I'm an ardent fan of John Lewis department stores in both London and Bluewater but that's another story from my very early past......

easy life! With links.....

2008-09-17T14:47:00.004+01:00

...........by offering 'links' to the site I'm referring to, it seems to make life easier for the reader. maybe the word spreads about different site contents once they've been opened.. They've only got to click their mouse and 'hey presto' you're there!

Peter Checksfield http://nakedinthanet.blogspot.com/ commented on how we'd managed to develop a good relationship between our local sites and their content. Yes, I think we do influence the local papers; after all it's probably 'old news' to the net community!

I understand how his 'lighter side' to other peoples problems comes about....! To me the human body is not a pretty sight when age takes its toll... but who cares? I've no intention of stripping off but I might go into shorts for the Thanet 2009 season, I draw the line at wearing one of Michaels 'T' shirts, just a tad too colourful for me!

Today things are quiet but could this be the lull before the storm? According to the news, money's getting tight and pretty soon we'll run out of different banks in which to store the little we have! I must admit 1974 was more frightening to me personally and I was in an excellent job in those days. Not a poor old pensioner on a limited income.....aahh I hear you say!

...still looking!

2008-09-16T12:38:00.003+01:00

My 'in box' answered a query from a Belgian fellow student and set me off to find an answer to their question...! All done and sent... Must have done the trick 'cos there's nothing from them today. Instead a Swiss student decided to come back with travel details concerning his arrival here in Ramsgate; he's coming for a holiday...! Yes, most of my visitors love our 'quaint' town in which to base themselves and come back to explore it going further into Kent and even braving the London Underground to get about our wonderful Capital city. Frightens me but they love it and come back describing in graphic detail some of their adventures... I se their views of our London land marks; Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London and Tower Bridges, the River Thames et al., with an exciting and new perspective!

In answer to Matt B, http://thanetstar.com/ between Michael and Richard, I'm amazed how they both find time for anything else. With the research carried out for Thanetonline how the bloke manages to run a successful business and field the TDC research on many subjects at the same time. With ECR, http://eastcliffrichard.blogspot.com/ I notice that anything he publishes from whatever source including contributions from other 'bloggers' always raises a comment or two! That's just two of the many interesting sites we're fortunate to have commenting on our area....

.....having a look!

2008-09-15T14:52:00.003+01:00

......still full of aches and pains! So I thought I'd surf the net in between my pre-amble studies! Looked at Michael's site and I'd be very suprised if a sensible decision is taken with reference to the Manston development. I'm afraid with all the brown field sites available here it would be ridiculous to use prime agricultural land to build on. Surely there might be a case for it if we'd run out of dilapidated eyesores to demolish/convert but we haven't, have we?

I see Richard has brought the sea front Casino building back into the news. Surely Weatherspoons haven't got that much money to waste before the doors are even open. Do we really want another place similar to the Sovereign, this time right on the sea front?

My e mail inbox flashed up with a response to my 'studies query'; it's from Belgium! Lets go and have a look...

study mode...

2008-09-14T13:09:00.004+01:00

The weather's smashing, it's nice and quiet so I'm in study mode. Thought I'd give my 'study guide' and the related text books a viewing. It pays to give everything a look at before hand especially as now most of the submissions are electronic. My first 'trawl' of the information I have to absorb looks somewhat daunting but I'm sure like all courses attempted for the first time it never looks easy, otherwise 'what would be the point'!
How things move on in the education and communication field. Without needing to be too technical you still need to understand which buttons to push and what the end result will be. No point in using valuable resources like three hours work and then losing it into the unforgiving 'ether'. It is good to know there are people out there in exactly the same boat as me and even some who know even less!

under the weather.....so time to think!

2008-09-13T12:52:00.006+01:00

....so much for my good intentions of having a wander round the area with my camera. Spent most of the latter part of this week suffering from aches and pains! One of my neighbours noticed I'd been hobbling about and offered some sage advice about 'old age'. Trouble is I've got so many things to do! I can't think about putting too much on 'the back burner' otherwise it piles up!

Anyway, somebody's got to do the weekly visit to the supermarket temples otherwise we starve...
It made me think about shopping locally; no point. I can't park and to walk any great distance at the moment is painful. So the big shopping area wins again. Not only am I able to park with impunity but they're giving vouchers for cheap fuel and as I'm going on a long distance journey next month that'll do very nicely. Yes, I tried to price it up in cash and convenience going by train or bus, when I'd got to double the cost by using public transport and more agrevation changing connections in London, I stopped. Let the motor vehicle take the strain from door to door with my glad rags hung up so they don't crease!
I do try to do the communal thing, it costs me money and convenience.

Town centres came about because people in the past wanted them, everything in one place and within easy walking distance of their home. King Street in Ramsgate was an example with shops running the length of it on both sides leading to the town centre. Different now with most of the retail buildings being converted or rebuilt as accommodation, why? Because people don't want to buy most of their stuff locally. They can meet their friends and perhaps have coffee and patronise those individual or unusual shops. Call into their special greengrocer or butcher for something small and carryable. Those that have transport or can use the bus; go the the hypermarkets and shops and multiple stores close by. Most weekly shopping is completed in one visit or for those that enjoy a browse, it's all close at hand with no parking worries. For now it's what people want and are prepared to support with their custom. When they don't things will change and that is 'evolution' which for those business's that are 'on the ball', will take advantage of.

do you remember.......?

2008-09-10T17:31:00.004+01:00

Took a trip over for lunch with my grandchildren today. My eldest grandaughter started school and was resplendent in her new school uniform.... Do you remember your 1st day, perhaps it was too traumatic?

As you can see, no problems here with smiles all round. Except Mummy of course who was worried, just in case!

Hopefully I'll get out and about tomorrow but this invite was too good to miss, don't you agree?

another lovely day.....

2008-09-09T15:09:00.004+01:00

..............Summer's late but it's arrived today.

Brasses polished, house front swept. Not a bottle, can, paper bag, sweet wrapper or any dog excrement to be seen! Maybe because it's Tuesday not later in the week, but let's be positive. As anon mentioned in his comment, it's got something to do with taking pride in where we are and what we do. God, I feel good; is it going to last?

Better get into the garden and take advantage of the weather and this positive attitude I've got by completing those mundane chores every gardener hates....

I'll do some walking tomorrow and take the camera with me, just to snap anything interesting for the page.

no excuses, it's dry today.....

2008-09-08T17:23:00.004+01:00

......I had no excuse, so out I went into my 'postage stamp' garden and started the clear up. I managed to fill a bag with garden rubbish and got some primroses in. The summer baskets still look pretty good as long as the weather remains mild and wet. At the first sign of it getting seriously cold, nature will take its course and I'll be presented with brown foliage to dispose of and the newly planted baskets of pansies and viola can go up for the winter display.
When I get another few bags of garden rubbish, I'll be a model citizen and dispose of it at our local tip along with anything my neighbours have got to go. That's how we do things here and wo-be-tide anyone who does an Augusta Road. I've been reading local blogs and the problems they've been having. I agree that when you've got a moving population in an area, there's no reason for them to feel any sense of ownership. There's no point in fining them 'cos they don't pay and just move on! I'm afraid the only way to keep on top of it is for the 'locals' to tidy up. I'd like some reward for the cans, bottles and dog excrement I clean up on the pavement outside my house! Although there's no financial reward I and my neighbours have a go and it works! We all stick together in our little patch and try to keep it nice and tidy. Yes, I'd say we're all proud of our houses, look after them and the local area.... despite today's throw away society!

reading, walking, talking and listening......

2008-09-07T10:27:00.005+01:00

Spent yesterday doing all 4, thank goodness it was too miserable to do some gardening. A friend commented that all the work done to produce the 'summer look' has been wasted because of her inability to sit in the garden to admire her handywork. Can't disagree but my conservatory/dining area means I'm able to admire the greenery and colour no matter what the weather is doing. So I'm going to continue planting for a winter show....silly me?

I walked down Victoria Road to pick up a paper and noticed the completed Dormans Yard development seems to be occupied with the other housing development opposite; Victoria something well on the way to completion. Does anybody know why the junction between Bellevue Road and Victoria Road keeps being dug up, filled in and the road traffic controlled by lights. I know its to do with gas main replacement 'cos the pipes are yellow coloured but why's it taking so long?

