Save our past for the future - Support so far

Margate Civic Society president Ralph Handscomb has backed our campaign to reopen the museums.

Mr Handscomb, who lives in Eastern Esplanade, said: "The suggestion that a new trust could be set up hasn’t got very far.

"We’ve sent letters to the council telling them they’re fools for letting the museum go and I would encourage others to write lots and lots of letters and keep on at them.

"If it doesn’t stay where it is it could go in Dreamland and tie in with the plans that are surrounding it. People want to know things about Margate and Bob Bradley, who was curator of Margate Museum until it shut, has the files at his fingertips. The whole society backs this campaign."

Ramsgate Society chairman Jocelyn McCarthy says he is 100 per cent behind the drive to get Ramsgate Maritime Museum back in business.

He said: "It’s a very important part of our history and an important part of Ramsgate. There is so much history here. I can’t understand why the council has proposed selling the building because it can be repaired.

"We have lost the museum that was in the library and with such a superb building that’s integral to the harbour I think it should stay. It’s important to the people of Ramsgate and to those who have moved away.

"Without the museum what else is there for people to do?"

Deputy leader of Thanet council Cllr Roger Latchford said the authority was in talks with one interested party over the future of Ramsgate museum.

He added: "We have had very positive talks this week. There has been a meeting of minds. More talks will take place soon."

Sandy Ezekiel" src="http://i.thisis.co.uk/274201/binaries/SandyEzekiel.jpg" width=151 align=left>Leader Sandy Ezekiel said the authority wants to keep museums in both towns and is keen to meet with groups and individuals who could help. He added: "We do not have limitless budgets. We need people to come forward to work with us to get the museums open."

Cliftonville primary school continues to get value from Margate Museum, with pupils learning about history from former curator Bob Bradley during Second World War days.

Year four teacher Alice Holdstock said: "The day really helps the pupils and gives them a better understanding of the era.

"Mr Bradley brings in artefacts not normally taught about, such as special headlight covers that helps them understand the blackouts.

"He is full of local knowledge as well and can tell you the names of aeroplanes that landed on the beach.

"Lots of different year groups have been to the museum and it’s an important part of the town."

Cliftonville hotelier Ann Smith, head of the Isle of Thanet Tourism Association and chairman of Margate Town Centre Partnership said the TCP had already expressed an interest to Thanet council in running the Margate museum and finding volunteer partners to work with.

She said: "This is absolutely essential from a tourism point of view you just have to look at what we are up against in other towns where millions of pounds are being poured in to tourism while all we are seeing here is cut backs.

"How can we be building the Turner Contemporary and talking about regeneration in the Old Town when we have seen the heart of the Old Town closed down. Our partners in the Old Town need the museum. It’s a nonsense."

Harbour Newsagent owner Tony Radcliffe has a petition in his shop for people to sign up their support.

He said: “Museums are part of our history and part of the culture and I think it’s a shame that people can’t go there anymore. People can’t see how Margate used to be. Even the building itself is spectacular. I think it should stay there rather than building anything new because they wouldn’t get the funding for it.”

Principal of Hartsdown college in Margate, Andy Somers, said: “Margate museum is an important educational resource in the same way as a local library. We direct students to do research for projects in these places and they are fantastic opportunities for parents to work with their children. As someone who is still relatively new to the area, I would say that the museum needs to improve its publicity and promotion. Margate is on the brink a lot of changes – The Turner gallery and the regeneration of the town centre as well as a brand new secondary school at Hartsdown - it is therefore more important than ever that its heritage is preserved.”

What do you think? If you feel passionately about the museum leave your words of support in the comment section below.