Thanet Earth community champion
Congratulations to Ramsgate Holy Trinity Primary School, our November Community Champion, which received £500 to help them set up an After School Cookery Club for Year 6 students.
The aim of the club is to allow 6 pupils a term to not just learn basic cookery skills but to also understand food hygiene & safety, healthy eating, and time management.
We had the chance to meet up with this term’s students to discuss how they were enjoying being part of the Cookery Club and all six of them were incredibly excited about it, in particular with the Chocolate Mug cake they made in the microwave which was purchased along with a large number of food preparation essentials.
The hope of the school is for every child in year 6 to have the opportunity to enjoy and learn new skills, creating healthy and tasty dishes whilst understanding seasonal food and nutrition in fun and active ways.
Ms Julie Marshall, the teacher leading this project, said: “We are so grateful for Thanet Earth’s generous donation. Now equipped, we have successfully launched our long- awaited Cookery Club. Every week, our six chefs thoroughly enjoy cooking a different dish, broadening their understanding by using a variety of cooking methods. It is such a privilege to inspire and encourage the children with these life skills.”
James Provins, Head of Commercial at Thanet Earth, said: “This is our second year of supporting Ramsgate Holy Trinity as a part of our community champion’s scheme. Its brilliant to see the school extending its school day to support the education of children with such an important and often ignored life skill. We are proud to be able to help the school with this project!”
The Arts Society Thanet
The Arts Society Thanet has recently received a grant of £250 from its parent organisation the Arts Society to use in a community based project.
They have now converted the grant, plus £30 gift vouchers from Vanessa Community Liaison at Tesco, into art based items such as pens, colouring pencils, paint, Playdough, colouring books and craft making materials and donated it all to the Salvation Army Citadel in Ramsgate.
The Salvation Army in Ramsgate has launched its Christmas appeal and the Arts Society Thanet is proud to be involved with them so that no child this Christmas feels that Santa has forgotten them.
QEQM Hospital League of Friends
We’re so grateful to the wonderful members of the Thursday Ladies Darts League for very kindly adopting us as their charity this year.
As part of their fundraising, they’ve got pink collections boxes in the following pubs in Ramsgate where they play, which have raised the terrific total of £1,253.94:
Australian Arms
East Kent Arms
Elephant & Castle
Flying Horse
Macies
Montefiore Arms
Red Arrow Club
Vale Tavern
Windmill
Huge thanks to them and to all the publicans & their customers of the pubs involved. It was a great pleasure for us to be invited to the Darts League’s annual Presentation Evening and our Chairman Sylvia Pheils enjoyed presenting the trophies. Amongst these was an award for the pub with the most in their collecting box and pictured is Sylvia (left) presenting the shield to the winner Linda of the East Kent Arms.
A raffle took place which raised for us the amazing sum of £682.
But on top of that the Darts League very generously donated a further £1,200. That comes to a grand total of well over £3,800, which will enable us to pay for an item on our “shopping list” – a specialist bariatric (suitable for taller or wider people) dialysis chair for the QEQM Hospital’s Renal Unit. We can’t thank everyone enough.
More information about our charity can be found on our Facebook page or website www.qeqmfriends.com
Wychdene Care Home in Broadstairs
A heartwarming reunion took at Wychdene Care Home in Broadstairs as resident Edwina Gray, 87, was finally reunited with her own poetry book which was first published in 1970.
Edwina, a talented author and poet, has been residing at Wychdene Care Home for the last few months. Care staff member Lisa realised Edwina has a passion for poetry, especially those inspired by her time in Ramsgate and had authored her own books. However, she had not laid eyes on her books for quite some time.
Determined to locate the missing copies, the caring staff were on a mission to find them! Despite their efforts, no copies were found within the UK.
They all searched for weeks, until someone discovered that there was a copy of Edwina’s book in Australia. Edwina is from Australia and originally had published the book there.
The team wasted no time and reached out to a friend, Dr. Chahal, who generously purchased the book and arranged for it to be sent back to Edwina with her permission. The moment of reunion was filled with excitement and gratitude as Edwina was very excited and grateful to be re-united with her publication.
The care homes manager, Sara Smith, said: “It was lovely to see Edwina’s face when she was reunited with her book. It was lovely.”
Westgate & Birchington Golf Club
Retired builder George Sparrow has undergone a charity head shave.
George, who is Captain of Westgate & Birchington golf club section Spring Greens, is raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.
The 69-year-old had his mop, which he had grown all this year just for the charity event, dyed green -in a nod to the Spring Greens- ready for the big shave on November 30.
The grandad-of-three says he and many of the golfers have been personally touched by losses- and survivals- of prostate cancer and so he decided to raise some funds and awareness for the charity.