Crossing into Boundary Road the used car showroom site is now completed as flats and occupied. Next to it the old 'Pike Shopfitters' site is now 'flattened' and what an area that covered! Presumably it has been earmarked for housing? On this side of the town we must be getting very close to the housing requirement for the area, hopefully the utilities required will be sufficient to keep everything flowing as normal! Looking across Hardres Street at the Aldi building I have to say, what a pleasure to see a local shop even if it is a 'multiple'. The old Invicta car showroom and service area never looked right there and always looked temporary. The style of the new Aldi building is totally in keeping with the area. The colours blending in with the old Gas Board building opposite in Boundary Road. That 'old gas works' site next door is still empty; it's an eyesore and with the gas holder still there, looks as though it will be some time before the land can be decontaminated and made ready for development. Please no industry, maybe some retail and social buildings set into open space. The whole area developed as a one light and open space there's plenty of 'space' to make it something special for the local inhabitants with a theme maybe linking it to an illustrious past and a very positive future.... Sorry, I'm rambling but you see what I mean and where I'm going in the 21st century scheme of things?

With all the additional building increasing the number of homes and utilizing the areas concerned to their utmost. Surely the new property rateable values generated must be increasing the local goverment income? But, all we hear about is services being curtailed, cut and the costs going up! Surely there must be a time when they go down or even stay the same with all these efficiency innitiatives being implemented. Have I got it wrong, have I got the wrong coloured glasses on or reading the wrong clues relating to the scale of economies being achieved?

walking on....

2008-09-05T12:02:00.006+01:00

Walking on along the foreshore the Maritime Museum's still open and what an interesting place it is, very undervalued and used in my opinion. I noticed the first floor restaurant in the row of shops on the right is being refurbished; think it used to be the Captains Table lets hope the food and service will be better this time! I see the old casino is still up for sale....wish I had the type of money being asked. As I've said before the next owner is going to need plenty of dosh to comply with all the safety regulations before welcoming anyone in to spend their cash on what's on offer.
Crossing the road I see the Royal has had a facelift maybe to compete with our latest arrival that has replaced the indoor market. The Sovereign is massive inside and offers good value food and drink similar to the 'Harvester' type of fare, looking at the menu 'what you see is what you get, and fairly quickly. Walking on down Harbour Street the burnt out Italian restaurant looks in a very precarious state so I kept well away from it by staying on the other pavement. Crusties is back and looking very smart and busy as usual as I walked by. Looking across into the High Street with all its stalls, it was market day Friday of course, there were plenty of people milling about! Do they spend money and is the market here good for the area? I wonder what the shopkeepers think of it moving from its dogtrack venue all those years ago?
I'm afraid the pavements and walkways are no cleaner and they certainly sport some rather unlevel areas that must cause problems to some of our unsteady walkers. Turning right into King Street it looks as though it will be mostly living accommodation shortly with shops and the big pub (Braces)closing and becoming vacated waiting for another use. Michael's Bookshop still seems to be weathering the storm despite being between two empty shops. Must be his personality....

Me contentious...... I think not!!

2008-09-04T13:35:00.007+01:00

At least my favourite book man missed me..... My local knowledge has been enhanced Michael by being a regular subscriber to your blog.

That's not to say my chuckles have not been raised to loud laughter at some of the excellent banter emanating from our blogmaster ECR and the comments he raises from his subscribers of which I'm one. I'm afraid I don't have the information or intimate knowledge of the local council and its members to be able to comment on the 'goings on' that seem to happen and of which those 'in the know' are a party to either knowingly or by accident.

I did say I'd comment on the happenings or non happenings prior to my absence from the scene. They seem to have completed the shrouding of the Marina cafe site in scaffold, tin sheet and polythene so I hope the clock will move faster for the replacement of the building than is usual for the area, 'cos it is listed, isn't it and will be replaced exactly as it was?

The Pleasurama site having completed the access road and roundabout to NOWHERE! Has come to a standstill with nothing being allowed to occupy the site over the summer period, because its not safe to let people into the area. A seafront prime site has been left with piles of rubble to welcome both us residents and the visitors. There were people taking names of prospective buyers of the new Royal Sands development a few weeks ago. Simulations of the intended buildings and services were being shown. The concrete cliff front has been painted as far as the development ending; with the rest, just left. Why?
The same above for the excellent railings which end for some reason abruptly. Why?
Where the painting has taken place, a cracked area has been left with the new top walkway 'temporarily' fenced off. I've put the word in itallics and quotes because the last lot of temporary fencing in the area lasted a long, long, long time! I'm told the cracked area on the concrete cliff face is the result of instability of the cliff behind it. But, the area has been renewed and the top walkway resurfaced prior to being given a coat of paint on the front. Hasn't it? Why?
I'm intrigued to know what the prospective customers of the flats and amenities that the Royal Sands offers are going to do about insuring their lovely new properties? It would appear the whole site will be uninsurable if the means of escape from either flood, fire or any other mishap is not available. The hotel and retail premises will obviously be in the same boat, won't they,? Why?
I think I've raised enough questions for today, hopefully somebody out there has some answers to all of even some of the questions I've asked? Back tomorrow with some more personal comments and the questions they raise.

back again.....

2008-09-03T11:57:00.008+01:00

My intention was to return on September 1st but the best laid plans....

Although I haven't been able to to 'blog', it's given me a chance to follow the jottings posted by all my old favourites plus a few new ones.

Things are much the same as they were here in lovely Ramsgate. The pace is still how I like it, 'dead slow' and 'stop'. I had to visit London a couple of times and can't believe I worked and lived there for more than 30 years before I made the move down here. The pace if anything has got faster, the buildings have changed and the atmosphere has a 'cosmopolitan' air about it. Certainly not what I remember but my children; the one who still lives in north London told me that it's the place to be. The social life is there, along with the ability to be at the 'sharp edge' of her chosen profession which if I interpret correctly means 'top money' can be earned! Just the same as me all those years ago!!
Pretty soon if rumour is to be believed we'll be within commuting time from here for working in the capital. I know some people do it already, those that are able to add 2 hours onto each end of their working day.... due to need or they just like it that way. Our way of life here is bound to change with all that income ending up here on the island. Without having to industrialise locally to offer jobs, it'll happen with people moving into the area. Two of my 3 children now live in Kent as they've got older and started families of their own. They say the quality of life they've achieved replaces what used to be their work all hours and rush around philosophy when they were younger.....
Anyway that's enough to start my return and I'll be back tomorrow to give my comments on the local happenings or lack of them.

sorry.....!!!

2008-04-15T16:38:00.003+01:00

.......been a bit hectic here over the past 2 weeks or so. I've been reading all the latest 'goings on' in Thanet... So, when I get a moment, there'll be lots to talk about !

maybe it's me....

2008-03-26T16:03:00.003Z

Just got back from an afternoon East Cliff walk and walked down the Marina hill behind the cafe site. I noticed that more scaffold beams have been tied to the original structure and the scaffolder's were working. I was told the structure was to be made 'hurricane proof' and the beams would be supporting a metal roof to protect the building underneath.
The cost of this scaffolding masterpiece must be considerable to protect what must be only a third of the original listed structure. Why I wonder was nothing done for years to protect the whole building from the elements and then a decision made by the 'professionals' to demolish two thirds of the building in the name of public safety or restoration/conservation. Which reason was it I forget; that we are now left with nothing that needs to be 'preserved', it's all gone?
As my heading to this blog says 'maybe it's me'...
The new road and paved area to the new sea front development is looking good, quite a hive of activity with all those Tonka toy machines. I was very tempted to ask if I could 'have a drive'! Maybe not...

Easter hols have arrived....I'm depressed....

2008-03-21T12:32:00.007Z

With all the eggs, toys, buns and stuff that's been around since Christmas we can now get involved as that time of the year has arrived, a little earlier than usual!

Every year I endeavour to explain; Good Friday and Easter Sunday to my foreign students and the stare I receive tells me 'he's barmy it must be his age' says it all!

I see Thanet Beer Festival is starting over at the Winter Gardens in Margate, that should keep the local constabulary and QEQM busy over the 4 day holiday just the attraction the area needs...

Plenty of activity at the Marina Restaurant site, putting up scaffold poles, beams and planks. Pity they didn't think of doing that before pulling most of it down!!

Looks as though the Pavillion will follow the Motor Museum and become a derelict building of interest. At the prices that are being talked about, can't see anyone stumping up that kind of cash before pouring more in, to open the doors. Maybe more demolition sorry.... conservation work is called for?

Am I being depressive? Having just come back from the 'stockbroker' side of the county and seeing the money that's coming in there for it's residents and visitors. It strikes me that something is wrong despite having recently received the increased council tax, water, electricity and gas bills for less service than before.

That's it, it's that time of year when the government (Local and National) books have to balance, depression will be lifted. I feel better already for my little moan...

Research...!!

2008-03-15T15:10:00.004Z

Well that's my excuse for not publishing anything lately. I daren't use the word 'quiet', all hell breaks loose when I do.

I've been 'surfing' to see what's going on out there in 'webland'. I must admit Michael doesn't let me down when it comes to interesting graphics and photos of our town. His latest prints take you back maybe 200 years and what a different place. Elsewhere in England the Industrial Revolution was taking place with its smoke and fire. Not here, until somebody decided the 'working folk' should take a holiday by the 'seaside' and then there were some changes made !

