News Blast: Margate chef through to Masterchef semi-finals

Watch a Margate chef excelling on Masterchef, donate much needed items to Thanet baby bank Mama to Mama, sing about your love of Ramsgate and more. Here's all the latest creative and cultural news from across Thanet.

Margate chef Mark O’Brien has made it through to the semi-finals of Masterchef: The Professionals. Judge Monica Galetti said that he was the “one chef that really stood out” in his latest heat, Matt Tebbutt adding that “his understanding of flavours is really something.” Mark is head chef at Margate restaurant Willy’s and formerly Snake Oil BBQ. Watch the episode. 

Willy’s restaurant at Margate House Hotel review

Willy’s plates up classic British dishes that are familiar and filling, yet sophisticated

Strange TouristZita Whalley

Thanet baby bank Mama to Mama turns five this year. This week it has launched a new campaign called Five for Five, calling for donations of its five most needed items. These are electric sterilisers, trousers/longsleeved vests for newborns, changing bags, playmats/gyms, and cots. Head to the charity’s website to find out how to donate these or any other items you have available. 

Local singer, musician and songwriter Steph Dickson has put a call out for Ramsgate folk to help her out with creating a new song. Funded by the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board, the song will be about Ramsgate, and Steph asks you to consider what Ramsgate means to you. To take part, send in your thoughts, words, voice notes or photos in response to the question. Alternatively, Steph will run a roving open mic session on Monday, March 23 10.30am-12.30pm. Basing herself at the concrete sofas, and wandering around town too, she’ll be armed with her audio recorder and ready to take contributions. You can tell her you’ll drop by. 

London skatepark design agency Betongpark has been appointed to build Margate’s new £1.1 million skatepark. The company has built skateboarding facilities all over the UK. “I’m delighted that Betongpark has been awarded this contract and am looking forward to seeing how, with input from the skateboarding and wider community, the final design will shape up,” says Nic Powley of Margate Skateboard Club. “It has been a long journey to get to this point and it’s exciting to know this project will now materialise for the community and the town.” Public engagement events will be held next month before the final designs are completed and building work begins later this year.

Pie Factory Music is on the look out for East Kent musicians ages 18-25 to join its Emerging Artists Programme. Running from April to December, those involved will get masterclasses and mentoring, studio time, a release on Wantsum Records, live performances and more. The deadline to put yourself forward is March 27. Apply now. 

Ramsgate Town Council has launched a town centre security consultation. This is a mid-project review of the town centre security patrol trial. Residents and businesses are invited to to share their views on the scheme so far, with two uniformed security officers patrolling the town centre since December. Complete the survey. 

Margate Creative Land Trust is seeking new trustees to join its board and help guide the organisation’s next steps. Trustees oversee the strategy and governance of the charity, as well as providing advice and guidance. It’s particularly keen to hear from applicants based in or with strong connections to Margate or Kent, with experience in finance, organisational management, regeneration programmes, workspace and estate management, and HR/personnel. Find out more. 

Margate Old Town Market is inviting new traders to apply for stalls before it returns on Easter weekend, April 4-5. Apply now. 

It might not feel like warmer weather is on the way, but it must be because The Sun Deck in Margate has announced its reopening date. While The Bus Cafe and Garage Coffee have stuck it out through winter, the venue’s bar and Creole street food eatery Po’Boy will be opening up ready for you to hang out and watch the sun go down from Friday, March 27. Cliftonville Napolitan pizzeria Casa’s seaside sister Pizza by the Sea will follow on Saturday, April 11. Details of an official opening party on the Easter weekend are also due imminently.

Canterbury-based brewery Floc has reopened The Lifeboat in Margate's Old Town following a venue glow up and a change of owner.