Margate Mayor’s Climate Ball fundraiser
On 16th March at 7pm, the Mayor of Margate hosted 120 guests at Turner Contemporary, with guest speakers Cllr Mike Hill OBE talking about the creation of the Turner Contemporary, and Helen Pitman from Kent Wildlife Trust discussing the reintroduction of Bison and beaver to Kent.
Guests included the Mayors of Broadstairs, Folkestone and Canterbury, Tracey Emin, Carl Freedman, and environmental groups Rise Up Clean Up, Save Minster Marshes, Kent County council climate officers, Sunken Gardens, Flints, Newgate Gap, and local environment leads from local Thanet schools.
Auction prizes included VIP tickets to Dreamland, a tour round Thanet Earth, a boat tour provided by Margate Yacht club, flowers from Youngs Nursery, with a Tracey Emin print submitted on the night that raised £1,600.
Food was provided by local charity A Perfect Place to Grow, who support and train up local young trainee chefs to provide the Mediterranean themed food provided on the night. And music was provided by the Decades showband.
The event was sponsored by Tracey Emin, Sea Scrub Sauna, Thanet Earth, Terry Painter, Bright Start Nursery, and the total amount raised on the night was £4,200 with all money going into the Mayor’s charity Fund to be distributed to local good causes in Margate.
To apply please complete the Mayor’s fund form found on the website – https://www.margate.org.uk/
Cllr Rob Yates said: “I am so grateful to everyone who made this event happen, the sponsors, those who got tickets, the friends and businesses who donated raffle prizes and those who made it such a success.
“A big thanks goes to the director of Turner Contemporary Clarrie Wallis, who is doing a great job of working with the community during these challenging times, I have seen first hand the excellent work Turner are doing working to support our community and our young people.
“As I said in my speech, it is up to all of us to be ambitious with our goals and believe in a hopeful future, even when it is hard to do so. For any community groups who are based in Margate and would like to be considered for funding, please do get in touch via our website.”
Powell Cotton Museum
Wingham Timber proudly delivered its donation to the Sunshine Project at Quex Gardens last week; a double wheelchair accessible picnic bench.
The Sunshine Project is an initiative based within Quex gardens at the Powell-Cotton Museum and offers volunteer opportunities for people with learning disabilities, mental health challenges and those who are socially isolated. It is about improving the lives of young people and adults with specific needs by promoting inclusivity and community engagement within the gardens.
The project was recently awarded funding of £56,960 through the AIM Connected Communities Grant, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) ‘know your neighbourhood fund’ through Arts Council England (ACE). The Know your Neighbourhood fund aims to support community initiatives that foster connectivity and participation.
The picnic bench will provide a comfortable seating option for visitors to Quex Gardens, ensuring that everyone can enjoy outdoor activities and gatherings in a welcoming environment. This contribution aligns with Wingham Timber’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and making a positive difference in the communities it serves.
Chris Trickett, Executive Director for Wingham Timber, said:”We are honoured to contribute to such a worthy cause and support the invaluable work Quex Gardens and the Sunshine Project are doing in our community.
“We believe deeply in their mission and vision of engaging volunteer opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and those who are socially isolated in our community, and we recognize the impact their efforts have on the lives of individuals and families.”
Sarah-Jayne, Gardens Community Engagement Officer at Quex gardens said: “We are immensely grateful to Wingham Timber for their generous donation. This beautiful picnic bench will not only provide an accessible seating area for our user groups, but it also symbolizes the spirit of inclusivity and community support that lies at the heart of our Sunshine Project.”
For enquiries regarding the Sunshine Project at Quex Gardens, please contact: [email protected]
For more information about Wingham Timber and its commitment to community initiatives, visit https://winghamtimber.com/
Dreamland Heritage Trust
On March 9th, the Dreamland Heritage Trust (DHT) participated in the National Lottery Open Week events, commemorating the transformative impact of National Lottery funding on community projects across the nation.
The DHT seized this occasion to not only acknowledge the generous support received from the National Lottery but also to celebrate the enduring legacy of Dreamland Park, made possible by substantial grants from the National Lottery Commission.
The highlight of the day was a vibrant array of activities held in the Ballroom at Dreamland Park, catering to the local community. Among the standout features was the meticulous reconstruction of Lord Sanger’s office, a key figure in the early evolution of Dreamland. The portrayal of Lord Sanger’s character by the local community theatre group Looping the Loop breathed life into history through captivating plays.
