In partnership with The Ramsgate Society and Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, the group will lead an exciting project to research how Ramsgate has changed over time and what this tells us about how it may look in the future.

The project will culminate in an exhibition of work, produced by a group of the young participants, in a town centre location during August and a temporary Blue Plaque Trail, designed to show off another side to Ramsgate’s history.

Ramsgate Arts is an enthusiastic group of Ramsgate residents and arts professionals who use culture to help in the regeneration of the town. Their overall aim is to provoke opportunities to develop local arts practice, to provide high quality entertainment and activities for residents and to attract visitors. The annual jewel in their crown is the Summer Squall Arts Festival, which this year will take place between Saturday 23 and Monday 25 August 2014 and will be an event which appeals to people of all tastes and ages, with the theme of ‘Rebellious Elements’.

The Ramsgate Society was founded fifty years ago this year to promote Ramsgate's magnificent history and to help the town look to the future. They celebrate their 50th anniversary this year with the opening of their own office and information point on Harbour Street in the centre of town. Chatham and Clarendon Grammar school is also located in the centre of town and, having been founded at least two hundred years ago, is very proud of its own heritage and place within the town.

Changing Tides is timed to coincide with the Summer Squall and Ramsgate Society’s anniversary celebrations. A lucky group of twenty students will enjoy walks around the town centre guided by the Ramsgate Society’s president Peter Landi; spend time sifting through fascinating local archives; and host a tea party for older residents to listen to their personal experiences of the Blitz and Ramsgate’s heyday as a seaside holiday destination.

Inspired by what they learn, they will put together an exhibition of their findings, art, poetry or any artefacts they collect. This will be exhibited at the Ramsgate Society’s shop during August. Alongside the exhibition they will map out a tongue-in-cheek Blue Plaque trail featuring some of Ramsgate’s lesser known residents. Visitors to the Summer Squall will be able to enjoy both of these entertainments and get to know the town a little better.

Commenting on the award, project coordinator, Xanthe Pitt said: “It’s fantastic that we have been awarded this grant and get the chance to celebrate Ramsgate’s heritage in such a fun and imaginative way. You can see just by looking at the magnificent buildings around us that Ramsgate has had an illustrious past and it will be wonderful for the young people to look at it in a bit more depth and share their findings with the rest of the town. The Blue Plaque trail will be particularly thought-provoking and good fun at the same time. It will encourage people to think about the history which has played out in their own streets and houses and persuade people who are unfamiliar with the town to take a good look around.”

Peter Landi, Ramsgate Society president, also commented: “We were so keen to get going on this project that I’ve already taken the youngsters on a walk around town to start them off. They took loads of notes and I can’t wait to see where their research takes them. It’s very exciting.”

Stuart McLeod, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, Ramsgate Arts and the Ramsgate Society can embark on a real journey of discovery. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”

Notes to editors

About Ramsgate Arts
Ramsgate Arts is a group of Ramsgate residents and arts professionals who use culture to help in the regeneration of the town. Their overall aim is to provoke opportunities to develop local arts practice, to provide high quality entertainment and activities for residents and to attract visitors. The annual Summer Squall Arts Festival will take place between Saturday 23 and Monday 25 August this year with the theme of ‘Rebellious Elements’.

About the Ramsgate Society
The Ramsgate Society was founded fifty years ago this year to promote Ramsgate's magnificent history and to help the town look to the future. They celebrate their 50th anniversary with the opening of their own office and information point on Harbour Street in the centre of town.

About Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar school is also located in the centre of town and, having been founded at least two hundred years ago, is very proud of its own heritage and place within the town.

Further information

For further information, images and interviews, please contact Xanthe Pitt, project coordinator on 07905 481 941 or 01843 581 446.