Thanet community news: Thanet Galaxy Pan Disability FC, Guild of Macebearers, Channel Dash service, Thanet Photographers, Pilgrims Hospice and Margate Civic Society

Thanet Galaxy Pan Disability Football Club members

Thanet Galaxy Pan Disability Football Club

Thanet Galaxy Pan Disability Football Club were delighted to be recent recipients of a most generous ‘Community Champions ‘ award from Thanet Earth ~ Britain’s largest greenhouse complex, based in Birchington.

Club founder Steve Lancaster said: “Thanet Galaxy PDFC will shortly celebrate 15 years of providing football training, coaching and competition to players with physical, emotional, educational and behavioural disabilities who would otherwise not have been able to enjoy a club membership and teamwork ethos.

“We are extremely grateful for Thanet Earth’s award which has allowed us to purchase all-weather training tops for our players who will wear the Galaxy and Thanet Earth logos with pride”.

Thanet Earth Head of Commercial James Provins added: “Last year we launched our Community Outreach Project to support a number of excellent worthy causes that are going above and beyond for our local community. Steve and Thanet Galaxy PDFC are a brilliant example of that. We’re proud to have been able to support the team with new jackets and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive!”

For further details on how to join Thanet Galaxy contact: [email protected]

Guild of Macebearers installation of the Prime Warden and Renter Prime Warden

Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Major (Retd) Dennis Bradley BEM DL
inaugurated Clifford East with his chain of office. Photo Frank Leppard

Mace Bearer for Margate Clifford East has been installed as the Prime Warden for the Guild of Macebearers for UK&NI by HM Deputy Lieutenant of Kent  Major (Retd) Dennis Bradley BEM DL.

The appointment of this year’s  Prime Wardens Cadet was Royal Air Force Air Cadet Milo Ainsworth from 2433 (Thanet) Squadron RAF Air Cadets who will assist the Prime Warden in ceremonial duties with his duties and attendances at events and functions.

Photo Frank Leppard

In attendance were Macebearers from across the UK, Guest and the Worshipful Mayors of Margate and Ramsgate along with other VIP guests.

The event takes place each year with a new Prime Warden being installed in their City, Town or Borough where they are the Macebearer.

This year, the training sessions consisted of a talk by HM Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Oracle Training on social media and the Serjeant at Arms, Houses of Parliament.

Photo Frank Leppard

The AGM was also held with the election of Officers, reports and associated business of the Guild taking place.

The culmination of the first day was a black tie dinner at the Pegwell Bay Hotel, Ramsgate.

Along with the Prime Warden for 2023/24 the Renter Prime Warden was installed and for next year the event will be held at Hertford.

Photo Frank Leppard

This is the first time a Mace Bearer from Thanet has been chosen and Cliff says it was a great privilege and honour to be selected for this position.

In his speech to members at Conference, the Prime Warden thanked the outgoing Prime Warden, Mrs Valerie Morrish, for all her work during her term of office.

He thanked members for the honour of being elected and  announced that he will continue the tradition Valerie Morrish has started in appointing a Prime Warden’s Cadet for the year. Richard Darby of Hertford Town Council was elected Renter Prime Warden.

To contact the Prime Warden or the Renter Prime Warden please email: [email protected] or  [email protected]

Channel Dash service

Photo Mark Stanford

A service to mark the World War Two Channel Dash operation was held in Ramsgate last Sunday (February 12).

The Ramsgate Royal Naval Association has taken on the organisation of the service after the Channel Dash Memorial Trust closed down last year. The Dover branch of the Royal British Legion has taken over the service for that town.

Photo Mark Stanford

One of the most daring actions in the history of naval aviation took place, on the 12 February 1942, when 18 naval aviators from the Fleet Air Arm (825 Naval Air Squadron) flew six fabric-covered Fairey Swordfish bi-planes from RAF Manston in an attack on the might of the German Battle Fleet in the Straits of Dover.

Photo Mark Stanford

The British top brass thought the German force would only travel through the Straits of Dover at night, and had rested the majority of its air crews, leaving just the six Swordfish available to combat the German threat.

