No wish to cause outrage amongst the people of Ramsgate but yesterday I thought I'd pop over to experience the buzz and spectacle that is Ramsgate week. I parked up above the harbour assuming it would allow me to survey the crowds as they enjoyed action. Admittedly it was probably gone three, but all I could see was, bugger all.Admittedly the wind was strong (I assume maybe too windy) but it wasn't raining, in fact a fairly pleasant bright afternoon. Now some one will point out how ill informed I am etc. but having seen and heard that this event was second only to Cowes or something I thought there might be a tad more happening maybe a few exhibition stands from boat related business, a few stalls, perhaps the odd fairground attraction?.
The only evidence that this was any different from an other week in Ramsgate was a sign strapped to the fence near the bus stop at the harbour, a marquee hidden at the back of the harbour, a bit of bunting at the Royal Temple Yacht Club, and maybe a handful supping on G&T's on the terrace.
This week is one of those peak weeks when people are on holiday and those of us who've had the misfortune to holiday at home, are often clutching at any opportunity to spend what the credit crunch has left us with. So I just wonder why the organisers perhaps in conjunction local businesses and the council can't make a bit more of this event than they do.
No doubt at this point members of the yacht club, will be pretty damn hacked off with these comments and they have some justification but since its "Ramsgate Week" I reckon their under some implied obligation, to make more of this event than is the case. Ramsgate is without a doubt one of the finest towns on the south coast, surely its in the interest of local business and the yacht club to make this an event with a broader appeal. Still you shouldn't need an excuse to visit the place even with nothing going on its quite pleasant.
One must give credit, where credit is due. Well done to TDC for keeping Ramsgate so nice!
ReplyDeleteI have long held that promotion and organisation were not exactly strengths of the establishment. However the businessman in me winces at that report. I'd bet the local papers fail to noice the failure of the event.
ReplyDeleteTony, you have been dogged by bad luck on this. I gather the high winds cancelled any sailing on Tuesday (and possibly Wednesday too)so all those who would have been on the water, buggered off to Folk Week in Broadstairs for the day. Hope they spent some money there while they were at it - Thanet's economy needs all the help it can get. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise the wind cancelled sailing otherwise the yotties would have been on the water instead, not spending their lolly?
ReplyDeletegoodness me ! you wouldnt expect the jolly old chaps and chappess's who indulge in a little weekend sailing to allow the hoi polloy to get involved and spoil their enjoyment of pink gins and canapes would you, its just an excuse for a jolly up for these people are all takers not givers, they are in the same bracket as the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling was that yes this event is mostly about The Royal Temple Yacht Club, and good luck to them and I hope the weather improves soon!
ReplyDeleteStill they rather ambitiously style the thing as Ramsgate Week which gives the impression of a broader and more inclusive event. That being the case they ought to add value to the event for themselves and the community
Whitstable sailing club has long had its own annual event - called Whitstable Week, funnily enough. It doesn't involve the town much, just gives the local yotties a chance to get very wet and steamed up, in every sense!
ReplyDeleteSeeing as it all happens on the water about a mile or two from land, there's very little chance of non nautical types gaining from this - and I guess the same can be said of Ramsgate.
Well maybe they ought to a the word yacht after ramsgate
ReplyDelete"RAMSGATE YACHT WEEK"
I too visited Ramsgate on Tuesday to experience the yachting.I was so surprised to see the seafront was dead, went for pub lunch(Thorley's)also virtually empty, it's as if the yachting club want the event exclusively, why is it not promoted as per the Folk Festival which brings a lot of money to B/strs.As you so rightly suggest there needs to be a formal 'Royal' Ramsgate welcome for the yachts with associated entertainment on offer for the duration.
ReplyDeleteTdc haven't done the same for the gardens this year on the Promenade in Broadstairs for folk week, fences need trimming etc.Cutbacks presumably, M&s cockup and rising fuel bills on Tdc's top of range merc maintenace vans. Tdc does not do enough to promote tourism, but is happy to promote commercial development.
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