1st Garlinge Scouts and the Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden Society were delighted to welcome 1st Garlinge Baden Scouts into the Garden this week. With their core values including ‘taking care of the world in which we live’ and ‘we make a positive difference’ the Troop spent an evening working towards their Community Impact badge, Sunken Gardener Peter Hasted was on hand to share knowledge and advice.
It was perfect timing to help out with gardening activities as the evergreen oaks in the Sunken Garden have recently shed their old leaves, leaving leaf litter across many of the footpaths and flowerbeds. Whilst most deciduous leaves break down quickly into the soil – feeding millions of microorganisms and making excellent compost or mulch – the thick, waxy leaves from the holly-leaved oaks decompose much more slowly.
The Scouts and their leaders Foggy, Malak, Thor, Odin and Cloudy were keen to help out, raking up the leaves and moving them to the top tier of the Garden. There, the leaves can slowly break down while also providing valuable habitat for many ground-dwelling invertebrates.
Scout leader Foggy said: “They were super involved and engaged in learning about insects and different flower types and took away some knowledge about weeds. We were super impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm that Peter gave the scouts.”
Peter Hasted added: “I was honoured to work with the Scouts and teach them a thing or two about the Garden and its trees. One lucky Scout even spotted a magpie moth feeding on a Brachyglottis shrub. We also observed many bumblebees and mining bees foraging among a host of pollen-rich plants.”
The gardening session was rounded off with a show of appreciation in the Scouting way, led by one of the patrol leaders, by shouting “Bravo!”. The fun evening was rounded off with a football match on the grass outside the Garden beside Royal Esplanade.
The next Community Gardening Day, to which everyone is welcome, takes place on Saturday 26 July, 10am to 12noon and will be a Big Butterfly Count with Butterfly Trust.
The Sunken Garden Eco Fair 2025 will take place on Sunday 21 September, we have a great line up of speakers and information stands, more information to be announced!
1st Garlinge Baden Scouts have sections aged from 4 years up to 18 years and are based just inside Hartsdown Park.
You can find out more about the Sunken Gardeners at thesunkengarden.co.uk
Windmill Community Gardens
Lorna Kane, Programme Manager at Windmill Community Gardens Margate, was delighted to be invited as a guest of Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports at Walmer Castle to a reception with His Majesty, The King on Thursday 10th July.
She said: “I’m very grateful to have been nominated by the Mayor of Margate, Katie Pope in recognition of our team of staff and volunteers who work so hard to make the gardens welcoming, accessible and a productive haven for wildlife. It was great to meet Kanndiss Riley @nbefitjess, also nominated for her work connecting people with nature and look forward to collaborating for mutual aid. We were warmly welcomed by our Deputy Mayoress Tamara Campbell, Deputy Mayor Leo Britcher and Clerk to the Charter Trustees Ingrid Spencer on a sunny morning in the beautiful grounds of Walmer Castle.
“It was a unique opportunity to talk about nature friendly food growing with our King and what a lovely surprise to discover a shared interest in rhubarb and its seasonality which grows in abundance in the community gardens and inspires Kanndiss to make rhubarb jam.”
QEQM Hospital League of Friends
The Hospital’s Inpatient Occupational Therapy Team are delighted with a hoist we recently funded at a cost of just over £1,300. This is shown being demonstrated by members of the Team including Nicola & Tracey who work as Occupational Therapists on the Medical Wards, along with Sue and Colin (our Deputy Chairman & Deputy Treasurer).
Nicola said: “Thank you League of Friends for using the kind donations you’ve received to fund an electric hoist that has now replaced our previous, not fit for purpose, hoist. The new hoist allows for assessment in the acute hospital and aids provision in the community.
“The benefit of using the new hoist for the user is it allows smooth movements, this then leads to them feeling safer and more at ease with it and helps facilitate a safe hospital discharge back to their home environment.”
We’re always looking for donations or people to fundraise for us so we can continue to make a difference to our local Hospital. Please visit our Facebook page or www.qeqmfriends.com for information about our registered charity.
CT10 Parochial Charities
The Trustees of CT10 Parochial Charities held their AGM on Thursday 10 July.
