WildernesstoWonderland
Last November ‘wild gardening’ group Wildernesstowonderland planted more than 1000 spring flowering bulbs at Margate Railway Station.
Now the tulips are blooming and adding a vibrant splash of colour to the Station Approach gardens, Some one million visitors per year exiting the station walk through the gardens.
Your Move sponsored the volunteers’ endeavours, Humphreys Garden supplied the bulbs and Thanet council licenced the access.
Staff from Thanet Business Network also supplied some extra energy to ‘get it done,’ with participants commenting on how they enjoyed the experience.
The Wildernesstowonderland volunteers invest their time every Wednesday and Friday to tend the fabulous community gardens at Westbrook beach, Westbrook high street, Nayland Shelter, Margate railway station surrounds and purple planters along the promenade.
Group organiser Rory Waitt is keen to meet a local business who would like to promote their business and Margate by sponsoring W2W.
Contact [email protected]
Or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/15K6TmXt6Y/
Birchington Heritage Trust
The Trust’s next event is the ever-popular Quiz Night on Thursday 24 April, at The Centre. Tickets are just £5 per person and can be bought from the Heritage Museum during our opening hours (see below).
All funds raised from the event help to support the Trust and its work in maintaining our extensive archive and collections relating to Birchington and Acol.
As part of the Trust’s contribution to VE Day commemoration, we will be exhibiting a few items from our collection in a temporary display at the Museum. Then on 29 May, Ian Blackman from the RAF
Museum at Manston, will be giving a talk called “Derring-do, Decoys and Disasters” about the role of the aerodrome at the end of the second World War. Further details next month.
Membership of the Trust is open to everyone. Our new year starts on 1 May. Single adult membership is only £10; or £15 for two adults living at the same address. Members are entitled to attend our talks free of charge and receive regular newsletters. They can also stand for election to the board of Trustees and volunteer at the museum, helping with archive queries and caring for our collection.
Membership details and forms are available from the museum or can be downloaded from the website (details below).
For more information about our collections, archives and publications, our volunteers are on hand to welcome visitors to the Museum between 0930 and 1230 Mondays (not BH), Thursdays and Saturdays or drop in and visit our stand at the Birchington Active Leisure Showcase at The Centre on Saturday 17 May. We look forward to seeing you!
Birchington Heritage Trust, The Burley Gallery, Birchington Library, Alpha Road
Website: www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk
Facebook: @birchingtonheritage
Police Panto
Police Panto – Ali Baba and the four and a half thieves raised £7,500 to be shared between our chosen charities STAK.life CIC, Thanet Community First Responders and PCSA Kent.
Martin Douglas – Co Director of this year’s panto said: “We were overwhelmed with the feedback we received this year, we are so glad the general public are still behind us, Thank you to all those who came and supported us, we hope you all had a great time. “For those who were not able to, maybe see you next year!”
“We are doing what I love, and that’s entertaining, raising awareness and putting a smile on people’s faces.”
Next year’s panto is already in the planning stages.
WANTED: Outlaws, cowboys, and panto lovers of all ages! The Police Panto is saddling up for another wild adventure, and in February 2026, we’re heading straight into the heart of the Wild West with FANNY FOLKLY. It’s a showdown like no other—where sheriffs and showgirls, bandits and buffoons, and a whole lot of panto chaos collide in the dustiest, daftest, and most downright hilarious town this side of Kent!
Show dates are 19th, 20th & 21st February 2026 at The Taylor Hall Theatre, Ramsgate. Supporting: Guide Dogs UK & QEQM League of Friends. https://www.thepolicepanto.co.uk
Thanet Wanderers SEND section
Thanet Wanderers RUFC hosted a heart-warming and highly successful SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) fundraising lunch on Saturday 5th April, bringing together families, players, supporters and local dignitaries to celebrate the club’s ongoing commitment to inclusion – and to raise funds for an exciting year ahead.
The club’s SEND section – affectionately known as the Lions – has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2022. What began as a conversation between Club Development Director Andy Bull and Bradstow School sports master Jimmy Green has developed into a thriving programme, using rugby to build confidence, foster friendships and provide a sense of belonging for children and young people aged five to nineteen with a range of needs, including autism, ADHD, global developmental delay, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
One parent, Sarah, spoke about the impact the programme has had on her family: “Rugby has always been a big part of our lives – my eldest plays and my husband’s a lifelong fan. I never thought my younger son, who has more complex needs, would be able to share in that love of the game. But the Lions have made that possible. Watching him play with pride and joy alongside other children who are just like him has been one of the most emotional and uplifting experiences of our lives.”
A landmark moment in the Lions’ journey came last year, when they took part in their first- ever competitive event: the Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby Festival in Coventry.
For many of the players, the experience of travelling away for a weekend of rugby was both daunting and exhilarating – and an overwhelming success.
