Margate RNLI
Two RNLI Margate lifeboat volunteer crew members, along with others including teams from other lifeboat stations have completed a 200 mile cycle ride to raise funds and commemorate the charity’s 200th anniversary.
Many events have been arranged nationally marking the RNLI’s 200th anniversary but for Keith Patrick and David Pike, helm and crew member respectively on Margate’s B class lifeboat their initial idea suggested it may be a ‘ride too far’.
Both are keen road cyclist and have taken part in events raising funds for the RNLI previously including the Kent leg of the annual 'Reindeer Run’. Keith and David, for whom cycling 200 miles is challenging but achievable considered the idea of attracting 200 similar cycling enthusiasts to complete parts of, or the whole 200 miles from the RNLI’s head office at Poole in Dorset to Margate.
There were logistical challenges with this so undeterred, and along with the RNLI’s fundraising team from Poole they arranged a 200 mile cycle challenge around Betteshangar Park. The challenge was open to anyone who could sign up for as little as a ten miles saunter to the whole gruelling 200 mile challenge.
Other local RNLI lifeboat crews joined in with representatives from Chiswick, Whitstable and Walmer lifeboat stations sending teams. So at 4.30am on a recent windy, rain- soaked Saturday morning they were waved off by Margate’s Lifeboat Operations Manager Derek Amas.
The fun continued throughout the day, the team from Margate completing their 200 miles in just over 14 hours including breaks.
There is a fund-raising page where people can donate to the charity, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rnli-cycle-to-save-lives and give as little or as much as you can, the end results mean a lot to those who have contributed their time and effort to such a challenge. So far the amount raised stands at just short of £5,000.
Derek Amas said: “I am truly amazed and humbled by peoples sheer determination to get the job done in appalling and unseasonal weather conditions. In total we had 16 riders of all ages completing distances of 10, 25, 50, 100 and the ultimate 200 miles and we hope to make this an annual event. Thank you to all involved, and also to those who have donated and given encouragement to the participants by donating.”
Photo: David Pike and Keith Patrick (far left) along with other cycling enthusiast participants in the 200 mile cycle challenge. (RNLI Margate)
Windmill Community Gardens Margate
We are delighted to share our new offer at the Windmill Community Gardens Margate, the Community Roots Learning Programme.
Behind the scenes we have been working to speak to the community: including local organisations, individuals and families, to learn what it is that people want to learn and experience at the garden. Having taken time to digest and reflect on the responses we gathered, we are programming and collaborating ready to launch in July with our first workshops!
The Community Roots Learning Programme will be a pilot, which has been developed in response to our community consultations and local knowledge. Our aim is to offer a diverse, engaging and inspiring place of learning and wellbeing, guided by the local community.
By developing this programme, there will be a place in Dane Valley that local people can build a connection with, knowing there will always be something to join in with, be that gardening, permaculture, craft or many more exciting options to come. We will be striving for an offer. that is accessible, consistent in the support and atmosphere, and fun!
We will be offering support to those who express an interest in collaborating or developing their own workshop throughout the project, as well as 1:1 support available for learners who need it via recruiting volunteer learning buddies. (See our callout if you would like to help.)
This project has been funded by Thanet District Council as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and we are extremely grateful to have this opportunity to collaborate with local facilitators and volunteers, to become a Community Hub for learning and wellbeing.
Please check for forthcoming updates on our website and social media.
Or register to receive our newsletter and updates direct to your inbox: https://windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com/register/
https://windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com/community-roots-learning-program
1066 (Bexhill on Sea) Branch Royal Air Forces Association
On Tuesday 2 July, 100 year old former RAF Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn from Bexhill, once again took the controls of an AVRO Lancaster at Manston. After take-off Roy flew up to London, then under the Queen Elizabeth Bridge at Dartford before landing at London City Airport.
After learning of Roy”s 100th birthday earlier this year, Robert Westbrook, Manager of the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Building in Manston, invited him to go to the museum to fly their Lancaster simulator.
In 1944, and at just 20 years old, Roy was a Lancaster pilot on 153 Squadron flying from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Among other sorties, he was involved in Operation Manna, the dropping of food to the starving Dutch, during what became known as “The hunger winter” and for which he was recently awarded a “Thank you Liberators” medal by the Defence and Naval Attache form the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in London on behalf of the Dutch people.
