QEQM Hospital League of Friends
We have recently had a busy and very enjoyable spell of 4 fundraising events for our charity:
- A Cream Tea very kindly hosted by Youngs Nurseries in their Coffee Shop at their garden centre in Sacketts Hill, Broadstairs. As well as enjoying the delicious scone with cream & hot drink, those attending bought tickets in our raffle all the prizes for which had been donated. Grateful thanks to everyone at the garden centre for their wonderful generosity and hard work in supporting this event.
- Two stalls at the Friends of St. Nicholas at Wade Church Summer Craft Fair at which we sold handmade goods all of which had been donated to us.
- Quiz Night at the St. Peters Church Hall in Broadstairs. Grateful thanks to our quizmaster Keith, his wife Jean who kindly kept the scores and everyone (including Tesco Manston) who donated prizes for our raffle.
- Our Summer Draw, tickets for which were sold at our Tea Bar & Shop in the Hospital and beyond. Shown below are our Chairman Sylvia Pheils and Janice, one of the wonderful volunteers, carrying out the draw for the winning tickets.
We are really grateful to everyone who came along, bought raffle or draw tickets or supported any of these events in any way.
After our expenses they raised well over £2,200 all of which will be spent on funding the purchase of equipment and other items that benefit the patients, staff & visitors at the QEQM Hospital.
More information about our charity is available on our Facebook page and our website www.qeqmfriends.com
Donation to Pilgrims Hospices from Marcello’s
A Ramsgate hairdresser who had to shut his salon and move out of his home with his wife and three children last year due to a collapsed sewer pipe held a reopening in May with proceeds going to Pilgrims Hospices.
Marcello Marino, who has owned his salon and home in West Cliff Road for more than 30 years, was unable to open his salon between September 2023 and May this year.
To celebrate he held a special pre-opening fundraiser on April 29 to thank all those who supported him and also to raise money for Pilgrims Hospices.
Marcello also donated 10% of his takings for the first two weeks of opening to the Pilgrims Hospices charity.
The event raised £984 for the charity.
Marcello said: “Thanks all those who supported me and my family during my time of need.
“On my reopening day at my salon my wonderful customers and friends and local businesses raised money for Pilgrims Hospices.
“Seabird bar and the Falstaff Hotel in Addington Street sponsored me, provided the food and drink for the reopening event and the artist Margo in Margate donated one of her paintings for a raffle with proceeds of each ticket sold going to Pilgrims Hospices.
“Ken Wake won the first prize of the painting from Margo In Margate.”
Pilgrims Hospices thanked Marcello for the donation, saying: “This incredible donation will make such a difference to the care across Pilgrims Hospices.”
Marcello’s is based at 15a, West Cliff Road, Ramsgate
Thanet Slimming World conquers Race for Life
On Sunday 14th July, the Thanet Slimming World Team and their members came together to walk, run, jog the 10k, 5k and 3k and raised a stonking £12,400 for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer, including bowel cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.
The Thanet team and their members loved getting involved in the Body Magic which is our unique, physical activity support programme which is simple, clear and easy to follow and can fit into busy lifestyles.
Keeping a healthy weight and moving more can improve people’s health and help reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer.
Being overweight doesn’t mean that someone will definitely develop cancer. But being overweight makes it more likely that someone will develop it, than if they are a healthy weight. A person’s exact risk will depend on lots of factors, including things they can’t change such as age and genetics.
Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight could prevent around 22,800 cases of cancer every year in the UK, and reduce the risk of 13 types of cancer – such as breast, bowel, womb, ovarian and gall bladder cancer
Slimming World has supported Cancer Research UK since 2013 and has raised more than £20 million over all.
Slimming World is based on real and sustainable behaviour change, which helps slimmers to achieve their weight-loss goals and introduce physical activity into their lives at their own pace. Through weekly support members are encouraged to move more, more often helping to make physical activity an enjoyable part of their everyday life. They also meet other like-minded people, make friends and have fun – just like the Thanet team and there members did at Margate Race for Life
One of the Slimming World consultants, Tanya Saunders, trained hard using the couch to 5k app to run the 5K Race for life in aid of her sister who passed away this year from brain cancer, Tanya was full of determination to increase her fitness levels by following the unique body magic programme which you can find more about in our local Slimming World groups or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk for more local groups
Ramsgate Town Council
Ramsgate Town Council is excited to announce a resident/business comment opportunity for the Neighbourhood Plan currently in development.