I must admit to not being aware of the pre Victorian era when certainly in this area life was so much slower.

Of course now that winter's finished and spring is in the air, Easter is almost upon us. The outdoor life calls... doesn't it ? Maybe, I'll be out tidying and planting over the holiday even though it's early this year. I've been asked for more colour, front and back !

some more photos...

2008-03-05T17:13:00.004Z

'Iron Duke' March 2008
'Iron Duke' March 2008

As promised an 'up to date' vision of the 'Iron Duke' site. Sad isn't it and minus its Lantern, which must be somewhere musn't it?

Bellevue Road...

2008-03-03T16:16:00.003Z

As promised on the last posting here's the view just up ont he same side of the road as the 'Iron Duke'. My how things have changed! I love the old galvanised bowls on show outside the furniture shop. I'll take a current photo covering the same area as it appears today.

...the elusive Lantern

2008-03-01T13:39:00.005Z

The 'Lantern'

The 'Iron Duke'

Patience is a virtue so they say... Look what arrived, a picture of the elusive lantern in its entirety complete with someone looking at the photographer. But perhaps admiring what must have been something beautiful and unusual.

A photo of the 'Iron Duke' with the building on the right now rendered to protect the brickwork which was beginning to look 'sad' in the 'Belle Vue' days. The lack of flowers and signwriting on the pub with the disappearance of the tall balcony roofing on the next door building completes the change. The iron street furniture has also long since gone...the Lantern was still there though! I'll try and take a photo of what's left, next week.

I've also managed to get a photo of early Bellevue Road with a furniture shop, electrical contractors showroom, chemist and a dairy. What a local shopping centre it must have been! I'll publish it next time.

....yippee

2008-02-26T17:39:00.003Z

Look a picture of the "Belle Vue" before it bacame the "Iron Duke" and showing the elusive Lantern outside. There's more to come so keep an eye out here....

I see Michael has published some fantastic postcard views on his site, more please...at least all this wonderful history makes a change from politics and agro!

more 'Lantern' news...

2008-02-20T22:46:00.000Z

Got the following info from Eric. So I'll wait for a reply from ERA and see if they can throw anymore info my way. Meanwhile the building is beginning to look sad and the restoration a while ago looks as though it's come to a grinding halt. At least 'Roy and Dawn's' is still standing at least it was this morning as I walked by on the other side of the road!

Eric said...
ECR is right about ERA & the lantern BUT they don't know where it is, TDC's/English Heritage advisor has a pane from the lantern on his desk, various rumours have circulated that the lantern is in Cliftonville or Addington St, Ramsgate & a high price is being sought privately. I must stress that the afore-mentioned (TDC's/English Heritage advisor) knows nothing of its location nor does ERA (who now are largely concerned with wider 'community' based issues) BUT somebody somewhere knows something!!!
19 February 2008 14:41

Whoever the somebody, somewhere is maybe we'll get lucky...

some news on 'Iron Duke'... maybe...

2008-02-18T20:43:00.000Z

No sooner is the 'old gent' back in business and he's replied to my request for some info on the lantern. Thankyou... I've mailed the ERA as advised and I'll keep you all posted with any results.

Good out there with the lovely 'seaside weather', great for those walks about town...

it must be safe, musn't it?

2008-02-17T13:27:00.000Z

Well it must be 'cos otherwise nobody in their right mind would want to park there, would they?

Remember this one when things were falling off and demolition was the only answer?

In common with a lot of our friends I take a customary walk round the town, usually with camera at the ready, when I remember it! The weather has to be sunny and warm which it is today which makes the experience more enjoyable has a lot to do with it. Made for the seafront to view the latest happenings. It must be safe 'cos this motorhome has been there for the best part of two weeks.

Good to see ECR is back with us today go and talk to him, welcome 'old gent'.

While I'm here can anybody help with some photo's/info, in fact anything on 'The Iron Duke' public house on the corner of Plains of Waterloo and Bellevue Road. I'm particularly interested in the lantern that used to be outside and where it is now? Anything would be appreciated....

....found....

2008-02-14T01:29:00.000Z

so the nasties have been about... thanks for the info Michael.
I'm pleased to hear that with some technical wizardry, a resurection will take place. I think you'll agree we can't afford to lose such a 'dignified personality' or his money in this area! Come on ECR we're all rooting for you!

Where's he gone....?

2008-02-14T01:04:00.000Z

........ECR where are you........ anybody know, have the bailiffs caught up with him?

what I got!

2008-02-13T17:05:00.000Z

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

bye bye
got you
Posted by Eastcliff Richard at 4:48 AM

clicked on his blog and got the above message.....

Camden Market destroyed...

2008-02-10T21:25:00.000Z

Last night part of my history went up in flames! I spent some happy times while working in London and living in the area which was changing from the horrors into a trendy place to be i.e. The Horticultural Hall of Liverpool Road turned into 'The Business Centre,. Islington Green'! The 'Kings Arms' theatre pub, the Tram Shed in the market and Fredericks Restaurant are all names bringing back happy memories.

Let's hope it won't be long before the area concerned is brought back to its former glory with improvements. Bet they do it quicker than down here and who says money doesn't talk and after all they have got Ken Livingston in charge to hurry things along!

'past times' and 'emergency works'

2008-02-08T16:43:00.001Z

Found the above photo on:

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~shebra/ramsgate_in_old_postcards1.htm

If you look closely in front of the bandstand and slightly to the left on the seaward side. You can make out the roof top (never to be seen again) of the Marina cafe. The boulevard in comparison to today's shambles is almost idylic (the postcard is pre 1920's). Still, that's enough dreaming...

Today they've boarded up the openings and were shoring up what's left on the left. Presumably so it doesn't topple over and take the rest of the terrace with it!
So Notice 1 has been complied with to carry out 'emergency works' now there's just Notice 2 'the building be put back in its original state'. Any one out there taking bets on the outcome and what's the timescale involved?

ilegal..my foot!

2008-02-07T14:53:00.001Z

So it's ilegal to continue working at the site...my foot! They're taking the p**s surely. Thanks for your link Michael but if we see any action, apart from the occasional sweeping of the site and maybe boarding it up. ECR's fencing is still there and the road works are still at the Pleasurama site. For another summer season...?

walking and visiting...

2008-02-06T01:10:00.000Z

The above photos were taken today just before 2 p.m. This it would appear is the latest way to perform 'restoration' to a Grade 2 listed building. In front is a great big pile of rubble which we are told will be stored to complete the work.
This peice of machinery is required because if the big grabber thing pulled the complete chimney down the grabber thing and its operator would be under the chimney debris. No doubt more conservation will be needed to save what's left...
Popped into Michael's Bookshop on the way home and he seemed to think along with the rest of us 'there's been an error by someone at TDC' mmm...

Marina Cafe continued....

2008-02-05T00:02:00.000Z

The following website address will give you some pictures of the cafe before the demolition job:
http://www.broken-britain.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=93&highlight=ramsgate click and you'll go straight there!

Went onto Councillor Green's site and extracted the following information which is self explanatory:

Cllr David Green said...
Marina RestaurantMessage from TDC Planning The building is subject to a Repairs Notice. It is listed. The owner started work on site this Monday; problems with the structure were reported yesterday. We have had a Building Control Officer and Chartered Surveyor [working for TDC] on site most of the day. This to make sure that the structure is safe, and that a fresh schedule of what the owner must do to repair is issued. There is no demolition project; this is restoration- and the owner is being left with no misunderstanding. For safety reasons some of the structure had to comedown. But I assure you it goes back as before.
01 February 2008 21:04

Monday, February 04, 2008
Marina Restaurant
I promised an update once I had a official position from TDC conservation officer. I would like to add that no-one is more concerned than he to see this building restored as was.No 1 Granville Marina is part of JT Wimperis' 1877 development of a beach resort for Edward Pugin's Granville Hotel. As originally devised,the development consisted of shops, houses, shell grottos, tea rooms anda 'wintergardens'. No 1 was built as a photographer's studio. Numbers1-4 were listed Grade II on 21/12/2004.Last year Thanet Council became increasingly concerned about thecondition of the building. Its last used was as a restaurant, a use thatended some years ago. It was, however, still owned by the catering company who - despite several offers - refused to sell it. A change in the management of the company saw it being sold to a firm of Ramsgate developers in the middle of last year.I had a meeting with the new owners in August last year at which it wasclear that it was their desire to demolish and redevelop. It was pointed out to them that this not an option since the building was listed.Being concerned that they were not going to take any action, we servedan Urgent Works Notice on the owners on 15th August 2007 - with acompliance period of three weeks. The Notice required the sea facing elevation to be shored up and the structure made secure and watertight.The developers appointed a structural engineer who designed shoring forthe defective elevation.As the autumn progressed it became clear that the developers were not going to carry out the works and it transpired that they had dispensed with the services of the structural engineer. We therefore engaged the same engineer, had the structural works priced and appointed contractors to carry out works in default. The contractors started work on 28/1/2008.On the morning they started the owners turned up saying they were sorry and that they would carry out the works immediately. We withdrew our contractors. On Thursday 31st January there was a considerable south-westerly gale and a considerable crack opened up in the south west corner - the left hand side of the sea facing elevation. By Friday morning it was clear that the sea elevation was becoming too 'live' to prop anymore and would have to be demolished. Our structural engineer was in attendance -together with our Building Control section. Once the front was down it became clear that the lateral walls were being forced apart by the roof and two thirds of the building ended up being demolished .The remaining third is, at the time of writing, being stabilised by TDC using a Notice under the Building Acts. Any loose historic material from the demolished parts is to be collected and put in to storage. It is the Authority's intention to serve a Section 48 Repairs Notice requiring the owner to re-instate, on a like for like basis, the demolished parts. I am of the opinion that the Ramsgate THI scheme couldunder write a compulsory purchase notice.

