| RAMSGATE PUB HONOURS BRITISH COMEDY LEGEND
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British comedy legend Frank Muir was immortalised in a Ramgate pub's history when a plaque commemorating his birth was presented to the Derby Arms on Friday 24 February.
Muir was born in the pub on 5 February 1920, which was then run by his grandmother. He is best known for his comedic writing partnership with Denis Norden and as a panellist on radio shows like 'Call My Bluff'.
Colin Aris, chairman of the Thanet branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) presented the plaque to licensee Gary Howard, joined by Bart Nelson of Shepherd Neame.
Bart Nelson said, "Pubs and comedy go hand-in-hand and some of Britain's most successful comedians made their debuts in pubs. We are very proud that one of the nation's comedy greats was born in this pub."
Our photo shows (left to right) Colin and Debbie Aris, Bart Nelson and Gary Howard.
A further display in the pub reads as follows:
Frank Herbert Muir 1920-1998
Frank Muir was born in his grandmother's pub, The Derby Arms, Ramgate in 1920.
At 6'6" tall he is remembered by many for his natty dress, bushy moustache, beguiling charm and distinctive voice, as panellist on radio shows like 'Call My Bluff' or 'My Word'. But he preferred to be remembered as a scriptwriter, author of some 30 books and many documentaries, as well as the hand that guided that notorious chauvinistic comic character Alf Garnet.
After more than a quarter of a century in one of the best known writing partnerships with his great friend Denis Norden, he sadly passed away in January 1998, just three months after publishing his memoirs, 'A Kentish Lad', aged 77.
A true gentleman who brought laughter to millions.