This year, the club is building on that momentum and aiming even higher, with 29 SEND players set to attend the 2025 festival – more than double the number from their debut appearance.
Saturday’s event celebrated this progress while raising vital funds to support the team’s continued growth. Coaches Andy, Mario and Darren took centre stage with a crowd-pleasing fundraising stunt – volunteering to be shaved and waxed – much to the delight of attendees.
An auction and other activities throughout the afternoon brought the fundraising total to an impressive £2,300.
The event welcomed members of the local rugby community, families of SEND players, representatives from the Wooden Spoon charity, Broadstairs Mayor and East Thanet MP Polly Billington – all showing their support for this inclusive and inspiring initiative.
Reflecting on the day, Andy Bull, Club Development Director and founder of the SEND programme, said: “An amazing day at the Wanderers celebrating diversity and bringing the community together to raise funds for the SEND programme. A germ of an idea three years ago has blossomed into the only programme of its kind in the whole of the South East of England. This was a very proud moment for all of those involved and the money raised secures the programme for another season.”
Fundraising efforts haven’t stopped there. Many of the children have been raising money in their schools, while parents have been running a tuck shop on Sunday mornings at the club, all to help ensure every child who wants to be part of the tournament can take part. The dedication of the Lions’ community has been nothing short of inspiring.
The Thanet Wanderers SEND programme continues to demonstrate how sport, when made inclusive and accessible, has the power to transform lives – and with the backing of the local community, the future for the Lions is looking brighter than ever.
QEQM Hospital League of Friends
We are delighted to have recently funded a new specialist treatment couch for the Physiotherapy Team in the Trauma & Orthopaedics Department. It’s shown with Siobhan, Site Lead Therapy Inpatients at the QEQM Hospital, with her colleagues Kerris, Lucy & Peter and two of our trustees Sue & Colin.
Siobhan said: “A massive thank you to the League of Friends for funding this couch which offers a range of treatment options for our patients to progress their strength, balance and flexibility. This equipment is integral to the rehabilitation of our inpatients and aids them in their recovery of functional ability. This will also lead to patients requiring less support on discharge.”
If you’d like to help us make a real difference to our local Hospital by funding items like this please kindly visit our website www.qeqmfriends.com for details of the ways in which you can do so.
Ramsgate RNLI
Members of Ramsgate RNLI crew and management team came together on Thursday to welcome friends and family of Mrs Jane Turnbull to the lifeboat station.
Jane’s connection to the RNLI started back in the 1970’s when she read an article about an RNLI rescue which sparked an interest that has lasted for over fifty years. When she and her husband Bob travelled around the country from their home in Surrey, they would seek out lifeboat stations and soon started to donate regularly to the RNLI.
When Bob sadly died, he left a legacy in his will to the RNLI, as well as a further donation which was made at the same time by Jane. This is where the connection with Ramsgate started as Ramsgate lifeboat station was in need of an Atlantic 75.
In September 2000, the B-765 Bob Turnbull was named in the presence of Mrs Jane Turnbull and Sir John James KCBO, deputy Chairman of the RNLI, and served Ramsgate well for over fourteen years until it was replaced by the updated Atlantic 85, Claire and David Delves B-878.
The name plates of the Bob Turnbull were removed and kept at Ramsgate lifeboat station before the boat returned to Poole in preparation for being sold to Botes Salvavidas, which is an emergency service based in Chile, South America where it continues to rescue people to this day under its new name of BS-R11.
Jane continued to have an interest in Ramsgate RNLI and when she died in January 2023 at the age of 95 years old, she left a further legacy to Ramsgate, on condition that a party was held at Poole RNLI College for her family and friends. This party took place at the end of the 2024 and was attended by Coxswain Ian Cannon who presented one of the name plates to Bob Turnbull’s son David.
Today nine friends and family travelled from all over the country to Ramsgate to tour the station and see for themselves how Jane’s legacy is being used.
Ali O’Neill, the RNLI Legacy Engagement Manager said that the RNLI receives sixty per cent of its funding from legacies. She explained that it’s not all about purchasing new boats, legacies are needed to run the stations, pay for the electricity, provide the kit, and train the crews.
Broadstairs Town Team
Broadstairs Town Team would love to encourage more people to get involved in working outdoors on community gardens. They have a free and open event happening at Crampton Tower, Broadstairs on Thursday, 8th May from 2pm.
Refreshments provided.
Sue Wainwright from Town Team said: “We like to revisit all the achievements made by the team over the past year, and discuss and plan all about the coming year with our volunteers on a regular basis.
“It also gives us a great opportunity for anyone curious about community gardening and the benefits it brings to everyone, to learn more about the many different ways they can get involved. Free Tea and cake are always a bonus for all of us too!”
