Shock Horror - Thanet disrupted by a bit of Snow

Who could have predicted that a few inches of snow could interrupt travel and business to the extent that it has today.

How is it that South Eastern Trains in the days of Twitter Facebook and all those other internet resources, could not communicate, the fact that trains leaving from Minster were basically stuffed, checking on the internet South Eastern were optimistically and with no apparent  reference to reality was suggesting that trains were "on time", which according to Mrs Me was certainly not the case.

Eventually Mrs Me got a train from Faversham, and missed the kick off at Chelsea, and is not happy, not following these things myself, I suggested that at least she'd seen a few goals, not knowing that Chelsea were at one point 3 up against M U, I expect she'll be writing a letter tomorrow to South Eastern, and I suspect by the end of the week they'll be ignoring it.

Anyhoo I got to shop up at a deserted Westwood, only interrupted with an irate phone call, but really how difficult could it be to sort out, our transport systems, and how come the roads are in such a poor state, Kent Highways are in my opinion useless, you see them out gritting on mild winter evenings, and the first snow flake....

Just as I finished this posting, I kid you not, I  came across this from another blogger Chris Scoggins who is happy to state on his blog "I'm Chris Scoggins, the Chief Executive of National Rail Enquiries – a privately-owned company that runs one of the UK’s top websites and one of the busiest telephone services."  even better I note that not only are trains late but such is the culture at National Rail Enquires, his New Year Greetings, are not posted until 20th of January!

Mrs Me, has now arrived home and will be sending a letter, to perhaps Mr Scroggins tomorrow, maybe something along the lines Dear Mr Scoggins how is it that four people contacted independently, rail enquires to be told that trains were running as scheduled from Minster, only to find this couldn't be further from the truth, why couldn't you and your flippin colleagues give the correct information.

The Olympic Legacy

Admittedly it’s way to early, to reflect on the London Olympics, but since the future of the main arena is back in the news, what the hell, hopefully there will be a great televisual experience, maybe Team GB will do well (perhaps the last before Scottish independence), but it seems a typical British squabble has already broken out, over the bones of the event.

I’m a cynic, so far, from what I’ve seen, it’s a triumph of big business over people, particularly those in East London, I’ll explain and fess up to having benefitted myself, around 2006 I had a couple of nights work, protecting cabling adjacent to factories, warehouses and offices as they were being demolished, at the time I wondered, how would this benefit the locals and concluded that it wouldn't as most of those once employed in premises being obliterated would have joined the dole queue.

More substantially, improvements to London’s rail network, have provided me and co-workers with work for some considerable time, although most not coming from London let alone places like Hackney and Stratford more likely Kent, Essex, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Bulgaria, Romania, and "up North".

During the Olympics I guess much of London and the South East will be in paralysis, I've heard work will cease on the railway infrastructure at the time, of the Olympics, so perhaps I'll be indulging in that speciality of significant numbers in Hackney
form filling.

I assume that central London and certainly East London will be effectively sealed off, by officialdom, my own sporting discipline, hurling a white van up the A102 and seeing if I can get it through the Blackwall tunnel will almost certainly be cancelled given the proximity to the Olympics.

Admittedly so far the Olympics has put money in my pocket and has driven many essential improvements to London's infrastructure and helped create a large new shopping centre in Stratford employing I hope locals selling goods no doubt produced in China.

I just feel sad that ordinary people will not share the first hand direct experience of the games that rich people will, due to the slanted ticket allocation.

London as a whole has and will continue to benefit, but having worked around Hackney, it's difficult to see any improvement, and I cannot help thinking that the controversy over disposal of the main arena, is a prelude to other problems, what will happen to the velodrome, the basket ball courts or the tiddlywinks stadium or even the long term unemployed of East London.

Reminder -Weekend stuff - Spectacular tonight in Margate and Summer Squall in Ramsgate

My apologies to readers who think I have my finger on the pulse, also to the organisers of Blink in Margate and Summer Squall in Ramsgate for not mentioning these events earlier.

