Plans have been made public detailing proposed changes to Margate Winter Gardens, including demolition and new building work to parts of the building. After falling into disrepair, the venue closed in 2022. Owner of Ramsgate’s Granville Theatre, Westwood One Theatre was announced as the new operator last year, with hopes to have the venue partially up and running later this year. Council approval is still required before work can begin. See the planning proposal.
KCC Reform counsellor for Broadstairs John Finch has written to Home Secretary Shabanna Mahmood requesting a review of resource allocation for coastal policing units during peak season following a spate of anti-social behaviour over the bank holiday. To paraphrase BBC Kent, large crowds of youths flocked to Viking Bay over the weekend, getting boozy and aggro, with one resident describing the situation as “intimidating”. Cracking down on anti-social behaviour, Kent Police made six arrests across Thanet, and moved on nearly 40 people across Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate.
Made a cup of tea using bottled water instead of from the tap, despite your sky high water bills? Newly elected KCC counsellor for the Greens, Rob Yates will look into Thanet’s water supply, investigating Southern Water’s supply issues and lack of reservoirs. Bottled water tea may be the least of our water problems, with businesses like the Sportsman over in Whitstable forced to close for at least a day due to the lack of water. Rob’s also looking into why there is no air con at QEQM A&E.
Margate’s Crab Museum has announced its second children's book, The No-Brainer Brain Explainer. Out on June 11, the book will delve into the exciting and mysterious world of brains - both human and non-human. It follows last year’s excellent A Natural History of Bums. Pre-order The No-Brainer Brain Explainer.
Andy Malt
Recognise the squawk of a seagull, but have no clue about what a heron sounds like? Kent Wildlife Trust has a free Kent birdsong course. For seven days, you’ll receive seven small emails that contain the bird song, video and information on the birds you’re likely to hear when stepping outside and away from hot chips. Sign up.
Herne Bay organisation People United has put a call out for East Kent coast based artists, creatives, youth workers and care workers to take part in its beach hut residency. The care-centric arts charity’s Hut 38 residency is open to anyone who wants the time and space to explore creative approaches to caring. Guidelines are wide for this, so that could look like using the hut to host an event, pop up or exhibition, take creative time out for wellbeing, connect with the beach or host workshops. Apply by 12pm Monday June 15 to be considered for July. More info.
After three years showcasing local artists on Northdown Road in Cliftonville, the Salon gallery has announced its closure. However, this is not the end for the project, which will now move into Margate Arts Club. More information about how exactly that will work coming soon.
Giant Coffee in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate have launched what they’re calling an ‘ice cream parlour’, which seems to be a menu of iced coffee and matcha. Choose from caramel banana split, mint choc chip, raspberry ripple or cookie batter flavours, add the drink of your choice and away you go. Still not sure if any of these options contain actual ice cream, but if you try one, please do let us know. Intrigued.
Want more? Subscribe to our newsletter for a hit of arts, culture and fun things to do around Thanet and beyond in your inbox every Saturday morning.
