Miss Junior Teen Kent 2019
Margate girl, Catherine Dekker, has won the title of Miss Junior Teen Kent 2019 and a place in the prestigious grand-final of Miss Junior Teen Great Britain 2019. Catherine was chosen from hundreds of teens from Great Britain to make it to the grand final.
She said: “I am so excited to have made it into the final! My mum actually entered me without my knowledge and I was really shocked when she told me about it. The next thing I know I was a semi-finalist and then a grand finalist. It’s my first pageant ever and I am really looking forward to the experience.”
Teenagers from across Great Britain will compete for the crown in the grand final. The winner of Miss Junior Teen Great Britain will walk away with prizes including £500, dresses from The Dress Studio, a sparkling sash and crown, and more!
The finalists will stay in a luxurious hotel in Blackpool, The Village Hotel. The grand final of Miss Junior Teen Great Britain will be held on Sunday, October 20 at The Globe in Blackpool. The weekend of Miss Junior Teen GB is set to be full of fun, with the finalists enjoying a Beauty Queen Challenge day, a pyjama diva party at the Village Hotel and much more.
Catherine is also fundraising for Together for Short Lives and will be participating in various activities and appearances up until the final in October. The link to her fundraising page is Read Catherine’s story
Westgate & Birchington Inner Wheel
Come along to Westgate & Birchington Inner Wheel’s Charity ‘Singalong Sound of Music’, at 7pm for 7:30pm on Saturday, October 26, at Westgate Community Centre, Lymington Road. Enjoy a German frankfurter hotdog supper followed by apple strudel and cream, tea/coffee. BYO drink! Dietary requirements must be notified when booking. Tickets £10.
Enjoy fun and laughter through narrated snippets of the musical film adaptation of the 1959 stage musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Sing-a-long to “Climb Every Mountain”, “Do-Re-Mi”, “Edelweiss”, “So long, Farewell” and many other well-known songs from the film!! Raffle, Prizes for best fancy dress, and lots, lots more. Tickets available from Hazel 01843 833565 or 07889655497 [email protected]
Rotary Club of Westgate and Birchington
Members and guests were delighted to welcome Yasmine Bailey, the local fund-raising coordinator of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund who gave an astonishingly informative talk about this little-funded research programme into the causes and, hopefully. earlier diagnosis of this horribly fatal condition. Having just lost our dear friend and Inner Wheel Member, Veronica Morley, to pancreatic cancer very recently this talk was very close to our hearts. The Club and many of our guests made a donation to the charity which will, hopefully, help GPs to understand the condition more closely and assist early diagnosis.
For more information visit www.pcrf.co.uk
Ind; Vindicatrix of East Kent Association
On behalf of the merchant seafarers and members of the Independent Vindicatrix of East Kent Association, the Prince of Wales Sea Training School Association and the Marine Officers Society of Thanet may I thank the Mayors of Ramsgate, Birchington & Margate, the Ramsgate RBL Club and all who supported us on National Merchant Navy Day – September 3rd. To see so many “Red Ensigns” flying across the island was a sight to see and all seafarers thank you all for remembering the sacrifices made by our Merchant Navy and merchant seafarers.
Ramsgate Albion Townswomen’s Guild
The first meeting after the summer break was chaired by Margaret Price who welcomed everyone. The minutes from the July meeting were read by Terry Elliott, the secretary, and these were approved and signed.
Everyone agreed that the Fish and Chip lunch held at the Racing Greyhound in August was a great success and the Guilds Christmas lunch has already been booked and names will be taken at the next meeting.
Mrs Price gave the Federation report. There will be two teams for the annual quiz day in Canterbury on September 19. There will be a Christmas get together at the Salvation Hall in Canterbury in December.
There were no flower arrangements from the Guild ladies due to the summer break. Our speaker for the afternoon was Mrs Morven Hammond who gave a demonstration on flower arranging. Always appreciated by the guild members and she kindly donated them to the raffle afterwards.