Having found all that lot 'straight from the horse's mouth' so to speak, with my red highlighting. The problem here is going to be the time factor especially being in such close proximity to the Pleasurama development. Watch the space!

my big mouth.... Quiet it wasn't!

2008-02-03T15:58:00.000Z

I don't believe it but look at the following link: http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/cafe/index.htm
The Harrisons/Marina cafe has gone! Did you see the Broken Britain pictures including those wonderful stained glass windows. Please tell me they've saved those somewhere, What's happening, I read that the towers were cracked after the latest weather battering and the bulding had to be demolished immediately. Is it to be part of the Pleasurama development? How are the cliff dwelling residents coping with losing another building. I seem to remember the other end had a listed cinema/theatre/dancehall/club building that was demolished in a hurry!

it's quiet......

2008-02-02T01:33:00.000Z

Is it the lull before the storm?
Apart from the windy one that's just finished for a while...
Maybe 'cos it's the 1st of the month!

A little wind leads to research...

2008-01-31T22:56:00.000Z

Today as most of us up here on East Cliff will be aware has resulted in yours truly staying in and notching up the heating! I thought I'll 'bone up' on the submissions and plans for the sea front site. It was suggested I follow Michael Child's links on www.thanetonline.com . Well if you've got the time and interest go there. I followed the Planning and Design pages 1 to 9 and at the end of it was a lot wiser as to the intentions of the developers even to keeping the rooves of the development below the cliff top and landscaped for the residents to use. No, like most of the residents of the area, I'm no professional planner but it looks as though a lot of work has been done to try and cover the various serious objections to the development.
Thanks for all of your very helpful research Michael and taking the time to publish the material in an easily accessible form on your site. Maybe you and a few fellow bloggers could join together and put in a sensible tender for us to access all those interesting things that seem to be buried in Cecil Square and Maidstone.

lovely day...for activities on Thanet!

2008-01-30T23:02:00.000Z

The weather here today makes you glad to live by the sea side. Went down the front to investigate the latest goings on. The machinery was 'buzzing' about so I ventured down through the gardens past the waterfall for a first hand view. They seem to be making access in front of the lift and behind the shacks to allow for construction vehicles to 'come and go'. It doesn't seem long ago the steps and paving were completed as part of the new European image sea front, part of that has gone now!
Walked back through the town down Harbour Street where Crusties and the Italian Restaurant place was still being 'transformed' after the fire. All this activity; the 105 bedroom hotel opening at Minster and another portion of money being made available from the South East development people for a further business park to be built, it's all happening: isn't it?

Pleasurama happenings...?

2008-01-29T22:22:00.000Z

Went for a walk along the front and peered over the top of the cliff. The cliff face onto the Pleasurama site has been covered in scaffold so they obviously won't be burrowing as I suggested in a previous posting? But, as noticed by our friend ECR with photo provided; the multicoloured graffiti has spread to the car park area and looks very technical in red and white with crosses, circles and measurements instructing someone where to go and what to do! I notice the road is closed and presume these are works required to allow access to and from the site? Being forever the optomist; this preparatory work will all be completed in time for the summer and for people to walk or motor along the front in both directions? Work will continue in safety behind the hoardings during the coming season to present something spectacular for us and our visitors. Now that's sensible forward planning for you. I await comment from our friends in the know. In the meantime I'll continue to observe and dream of the joys to come; with many others, the goings on from the safety of the cliff top...

busy, busy....

2008-01-27T23:21:00.000Z

Last posting was the 17th.... Yes, you're right.... Where has the time gone this is just to prove I haven't died, yet and gone to ****** well, wherever so Anon, I'm not ready for that piece of marble yet!

Sorry but it's been a bit hectic here and on perusing the usual sources for bits of news/scandal occuring locally, I haven't been disappointed! Wish I could get excited about fences and the like. I must admit the cost of this piece of security seemed a bit excessive or is it OTT for allotments? When the island is being covered in grafitti and assaults being the order of the day on closing time at our local pubs and clubs; there seems to be a mix up in prioritisation!

Thats my moan finished 'cos the weather today is lovely so I'm going for a walk and see whats happened out there while I've been otherwise occupied...

bargains for the old 'uns....

2008-01-18T00:16:00.000Z

After my comment last Sunday about the possible demise of Boots in the High Street due to the imminent opening of the Tesco pharmacy. Not possible says a reader due to the 'druggy brigade' needing their emergency treatments from a central source that was easily accessable to all. Well, as I replied at the time: I couldn't possibly get involved with insider information like that.

I had occasion to go in the the said emporium to get some vitamin tablets today. No comments please; at my age they help! I went to the till at the dispensary counter and a very helpful assistant said did I know about the special offers for customers over 60? It was then explained to me that if I changed my Advantage card to the new version I could get the discount today.... Instead of paying £14 the actual cost was £7. Now that's what I call a bargain and no worries if you're not over 60, if you still register they'll give you 10% off Boots branded stuff. Maybe I'll just stick to Tesco's for my prescription stuff 'cos I shop there anyway once a week and continue to patronise Boots Emporium while in the town; for all those little pharmaceutical extras... if it stays there that is, after giving away deals like that!

...blowing a hooly! and the results...

2008-01-16T00:05:00.000Z

I'm glad I went to the town yesterday to do my shopping and complete those little essential tasks you have to do personally i.e. not over the i/net!

Just finished looking at ECR's photos of a local Eastcliff building horror known as Gateway Court where they seem to have lost some roofing which has landed nicely on one or two vehicles parked in their carpark. Don't get me wrong and it's just a personal opinion but the building has always looked like the proverbial 'barrack block' with no saving graces about it at all! Sorry encumbent residents but maybe when you look around our Eastcliff area at some of the modern appartment blocks, they appear to be in more sympathy with their surroundings unlike Gateway Court... They've even started to reduce the height of Dormans Folly. Well scaffold's up anyway.

Just put the phone down from talking to someone who wants to come here from Turkey, his visa hasn't been issued yet. Excuse me but I thought we were on good terms with Istanbul at the moment, have I got it wrong?

a date or two... and some intelligent guess work!

2008-01-13T19:00:00.000Z

At last the local freebie paper tells us the casino will move to its new luxury premises at Westwood Cross giving the area lots of jobs at the end of February!

Just in time for another summer season, we should have another black spot for all of these tourists we intend to attract to our area, to admire. We're told the local council owns the property and expects it to be returned to them at the end of the lease in 2 years time... At the moment it's an eyesore with the encumbent tenant still in residence. What's it going to look at the end of 2 years emptiness? The Motor Museum site comes to mind on the other cliff, at least Pleasurama will have good company in its derelict state and the council intends to withdraw funding from the Maritime Museum as well. By next year, God help us 'cos the council doesn't seem to be capable of organising a p**s up in a brewery.

There's some truth in that 'cos all those years ago their predecessors allowed the local brewery (Tomson & Wotton) to be sold for development giving us our Waitrose horror at the top of Queen Street...

While I'm in the mood let's welcome the new pharmacy being built at Tesco, great for me I can pick up my prescriptions at the same time as I do my weekly shop. Let's see how long it'll be before Boots decides to close their super Ramsgate emporium and maybe a few of the other branches on Thanet. Am I being pesamistic, I think not. Their prescription department at the Ramsgate branch is a busy part of the set up there (remember how they revamped that area within the store not too long ago?) and draws people in to spend in other departments. Remeber you saw it here when it happens. Notice 'when' not 'if'...

Stop moaning Mitch, it could be worse! Could it?

blogging in Thanet...

