Community news: Sea and Royal Marine Cadets; Small boat owners; QEQM Friends; Margate Masons; East Kent Coaching; Chartwell House; Boys & Maughan and Martha Trust

Fundraising by Margate Sea and Royal Marine Cadets

Margate Sea and Royal Marine Cadets

The cadets would like to thank everyone who generously donated to their fund raising collections at Margate Football Club on 4th and 18th March and 22nd April. A total of £179.70 was raised, which will go toward a trip the Unit is planning for the cadets, to visit part of the Western Front Way later this year.

The Western Front Way is a long-distance route that follows the World War I line of No Man’s Land from English Channel on the Belgian side of the French border, down through the battlefields of the Somme to the Swiss border.

The route was originally the idea of A.D. Gillespie, a young soldier who after the Battle of Loos wrote home to suggest that a “beautiful road” be created along No Man’s Land for “all nations to walk together in peace” after the war. He wrote it would be for visitors to “think and learn what war means from the silent witnesses on either side.” ‘( Cycling the Western Front Way – Freewheeling France )

Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Association

The Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Association, based in Guildford Lawn, Ramsgate is, as the name implies, a members’ club for owners of vessels under 8 metres long as well as non-boat owners.

With their strong connection to the sea it’s understandable that they are very supportive of the local RNLI station. So when the lifeboat collection box on the bar was collected and found to only contain £23 in it, the members decided to do something about it.

Last May a fundraising evening was arranged by the members and £1000 was raised, but that wasn’t the end of it. Last week they invited representatives of Ramsgate RNLI to attend a cheque presentation evening and a further £220 was raised by a raffle and auction on the night.

With karaoke in full swing, even the Coxswain Ian Cannon’s rendition of Nelly the Elephant couldn’t dampen their spirits. Everyone tucked into a buffet and a great night was had by all.

QEQM Hospital League of Friends

Staff on Rainbow Children’s Ward in the QEQM Hospital are delighted with a wall-mounted otoscope and ophthalmoscope – instruments used to examine respectively the ear and eye – we recently funded at a cost of £557 shown with two Healthcare Assistants, both of whom are called Jess. In expressing her thanks Ward Manager Emma said having these, which are in regular use every weekday, will enable an additional outpatients clinic to be run.

We can only finance item like these with your kind support – please visit our new website www.qeqmfriends.com for more information.

Margate Masonic Centre

The Margate Masonic Centre in New Cross Street will have an open day on Saturday, August 5 from 10am to 3pm.

Learn about our history, charitable aims, women’s freemasonry, events, community support and more.

Entry is free. Get tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-day-margate-masonic-centre-tickets-645227622187

East Kent Coaching

East Kent Coaching is once again offering school holiday training opportunities for young runners in traffic-free park locations throughout the summer.

Each one-hour session will include a range of running-centred activities and anyone entering school years 4 to 9 inclusive in September is welcome, regardless of ability or previous experience.

Starting on 24th July, there will be morning sessions each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at King George VI Memorial Park (Ramsgate), St Peter’s Recreation Ground (Broadstairs) and Hartsdown Park (Margate), respectively.

One group will be for Primary School pupils starting Year 4, 5 or 6 in September. This provides an ideal chance for children to improve their running technique and get some practice in for the Thanet Primary Schools’ Cross Country, hosted by East Kent Coaching at Quex Park, on Saturday 7th October.  There is also a group for Secondary School pupils going into Years 7, 8 and 9.

“Stepping up from primary school to Year 7 can be quite daunting,” says EKC’s Steve King. “so we’re encouraging those boys and girls to build confidence by training with slightly older ones in a structured, supportive environment.”

Years 8 and 9 comprise the ‘Junior’ age category for English Schools athletics and those pupils might begin working towards selection for Thanet district, to compete at the Kent Schools’ Cross Country Championship in January 2024.

To reserve your child’s place on any – or all – of the summer holiday running sessions, please visit http://www.eastkentcoaching.com/summerholiday2023.html or email [email protected].

Chartwell House/Folk Week

Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes, proudly announces its collaboration with Folk Week 2023 to present a groundbreaking event: the inaugural Dementia Friendly Folk concert. This unique initiative aims to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about dementia within the vibrant atmosphere of the renowned folk music festival.