Collaboration with local artist Jayne Wright and her Tiles of Joy Thanet project resulted in a delightful tile-making workshop, producing over 100 tiles that will soon adorn a unique tile trail across Thanet. Participants engaged enthusiastically, showcasing their connection to Dreamland and the DHT.
This Bean Spins hosted a Circus skills workshop, while local printmaking artist Ieuan Edwards created over 80 iconic Scenic Railway prints, enriching the event with cultural diversity.
The day exceeded expectations, with a remarkable turnout of 455 guests, far surpassing initial estimates. Images of the event were shared on DHT’s social media platforms, offering glimpses of the memorable day.
The Dreamland Heritage Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to the National Lottery for their continued support and looks forward to further collaborations in preserving and celebrating Thanet’s rich heritage.
Join the Dreamland Heritage Trust for the opening of their new exhibition at the Margate Museum, Market Place, Margate CT9 1EN this Easter and Summer exhibition at Dreamland Margate, from May.
Margate Inner Wheel
Margate Inner Wheel started their year with a frugal supper collecting items for the Thanet Food Link followed by a visit to the warehouse where volunteers select and pack the food into parcels and then deliver them to distribution centres at St. Paul’s Church, Cliftonville and St Peters Baptist Church, St Peters. Kate, a volunteer, was presented with the collected food items and a cheque to help towards the costs of running such a venture.
In February, Sue Brooks, talked to the club on her trip to Oberammergau where the villagers promised to perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every tenth year, in so far as no one was to die of the plague anymore. The Passion Play was first performed in 1633 and every 10 years by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany. The villagers were answered by God. The promise has been kept until today. The 42nd Passion Play successfully ran from 14 May to 2 October 2022, after having to be postponed in 2020 due to Covid.
A fun afternoon of Bingo was enjoyed to raise funds for a local women’s refuge. Claire Fenley, from Oasis, came to our March meeting to talk to us on the work of Oasis and how it has progressed over the years, now supporting men & women and expanding to more areas in Kent. Claire was presented with a cheque to help Oasis continue their work.
Visits to the cinema, outings and our annual crazy golf trip are just a few events to look forward to. Inner Wheel is one of the largest women’s voluntary service organisations in the world. The objects of Inner Wheel are true friendship, personal service and international understanding.
Inner Wheel is celebrating 100 years of working in the community. To “Shine a Light” on Inner Wheel and its projects and the people we help, the Inner Wheel Club of Margate will be selling 100 cakes at Holy Trinity Church, Cliftonville on Friday 26th April from 10am to 2pm in aid of our chosen charities this year, RNLI, PDSA and the International charity Hope & Homes.
Our club meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 2-4pm at Holy Trinity Church, Cliftonville, Margate. If you would like to join us, please email [email protected]
Isle of Thanet Photographic Society
Members of Thanet’s camera club continue to enjoy a varied programme of talks, skills evenings and competitions.
Club Treasurer and local photographer John Draper demonstrated the many ways of creating panoramic images using different software programmes.
Our Print Secretary and local resident Rowena Relf gave a fascinating talk about Margate using photographs from the past, as well as showing some of the postcards she has collected over the years. A real insight into the changing fortunes of the town over 200 years.
David Silk, our Programme Secretary, hosted a print panel competition. Members were encouraged to bring along 3 or 5 prints of any genre provided with the aim of telling a story.
Over 40 prints were presented for David to judge. The quality of prints was brilliant. Overall winner was Claire Pickett with her panel called “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’” (pictured above).
Further talks and competitions are planned and we are very much looking forward to welcoming members from Ashford and Folkestone Camera Clubs for an “inter-club” competition on 25 April.
More information about the club and our programme can be found at www.isleofthanetphotographicsociety.com and on our Facebook page.
Holy Trinity Church
The Church of England has awarded nearly £8.5 million for projects to help churches spread the Christian faith, including parish renewal programmes and children’s and youth work in rural and urban areas.
The awards, to Canterbury, Durham, Hereford and Southwark Dioceses, have been made by the Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB).
In Canterbury Diocese, £3.2 million has been awarded for a programme of church planting, or setting up new congregations, and revitalisation over five years, focusing on parish churches in Margate and Maidstone in Kent.
Holy Trinity Margate will be re-established as a church supporting others in mission, working in partnership to revitalise the neighbouring parishes of St Paul’s Cliftonville, St John’s Margate and All Saints’ Westbrook. The grant will be used to pay for ministry as well as much-needed repairs and renovation at St Paul’s. Fundraising support is also included to help St. John’s Margate with a major building project.