At the meeting, long-term trustee Jenny Matterface stepped down both as a trustee and from the role of Chair which she has held for the last 12 years. Jenny has been totally committed to the role and has led the trustees in helping countless individuals and families needing support in the CT10 postcode. Jenny was presented with flowers as a small token of gratitude from past and present trustees and on behalf of all the many recipients she has helped to support through the charity.
Vice-Chair, Roger Binks also stepped down and was thanked by the trustees for his time and commitment over the last few years. Roger remains a trustee.
Jenny said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to be involved with the charity for 12 years helping so many people in Broadstairs and St. Peter’s. I know the charity is in excellent hands with the new Chair, Ruth Bailey, and new vice-chair, Ian Carter-Chapman.”
Find more information about CT10 Parochial Charities here
Thanet Virtual High Street
July 2025 marks the 5th anniversary of Thanet Virtual High Street (TVHS)—a digital community initiative created during the 2020 lockdown to connect local residents with Thanet-based businesses at a time when the high street stood still.
Founded by Karen Brinkman, TVHS began as a simple idea to keep Thanet’s small business community visible, connected, and supported. What started as a Facebook group quickly became a vital platform that has helped hundreds of local businesses stay afloat, grow, and thrive.
“When everything shut down, I knew we needed a space to keep the local business community going,” said Karen. “I wanted to do something positive—and I’m proud that five years later, TVHS is still that positive, supportive space it was always meant to be.”
Five Years of Growth and Impact:
- Website Launch & Business Directory: An online directory was introduced so residents could easily search for businesses, contact them directly, and support them.
- Reviving the High Street: As shops reopened, TVHS encouraged people to return to the high street and shop local.
- Events & TVHS Thanet Stalls Directory: TVHS began running events that gave local traders exposure and led to the creation of a dedicated stalls directory.
- Networking Events Across Thanet: The first TVHS networking event launched in June 2021, with other networking initiatives developed since.
- Thanet Independents Day: In 2024, TVHS introduced Thanet Independents Day at Westwood Cross—an annual celebration of Thanet’s vibrant independent business scene.
Today, the Facebook group has 9,748 members, mostly aged between 35–44, and averages 45 posts a day. Karen continues to personally approve every member request and post to ensure the group remains focused on promoting Thanet-based businesses and events.
TVHS has been featured on local radio, in the press, and even national media during the height of the pandemic. It has also inspired other digital business communities across the UK.
“So many brilliant businesses have launched or grown within this group, and many are still trading today, which is no small feat. It’s been an honour to support them,” Karen added.
As TVHS marks five years, the message is clear: supporting small businesses strengthens the entire community. The initiative remains rooted in connection, collaboration, and community pride.
For more information, visit: www.thanetvirtualhighstreet.co.uk
Facebook: Thanet Virtual High Street
Charity car wash
The Gym Group Thanet Westwood Cross, on Holmes Way next to the former Saga building, is getting out the buckets and sponges for a good cause!
On Saturday 19th July, from 9am to 3pm, the team will be hosting a Charity Car Wash to raise vital funds for NHS Charities Together.
As part of a nationwide fundraising initiative, The Gym Group – with over 240 gyms across the UK – aims to raise £100,000 this year, with each location contributing £450 towards the total.
Thanet’s team is inviting local residents to swing by for a sparkling car clean and help them hit their target for this fantastic cause.
“All proceeds will go directly to NHS Charities Together,” said Matt Finch the General Manager for The Gym Group Thanet. “It’s a great way for the community to come together, support our NHS, and leave with a shiny car!”
If you can’t make it on the day but would still like to support, donations can be made via the team’s JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/the-gym-group-thanet-4
The Gym Group Thanet, Holmes Way, Ramsgate (next to former Saga building)
Saturday 19th July
9:00am – 3:00pm
Mama to Mama
Mama to Mama, a charity that provides a baby bank and support to families in need in Thanet, were delighted to receive a donation of £9,393 from the Morrisons Foundation.
The funding from the charitable arm of the supermarket has covered the costs of Moses baskets, cots, bedding and essential items to help over a hundred vulnerable disadvantaged babies and children.
Jayne Furniss, Mama to Mama CEO said: “This grant from the Morrisons Foundation will enable us to provide children living in poverty with a safe place to sleep – something every child deserves. But this is about more than beds and mattresses; quality sleep is essential to a child’s health, wellbeing and future potential.