Both Ramsgate and Margate people are trying hard to enhance and enrich our lives, a bit like the mission of Bignews Margate, anyhow Mrs Me has just reminded me, of the Blink Event, which if I can arrange a late night pass,will see me in Margate tonight soaking up a once in lifetime visual delight.

Anyhow click for details of Blink here and Summer Squall here and visit Thanet here for other goings on here, have a nice weekend!

Community event–Windmill Allotment Project

One for your diary, Windmill Community Allotment Project are holding an open day at Dane Valley Allotments, Dane Valley Road. This is a project all about producing food to high standards without chemicals and transforming how we get our veg.

As part of that project the community offers a "vegetable box" scheme in which I presume you purchase every week and receive a box stuffed with a variety of local organically grown veg to see you through the week.

Anyhow for more info click here.

Big Event finally does what it should - 80,000 Can't be wrong

Margate's big event has been one of the years highlights and this year for the first time has also injected a healthy amount of cash from visitors myself included with the move to the centre of the town. It has been estimated by Thanet Council that somewhere in the region of 80,000 people enjoyed the weekends event, which included the air show, music and firework display, funfair, Margate raft race, Airfix model making, Punch and Judy etc., this of course coupled with some of the other delights that Margate has to offer the the Harbour Arm Margate Museum the world class Turner Contemporary, the old town, area plus much improved cafes and restaurants and pubs.

Without a doubt the move into the town centre had the benefit of seeing money spent in the town rather than just with traders at the event itself as was the case in previous years not noted as being a big spender, myself I estimate that over the two days I spent around £30 in the town, of which most was spent with local business, if you were to make a crude calculation based on my spending, multiplied by 80,000 people, that would mean 2.5  million pounds spent with local traders.

A couple of excerpts from from TDC Press release  Marketing Dept. "Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “What a fantastic event!  It was wonderful to see so many people turn out over the weekend braving the elements and was a great example of true British spirit!  We had thousands of people in Margate, many from all over the South East, and many of those visiting for the first time.  From our point of view the new location worked brilliantly and helped to showcase exactly what Margate, the original seaside, has to offer.  We know from speaking with local businesses that hosting the event on the seafront had a positive impact, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve.  I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to pull off what was another great ‘big event’, to our sponsors Hornby for their help and support and most of all to thank everyone who came along to enjoy it”.

Darrell Burge, Marketing Manager for Airfix, said: "It was tremendous to be involved as the main sponsor of this year's show.  We had almost 1,000 families come through our make-and-paint area of the marquee experiencing the joys of Airfix modelling, and our staff were run ragged by the sheer volume of people.  Everyone though, both the public and staff from Hornby, had great smiles on their faces with some of the fantastic creations built during the weekend.  It was brilliantly rewarding for all of us and we look forward to being back in 2012."

The new location is a vindication of those who like me have over the years supported the event but criticised the location and proof that eventually councillors do listen and as a result, we all benefit. Even in the rain couldn't, ruin the day, as you could, like I did seek refuge in shops and cafes.

The air show is of course centre stage of the Big Event but the best part is having a relaxed day out with the family, the highlight for me was accompanying my granddaughter on her first visit to the Big Event and sharing a cake with her, the Vulcan good as it was came a distant 2nd.

Finally it would be disingenuous not to praise all those who have worked on the event over the last few years, it was great from the start and has just got better, well done and Thank you!

BIG EVENT SUNDAY

The above photo was taken of one of the highlights during the brilliant Airfix Air Show element of the Big Event which will continue today with the stunning Red Arrows, apologies for picture, I think I and my camera were a little unfocused me because of working a night shift friday and the camera who knows. 

As I have stressed earlier, there is something for everybody at this event, I myself spent a pleasant half hour or more, absorbing the performance given by the band Riveras in the Marine Gardens just up from the clock tower.

Anyhow events are listed on TDC's website here, today also see's Margates Traditonal Raft Race, on the beach there are various family activities including tradional Punch and Judy to compliment the Airfix Air Show and the live music.

