14th Broadstairs Scout Group
The 14th Broadstairs Scout Group recently received a cheque for £300 from Kent Mark Benevolent Fund (KMBF) Chair, Fred Brown, towards the purchase of new tents as part of the charity’s match-funding scheme.
Broadstairs’ St Peter-In-Thanet Lodge of Mark Master Masons, in conjunction with three other local Craft Lodges, donated £150 each to the group to enable them to replace three of their large tents and footprints which are used on various camps. The St Peter-In-Thanet donation was then match-funded by the KMBF bringing the combined donations to an amazing £750.
Group Lead Volunteer, Karen Cross, said: “Our Scout Leader, Nigel, had a lucky meeting with Reg Pritchard at the Minster Show in July and following a bit of banter he very kindly offered a donation to our Group, but since then he has worked wonders and managed to involve three other lodges. We want to say a huge thank you to Reg and the local Freemasons for their very generous donations to the Group which has enabled us to replace some of our very old camping equipment.”
The KMBF was introduced to fulfil two major objectives – Benevolence and Charity. The former is focused internally within the order whilst the latter is focused on supporting external good causes.
Free Women’s Health & Wellbeing workshops
Free workshops for the community over October, February and March from Aspire Health and Fitness with the Know Your Neighbourhood Project.
The workshops are running every Monday at Broadstairs Library as part of the Library’s ‘Know Your Neighbourhood project’ which is a national initiative aiming to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness.
Each month has a particular focus.
October is Menopause and Nutrition:
Week 1 Monday, 7 October, Talk – Menopause and Nutrition (with Menopause Practitioner Sarah Rodriguez)
Week 2 Monday, 14 October, Menopause Cafe, 7 pm – 8 pm
Week 3 Monday, 21 October, Cooking for Wellness Class, 7 pm – 8 pm (with Nutritionist Amie Butler)
Week 4 Monday, 28 October, Women’s Wellbeing Mindful Walk, 10 am- 11 am (weather permitting)
In February the focus will be Menopause and Stress Management and in March the focus will be on Menopause and Exercise.
Book at: https://local.kent.gov.uk/kb5/kent/directory/service.page?id=_48SV0MlLbE
Chartwell House and Crossroads
Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes in Broadstairs has a new partnership with Crossroads Care Kent, introducing a dedicated counselling space within our care home.
This safe and tranquil environment will host trainee-led counselling sessions aimed at supporting Carers in Thanet, offering essential emotional and practical guidance to those who play such a vital role in our community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives, Chartwell House is delighted to welcome Crossroads Care Kent. This collaboration allows us to extend the care and compassion we provide every day to a wider audience, helping Carers access support in a comfortable and nurturing setting. Our dedication to excellence in dementia care and residential care has been recognised through several awards, including Boutique Care Homes winning Small Care Group of the Year at the 25th National Care Awards. These accolades reflect our commitment to fostering a supportive environment for the wider community, enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, said: “We are thrilled to support Crossroads Care Kent in providing this essential service to carers in our community. At Chartwell House, we understand the emotional and physical demands that come with caring for loved ones, and offering a peaceful space for counselling sessions aligns perfectly with our mission of creating environments where people can truly thrive.”
The new counselling space will play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing of local carers, helping them manage the challenges they face on a daily basis.
Vicky McGuirk, Counselling Team Mentor at Crossroads Care Kent, said: “It was lovely to meet Jude Coveney and Diane Collins at Chartwell House Care Home and for their very generous offer of a safe space for our carers in Thanet. This will help enable carers in their roles, bringing our communities together, and we can’t wait to support them from such a beautiful location.”
This partnership marks a significant step in creating a stronger, more supportive network for carers across Thanet, and we at Chartwell House are honoured to be part of this initiative.
For more information about Chartwell House Care Home and our involvement with local community projects, please visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk
To learn more about Crossroads Care Kent, please visit www.crossroadskent.org.uk
Academy FM Thanet
Local community radio station Academy FM has been shortlisted in the 2024 Community Radio Awards.
The station has made the shortlist, which was whittled down from entries from stations from every corner of the UK.
The station has picked up nominations in the following categories – Station of the Year, Female Presenter of the Year Debbie Day, Male Presenter of the Year Patrick Foster and Neil Kefford, New Comer of the Year Josh Jones, and Sage person Paul James.
The winners will be revealed in a ceremony in Cardiff on November 16.
Station Manager Debbie Day said “ I am over the moon that we have been nominated in the above categories. All the presenters are winners in my eyes, the radio station is what it is because of them. I am so proud”.
Martin Steers, awards Chair, said: “All those shortlisted should be proud of what they do for their Station and their communities, and we wish all the finalists good luck, and we look forward to welcoming them to Cardiff in November.”
