Botany Bay and Kingsgate looking stunning on film with John Hurt

Settled down to watch John Hurt in the BBC adaptation of M R James’ Edwardian ghost story shot in Kingsgate and Botany Bay. We who live here know how stunning this stretch of coastline is, and it seems still to be one of our best kept secrets. Clean swept wild beaches of golden sand, dunes, rockpools and chalk cliffs with the remains of smugglers tunnels. It looks fantastic on film. Great photography and it brings home why I love living here.

Preview of the programme here:

Programme page here

One of the nicest things to do in our area is to walk from Margate to Broadstairs along the beach, taking in the series of Bays. Just check the tide is out and and it is possible to make it round without having to come back up to the cliff top. Tide table here.

Finalists for "This is Margate" Photography competition

So, what do you think?

The finalists for the Margate photograph competition have been released on the This Is Margate website. The idea is that you choose your favourite for ach section. I'm not sure I like being forced to choose a picture from each section before moving on to the next. I would have preferred to have been able to see each group selection before having to make a choice for the next one.

But I'm sure there is a reason for this?

Here's the official blurb and instructions:

"Please vote for your favourite Margate photograph shortlisted in the This is Margate photography competition by visiting http://www.thisismargate.co.uk/Competition/Default.aspx The voting closes on wed 15 December at Midday.

We had nearly 400 competition entries from people of all ages (youngest was 7!) and the shortlist of 30 photos will also be displayed in the Tudor house, Margate this weekend (11 & 12 Dec) as part of their Christmas event.

We are also delighted to welcome Martin Parr to Margate on Monday 20 December to decide the overall winner and present the prizes.

All the votes will be counted and revealed at a special VIP judging event on Monday 20 December. We are delighted to be welcoming, international photographer Martin Parr, as our guest judge to announce the final winners and the overall winner of the competition as well as present them with their prizes, at this event.

If you would like to attend the judging event, please contact Lucy on 01843 577168 as a guest list is being run for the event."

Turner Contemporary is beautiful

The handover for the Turner Contemporary took place yesterday. What an amazing addition to the town this gallery will be. The views are stunning, the light, the finish. I'd like to wish a hearty congratulations to everyone who has made this building happen. Applause very well deserved. Can't wait for the opening. April 16th 2011! Sorry not to write more tonight. Am very tired!