Andy Skinner and Clive Hammond of Bexhill on Sea Branch, Royal Air Forces Association arranged to take Roy and his wife Sue to the museum where all the staff treated Roy as if he were royalty. With some effort, Roy was assisted into the pilot’s seat and with Robert Westbrook as his Flight Engineer, Roy took off on his flight to London.
Following his simulator flight Roy said of the experience: “It was absolutely fabulous”. Andy Skinner said: “It was fascinating to watch, as Roy settled into the pilot’s seat, he automatically commenced his pre flight checks. There were some American visitors in the Museum and after explaining Roy’s history and that he had been a Lancaster pilot, a spontaneous round of applause rang out. One woman was reduced to tears and they all thanked him for his service. It was quite an emotional moment for us all.”
Robert Westbrook explained: “The front fuselage section of the Lancaster simulator had been built over a period of six years by retired electronics engineer Norman Groom, 86, using original salvaged parts, alongside measurements taken from a Lancaster in the Imperial War Museum”.
He added: “A number of people, including former Lancaster air crew and a former Concorde pilot have flown the simulator but Roy is the first actual Lancaster pilot to have done so. It has been an honour and a privilege”.
The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum welcomes visits from all former wartime aircrew and arrangements for a visit can be made through their website: https://www.spitfiremuseum.org.uk
After his Flight, Roy was invited to sign the visitor log and was presented with his flight certificate and a museum cap.
Westgate and Birchington Inner Wheel
At the District AGM, recently, Member of Council Hazel, retired from her position on the District Executive after some 12 years, and presented the new Member of Council, Pat, with her badge.
Hazel was presented with a Peace Lily by Joint President Margaret as a token of gratitude for her time on the Executive. Joint President Margaret and Vice Presidents Hazel and Kath were presented with the Membership Trophy for gaining 6 new members, by District Membership Officer, Christine and District Chairman Chris.
Hazel was delighted to present the Ten Pin Bowling Trophy to the Sidcup club.
At the club AGM the outgoing Joint Presidents, Lily and Margaret, presented each member of the Committee with a gift of Quex Barn marmalade or jam, to thank them for their work over the last 2 years. Lily and Margaret were presented with vouchers for Marks and Spencer, then they handed over to the incoming Presidents Hazel and Kath.
Inner Wheel is an international women’s organization that fosters friendship, service, and international understanding. With clubs in over 100 countries and more than 100,000 members, it was founded in Manchester 100 years ago on 10th January 1924.
If you are interested to know more, please contact Membership Officer Margaret on 01843 840878. We would love to meet you.
Ukrainian Style Afternoon Tea in the Garden
This event will be held at East Northdown Nursery on July 20th from 2pm-5pm. Following the great success of last year’s event, we are excited to hold it again this year.
The event will feature Ukrainian food, live music, a Ukrainian choir, a bandura concert (a traditional Ukrainian instrument), a charity auction, a treasure hunt for children, and Ukrainian traditional crafts. Guests can look forward to a welcoming atmosphere with a variety of interesting and educational activities. Entry is free.
Ukraine is still enduring a brutal war imposed by Russia, and the needs of the Ukrainian people are only increasing. By organising these events, we aim to provide as much support to people in Ukraine as possible by purchasing and delivering aid directly to those in need.
Rotary Club of Thanet
On the 1st July, The Rotary Club of Thanet held their President ‘hand-over’ meeting where past president Brett Dennis handed over to incoming president Maria Blackburn.
Past president Brett thanked all members of the club who had made his year successful and wished the incoming president best wishes for a successful year.
After Brett had been led back into the ‘other ranks’ of the club by past president Peter Saunders, Maria thanked the club for their confidence in electing her, not only as club president but as the first female president of The Rotary Club of Thanet.
Maria introduced and welcomed guests and visiting members from other Rotary clubs, who reciprocated by wishing Maria a successful and enjoyable year. Maria then as president announced her committee chairpersons for the coming year.