He has raised over £4163 so far with final total to be confirmed 14th December which will be George’s last day as captain of the golf club
Find George’s fundraiser by clicking here
Boutique Care Homes
In a significant moment in the care providers history, Boutique Care Homes has clinched the prestigious Care Home Group (Small) of the Year award at the 25th National Care Awards 2023.
Organised and hosted by Caring Times at a gala black-tie event at the Platinum Rooms in the Excel, London The National Care Awards celebrates the very best in the care home sector with over 800 care professionals attending the event.
Ameet Kotecha, the Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, expressed profound gratitude for this recognition, saying; “This award is a celebration of the commitment and passion of our entire team. At Boutique Care Homes, we have always believed in creating a warm and loving family where everyone feels at home. It’s heartening to see that our dedication to personalised, family-centred care has not only enriched the lives of our residents but has also been acknowledged at a national level.”
Over its five-year history, Boutique Care Homes has set a benchmark for quality care, ensuring that each resident is treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. The unique identity of each home, deeply connected with the local community, reflects the ethos of Boutique Care Homes.
Following the awards, Jodie Pike, Associate HR Director at Boutique Care Homes said: “This award is a reflection of the pride we have in our entire team, whose commitment to quality care and the well- being of our residents is truly exceptional.
“This honour is not just an award; it’s a celebration of the genuine care and commitment that defines Boutique Care Homes. As we celebrate this achievement, we renew our pledge to continue providing unparalleled care, making a positive impact on the lives of our residents and setting new standards in the care home industry.”
Pilgrims Hospices
In memory of Ann Robertson, who died peacefully, aged 89 years on 7 November 2023.
An extraordinary individual who dedicated her life to providing compassionate care for those in need, we pay tribute to her remarkable achievements as the founder and lifetime President of Pilgrims Hospices.
Ann’s unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on the organisation and the countless lives it has touched. Pilgrims Hospices celebrate her lifelong dedication and the profound impact she made in the field of hospice care.
She was a visionary leader and played a pivotal role in shaping the philosophy and direction of hospice care in east Kent. The hospices were the vision of local nurse Ann, who wanted to make a difference for the people within the community facing terminal illness. It has now been more than 40 years since she worked tirelessly to open the first Pilgrims hospice in Canterbury in 1982, drawing on the generous public and business community to help her raise funds to support hospice charity.
This was followed by the hospice in Thanet in 1992, and a further facility in Ashford in 2001.
Thanks to her devotion, and the help of countless others, today there are over 400 staff and 1150 volunteers who together support thousands of people each year.
With her profound understanding of the importance of holistic care, she spearheaded initiatives that focused not only on physical well-being but also on emotional, spiritual, and psychological support.
Ann’s tireless efforts ensured that every patient received personalised care that honoured their dignity, autonomy, and individuality.
Under Ann’s leadership, Pilgrims Hospices emerged as a leading advocate for quality end-of-life care.
Recognising the significance of a multidisciplinary approach, she worked tirelessly to integrate the expertise of doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, spiritual care leads, therapists, and volunteers, ensuring that patients and their families received well-rounded care. Her unwavering belief in the power of compassionate companionship and active listening helped establish an environment where comfort and peace prevailed.
Ann’s dedication to expanding access to hospice care, extended beyond Pilgrims Hospices walls. She actively collaborated with other organisations, policymakers, and community leaders to raise awareness about the importance of end-of-life care. Through her advocacy, numerous individuals and families found solace during life’s most challenging moments, through the services provided by Pilgrims Hospices.
As we mourn the loss of Ann Robertson, we also celebrate the incredible contributions she made to the field of hospice care. Her unwavering dedication, vision, and kindness will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched. Ann’s legacy serves as a guiding light, motivating us to continue providing compassionate care, upholding the principles so precious to her. May her soul rest in eternal peace, knowing the profound impact she made in the lives of others.
Marine Studios
Local writers now have a dedicated writers’ hub, in line with the many studio spaces and programmes available to artists in Margate, thanks to a new partnership at Marine Studios supported by Arts Council England.
The Writers’ Room launches on Friday 1 December at a First Friday event featuring Travis Elborough, author of The Writer’s Journey, alongside local writers and artists.
It’s the result of a partnership between Co-relate Communication CIC, Kent Poetry CIC and HKD, which founded Marine Studios as Margate’s first co-working space.
The new venture provides a home to a mix of local literary organisations, writers and creatives, alongside Marine Studios’ offer of fixed desk spaces for creatives and a meeting room with enviable views of Margate Sands. Among its first residents are Margate Bookie lit fest and Babeslam founder Ellie Ward.
It seeks to be a hub for writers of all backgrounds and means and is currently recruiting for a studio assistant to help run the space.
