Isle of Thanet Photographic Society
Thanet’s camera club has an exciting line-up of speakers and competitions for the 2024/25 season beginning on 5 September.
Our speakers are selected for a wide range of subjects, from Astro photography to the natural world, black and white images to the philosophy of photography – and much more.
Members also give talks and share their knowledge. We’ve thriving specialist groups on analogue, nature and street photography.
Open and set subject competitions challenge members’ creativity and technical skills but the aim is to help everyone improve and develop as photographers.
Our friendly club is open to all, whether new to photography or more advanced. There is something to inspire everyone to become a better photographer – or simply to enjoy being with people who are passionate about photography.
Membership for the year costs just £35 and £4 each week that members attend meetings. Application forms can be found on our website.
To find out more why not come to our first meeting on 5 September or visit our website now to check out our programme.
Meetings are on Thursdays, 7.30pm, the Portland Centre, St Peter’s, Broadstairs, CT10 2TR
Website: www.isleofthanetphotographicsociety.com and on Facebook.
Save Minster Marshes
Environmental campaigner, and author, Roger Morgan-Grenville, will be speaking at the next Save Minster Marshes meeting, at the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate on 18th September.
Roger Morgan-Grenville was a soldier from 1978-86. In 2007, he helped to set up the charity Help for Heroes, and in 2020 he was a founding member of the conservation charity, Curlew Action. He is one of the country’s leading conservationists and is well aware of the threats facing our nature depleted country.
He has written 4 books about his experiences of nature and wildlife and his latest is “Across a Waking Land: a 1,000-mile Walk Through a British Spring.”
As a concerned environmentalist, he was moved to learn more about Minster Marshes and the threat to Pegwell Bay from National Grid’s proposed converter station SeaLink project. Habitats like these are vital for curlew as well as many other birds and wildlife that inhabit these areas.
Roger will be speaking at the next Save Minster Marshes meeting on 18th September. Tickets are free – but donations are requested to cover the cost of the event. You can get tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/save-minster-marshes-meeting-with-guest-speaker-roger-morgan-grenville-tickets-1003558248737?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Local resident and supporter, Vanessa Culliford, has made this event happen for us supported by the Commodore of the Yacht Club, Karen Cox.
The Rotary Club Of Westgate & Birchington
Akela Gavin Wallis, leader of the 1st Westgate-on-Sea Cub Scouts, attended our recent meeting at The Bell, St Nicholas-at-Wade, and gave members and guests an interesting and informative talk about the growth of each of the sections of the Scouts in Westgate-on-Sea and an overview of their activities.
President Dave Alker presented Akela Gavin with a cheque for £250 which will enable the replacement of the catering equipment required for camping expeditions. After many questions from interested members and guests, everyone enjoyed the excellent catering at The Bell and tucked in to a delicious dinner.
To find out more about Rotary in Westgate & Birchington please have a look at our website: www.wb-rotary.co.uk or contact Dave Alker on 07962 929700.
Thanet Scouts
Thanet Scouts AGM and family fun day will be held on September 8, 11am to 2pm, at Minster Marshside scout campsite.
Whether you’re already part of scouting or keen to find out more! Come along and get involved. Lots of stalls including: cakes, hook a duck, lucky dip, beat the buzzer and a giant raffle!
Heritage Harbour branding
By Dan Thompson
Ramsgate Royal Harbour can celebrate its new ‘Heritage Harbour’ status in style, thanks to new branding created by a local designer.
Graeme Campbell has worked with the Ramsgate Society for a number of years, and in 2021, designed a leaflet as a guide to the harbour’s heritage attractions. The award-winning designer works from a studio in the Smack Boys building.
For the new branding, Campbell has designed a logo and a bespoke typeface to be used on leaflets, banners, signs, and online.
The design adopts – and extends – the distinctive lettering used on his studio, which in mosaic tiles says ‘The Ramsgate Home for Smack Boys’. He worked with type designer Nancy McCampbell, who created the missing letters to make a full digital version of the alphabet.
The typography is accompanied by a new logo, with an ‘H’ adapted from the alphabet to create a visual representation of the harbour’s east and west piers and the crosswall that connects them. It is topped by King George IV’s crown.
The harbour was given its royal designation by him in 1821, after he stayed in Ramsgate with his friend Sir William Curtis, known as ‘Billy Biscuit’ because he made his fortune supplying ships of the Royal Navy, the East India Company, and the slave trade with hard biscuits for long voyages.
The Heritage Harbour designation is a joint initiative between the Maritime Heritage Trust, National Historic Ships and Historic England, which aims to help safeguard and conserve historic locations.