Wellbeing studio – Selina Hotel
My name is Michelle Gilbert I am based at Selina Hotel , Eastern Esplanade , Cliftonville.
My aim is to bring likeminded practitioners together in one place , to raise awareness and responsibility for one’s own health .
I would like to reach out to others if they would like to commit to a morning afternoon or evening time to share the space .
Yoga, massage, Pilates, groove. Coaching at present but open to ideas if people can commit every week to the same slot .
I have a small studio to teach 1-1 or very small groups for yoga, Pilates,groove massage (various types ).I can also be booked for silent disco headphone dance embodiment classes on the beach .
Why not combine that with a stay at Selina hotel and eat in our lovely tins and fins restaurant .
Contact [email protected]
Millmead Children’s Centre
We are super excited to open our brand-new Baby Room for children aged 9 months and up, huge space to explore and not overly cluttered to make sure the little ones are not overwhelmed. A beautiful newly-decorated, fresh and relaxing space.
We have endless resources on hand to introduce and encourage learning and development, given every child the perfect start in life.
We also cater for children up to primary school age (2, 3 and 4 year olds).
You can register your child by calling 01843 280555 or emailing [email protected] with your interest.
Please note that this room is currently for working parents/carers that are entitled to the 9-month-old funding. You can find more information about childcare by visiting www.childcarechoices.gov.uk (how to apply and what you can be entitled to).
Inner Wheel Club of Margate
Margate Inner Wheel finished their year with a superb meal held at Lester’s and new President Barbara received the chain of office. Barbara has chosen Mama to Mama as her charity for the coming year and the International charity, chosen by our International Officer Joy will be Mercy Ships. Incoming President, Julie, from the Rotary Club of Margate presented Barbara with a bouquet of flowers.
Mama to Mama is the first and only baby bank service in Thanet. They provide essential pre-loved items to vulnerable pregnant women, caregivers and children under 5, who are living in poverty. Mama to Mama is a charity committed to improving the lives of babies and children to give them the best start in life.
Previous President Susan had chosen to support two charities throughout her year, PDSA & RNLI. President Susan ended her year with a presentation of a cheque for £500 to the PDSA, Margate and £1750 to the RNLI station in Margate. Donations were also sent to local domestic abuse charity Oasis, eating disorder charity Beat and International charity Hope & Homes for Children.
Margate Inner Wheel celebrated becoming 90 and the Association of Inner Wheel celebrated 100 years. The International Convention was held in Manchester, where Inner Wheel was founded by Margarette Golding. Two members represented the Club at the Convention with the event ending with a Gala dinner and to celebrate the 100 years the theme was 1920’s with many members dressing as Flapper girls. Almost 3000 members attended from approximately 49 countries.
The club is looking forward to the fun and events for the coming year which starts in September. A visit to Mama to Mama has been arranged to see how the charity works.
The objects of Inner Wheel are true friendship, personal service and international understanding.
If you would like to join us or learn more about Inner Wheel, please email [email protected]
Kent Community Foundation Care Leavers Fund
Grants of up to £7,500 from the new Kent Community Foundation Care Leaver Fund will focus on supporting care leavers aged between 16.5 and 25, as they move from foster or state care to independent living.
The new funding, which will be available for organisations throughout Kent and Medway, will provide practical and holistic support to care leavers. The grants will be awarded for projects supporting young care levers including, mentoring, therapy, counselling and peer support, care leaver sessions, practical advice and training to support care leavers to set up home, gain confidence, experience, life skills and help reach their potential.
Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact and Deputy Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation said, “This funding is vital as there were 46,000 care leavers, aged between 17 and 21 years old in England in 2022, and each year, young people leaving the care system immediately meet a range of challenges that their peers might not experience. The grants from our new Care Leavers Fund will support the transitional and practical support that care leavers are often less likely to get but need to make a fresh start as a young adult.
“Worryingly statistics show us that 3 out of every 10 homeless people have been in care, 46% of care leavers are unemployed and a high percentage of care leavers end up in the criminal justice system and we are delighted that Community Foundations across the UK will be focusing funding on improving outcomes for these young people.”
Kent Community Foundation is one of seventeen Community Foundation who will be part of a three year £3.6 million match fund being funded by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), a shareholder of the UK’s biggest charities asset manager, CCLA.