Mrs Price thanked the speaker and said the next meeting will be on October 7 and that month’s speaker will be Margaret Ovenden on ‘The Bountiful Banker’.
We meet on the first Monday in each month at the St Ethelberts Church Hall, Hereson Road, Ramsgate, at 2.30pm. New members are very welcome.
Broadstairs Probus Club
Broadstairs Probus Club provides a friendly forum for retired and semi-retired men over 55 who have been involved in a professional or business working life and who currently live in the Broadstairs area.
While the rest of Broadstairs was enjoying the pleasures of Folk Week in August, Club members and their wives /partners visited the Dog and Duck at Plucks Gutter for an away day lunch. The pub served up some delicious food and one of our members, Barry Daniels, gave us some splendid entertainment by singing a few of the memorable songs from the musicals such as Carousel. There was much audience participation and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
Later in August, we held our formal Luncheon Meeting when the guest speaker was Tony Satterthwaite, who gave a talk on The Thanet Disabled Riding Centre. Tony explained that the centre was established over 40 years ago and for most of this time it has been based at a self-contained riding school in the grounds of Maurice House in Broadstairs.
The Centre provides riding for children and adults who have all sorts of disabilities including those who are deaf, blind, autistic, Downs and cerebral palsy. Children also come from several local special needs schools during term time as well as individuals on Saturdays and school holidays. Tony emphasised that horse riding proves to be extremely beneficial and therapeutic to all the disabled people who come to the Centre as they also develop social skills, confidence, communication skills, numeracy, independence, dexterity and riding skills. Overall it is recreational, educational and fun for everybody involved.
However, Tony continued that none of this can happen without the team of about 20 volunteers who give their free time to maintain the stables and assist in all the riding activities. He also said that the charity is facing challenging financial pressures at the moment as it costs £150 per day to run the Centre. They raise funds through various local events such as quizzes and sponsored walks but they are very reliant upon donations from individuals, local businesses, legacies and charitable bodies to cover all the costs. Finally, Tony was given a vote of thanks for his very informative talk by the Club Treasurer, Martyn Hydes and was given a donation to the centre by the Club President Eric Mark.
The Club meets for a coffee morning on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and for a formal lunch meeting on the 4th Tuesday of every month both at The Yarrow Hotel. The Club is always looking for new members so, if you are interested in finding out more or perhaps trying out a free coffee morning , then please contact Rogan Montgomery-Smith on 01843 603939 or email him on [email protected] for further details.
Thanet Lions Club
Thanet Lions Club has continued to be busy during the summer. Club members had a stall at the Minster Show. A very enjoyable event where we raised £122 from our tombola. Many thanks to all who came over to ‘chat’ with us.
Our annual Summer Fete took place on one of the hottest Bank Holiday weekends recorded. It was great to see so many different stalls and organisations attend. We have so many people to thank for making this event such a success. Our first is to the Broadstairs & St Peters Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Paul and Wendy Moore for opening our fete and spending time chatting with everyone. Jo Jos School of Dance for their wonderful performance, the Broadstairs & St Peters WI who organised our cake competition and Tesco and Sainsbury for their donation of prizes for our tombola.
Always a popular part of our day is our Fun Dog Show and this year was no exception. Thank you to Pauline Osborne and Jackie Mattingly for organising and judging the twelve different classes in this event.
We were also very fortunate to have individuals who Thanet Lions have helped in the past, who came and supported this event. These included 1 st Westgate Cubs & Scouts, Sophie Castle, our young archer who has represented GB in various competitions and who is now fundraising to attend the 2024 Olympics, Carers Support and Children’s Centre and Kurtis who ran the coconut shy stall. A huge thank you to them all.
