It’s All About the Bass
What a blast we had on Sunday 17 September when the Broadstairs Pavilion played host to It’s All About the Bass. The event took the form of a live music fundraiser in memory of local bass player Jeff Matthews who sadly lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease in 2022.
As well as celebrating Jeff’s life, the aim was to raise as much money as possible for East Kent MNDA. We are delighted to report that the anticipated target was comprehensively surpassed with an amazing £4,240 raised, and the donations are still coming in!
After nine months in the planning, the organisers couldn’t have wished for such a well-attended, enjoyable and successful day. The Pavilion was packed from start to finish with a very supportive, upbeat and generous audience consisting of family, friends and members of the public. The bands were really well received with the audience singing and dancing along to the music, especially during the live jukebox session where people bid for their favourite tunes. The guitar auction, raffle and tombola raised an amazing amount of money so a huge thank you to all those that donated prizes, and of course to those who bought tickets.
Alan Morgan, the brainchild behind the whole event, wishes to thank everyone who helped to make It’s All About the Bass such a roaring success.
Specific thanks to Thorley Taverns for providing the venue and donating prizes, and also to the many other local businesses and individuals who donated some incredible raffle and tombola prizes.
Special thanks go to the amazing bands and individuals who freely gave their valuable time on the day.
And finally, a massive thank you to the dedicated team who put so much effort into organising and running the event with the invaluable support and input of Pam Matthews and Jeff’s whole family.
If you wish to donate to East Kent MNDA here is the link, it will be open until mid-December – Tribute to Jeff Matthews (muchloved.com)
Echoes of Encores – Winter Gardens book
A Thanet historian has created a new book looking at the history of Margate Winter Gardens.
Alfred Beeching, who has written numerous local and family history books and articles, was prompted to compile Echoes and Encores after seeing a notice about the theatre’s current closure while he was in the Modern Provider bakery in The Cetre.
Alfred, 84, lives in Ramsgate and is a long serving volunteer at Margate Local Studies which involves local and family history consultations. He has also written local history books including three World War One volumes of people locally who served and possibly died and six World War Two volumes plus a number of local books.
He said: “Primarily the context of this book covers the reclamation of the site east of the pier along the cliffs which once was the Marine Palace, later swept away in the great storm of December 1897. The monument close to the Nayland Rock Hotel commemorates the nine lifeboatmen who drowned just off the rocks there when their lifeboat capsized.
“Eventually the Winter Gardens rose from the chalk bed. The foundation stone laid in March 1911 and the Grand Opening in the August of that same year. This feat of construction should surely be recognised, even now the site is returning to nature!
“I have compiled a listing of all the major acts that were celebrated on that stage from 1946 -2012. “Ben (at Moden Provider) and Margate Library are the only places to own copies of the book but I can get books printed on a two days return for anyone who would like copies. They are A5 with gloss laminated covers with coloured photographs [hence the expense in printing] and cover about 85 pages.”
Contact Alfred at [email protected]
Free workshops
Free, public workshops taking place at SE Kitchen, St George’s hall, Broad Street, Ramsgate this Wednesday, 27th September:
- 10am – 12 noon, Understanding Finances and Budgeting
- 1pm – 3pm, Confidence and Interview Skills
Call: 07704009875 to book
Chartwell House
As part of World Alzheimer’s Day 2023, Boutique Care Homes is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Nostalgia Café at Chartwell House, starting on October 2nd and continuing every first Monday of the month.
Located at Chartwell House, 26 Draco Drive, Off Star Lane, Broadstairs, CT9 4FY, from 11:30 to 13:30, the Nostalgia Café offers individuals living with dementia and their caregivers a welcoming environment to connect and share experiences.
At the Nostalgia Café, attendees will discover a warm and inviting atmosphere, building connections with others who understand the challenges of caring for a loved one living with dementia. The monthly event is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange insights, and enjoy light refreshments.
Open to anyone in the community living with dementia or supporting a loved one with dementia, the Nostalgia Café invites all to join this meaningful monthly support initiative.
Diane Collins, Home Manager at Chartwell House, said: “The Nostalgia Café at Chartwell House represents our commitment to providing valuable support to those affected by dementia. It’s a place where attendees can gather, connect, and find support and understanding.”
Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, added: “The Nostalgia Café is a further example of our commitment to helping Thanet become a truly dementia friendly community. We believe that the Nostalgia Café will become a focal point for support, where those attending will find a community of understanding.”
For more information about the Nostalgia Café and to confirm your attendance, please contact us at 01843 264 896.