Campbell’s new branding has already been used on a leaflet titled Ramsgate Royal Harbour – A Heritage Harbour, updating the 2021 map with more historic features and a longer history of the harbour. It will now be used on signs and banners as the harbour celebrates its new heritage status with a series of events through September. For more information visit ramsgate-society.org.uk/
Chartwell House
The second annual Seniors Folk Concert, hosted by Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes in collaboration with Folk Week, has once again proven to be an overwhelming success, drawing over 50 attendees and delivering a day filled with music, joy, and community spirit. Building on the popularity of last year’s event, this year’s concert touched the hearts of everyone present, with even band members moved to tears during their performance.
The concert was a heartwarming and at times hilarious affair, bringing together residents, families, and the wider community in a celebration of inclusivity and the power of music. Special attention was given to ensure that all attendees, including those in wheelchairs, could fully participate, with many joining in the special dances that added an extra layer of fun and connection to the day.
Sharon Putney, who attended with her godmother, shared her experience, saying: “The Gentle Ceilidh was perfect for my godmother. She can get anxious in crowds, but there were plenty of people to dance with and space around them. Krista, the caller, explained each dance slowly and carefully. My godmother had a big grin on her face whilst following the moves. A very successful afternoon for folk with dementia.”
Chartwell House resident Edith Newman perfectly summed up the event’s impact, saying: “This is the best time of my life.”
Her heartfelt comment reflected the deep joy and connection felt by many attendees, particularly those living with dementia. The event was a touching reminder of the positive effects such gatherings can have on individuals and their families.
Another resident, Joyce Moody, added: “Everybody was friendly and very happy!”
Kim Headley, former Artistic Director of Folk Week for over 30 years, was visibly moved by the experience, saying: “In all my years with Folk Week, I have never seen something so beautiful.”
Taylor Bovington, a Carer at Chartwell House, described the event as “exhilarating and touchingly inclusive.”
Jude Coveney, the organiser and Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, said: “The Seniors Folk Concert has become a beacon of inclusivity and joy within our community. It’s a testament to the power of music and togetherness, and we're thrilled to see it grow in popularity each year.”
For more information about Chartwell House, please visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk.
The Javan Coker Foundation
The Javan Coker Foundation was registered as a UK Charity in December 2018 and was officially successfully launched on 27th April 2019.
The mission of the foundation is to: “Empower children and young people with disabilities, special or additional needs, to reach their full potential”
It was lovely meeting The Mayoral team on Thursday 22nd August . The children and young people were really excited and this made our visit to Margate super exciting.
The Turner Contemporary was a beautiful experience too. The beach was fun and so was Dreamland. This experience was made possible by past Mayor Rob Yates .
The children , young people and families are extremely grateful for the warm- very warm hospitality given to us by The Mayoral team, The Turner Contemporary and Cllr Rob Yates.
It has been the best and most exciting seaside trip according to the young people .
We can’t thank Margate enough for creating this memorable experience.
You can find more about The Javan Coker Foundation and the work we do on our website: www.thejavancokerfoundation.org
Old Ruymian Cricket Club cricket week – 12th-16th August
Old Ruymians are former students of Chatham House and Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School.
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). It was brilliant that the ORs could return to the Chatham House site, the home of OR cricket. An excellent week of cricket and socialising saw ex-students of many different generations come together under (mainly) glorious skies to take on a variety of opponents of differing standards.
For the first time for nearly 20 years, the “week” had a full fixture list which bodes well for the future. Thirty players and two guests, (one the father of ORs and the other; the son, grandson and nephew of ORs) aged between 15 and 69 turned out for the ORs over the week, but there is always room for more. Hopefully, the success of 2024 will encourage more ex-students to return and take part in some enjoyable cricket with some old and new friends.
Josh Walton had travelled furthest, from New Zealand, but Luke Palmer (Melbourne) and Dhesh Padiachey (California) ran him close. A visit from another old boy, Jason Crosson (Florida) just indicated how the OR diaspora still hold close feelings for this most atmospheric of cricket venues, watched over by a stunning pair of peregrine falcons.
Many thanks need to go to Clive Bowden, Old Ruymian and long-term groundsman at CCGS. Clive has limited resources but produced good pitches against the odds. His skills cannot be lost if cricket in Ramsgate is to survive. Hopefully the ORs can support the school in saving cricket. Clive’s skills and experience should not be wasted and need to be passed on to a new generation. The site staff were really helpful, as were the PE Department and management of the school. The OR cricketers were certainly grateful to return home.