2008-01-11T23:57:00.000Z

No doubt about it, when you start to read and respond to peoples' views on their pet likes or dislikes. Not only do you open the proverbial 'can of worms' but subjects tend to become quite diverse.
On visiting ECR's page today, I see he's found the remains of an aerial antenae dangling precariously after our customary windy/stormy weather here on top of the East Cliff.

It reminded me when I first came the area, the custom was for the houses to have slate roofs. The real Welsh stuff, that if you have to buy them now to re-roof in the conservation areas would cost you an 'arm and a leg' second hand. As most of them had been laid in the 1800's and early 1900's they'd become 'nail sick'. You took your life in your hands when you walked during windy weather! A lot of these slates, being relatively light would be blowing down from the roofs, they were light but definitely sharp and could do damage. A car I had at the time bore proof to this!

The slates are gone in favour of the cement tiles that are rust proof nailed, clipped and locked to each other. But, as ECR's photo shows there's always something...

shredding, Pleasurama, Vue....

2008-01-10T22:33:00.000Z

I've done about 1% of the annual remove staples and paper clips and then 'shred' what might be sensitive information.

This is what we're told, though however would want my identity has got to be barking mad!

It's a soul destroying job and how much paper rubbish we accumulate over the course of a twelve month period. The trouble is once you get started it becomes an obsession: paper files, receipts, statements, print outs ha, ha, yippee! If the door bell goes, the visitor could end up in the machine after having removed all solid/metal objects, of course...

In the days before 'warming' I used to pile all in the dust bin and set fire to it, throw sausages, burgers and tatas on and that made a tastly lunch snack, honest...

On a serious note, the Pleasurama burrowing exercise could be costed, measured and planned by some people who're involved at Westwood Cross! We built a tunnel from the main road into the port, diverting all those nasty HGV's away from our picturesque town, so why not. Cost is not a problem if the end product will produce a return for the investors and something that pleases all the townsfolk, like our new shopping centre as an example. No matter what the snarl ups traffic wise, it'll all be sorted and in the meantime look at the well patronised facility that's growing there. Love the cinema with all those screens... I parked with no problems and had a meal to boot, lets have more...

comments...and thoughts of Pleasurama...

2008-01-09T14:59:00.000Z

I'm really quite excited! I'm getting some comments on the blog entries...
I've managed to keep out of any arguments about anything that might upset readers. Mid-morning I went for my usual constitutional and could probably fill a book about things I don't like and could take to our illustrious Island rulers. Mostly as I've said before things here are pretty OK. If you try making a debit and credit list round the area; we do well. Yes, I know we pay dearly for the facilities but who doesn't in our County in this post Millenium period?

While on my wanders round the Pleasurama site, I thought, by developers standards the site while being prime in its location, is small.
As I understand it, whatever is there must not only pay for development costs, running costs and a reasonable profit for the investment; it has to look good now and in the foreseable future. Instead of strengthening the existing crumbling cliff face, lets burrow through it. Right up to the Crescent building foundations under the existing gardens and bandstand area. In this day and age, air conditioning would enable this underground development to be used in conjunction with the existing visible sea front site. The area of development is increased, maybe enough to make it worth while and keep all parties happy. Is it possible? Any comments?

hey, hey, 007's here and the 1st power cut of 2008!!

2008-01-08T16:01:00.000Z

The weather today has been 'orrible and I thought 'roll on tomorrow'. The post arrived and today was First day of Issue for the Royal Mail 'Ian Fleming's James Bond' issue. The weather cleared the sun came out and the temperature went up! No doubt about it, we produce the best stamps in the world. Yes, I know the service is lousy and technologically, e mailing has to be the answer. You still can't beat writing, sending and receiving 'snail mail'. Their stamp production is brilliant and the sevice they offer us collectors is brilliant. Click onto my Royal Mail web site link (see the right hand list) to see the latest issues and the service they offer in the price of buying a stamp or two.

During the constant refurbishment of my house. One of the things added during the staircase and landings stage was to wire in some emergency lighting; it ensures the staircase is lit when the power fails, putting the house in darkness. Yes, you've guessed it; about 1255, out went all the power supply. Only for about 5 minutes and everything was backed up on the computer. Suprisingly there are still some clocks that have to be reset, so off I rambled to put 'em right, while I remembered.

oops got a text message.... It's Marina and Gregorio in Amsterdam, I told them to watch the canals and stay away from the cigarettes there!

here we go and 'quaint' area

2008-01-07T11:25:00.000Z

The weekend saw the influx of people to our part of the globe starting another busy year here. They come to study, go visiting, and generally enjoy themselves here. They do, as they remind me; with their mailings and photos of their stay long after they've left our shores for their homeland. It used to be post cards and the occasional phone call but most people have net connections and I get thoughts from around the world.

Even my friends and relations keep reminding me how lucky I am to live here away from the hurly burly of city life. I admit, when on my seaside walks I wouldn't like to go back to spending my days in London. Done it! I spent over 30 years in the capital, when the family were small it had to be the place to go and earn a good living. I spent 2 years commuting between London and Ramsgate until I could afford to stop and one day it happened!

Over the weekend, a friend of mine used the expression 'quaint' on his return from a 4 hour walk round the area. I think that says it all.

It's here...

2008-01-01T23:18:00.000Z

A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to y'all.

half gone next bit to come...

2007-12-28T22:09:00.000Z

That's the Christmas excitement done for another year! How about the attached photo of daughter no 1 and granddaughter no 1 well into the festivities. At least Mum looked the part maybe green, blue or yellow to go back to work! Glance at the web site for a few more photos. I trust you all had a great time and looking forward to welcoming in the new year. Have a HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR...

'twas the day before....

2007-12-24T20:25:00.000Z

Christmas Eve is here and so far everything has been done to prepare for the great day! Time for a bit of feet up time and catch up with my computing etc. At least I managed to send all the good wishes in plenty of time, both postal mail and electronic. Saw the guests on their way last Saturday and did all those domestics to prepare for the next onslaught after the holiday. I might just get time to give the bathrooms a bit of a makeover with the paint pot... or is that pushing it a bit!
I'll take plenty of photos of the festivities and publish some of them here before the start of the New Year.
Have a very happy Christmas holiday.

'silver surfers' and the stress of it all...!

2007-12-13T21:22:00.000Z

After the grandchildren's Christmas concert, I've been copying all the stuff both movie and still onto CD's for the various rellies and friends who'll require the full monty. In other words not just the good ones that are published on the web but those that didn't make it from the 'cutting room' floor. It may be alright for those 'young things' who know what they're doing and can just push a few buttons etc. Still, it's definitely a very steep learning curve but fun and as one of my correspondents said I'm in the ranks of the 'silver surfers'. We get there but it just takes a bit longer now...
I know it's that time of year, if you want anything done, forget it until and I quote 'the start of next year'.I've just received confirmation of work that was done by British Gas here in November and they've just found the relevent paperwork. Maybe that's the same all year round with the big, big conglomerates. Something to do with the left and right hands and the memory banks!
A few posts ago I was talking about the re-runs on channel BBC 4 TV of Love Soup and how much I enjoyed it the second time around. They showed the last one of the series last night, it was excellent and although they were in the same theatre, there were several rows of seats between them and they were unaware of each other being at the same venue. During the credits, the announcer informed us that a new series was going to be aired on BBC1 TV next year, marvellous and I look forward to seeing what should be some brilliant TV.

School Christmas concert....

2007-12-09T19:49:00.000Z

That time of year again when the little one's Christmas activities take priority in the calendar of things to do during December!. Phoebe was a fairy with her nursery friends at the Junior School Christmas concert yesterday (Saturday 8th). What a grand show it was with all the hard work put in by everyone paid off on the day. There will be quite a few stars in the making, of that I'm sure. Watch out X factor and all those future Stars in your Eyes programmes to come!

As a reward with two of her friends; Penny and Felicity she visted Santa Claus in his Christmas Grotto. He awarded each of them a present, more teddy bears...

When it was time to go, a sticker and a big smile proved her visit to the man with whiskers in a red suit!

love soup... plus

2007-12-05T21:10:00.000Z

Thought I'd watch some TV last night. Spooks on BBC 1 has been getting more and more 'edge of seat stuff' and when Ros came back to life, well I was half expecting it but couldn't see how they'd bring her back...brilliant stuff! They're doing a re-run of Love Soup over on BBC4 and I caught the first repeat last week. I remember watching the first showing of the series some two years ago and thought then how interesting the concept of the writer David Renwick to put two similar people together for the audience to see. They of course, don't know they exist. Click on www.bbc.co.uk/drama/lovesoup for a synopsis and some clips. Unfortunately Verity Lambert who produced this series and many more for the BBC died recently.
The decorative lights sre still working but they do use some battery power just as well I've got rechargeable AA's and they're only on for a few hours in the evening!

they worked...