Margate Flower Club
The club will hold a Wine and Wisdom Evening on 19th October 7pm for 7.30pm. The evening will take place at St Phillips Church Summerfield Rd Palm Bay CT9 3JJ.
Teams up to 8 maximum £8 per person with supper included. Please bring own plate, cutlery, glasses and drink. All tables must be booked in advance ring Val Frewin 01843 292528. There will also be a raffle on the night.
Margate RNLI
Volunteers at Margate’s RNLI lifeboat station are getting to grips with a brand new launch and recovery tractor for their B class lifeboat, the first example of an updated design replacing the station’s faithful Talus crawler tractor.
When a Mersey class all-weather lifeboat was stationed at Margate in 1991 a purpose-built Talus MB-H crawler tractor replaced the previous Case 1150B modified commercial machine in service with the station’s Rother class lifeboat. Since then three Talus MB-H tractors have served the station, each only superseded by a different one for logistical reasons following refits etc.
In 2021 Margate’s Mersey class lifeboat was replaced by a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and it made economic sense to retain the same tractor for the B class which is substantially lighter than the Mersey class lifeboat and carriage.
With the Talus MB-H crawler tractors approaching the end of their design life it was decided to replace the one at Margate with a Talus MB-4H Mk III, a new design based on the machine that has been in service for many years with the RNLI and purpose-built for launching the B class inshore lifeboat.
The Talus MB-4H is quite different to its predecessor with four large agricultural-type wheels compared to the previous caterpillar-tracked machine. It is of an articulated configuration with a central hinge and hydraulic steering element which has earned it the name of the ‘Bendy’ tractor.
The drive system is comparable to an automotive automatic transmission system, the vehicle’s motion controlled by a hydraulic control system which depending on the engine throttle setting automatically adjusts the capacity of the hydraulic pump and motors to utilise the available horsepower from the engine.
Powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine it has a towing payload of seven tonnes at speeds up to 19mph (30kph) and can work in a water depth of 1.6m. It has a waterproof protective cab with dual controls for driving in either direction and a hydraulic winch allows driving and winching simultaneously if required for self-recovery.
Margate’s new tractor, numbered TW65H is particularly special for the station in it being the first example of the Mk III version, the latest iteration of the Bendy with all the latest tech and improvements the RNLI has designed for it. It has entered service following three days of intensive training and assessments for the station’s designated volunteer tractor drivers.
Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, RNLI Margate said: “Being less complex than the previous Talus crawler, not to mention brand new should make routine maintenance by the station’s volunteers an easier task. It is also sad of course to say farewell to what has been a faithful and capable workhorse that has served us well for 34 years but of course we look forward to the enhancements the new Bendy tractor will bring to our lifesaving service provision.”
Rock On Music Academy
We’re running a Learn To Play day next Saturday 12th October, where students can turn up and try a range of instruments in free mini 15 minute lessons.
Where: Rock On Music Academy, Quex Park, Birchington
What: Free 10–15 minute taster lessons on a wide variety of instruments!
Ever wanted to try your hand at Guitar, Drums, Bass, Keyboard or Vocals? This is your chance!
Learn to Play Day is open to all ages and abilities, whether you’re a complete beginner or a lapsed player looking to get back into music.
Instruments available:
Guitar
Bass
Keyboard & Piano
Drums
Vocals
Ukulele
How to register: Click on the link below and fill out the form:
https://forms.gle/WzBRv3VaLkzoUxGy8
Organised by UK charity Music for All in partnership with music teachers and stores across the country. Music for All believes that making music changes lives and we want you to experience the benefits!
Westgate United Services Club
The club’s final quiz fundraiser for Community Kindness Thanet raised £452. This means the total raised for the cause is £2318.
Community Kindness Thanet is a project which provides vulnerable families and individuals in Thanet with gifts on occasions including Christmas.
Community Kindness-Thanet was set up by Thanet resident Sonia Knight in November 2020. Initially created to help just for the festive season it soon expanded to provide gifts throughout the year, from birthdays to Easter and more.
The scheme operates through referrals from schools, social services and Early Help workers to make sure those most in need are helped.
Need is so great that last Christmas Sonia had almost 1,000 referrals and sent out nearly 4,000 gifts.
Every donation made to the scheme for Christmas and other occasions goes directly to providing for those referred with the only extra cost being JustGiving fees. Sonia does not take a wage and pays for extras such as raffle tickets from her own pocket.
Quiz Night for Thanet branch RSPCA
Taking place on October 11, 7pm, Red Arrows Club, Newington Road, Ramsgate
Teams up to 6, £5pp. Payment on the night, cash only.
