Organisers of the celebrations marking Ramsgate’s 200-year status as a Royal Harbour are appealing for £60,000 so a landmark statue of King George IV can be finished. The bicentennial weekend events are planned for 24-26 September and will boost the fundraising needed for the 15ft statue’s bronze casting, site groundworks, and plinth.
While the statue will be in honour of the King who bestowed the city with the regal honour, it will also be a poignant memorial to its creator and Ramsgate resident, Dominic Grant. A member of the 1970s music group Guys ‘n’ Dolls, Grant went on to become an internationally recognised and award-winning sculptor. He spent two years of his life committing to the King George statue as his ‘Legacy to Ramsgate.’
Grant died unexpectedly in November 2020. Since his death, his wife and bandmate, Julie Forsyth, has been leading the appeal effort to have the statue finished and positioned on the Ramsgate harbourside. Once placed, the statue is anticipated to become a landmark and focal point for visitors and residents.
“Dominic loved Ramsgate. We came here 12 years ago and fell for the town and the harbour – we bought a home immediately,” said Julie.
“We were told about the royal status and were amazed there was no statue to King George, so Dominic decided to do something about it; he gave his time and sculpting talent to the creation of King George.
‘We would be so proud to see King George ‘returned’ once more to Ramsgate, marking that royal status and as a legacy to Dominic’s amazing work and his passion for the place he came to regard as home.”
Originally, Julie appealed for £50,000 to finish the statue. That number has now increased as more donations come in. Royal Harbour 200th Anniversary Festival director Ralph Hoult OBE also wants to see the statue finished and has big plans for its unveiling.
“Subsequently, we have spoken with the Lord Lieutenant of Kent’s office to see if a senior member of the Royal Family would attend the anniversary celebrations – we hope to confirm that shortly.
“But once the statue by Dominic Grant is erected after the celebrations and the final fundraising is completed, we rather hope young Prince George can unveil King George’s statue as one of his first official engagements – what could be better?“
One of the main sponsors for the festival, Blueberry Homes, also supports the completion of the statue. A spokesperson said the complete would be a tribute to the former monarch and its late creator and add to the ‘significant regeneration in the historic maritime town.’