TODAYS STUFF 

The Airfix Air Show for Sunday 19 June

13:30    Raft Race obviouls not part of flying display but a tradional event in harbour

15:30    Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

15:52   The Tigers Freefall Team

16:09   Stearman

16:17   Tutor

16:25   Tucano

16:34   Hawk

17:00   RED ARROWS

The Entertainment for Sunday 19 June

Marine Gardens

• 11.00 am  KD JazzThis band has its roots in the music of the 20's, 30's and 40's presenting a snappy brand of 'good time' music. All the musicians have a wealth of experience behind them ranging from West End shows to film soundtracks, classical concerts and jazz festivals.
• 12.00 pm  DJ
• 12.15 pm KD Jazz
• 1.00 pm   DJ
• 1.30 pm   HullabalooHullabaloo is an outstandingly talented and hugely popular Jazz, Jive and Swing band with a wealth of professional experience performing in the UK and overseas, and an impressive list of clients. With a unique male vocalist, wonderful harmonies and impeccable timing, theirs is a truly impressive sound. Unique (and occasionally humorous) arrangements of well-known tunes ensures that they never fail to entertain.
• 2.15 pm  DJ 
• 2.45 pm  Hullabaloo
• 3.30 pm  Flying Show
• 5.30 pm  DJ

Piazza

• 11.00 am  ATC Band.2433 (Ramsgate) Squadron Air Training Corps
• 12.00 pm  DJ
• 12.15 pm  The Whittlers:The Whittlers are quickly becoming one of the busiest entertainment artists on the UK music scene. All of the band are professional musicians, and have a mass of experience ranging from European tours, weddings and corporate events. This young, but heavily experienced band will provide an amazing party experience playing a mixture of Pop, Soul, Rock and Chart Music, ranging from the 60's right up to the present day.
• 1.00 pm  DJ
• 1.15 pm  The Whittler
• 2.00 pm  DJ
• 2.30 pm  Marylebone JellyA class act, Marylebone Jelly is an experienced five-piece live band with a repertoire that covers the best and classic hits from the last five decades
• 3.30 pm  Flying Show
• 5.30 pm  DJ  

If you have a mobile phone, you can view these pages in a mobile version without all the claptrap, which will allow you to view this brief guide of whats on at the event, since there appeared to be no programme available at the event. Enjoy

Big Event popular as ever

Seems that the move to Margates central area has been successful in promoting trade and business for the local community in addition to the pure entertainment value it has always provided.

A better event location for family's than the bleak Palm Bay site, at least visitors get to experience the which wasn't the case in earlier years.

Margate's Big Event 2011

I note once again, I am receiving many hits for the popular  Margate Big Event, and this year it moves into the middle of  Margate, which hopefully will produce much benefit to all concerned.

Central to this weekend's Big Event naturally is the air display which this year includes the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, the Red Arrows, and a real treat for anoraks the Vulcan Bomber,  not having seen one, since I think the last Manston Airshow, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience a piece of cold war history not just visually but if the thing is allowed to perform as it did in the past, you can literally feel the damn thing through the sound waves from the engine particularly when the machine is climbing.

Anyway enough of that, coupled with the air show there is the fun fair, live music and a real bonus this year, Margate itself which has art galleries to saunter, the Old Town, the Harbour Arm and fine places to sit and relax with a meal or drink.  Something else worth a mention is the superb world class Turner Contemporary, which in its first few weeks of opening has seen 100,000 visitors.

I'd say there is just about something for everyone this weekend in Margate, and if you cannot find something to entertain you, then I'd see a doctor, because you must be in a bad way!

I may add some pictures to this later in the day, I've just got in from work. For background information and earlier references please click here to search Bignews Margate's archive

Christmas is over and summers way off

Depressing I know for some of us but perhaps there are a few highlights between now and next summer, in Margate, we have in April the opening of Turner Contemporary Gallery, not necessarily every ones' cup of tea, but if the experts are to be believed the opening will prompt a new golden age of prosperity in Margate or maybe prove a bit of a disappointment.