Neighbourhood planning enables communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work and in supporting new development proposals.
The Neighbourhood Plan will establish planning policies to guide future development proposals within Ramsgate.
Vision and Aims
The proposed vision for the Neighbourhood Plan is:
“Ramsgate to be maintained and improved as a successful seaside town with a wide variety of businesses, beautiful buildings, and extensive natural areas.”
Get Involved
The Town Council invites all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in the feedback process. Your input is vital to ensure the Neighbourhood Plan reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.
This is an opportunity for you to let us know if you agree or not with the current draft vision. Visit https://www.ramsgatetown.org/town-council/neighbourhood-plan or pick up a leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre, Custom House, Ramsgate, CT11 8LP
The deadline for comments is 22 September 2024.
About Ramsgate Town Council
Ramsgate Town Council (RTC) was formed in in April 2009; there are 16 Councillors that represent seven Wards (Central Harbour, Northwood, Newington, Eastcliff, Nethercourt, Pegwell and Sir Moses Montefiore). The Council has 13 members of staff who are managed by the Town Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer. Contact details for all the Councillors and officers can be found on the RTC website.
Dumpton Garden Sale Safari
A garden sale safari on August 11th 10am-2pm.
The roads included are Prestedge, Vine, Shirley, Fairfield, West Dumpton Lane, Ellen, Tavistock and Sherwood. Anyone interested in having a stall can contact Laura [email protected]
Rotary Club of Westgate & Birchington
A “Handover” ceremony was recently conducted at the Bell Inn, St Nicholas-at-Wade as outgoing President, Mandy Dunn passed the Presidential Jewel to incoming President, Dave Alker.
A gathering of members and guests, including the Assistant District Governor, Vivienne Rose, Inner Wheel President, Hazel Hedges and Isle of Thanet Sunrise Rotary President, Helen Hart, listened to brief speeches by Mandy and Dave and helped with the singing of a silly song (based on “Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do”) drawing attention to Dave’s prowess as a cyclist (Davey, Davey…….).
Charlie Brightling delivered an amusing monologue pulling Dave’s leg about his propensity to take on administration roles for a whole raft of local organisations. All of this was refreshed by an excellent dinner prepared by the chefs at The Bell. To find out more about Rotary, do see our website: www.wb-rotary.co.uk or contact Dave on 07962 9297000
Ramsgate Twinning Association
On Saturday 13th July, Ramsgate Mayor Pat Moore hosted the annual Civic Service in the Sailor’s Church on the Royal Harbour, conducted by the Rev Paul Worledge.
The service was attended by several mayors of the Cinque Ports and other Kent dignitaries including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the county; and was followed by a reception at the Royal Temple Yacht Club, which overlooks the lower town and the sea.
Attending the weekend’s activities at Mrs Moore’s invitation was the Deputy Mayor of Chimay, Ramsgate’s twinned town in Belgium; Eric Biard, accompanied by his wife, Chantal. Following the civic reception, a small group consisting of the Mayor, Mr and Mrs Biard and Terry Fearn, Chair of Ramsgate Twinning with his wife Jackie, attended a very lively demonstration and opportunity to actually play a round of Croquet at Ramsgate Croquet Club. Many thanks to the club’s members for their hospitality and careful instruction of the basics of this interesting tactical game!
Having departed from the Croquet Club, the delegation moved to the peaceful grounds of Albion Place, where Mr Biand paid respects to the fallen of the First World War, by laying a beautiful floral tribute at the statue of Destiny. Many Belgians came to Ramsgate in WW1 as refugees from the German invasion of their country, and the link is continued to this day.
Johnston Marketing
Competition time – Calling all young entrepreneurs!
Here at Johnston Marketing, we have decided to run a local competition for children aged 4 – 11 in Thanet.
We would like you to come up with a logo design for a business you’d like to run when you’re an adult!
You can design the logo either by hand or digitally, and it can be for any business you would like to own when you’re grown-up.
The winner of the best and most creative logo design will win a £150 @smythstoys voucher, entries finish on 8th August, and the winner will be announced on the 9th of August.
