Celebrating Seven Years of Sunken Gardeners
Seven years ago when the Beast from the East was battering the north Thanet coast, Peter Hasted answered the call for volunteers to plant bee-friendly shrubs with Bumblebee Conservation Trust and the first seed for the idea of formation of the Sunken Garden Society was sown.
The Sunken Garden in Westbrook was created in 1932 as a result of the land being dug out to create a railway embankment and Margate’s Optimistic Mayor Percy Osbourne seeing an opportunity to create employment and a beautiful space from the spoils with Sidney Legg, Parks Superintendent. By 1950 the Garden was in its heyday with summer bedding plants and manicured lawns, making it a popular destination for Londoners visiting by paddlesteamer. In the 1980s the Sunken Garden stood out as a horticultural asset, but by the 1990s it had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect.
Sunken Garden Society was established to galvanise volunteers to revive the Garden for future generations and seven years on, this hidden gem of Thanet sees visitors of all ages, playing, contemplating and enjoying the space.
One of the aims of the revival was to re-install benches in all the lower level bays and as we celebrate seven years, this has been achieved with the final bench at this level being funded by Thanet Community Lotto. Others have come with support of Rotary Club of Margate, Co-Op, Southern Water, a Crowdfunder in collaboration with Margate NOW and as memorial benches.
On Monday 12th May we met with Nicola Wood, Community Development Officer for Thanet District Council to present the bench from Thanet Community Lotto. We are grateful to Thanet council and Nicola who have been supportive of the Sunken Garden both in sharing the grant application information and also setting up Sunken Garden Society as a recipient for incoming funds as a result of Lotto ticket purchases.
Peter Hasted said: “To everyone that has given up their time and dedicated it to revive the Sunken Garden – the once forgotten gem of Thanet – I am honoured to thank every single one of you on behalf of the community.
“If you think something is worthwhile, you should at least give it your best shot, even if the odds are stacked against you.”
You can find out more about the Sunken Gardeners at thesunkengarden.co.uk including how to support the Garden by buying tickets from the Thanet Community Lotto and be in with a chance of winning £25,000 while supporting a great cause.
The Sunken Garden Society, a voluntary community group, was established to reinvigorate a hidden gem at the heart of Thanet, bringing back to its former glory for the local communities to use and enjoy. We are an RHS Affiliated Society and have gained support from Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Co-op, Kent Community Foundation, Rotary and Thanet District Council.
We run regular monthly gardening days on the last Saturday of the month from 10am to 12 noon – the next one will be on Saturday 31 May
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep in touch @sunkengardensociety
Find out more about the Sunken Garden, the history and plants, at www.thesunkengarden.co.uk
The Sunken Garden is on Royal Esplanade, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5EJ
SpeakUpCIC
Thanet based independent mental health support organisation SpeakUpCIC held an event on Wednesday 14th May to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
The event was attended by over 65 people with lived experience of mental health illness and service providers within the local community. The event was held at Olby’s Soul Café in Margate and SpeakUpCIC would like to personally thank Eli for his support in permitting us to use the venue and facilities.
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year is ‘Community’ so the event included a variety of activities to promote the benefits and importance of people connecting with others to support each other as a community. Activities included a weaving workshop where people made individual pieces to create a beautiful wall hanging and a creative writing workshop and competition where people shared their thoughts regarding what community means to them.
The event also included an art and craft exhibition, a craft sale of some of the lovely items made by members from the Art & Craft group and the Show of Hands notice board where people shared information about the support available within their community and what works well for them.
STAK Life and Rethink joined us to share information about the services they provide within Thanet and SpeakUpCIC promoted the important role that peer support groups and activities play in respect of connecting people with others.
One participant who regularly attends peer support groups run by SpeakUpCIC commented: “These groups really make me feel I’m part of a community because everyone cares and looks out for each other. We all accept and support one another, plus we have lots of fun too which makes such a difference. I no longer feel like I’m struggling alone anymore now that I’ve found my community and a place where I belong”.
Margate Mayor Jack Packman supported the event by judging the creative writing competition.
Jack said: “It was an honour to attend the Mental Health Awareness event organised by SpeakUpCIC. Events like this are vital in breaking down stigma, opening up conversations, and ensuring that those living with mental health challenges feel seen, heard, and supported. SpeakUpCIC does incredible work in our community, and I’m proud to stand with them in championing mental health for all”.