Call Cathy on 07921659977 to book or just turn up on the night
All money goes to RSPCA Thanet branch
Best Bar None
Businesses in Ramsgate have been recognised by Kent Police for their continued commitment to promote safer socialising and reduce alcohol-related crime.
Best Bar None, a voluntary accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and drinks industry that aims to improve standards in the evening and night time economy, has been established in the town since 2022. On Tuesday 1 October 2024, the Best Bar None awards were held in Ramsgate to highlight the town’s eight businesses accredited under the scheme.
Originally piloted in Manchester to recognise and reward responsible premises, Kent Police has worked with partner agencies including local councils to establish the nationally recognised scheme across the county.
By agreeing to join the scheme, publicans have shown their commitment to work with police, council and other businesses to reduce crime and keep their communities safe. They must also be able to demonstrate their competency in four key areas – venue management, staff training and care, customer safety and welfare, and customer service and community.
District Commander for Thanet, Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said: “Businesses have a responsibility to help keep their customers safe and by becoming a part of this scheme, they can work alongside police and councils to ensure that they are doing all they can to meet that aim.
“Under Best Bar None, by striving for best practice and the running of safe licensed venues, it can reduce crime and disorder associated with alcohol consumption and also has a knock-on effect on Ramsgate as a whole, as with each venue playing their part, it creates a safer environment for all.”
The venues that have been accredited are: Sir Stanley Gray (Pegwell), Hotel De Ville, The Royal, The Queens Head, The Red Lion, Elephant and Castle, Rokka and Royal Victoria Pavilion Wetherspoons
A Pub for All Seasons
By Julian Stone of Thanet Campaign for Real Ale
Adrian Tierney-Jones is a beer and food writer who has visited Ramsgate’s Montefiore Arms to talk about and read from his new book. Indeed one of its sub-chapters is called Seasider and is about visiting a few pubs in Ramsgate, including the Montefiore. Given the book’s title is A Pub for All Seasons his returning to the starting point of this books journey from research to printing seems like a season-like cycle completion in its own right.
Not surprising then that he says: “I’ve always loved the seasons and this book is about pubs and subtle organic change as the seasons pass which gently become more profound.” He explained that the book took him a year to research and write and that it is not a guide but a thoughtful contemplation containing history, quotes and observations, recollections of his family’s life in Llandudno, local traditions and anecdotes from across the country, perhaps even with a little streak of melancholy in it, indeed he explained his mum died during its writing.
Its inspiration came from a 2018 article he wrote for CAMRA’s Beer Magazine similarly about seasons and pubs. The book covers seasonal change, times to drink dark Herculean beers and times to drink light beers, a pub fire bringing people together. It’s about pubs.
His research took him all over the country to pubs he knew and also to him following recommendations. Of course this involved talking to others. But also just listening to pub conversations was important to give local context
Before reading extracts from his book Adrian explained that his writing style is often described as floral “Like Saaz hops” (typically used in Czech pilsners). “Leaves tumbling through the air in a fever of faith… The wind was biting and bestial in Southwold.
At the Artillery Arms the elderly owner was sitting in a Lilliputian chair while his wife was serving the exquisite beers” (Slight warning. These quotes from A Pub for All Season may not be exact – but you perhaps get the idea. To see the actual text why not buy the book).
Adrian was then asked why he started his Tour of Distraction book launch at the Montefiore, what he thought of Wetherspoons, and his thoughts on social media beer writers.
“Why in the Monty? I’ve known Eddie Gadd for years and this place was just perfect and it features in my book. Eddie’s a beer writers dream for experience and quotes, he once said “you can find Buddha or whatever you want in a fermenter vessel”. He’s even brewed in Belgium or something” To which Eddie, who was there responded “Whatever happens in Belgium stays in Belgium!”. Adrian continued “even tonight the Monty feels different because it’s a different season from when I last visited with Eddie. It feels more compact and warm, the wood in its interior is more comforting.
“Wetherspoons, well an observation, someone once told me that Tim Martin looks like an out of work violinist. But while doing my research, Eddie and I were going to visit the Royal Victoria Pavilion, Europe’s largest Wetherspoons, but time didn’t permit us, and besides I didn’t agree with Tim Martin about Europe. But I certainly don’t denigrate Wetherspoons. Although, I’m not sure Wetherspoons’ pubs change that much with the seasons.” On that point it was put to Adrian that part of Wetherspoons success was about being predictable, comfortable and the same. He agreed and reiterated that he doesn’t denigrate them.
“I also don’t denigrate influencers writing on social media about beer and pubs, good luck to them but I’m old school and my background is journalism. But anything to keep the pub trade relevant has to be good. Sometimes I think, not enough young people come to pubs and wonder, are we the last Romans standing on the wall?”