The deadline for applications to the Kent Community Foundation Care Leavers Fund is 15 July 2024
To apply for funding visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding#care-leavers-fund
Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce its £1 retail sale event to be held at the Tivoli Warehouse in Margate. Scheduled for 19th – 20th July, this special event promises to be an eco-friendly shopping extravaganza, offering a wide range of pre-loved items at just £1 each.
Opening times are from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm on both Friday and Saturday, 19th and 20th July.
The Tivoli Warehouse is the perfect setting for this green shopping experience, emphasising recycling and sustainability. Shoppers can expect a variety of clothing items, all at the unbeatable price of £1. This event is not only a fantastic opportunity to grab great deals but also a chance to support eco-friendly practices by reusing and recycling goods.
In addition to the £1 sale, the Tivoli Warehouse will showcase a wide variety of pre-loved furniture also available at great prices! Along with furniture, the warehouse stocks, bric-a-brac, art, mirrors, DVDs and electrical goods to suit all pockets, and offers ease of access for donating and loading purchased items. Our dedicated delivery team is on hand to help arrange the transport of any large items directly to your home, making it easier than ever to furnish your space with sustainable choices.
Every purchase and donation made at the Tivoli Warehouse directly supports Pilgrims Hospices, helping to fund essential hospice care services in East Kent. We gladly accept donations at the warehouse, and each contribution plays a vital role in providing compassionate care for those in need.
Ashleigh Lamberton-Coll, Pilgrims Hospices Shop Manager for both Tivoli Brooks and the Cliftonville shops, encourages everyone to come along and bag a bargain: “All goods will be displayed on rails for ease of shopping. Whether you’re looking for some summer wardrobe offers, or thinking about something to start the next season’s wardrobe, we will have some amazing items.”
You can pay by cash or card on the day for your affordable fashion. Unfortunately there will not be any changing rooms available at the event, so please do bring along a tape measure if you wish to measure for size.
Pilgrims Hospices, Tivoli Warehouse, Unit C, Tivoli Brooks, Margate,
Chartwell House
Boutique Care Homes is delighted to announce that Chartwell House, our prestigious care home in Broadstairs, Thanet, has been named a finalist in the Residential Care Team of the Year category at the illustrious 9th Annual Kent Care Awards.
The Kent Care Awards celebrate excellence in the care sector, honouring individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to enhancing the lives of those they support. This year’s event promises to be an evening of recognition and celebration for the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care throughout Kent.
Home Manager Diane Collins expressed her pride in the Chartwell House team: “I am incredibly proud of our team at Chartwell House for being recognised as a finalist for Residential Care Team of the Year. This nomination is a testament to their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our residents. Every member of our team works tirelessly to create a supportive and nurturing environment, and I am thrilled to see their hard work acknowledged in this way.”
Founder and Managing Director Ameet Kotecha also shared his excitement: “Being named a finalist at the Kent Care Awards is a significant achievement for Chartwell House and the entire Boutique Care Homes family. It reflects the passion and excellence that our team brings to their work every day. We are committed to enhancing the lives of our residents through outstanding care and support, and this recognition underscores our mission to make a positive impact in the care sector.”
The Kent Care Awards provide a platform for celebrating the successes and dedication of care professionals across the county. As a finalist, Chartwell House stands out for its exceptional teamwork and the ability to enhance the lives of its residents through compassionate and effective care.
The awards ceremony, hosted by the Kent Integrated Care Alliance (KiCA), will take place on Friday, 13th September 2024, at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel.
For more information about Chartwell House and Boutique Care Homes, please visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk
Serenaders Ladies Choir
Following our very successful Concert last Christmas, the Serenaders Ladies’ Choir are, practising hard for their Annual Charity Summer Concert, which is to be held at 7.30pm on Saturday 20th July at St. Philips Church Summerfield Road, Palm Bay.
This year the choir are supporting the National Coastwatch Institution, who are currently operating from Ramsgate and hope to raise the money to open a station in Margate and Broadstairs. All watchkeepers are volunteers who act as “The eyes along the Coast”.
