Ramsgate councillor Raushan Ara has been elected for a fifth term as town mayor.
The restaurant owner and town and district councillor congratulated Cllr Jane Hetherington who is now deputy mayor and thanked previous mayor and deputy, councillors Laurie Hudson and Pat Moore.
She added: “It is a privilege to represent and promote Ramsgate’s people and places and this will be my fifth time as Mayor, and I am as enthusiastic now as I was the first time. Many of my most cherished memories are of my time as Mayor.
“My favourite mayor-making was in 2019 with the unveiling of the Vincent Van Gogh bust by Anthony Padgett in Spencer Square. Some of my favourite events, were the St George’s Day Parade, the New Years Eve lantern parade and Christmas lights switch on. Besides our wonderful carnivals, I was proud to see Ellington Park receive the Green Flag award. Ellington Park is an amazing example of what can be achieved when people work together. I especially love the unique book shop run by the volunteers.
“As mayor I have seen how volunteers really go above and beyond for our town, especially for local causes and charities. It was wonderful to be able to support the RNLI whose work is so important and also the vital Salvation Army winter shelters and Mencap.
“My own experience of raising a son with global needs meant Mencap was very close to my heart.
“Ramsgate is constantly changing and growing, but the spirit of cooperation and community stays strong. Though we may have different political views, what unites us is that spirit and the love of our town.
“I look forward to working with Ramsgate’s diverse community of residents; volunteers; charities; faiths and organisations who work together to make our growing town a special place to live.
“My chosen multifaith chaplains are; Captain Carl Whitewood of Salvation Army, Paul Worledge from St George’s Church and Rabbi Cliff Cohen from Thanet District Synagogue.
“Some of this year’s upcoming events include celebrating Sam Battle from Ramsgate who is competing in the Eurovision song contest. There will be a live viewing party opposite the Queens Head from 7pm – Midnight on the May 16th. Good luck Sam.
“There is also the Ellington Park fair; for the very first time Ramsgate Celebrates Day for Cultural Diversity, Ramsgate Little Ships, Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate Day, the Festival of Sound; International Women’s Day and the International Film festival.
“As well as this year’s annual Carnival I shall also attend the D Day memorial, Armed Forces Day and The Holocaust Service. It is going to be a very busy year for Ramsgate and myself as Mayor and I am looking forward to meeting so many local people at these events.
“As usual I am always available for my constituents as their town and district councillor if needed.”
Congratulations please can you focus on Ramsgate town the last 5 years have gone from bad to worse to terrible
Someone wearing a gold chain isn’t gonna fix a whole town lol.
People giving a damn and being proactive might…
Must be a busy position being Ramsgate Mayor, only a 50% attendance on the licensing Committee & only 71% overall. Licensing usually held in the daytime for an hour or so.