For further information, go to : https://www.broadstairstownteam.org.uk/activities-what-s-happening-this-year/gardening-groups/
Or contact [email protected]
Dane Valley Residents Association
The Dane Valley Residents Association, in collaboration with Kent Police, has officially launched a new Community Speed Watch initiative aimed at tackling speeding and improving road safety across the area.
The project empowers local residents to monitor vehicle speeds in key areas, raise awareness of road safety, and work closely with police to address problem areas. The initiative comes in response to concerns raised by residents about excessive speeding and unsafe driving in residential streets.
Cllr Jack Packman, who has been working closely with residents and Kent Police to bring the project to life, said: “Proud to launch our Speed Watch initiative in partnership with Kent Police and the Dane Valley Residents Association! This community-led project is all about tackling speeding, improving road safety, and making our streets safer for everyone.
“A big thank you to the residents who’ve stepped up to be part of this and to Kent Police for their continued support.
“Together, we’re taking action and making a real difference.”
The initiative will focus on key speeding hotspots identified by residents and will play a vital role in gathering data, raising awareness, and making Dane Valley a safer place for everyone.
Book launch at the Walpole Bay Hotel
Local author, Richard Savin, with actors, Jim Arnold, Michelle Collin, and Jane Pottle, came together at the Walpole Bay Hotel for a rehearsal session of readings from Mr Savin’s latest novel.
The Phantom at the Walpole Bay Hotel; features amateur sleuths, Dorothy Coates and Effie Dalrymple. This is book 3 in the series. The launch event will take place on 17 May with, readings, live music, a complimentary cocktail, and snacks.
Admission to the event is free and by application to the organisers.
Attendance will be limited to 60 to meet safety regulations. Email [email protected]
Coastal Striders Couch to 5K
Ready to get moving, make new friends, and achieve something amazing? Whether you’re completely new to running or just looking to get back into it, the Coastal Striders Couch to 5K is the perfect place to start!
Starting 6th May, sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM, offering a supportive and welcoming environment for all abilities. No experience necessary – just a pair of trainers and a willingness to give it a go!
Led by friendly, experienced run leaders, our Couch to 5K program is designed to gently build your fitness and confidence gradually taking you from walking and jogging to running 5K with ease.
Why join?
It’s completely free
Open to everyone of all fitness levels
Great for your mental and physical health
A chance to meet like-minded people in your community
You’ll feel amazing when you complete your first 5K!
We meet at Dumpton Gap on Tuesdays and at the boating pool Ramsgate on Thursdays, bring your friends, your family—or just yourself—and come be part of something fun and rewarding.
Let’s take those first steps together.
Coastal Striders Couch to 5K – from 6th May, 6:30 PM, every Tuesday and Thursday. You’ve got nothing to lose… except maybe your couch!
Link to the event https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XsFgjuEEh/
Thanet Schools Young Artists Festival
The Margate Rotary Club presents the 16th annual Young Artists Festival from May 12-18 at Sainsbury’s Westwood Cross, open 8am to 10pm. Prizegiving on May 17 at noon.
Some 34 Thanet schools are taking part with 650 paintings from young artists from 3 to 18 years old on display.
Kent Community Foundation
The High Sheriff of Kent, Dr Gill Fargher, hosted a ceremony with grant makers Kent Community Foundation at Rochester Cathedral on 4 April to announce the winners of the 2025 High Sheriff Awards. The High Sheriff of Kent’s Award Fund is managed by Kent Community Foundation and was set up to recognise public servants, voluntary groups and individual volunteers, whose selfless acts have benefited communities across the county.
Guests, including The Lady Colgrain Lord-Lieutenant of Kent and The Very Rev'd Dr Philip Hesketh AKC DL, gathered in the cathedral crypt from 6.30pm for a hot drinks and cakes reception and the opportunity to hear from The High Sheriff about the wonderful work being carried out by the charitable sector across Kent and Medway.
Addressing the assembled guests, the High Sheriff spoke about the challenges facing the county and the vital work that the charitable sector is doing to support diverse communities, before announcing the five recipients of the High Sheriff Awards.
The 2025 winners are, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services, Kent Association for the Blind, Medway African and Caribbean Association, Wellbeing in the Weald and Sheppey Matters who were each presented with a certificate and awarded a grant for £500.
The High Sheriff said :“Kent Association for the Blind delivers invaluable expertise and support to those impacted by visual impairment across Kent, in addition to work in prevention of avoidable sight loss and the promotion of independence. I have been honoured to see this work during my High Sheriff year.
“Dementia touches many of our lives, including mine, both personally and professionally. The mission of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services is to deliver long term support and expertise to those impacted by dementia. This vital empowering care, throughout the entirety of the illness is rare and vitally important.”
Kent Community Foundation has managed the High Sheriff's Award Fund since 2015
To find out more about the work of grant makers Kent Community Foundation visit www.kentcf.org.uk