Ramsgate Mayor Pat Moore
I was asked to meet Lady Colgrain the Lord Lieutenant of Kent at the Ramsgate Tunnels for The Wheels of Time event, of which Lady Colgrain is Patron.
This has been supported by the Arts Council of England. To access more information go on facebook @WheelsofTime
This is for children between the ages of 5-11. It is about Museums and historic sites in Kent.
There are 57 places of Heritage and Museums in Kent and each child who visits can get a badge. Collecting these badges can be very rewarding, after the first badge a lanyard is available and you can pick up award badges for collecting 20, 30, 40 or 56 badges.
As Mayor of Ramsgate I met Lady Colgrain and her husband Lord Colgrain and two grandchildren.
There were speeches and Lady Colgrain gave out badges awarded to several children, some with several lanyards and all full of badges. There were little girls wearing their best dresses and shiny shoes for the occasion.
Lady Colgrain gave a speech on what Wheels of Time is about. There were speeches from the President of Wheels of Time and party poppers for each child on the stage.
This is an excellent organisation to let children see the wonders in our county and of our history and our heritage, and fun finding different places and what there is to be seen of our History.
Lady Colgrain and Lord Colgrain with grandchildren spent a couple of hours going round the stalls lining the tunnels, with people in time appropriate dress. It was a very interesting and informative afternoon.
It is an organisation I will support, and thank you to the Lord Lieutenant of Kent for taking this on wonderful task for children to join and enjoy.
Chartwell House
Chartwell House Care Home, a cherished member of the Boutique Care Homes family, is delighted to announce its inaugural appearance in the esteemed Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Guide 2024.
This milestone, coming just 12 months after welcoming its first residents, signifies a significant achievement for the home, showcasing its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and luxurious living experiences.
Diane Collins, the Home Manager at Chartwell House, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be featured in the Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Guide for the first time. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to providing the highest standards of care and hospitality to our residents.”
London Array Community Fund
The annual £40,000 London Array Community Fund is now open for applications from small charities and community groups in Thanet.
Grants of up to £5,000 are now available for applicants working within one or more of five key areas: (1) Environment, Children, (2) Young People and Families, (3) Elderly and Isolated, (4) Employability, Skills and Enterprise and (5) Vulnerable Adults.
For 2024, the application process has been simplified with online application available via the Kent Community Foundation website. But be aware the closing date for applications is 30 April 2024.
Although London Array Wind Farm has supported local community organisations ranging from Thanet Wanderers to Arts in Ramsgate and local baby bank Mama to Mama since 2013, we have now changed the way that applications to the fund are administered. From 2024 onwards the Kent Community Foundation (KCF) will manage applications and the distribution of the majority of our funds on behalf of the wind farm.
James Vause, London Array General Manager, said: “We would like to thank Kent Community Foundation for taking over the administration of the fund and enabling ease of access to local groups to the monies.
“This fund is a voluntary commitment, created by London Array, to make a real difference to our local community. A panel including staff from London Array Wind Farm and Kent Community Foundation will meet to assess projects and award grants.”
Interested applicants should apply online via the Kent Community Foundation website https://kentcf.org.uk/funding Please specify London Array Community Fund when applying. If you have any questions or require any help accessing or completing your application form, contact the KCF team, 01303 814 500. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024.
Scalextric and Takona partner to promote mental health support
Scalextric, the slot car racing brand, has announced a partnership with Takona, a community-building platform centred around cars, aimed at providing mental health support for men through shared interests and engagement.
In an effort to support Takona, Scalextric is set to expand its reach by introducing the monthly Coffees & Cars event at The WonderWorks in Margate every second Sunday of the month starting from April 14th.
“Takona has been at the forefront of fostering a sense of belonging and support within the car enthusiast community,” said Simon Owen, Head of Brand at Scalextric. “We are thrilled to partner with them and to bring the ‘Coffees & Cars’ event to the South East, providing a platform for individuals to come together, share their love for cars, and find solidarity in facing mental health challenges.”
Coffees & Cars at The WonderWorks promises to be a welcoming and inclusive gathering for car enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Participants can look forward to engaging discussions, exciting Scalextric races, and opportunities to connect with mental health resources and support networks.
“At Takona, we believe in the power of community to uplift and support one another,” said Lewis Warren, Founder of Takona. “Teaming up with Scalextric and The WonderWorks allows us to expand our reach and impact, providing a space where individuals can not only connect over their shared passion for cars but also find support during challenging times.”
For more information about the Coffees & Cars meets, visit https://www.takona.co.uk/pages/coffees-and-cars
