If you were lucky enough to be in the audience for the talk by Dianne Harvey-White on our Heritage Harbour, you will understand why we have invited her back to talk about her work for Ramsgate Town Council on a Conservation Management Plan for the Grade II designated Old Fire Station (Radford House).
The conversion to Radford House as a community events centre is, of course, its second change of use since the building was not constructed as a Fire Station but converted from a private dwelling in 1904. Her research into the building known as “Effingham” revealed family links to the Tomson and Wootton brewery and also challenges several Ramsgate myths about the construction of the town. In a tantalising aside she suggests Effingham Street may not have been all it was talked up to be.
The building itself reveals clues to the previous layout and demonstrates an Edwardian interpretation of a Georgian building. Analysing the fabric reveals interesting phases of construction which contribute to the palimpsest of the building and its historic significance, providing information about the changes to domestic buildings over that time.
The talk takes place in Radford House on May 23rd and, time permitting, will also afford the opportunity to explore the building. As usual, doors open at 6:30pm and the talk of about 45 minutes will start at 7pm and be followed by about 15 minutes of Q & A. Places must be booked in advance at £2 (+ 88p for Eventbrite costs). Non-members of the Ramsgate Society will be requested to add a voluntary donation of £3 on the door.