We will be having a great evening with a wide variety of music including, songs from Abba and the musicals. So for an evening of light music, with tickets only £5 per person, please contact our Musical Director, Janice Regan on 01843 224027 or our publicity officer, Chris Buffrey on 07711938373 email: [email protected]
Malthouse panto
Festive family entertainment returns to the Malthouse Theatre in Canterbury this Christmas with the high-flying adventures of, ‘Peter Pan’, making pantomime history with Captain Hook as the productions Pantomime Dame, featuring the return of legendary Malthouse Dame, Joseph Gardner Hodges, as Dame Captain Fanny Hook.
Pantomime Award-Winning Costume Designer Paul Shriek said: “When told that the choice was either playing Dame or Captain Hook I said ‘why not play both!’ Mrs Darling can become Captain Hook and create a new twist to a traditional story and create Pantomime history.”
Boasting stunning sets and costumes, side-splitting comedy, catchy songs and dazzling special effects, the production will reunite the creative team behind last season’s production with direction and choreography by Jay Gardner Hodges, lighting design by Seb Blaber, costume design by Paul Shriek, set design by Morgan Brind, sound design by Phil Wilson and production management by Jack Jenkins, produced by Gardner Hodges Entertainment.
Peter Pan will play at the Malthouse Theatre Canterbury from Wednesday 11 December 2024 until Saturday 4 January 2025 with press night on Friday 13 December 2025 at 7.30pm, with tickets on sale now from the online box office at www.malthousetheatre.co.uk
Martha Trust
Music on the Farm 2024, a fabulous one day festival in aid of Martha Trust in conjunction with Barclays UK took place in the fields of Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour in Ripple on Sunday 30th June .
Despite the rain, the event raised after costs, an incredible £33,000 for the charity, which will go directly to the care of the young people and adults with profound disabilities at Martha Trust.
A host of local acts performed a variety of musical styles from modern hits to bluesy beats, Rock to Funky House
The line up included Situationist!, The Altones, Lofty Harris, FNKHAUS , Gypskazz and The Martellos.
There was also dance displays by Dean Academy of Performing Arts. Deal Radio’s own Mr C – Marc Carey took to the stage compere the day and the Auction was undertaken by Martha’s own Kerry Banks BEM.
Deal Radio were also broadcasting live from the event and Chris Mansfield, Matt McArdle and Jake Chapman were the official photographers for the day.
Guests enjoyed picnics whilst also sampling the delicious treats on offer from the various onsite vendors which included GinSane, a premium Gin Bar, Ruby, Rose & Pearl with the festival being their first ever event, LillyRoos and The Pimms Bike with Penny Events & Co..
Lillyroos, The Larder, Haji Bajis, Toro & Co Ltd, BJ’s Pizza and Solleys also served delicious food, treats and Ice cream. All vendors gave 20% of their sales back to Martha.
A team from Barclays were involved in the day plus offered their match funding, the event was sponsored by some fantastic businesses including Solleys Ice-cream, Cooks Fabrications, The Brooknight Group, Jenkinson Estates and 2024 Event Sponsors Superior Healthcare Group. The charity also won Redrow South East’s Community Fund of £1011.
Security was provided by Goldstar Corporate and Road & Car Park Marshalls by A&S Events Services and Volunteers of Swale. All these organisations gifted their services.
Other Sponsorships included, Karl Ladd Electricians, KCC Members Grants supported by Cllr Trevor Bond & Cllr Steve Manion ,Mark One Sound & Light ,Postage Supermarket, ,Moonreach, , SMET Training, plus many other companies giving gifts in kind to make the day possible.
Kerry Banks BEM, Fundraising & Events Officer for Martha Trust said: “We are always so excited to be working with Solley’s Farm Ice cream on this our flagship event, especially with them being long term supporters of Martha. It was fabulous to see people having so much fun plus great to have some of the wonderful crew from Deal Fire Station present for the day.
“A huge thank you to all our amazing Volunteers, Sponsors, Vendors and Musicians and to each and every one of you that attended the event.”
The date has been set for next year – Sunday 29th June 2025.Tickets go on sale beginning of January 2025.
If any businesses would like to Sponsor this event , please contact [email protected] or call 01304 610448.