2007-12-03T22:52:00.000Z

Yes, with a battery change and a bit more clear tape, I had success. The photo proves it and if you can't read the message it says 'Merry Christmas'. Well at least a bit more than last year.

The external decoration looks better in the dark as you can't see the patchy bits and the sploshes on the white bits. Or that the white sills instead of being smooth are lumpy. Very good for catching every bit of dirt!

I don't believe it...!

2007-12-02T20:51:00.000Z

Amazing isn't it? I only get one new set of Xmas decs this year and guess what; they don't work. Yesterday, I tested the lights as I took them from the box, worked perfectly. Attached them to spell out 'Merry Christmas' every letter is either red or green and inside each letter are state of the art energy saving LED's. Tested them in the daylight, perfect. Came back at 4pm, switched on, marvellous, then the green ones went out, grrr...

This morning, I thought I'll replace the rechargeable batteries with freshly charged ones ('cos I'm trying to be a green energy saving citizen). They work, so lets see what happens at 4pm when it's dark. It reminds me of when the children were small and this place was decorated for and with them, like Alladins Cave! When you took the decs down on twelfth night (what a job) they worked perfectly or you new which pygmy bulbs wanted replacing for the next year, reds were always the ones that popped most frequently. Then the following year when the boxes came down from the loft and you unpacked them to retrieve the seasonal goodies it would take forever unravelling and testing the lights. Sometimes they'd be binned in frustration and a new set purchased. The only ones to remain the same over all those years were the home made string of pygmy bulbs and now I can't find them, they must be there somewhere but I haven't got the same incentive of small children these days wanting 'their' decorations put up.

babysitter...

2007-12-01T00:00:00.000Z

I was called on Wednesday night, could I come and babysit for a few hours. Heather was due to fly off for a birthday break and Darren got the call to have his nose straightened! Was I available to look after my little cherubs for a few hours at short notice, like the following day from 10 am. Of course I was available... a chance for some fun with the little people! The above photos I managed to snap between games, food and snoozes. By the way, Neve's walking now and wow can she go...

it's started...

2007-11-26T22:08:00.000Z

Opened my mail today and this is what greeted me.... My first thought was 'are they full?' But, who would chance balancing that lot full of the Christmas cheer? I admit that is going to take some beating with my ages old decs. I'm going to put the decs up from next weekend, I'll post a photo.

patience...is a virtue?

2007-11-24T23:45:00.000Z

Do you know this technology when working is a boon, when it isn't it's a pain in the a**e. At least I'm learning patience, something I haven't been very good at!
On picking up the paper this morning one of the enclosures that dropped out was a little book called 'Google for dummies' and there's mee thinking it was just another search engine, Think again, it would appear they can do almost anything associated with computing on the blessed internet. I thought I'd spend a bit of time updating my knowledge on things like U tube etc. About ...hours later I hadn't even tried to upload any of my efforts I was too busy viewing other peoples! Including some local efforts from Ramsgate. I'm sure I could probably do as well if not better than the efforts I have seen. It's given me confidence to have a go, so watch this space in the future and I'll tell you of my virtual cyber adventures...
Other than that, winter is coming it's getting colder and darker ot there.

wounded soldier improving and shopping...

2007-11-24T00:49:00.000Z

Darren is on the mend, spoke to him yesterday evening and he sounded better though he informs me the two black eyes associated with facial damage have arrived! His youngest daughter Neve, managed to thump him and I winced with the pain he must have felt when she came into contact with his nose...

Where does the week go? It's nearly 5 pm on another Friday and I've just finished a bit of shopping for boring food stuff! If I wasn't aware, every shop I visited reminded me that Christmas is nearly here. I've never seen so much stuff on the shelves for the holiday season... Now the machinery is playing up so I think I'll finsh and save what I've written so far.

Relaxing evening...

2007-11-21T20:41:00.000Z

Thought I'd relax in front of the tv last night. So finishing those necessary domestics saw me watching a bit of telly. Just after 8.30 the phone goes and it's Phoebe and Neve's dad Darren.
'Mitch could you come and collect me?
Of course, where are you?
Accident and Emergency at the Margate hospital, I've broken my nose at rugby training.
Give me 20 minutes and I'll be there, bye.'
So off I go to the Margate road entrance and park up, go into reception and they direct me into the accident area. Well, I found 'strawberry nose' and after the paperwork completion, took him home. He's got to go back for out patient treatment after the swelling has subsided, a few days time I guess.
This morning I phoned him at home where he's nursing his wound and trying desperately to avoid the children coming anywhere near the very sore area!
I'm glad I'm too old for these macho sports and just have to worry about putting one foot in front of the other, safely!

last night's fondue evening...

2007-11-20T22:09:00.000Z

Another successful 'soiree' as you can see! The top two photos show Peter as head chef with his friend Dimitri as his assistant in creating the culinary 'cheesy' delights for the group shown in the third photo, to enjoy. As can be seen by the wine drunk by the cooks, there was a liberal amount flowing during preparation and the feasting. Don't let the coke bottle on the table in the forground fool you. Peter is to be congratulated for organising the evening...well done!
The extra guests entertained were invited from the school and are part of the current attendees there at the moment with most of them going home for the holidays. Some, like two of mine; will be returning for the new year on 6th January 2008. Alas, Peter will be leaving for his home on the 22nd of next month, I hope he'll be able to return soon.

another one....

2007-11-19T23:13:00.000Z

Preparing the dinner table for another 'fondue evening'. The last one organised by my Swiss guest was a success. He decided then, it might be a good idea to have another go. He arrived here at lunch time with two loaves of fresh bread and an assortment of fruit. Their local town spending must mount up over the year, from food, clothing and presents to take back home. Got to be good for the local economy? He intends to come back early this evening and get all the apparatus going for a 7pm start. I'll take some photos during the evening and publish them tomorrow here.

they did it....over £19,000,000 last night!

2007-11-17T21:06:00.000Z

I didn't stay up for all of it. What I did see going round the country and then over to the USA made me think about those early Goonhilly days and how we've progressed with our communications technology. I'm still in love with those Spice Girls, the way they look and the sound they make...

Well done ER, I see you sent your contribution this morning as promised. When you think; the fun yesterday and last night raised more than 19 million pounds! It's got to be a worthwhile cause and something we should all be VERY proud of.

children in need day...

2007-11-16T15:51:00.000Z

It' cost me a fiver in paying for various stunts to raise money for that crazy bear's appeal! Imagine my suprise to find on ECR's site that he was donating £1 for every comment received... Had to have some of that. Should be good fun tonight on BBC1. I see they've got the Spice Girls on so please don't disturb me all evening from 7pm!

positive comments...

2007-11-16T00:17:00.000Z

This morning I had to go into town. The weather was warm and sunny so I thought I'll go along the cliff top and walk down through Madeira Gardens. A left turn at the harbour by the old NatWest Bank brought me to the cafe culture overlooking the casino. I admired the efforts of a few industrious outlets with their chairs and tables on the pavement with a few spartan customers. Maybe, I thought work will have started on the Pleasurama site! No, not yet there are some new hoardings but that's it... Turned round and walked by the harbour admiring the various boats moored there. Time for a sit down on the granite benches to admire the view. Good idea those benches, bit cold on the bot but totally vandal proof, cos they've been there a while, too heavy to lift and impervious to graffiti.

Ten minutes later I crossed at another useful innovation; the pelican crossing outside the Royal (well done Frank and Co). There were benches and tables outside with more people enjoying the sunshine and having some refreshment while enjoying the view.

Walked into Harbour Street and the old indoor market site was alive with industry turning it into a cafe/restaurant/bar (somebody, like me and with more money to invest believes in the place). All the little shops looked good. The burnt out restaurant was advertising that they had premises in Broadstairs and they'd be back soon but all customers were welcome at their alternative premises. Next door, the bakers, was shrouded in scaffold where changes were taking place to rebuild the premises and they would be opening soon (belief again).

Turned right into King Street where all the shops on the pedestrianised paved area were alive and busy. The new fishmongers (more belief) looked as though it was a Friday (fish day) they were busy but what a good site to open a wet fish shop! True the occasional empty shop is waiting for the right trade to arrive there. At the end of the paved area, the shops are being turned into accommodation which will change the town by reducing its shopping area. Do we need it I ask myself, with all the 'out of town' development and the Loopy buses to get there and back?

The transition that is taking place here shows that if it's needed it will survive, we the Ramsgate people decide with our custom. There is a choice here and given time and investment in the right schemes our future is assured... Thirty years on, I've seen some changes from when I first arrived from north London with my young familyand at last in my retirement I can honestly say 'I don't want to be anywhere else, but here'.

some more...

2007-11-14T23:12:00.000Z

You said there was another good photo for me to use Shelaigh, this is obviously it on the right!

One of Phoebe by the sea and Harvey, Phoebe's cousin with his dad.