Talking again about his love of pubs and what makes a good pub he said “Why do I love the exuberance of pubs, because they are a symbol of hope in these troubled times. The suspension of reality has always been a part of the purpose of the pub and gives respite from things large and small. Not least will climate change take our seasons away which would be terrible? Anyway, a good pub; It changes with the seasons. The beer, whether cask or keg plus the extensive family of authentic lagers which have big interest for me.
Surroundings, and being able to talk to others or sometimes not. Sensibility and venerability, wood – the secret language of the forest to the pub. Sense of history and authenticity. And finally – people make pubs.”
Martha Trust
The intrepid teams who took part in Rome or Bust charity car race in September in aid of local charity Martha Trust raised £40,000 in sponsorship.
All the teams made it back in one piece following a 1,120 mile trip from Dover to Rome in just three days.
The aim of the challenge was to raise funds for Martha Trust, a charity that supports people with profound disabilities across Kent and Sussex. Each year they hold a charity car challenge taking in major cities such as Monte Carlo, Florence and Barcelona. This year the destination was Rome.
Martha have been running their car challenge fundraiser for 15 years. And, in that time they have seen 111 cars and 260 participants join their adventures raising £377,000 in sponsorship.
Julie Gayler, CEO at Martha Trust and a team member of ‘The Charlie’s Angels,’ described Rome or Bust as their best challenge yet: “We’ve had the most fantastic time, and met some great people! The trip was amazing, with stopovers in Chaintre and Parma, the camaraderie was great and best of all, we have raised £40,000 in sponsorship when all funds are in.”
The teams made a huge effort this year with their car themes, including a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, The King’s Head’s Mario Kart, Two Idiots do Rome in an open top Ford KA and Korkers ‘The Sausage Boys’. And not to mention the ‘Italian Job’ from the Keaveney Group – key suppliers of contracting and plant hire services to the construction industry, based in Ashford, they raised an incredible £10,435! It was an iconic sight, seeing the three Minis travel in convoy into Rome.
Rome or Bust would not have been possible without the generous support of all the participants and their sponsors, in particular this year’s main sponsors – Superior Healthcare Group, Nick Cunningham Plumbing and Heating Engineers, Sota Solutions, Agilico and their channel crossing sponsor Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.
There is still time to support the Rome or Bust teams, you can donate online at www.marthatrust.org.uk/RomeorBustdonate
Martha are excited to announce their 2025 car challenge will be going back to the popular destination of Monte Carlo in ‘Monte Carlo Madness in September 2025. If you would like to register your interest please call Carol on 01304 610448 or email [email protected]
Diabetes UK
A ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ will take place on Tuesday, 22 October, in Westgate-on-Sea and will run from 9.30am – 4.10pm.
The day has been organised by the South East Coast and London team at Diabetes UK. The free, one-day event will include talks and workshops including:
– Expert talks and workshops covering a wide range of topics related to diabetes management
– Practical advice on day-to-day care, nutrition and foot care
– A chance to connect with others in the community.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). Around 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2. There are some things that increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Registration is now open for the Living with Diabetes Day event at https://eu.eventscloud.com/lwdd24
The full address of the event will be given on registration.
People can also get in touch with the South East Coast and London team if they have any questions at [email protected] or on 0345 123 2399.
Vicki White, Health Systems Engagement Manager of the South East Coast and London Region of Diabetes UK, said: “We want to ensure that people who live in Kent and have diabetes receive the best care they can and also get as much support as they need.
“We’re looking forward to meeting as many people as possible on the day and helping them discover ways to live well with diabetes.
“Telling people about the local services available to them is also an important part of the day as well as the chance to meet local health experts.”
Southern Water community grants
Community centres across Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent can apply for funding from Southern Water to help keep people warm this winter.
Southern Water is offering 30 grants, worth £1,000 each, to support hubs providing vital services across the region, with the cost of energy bills and essential running costs.
Now in its third year, the grants programme has already awarded funding to more than 40 community venues including social pantries, homeless drop-in spaces and arts centres, which provide hubs for events, support groups, classes, winter warmer spaces and befriender clubs.
Alex Willumsen, Community Partnerships and Programme Manager at Southern Water said: “We know community centres play a vital role in the lives of so many people across our region and especially during the winter, when as well as providing services for local residents, they also offer a safe space to keep warm. We are pleased to once again be able to offer these grants to help ensure they can keep their doors open and continue to support local communities.”
Online applications are now open, and close at 5pm on 31 October 2024. www.southernwater.co.uk/about-us/get-involved/community-centre-grant.
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