1st Westgate on Sea Scouts first Squirrels Scouts in the Drey
On Thursday 19th October 1st Westgate-on-Sea Scouts were proud to invest 13 young Squirrels Scouts and 4 volunteers/leaders, the first ever Squirrel Scouts in Westgate. Taking place in the Westgate-On-Sea Scout Hut in St Crispins Road, the leaders, volunteers, and young children were joined by their friends and family to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Launched UK wide in 2021, Squirrel Scouts are the newest section in Scouting. It is a program aimed at introducing young children aged 4-6 into the world of Scouting, providing fun challenges and a chance to build friendships, whilst learning essential life skills and embracing the world outside.
New Squirrel Scout leader Vicki Morriss (Chip), who was also invested, said: “We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to boys and girls from around the area. It’s a great way for them to start their Scouting adventure and we as leaders can’t wait to help them on their way.”
Each of the 13 children and 4 leaders were invested into 1st Westgate-on-Sea Scouts – a ceremony that marks a significant milestone in these young scouts’ journey, offering them the chance to officially join the scouting family.
1st Westgate-on-Sea supports young people from the ages of 4-14 and is run completely by volunteers. If you would like to support young people learn Skills4Life, and even make new friends yourself then volunteering at 1st Westgate-on-Sea Scout Group could be the place for you! Please email [email protected] to find out more.
Margate WI
Quizzers have helped to raise hundreds of pounds for two Thanet-based good causes.
Margate Women’s Institute held their first quiz night on Friday 6 October at Thanet Indoor Bowls Club, attracting more than 120 people who made up 17 teams. A total of £1,200 was raised, which will go towards the group’s work to support women, and the funds will also be shared with their charity of the year, the Cheerful Sparrows.
The evening event included a raffle with prizes generously donated by Thanet-based businesses and artists, and other games, including one where people could guess the number of buttons in a large jar, which had been donated on the night by a quizzer. The buttons have since been donated to Margate WI’s ongoing work to support new parents at the Special Care Baby Unit at the QEQM hospital. Attendees also donated cotton fabric which will be made into quilts for the babies.
Quizmaster for the evening was Margate WI committee member, Justine Larkin, who wished to thank everyone who helped to make the event a success.
She said: ‘It was an amazing night and everyone was so supportive, from the staff at the bowls club, to the quiz teams, to those who donated fabric and buttons, to all of those who were willing to provide a prize for our raffle.
‘The generosity has been overwhelming and we are sure the Cheerful Sparrows will be able to put their funds to good use.
‘The donations we receive from the evening will allow us as a group to continue educating and inspiring women. Historically Women’s Institutes have helped to shape our world for the better through campaigning, and we intend to continue doing that here in Margate.
‘Finally as a thank you for the brilliant raffle prizes given by the shops, cafes, bars, artists and theatres in Thanet, we urge everyone to shop local and show small businesses some love and support. They play an important role in our community.’
Ramsgate Remembrance Service
Sunday 12 November – Remembrance Parade and Service – St George’s Church, Ramsgate.
His Majesty the King has appointed Sunday 12 November as a Day of Remembrance for those who died in the World Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939–1945 and subsequent conflicts. Arrangements have been made for the representation of ex-Service Organisations and other bodies at a Divine Service at St. George’s Church, Ramsgate. The Town Mayor, Councillor Pat Moore, Ramsgate Town Councillors, and other guests will attend.
The parade will leave the Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, Chatham Street by 10.35am and will march via High Street, King Street and Broad Street.
The service at St George’s will commence at approximately 10.56 am.
Isle of Thanet Photographic Society
Past Chairman and camera club member Laura Drury LRPS has won an award in the prestigious International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition 2023.
The competition attracts entries from around the world and it is a tremendous achievement for Laura to be awarded 3rd place in the Square Crop format with her stunning image called “Meadow Sunset”.
Laura comments: “I have submitted images for this competition in previous years but have never been successful as the standard of entries from all over the world is so high, so when I heard that I had four shortlisted for the Square Crop category it is an understatement to say I was excited! The news that my image came 3rd was absolutely thrilling. It’s an image I worked on a lot, using an intentional camera movement shot of a wild flower meadow as the background and then blending it with close up photographs of wild grasses and seed heads”.
Laura has developed her own style of photography which takes inspiration from impressionist paintings of the late 19th century and aims to capture a sense of a time and place. She recently exhibited in Whitstable and will be coming to the Beach Creative in Herne Bay from 24-30 November with a solo exhibition called “Catching Whispers”.
