The Northwood Singers
The Northwood Singers Summer Concert was held on the 21st June and we were delighted to raise over £240 which was donated to jointly to Pilgrims Hospice Thanet and St Mark’s Church Ramsgate building fund.
The Singers were joined by our guest performers – all from the same very talented local family – and a wonderful selection of songs and music was enjoyed by our audience – ending with a rousing rendition of Jerusalem by performers and audience.
The Northwood Singers would like to thank St Mark’s Church for providing the venue and organising the refreshments, and the friends and Singers who pitched in bringing delicious cakes. Our thanks also go to all who donated prizes for the amazing raffle and all those who worked so hard to ensure the raffle was a great success,
We would also like to thank Adrienne for all her hard work getting the Northwood Singers organised and concert ready. We appreciate her hard work and dedication to the Singers over the last 10+ years – Adrienne – you rock!!!!
The Northwood Singers meet Wednesdays at 6.15pm at St Mark’s Church, Northwood Road, Ramsgate – if you would like to join our friendly group, you will be warmly welcomed.
Happy Mondays launch
Monday 3rd July, Ramsgate high street 3pm
Gavin Harrington from Mencap and local volunteers Bob Lindfield and Gemma Rogers will be cutting the ribbon at 3pm at Discovery Planet and Arts in Ramsgate, Ramsgate High Street.
Happy Mondays is a project based on Ramsgate high street, which promotes skill sharing, volunteering and community connection.
Bob Lindfield and Gemma Rogers have been volunteering on the project. They say: “We got involved in the project to help out with the community and to get things up and running. When Covid hit lots of community places closed down and we wanted to be a part of something that was helping bring our community together again.
“Being a part of this means that we meet new people and can help people. Bringing people closer together from all different ages and backgrounds.”
Max Dinley – is project manager of the youth programme – he has been joining the Happy Mondays project: “I have lived here all my life and I have a concern for the high street – I want to be a part of making it a better – bringing life and aesthetic to our high street.”
Here’s what’s on:
‘Life by the Sea’ – free hand massages and sea-inspired stories with Carina.
‘A Story to Tell – What’s your story?’ We’re looking to build a picture of the High
Street from past to present, do you have a story to tell or a picture to share?
‘The Good Life’ – come and make an Eco-Brick reusing waste plastic. The bricks will
help to form a herb garden at St George’s Church.
‘Games and Play’ – we’ll have Chess and Backgammon set up, come and join a
game, learn to play or bring your own!
‘Tiles of Joy’ – make your own tile and contribute to the public art Thanet art trail.
Come and pick up your free tote bag.
Happy Mondays will take place throughout 2023 and early 2024.
Want to get involved or find out more Facebook: hapymondaysramsgreat
Instagram : ramsgreat
Email: [email protected]
Margate Civic Society
Thursday, 6 July at 1930 hrs (attendees to be seated by 1920 hrs please.
Speaker: James Dickinson
Topic: “The Changing Fortunes of the Cinque Ports”
Venue: Holy Trinity Margate Hall, St Mary’s Ave, Margate CT9 3TN – ample parking available outside the church.
Entrance Fee: Guests and Lapsed Members most welcome: £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.
Neptunes Choir
Neptunes Choir – which meets every Wednesday in Broadstairs- is performing on 13th July at Holy Trinity in Broadstairs from 7pm to support Carers’ Support East Kent.
There are guest appearances from singer-songwriters Tommy Ashby and Lydia Clowes
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neptunes-choir-summer-concert-tickets-637182288377
Ursuline reunion
Former Ursuline Convent School and Ursuline College students and staff will come together for a reunion at the Ursuline College in Westgate on sea as they begin the 120th year of the school being set up.
All former pupils are invited to attend the reunion which takes place on Saturday 15th July at the Ursuline College, 225 Canterbury Road, Westgate on Sea which commences at 11.45 am.
The reunion will bring together former pupils and students from across the generations as well as some of today’s teachers and students. The event is also being supported by the Old Augustinians, the Alumni of St Augustine’s College, whose school closed in 1995 when many of the boys from there went on to join the Ursuline College.
At the reunion, a new Ursuline Alumni group will be formed. One of its primary objectives will be to offer support for today’s generation of students at the school in accordance with the school’s priorities.
Commenting on the event, former Head Teacher, Sister Alice Montgomery said “It’s always wonderful for ex pupils and teachers to come together for a reunion, to celebrate our history and heritage. But it’s also good that past generations of pupils can play a part in supporting today’s students at the Ursuline College in whatever practical ways we can. We want today’s students to benefit as previous generations did before.”
Miss Dannii Lancefield, Ursuline College Headteacher said “We are delighted to host this inaugural event in welcoming past students of Ursuline and St Augustine. The Alumni will form a vital part of our school and we really look forward to seeing it grow. We hope other past students and those current ones become part of our long history and share their experiences, joys and stories. The Alumni event is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and faithful union of our students”.