Managing Director and SpeakUpCIC Founder Maggie Gallant added: “I’m so pleased so many people joined us; the community spirit was very evident and uplifting. It was lovely seeing people enjoying the activities and engaging with each other, which is what community is all about. When you’re feeling alone and disconnected it really impacts on your mental health and wellbeing. #
“People need to connect and feel part of something and this event has really instilled the important role that community plays. Our volunteers and helpers have worked exceptionally hard as a community to help put this event together so sincere thanks to them all. I would also like to thank Jack Packman who in his role as the Mayor of Margate has been a great support and advocate for SpeakUpCIC over the last 12 months”.
As well as providing a wellbeing support service, SpeakUpCIC also represent the service user voice by collecting and taking forward feedback based on experiences about mental health services to help improve and shape service provision.
For further information about SpeakUpCIC please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Tel: 01843 448384 or 07543 977670
Boys & Maughan raises £4,700 for Pilgrims Hospices
Private client lawyers at Boys & Maughan Solicitors have raised £4,700 in support of Pilgrims Hospices following another successful participation in the charity’s Make a Will Month campaign.
Throughout April, solicitors from the firm’s Margate, Ramsgate, and Canterbury offices waived their standard fees for will-writing appointments. In lieu of payment, clients were invited to make a donation to Pilgrims Hospices, resulting in a significant contribution to the charity’s vital end-of-life care services across East Kent.
This marks the 13th consecutive year Boys & Maughan has taken part in the campaign. Their continued commitment was recognised by Pilgrims Hospices earlier this week, when the total raised was confirmed.
Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Boys & Maughan for their ongoing support. Their dedication over so many years has made a real difference, and everyone involved in this year’s campaign should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Andrew Baker, Senior Partner at Boys & Maughan, commented:“We’re proud once again to support Pilgrims Hospices through this important initiative. Making a will is one of the most valuable steps people can take to protect their loved ones. This campaign gives clients the opportunity to do just that while contributing to a charity that delivers essential care to our local community.”
Boys & Maughan’s private client team met with clients from across East Kent throughout the month, many of whom were eager to support a meaningful cause while ensuring their affairs were in order.
Thanet duo complete London Marathon for Wooden Spoon Charity and Wanderers SEND rugby team
Andy Bull, from Broadstairs, and David Morgan, from Westgate have successfully completed the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for Wooden Spoon – the children’s charity of rugby.
Their efforts form part of a year-long fundraising drive in support of Thanet Wanderers’ SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) rugby team, the only one of its kind in the area.
Wooden Spoon is a UK-wide charity that funds life-changing projects to support disadvantaged and disabled children, often using rugby as a platform to bring communities together and open doors for young people. From building accessible playgrounds to funding mental health initiatives, their work is all about inclusion, support and opportunity.
The SEND team at Thanet Wanderers is a shining example of this mission in action. Established to provide children with additional needs the opportunity to engage in sport, build confidence and be part of a team, the club’s inclusive ethos has captured the hearts of the local community.
Coaches Andy, Mario and Darren have worked tirelessly to grow the team, not only by preparing the children for competitive matches but also by forging strong relationships with local Thanet schools to identify children who may benefit from joining. Last year, the team took 15 children to the national TagFest tournament – this year, they’ve doubled that number, a testament to the growing impact and popularity of the team.
Andy said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of those who very generously sponsored me for the London Marathon. I made it around in one piece, just!! The smile in the photo below hides a rather large amount of pain and discomfort. Never again.”
Dave, who ran alongside Andy, was spurred on by the support around him. He said: “The support from family, friends and the amazing crowd helped make the day truly unforgettable.” His daughter Summa proudly added, “I am so proud of my daddy – I have taken his medal into school.”
As excitement builds for May’s TagFest tournament, the SEND team continues to train hard, supported by a passionate coaching team and a community that believes in them. The year-long fundraising, which includes the marathon efforts, is helping ensure that every child has the chance to play, grow and thrive – no matter their starting point.
New Defibrillator in Broadstairs
Broadstairs & St Peter’s Town Council is pleased to unveil the new defibrillator located at the entrance of Broadstairs Library.
The Town Council was contacted in 2024 by Andy Smith who owns the Royston micropub in Broadstairs. Following an incident where Andy had to give CPR to a member of the public suffering a heart attack without the aid of a defibrillator, which sadly resulted in the loss of life, Andy approached Community Lifesavers for help.
Community Lifesavers had previously fund raised in Broadstairs, where the community raised £340 towards the purchase of a defibrillator. With the aid of this community fundraising from the people of Broadstairs, Andy approached the Town Council in the hope that it would be able to assist in the purchase and installation of a defibrillator within the library area.