So something else which might lighten the mood or if not compliment it, takes place is Broadstairs Blues Bash 19th-21st February,  a weekend celebration of the blues which I've been asked to plug please note no inducements or offers of free tickets have been made (more's the pity). The weekend starts with Nine Below Zero and three support acts at the Pavilion Broadstairs.

In addition to Fridays opener another 20 acts will be performing at 10 pubs throughout Broadstairs. For full details of the Festival which is in its third year, please click here

Its good to see events like this which stimulate life in Thanet, and I'm guessing exist because of a genuine enthusiasm of the organisers and not just some manufactured event. Thank you to the organisers and good luck.

Socialist Workers Party–Recruitment Drive?

Crikey had email forwarded today from where I'm not quite sure, anyhow, it was to announce a meeting promoted by the Socialist Workers Party, now maybe I don't get out too often but I thought that the old SWP had withered and died with Mrs T's departure.

However its clear that recent resurgence in political violence from Britain's inarticulate students, who eschew discussion, preferring to shout rather than talk is creating fertile ground for eccentric groups like the SWP to recruit.

If you accept democracy, parties like SWP on the left and BNP on flipside have the unfortunate right to exist despite their extreme views, however because of the baggage they bring to any debate free objective debate is stifled.

The existence of the BNP is one reason we don't have a reasoned debate on migration and the SWP is similar re employment and social justice. One you might connect with the horrors of fascism and the other Stalinist regimes.

Anyhow if you suffer from "It's my rights" syndrome, you know that overwhelming sense that whether you've ever contributed to society or not the world owes you a living, you'll find yourself in good company at the "How do we stop the Tory Cuts" meeting somewhere in Ramsgate next Monday, since it appears to be organised by the East Kent Right to Work Campaign, I'll set the ball rolling by giving you the job of find out the details.

I must say it's a pity these activist kept such a low profile when their mates in the Labour party were encouraging and exploiting migrant labour, doing all those deals with big business and finally the banks.

Margate's Dippers and Dunkers

The Dippers and Dunkers week long event is with us for a second year, having visited last years event, I have to say that it was entertaining and impressive, assuming that you may not have visited, I suggest you treat yourself this weekend, and go along, put off the trip to Westwood if you have to, Tesco, Sainsburys, Debenhams, Argos etc. will still be there next week.

Most of the events are free, so go and enjoy! photos are of course from last year, for full details click here for the Dippers & Dunkers website with events details, of those events that take place in Margate this is the one which most ties in with the brash, cheeky tradition of our heritage and history as one of the countries leading seaside resorts.

Thanet Pride

Thanet Pride as successful if not more so than earlier years and the entertainment is as good as ever. Will add more photos later.

Thanet Pride in Margate

Margate doesn't have as much going for it, as it should, due to various factors, Kent council choosing to build an art gallery out to sea, owners of Dreamland bulldozing the site, still that's nothing to do with local people.

Events that have been organised, by local people and organisations have proved successful, Thanet Pride being a good example, in terms of all round benefit this is probably one of the best, since its held on the front and grows in popularity each year.

Thanet needs events like this every weekend, and not just in Margate, an awful lot of money has been spent on the Turner Contemporary, which should have opened a couple of years ago, Kent council received compensation from the architects responsible for the seaborne gallery, had local Tories had any gumption they would have asked, those greedy Tory colleagues at Maidstone, to divvy up to compensate Margate and Thanet, apologies for the digression.

Anyhow go along tomorrow, enjoy the entertainment its free and spend some money! Details available from Thanet Pride Website here

The big event postscript

Despite the weather not being the best for Margate's Big event, organisers claim around 30,000 visitors which I feel shows the broad appeal of aeroplanes for anoraks, fun fair grounds for teens, and music for everyone.

Although my stay wasn’t the longest, I didn’t begrudge one penny of the two pound admission fee, although the “something for nothing” culture is as strong as every here in Thanet, where even this minimalist charge has to be criticised.

Wasn’t happy about the “shake down” of visitors at the entrance, as last year the event was free, searching bags I assume was for contraband, a bit of a liberty, I think the council had asked people not to bring alcohol, no doubt to increase sales at the beer tent, don’t know whether they were also looking for illegal hamburgers, and donuts.

