A Message from the Deputy Mayor of Ramsgate

The Mayor of Ramsgate kindly asked me, as Deputy Mayor, to go in her place, to the inauguration of the new Deputy Constable of Dover Castle.

I enjoyed myself a great deal, meeting with other Cinque Port Mayors, including some I have known for years.

It was a lovely sunny day and going to the Constable’s Tower was a treat. The Constable’s Tower is a beautiful house inside and out. The view looking over the Channel from the windows was amazing. This is part of our tradition, our heritage, our history.

Starting in the 12th Century, Constable was called Keeper of the Coast. This was the beginning of what is now called the Cinque Ports.

Brigadier Guy Boxall MBE, the new Deputy Constable, and his wife Rachel met with guests and were able to speak to everyone. Guy is the 216th Deputy Constable to take this post which goes back to the wars with France.

The Constable of Dover Castle is the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, The Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Boyce, KG, GCB, OBE, DL, who officiated at the ceremony gave the new incumbent the Key to the Castle and the right to fly the Deputy Constable’s flag.

Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lord Colgrain and Lady Colgrain.

Prayers were offered by The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, who I have met on many occasions before he retired to Somerset after being Bishop of Dover. He was accompanied by his wife Margaret. He remains Chaplain of the Cinque Ports.

The canapes were out of this world, so delicate and so many different tastes. An experience in itself!

I had a conversation with a Royal Engineer as I recognised his Cyprus Medal. He also wore an Afghanistan Medal and told me he remembered my daughter’s Treats for Troops parcels sent to Afghanistan and provided by so many people and businesses. Hundreds of shoe boxes were sent. It was nice to know they helped the morale of the fighting men and women.

It was most enjoyable to talk with so many interesting people. We are very lucky to be able to keep up our heritage and traditions and should hold on to them and help to promote our rich history.

It was a very enjoyable time. Everything ran like clockwork and the staff were very kind and helpful.

I would like to thank everyone involved in organising a very pleasant time. Thank you, Clive for being my driver for the day.

Written by:
Councillor Pat Moore,
Deputy Mayor of Ramsgate