The Thanet Star

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The Bracket's 3rd Birthday

Written by Matt B · first published 03/06/2013

The Bracket pub celebrated its third birthday yesterday.

I went along to say hi to Dean and his staff. The Bracket caters to a very different crowd to pretty much every other venue in Thanet offering live music and a safe place for people to be a bit different.

Given the current economic climate I think that keeping a business like that going is worthy of some praise.

The Bracket's 3rd Birthday

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Double-decker bus stolen and then crashed in Ramsgate

Written by Matt B · first published 31/05/2013

I know, let's steal a bus - what could possibly go wrong?

After words like these a bus was indeed stolen and then crashed. Police are searching for two men after the joyriders crash a double-decker bus in Ramsgate. They have released CCTV images of the people they would like to speak to.

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Margate Lives?

Written by Matt B · first published 27/05/2013

Back in 2007 I described exactly how to revive Margate and it is good to see that six years later someone has finally gotten arround to stealing my idea. It's about time too.

Margate High Street Saturday

This saturday just gone I found myself walking up Margate High Street and I heard some music. I could not see where the music was coming from for the crowds of people. All I could tell was that it was pretty darn good.

As a weaved my way past the pole dancer (I kid you not) and the crowds there I set my eyes on these guys and suddenly everything became clear.

Beggars' Belief Playing On Margate High Street

Beggars' Belief Playing On Margate High Street

This six piece band is called Beggars' Belief. I happen to think that they are rather good. They were there along with the pole dancer, clown, stilt walkers and crowd. At the time I had not the slightest idea what they were all doing there but knew that the party would boost trade in the high street so it was a good thing. It turns out that the band were there to celebrate the official opening of "Poportunity" which I must have failed to notice at all.

"Poportunity" was opened by Mary Portas last year although it seems that she has taken her sweet time about actually spending that money was promised. You are most welcome, by the way, Mary - no need to give credit where it's due. When you need more good ideas give me a shout, love.

For all there was clearly some good fun and good music being enjoyed in Margate I can't help feeling that there was a bit of a missed opportunity to actually draw attention to anything. I'm seriously starting to doubt the ability Ms Portas to really get anything much organised, much less to understand the area or the nature of crowds.

The self serving trumpet blowing of Mary Portas aside the town seemed to be having a jolly good time.

Here are some more pictures of the day.

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» Continue Reading: Margate Lives?

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Things to do in Thanet this bank Holiday?

Written by Matt B · first published 06/05/2013

I am looking for things to do today but I have come up short can you help me?

Aside from the basics - beach, park and pub (all classics in their own right, I have no doubt) the list of things that one can do on a bank holiday seems a touch short.

11am - Half Hour Tour of the Touner contemprary. Price: Free. A Turner Contemporary Navigator leads a free 30 minute guided tour of the exhibition. Other activities include the family friendly Feel, explore, play and build with different materials.

Ramsgate May Fair, last day today. Although after the free entry you really want to have some money to spend.

If you can get out to it there is the Monkton Nature Reserve set in 16 acres of abandoned chalk quarry, that has been dramatically reclaimed by nature. It features many important habitats, fascinating geology and rare orchids. The reserve also houses the Thanet Observatory and the first artificial bat cave built in the UK. Opens 10am - 4pm. Members get in free (I think) but as the price of membership or the price otherwise the site is not exactly clear.

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» Continue Reading: Things to do in Thanet this bank Holiday?

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Time to go out and vote!

Written by Matt B · first published 02/05/2013

It's voting time and in more ways than one.

As Thanet and Kent head to the polls to pick new councillors that, we hope, might actually show up for meetings this year there is a second secret vote afoot. Signed up members of Thanet Star (you secret few that found the link) are now voting on comments and rating them on helpfulness, insightfulness and homour. Great comments will be highlighted while poor ones will be hidden (but unhideable if you want to read them).

That means long rambly off topic rants get tucked neatly out of the way and good comments are awarded with some recognition. There are bound to be a few teething troubles but lets see how it works out.

In other news it's time to sack the politicians just in it for money and elect people who want to do a good job.

Transeuropa Ferries bankrupt say Shipping TV

Written by Matt B · first published 26/04/2013

Ramsgate-Ostend ferry route appears to have closed according to shippingtv.co.uk.

After weeks of confusion and service suspensions, Ramsgate-Ostend ferry operator Transeuropa Ferries has reportedly filed for bankruptcy in Belgium ending services out of Ramsgate according to one source. Here's the video report in question.

What to do with Thanet's "warfare mindset"?

Written by Matt B · first published 23/04/2013

I remain deeply distressed by the news of last thursday's council meeting.

Last Thursday Thanet District Council's meeting descended into farce and argument after a huge (by Thanet Standards) petition triggered what should have been a fairly workmanlike debate.

Instead point scoring petty arguments and a close to physical fight were witnessed before press and councillors alike who tried to document this were ejected (some might add illegally) from the council.

I have, from that time until now, written and rewritten this post. I have reached the point were I have no choice but to admit that I am speechless.

How could we, the people of Thanet have let it come to this?

More importantly, how can we correct things. How can we make sure that our councils starts to become functional? Do we need to bring in mediators and diplomats to try and broker a ceasefire? What, in all honesty, shall we do?

Photo based on image taken by Ian Driver who was thrown out of the meeting for having the guts to take that image.

Win a pair of tickets for flights from Manston

Written by Matt B · first published 23/04/2013

Win free flights and accommodation for two.

That's the deal from Kent Online The competition is free to enter but you must live in the BR, CT, DA, ME, or TN postcode areas to be eligible

Winners will fly from Manston Airport, via Amsterdam, to wherever they choose � be it New York, Dubai or Hong Kong. Twice daily flights are now taking off from Manston, based in East Kent, and landing at the award-winning hub airport Schiphol just 50 minutes later.

Amber Weather Alert

Written by Matt B · first published 12/03/2013

The Met Office have issued an Amber Weather Alert for London and the South East.

We can expect cold and 10cm to 20cm of snow with high winds. Temperatures will be about a degree above freezing for most of tomorrow. Wrap up warm and drive safely.

Did Sir Gale willingly testify to Sandy's good nature?

Written by Matt B · first published 06/03/2013

With so many powerful men giving testimony to their estimations of the character of ex-council leader Sandy Ezekiel during his trial one has to ask what it says about these men?

Thanet North MP Sir Roger Gale led the tributes with businessmen Frank Thorley of Thorley Taverns and Ken Wills of China Gateway International giving glowing references to the court. Wrote This Is Kent

Is this more of a case of the conservative group trying to save one of their own than of powerful men willingly singing the praises of another? Could it be more a case of trying to keep China Gateway a safe conservative project after Sandy and others were strongly implicated in misconduct in that affair too?

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