“With more families experiencing financial hardship, this support couldn’t be more timely. It allows us to respond swiftly to an urgent need while helping to build long-term stability for families across our community.”
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said: “The cost of living crisis has hit all of us very hard, not least families with young children. That’s why I’m delighted that we’ve been able to help Mama to Mama provide these essential items for families in need which will make a real difference to their children’s wellbeing.”
The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since launching, over £45 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.
Birchington Heritage Trust
Join us for an enlightening talk on the fascinating world of how aerial photography has been used to capture evidence of historic settlements and the diverse landscapes across Kent. This event will show some stunning images from above. If you’re interested in “history from the air”, this talk is not to be missed.
Speaker: Rod LeGear MCIFA
Date: 31 July
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington CT7 9EG
Our expert speaker will share insights into how aerial photography has been used to interpret and explain our landscapes and buildings from above.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a new perspective on photography and explore the skies
through the lens of an aerial camera. Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring session!
Rod LeGear MCIFA is a retired engineer who has been an active member of the Kent
Archaeological Society since 1963. His main interests are mining history and archaeology and he has spent over 50 years recording underground sites in the county.
He also held a private pilot’s licence and spent many hours flying over Kent helping archaeological societies to record sites from the air.
Broadstairs Town Shed
Following on the success of last year’s Discover Your Community Day we’re bringing the celebration home. Saturday 26th July, 12noon-4pm, is Discover Your Shed Day at Broadstairs Town Shed, delivering a celebration of Shed Life.
The Shed family comes in different shapes and sizes offering a wide variety of activities. This is an opportunity to discover what we do and how you can get involved.
This is a fun interactive event with lots of activities and workshops to try. So, pop along for a cuppa and a chat.
Margate Charter Day
The Mayor of Margate warmly invites you to celebrate Margate Charter Day — marking 168 years since Margate gained its freedom from Dover and became a proud Charter Town!
Pop along anytime from 5pm on Tuesday 29 July to The Shakespeare Pub to raise a glass to Margate with the Mayor and enjoy special drinks promotions, helping to raise money for the Mayor’s Fund, which supports local charities and community groups.
If you fancy a deeper dive into Margate’s fascinating past, at 7:30pm you can join a guided walking tour led by The Mysterious Historian — an experienced local guide famous for his witty, insightful tours of Margate as well as historic London neighbourhoods like Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden.
The tour will explore Margate’s:
• Early Roman, Viking, and Dutch settlers
• Rise as a health tourism centre
• Arlington House to Dreamland
• The Mechanical Elephant, a nod to David Bowie
• The town’s creative revival — with Turner as the grand finale
The walk ends at the Margate Steps just in time to enjoy the famous sunset (approx. 8:45pm).
You’re welcome to come for just drinks, just the tour, or both!
Guests on the Mayor’s tour will also receive a complimentary copy of The Mysterious Historian’s book, The Spirit of Margate, presented at the end of the walk.
Event details:
Drinks from 5pm at The Shakespeare Pub, 1 Canterbury Road, Margate CT9 5AQ
Tour starts at 7:30pm from The Shakespeare
Booking for the tour essential – limited spaces available
£15 per person
To book your place:
Email [email protected] or call 01843 663313
Ramsgate Historic Quarter
The Ramsgate Historic Quarter scheme is holding its first heritage building skills workshop at the Customs House on the 26/27 September. The workshop will be led by ‘the red mason’, Dr Gerard Lynch who is the leading authority in his field.
- The course is aimed at brick layers and builders who want to move into the heritage sector for higher earnings, job satisfaction and to contribute to regeneration.
- Thanet has 2500 listed buildings, the greatest concentration in the southeast. Many are at risk, and those that are repaired often use Portland cement which can accelerate deterioration
- Other workshops planned include, flint work, carpentry, roofing and energy efficiency. The main aim is to establish a permanent heritage building skills school in here in Ramsgate.
- The school will have lime kilns as well as brick and Kent peg tile salvage. Trustees and partners are currently being sought as well as collaboration with an academic institution to qualify for government funding and to launch the apprenticeships program
- Training will lead to jobs and the conservation of our historic infrastructure. Heritage is a vital element in attracting the visitors upon which the economy of the town relies as well as contributing to a sense of identity and quality of life for residents
The Ramsgate Historic Quarter is a heritage-led regeneration scheme run by residents and local volunteers.
