The Ramsgate Meridian 5.41

Mooch’s project for the 2017 Ramsgate Arts Festival celebrates the fact that Ramsgate has it’s own Meridian Line that is 5 minutes and 41 seconds ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The project involved drawing a temporary line across all the pedestrian areas in the town, a total span of approx 1.7km from it’s “origin” in the Maritime Museum in the harbour to the Ramsgate town boundary. This simple device really drew attention to this much overlooked bit of local history. Mooch also installed a Meridian spotlight which beamed out across the harbour along the path of the Meridian during the festival evenings.

On the 29th July a talk on “The Origin of the Line” was given by historian Terry Prue who was very ably assisted by actor and director Clive Holland. Together they brought to life the story of this quirk of the town’s maritime history. The talk brought together residents who live on the line and are connected for this random reason. They were all invited to “The Origin of the Line” as members of the “5.41 club”. Lets see where this connection leads them.

Already within minutes of drawing the line, it prompted conversations and curiosity, a much hoped for aim of the installation.

This project was self funded by Mooch and so fundraising followed by selling items using the 5.41 logo. Many thanks to Sophie Rose and the staff in the 3D hub at Chatham and Clarendon School for helping to laser cut the recycled plastic logos. Also thanks to Sophie for designing the marvellous Christmas tree that is now a regular feature on the Maritime Museum over the festive season.

As ever, your help would be very much appreciated to help us continue to deliver our unique public art works. If you wish to donate to Ramsgate Meridian 5.41 just click on the donate button at the bottom of the page and help us keep on revealing history and connecting people to it. Many thanks for your support!

The project would not have happened without the generous help of some marvellous people:

Berry, Tony Smith, Anthony Seminara, Tiago Gambogi, Maggi Swallow, Ben Morton, Terry Prue, Clive Holland, Brian Whitehead, Helene Whitehall and Jezz Etheridge.

and these supportive organisations:

Thanet District Council

Ramsgate Town Council

Ramsgate Festival

Chatham and Clarendon School

Pro Sign

Maple Tea

Brandons Hire

Nice Things

del Renzio & del Renzio

Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Association

Maritime Museum