Andrew Sharp, Chair of the Old Augustinians, the Alumni of the former St Augustine’s College in Westgate, who are supporting the reunion said “we are pleased to continue to support the Ursuline College and to join in with our sister alumni group from the Ursulines. It’s good to meet up with old friends, but it’s important that we too support today’s generation of students at the Ursuline College in what is now the only Catholic Secondary school in Thanet.
More details about the event can be found on the Old Augustinians website Any former pupils of the Ursuline Convent School, Ursuline College or St Augustine’s College can book online via the link below – closing day 10th July.
Donations for the reunion will go towards the cost of the event and raise funds for student projects.
The Independent Vindicatrix of East Kent Association – M.N.
We held our quarterly meeting at “The Racing Greyhound” pub in Ramsgate on Thursday, June 29th; 2023 with a smaller attendance than usual due to sickness and hospitalisations. Received apologies were read out followed by the received health reports of some members, our Sick Bay is getting a bit crowded now.
Thanks were given to all for paying their subs; on time including donations to our Floral Fund. A report was given on the Ramsgate “Armed Forces Day” parade (pictured below) which we attended once again and we were the only Merchant Navy representatives this year.
A report was given by the Secretary on his visit to the replica Spanish Galleon on it’s visit to Ramsgate recently. This year our National Merchant Navy Day parade and service at the National Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill in London will be held on the actual day, Sunday, September 3rd; so we’ll be unable to attend any local hoisting of our Red Ensign this year. We are travelling by coach again to London for this M.N. “Remembrance” service once again.
As always half of the raffle proceeds will be donated to a charity and members agreed on the Macmillan Nurses. If any other seafarers or supporters are interested please contact the Secretary for details.
It was proposed that members could visit a converted Dutch Barge berthed in Sandwich where it’s fitted out to a high standard with lounges, bar, food, toilets and members agreed to plan a date for this. Plans were put forward for our 2024 annual New Year Dinner and names were requested and date to be confirmed.
News was given of the closure of our fellow association in Queensland / New South Wales Australia’s newsletter which was met with sadness due to the articles and memories in these. It was proposed by a member that thanks should be given to the Secretary for all the hard work he’s put in for seafarers over the past 29 years and it was echoed by the meeting. Our next meeting will be held on October 5th; at the Racing Greyhound.
Presentation of Millenium Cup and Mayoress Cups 2023
At the Broadstairs & St Peter’s Town Council meeting on Monday 26 June the Town Mayor Cllr Kristian Bright undertook the annual presentation of the cups in recognition of individuals and community organisations who in the opinion of the Town Council have made a significant contribution to promoting Broadstairs and St Peter’s and the wellbeing of the local community.
This year the Mayoress cup was presented to Broadstairs Firework Events represented by Simon Abra.
Simon is a founder member of Broadstairs Fireworks Events and was a key organiser of the 2023 coronation celebrations working alongside Town Council staff, councillors and other volunteers.
Simon also produces the Isle magazine, and assists with the annual Water Gala and the four summer fireworks displays which bring many people into the town.
The Millenium Cup was presented to Sue Henderson
Sue has looked after the Council’s defibrillators since 2015. She started with the one on the jetty and took over the one in Chandos Square in 2018. Her duties include operational checks such as cleaning the cabinet and keeping it free of cobwebs and debris, checking it is stocked, the battery is functioning and submitting bi-weekly reports via the Webnos reporting system. She also resets a defib if notification is received that it has been used.
Isle of Thanet Photographic Society
Club Chairman Andy Shaw, from Broadstairs, was re-elected at the AGM for a further year,
Reflecting on the past year, Andy said it had been hugely successful with membership up to 51, making the camera club one of the largest in Kent. Competition judges had commented on the high quality of members’ images throughout the year. We had attracted some excellent speakers. The Portland Centre in St. Peters had proved to be an ideal venue for club meetings. The programme for next season was already looking great and Andy paid tribute to everyone who had made last year so successful and for help in devising the 2023/24 programme.
The club’s annual exhibition at Ramsgate’s York Street Gallery was very popular, with 47 great images on display and positive feedback from visitors. Next year’s is already planned for 12-19 June 2024.
One member, Maria Gilbert from Margate, was promoted from the Intermediate to the Advanced Group for next season, having scored the highest number of points in competitions. Not content with taking a break, Maria entered the BirdWise East Kent Competition and one of her images will be part of their exhibition at the Crab Museum from 17-21 July. In the meantime, Maria and friends are exhibiting at the King Street Gallery in Margate from 3-8 July, daily between 11am and 4pm.
Club members can look forward during the summer break to various get-togethers “out and about”, plus a Summer Project, before weekly meetings start again on 7 September at the Portland Centre.
For further information about the club, including membership and the 2023/24 programme, please visit our website: www.isleofthanetphotographicsociety.com or find us on Facebook.
Pilgrims Hospices
John Nicolls from Broadstairs, had the idea of placing a super-sized deckchair on the Broadstairs harbour in 2018; the idea was to raise funds to support his local hospice care charity, Pilgrims Hospices. To date, the deckchair has raised an incredible £6,637.22 from the generosity of local residents and tourists over the past six years.