All you need to do is upload your logo design to your parents’ Facebook or Instagram page and tag @Johnstonmarketing in the post. The tag will ensure your logo has been received by the JM team for consideration. Please also feel free to add your design to your story and tag us in
Please invite all people you know in Thanet aged 4-11 to participate. Someone needs to win this voucher!
The only stipulation is NO HELP FROM PARENTS!
Good luck, everyone!
Sprout fundraiser
Tara who is one of Your Hair Hub stylists has a little dog called Sprout who needs an operation. We are trying to raise funds as this isn’t covered on the insurance. Let’s help Sprout get a spring back in his step
The Your Hair Hub team of stylists have come together to help Tara raise money for Sprout’s operation by setting up a Gofundme page.
Tara first fostered Sprout, a Romanian rescue dog, in March 2020. She quickly fell in love with the little dude nicknamed the “Wonkey Donkey.”
In April 2020 Tara adopted Sprout and he has become a big part of family life. Tara took extra time and dedication to help train this initially shy pup.
Last year Sprout underwent an operation to repair his cruciate ligament in his back leg. This year he now needs his other back leg operated on. Although Tara has insurance for Sprout this unfortunately won’t be covered.
The cost of the operation and X-rays is going to be close to £4,000.
Can you help Tara get little Sprout back on his feet?
Donations can be made via the Go Fund Me link or via the charity box in the salon
Sequel Dress Agency
On Sunday 14th July Nicola Killington from the Sequel Dress Agency in Broadstairs hosted a pre-loved fashion show at the Pavilion to support Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. The night of fashion, raffles, auctions, live music and more raised a whopping £12,500 for the cause.
The event included some very generous donations from Dame Joan Collins DBE, Vouge Williams, nights away, designer bags and more for auction.
Windmill Community Gardens
On Friday 26th July from noon- 3pm enjoy community garden fun for all the family at our summer fair.
Join us while we explore the wonders of the garden, through nature trails, Foraging and nature crafts.
Fresh Seasonal Refreshments and an array of delicious homemade cakes. Teas, and Coffees.
Activities for the whole family, Windmill Art Trail, Bug Hunts, Weaving and much more.
Find out about volunteering, our weekly activities for all the family, market stall and veg bag scheme.
We will have special performers for the whole family to enjoy.
This event is the highlight of the community gardens calendar.
Come and celebrate the growing season and enjoy time at our lovely garden.We can’t wait to welcome you!
Tickets are £6 per adult,
Children under 18 years old are FREE to enter, a ticket must be booked (FREE) for all children attending.
Local Community projects, artists and musicians will be attending including: Dane Valley Woods: who will be promoting volunteering opportunities and more information on our local woodland.
Crab Museum: We can’t wait to join the Crab Museum for a bug hunt and microscopy anatomy session looking at the microdiversity of the community gardens.
Charlie Hannah performing some family friendly singalong tunes
Making Space for Nature taking a deep dive to explore what they have found so far and will be asking the community what their thoughts are on Kent’s nature recovery. and so so much more.
Charity Piano Recital in aid of Green Kordofan
The Salvation Army, 167 High Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9TT
Saturday 17 August, 3pm until 4:30pm
Green Kordofan is a charity supporting children in Yida refugee camp displaced by the ongoing civil war in Sudan. There will be an opportunity to find out more about the charity via a web link and question and answer session.
Conaire Kerrigan is a student at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music, London. He will be performing a selection of well known classics along with one of his own compositions.
Tickets are free but donation of what you can afford to Green Kordofan on the just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/raga-gibreel-1718468360509 would be most appreciated.
Tickets: https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/c-and-d-events/charity-piano-recital-in-aid-of-green-kordofan
Kent Wildlife Trust
Kent Wildlife Trust is excited to announce its upcoming FREE 6-week wellbeing programmes and wellbeing walks at Pegwell Bay Country Park.
Wilder Wellbeing for parents with children under 18 months
This is a new opportunity to the area specifically designed to support the wellbeing of parents and carers in the Thanet area with children under 18 months. We know that parenting can be challenging and stressful at times impacting on parents mental health. This programme will offer parents a toolbox of relaxation techniques, information on local services and connect them with other local parents to support their wellbeing- all whilst enjoying gentle walks their baby on this beautiful reserve.
Wellbeing Walks – 7th and 14th August 10-12pm.
