
Marcello’s Christmas haircuts
Ramsgate hairdresser Marcello Marino has got his scissors at the ready to help those in need once again..
Marcello, who has run his business in Ramsgate for more than 30 years, is offering free haircuts to those who cannot afford to go to a salon.
The hairdresser, whose salon is based in West Cliff Road, is a well-known personality in the town and even took his skills onto Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Before his act of one-minute haircuts he told top judge Simon Cowell he could do with a snip.
Marcello has used his skills to raise money for charities such as Thanet Winter Shelter and Oasis Domestic Abuse Service with haircuts by donation at events including Addington Street Fair.
Marcello, who is still in battle with Southern Water over a burst sewer main that forced the closure of his business last year and meant he and his family had to move out of their flat above, says he trust people who are not in need will not take advantage.
To book in a free haircut on Tuesday, December 10 between 9am and 5pm at the can make an appointment by calling the salon on 01843 592027 or email [email protected]
Invicta Lodge

Churchill Living is opening the doors of Invicta Lodge in Nash Road, Margate for a series of festive fun events. The events, taking place throughout December, will offer those interested in learning more about the Churchill Living lifestyle the opportunity to do so, against a backdrop of festive cheer.
Almost 1.5 million older people feel more lonely at Christmas than at any other time of year, so there is no better time to experience the sense of community, friendship and fun that Churchill has to offer.
Visitors will join existing owners for a Seasonal Soiree on the 4th December from 4pm to 7pm. The event will welcome visitors for a warm and friendly evening, complete with Prosecco and Canapes, where visitors can mingle with owners and get a feel for what’s on offer from Churchill Living. Churchill is also offering to cover the cost of visitors’ taxi home (subject to conditions), for those wanting to indulge in a yuletide tipple at the soiree.
The Christmas cheer won’t stop there, as Invicta Lodge will be hosting an afternoon of Christmas carols on the 18th December from 2pm.
Invicta Lodge is a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments designed with the over 60s in mind.
To confirm your attendance at the festive events and find out more please call 01843 498204 or visit www.churchill-living.co.uk.
Thanet Big Sing Community Choir
The Thanet Big Sing Community Choir will perform A Big Christmas Sing on December 19 at Margate Railway Station.
The event takes place from 5.15pm to 7pm.
Hot drinks available from the Coffee Station.
Martha Trust Christmas Fair

The annual Martha Trust Christmas Fayre, was held at The Sandwich Guildhall on Saturday. Father Christmas was in residence for the day and was helped by his trusty elves -Martha Trust staff Laila- Mae Ross and Tracy Masson.
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 too which they received over 400 entries. The Deputy Mayor 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, had their prizes presented to them at their schools.
Anna’s Face Candy was present and donated 20% of their sales to Martha Trust plus the 2024 Events Sponsor Superior Healthcare Group were there with a stall and volunteers.
Fundraising & Events Manager Kerry Banks BEM said: “A huge you to everyone who came along on the day, especially with the atrocious weather! 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, to the amazing team at Superior Healthcare Group and to our fabulous photographer Chris Mansfield!
“And last but not least Thank You to the big man himself – Father Christmas and his trusty Elves! “
The event raised over £2750– 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 8th 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.
Join the experts to value your Stamps, Coins, Cards and Gold
Tuesday 3 December 2024, 10:30am – 3:30pm at The Wonderworks, Enterprise Road, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate
The auction house Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s (SGB) and Baldwins Bullion are inviting members of the public to come along to Hornby Wonderworks in Margate, on Tuesday 3 December, to get their stamps, coins, trading cards and items of gold valued by their experienced experts.
Stanley Gibbons – known as ‘the home of stamp collecting’ – and Baldwin’s – the experts in coins, medals and militaria – have been cornerstones of the stamps, coins and wider collectables community for a combined 300 years. SGB continues in its mission of making the experience of buying, seeking, and selling treasured items one filled with trust, care, and joy at every stage of a collector’s journey. So, make the most of this opportunity to speak with some of the most experienced and respected in the field.
All you have to do is email [email protected] to book your appointment.
For more information, please visit www.sgbaldwins.com