Guest of honour on the Friday was legend of Chatham House cricket and hockey, retired teacher, Tommy Thomas. Such an inspirational figure, Tommy is in his 90s. During the 70s, 80s and 90s, Tommy and his family ensured that cricket week was an enjoyable festival for all involved. His enthusiasm and commitment are still such a positive influence on everyone he meets. The picture below is of the Chatham House school team and the Old Ruymians, in Tommy is seated third from the right!
This photograph is courtesy of Tommy Thomas. The wildlife and Monday photographs are mainly from Stuart Cotton.
All other photographs were taken by David Carr. A retired sports photographer, David is also an Old Ruymian. He has just completed the publication of his book entitled The Chatham House Story £18.50
There were 32 players participating this year, ages ranging from 15 to 69. For many, this year ensured they became full members of the Old Ruymian Club for the first time. The cricket committee can only thank the OR Club for the depth of their support.
If anyone is interested in supporting the ad-hoc committee by participating as player, official and organiser, or as a sponsor for the 2025 Old Ruymian Cricket Week, please make contact: Senura Ratiyala at [email protected]
Thank you Ramsgate community
I thought I would write to express my sincere gratitude for the fantastic community spirit and kindness shown to me whilst broken down in my car in a rather precarious position at the junction of Cliff Street & Rose Hill, last Thursday.
My car unfortunately broke down with a fault, for which the RAC took over 6 hours to arrange recovery! However, during this time several members of the local community came out of their houses or stopped in their cars to ask if I was alright and if I needed anything. One driver attempted to fix the problem by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, whilst another went home to find some tools to assist, albeit to no avail.
During the following 5 hour period a lady in the house opposite sent her son out to ask if I would like a cup of tea or coffee, which she provided. The son said that mum asked if I would like a sandwich too! How kind.
About an hour later another guy stopped to ask if I was okay, I reassured him that I was fine, if a little frustrated, and we had a very pleasant chat. Some time later he returned with a bottle of water and can of fizzy drink. I was overwhelmed by his kindness and the effort to come back with some sustenance.
About an hour later another lady appeared from a flat nearby saying that she had noticed I had been there a while. We again exchanged pleasantries, whereupon she asked if I would like a cup of tea and something to eat. Shen then provided a very welcome sugared tea, with a homemade biscuit and an apple. I was beginning to think I had happened upon the most delightful and generous neighbourhood in the town!
A few hours later another elderly man appeared from his home to say he had noticed I had been there a while and made his bathroom available to me should I need it. I did indeed need the ablutions thanks to the amount of tea, coffee and soft drinks I had been supplied with. Fortunately however, the local British Legion manager had taken care of that necessity by making their WC available to me throughout my ordeal.
My purpose in writing is to firstly thank the residents of that area for their kindness and generosity, but also to highlight that not all in the world is ‘doom and gloom’ right now. Good old fashioned community spirit is ‘alive and well’ in Ramsgate, and I am compelled to agree with the smiling emoji on the way into the town – Ramsgreat!
Whilst my car is still not fixed – but hopefully will be soon – the whole experience has been a positive one and one I shall remember fondly due to the wonderful nature of the local residents.
Lee Catling
Martha Trust
Creativity and sense of fun is behind every one of Martha Trust’s fundraising events and their annual car challenge is no exception. On 21 st September 2024, teams are headed, for Rome in their fundraising adventure – Rome or Bust. Long-term supporters of Martha, The King’s Head in Deal, are once again taking part.
James Stiles from the King’s Head in Deal said: “Ryan and I are taking part in this year’s Rome or Bust because not only is it great fun and a bit of a challenge but also gives us a chance to personally raise money for such a great local charity. There is a real sense of camaraderie on Martha’s car challenges, its a really fun experience!”
The intrepid teams will set off from Folkestone on Saturday 21 st September 2024 driving across Europe to arrive in Rome on Monday 23 rd September before flying home on Tuesday 24th September.
Julie Gayler, CEO of Martha Trust and a team member of the Martha car, said: “The annual car challenge is such a great event to be involved in. Driving an old banger through Europe is a real adventure and you meet some wonderful people, enjoy some breath-taking scenery and help to raise thousands of pounds for a really good cause. We are very excited to be setting off for Rome this September.”
Rome or Bust is only made possible with the generous support of the main sponsors Agilico, Nick Cunningham Plumbing and Heating Engineers, Sota, Superior Healthcare Group & Eurotunnel. Their support ensures as much of the individual car sponsorship as possible goes towards the work Martha Trust does transforming the lives of people with profound disabilities.
This year will be the 15th time the charity had organised such a challenge, and in that time they’ve raised in excess of £337,000!
Martha are looking for companies who are able to sponsor the Martha car by visiting their Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/charliesangelsromeorbust24
Leave a Reply