Thanet community news: Volunteer appeal, illustrated talk, business award and more

Volunteers are needed for the Ramsgate Costumed Walks

Ramsgate Costumed Walks

The Ramsgate Costumed Walks are looking for new volunteers to join their group.

There are four different walks around Ramsgate on Tuesdays at 7pm in July and at 2.30pm in August.

We have vacancies for guides and various characters, including Augustus W N Pugin, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a Napoleonic soldier and Sir William Curtis (Billy Biscuit).

Scripts and costumes are provided and notes for guides.  If you are interested in being a guide or a character, please contact Janet Reid on 01843 852780

Ramsgate Rotary Club

Well-known local artist Mike Samson gave a superb ’illustrated talk’ to  members of Ramsgate Rotary Club.

He created a landscape picture from scrap while giving a commentary on what he was doing and why, He threw in the occasional funny story and also gave a brief summary of how he got into art and eventually created York Street Gallery in Ramsgate seven years ago.

He was introduced and thanked by President Pat Hersant.

Anybody who wishes to find out more about the club and learn about its up-coming programme, should visit the club’s website at https://www.ramsgaterotaryclub.co.uk/

Seaside Shuffle Jazz Club

The January Seaside Shuffle Jazz Band was the Black Cat Jazz Band. They were their usual authentic, easy-listening selves with Tony O’Sullivan leader trumpet and vocals, Ian Turner reeds and vocals, Keith Blundell trombone, Colin Martin piano, Bill Stotesbury banjo and Ian Rogers bass.

They included two gospel pieces – ‘Walking with The King’ and ‘ If ever I needed  the Lord before I sure do need Him now’; appropriate in the circumstance that one of our long-standing members had passed away just before Christmas.

On  Saturday, February 23 at noon the band will be Dave Ware’s Hotshots Jazz Band with Dave Ware leader trumpet and vocals, John Finch trombone, Charles Sherwood reeds, Lynn Saunders banjo, Mike Porter-Ward bass and Jimmy Tagford drums.

It will be at the usual fully licensed Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Club, Guilford Lawn, Ramsgate, CT11 9AY

Entrance: Members £10, Guests £12 buffet included

Annual membership £10 giving discount on monthly gigs, a monthly newsletter and entry for the crossword competition.

The international Dutch Jazz Band ‘Doc Houlin & the Revival All Stars’ on tour in the UK has been booked to appear on March 23. All tickets £15 (buffet included ).

Thanet Talking Newspaper

The Thanet Talking Newspaper is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year on February 15 at 5pm.  We know that many people have volunteered for this service over the years and David Rankin our co-ordinator would like them to join us in celebrating this achievement.

The groups currently records at Christ Church URC in Westgate. If you would like to get in touch, share stories about the service and join in the celebration please contact  Mrs Mary Annett on  01843 296809 or e.mail [email protected]

Caremark Thanet

Garry and Jayne Costain are celebrating a fantastic start to the year, after Caremark Thanet received an award for providing the best quality of care to their clients and overall growth of their in-home care business.

The coveted ‘Franchisee of the Year’ Award was given to Garry, Jayne and their team at a glittering gala event, which took place on January 25, at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel in Warwickshire. With over 100 offices from across the UK in attendance, the conference acted as an opportunity for the Caremark network to come together and recognise exemplary businesses.

As well as continuing to put their clients at the forefront of everything they do, the judges said that Garry and Jayne, who have owned and operated Caremark Thanet since 2017, truly understand the meaning of positive culture. They continually provide career opportunities to members of their community – including those new to the sector, college-leavers and those with disabilities.  As well as upholding a strong presence in the community, Garry and Jayne are celebrating continued growth – thanks to their own strong work ethic, a team of dedicated staff and by investing resources back into the business.

Garry and Jayne were thrilled to receive the award, on behalf of Caremark Thanet.

“It was incredible to win the Franchisee of the Year title and to be thanked for the hard work we put in every day. It’s testament to our fantastic team that we should be recognised for all of the different components that make our business a success. We put our clients at the forefront of everything we do. In order to provide them with the best possible quality of care, we invest a lot of our resources into staff training and team morale which, in turn, makes both care workers and office staff feel valued. We would like to thank our wonderful team for their support in another incredible year of growth. We feel very blessed to work with such compassionate and professional people,” said Garry.

David Glover, the Managing Director of Caremark, was pleased to honour the client-focused business on the night.

“Caremark Thanet is a real example of triumph over adversity as it has grown to become an exceptional community-based office. It’s clear that Garry and Jayne genuinely value their staff, and this hasn’t gone unnoticed. On top of this amazing accolade, their efforts also recently won them an award for their contribution to employment in their local community. They are generous with their time, input and support and inspire others to achieve – no matter the odds. As a network, we are so proud to recognise and congratulate Garry, Jayne and the Caremark Thanet team.”

For more information, visit www.caremark.co.uk/thanet

Bannatyne

Alice Thompson with centre manager Rob Hayes and Shantanna Tabrizi, sales manager.

A Thanet woman has transformed her life following a full hip replacement and being legally registered as disabled.

Alice Thompson’s life changed dramatically on September 12, 2015 when her mobility was taken away from her, resulting in the operation. Six weeks later, with her doctor’s blessing, Alice,66, joined the Bannatyne Health Club in Broadstairs.

Beginning with Yogalates and Aqua classes, the team at Bannatyne Broadstairs helped to tailor Alice’s training to her ability to maximise the improvement of her mobility.

Just six months later, Alice’s mobility had drastically improved and she was no longer considered disabled.

Unfortunately, in 2017, Alice faced a cancer scare and was required to go through numerous tests to determine her diagnosis. It was confirmed a year later that she had Diverticulosis and a drastic change in her diet, leading to weight loss would help to lessen the effect it had on her day to day life.

Determined and up for the challenge, Alice attends the Bannatyne health club almost every day and since joining has lost three stone.

Alice said: “I’m so glad I took the plunge and signed up to the gym after my operation. I’ve managed to push myself further than I ever thought I could and it’s amazing to see how my body has adapted over time.

“I’m really enjoying being able to put my all into classes, and dance is definitely my favourite. I even plan my stay-cations around Bannatyne locations to ensure I don’t set back my progress!

“I can honestly say I’m a new woman, and it’s all thanks to Bannatyne for its fabulous facilities and even better fitness instructors.”

Rob Hayes, general manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the progress that Alice has made, and it has been truly humbling to watch her transformation every step of the way.

“Basic mobility is often something you take for granted as an able-bodied person, so it has been an eye-opening experience for all involved at the club. Alice is an integral part of our Broadstairs club, and we all look forward to seeing her in the gym.”

Theatre Royal Margate

We welcomed Wicked Productions back to the stage with their fantastic production of ‘Jack and The Beanstalk’ this Christmas. After each performance, audiences were encouraged to donate to this year’s chosen charity: Margate Salvation Army and we are happy to announce the total amount raised was £3,842.73!

We would like to thank our brilliant Margate audiences, who have been incredibly generous. Everyone here at the Theatre Royal is delighted with the result. The Salvation Army is a wonderful force for good in the local Margate community and we’re so pleased and proud to be able to support them.