Our aim is to celebrate where we live by improving the neighbourhood for residents and to the encourage visitors upon which the prosperity of the town relies
We offer advice on historic buildings conservation, hold events and raise funds for neighbourhood improvement initiatives.
Other projects…
- Captain Abbott’s Garden project will transform the area of land outside Ramsgate Leisure Centre into a community garden and has won awards from Kent County Council and the Asda Foundation; phase one of the work begins in summer 2025
- Our annual Heritage Open Day event is on Saturday 13 September. Three houses on Paradise will be open to the public and at the close of the day there will be sea shanties, sea biscuits and ale
- Our first Heritage Building Skills Workshop will take place in Ramsgate on 26 and 27 September 2025, led by a leading historic brick and lime expert
- Following the installation of heritage streetlamps on Paradise, more are planned for the upper high street, to enhance the historic neighbourhood and make the streets more welcoming to pedestrians
- We are conducting a flint wall survey to identify at-risk areas and formulate a strategy for repair
- We campaign against littering, fly tipping and speeding
- We are actively seeking volunteers to support our various projects: to help with our website and social media, a researcher to help uncover our local history and volunteers to assist with the garden project and our litter picks.
Contact [email protected]
Sports Connect Kent
A new community sport programme is launching across Kent, with free events and activities designed to reduce anti-social behaviour and to help young people stay safe around the railway this summer.
The project is being delivered by Sports Connect and funded through a £48,000 grant from Southeastern. Throughout the summer holidays and beyond, it will provide a series of weekly sports sessions, summer tournaments, rail safety competitions, and mentoring opportunities rolled out across the county.
The programme kicks off in August, when young people in Margate, Dover, Sandwich, Canterbury and Herne Bay will be invited to attend Arena Masters events—free community sports sessions featuring large-scale football games and activities near their local stations.
Rail safety is a key part of the project. Across Kent, school pupils will take part in workshops highlighting the risks of going onto the railway and take part in a Train Safety Competition, combining practical rail safety learning with sport.
For those wanting to take things further, a free Sports Activator Level 1 qualification will be offered in each district. The one-day course helps young people aged 14+ learn leadership and coaching skills, with the chance to join the project’s workforce or use the qualification for future employment.
Damian Testa, Head of Public Affairs at Southeastern Railway, said: “Sports Connect is a fantastic organisation dedicated to using sport to empower young people to get on the right track, and we are proud to partner with them for this summer programme.”
Lisa Sparkes, Head of Community Engagement and Health at Sports Connect, said: “Sports Connect are proud to be working with Southeastern to engage with young people in and around the identified communities, to help offer an opportunity to be safe and active, as well as share the importance of being safe around the stations and railways.
“We look forward to working with local schools and partners as we start to kick off this exciting new project.”
Sports Connect is a registered NCFE and 1st4Sport Approved Centre as well as a Kent FA Licensed Football Provider. It aims to use the power of sport to inspire, motivate and educate people to build a better life for themselves and unite the communities in which they live.
It is one of 11 charities, organisations, and community groups across Kent, Sussex and south-east London benefiting from the Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
Anyone wishing for more information or who would like a chance for Sports Connect to come in to deliver a free workshop, please contact: [email protected].
WW Martin and East Kent Colleges Group
WW Martin and East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) are proud to announce the formalisation of their long-standing partnership through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement reinforces their shared commitment to delivering high- quality training, learning, and employment opportunities for students across Kent.
The MoU builds upon years of successful collaboration, with WW Martin recognised as a leading partner in employer engagement through its flagship Employment, Apprenticeship, and Training Programme (EATP).
Over the past five years, this initiative has supported numerous apprenticeships, many of which have received recognition through the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards.
Beyond apprenticeships, WW Martin has launched a range of impactful initiatives that will continue to shape the future of the partnership. One standout programme is the Work Ready Programme (WRP) – a series of workshops designed to equip students with essential employability skills, including CV writing, interview techniques, and job application strategies.
With a number of live construction projects situated near EKC Group campuses, WW Martin also offers students invaluable opportunities to experience the construction industry first-hand. Organised site visits allow students to observe and engage with site management teams and supply chain partners, offering real-world insights that bridge classroom learning with on-site practice.