Margate Civic Society
Reminder of the Date of Next Meeting: Thursday, 5 October (which incorporates our AGM) commencing at 1930 hrs. Attendees are requested at be seated by 1915 hrs. Speaker: Steve Hookins (After-dinner speaker, historical presentations) Topic: “We Didn’t Start the Fire …Explained!” This is based on the four-and-a-half-minute long song, released by Billy Joel in September 1989, listing 118 historical events, covering the first 40 years of his life.
On this evening, our new sponsored Blue Plaque leaflet (designed by Mike Wilton) will be launched, copies of which can be purchased for £2.00 each. This project has been organised in memory of our late President, Ralph Handscomb. As always, other merchandise and raffle tickets will also be on sale throughout the evening, raising funds for our Society. Please note prior to the raffle, as is custom on this evening, there will be a collection for Cancer Research UK. Guests and lapsed Members are most welcome: £3.50 nominal charge.
We hope you will be able to come along and support us.
East Kent Sands and Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9-15th October
Sands, the charity that leads Baby Loss Awareness Week, works to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families. The week is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.
This special week is represented by its blue and pink ribbon logo, this image has been the inspiration to create Ribbon Displays up and down the UK, in every community, inviting those who have experienced loss to come together and remember their babies.
Blue, pink and white ribbons displaying the names of the babies being remembered will be added to the railings on Marine Terrace opposite Dreamland for all to see from the 9th October and will remain in place till the 15th .
We would love for you to come and add your babies name to one of the ribbons tied to the railings, please remember to bring your own pen, if you wanted to add more of a message you could attach a card or tag to a ribbon.
East Kent Sands, coordinating the display, said: “The loss of a baby or pregnancy is heart-breaking, and this is happening to families across the UK everyday. During Baby Loss Awareness Week, we wanted to create a special display to remember all the babies lost, whether recently or long ago.
“We hope the display raises awareness and breaks the silence surrounding baby and pregnancy loss, it is impacting so many people in our community, we hope it starts conversations.
“All money raised from the display will go to Sands, so they can continue to support families and reduce baby deaths, by investing in research and championing better maternity care.”
More information about the display can be found on our Instagram page @eastkentsands and for anyone who needs the support of Sands you can find more information on their website www.sands.org.uk
RBL Birchington
A Swinging 60s night featuring Norman Hollingworth will take place at the Birchington United Services Club on Stember 30.
The RBL branch event starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 from Chris Buffrey on 07711938373 or email [email protected]
All profits go to the 2023 Poppy appeal and Birchington RBL.
Thanet 5k Colour Run
Entries for the Pilgrims Hospices Thanet colour run will close Monday (September 25) morning at 8am. The event is Sunday 1st October. You can pay on the day, desks open at 9am.
The family-friendly event is an explosion of colourful fun as participants take in the coastal views as they run and walk through clouds of brightly coloured powder around the route.
Each year this popular event brings fun and laughter to fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices, and awareness of how important it is to support the local charity in its continued end-of-life care within the community.
So far, some £200,000 has been raised through the event since it launched in 2016.
Entry includes a white t-shirt, paint sachet, funky sunglasses and finisher’s medal.
Register at: https://www.pilgrimshospices.org/event/thanet-5k-colour-run-2023/
Pink Spaghetti- Small Business Saturday
Pink Spaghetti PA Services in Margate has been selected as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off its second decade in the UK.
Pink Spaghetti PA Services Thanet and Canterbury, a virtual assistant business that provides admin and marketing support to small businesses, was founded by Vikkie Richmond in 2020. Following a nationwide search, it has been chosen as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases a line-up of 100 of the most inspiring independent businesses from across the nation.
Small Business Saturday will return on 2 December 2023, with a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. With small firms facing huge challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, the campaign is more vital than ever as it moves into its second decade in the UK.
Vikkie said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected as one of this year’s SmallBiz100. Small Business Saturday is a fantastic campaign that does so much to support businesses such as mine. I’m so passionate about helping small businesses to succeed, so it’s amazing to be included.”
