Being...: Recent Episodes
Ramsgate Radio
How do our experiences affect the way in which we perceive our home? These interview based audio documentaries will shine a light on the people that ultimately make locality what it is, providing a powerful glimpse into the lives of those around us.
In a special episode of our ‘being…’ series, we talk to Rebecca Whiteman, an artist whose work is driven by a fear of loss: loss of memory, loss of the tangible, loss of connection. Her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis triggered a desire to interrogate these feelings, ultimately navigating her to the slow crafts of hand stitching and patchwork as processes of meditation and acceptance. Through the intensity of gazing into the past, Rebecca noticed the importance of frames in remembering; how they work as viewpoints, protective shields and shrines around our losses.
This group of immensely talented singers would, under normal circumstances, meet regularly to rehearse and perform. Led by Greg Tassell, the Thanet Chamber Choir have faced many challenges in 2020, non more difficult than the loss of a friend and fellow singer, Tristan Harper.
We went to visit the choir on a cold windy night as they rehearse for one last time before lockdown. We met at St Augustines in Westgate to talk about the joys of singing as a group, the challenges surrounding Covid and most importantly, to share a musical experience.
As the evening passes, Filipe & Symone are still at the Pub, their food has arrived and the two are now very deep in conversation. Symone returns to her childhood and recollects moments of happiness and distress. For the first time, Symone brings up Nova Marshall, a community artist and close friend to whom Symone unveils a massive revelation.
If you are or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this series, visit our help and support contacts for links to organisations that may be able to help.
In a packed noisy pub, Symone talks about Mental Health and her struggle with it. In this episode we get insight on Symone's coping mechanisms which at times are shocking and upsetting. We also look at how Symone has triumphed in her lifelong battle with self harming and discuss the devastating effects of insomnia. By this point, Filipe and Symone are clearly very connected and comfortable talking openly and freely.
Whilst walking along Ramsgate's Seafront, Symone talks about growing up in Ramsgate, her family life, going in to care and ultimately her attachment to the area. We get a glimpse into what this locality means to her and look at her hopes for the future of Ramsgate. Although Symone isn't explicit in saying so, we begin to get a sense of some disturbing events that took place early on in her life, experiences that would ripple throughout her adult life.