Blue plaques mark out new Ramsgate Military and Heritage Trail

November 28, 2018 Kathy Bailes News 1

trail5 — Ralph Hoult leads the first trail walk

A new trail exploring Ramsgate has been launched with the first walk taking place yesterday (November 27).

The Ramsgate Military & Heritage Trail is the work of Thanet Community Development Trust with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

The trail consists of a 60 page guidebook, 13 blue plaques and education packs for schools.

The booklet was created by volunteers who researched either one site in depth or spent time looking at an overview for the town.

Andrew Morris (pictured above with mayor Trevor Shonk), from TCDT, said: “Part of the Trail was to create a history club to find volunteers. They now meet each week and have created great friendships.

“The Trail has the guidebook consisting of 60 pages full of history, stories and photos about Ramsgate’s past. There is a website, www.ramsgatetrail.co.uk, due to be live this week, with information about the Trail, locations to find the free booklet and free downloadable education packs for schools and families.”

The 13 new blue plaques around the town highlight significant places and events, such as Ramsgate’s first Zeppelin air raid, the Sundowner which was the lead ship of the Dunkirk Little Ships and was captained by Charles Lightoller, who was second in command on the Titanic and the former Thomson and Wotton Brewery where Waitrose now stands.”

Volunteers also received personalised plaques.

The launch took place at Spencer Square and was attended by Ramsgate mayor Trevor Shonk, TCDT trustees Ralph Hoult, Barbara Sims and Keith Single, Tracey Evans from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, TCDT chief executive Keith Morris, chairman Richard Chapman and chief tutor Andrew Morris.

The trail is 5 miles in total and is broken down into 6 smaller walks to make it more friendly. The first guided tour at the launch event was headed by Ralph Hoult.