Lastly we must thank our ‘Friends of Lions’. Without their help and ‘manpower’ we would not be able to put on such an event. Not only will funds raised by Thanet Lions go towards local good causes but our fete allows other charities and organisations to promote their own voluntary work and services they provide. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Our future fundraising events include our ‘Quiz Night’ on Saturday, September 14 at St Peters Church Hall and our Charity Choral Concert on Saturday, November2 at the St Mary the Virgin Church, Minster. This concert will feature the ever popular Thanet Male Voice Choir and Minster Village Voices. Tickets for this event are likely to be in high demand. If you wish to attend, please contact Thanet Lions Club on 0345 8339532.
We have made a number of donations over the last few weeks. These include £100 to go towards catering expenses at the Autistic Pride event, to be held at the University of Kent this September. £27.85 for a grocery shop for a local lady and a child’s bed has been sourced for a family in need.
If you would like to know more, Thanet Lions Club meets on the second Monday of every month at the Sir Stanley Gray Pub, Pegwell Bay. For further information about any of our events or you think we can help you please telephone us on our new number 0345 8339532. You can also find us at www.thanetlions.org or on Facebook.
Ramsgate Rotary Club
The annual putting competition organised by Ramsgate Rotary Club, continues to grow in popularity.
This year’s competition for the Wally Anthony Trophy, was held at Stonelees Golf Centre and was won by Past President Paul Parpworth. The award for the top scoring visitor went to Keith Maslen.
The awards were made by President Henry Golding, who also thanked the staff for the delightful meal they had prepared and served, and to main organiser John Searles. President Henry Golding presented the trophy to Paul Parpworth (pictured above).
QEQM Hospital
A team of cancer nurses had a tasty treat thanks to a talented former patient.
Chef Nico Scarnera had 11 chemotherapy treatments at the Viking Day Unit at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate and was so impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff that he wanted to say thank you.
So he spent hours in his professional kitchen at home in Ramsgate and returned with a feast, including a choice of main course and dessert for the whole team to enjoy.
Nico, who has worked as a chef all over the world, said: “The whole team are so caring and professional and the way they treat people is out of this world. I wanted to give something back and to say thank you because they deserve it, so I decided I would cook for them.”
The most recent feast included lasagne, meatballs, frittata, Italian sausages, and tiramisu. Nico has been cooking for the team three times a year for the past two years; at Easter, summer and Christmas.
Carrie Merry, Chemotherapy Unit Manager, said: “On Viking Day Unit we get to know our patients very well during the course of their treatment.
“Nico often talked about cooking a meal for us all, then one day he came in with a menu for us and a date of when he was going to cook lunch. The food is amazing, and for Nico to do this for us means so much. He truly does spoil us.”
Nico, who retired to Ramsgate after working in Texas for 25 years, said: “Although I have stopped work it is good to have something to do. The team work so hard and they deserve it so I am glad to be able to do this.
“They asked me how long I would keep cooking for them, and I said as long as they keep me alive – I wouldn’t be here without the treatment they gave me so I owe everything to them.”
Thanet District Tenants and Leaseholders Group
Dedicated green-fingered residents showcased their creations and shared the benefits of gardening at the annual gardening competition organised by East Kent Housing’s Thanet District Tenants and Leaseholders Group.
Winner of the Best Front Garden Rosemary Elliot said “We love our garden and because of where we are, we also love that it gives other people pleasure as they’re going past. We often get people stopping to throw pennies into the wishing well to make a wish.”
Jane Taylor received the prize for Highly Commended Front Garden and said: “I love my garden, it’s a bit of escapism. It gives me the chance to relax and is somewhere to chill in, just watching the birds and the butterflies. I’ve met lots of people through being out in my garden because people have a look in at everything and have a chat. It’s amazing what you can do in a small space.”
On finding out that her back garden had been awarded first prize, Yvonne Mortlock said: “This means so much to me, I feel like I’ve won the Chelsea Flower Show! My garden is my little piece of heaven. You don’t need lots of money to create a lovely garden, just time and love. I’ve upcycled lots of items that were going to be thrown away too, from a water butt that I’m using as a big planter now, to a hat stand where I’m growing tomatoes.”