The Town Council worked with Andy securing the location, providing the additional funding and arranging for the installation and continued maintenance, with KCC providing permits and licence for the siting on their building.
Andy and Community Lifesavers are keen to provide training for defibrillator use and will be arranging for this to take place in the near future. Community Lifesavers offer free training for groups of 6 or more.
Wildernesstowonderland
Inspired by the generosity of Jackie at Youngs Nursery and Stuart’s passion for Forest School, Wildernesstowonderland have been able equip some schools with plants, pots, compost and care instruction to empower school children to nurture and grow on flowering plants. The students will transplant their blooms into W2W Community Gardens around Margate before the end of term for the enjoyment of their families, friends, residents and visitors.
‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”
Red Cross charity shop
A full range of wedding dresses can be found at Ramsgate’s Red Cross charity shop in King Street,
The charity has received so many that shop manager Nokuthula Mpofu has used her skills as a photographer and stylist to showcase the pre-loved dresses.
#A bridal collection can be found at the shop with all styles and sizes and prices ranging from £80 to £300
This month and next (May and June) the store is offering private bridal fittings by appointment.
Find the store at 16 King Street Ramsgate
Minster Marshes
A group of hardy artists from Thanet braved the biting wind and gloom on Thursday to paint on Minster Marshes. But there is visual beauty and tranquillity even on a dull cold day.
George Cooper, founder of the Save Minster Marshes group said, “National Grid’s plans to plant a massive 100ft high converter station, grid stability plant and sub station on this lovely peaceful part of Thanet is simply ridiculous. The area is a marsh, the clue is in the title. It’s simply the wrong place to build this and it even goes against National Grid’s own design principles.”
He invited a group of artists who are members of the East Kent Art Society and Kent Plein Air Painters to visit the areas of the marsh that National Grid plan to build on and to capture the serenity of the landscape in oil, pencil and watercolour works.
Despite the biting wind, Julian Lovegrove, Christ Sutcliffe, Gary Obee, Andrea Chappell, Mike Ellner and Karen McKenzie all produced pictures while absorbing nature (and staying out of the wind).
Andrea said: “This is all so beautiful. We could be miles away from Thanet. It’s on our doorstep and you wouldn’t know it’s here. National Grid’s plans are totally wrong”.
Julian agreed, “We should do all we can to save this for the wildlife, for the important agriculture and for our own health and wellbeing. It’s a moral imperative.”
All the artists intend to return as soon as possible to keep recording the marshes for posterity.
If you would like to know more about the campaign, visit minstermarshes.com or Facebook @saveminstermarshescampaign, Registrations are now open until midnight on 23rd June Sea Link – Government Registration Site to raise your objection.”
Life Skills Manor School
We are hosting an event in partnership with Changing Minds Kent on Friday 23rd May. This is a coffee morning based presentation and workshop on developing a strength-based approach to challenges.
Attendees are parents and carers living with neurodivergent young people and any professionals supporting these young people. SEND representatives from KCC, schools, foster and social care professionals and organisations are all present.
Friday, May 23 · 9:30 – 11:30am. Doors at 9am
Life Skills Manor School, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich
Thanet Social Enterprise Boost Programme
Social Enterprise Kent is delighted to announce the extension of the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost Programme until March 2026. This follows the UK Government’s recent decision to extend the Social Enterprise Boost Fund, allocating an additional £1 million across the four delivery areas, including Thanet.
Launched in March 2023, the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost Programme has been instrumental in promoting and supporting the growth of social enterprises and entrepreneurs in the district.
The programme offers fully funded, tailored support to help participants scale existing enterprises or launch new social ventures that make a meaningful impact within their communities.
“We’re proud to continue championing social enterprise in Thanet,” said Kirsty Hawkins, Director at Social Enterprise Kent. “With this extension, we can build on the progress made since 2023 and unlock even more potential in the local community.”
Those taking part in the programme benefit from personalised one-to-one mentoring and business support delivered by experienced Social Enterprise Advisors. This includes guidance on areas such as business planning, marketing strategy, finance, funding, and social impact reporting. Regular networking events and workshops offer the chance to meet like-minded people, team up on ideas, and learn from each other. Eligible social entrepreneurs and enterprises also have the opportunity to apply for onward grants, helping them fund projects that generate positive social or environmental outcomes within Thanet.
The programme is open to both aspiring social entrepreneurs and established social enterprises that have been operating for less than five years and are delivering activities or services that provide social or environmental benefits within Thanet. Eligibility criteria apply, and interested individuals and organisations are encouraged to visit the Social Enterprise Kent website for more information.