More information about the club is at www.isleofthanetphotographicsociety.com and on our Facebook page.
QEQM Hospital League of Friends
Patients undergoing cardiac investigations at the QEQM Hospital are now benefiting from a new echocardiography couch costing £2,252 funded by our charity. Its design facilitates ease of use by the patient and a comfortable position for the clinician to work at.
We urgently need donations to enable us to carry on funding items like this. Information on how to support us is available at our website www.qeqmfriends.com
The Isle of Thanet Sunrise Rotary Club
The club presents A Life on the Wild Side exhibition with photographer Vic Sharratt,
Vic has been a photographer for more than 20 years and travelled widely taking artists and photographers on working trips and exhibiting in both Africa and the USA.
Now retied, Vic lives in Westgate. All proceeds from the sale of work in the exhibition are going to The Aspinall Foundation and People’s Trust for Endangered Species.
The exhibition is at Pie Factry Gallery, Broad Street, Margate from November 17-22, 10am to 4pm.
Bags of Taste
Are you struggling with your food budget?
Would you like to learn to cook less expensive meals?
We can help you!
We will deliver a FREE bag of ingredients to you for three delicious meals to your door!
local money for local people!
No commitment, just cook the meals and feedback to us!
Email, text or call me to register at [email protected] 07813678660 or visit www.bagsoftaste.org
Likeminded Music fundraiser for Pilgrims Hospices
LikeMinded Music presents its Annual House and Techno Fundraiser for the Pilgrim’s Hospice, held at Justine’s Nightclub in Margate.
Date: Saturday November 11th
Time: 9pm – 3am
Get ready to dance the night away with the region’s finest DJs, spinning the latest house and techno tracks that will keep you grooving until the early hours. From deep house to pounding techno, our eclectic lineup guarantees a night of sonic exploration that will ignite your passion for electronic music.
But this event is about more than just music; it’s about coming together as a community to support a great cause. Pilgrim’s Hospice does incredible work, providing care and comfort to those in need. By joining us on this special night, you’re making a positive impact on the lives of others.
DJ A-Z
Derrick Patterson
Dom Johnson
Greig Gaskill
Krywald
Matt Walsh
Nick Ronin
Special thanks to our sponsors.
The British Hovercraft Company
London and County Financial Advisors
Standard ticket £10, double donation £20, entry before 9.30pm £5, on the door cash donation
Book tickets at: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/vrmafatv/likeminded-music-charity-fundraiser
Margate Ceramics Market
Margate Ceramics Market returns to The Foyle Rooms of Turner Contemporary on 11/12th November after a very successful event in March.
There will be more than 40 new and established makers over 2 days, including this year’s Pottery Throwdown winner, Lois Gunn. Opening times 10-4pm, with free entry.
Women in Business Network in Thanet
Last month, Katherine Vass (pictured above) orchestrated the launch of the Women in Business Network for Canterbury & Thanet at the Chapel House Estate in Minister. The occasion, graced by the presence of 80 remarkable women, proved to be a resounding success. Katherine’s efforts have now given rise to not just one, but two thriving groups in Thanet, along with a group nestled in Canterbury City Centre, complementing her already established groups in Kings Hill.
Katherine’s overarching vision is the unification of women in business throughout Kent, fostering a nurturing environment where they can offer mutual support, cultivate connections that promote growth, and provide opportunities to learn. To facilitate this, Katherine has curated focused groups, each following a structured meeting format that encourages every woman to introduce her business and specify the kind of connections she seeks to bolster her business expansion. We delve into a pertinent business topics to enhance collective understanding and engage in meaningful discussions about challenges.
The Women in Business Network (WIBN) is a nationwide organisation boasting over 50 groups across the United Kingdom. In 2024, Katherine has ambitious plans to inaugurate more groups in Kent.
She said: “WIBN is a remarkable network that grants its members access to like-minded women at the local, regional, and national levels. This larger ecosystem offers an abundance of opportunities to establish meaningful relationships, garner support, and nurture newfound skills and capacities. The members in these groups are a source of inspiration, and I take immense pleasure in discovering their unique stories, experiences, and aspirations for the future.”
An exciting Christmas event is on the horizon, open to all women in Kent. The festive gathering will serve as a fundraiser for our charity members and will feature a keynote presentation by the accomplished Kent-based entrepreneur, Kresse Wesling, CBE. Hailing from Canada and now residing in the UK, Kresse Wesling is the co-founder of the high-end recycled accessories company Elvis and Kresse. She will share insights on embedding sustainability into business strategies and the importance of being a B-Corp. Mark your calendars for December 7th and don’t hesitate to reach out to secure your spot for this exceptional event.