The competition and celebrations were organised by the Thanet Tenants and Leaseholders Group, which gives council tenants the opportunity to have a say in how their housing is managed. Secretary of the local group and one of the competition’s judges Claire Smyth said: “It’s nice to get out and meet people who are taking real pride in their homes and gardens. We have heard lots of personal stories, and often gardening gives people hope and light. Thank you to all the sponsors as without them the competition would not be possible.”
Certificates were awarded at tenants’ homes this week, and the prizes were vouchers generously donated by competition sponsors Mears, Town and Country, and Swale Heating.
One of the competition’s judges and member of the tenants group Noel Chapman said: “This competition shows a real respect and pride for gardens and nature, and it has a knock-on effect for those who in the community who also get to see them in bloom. This year in particular we have seen people really encouraging wildlife into their gardens, with many having bird baths and bird feeders.”
Winners of each category were:
– Best Front Garden – Winner Rosemary Elliot, Highly Commended Jane Taylor
– Best Back Garden – Winner Yvonne Mortlock, Highly Commended Patricia Bouington
– Best Pots & Containers – Winner Billie Taylor Robinson
Coastal drive in aid of Prostate Cancer UK
Two Minster couples are preparing to take on the Round Britain Coastal Drive 2019 to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
The drive, in its fourth year, is a Jaguar XK Club event which aims to raise £45,000 this year for the prostate cancer charity. The Round Britain Coastal Drive 2019 is open to all XK Jaguar owners, who will drive up to 3,400 miles around the circumference of the British mainland.
Funeral director Jonathan Cole, 68, and wife Nicolette are set to complete five stages of the drive, setting off on September 16 to join the convoy of XK Jaguars for the first three stages of the event, starting at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu and finishing in Bridgwater, Somerset.
On October 2, they will then re-join the drive for the last two stages, from Orsett in Essex to the Forest Lodge Hotel in Hampshire.
Self-confessed ‘petrol-head’ Jonathan was inspired to take part in the drive after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer nearly three years ago. Jonathan has continued to support Prostate Cancer UK this year to help raise vital funds for the charity’s Specialist Nurse services.
He said: “After finding out the shocking news about my prostate cancer diagnosis, my aim is to raise as much awareness of this disease as possible. I will continue to encourage anyone to seek medical advice if they are concerned or have any symptoms that might indicate prostate problems.
“I have always enjoyed classic cars and long journeys, having once driven from Minster to Mongolia, and thought I would combine this interest with raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK. I can’t wait to get back on the road and take part in the Round Britain Coastal Drive, once again.”
Jonathan’s close friend Ian Turner, who is also from Minster and runs a car restoration and servicing workshop specialising in classic Jaguars, is aiming to complete all 18 stages of the drive, with his wife Michelle in the passenger’s seat. Ian The two couples also took part in last year’s E-type Jaguar event, along with their wives.
Ian said: “Jonathan is a very good friend of mine and I wanted to do something to help support men like Jonathan who have been affected by this terrible disease. I have always had a strong interest in classic cars, particularly Jaguars, so taking part in the Round Britain Coastal Drive to help raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK, is ideal for me. Jonathan and I completed the whole route together last year, and I am delighted to be driving the whole route again with my wife by my side, for such a worthy cause.”
The drive is organised by author, publisher and co-founder of the International Jaguar XK Club, Philip Porter, who was also diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago.
The events have so far raised some £200,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Any funds raised through Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with the Jaguar XK Club this year, will be match-funded, pound for pound, by an anonymous partner. This generous offer will go towards supporting the charity’s Specialist Nurse services, the UK’s only telephone, email and Live Chat support specific to prostate cancer, at Prostate Cancer UK.
Gabriella Bailey, Head of Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “In Kent and Medway, over 12,500 men are living with prostate cancer, which is unacceptable. We need to turn the game around and make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear.”
To show your support and donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rbcd-round-britain-coastal-drive1