Here's a very serious one of his mum. She's going to present us with another cousin for Phoebe and Neve. Not long now!

a few photos...

2007-11-14T01:01:00.000Z

Thought I'd better give Shelaigh and Steve pride of place on the site. They're resposible for the fantastic images sent to me this morning on CD. After loading them all onto the machinery. I had the task of trying to sort out the best for the web site and some different shots for here on the log. Then there was the 'fun' uploading to the site. Not a job for the 'faint hearted'. So here's some to be getting on with and I'll add more tomorrow. I'd better start the dinner otherwise I'll be having starving guests! It's pizza tonight and that's popular with us all...

water and possible developments...

2007-11-09T15:15:00.000Z

Just finished looking at ECR's photos of our gale force weather last night. We seem to have been lucky this time. Maybe just a bit of paddling and mopping up by the sea front residents.

Lets hope the old motor museum gets a new lease of life before the lack of attention means it goes the way of many interesting sites in our town. Maybe our friend who wants a health spa can get permission and the funds to make it happen...

it's arrived & changes completed, well almost...!!

2007-11-08T19:33:00.000Z

On Tuesday I went and picked up the completed building surveyors report on the external works completed here. Well, using surveyors 'techno speak' it was a load of b++++++s and the contractors who want paying, best come back and do the job properly! This time they will work under the supervision of a Chartered Surveyor and complete the repairs and then redo the job to his satisfaction. I copied the report and sent it by recorded delivery to their address for the attention of the 'Operations Director', one of those people who came down waving papers and telling me it was an 'excellent job'!

The same day the Christmas stamp issue arrived and they're beautiful. Go onto the website via my list of favourite sites on the right of this blog page. I know the holidays are not far away when the stamp First Day of Issue arrives.

The new Sky technical stuff seems to have gone with no hitches. At the moment there's no sign of my address book. I'm told 'not to worry, it'll arrive shortly'. mmm...

all change with Sky...

2007-11-06T00:09:00.000Z

Just got a mailing from Sky to say they're about to change their 'set up' to make their service in conjunction with 'Google' easier to send and receive e mailings! Their letter begins and I quote:
Hello,
The countdown has begun, we will be moving your Sky Email to your new Sky Email and Tools 'powered by Google'. Below is everything you need to know about the move.
What you need to know
Between 7 November 2007 and 13 November 2007, your account will be switched to the new Sky Email and Tools service, which means:

God help me... please!

I look forward to the event with some degree of terror... This morning the monthly Sky statement arrived with a covering letter to say 'they are going greener'. On further reading, the postal statement will appear on the TV as part of their interactive services as well as on their website. Another nail in the coffin of the postal service as we know it! A lot of paper invoices and statements that used to come through the letterbox in my front door now arrive in my e mail 'mailbox'. Most of the stuff that comes through the front door is unsolicited rubbish and is consigned straight to the re-cycle box with yesterday's newspapers. True without things like firewalls and the like I used to get long lists of junk turn up on my e mail. If anybody experiences any problems with my e mail over the next few days remember I've just mastered what I've got now so please be patient...

it's nearly here...!

2007-11-04T20:57:00.000Z

Got a phone call from the Chartered building surveyors last Friday to say their report had been completed; on the disgusting external job just carried out here. The contents require word processing for distribution. I'll be quoting from it hopefully next week so watch this space for more news... and maybe some photos to illustrate the narrative.

Yesterday's Halloween...

2007-11-01T17:54:00.000Z

When this graphic appeared on ER's blog, I chuckled and thought that could be helpful. Last night one of my elderly client's phoned me saying he'd been disturbed on several occasions through the evening by people knocking at his door with the 'trick or treat' demand. He'd put a poster in his window asking not to be disturbed by anybody. Not I hasten to add, the one shown here. He asked me to come round, I said I would but it might be sensible to remove his window sign! When I got there about half an hour later, he'd not been bothered since he'd phoned me and removed the sign. Maybe these things encourage these idiots to annoy people. I had two calls at my front door but just ignored them! Maybe that's got to be the answer so no signs required.
Firework night is almost upon us 'cos there's bangers and rockets been going off for the last week. My local dog and cat owners have been trying to console their animals to no avail...

Fondue evening...

2007-10-31T20:38:00.000Z

One of the good things about accommodating people from different countries is their tastes in food and the preparation of it. I've a partiality to cheese in all it's different forms including fresh or cooked. Bearing that in mind, I've never had the Swiss fondue. When Peter returned from his latest home trip he brought with him the full oufit for cooking and serving 10 people with the hot cheese dip. So it was decided to have a special evening devoted to Peter and his friend Dimitri's presentation of a typical Swiss meal. Accompanied by Swiss white wine and Schnaps; the evening was rounded off by a photo presentation of skiing from Peter with technical help from Stefan. As it was such a success we decided unanimously to repeat the occasion again in the near future.

At the end of it all it was decided to add to the 'penny bottle'. As you can see from the photo it's filling nicely and we should see the emptying and bagging of the contents shortly. Watch this space for more news and the presentation of the 'proceeds' cheque to charity in due course.

Ramsgate clocks the time...

2007-10-29T22:44:00.000Z

After my comments yesterday regarding Gwyn's clock in the town centre, another gem has appeared. It's to be found at the old gas offices in Boundary Road next to the eye sore which used to be a gas holder station that's owned by Transco the company that the pipes gas around this area. As you can see from the close up picture; at the moment apart from showing the wrong time, the photo was taken at 09.52, it looks good.

I hope thet when the 'powers that be' decide to do something with the building and its surrounding land they will look after this interesting little bit of our town and not consign it to the scrap heap for re-cycling along with the gas holders...

If anyone has any similar landmarks that look as though they could be perilously close to destruction. Let me have a photo with some narrative.

While in the area I was impressed with the Aldi store which replaced the old Invicta garage. Now that's what I call 'in keeping'. Just look at the brick and stone of the clock tower and the fact that they've used similar colours and materials for the Aldi building mmm... Lets hope whoever gets the land for developement from Transco uses as much thought and consideration when submitting their plans and not just see how much they can squeeze onto the site!

all change....

2007-10-28T22:00:00.000Z

It's that time of year again when we all think 'do they go forwards or backwards?' Some people who shall be nameless! Just plain forget and end up being late all day, trying to catch that elusive hour. In my establishment I counted 16 different pieces of timed equipment that need adjusting. The worst one is an old family heirloom; which I love, where you have to go through a 12 hour cycle to adjust the chimes. Most of the electronic gubbins adjusts itself or is tuned into the automatic radio controlled time signal from Rugby.
With the weather having turned wet today I thought I'd continue my never ending research into our Ramsgate town. The links that are generated upon the entry of a town element like 'Queen Street Ramsgate' are endless. You end up clicking on the underlined blues refering to people and places situated there and before you know it your time's up and important needs require you to complete what seems to be the more mundane essential tasks!

Just a quick aside before I go, click on http://www.ramsgate-society.org.uk/ and click on the news tab. A very interesting article on Gwyn's Clock in the town centre, congratulations to all concerned on bringing it 'back to life' for the town's benefit. I've got no excuse now for being late for those town meetings even if I do forget my watch....

the weekend ahead...

2007-10-26T20:14:00.000+01:00

I know the weekend is upon us. My encumbents (students) start to go on their jaunts visiting the sites near and far. Some manage to get out across to France for the day or venture up north to Scotland by coach.

It seems to be the thing now to go to European countries for the weekend. The Eurostar train service that stops at Ashford International (from November Ebbsfleet!) on its way to London from France and Belgium. Has certainly widened the appeal of our area for foreign students studying English language. Peter whose picture I've uploaded above is going home to Switzerland for the weekend. He's got a meeting today, several meetings tomorrow and then journeys back here on Sunday ready for his Monday morning class at 9am. Stefan a student from 2 years ago (pictured left) is here in the UK and pops in to see us will be going back to Germany this weekend by train. His return here to Ramsgate next week will be marked by the eating of the lovely German breakfast rolls for a few days.

My daughter confirmed her family's availibility for Christmas Day lunch at the Minnis Bay Restaurant. So no washing and clearing up just feast and enjoy for this special day... Going to enjoy the 'small people's' company over the Christmas break.

Travels to the West...

2007-10-25T22:23:00.000+01:00

As I said on Tuesday, a visit to Dorset was imminent for the following day (Wednesday) to visit my friend in her new abode. Good totravel but what a journey to do in one day; 350 miles there and back. Mrs Brand (pictured above) has spent most of her adult life in Thanet and at 90 years old took the plunge to move into warden assisted accommodation closer to one of her daughters. Over lunch we discussed her taking a visit to Cyprus! We have mutual friends over there andI said why not? Lets make enquiries.