The strengthened partnership will expand on this success, continuing to offer a wide range of meaningful experiences such as work experience placements at WW Martin’s Ramsgate head office, conveniently located near EKC Broadstairs College, as well as on active construction sites across Kent, providing hands-on exposure to the construction environment.
WW Martin is also set to attend careers fairs, both on-campus and in collaboration with external partners such as local Job Centres, promoting awareness of the diverse career paths within the construction industry.
The construction company will also run employer-led workshops and guest lectures, where WW Martin staff and supply chain partners share sector insights, career stories, and practical advice to support students’ progression into employment or further education.
Finally, WW Martin will support students in other disciplines, including catering, by involving them in business events and functions.
These experiences help students apply their skills in real-world settings, gaining practical experience in event planning, hospitality, and professional service.
Speaking on what the signing of the MoU means for the future of EKC Group, the organisation’s CEO, Lucy McLeod, said: “At EKC Group, we are delighted to sign this MoU with WW Martin, recognising the fantastic partnership we’ve built together.
“The impact on our students has been immense, offering them unique and meaningful engagement with a leading local business that is passionate about supporting its community and investing in the future workforce of Kent.”
Ian Posnett, Director at WW Martin, added: “For me personally, and on behalf of WW Martin, I am delighted to formally recognise and commit to our ongoing support of EKC Group through this MoU.
“As a former brickwork student at EKC Broadstairs College and having started my own career as an apprentice at WW Martin, this agreement is especially meaningful. It reflects a long-standing relationship that we are all rightly proud of.
“Most importantly, it will continue to benefit students today and future generations of potential WW Martin employees.”
Writer in Residence
From the history of Sittingbourne as a place of pilgrimage to the heritage of paper-making, a small but special steam railway is set to be at the centre of a new set of stories.
Margate’s Dan Thompson has been appointed Writer-in-Residence on Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway – more formally known as the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, which was built 120 years ago to serve paper-mills in those two places. That work earned it the nickname ’The Paper Railway’.
Ideas Test, the Medway & Swale based Creative People & Places project have worked with the railway charity to commission the residency. The project kicked off when Dan visited the Steam and Beer Festival last weekend. It will see Dan working at the railway for a year, making work to be seen around the site and publishing a pamphlet of collected works in 2026.
“I’m fascinated by this corner of Kent, where a quirky railway brings so many different people together,” says Dan, “and I look forward to exploring the landscape, the papermaking industry, and the railway heritage.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Dan on board, as this is an exciting year with the joint 200th anniversary of the modern railway, being celebrated as Railway 200,” Paul Best, Vice Chairman of the Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway, said, “and our own 120th anniversary of steam locomotives, which started with ‘Premier’ in 1905, the locomotive operating this year.”
“We have been wanting to work in this part of Sittingbourne for a while now. We hope that this year-long residency will capture the stories of people who used the railway in the past and excite and engage new visitors to this fabulous cultural asset,” says Tracy Brunt, Director, Ideas Test.
Dan will be on site regularly when the railway is open, and will shortly be announcing
some special Writer-in-Residence events to take place in August and September.
Visit ideastest.org.uk/news for more details of forthcoming events or contact Dan via danthompson.co.uk to share your stories of the railway and the paper mills.
Invicta Lodge
To celebrate the beautiful summer weather, Churchill Living is inviting local over 60s in Westwood to come and enjoy a Summer Party at its Invicta Lodge development on Nash Road, taking place on Friday 25th July from 2-4pm.
Visitors who attend can enjoy a summer’s afternoon of live music in the attractive communal grounds, as well as Pimm’s, fizz and a friendly atmosphere. There will also be the opportunity to meet the apartment Owners who are already living there and hear their first-hand experience of the benefits of independent living with Churchill.
Churchill’s Divisional Sales & Marketing Director Jacqui Egan said: “Our Summer Party is the perfect opportunity for local people to come and experience the fun and sociable lifestyle that comes with downsizing to a new Churchill apartment. We’ll have a host of treats and great entertainment on offer, as well as the chance to meet our friendly sales team and hear about all the ways we can support a smooth and hassle free move. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to join the party and see for themselves the wonderful friendly community atmosphere we have here.”
To book your place and find out more, please call 01843 498204. To find out more about Churchill’s programme of social events taking place throughout the summer visit churchill-living.co.uk.
