Nine years ago two members of the Ramsgate Society decided to bring the rich and varied past of the town to life with an organised costumed walk. Now, with more than fifteen people, St George's Church warden Jennifer Smith and friend Brenda May help recreate the life and times of former Ramsgate residents and visitors. Here the Ramsgate volunteers take you on the trail of the West Cliff Walk. The West Cliff walk is interesting because of all the glorious architecture, among which are The Grange and St Augustine's Church, designed and built by Augustus Pugin. Pugin, played by John Collard, created all the fittings and interiors of The Grange, including the stained glass window in the chapel showing members often Pugin family and their attendant saints. Pugin loved to look out from the tower of The Grange and watch the ships, and the wrecks on the Goodwin sands. Helen Lumsdaine, Played by Laura Wyness, was a neighbour of Pugin's who helped nurse him when he became ill. Another character people cold see on the walk is Vincent van Gogh's housekeeper Mrs Stokes, played by Jennifer Smith. She looked after him when he came to Ramsgate in 1876 to teach at a boy's school in Royal Road. Architect and artist Mary Townley, born in 1753 bought plots of land in Ramsgate with her lawyer husband. Mary, played by Joan Ansell, designed Townley House and Royal Crescent on the West Cliff. During the war with France they bought land in Spencer Square and Townley Street and built a Barracks for soldiers. Among their visitors were Prince William, later King William IV, and a small Princess Victoria and her mum, the Duchess of Kent. Pugin's aunt Selina Welby, played by Peggy O'Gara lived in Rose Hill Cottage. Novelist Wilkie Collins, Played by Roger Lee was a frequent Ramsgate visitor. His book The Woman In White was written in Thanet. There are many other characters who can be seen on the other walks, including princess Victoria, the artist Frith and South Pole expedition man Sir Ernest Shackleton. During the town centre trip walkers could see a suffragette, 18th century farmer and a pew opener. During the Royal Harbour walk characters include novelist Jane Austen and Quaker Elizabeth Fry. The tours are free but donations towards costumes and leaflets are appreciated. Contact the Ramsgate Society for dates etc. http://www.ramsgate-society.org.uk/