Jessica Rose of Co-relate Communication CIC said: “The Writers’ Room brings together writers and members of the wider creative community, providing much-needed subsidised work space and peer support for anyone working with words. We want to support the local literary ecosystem to grow alongside Margate’s vibrant art scene.”
It offers desks for low-income writers, who may not otherwise be able access to a regular work space, and provides an antidote to the often isolating experience of being a writer. Writers can also access development and support, including prose and poetry critique groups and accountability groups. They have the opportunity to attend talks by and network with industry professionals and have access to bookable meeting rooms and peer support.
Connor Sansby, co-director of Kent Poetry CIC said: “It’s an exciting time for both Marine Studios and the writing community in Thanet. We’re looking forward to welcoming new people and perspectives into the Writers’ Room”.
Marine Studios recently relaunched its regular events programme, First Fridays, which brings Margate’s creative community together monthly with exhibitions, talks, games and demonstrations.
Kate Kneale of HKD added:“We are thrilled to see the Writers’ Room here at Marine Studios. We look forward to seeing its impact on our creative community, and how its writers and residents go on to shape Margate’s literary scene in the future.”
If you would like to get involved in the Writers’ Room or are interested in desk spaces or meeting space, please contact [email protected]
Kent Community Foundation
The Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund has awarded £3,000 to Headway Kent Ltd, a charity which supports young people with an acquired brain injury.
The Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund, one of the ninety philanthropic funds administered by Kent Community Foundation, has this month announced funding totalling £47,500 for eight grassroots organisations.
One of the beneficiaries of the latest funding is Headway Kent Ltd, which received a grant of £3,000 to support carers in Thanet who look after young people with acquired brain injuries.
Headway Kent Ltd explained in their funding application that they are often the first point of contact when a carer is in crisis. They take calls from distressed carers who feel they cannot go on anymore and are sometimes asked by carers if they can drop their loved ones off, as they just can’t cope.
The funding from The Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund will be used to run vital carer support groups which will hope to avoid reaching crisis point or family breakdown and prevent or reduce the need for NHS or Social Services support.
Jenny Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, Headway said: “The unsung heroes for acquired brain injury survivors are their carers and family members. Many carers reach breaking and crisis point as they try to cope alone. Without carers, many survivors would, remain in or be readmitted to hospital, need extensive social services interventions, and help from other statutory services. As we are often the first point of contact when a carer is in crisis, we applied for funding to provide a weekly support group in Thanet.
“The support group will be facilitated by a counsellor to avoid crisis point and family breakdown and prevent or reduce the need for NHS or Social Services support. The new group will offer a safe space to share experiences, understand acquired brain injury, learn coping mechanisms, and understand the new identity their loved one now has.”
Richard Durrant, Partner at Boys & Maughan Solicitors and one of the Albert Burns trustees said: “We are delighted to have been working with Kent Community Foundation since 2014 to distribute funds from Thanet philanthropist and businessman Albert Burns who left instructions in his Will for us to create a legacy for children.
“Under the direction of Kent Community Foundation, we established a significant legacy fund in his name, that will continue to benefit local communities in Thanet for years to come. Working with their experienced grant making team allows the Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund, to reach many more Kent children’s charities than would have been possible if we had attempted to manage the trust independently.”
Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact and Deputy Chief Executive Kent Community Foundation, said: “Since 2014 the Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund has distributed over £368,000 to good causes in Thanet. This month the Fund has supported applications from, Cliftonville Cultural Space, Millmead Children’s Centre Partnership Ltd, Porchlight, Foreland Fields Charity, Mama to Mama, Thanet Disabled Riding Centre and The Margate School as well as Headway Kent Ltd with funding of £47,500.
“Philanthropic funds like this are critical to ensuring a strong and stable voluntary sector in Kent and on behalf of the organisations may I say a huge thank you to the Albert Burns Children’s Trust Fund and all the other funds we manage for their continued and valuable support.”
To find out how Kent Community Foundation can direct your charitable giving email Amy Nash [email protected]
Kent Police community event
Police and partner agencies have been speaking to women and girls in Ramsgate about what they think can be done to help them feel safer in public.
During the evening of Saturday 25 November 2023 an event was held in the town centre, which saw Kent Police joined by local councillors, Kent Police Cadets and Thanet District Council staff in order to speak to residents and those who visit the town.
A hub was also set up in Harbour Parade to offer alarms, crime prevention advice and information about initiatives aimed at keeping people safe.
The views gathered throughout the evening will help to shape the future work carried out by the partner agencies to reduce the risk of violence against women and girls.
Sergeant Jason Hills of Thanet Community Safety Unit said: ‘Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop and tell us their views on what could be done to help reduce their fear of becoming a victim of crime when out and about. Some suggestions included areas where lighting could be improved.