John said: “It’s always a real pleasure supporting a charity that is so close to my heart. Over the years it’s been invaluable to many, I am happy to help in any way I can, and it’s been great to follow its success.”
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s always a delight to meet up with John; his passion for our charity is overwhelming, and he is always so very keen to help support in any way he can.
“His idea has worked very well, and it’s wonderful to see both children and adults having their photos taken in the chair, having fun, and popping a donation in as a thank you.
“I would also like to thank Nick Anselmi who has also helped support the chair from York Gate Ice Cream Parlour, Broadstairs, along with each and every one of you, who has made a donation to help support our charity. We will continue to watch its success throughout this summer too.”
We take great pride in the fact that all our services are provided completely free of charge. We receive over 75% of our funding from the local community and it is entirely due to the kindness of people like you that we are able to provide the care we do. Your support is ensuring people living with a terminal illness in east Kent can access the quality care and comfort they deserve. As always, we are only able to provide our services, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our family of supporters, which you are an important part of. Together we can, and will, continue to make a difference.
Martha Trust
Music on the Farm 2023, a fabulous one day festival in aid of Martha Trust in conjunction with Barclays UK took place in the fields of Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour in Ripple on Sunday June 26th and raised after costs, a record breaking £35,000 for the charity, which will go directly to the care of the young people and adults with profound disabilities at Martha Trust.
A host of local acts performed a variety of musical styles from modern hits to bluesy beats, Rock to Funky House
The line up included Your Shout, Gypskazz, Lofty Harris, The Moles , Strictly Nashville and FNKHAUS.
There was also dance displays by Dean Academy of Performing Arts and Japanese drumming by Kensei Taiko.
Entertainer & Singer Miss Sarah Banks took to the stage compere the day and the Auction was undertaken by Martha’s own Kerry Banks BEM.
Deal Radio were also broadcasting live from the event and Sharon Powell and Chris Mansfield were the official photographers for the day.
Director of Solley’s Keith Morrison said, “Solley’s are long term supporters of Martha Trust and we are delighted to have worked with Martha on Music on the Farm. It was a huge success and raised lots of valuable income for an incredibly worthy cause. It was a cracking day out”
Guests enjoyed picnics whilst also sampling the delicious treats on offer from the various onsite vendors which included GinSane, a premium Gin Bar, Drink Outside the Box, LillyRoos and Real Deal Roasters.
Lilyroos, The Larder, Soul Chef Kitchen, Eat and Mess and Solleys also served delicious food, treats and Ice cream. All vendors gave 20% of their sales back to Martha.
A Team from Barclays were involved in the day plus offered their match funding, the event was sponsored by some fantastic businesses including Solleys Ice-cream and 2023 Event Sponsors Superior Healthcare Group. Security was provided by AKON Security and Road & Car Park Marshalls by A&S Events Services. Both organisations gifted their services.
Other Sponsorships included Cook Fabrications Jenkinson Estates, Karl Ladd Electricians, KCC Members Grant , DDC Winer Community Grant ,Mark One Sound & Light ,Postage Supermarket, Southern Care Maintenance ,Moonreach, Tritton Builders, SMET Training, plus many other companies giving gifts in kind to make the day possible.
There was plenty to keep the kids busy too with six hours of children’s entertainment organised by Events Planner Lizzie Willis including storytelling and games, The History Project, Dynamic Sports Coaching Ltd, Christiane Engel, Zo Defferary, Dance with Danni, Chris Tiane, Lou Scott and Holly Rye from The Football Fun Factory.
There was also Face Painting by Anna’s Face Candy, The Glamourvan by Lucy’s Salon and a festival stall who all gave 20% to the charity too.
The date has been set for next year – Sunday 30th June 2024.Tickets go on sale beginning of January 2024. The event sold out in record time this year.
If any businesses would like to Sponsor this event , please contact [email protected] or call 01304 610448
MP Craig Mackinlay
Craig Mackinlay MP has welcomed the announcement that the Government is inviting community organisations to bid for funding for a defibrillator for their area.
The Department of Health and Social Care is inviting interested organisations to register expressions of interest for its £1 million Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Fund, aimed at increasing the number of AEDs in public places where they are most needed and help save lives.
As part of the grant award, applicants will be asked to demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where they are most needed, such as places with high footfall, vulnerable people, rural areas, or due to the nature of activity at the site.
Examples could include town halls, community centres, local shops, post offices and local parks, to ensure that defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected cardiac arrest.
An estimated 1,000 new defibrillators are to be provided by the fund, with the potential for this to double as successful applicants will be asked to match the funding they receive partially or fully.
Craig Mackinlay MP, said: “Defibrillators can provide vital life-saving treatment, with latest research showing that accessing these devices within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival by over 40%.
“This is a great opportunity for community organisations in South Thanet who wish to place a defibrillator in a town hall, community centre, local shop, post office or local park to register their interest so that the Department of Health and Social Care know.”
Organisations can submit an expression of interest here. They will be notified once grant applications open to the Department of Health and Social Care’s £1m Community AED Fund.