Pink Spaghetti Thanet and Canterbury will be profiled by the campaign on 24 November as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate Pink Spaghetti PA Services Thanet and Canterbury as part of this year’s campaign,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“The impressive small businesses featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 sum up the phenomenal contribution that small firms make to our economy and local communities.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent boutiques and eateries to small service and b2b based businesses like wholesalers and digital marketers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
To get involved in Small Business Saturday UK visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
OLD RUYMIAN CRICKET CLUB
CRICKET WEEK – 14th-18th August
(NB: Old Ruymians – Former students of Chatham House and Chatham and Clarendon GS)
The Old Ruymian Cricket Week took place once again this year in the second week of August (as it has done for over a hundred years). Building on the success of last year, the cricket committee was very hopeful of another good week. What could not have been foreseen, after months of planning, was notification from the school that the fields would not be available. So, due to circumstances beyond our control and o the dismay of the ex-students, most of whom are under-30, the chance to return to their old home at the iconic Chatham House site was not possible. It is hoped that the Cricket Week will return next year, as the relationship between the ORs and the school has always been very important. With less than a month to go, the OR Cricket Week organisers found support in the local cricket community at Broadstairs CC and Minster Parish Council, for which they were truly grateful.
Although one of the original fixtures was lost in the confusion, four excellent games of cricket still took place. All matches reverted to the traditional timed format, where the team batting first would have to set a total, possibly declare, and bowl out their opponents to secure victory. This requires brave captaincy, where a total is set to entice the team batting second to take risks, in order to avoid a draw. It also allows for a greater participation of all players whatever their standard. Younger players appear to find the idea of “win, lose, tie or draw” cricket a difficult concept to manage. However, Wednesday’s match had all four results still possible going into the last few overs, So, it seems, there may still be a place for making teams bowl their opponents out to secure victory.
Monday 14th August, 2023 v Nelson CC
On a wonderful pitch at Broadstairs CC’s Park Avenue ground, the ORs and Nelson CC played out an entertaining, if somewhat predictable draw. Batting first in hot conditions the strong OR line-up smashed 273-7 in just 38 overs against an inconsistent attack. The total was built on a superb partnership of 111 between captain Josh Attwell (59) and Elliott Fox (65) in just 11.3 overs. When the latter was bowled by Mark Goode, the ORs continued to pile on the runs, through Jack Stephens (37*) and Dennis Hester (20*). Earlier Senura Ratiyala laid the foundation with a solid 39. Pick of the Nelson bowlers was another OR, Jack Cave (2-42).
With such a large score, the ORs needed to either fully attack or tempt the Nelson batters. They did neither and the game petered out into a tame draw, although enjoyable just the same. Nelson was indebted to captain Rhys Quieros who scored an accomplished 80 and found support from another OR, Matt Williams who scored his maiden 50 for the club before being caught by Stephens off Nelson regular, James Wilson. The best figures for the ORS went to another Nelson regular Dennis Hester with 3-30 off 7 overs. The close relationship between the two sides did lead to some friendly banter, but everyone enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy a drink and chat after the game thanks to the members at Broadstairs CC.
Result: MATCH DRAWN: Old Ruymians 273-7 (declared); Nelson 204-5
Tuesday 15th August 2023 v The XL Club
For the first time ever, the ORs played against the prestigious “Forty Club” on another glorious pitch at Park Avenue in sunny weather. The visitors batted first, relying heavily on local cricket stalwart, OR and Northdown player, Bob Green, whose 71, ensured a competitive total was reached. He was ably supported by P Boyce (53). The XL Club made it to 211-4 declared, thanks to a very quick 24* from S Burton. The pick of the OR Bowlers was Dennis Hester again, with 1-7 from his 7 overs. He was ably supported by James Wilson 1-24 and Pearson Hulks 1-37. It was a thankless task bowling on such a good pitch, but at least they ensured that the visitors did not get too far ahead of the game.
In reply, the ORs batted aggressively, with Senura Ratiyala (53) and James Williams (38) putting on 82 for the first wicket, in just 10 overs. They laid the foundations and Neil Roby (66) and Josh Christian (32) took full advantage. Both were dismissed before the end, but victory was sealed with 5.1 overs to spare.
Result ORs WON by 4 wickets: XL Club 211-4 (declared); Old Ruymians 215-6
Wednesday 16th August 2023 v South London Strollers
This match, moved to Minster Recreation Ground, was played on a less predictable wicket, and provided the most thrilling match of the week. Played as a 12-a-side fixture, both teams were a mixture of established and inexperienced cricketers. The timed format allowed both captains, Dave Walton for the ORs and Owen Walton for the visitors, to share the bowling around and manipulate batting orders to enable everyone to have an opportunity to take part. It was a thrilling encounter, with all four results possible coming into the last 5 overs.
Batting first, the ORs were indebted to evergreen Keith Sandwell (19), who resisted some hostile bowling, particularly from George Luckhurst (2-26 off 8 overs) and Owen Walton 1-13. His innings made it possible for others to accelerate, aided by 53 extras, including 28 wides. Josh Christian (29), Neil Roby (25), and James Wilson (24) added valuable contributions that allowed their captain to declare on 210-10. One highlight for the “Strollers” was the success of Will More. Bowling for the first time, faced by attacking batsmen, he took 2-14.