Set to take place in the picturesque coastal town of Broadstairs. Mark your calendars for Thursday, 17th August, from 3pm to 5pm, as the Sarah Thorne Theatre on Fordoun Road becomes the venue for this extraordinary occasion.

The Dementia Friendly Folk concert promises an afternoon of heart-warming performances, featuring the acclaimed Bubble Band & the Ceilidh Shapes. This talented ensemble brings together captivating folk melodies, lively rhythms, and interactive elements, creating an immersive experience that transcends age and background. Audiences can expect a vibrant atmosphere, infectious energy, and a celebration of the power of music.

Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, shared her excitement about organising event: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Dementia Friendly Folk to Folk Week. Music holds incredible potential for individuals living with dementia, evoking cherished memories, fostering connections, and enhancing overall well-being. Our aim is to provide a truly inclusive experience, where everyone can enjoy the enchanting sounds of folk music together.”

Join us on Thursday, 17th August, at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs, as we celebrate the power of music and embrace the inclusive spirit of Folk Week. Secure your tickets for £5 per person and prepare to be captivated by the enchanting melodies of the Bubble Band & the Ceilidh Shapes.

To purchase tickets please contact Chartwell House Care Home on 01843 264 896.

Boys & Maughan

Wills lawyers at Boys & Maughan have donated £5,300 to vital services at local Pilgrims Hospices following a successful Make a Will Month.

The firm’s offices in Birchington, Canterbury, Margate, and Ramsgate waived their usual charge for individuals and couples who wished to make a will, instead donating their fees to Pilgrims Hospices.

Boys & Maughan’s total donation was confirmed by the Hospice this week. Commenting on Boys & Maughan’s achievements, Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said:

“We are enormously grateful for these donations. Boys & Maughan’s long-term support for the Hospice is greatly appreciated, and all those involved in this year’s campaign should be exceptionally proud.”

Andrew Baker, Boys & Maughan’s Senior Partner, said: “Specialists from across our firm are delighted to have donated time to Pilgrims Hospice’s Wills Month once again this year. Wills are such an important document, and there can be no doubt they are worth doing properly. Clients who made an appointment with one of our experts found a great way to donate to a crucial local charity and receive something of significant benefit to their family in return.”

2023 was the 11th consecutive year that Boys & Maughan has taken part in the scheme, and in March, its will-writing team met with people from across East Kent who were keen to take up the opportunity.

Music4Martha

The Kings Head, Dunkerleys and The Port Arms are once again collaborating with local charity Martha Trust to host a 1-day music festival on The Square outside the 3 pubs on Sunday 6th August from noon-6.30pm.

Sarah Banks Entertainer will be the compere and for the day, Martha Trust’s Fundraiser Kerry will be the Auctioneer and has arranged a great line up to entertain the crowds.

Mark One Sound and Light will be organising the Sound and PA for the musicians and Deal Radio will be broadcasting live throughout the day.

The event will be officially opened at noon with Rebecca Robinson as the first act. This will be followed by dance performances by DAPA – Dean Academy of Performing Arts, Tom Dawson, The Tony Frost Experience, Situationist!, L VIS2 and finally long standing Martha supporters The Martellos.

The Kings Head, Dunkerleys, The Port Arms, Superior Healthcare Group and Walmer Installations have sponsored the event.

The photographers for the day will be Sharon Powell and Chris Mansfield – if you attend the event and would not like to be in a photo, please state to the photographers.

There will be an auction, raffle plus a chance to win a Barrow of Booze and also a Giant  Unicorn.

Anna’s Face Candy Face Painting will be onsite all day, you will also be able to buy delicious cakes from Eat & Mess and Josh King Magician will be performing table magic.

Fundraising & Events Officer Kerry Banks BEM said: “We are incredibly grateful to the all the organisations for their ongoing support of Martha Trust- the monies raised at these events make a huge difference in the lives of our residents with profound disabilities. It is a free and inclusive event so come along and enjoy the day with us. We are delighted to welcome back Magician Josh King who regularly attends Princes Charles and Camilla’s Christmas Parties wowing guests with his table magic!”

The charity is looking for Auction and Raffle prizes along with bottles /cans of booze for their barrow of booze – if you can assist , please contact [email protected] or call 01304 610448.

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