Society of Old Augustinians
The Society of Old Augustinians have donated £1,000 to Ursuline College as a gift to help with paying for small extras during the cost-of-living crisis. The donation was made by Canon Brian Coyle, former Principal of St Augustine’s College to Keryn Poulter, Chair of the Ursuline College Governors.
The presentation was made following a Remembrance Mass at St Augustine’s church, Ramsgate, for Old Augustinians who gave their lives in Wars. The Mass was attended by Old Augustinians, Ursuline Alumni, Ursuline College Students and Staff, parishioners and the Chair of Thanet District Council, Cllr Jason Savage.
Ursuline College students read out the names of all those who gave their lives and gave readings. They later laid one of the wreaths at the Old Augustinians War Memorial.
A further gift of £500 was presented to Andrew Kelly, Shrine Manager of St Augustine’s church to go towards church repairs and maintenance.
Chairman of the Old Augustinians, Andrew Sharp said: “The donation was made as a goodwill gesture in response to a request for support from our successor school, the Ursuline College. This is a good school with an excellent ethos and we wish to support them in whatever practical ways we can during this cost of living crisis.
“Again, we are grateful to the students of the Ursuline College in Westgate on Sea for reading out the Roll of Honour. Those that laid down their lives are not just a list of names and it’s important that this generation of Students in Thanet Catholic Schools today should remember those before them.”
Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices prepare to host east Kent’s largest remembrance service, Trees of Love.
Pilgrims Hospices Trees of Love remembrance services has seen over 1000 local people join together each year in memory of their loved ones to raise vital funds to support the incredible services that Pilgrims offers. Trees of Love is an important event for many families who come together with others who may have shared similar experiences, to remember their loved ones.
Guests are invited to come along to see their dedicated dove on one of the Trees of Love, listen to festive and remembrance readings and sing carols, whilst enjoying a warm mince pie, hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Ellie Cane, Pilgrims Hospices Individual Giving Officer, explains: “Christmas is a special time of year for families and friends to come together, but losing a loved one can make celebrating this time of year very difficult. Trees of Love is a place for all to come together in remembering their loved ones during the festive season.
“We are thrilled to be able to invite everyone back to our Hospices for our remembrance services which we have been unable to host due to the restrictions in place during the pandemic. We will also be releasing a Trees of Love film again as we understand how important this has become for those who choose to remember at home.”
Trees of Love has been an important fundraiser for the Hospice for more than 25 years, helping to care for those living with life limiting illnesses and support their families after they are gone. It offers a space for anyone throughout east Kent who has lost someone special to join together, to reflect and remember their loved ones year on year.
Pilgrims Hospices’ Trees of Love remembrances will be held in the grounds of each Hospice at Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet on Saturday 3 December, at 5pm. They also host alternative services at other venues in Barham, Charing, Cheriton, River and New Romney.
If you would like to take part and dedicate a dove to your loved one and mark this special occasion, or for more information, contact Supporter Relations on 01227 782062 or email [email protected]. or go to www.pilgrimshospices.org/treesoflove.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Martha Trust
Martha Trust, which supports young people and adults with profound disabilities at their homes in Hacklinge, are delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiaries to The Railway Swing Band Christmas Charity Concert plus The White Cliffs Symphonic Winds Christmas Celebration this December.
The first concert with The White Cliffs Symphonic Winds is being held on Saturday 3rd December at St Mary’s Church in Walmer at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased by calling 07708913976 or on the door subject to availability.
The Railway Swing Band is being held at St Georges Church on the High Street in Deal on Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm. These tickets can be purchased from Biggs Opticians High Street Deal, by calling 01304362181 or 07973761651.. They are also £10.
Fundraising & Events Officer Kerry Banks said: “We are truly humbled and grateful to the two wonderful organisations that have chosen to support our guys and girls at Martha in this our 35th Anniversary year. We cannot wait to be a part of both concerts too.”
Back in person for the first time since 2019 due to COVID19 , is the Martha Trust annual Christmas Carol Service that is held at St Georges Church on Saturday 10th December at 3pm.
The event is open to all and promises to be a wonderful celebration. The service will begin at 3pm and is very interactive for children and adults. There will be refreshments after and a collection for Martha Trust at the end.
Vicar Chris Spencer said: “‘It’s always a joy to welcome everyone at Martha Trust to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at St Georges. It’s even more special this year to be doing it in person again. Christmas is about God’s love coming to everyone in Jesus and that love is at the heart of all that Martha does so well. We’re so looking forward to seeing everyone!”