Discovery Planet, which runs STEM workshops for children, officially received their King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony at the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate last Saturday. The equivalent of an MBE for volunteer organisations, it was presented to co-founder Nikki Hildesley by Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. In a speech, Lady Colgrain said that there was a great deal of competition for the award, but Discovery Planet had received it because the work they do “is not replicated anywhere else in the country.”
Zita Whalley
Margate’s Turner Contemporary is set to receive £865,000 from the government’s new Arts Anywhere Fund, which was announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy this week. The money will be used for essential maintenance and other improvements to the building, including the installation of solar panels on its roof. “This investment is a testament to the government’s commitment to the arts and to coastal communities like ours, supporting both the fabric of the building and the transition to clean, renewable energy and lower bills,” says East Thanet MP Polly Billington. “This vital grant will help safeguard the gallery’s future.”
Heritage Lab Ramsgate has secured a £250,000 grant from Historic England to bring more of Ramsgate’s historic buildings back into active, sustainable use over three years. One of 19 organisations to receive grants, it will be handed £107,114 in the first year. “Heritage Lab Ramsgate has demonstrated a strong track record of delivering innovative, community-focused heritage regeneration,” says Tom Foxall, Regional Director at Historic England. “We are pleased to support this next phase of their work, which will help unlock the potential of Ramsgate’s historic buildings and bring lasting benefits to the town.” Read more.
Andy Malt
Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location is coming back to Kent. The longrunning property show is seeking individuals, families and couples from the county who need Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer’s help finding their next home. You’ll need to be chain free or SSTC and ready to buy this spring/summer. Apply to take part.
Ramsgate’s Pride in Place programme will hold its official launch this Sunday, celebrating the £20 million of funding the town is set to receive over a ten year period. Taking place at St George’s Church, the event will showcase the results of the ‘Bring It to Life’ creative grants, displaying new visions for the town by Ramsgate people and organisations. There will also be community art, audio displays, film, music and performances. It begins at 1.45pm, following the Ramsgate Parade at 12.30pm.
Margate’s Chump’s Comedy is set to programme the End of the Road Festival’s comedy stage for the second year. Among the performers they’ve lined up are Stewart Lee, Fern Brady, Desiree Burch, Paul Foot and more. The festival takes place at Larmer Tree Gardens near Salisbury from September 3-6. Tickets available now.