For more information, please contact Katherine Vass: [email protected] & https://wibn.co.uk/page/Katherine_Vass
Martha Trust
The Martha Trust golf day held at Princes Golf Club, Sandwich Bay with former West Indies and Kent Cricketer Mr John Shepherd was a fantastic success raising just over a record breaking £11,800 for the charity.
The auction was conducted by Andy McConnell “ The Decanterman” from BBC Antiques Roadshow and raised nearly £4000 for the charity alone, with prizes such as a week’s holiday for 6-8 at a ski apartment in The French Alps , golfing at Wilderness and Knole Park Golf Clubs, VIP tickets to watch Manchester United v Newcastle plus many more.
The weather held out and golfers travelled from far and wide to support the event including London, Southampton, Buckingham, Essex and Surrey who joined teams from the local area too.
In 1st place were “ The Big Shot Also Runs, In 2 d place, 3 men & a little Ady, 3rd place were The Poker Boys and in 4th place – The Port Arms.
Kerry Banks BEM, Fundraising & Events Officer for Martha Trust said: ”We are delighted that the day was such an enormous success and are so incredibly grateful to Princes Golf Club and the golfing community for rallying around to help us stage such a special day. We raised the most we have ever raised at this golf day for our wonderful residents at Martha-the golfers were in high spirits and we had some fabulous feedback!
“We would like to say a Huge Thanks to all our auction and raffle prize givers plus our hole sponsors Superior Healthcare Group, Rent A Bar, Castles Removals, Hardmans Solicitors, Bumper2Bumper,Bloody Marys High St Deal, The Larder Catering Services, 9G Websites, Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour, Hutchings Timber Ltd, K&M Roofing ,True
Cut Diamond Drilling, Mark Bulley Positive Solutions, J&R Carpets ltd, Smye Rumsby, The Port Arms, Dunkerley’s Of Deal, Chris & Jeanette Goulding- Gemma’s Flag
-we simply couldn’t do what we do without you and your amazing support of the event!”
Martha Trust would like to congratulate all the winning teams and thank everyone who took part, not least Princes Golf Club for the amazing venue, Rob and Ali McGuirk along with the staff from Princes for all their support, Andy McConnell plus John Shepherd for hosting such a great event.
Martha Trust will be holding two golf days next year:
Friday 26th April 2024 at Walmer & Kingsdown
Tuesday 15th October 2024 at Princes
Plus, they will be working alongside Dover Rotary whose President has chosen Martha as his Charity of the Year to host another Golf Day at St Augustine’s Golf Club on Thursday 5th September 2024.
They will also be running their Golf Marathon4Martha from June – August where the highest fundraising team can win a fabulous prize as well as team prizes along the way.
If you would like to register your interest to play at Walmer & Kingsdown, St Augustine’s or sponsor either of these events, please contact Kerry Banks on 01304 610448 or email [email protected]
Historic England
Historic England is asking the public to help map ghost signs across England by uploading images and information to the Historic England website.
Ghost signs can come in many forms but typically they are historic hand-painted advertising signs, or old shop signs preserved on buildings which have since changed use.
Often found in urban areas, ghost signs are an important part of the historic fabric on our high streets. These faded relics can tell us much about our collective architectural, cultural and social history. They give us a window into how buildings were once used and have changed over time, as well as what products were popular and how they were advertised to the public.
Historic England hopes this new online map will encourage people to look up beyond the shop fronts in their towns, villages and on their local high streets. We’d like people to share images and information about their locally loved ghost signs and invite others to visit and explore them too. We want to learn more about where ghost signs are and what they mean to local communities.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “Once you start looking up on high streets and hunting for ghost signs, you’ll find that they’re hidden in plain sight, tucked away down alleyways or hiding among rooftops. These mysterious pieces of secret history are a special reminder of the people who came before us, and the urban spaces and high streets they made their own. We want to hear what people know and love about their local ghost signs, and to create a map that we can all use to explore this evocative part of our urban heritage.”
How to add your images and story to the map
To add your images and stories to the map please visit https://historicengland.org.uk/ghostsigns. Any contributions will be reviewed within 3 working days and successful contributions will be made visible on the map.
How to contribute on Instagram
Submit your photographs by posting them on Instagram using the hashtag #PicturingHighStreets and tagging @PicturingHighStreets. Historic England and Photoworks will only be accepting contributions to Ghost Signs on Instagram by 31st October.