When the ships were identified in daylight the six biplanes flew on not waiting for more planes to join them being determined to attack the battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau which were protected by 6 destroyers, 40 flak ships and 200 fighter aircraft. Only 5 of the British aircrew were rescued and all of their aircraft destroyed.

Photo Mark Stanford

In honour of these courageous men a service of remembrance is held each year on the 12th February in front of the “825 Squadron” Memorial Ramsgate Harbour.

Thanet Photographers Exhibition

Isle photographers are invited to put forward works for the annual Thanet Photographers Exhibition

The exhibition will take place at the King Street Gallery in Margate on June 26.

Photographers are invited to sign up to exhibit two pieces of work which will also be made available for sale.

There is an entrance fee of £10 for the week. To apply join the Thanet Photographers facebook page and send them a message.

Find Thanet Photographers page here

Pilgrims Hospices

Broadstairs College student, Jordan Herring is cooking up a storm in Pilgrims Hospices Thanet kitchen.  The 22 year old, second year student from Broadstairs, is enjoying undertaking a work placement as part of his Level 2 catering qualification

Jordan said: “I started my work experience in Pilgrims kitchen last year, it’s just one day each week but I’m really enjoying it. I love being part of the team, they are all so friendly;  I felt immediately welcome from the very first day.”

Georgie Braithwaite, Pilgrims Head Chef said: “It’s great to have Jordon with us, we are very happy to support him as he learns new skills, and really pleased he feels there are many benefits to learning more about the food requirements of patients here in the hospice.

“Being part of the catering team can be extremely busy and sometimes quite noisy.  Jordan has taken everything in his stride and has blended into our team really well even taking the jokes and kitchen banter with huge smiles.

“He needs to complete 100 hours experience as part of his on-going training, we are delighted to support him on his journey forward.

“Jordan will have the opportunity to chat with patients about the dietary requirements and how their individual needs can be catered for in the hospice kitchen.”

Pilgrims has worked with Broadstairs College over a number of years and part of the on-going training, the students have provided an afternoon high tea,  complete with waiting staff and a Christmas dinner for patients and staff.  “It’s always great to have these lovely treats and we hope the students gain valuable hands-on experience.” Georgie added.

Jordan explained: “I think taking the catering qualification at college was a really good decision.  It’s provided me with plenty of skills that we help me through life.

“The work placement was arranged by Natalie, Broadstairs College Work Placement Office who engages with organisations to match work opportunities to suit people’s personality and style.  I think she picked a good match for me!

“The placement has helped me to grow in confidence, and I know the placement is helping me  to  make a difference to the patients, it has a feel good factor, and it’s really worthwhile.

“When I’m cooking the time just flies by, there’s no one thing that I’m particularly good at, but I’m absolutely enjoying learning lots of new things with the Pilgrims catering team.

Visit www.pilgrimshospoices.org/vacancies if you would like to find out more about current opportunities at Pilgrims Hospices

Margate Civic Society

After our winter recess: we look forward to welcoming Members to the first meeting of this year’s Lecture Programme, details as below:-

Date: Thursday, 2 March at 1930 hrs (attendees to be seated by 1920 hrs please)

Speaker: Kathy Bailes (The Isle of Thanet News)  Kent Press and Broadcast Awards – Kent Commitment to the community 2020, Kent news website of the year 2018 and Kent Digital Journalist of the year 2017.

Topic: “Local News Media Today and the Growth of Independent Publishers” – followed by an opportunity for any questions

Venue: Holy Trinity Margate Hall, St Mary’s Ave, Margate    CT9 3TN – ample parking available outside the church.

Entrance Fee: Non-Members/Lapsed Members : £3.50 nominal fee.

As always during the evening, refreshments and merchandise will be on sale, together with raffle tickets (priced £1.00 per strip or 6 for £5.00) with the draw taking place at the end of the evening.

If you are interested in joining Margate Civic Society, or wish to find out more, please see our website www.margatecivicsociety.org.uk for further details.