Margate community heroes recognised with mayor’s awards at Sunken Gardens event

Photos by Carl Hudson

A whopping 48 individuals and organisations received awards during an event at the Sunken Gardens in Westbrook on Sunday (August 20).

The Mayor’s Community Awards were hosted by Margate mayor Rob Yates and director of Resort Studios Ayaan Bulale.

Attendees enjoyed a community picnic in the sunshine as the awards were given out to  grassroots community groups and individuals.

The event featured performances from the Social Singing Choir and a raffle with prizes from local artists, authors, and restaurants.

Artist Tracey Emin and Margate councillors Jack Packman, Heather Keen, John Edwards, Leo Britcher and Elysa d’Abbro, county councillor Barry Lewis, Margate mayoress Iris Johnston and Ramsgate mayor Pat Moore were among the guests.

Cllr Yates said: “The Margate community is the backbone of our town and this is driven not by profit, but by kindness. The event was our way of saying thank you and giving some of these organisations a voice, so we can hear from them, look to solve their problems and make our town even stronger.

“Speakers from the organisations continually highlighted the kindness and talent within our community and the hard work of all the volunteers keeping these organisations going.

“I’d like to say a massive thanks to the Sunken Gardens Society for hosting, Clayspace for making the awards, all those businesses, artists and authors donating raffle prizes, the Sea Cadets for helping with raffle tickets, McDonalds for their donation of fruit and refreshments, Gina’s bakery for the pretzels, the Social Singing Choir for providing some beautiful singing and Carl Hudson for photographing the event.

“If you’re considering volunteering in Margate please get in contact with one of these great organisations.”

Ayaan added: “We worked really hard to make sure to identify groups that were grassroots, community minded and who would not instantly spring to mind when thinking of charitable work. The groups that were awarded are all at the frontline of dealing with issues such as dismantling systemic racism, ensuring that parents can feed their babies, that those facing the end of life leave with dignity, that marginalised groups feel safe and supported.

“Every hour these groups give to our community has a positive and long lasting impact.”

Following the event Tracey Emin said: “The mayor’s community awards was such a lovely event (with) people really appreciating each other and the community we live in.”

Award winners

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