In reply, the “Strollers” appeared to be strolling to victory. They scored quickly from the start, although Joel Duraisingham (2-36) did remove Pat Tyrell for 20 (off 13 balls, with five 4s) with a sharp bouncer. Jack Shaw-Pethers (59) seemed to have led his side to victory, despite the efforts of Pearson Hulks (2-17 off 6 overs), supported by Hanro Roussow (56). With the match slipping away, the latter was dismissed by a rare good one from Matt Williams and the ORs began to impart some pressure. “Strollers” collapsed from 120-3 to 164-7. However, Dan Williams, batting comfortably, was joined by the normally excellent Tom Turner and the chase of 47 runs off 9 overs seemed within their grasp. James Wilson had slowed the run-rate with some tight bowling, but it was young Will Roby who forced the crucial dismissal, thanks to a one-handed diving (or, was that falling) catch from his captain.
The pressure returned to the visitors, Wilson changed ends and with the “Strollers” on 181-8, with three wickets and 5 overs in hand, he swung the game for the ORs. Firstly, he had Williams caught brilliantly at deep mid-on by Hulks. After conceding a single, he then bowled the last two “Strollers”’ batters with consecutive deliveries, securing victory for his team by 14 runs. Wilson finished with figures of 3-9 off 3.5 overs.
RESULT: ORs WON by 17 runs: ORs 210-10 (declared); South London Strollers 193 all out
Friday 18th August 2023 v Alexandra Park CC
AP has been touring Kent since 1921 and first played the ORs in 1929, when they were encouraged by their greatest player and OR, Con Davies, to do so. With a few obvious exceptions, the match has been played on the Friday of cricket week ever since. AP love playing at Chatham House, but their disappointment, this year, was assuaged a little by the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality at Broadstairs CC for the 2023 rematch.
A dominant ORs needed to take risks, on another top-class pitch, if they were ever going to force victory. However, a declaration at 248-7 was less than generous in the context of this match and, ultimately, did not give the ORs enough time to bowl out the visitors. Craig Alder’s 84, gaining great support from Jack Stephens (60) laid the foundation for the hosts’ total. Late runs from skipper Reece Heatley (34) and James Wilson (32) put the game out of reach, according to AP, an opinion much debated in the bar afterwards. At tea, some of the AP stalwarts appeared lost in a Folk Week traffic-cone controversy near the “39 Steps” pub in Broadstairs and on their return they were honest in their view of the declaration! Even so, the draw was played in the best possible spirit. Nothing else was to be expected.
AP lost early wickets in the chase and were indebted to James Mulley (31) and Andy Langston (27*) as they hung on to save the game. The ORs, having nearly every player around the bat seeking crucial wickets, tried their hardest to win, but to no avail. Pick of the bowlers were, the youngest player, Pearson Hulks (2-18), and the oldest OR to enter the field of play during the week, Andy Signorell (2-33).
RESULT: Match DRAWN: ORs 248-7 (declared); Alexandra Park CC 151-7
After last year’s victorious performance, following a series of insipid defeats to our visitors from North London, this was another encouraging sign of improvement. It is great to see that young, ex-students of Chatham and Clarendon GS are keen to continue the great Old Ruymian tradition of a summer cricket festival to celebrate their association with the school. Let us hope Old Ruymian Cricket Week returns to the iconic cricket ground at the Chatham House site, in Chatham Street, for 2024.
And Finally..
There were 25 players participating this year, ages ranging from 14 to 67: Joel Duraisingham (4 appearances), James Wilson (4); Dennis Hester (3), Pearson Hulks (3), Senura Ratiyala (3); Josh Christian (2), Stephen Foster (2), Josh Mirams (2), Neil Roby (2), Will Roby (2), Jack Stephens (2), Jake Warner (2), Matt Williams (2); Craig Alder, Josh Attwell, Reggie Baskaran, Elliott Fox, Luke Harrap, Reece Heatley, Mark Lewis, Keith Sandwell, Andrew Signorell, James Shoobridge, Dave Walton and James Williams (all 1 each).
If anyone is interested in supporting the ad-hoc committee by participating as player, official or organiser, or as a sponsor for the 2024 Old Ruymian Cricket Week, please contact OR Cricket Representative and Cricket Week Chairperson, Mark Lewis, or either of the following:
Dennis Hester (Match Secretary) [email protected]
Senura Ratiyala (Match Secretary) [email protected]