I missed the Red Arrows display (Mrs Me, glued to the world Cup “I’m not going out in this weather”), but saw enough not to feel cheated, I’ve put up some more photos available here, the highlight for me was the sight of the Battle of Britain memorial flight’s Lancaster, and as I watched this plane, I always think of the guts, it must have taken for the crews to have flown these planes.

Not sure who the jazz group were, something? cats,on about 3 or 4 on Saturday but much enjoyed their performance, very good, despite the rain and a dislike of er jazz.

Big Event busy as ever

Here's a picture taken earlier and some more

MARGATE’S BIG EVENT –THIS WEEKEND

Obviously this is a big weekend for Margate with the Big Event taking place, since I’m getting a lot of referrals from search engines looking for info on the event I thought it would be handy, rather than waffle to put up some pics from previous years. So Click here

Also for the anoraks 10 seconds of Eurofighter

Reminder - Fairport Convention

Technology is a wonderful thing, glancing through my emails on my somewhat ancient but still fully functional nokia N 95 I note that I've received an email reminder of Fairport Conventions appearance at the Theatre Royal Margate on Saturday details of which are available here www.margateharbourarm.co.uk/events.html

please note this posting has been created on my phone so I will no doubt

need to edit and elaborate later on

Update to my earlier posting, not being overly familiar with their music I'm having a listen to their stuff on Spotify (spotify is a brilliant service supplying music for free or subscription) as I update this and find it pleasant, my taste vary from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Stones, Lindisfarne, Killers, sex pistols, good music of any genre is good music anyway click on the link which was incorrect earlier for details.

--

Sent from my mobile device

tony flaig - Bignews Margate Thanet's unparalled and unmissable blog

Kite photos

What a brilliant event, just the sort of thing needed to put Margate back on Map. As always there are the usual fairground rides as well as few traders to compliment the event.

I thought I’d have lunch at one of the seafronts eateries after waiting 20 minutes having been assured that I could order at the table no attempt to serve or explain was made.

Its almost reassuring that traditional British service is still available even when your charging 1.80 to 3.00 for a bottle of water during the worst recession ever, I thought the “we’re doing you a favour” style of service had long vanished, clearly not.

Its one thing expecting local authorities to step up to the challenge of improving the attractiveness of the area but its clear some traders ought to appreciate that customers have a choice and having a pretentious menu doesn’t excuse ignoring customers.

My top tip for restaurateurs is if you can’t provide a service just explain to your customers and they’ll understand and come back, its also worth remembering that winters are quite long in these parts.

For outsiders this may well have been an aberration, most restaurants & cafes in these parts offer pleasant and helpful service.

Your chance to bag a unique postcard by Emin, Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn and more…..

Just a reminder of the charity Art auction in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust on Saturday 8th '@ 4pm at the Margate Harbour Arm Gallery.

With more postcards than you can point a bucket and spade at, it will be tough to choose which of the 100 cards individually created especially for this charity event to bid on.

The auction will also notable since it will be the first time that Tracy Emin will have had work on show in Margate.

Click here to see the postcards

Click here to visit WWW. Margateharbourarm.co.uk

Big Sky Margate Jazz

Big Sky, Big Crowds and Big Deal (Christine Tobin’s Band) opening the show, Jazz not entirely my thing but it helped add life to Margate, in the sun listen to the music seeing the crowds it looked and felt how a seaside town should.

Anyway enjoyed Christine Tobin’s Big Deal, was quite surprised when as she was singing a Brazilian song, a young girl next to Mrs Me started singing along (I’ve not encountered anyone sing-along to jazz before), apparently after interrogation by Mrs Me the youngster admitted to knowing the song as she was Portuguese.

I forgot that there was also a craft and art market on in the market place in the old town, I believe its on tomorrow as well as more entertainment. Had to leave earlier than I would due other commitments.

I noticed up near the West Coast they had more mainstream entertainment. I understand the sum will be shining again in Margate, might nip over for some more tomorrow.