6 week programme – starting Wednesday 21st August 10-12pm running every Wednesday for 6 weeks (While we encourage participants to commit to all six sessions, we understand that occasional medical appointments or sickness may result in missed sessions)
Wilder Wellbeing for over 65s
Building on the popularity of the current walks we are delivering at Pegwell Bay, we are offering another 6 week programme for over 65s, to support their wellbeing.
6 week programme – starting Wednesday 7th August 1-3pm running every Wednesday for 6 weeks. (While we encourage participants to commit to all six sessions, we understand that occasional medical appointments or sickness may result in missed sessions)
Both programmes will include gentle walks (along wheel friendly paths) incorporating breathing invitations, sensory engagement techniques, nature-based crafts and opportunities to learn about wildlife. Our goal is to foster connections among participants encouraging ongoing peer support beyond the programme, and to increase a connection to nature to maintain wellbeing.
People can sign up for either programme through our online booking form Wilder Wellbeing (jotform.com) or can email us at [email protected] and we can complete the form over the phone with them.
Veteran Aware accreditation for East Kent Hospitals
East Kent Hospitals has been accredited as Veteran Aware, formally recognising the Trust’s commitment to the armed forces community.
The accreditation was confirmed by the national Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), which includes representatives from government and the NHS nationally as well as veterans.
The VCHA aims to ensure veterans and their families are not disadvantaged in accessing treatment compared to people who have not served in the armed forces. It also calls for special consideration for those who have given the most, such as those who are bereaved or injured in service.
Chief people officer Andrea Ashman, who is the Trust’s Executive sponsor for veterans, said: “I’m delighted we have been formally recognised for our commitment to delivering the best healthcare and support to armed services veterans, reservists and their families.
“We have introduced clinical leads in departments across the Trust to ensure training around the needs of veterans is embedded in different teams, and we are also looking at how we can support our colleagues who are veterans, reservists, or who have family members who are.
“The accreditation is just the beginning of this work and we will continue to embed best practice and ensure we uphold our duty under the Armed Forces Covenant.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve, or who have served, in the armed forces are treated fairly, as are their families. This could include making sure people do not lose their place on NHS waiting lists if they move frequently due to their service.
Anna-Marie Tipping, NHS Veteran Aware regional lead, said the national steering group had been impressed by the Trust’s commitment to raising awareness of veterans’ issues across the organisation.
She said: “I would like to personally thank the Trust and the Trust’s working group on ensuring that no member of the armed forces community will be disadvantaged in receiving healthcare or employment within the Trust.
“Their dedication to this community is commendable, and they have consistently met the values of the Trust.
“Congratulations on your accreditation, and we look forward to our continued relationship in recognising the sacrifices of our armed forces community whilst continuing to ensure no disadvantage.”
Tesco Stronger Starts
With more than a third [39%] of families in South East England are worried about feeding their children during the school holidays*, shoppers in the area are being urged to support a campaign ensuring youngsters get nutritional food this summer.
As part of its Stronger Starts programme, Tesco stores in Thanet are inviting customers to round up their bill to the nearest pound at the checkout during one week in July and another in August, with all funds being split between the food charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust.
This summer will also see Tesco expand its pre-packed customer donation bags to all large stores in Thanet. The bags, which typically cost between £2 and £3, are pre-filled with healthy and nutritious long-life items and can be picked up in store and paid for at the checkout.
The donated food is passed to FareShare and the Trussell Trust, who will distribute it to charities and food banks to help those who need it most.
Research by Tesco also found that almost a quarter [24%] of parents in the region plan to forego their own meals in order to make sure their children are fed.
During previous holidays, almost one fifth of families [17%] across the region had to seek support from a food bank or similar charity in order to put food on the table.
In an attempt to combat this, the supermarket will be running its popular Kids Eat Free initiative in its stores’ cafés during the school summer holidays.
The cafes offer one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each item bought by an adult from as little as 60p when showing their Tesco Clubcard or Clubcard App at the till.
In addition to the bill rounding up option, expanded food donation bags and Kids Eat Free programme, Tesco is also donating £1 million to FareShare and the Trussell Trust, whose vital work with charities, community groups and food banks across the country keeps children healthy and active.
This financial support will provide a crucial extra boost for communities during the summer and comes on top of the more than two million meals that Tesco already redistributes via FareShare each and every month via its Community Food Connection.