‘We will now collate the information given and use it to build on the positive work already done across the county to help women and girls feel safe in public.
U10 Girls
East Kent FC is developing its newest girls team, based in Sandwich and we’re on the lookout for new players.
If you are looking for a club wicho prides itself on respect, positivity and fun as well as a pathway to Academy Development, get in touch and come along to our December open trials.
DATE: Fri 8th December
TIME: 6-7pm
VENUE: Sandwich Tech 3G
BOOKING: Gayle Parker – 07747 000955 / [email protected]
Martha Trust
The annual Martha Trust Christmas Fayre, was held at The Sandwich Guildhall with Father Christmas in residence for the day, helped by his trusty elf Martha Trust Finance Officer Belinda Shipley.
The Landmark Show Choir entertained crowds in the foyer and encouraged people to visit the stalls upstairs, to enjoy tea and coffee plus a range of delicious cakes supplied local businesses and residents.
Martha ran a colouring competition where they received over 200 entries. The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor Consort of Sandwich were on hand to judge the entries – there were 3 winners in each category. The winners that were not present at the judging, will have their prizes presented to them at their schools.
Local business Anna’s Face Candy was present and donated 20% of their sales to Martha Trust.
Fundraising & Events Officer Kerry Banks BEM said: “A huge you to everyone who came along on the day. Special thanks go to our amazing volunteers who we simply could not run our events without.
“To the wonderful Landmark Show Choir, our colouring competition judges, cakemakers, stall holders, colouring competition entrants, staff at The Guildhall and all those that donated a prize for a Martha Trust stall.
“Thank you also to our partner stall Anna’s Face Candy for the wonderful facepaints and for donating 20% of their takings to Martha and to our fabulous photographer Chris Mansfield!
“And last but not least Thank You to the big man himself – Father Christmas and his trusty Elf! “
The event raised over a record breaking £3100 – a fantastic sum that will help Martha Trust transform the lives of people with profound disabilities.
The Martha Trust Carol Service will be held at St Georges Church, High Street Deal on Sunday 10 th December at 3pm. The event is free to attend, very interactive with and everyone in the community is welcome. The service is completely accessible to all.
St Lawrence College
In celebration of King Charles III’s coronation and 75th birthday, St James’s House, a world- renowned publisher, proudly presents King Charles III: The Leadership and Vision of a Modern Monarch. This commemorative book, written by distinguished royal biographer Robert Jobson and featuring the captivating photography of royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE, was unveiled on 14 November 2023, coinciding with the monarch’s milestone birthday.
Following his coronation earlier this year, King Charles III celebrated another historic moment on 14 November 2023 – his 75th birthday. St James’s House seized the occasion to launch a beautifully designed, fully illustrated commemorative book at the prestigious Claridge’s in London. The unveiling was witnessed by an audience of 400 esteemed guests, including Barney Durrant, Head of St Lawrence College, and members of the press.
St James’s House boasts a legacy of producing landmark publications on the British Royal Family for over two decades and has been the official publisher for several major royal events, including the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
Authored by renowned King Charles biographer Robert Jobson, a number-one New York Times and Sunday Times best-selling author and royal correspondent, this coffee-table-style book chronicles His Majesty’s life – from his celebrated birth and early years, through his responsibilities as the Prince of Wales, to his accession and coronation as king.
Featuring a rich selection of photographs by acclaimed royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE, credited with capturing some of the most memorable photos of the Royal Family over the past four decades, the book reflects on the ideas King Charles has championed throughout his life. It delves into how he intends to shape the monarchy of today and tomorrow, presenting examples of achievement and progress during his lifetime across social, cultural, technological, and commercial spheres, while also highlighting the work of selected organisations.
Sustainably printed and produced to the highest of standards, King Charles III is an elegantly designed, engaging, and informative read. It is destined to become yet another treasured collector’s item from St James’s House.
St James’s House is delighted to acknowledge the involvement of St Lawrence College in the creation of this historic book, King Charles III: The Leadership and Vision of a Modern Monarch. Barney Durrant, Head of College, was present at the unveiling event on Tuesday, 14 November, adding a touch of academic distinction to the celebration.
Barney Durrant expressed his pleasure in St Lawrence College’s participation, saying: “We are thrilled to have been a part of this momentous project. St Lawrence College, with its rich history dating back to 1879, shares a similar journey with the Royal Family with our institution witnessing the evolution of education alongside the changing landscape of the monarchy. Being included in this project is a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence and tradition.”
King Charles III: The Leadership and Vision of a Modern Monarch is available to purchase for £59.95 from https://stjamess.org/products/king-charles-iii-the-leadership-and-vision-of-a-modern-monarch