The extension of the Social Enterprise Boost Fund reflects the UK Government’s continued commitment to expanding the social enterprise sector in targeted areas. The fund supports the creation of new social enterprises and strengthens early-stage organisations, while enabling local authorities and the voluntary and community sector to implement sustainable systems that encourage long-term social enterprise growth.
Social Enterprise Kent remains dedicated to empowering social enterprises and entrepreneurs in Thanet, providing the tools, support, and guidance they need to deliver lasting positive change in the community.
Scitegrity Receives King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade
Chemical compliance company Scitegrity Limited, based at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, has been honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
Scitegrity is one of 197 organisations nationally to be awarded a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises the nation’s most outstanding businesses.
Employing 7 people, Scitegrity was founded in 2011 by Ian Johns and Joe Bradley and has been located at Discovery Park since inception. The company provides regulatory compliance solutions to the pharmaceutical and chemicals industry, allowing clients to easily identify regulated chemicals globally and generate tariff classification codes (HTS codes), supporting compliant export and trade.
Scitegrity CEO, Joe Bradley, said: “We are delighted and extremely honoured to receive this award in recognition of the years of hard work and dedication by our small, tight knit team. When we started in 2011, it wasn’t clear whether what we planned was technically feasible, however our software is now used by five of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical companies and dozens of other research organisations around the world. I’m incredibly proud of my team and all that they have achieved.”
Scitegrity is now the fourth King’s Award winner located at Discovery Park. Scientific consultancy A4P and biospecimens provider Logical Biological were awarded for International Trade in 2024, and eXroid was awarded for Innovation in 2023, recognising their work in developing a treatment for haemorrhoid sufferers.
Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “Scitegrity’s award for International Trade is a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of their global impact within the science sector. Having four King’s Award winners at Discovery Park underscores the strength and innovation that thrives here in Kent, supporting dynamic companies like Scitegrity to grow from ambitious start-ups to international players. Congratulations to the entire team at Scitegrity on this significant milestone.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country and recognises outstanding achievement in the categories of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.
Winners are visited throughout the year by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants to receive their awards, along with an official certificate and commemorative crystal trophy. King’s Award recipients are also able to fly a King’s Award flag at their main office and use the esteemed King’s Award emblem on marketing materials for the next five years.
Community Fund opens to boost better mental health
Grassroots projects working to improving the mental health and wellbeing of local communities in Kent and Medway are being urged to apply for a cash boost.
Launched to coincide with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week whose theme is ‘community’, the 2025 Kent and Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund is now open – offering grants from £500 to £10,000.
The fund is run by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme, a partnership of NHS organisations, Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council.
Details of how to apply by midday, Monday 9 June 2025, are set out on KCC’s website here.
If you have any questions about your application please email the team via: [email protected].
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all to focus on our mental wellbeing.
“Looking after our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health. Indeed, people with poor mental health often have poor physical health (as well as the other way round).
“I would urge community organisations in Kent and Medway to apply for funding, so there are ever more opportunities for people to reach out for help and support with their mental health and wellbeing closer to home.”
KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “From pop up coffee clubs to creative writing groups, mental health support comes in many forms; and since it was set up seven years ago the Kent and Medway Better Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund has helped more than 100 frontline initiatives save and change lives.
“Of course, we know there’s always more to do, particularly in our most deprived communities who are unfairly affected by issues that can trigger poor mental health, such as stress, social isolation and substance abuse. So this Mental Health Awareness Week whatever your idea, however you are giving people a sense of belonging and purpose, please consider applying. We want to test innovative ideas, develop evidence of what works and help local schemes continue to support their residents.”
Get help
Release the Pressure offers free expert advice from trained counsellors who can support no matter what you are going through. Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258, to start a confidential conversation with one of the experienced team who can give you help at any time, wherever you are. Alternatively, call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 107 0160.
There’s also help on hand if you are supporting someone with their mental health.
Mid Kent Mind offers free learning to gain the confidence to talk about challenging emotions and experiences and get to a better place. Men are least likely to ask for help and Movember Conversations includes practical tools to teach you to confidently have conversations with the men in your life who may be struggling.
Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for all the local services available to help with mental health and wellbeing.
Urgent support:
NHS 111 – experiencing a mental health crisis or have concerns about a loved one? Use NHS 111 online, or call 111 and select the ‘mental health option’ to speak to a trained mental health professional
Samaritans – can be contacted anytime, on 116 123
999 – in an emergency, when someone’s life is at risk, always call 999