We went for a walk in the local shopping centre and called into the travel agents to make enquiries. Watch this space for further developments on the subject.

Why is it whenever I go on a motoring jaunt the roads seem to be crowded with traffic. I dismally fail to give even approximate journey times wherever I go. I am grateful I don't have to drive anywhere for a living the strain would be tremendous. When I think that not too long ago when my family were young we'd motor to most places and even without M ways get there and back without the hassle experienced with today's high speed motorway network criss crossing the country.

more goodies...

2007-10-23T23:12:00.000+01:00

Took the family out for lunch last week and the latest addition can eat for England as the photo shows. Grub all finished and she's saying 'ready for some beach games with my sister'.
Took delivery today of a new 'toy'. I live next door to a beautiful tree which in the spring and summer is lovely. Come the autumn, down come the leaves with a vengeance. This garden vacuum gadget is just the job, provided it's dry. Today was ideal, it arrived at 1pm by 2.30pm all done including the requisite 'cuppa'.
Going visiting a friend tomorrow who's moved to Dorset from our lovely Kent! It'll be interesting to see if she's settled yet?

just made it...

2007-10-23T01:32:00.000+01:00

As I said yesterday I received a mailing from my Spanish friend and attached was a photo of her in one of the London parks. With a few of Buck House and the guard changing. Who said London is losing its popularity with the visitors. There's a close contest between Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in the popularity stakes. I'm afraid I still like our 'quaintness' here despite the traffic at Westwood X and the fact that Ramsgate seems to be losing its battle to preserve the town in favour of conversions from shops to housing!

Regarding the French trip, I've uploaded a couple of photos, the before and after... Yes I know they're back to front!!

Getting tired so I'd I'd better finish for today, I'll find more in time for tomorrow.

I can't believe it....

2007-10-21T23:46:00.000+01:00

Has it really been a week since the last entry. Apart from doing the normal routines here, I got lost in France the other day. Got to the checkin and presented the documantation from the e mail booking. Clerk: Hello Sir; you're 2 days late would you still like to go? Me: Yes please. So Steve duly paid the extra change of booking fee and we boarded the ferry. Got off at the other end onto the road and about half hour later realised we had missed the turn off. Turned round and during the process met a large French goods vehicle flashing his lights we were in a one way street going the wrong way! Finally found our destination, had lunch, shopped and realised with the time difference they're 1 hour ahead, we had missed the booked return ferry. No problem, we caught the next one. Got plenty of photos some of which I've published on the web site, can't give you any here at the moment 'cos there's a fault on the photo uplift to the blogsite! I'll continue tomorrow and endeavour to use some photos. Wish me luck... I've heard from Marina with some photos of her antics so tomorrow I'll say more.

birthday ...

2007-10-13T01:27:00.000+01:00

A first birthday yesterday and it looks like continuing 'til the end of the week! Midweek and the majority of the people involved are working, not the kids of course but the adults that do the bringing supervising and taking home. So the weekend is the time when the 'small peoples' festivities are going to be at their peak. Not a good time for the much older generation to be in attendance. As you can see I took advantage of the absence of little friends and got my share of cuddles. I'm sure in the first photo Neve was debating whether to pull Grandad's whiskers or maybe they might come off! I'll publish a fuller selection of photos on the web site so don't forget to hop over using the link to favourite sites.

Onions and mashed bananas...!

2007-10-10T22:48:00.000+01:00

The doorbell goes last night and standing there, soaking wet was Stefan from Cologne. He stayed with me last year and amazed all present with his making and eating of shallot sandwiches and or mashed brown bananas with sugar, sometimes together! This was usually after a full evening meal... He will be in the UK for four weeks and it will be interesting to hear how his accommodating family react to his strange eating habits (my house being full I was unable to arrange for his stay here). It was good to see him; he remembered my liking for crusty fresh baked rolls from his local town bakery. Pop 'em in the oven for a few minutes and .... Now I've got to have some lunch. Tomorrow is a grand daughter's first birthday so I'd better prepare for the festivities and of course I'll publish photos and narative accordingly.

in the pink...!

2007-10-06T19:55:00.000+01:00

Been a little bit rushed off the feet since I last spoke. Peter's bike packed up again! Flat tyre, gears... and brakes, mmm... Phoned the man and he assured me he'd be down to sort it. He did and so far, as I told him when he phoned today, no problems. Peter's gone home to Switzerland for a long weekend so maybe next week he can go personally to the Bike Shop and talk to Ken, who has worked hard to sort out the problems. What a change from my ongoing exterior decorating problem. Still, more on that when I hear what's happening in the hopefully, not too distant future.

Made an appointment to have a personal MOT with my local GP and the first thing he said was 'have you been keeping out of mischief?'. Has he been reading my profile or was it just a luck guess? The answer was yes, just... Everything tested OK so that's it for another 6 months or so.

Now the surgery has moved to this super duper NHS funded new building overlooking Sir Moses's missus burial plot. I thought I'd have a nice walk along the sea front and visit the newly refurbished Italianate greenhouse in the grounds of the old EastCliff Lodge. What a treat but the vandals have struck again, smashing some of the fishtail glass panels! I'm afraid there's no point in throwing money at these projects if you don't leave enough in the kitty for security and maintenance. Once the capital expenditure's been made, that's it...
I said I wasn't going to use my blog site for any form of argument but it seems this wonderful piece of Ramsgate on which a lot of money has been spent will be ruined again. But, doesn't that apply to many projects nationally unless allowance is made for that essential TLC and that costs money!!

Spoon heads home and a moan

2007-10-03T16:47:00.000+01:00

This afternoon Spoon went home to his family and will be sorely missed here. Having said that I can't see me having another pet of any description, they do rule your life! No doubt he'll be back next year...
Peter's bike was poorly, something about gears, brakes and another flat rear tyre, a slow puncture! Took it to the bike shop and they cured it so he's buzzed off this afternoon, round Kent somewhere.
On Tuesday night I played host to a stray guest who'd arrived in the UK and surfaced in Ramsgate about 10 o'clock in the evening. Frantic phone call from you know where; could I accommodate him for one night? Well it's Wednesday night and he's still here with a view to going to new accommodation tomorrow. Oh and he hardly speaks a word of English but that didn't stop him buying a carrier bag of snack food from Iceland. Well, it's good for the town's economy!
This morning's post included some stuff my surveyor required to complete his report on the rubbish job the contractors did of decorating the outside of my house. Every 't' has to be crossed and 'i' dotted and compliance with all the latest H & S edicts, I'm glad the professionals understand it and why the completed job is a patchy excuse for what should've been the 'icing on the cake'. I'll stop wingeing and just wait for the report to be produced. As I keep saying 'watch this space'.

Video, weather, Wogan and rugby!

2007-10-01T20:30:00.000+01:00

As I listen to the rain sploshing down from a miserable looking sky and wonder why yesterday, we voted to make Terry Wogan a BBC Radio 2 'icon' of the last 40 years. I've realised with all the disasters and nasty things going on around our sceptered isle it can't be bad here 'cos for the few people that don't like this country there are millions who do and quite a few (can't be specific) who'd like to live here...
That's enough of the 'feel good' stuff. Didn't see Peter for most of yesterday as he was out with his new toy (the bike) roaming round Kent. Francois spent his time at Westwood Cross window shopping and Ali stayed in his bed fasting. Me I was cleaning, polishing and bed making. Didn't get to see any of the rugby but I gather we must be doing alright to have qualified for the next round of matches! I've had a go at uploading some technically low quality video I took on the still camera and this was the result of a very happy Phoebe on the beach.

Bikes and other things...

2007-09-29T11:09:00.000+01:00

Up at the crack of dawn to take Peter (student) to the bike shop. Last weekend he had a flat tyre with the machine the school had loaned him. He ran all the way from Richborough to here, pushing the bike!! Upon inspection last Monday, the machine was past its prime and was not the type of machine that a serious bike rider would use. Alright from here to the school and back but not an 'offroader' to go around Kent... So this morning we took a pre-arranged trip to Ken's Bike Shop in Margate. The pair of them obviously knew what they were talking about and a very happy Peter is now the proud owner of a second-hand but well looked after multi gear, super suspension piece of machinery. At the same time it was suggested he should buy and use a heavy duty bike lock, you could probably lock up my van with this thing it looks so strong but better safe than sorry with the interest in 'bike borrowing' that takes place. He's gone with his lunch pack to find pubs and places of interest around the Kent coastline. One of his trips has been to Canterbury and back on the old boneshaker! Last weekend he got as far as Herne Bay and Dover when he had his problem with the old bike. I'm looking forward to hearing of his adventures later today when he returns for the evening meal! The things I seem to get involved with to keep the guests happy...all part of the fun... I took some details of the shop and next time I'm asked for two-wheel transport to buy or hire I'll know where to go and who to see.