East Kent Mind
Sunshine, a gentle sea breeze, and almost 50 people gathered for a good cause – it was the perfect Sunday morning at Minnis Bay.
Local fitness instructor Gina Plenderleith hosted her popular Pilates, Prosecco & Cakes session, with East Kent Mind’s Community Engagement Officer, Karen Brinkman, joining in and admitting to “a little wobble” before enjoying a well-earned slice of cake.
With this latest class, Gina’s sessions have now raised over £130 for East Kent Mind – funds that will help support mental health and wellbeing across the local community.
To make the morning even more special, Gina gave each participant a bunch of fragrant lavender to take home – perfect for relaxation, aiding sleep, or simply making the home smell wonderful.
East Kent Mind thanked Gina for her incredible support over the past two years, which has included her involvement in their annual Wear it Blue campaign.
If you are interested in raising funds to support mental health in your community – whether through an event, activity, or workplace challenge – East Kent Mind would love to hear from you.
For more information, visit www.eastkentmind.org.uk
Slimming World – Chilton Primary School sessions
A teaching assistant from Ramsgate who lost her mum, dad and sister and feared her weight would cut her own life short says joining a Slimming World class gave her ‘something to hold on to.’
Teaching assistant Anita, from Ramsgate, joined the Saturday group at Chilton Primary School led by Fay White.
Anita says: “Back in 2024, I was still stumbling through the fog of grief after losing my dad. Sorting through his estate was hard enough, but when I met up with one of my sisters — someone I hadn’t seen face to face in years — I got the shock of my life.
“The sister I remembered was mischievous, full of laughter and sparkle. But that day, she had to use a walker just to move. She’d been battling lymphoma, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and was registered disabled. My family has always been full of big women — loud, fiercely independent, and proud. But we’ve also lost too many, too young. My sister was 58 when she died on 31st May, the summer solstice. My mum died at 58 too. Both strong, beautiful women, their health cut short by complications made worse by obesity. That thought still terrifies me.
“By the start of February 2025, I was living with my other sister, Debra. One Saturday morning, she quietly slipped out of the house without saying where she was going. When she came back, she told me she’d joined the Chilton Lane Slimming World group. That secret mission of hers turned out to be a turning point for both of us.
“We were each at the heaviest we’d ever been. Moving easily was becoming difficult. Summer heat felt unbearable. Our wardrobes were slowly being taken over by elastic waistbands. And emotionally, I was at rock bottom.
“I didn’t even hesitate — I told her I was joining her the following week.
“That year was the hardest of my life, but Slimming World gave us something solid to hold on to. We made a promise to ourselves:
“When everything else is out of control, we can control what we put in our mouths.”
“And with Fay, our consultant, that promise became possible.
“The Slimming World plan was simple: healthy extras, free foods, protein, SP days. Nothing off limits — just structure, organisation, and the magic of the syn counter on the app. For two women who love cooking, it was like opening a treasure chest.
“The recipes — hundreds, maybe thousands — covered everything from hearty mains to party snacks, diabetic-friendly dishes to decadent desserts. We rarely made the same main meal twice. We started calling it “Happy Food” because it really did lift the brain fog that comes with emotional eating.
“I began this journey scared, half-resigned to a future of mobility issues and health scares. But now, in just 24 weeks, I’ve lost 4 stone 2 pounds and dropped 3 dress sizes. My sister has lost over 3 stone.
“Fay’s support has been incredible. She’s open, honest, and knows exactly where we’re coming from because she’s been there herself. The group is just as encouraging — a room full of people who understand the same fears and cheer for the same successes.
“I’m now just 1 stone away from my interim target. But my real goal is bigger: a healthy BMI, a future where my sister and I can stay independent, active, and happy for a long time to come.
“This isn’t just a plan. It’s not a “diet.” It’s a way of life. We’ll keep going to group every Saturday morning at Chilton Primary School — conveniently right across the road — and keep cooking our Happy Food, supporting each other every step of the way.
“Because this hasn’t just changed my weight. It’s changed my life.”
Fay takes her sessions at:
Find out more by calling Fay on 07713804889.
Ramsgate consultant hoping to take top Slimming World award after maintaining six stone weight loss and stepping up to inspire others
Birchington Heritage Trust
The Trust’s “Postcard 500” competition closes soon. Blank cards are still available from Monty’s in Station Road, Birchington Library, Wagtails in Minnis Road or from the Museum.
Get creative – show what it’s like to live (or holiday) in Birchington.
The competition closes at the end of August, so that holidaymakers in Birchington can also take part.
The competition will be independently judged in age groups (children 4-6, 7-10, 11-13, 14-17 and adults). The top 3 from each category will be announced in September and we’ll publish the winning entries.
The name and address of each designer must be on the front. Postcards can be “posted” into a special post box in the Co-op next to Sainsbury’s in Station Road or delivered to the Museum.
To inspire you here’s one of the 800 historic postcards in our own collection.
So, please take part in this fun competition! We look forward to lots of different designs to judge.
Supported by Birchington Together.
https://www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk
Marine Studios
Marine Studios in Margate is a place of ideas, dreams and discussions where desk holders are from interesting and forward thinking disciplines – designers, architects, community activists, writers, musicians, poets and more.
If this sounds like a space that could nurture your plans and activities, then come and join our community for a day by hiring the private meeting room housed within the space. It offers flexible seating and tables to suit your needs – from a large meeting table, to individual desks, theatre style setup or space to stand and mingle, the sea views add to the atmosphere and make a great ice-breaking talking point for groups or individuals.
We are competitively priced at just £120 for a day, or £70 for a half day, with tea and coffee, a large screen or flip chart for presentations, fast broadband via wi-fi. The space is open from 9.30 to 5.30, Monday to Friday or outside of these hours through discussion.
If this sounds like the perfect space for your next meeting or event, you can jump right in and book via our website, or drop us an email to come and take a look and discuss further.
We look forward to welcoming you to Marine Studios.
Email [email protected]
Martha Trust
Martha Trust, which supports young people and adults with profound disabilities, hosted its 10th annual Music4Martha on The Square in Deal – and the community turned out in style as well as people from all over Kent.
The free-to-attend event, supported by long-term partners The Kings Head, The Port Arms and Dunkerleys, drew large crowds who enjoyed a fabulous line-up featuring Rebecca Robinson, Emma Black, Jay Deeh, The Rollers, GrooveShack, and Situationist! Students from Dean Academy of Performing Arts School also wowed audiences with dynamic dance compilations. 12 year old Alfie Allen mesmerised the crowds with his table magic.
The day was expertly compered by Deal Radio’s very own Mr C – Marc Carey, with sound provided by Mark One Sound & Light. Local businesses joined in the fundraising spirit, including Petal and Punk Facepainting, Tash’s Cakery, and Solley’s Ice Cream, each donating 20% of sales to the cause.
The event was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from 2025 Events Sponsor Superior Healthcare Group, along with local family-run businesses Walmer Installations, SoulChefKitchen, and JT Builders. Additional support came from Cllr Martin Paul via a KCC Combined Members Grant, and from Toni Burton at Barclays, who secured match funding.
Together, these efforts helped raise a record-breaking £8,200 for the charity.
Martha Trust’s Fundraising & Events Manager, Kerry Banks BEM, said: “It was an incredible day – on behalf of our residents and staff, thank you so much to everyone who came along to support. The atmosphere was amazing! Special thanks to everyone who gave their time for free – our volunteers are awesome – and to all who donated auction and raffle prizes, including Shepherd Neame, Debby Lee, Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club, Holiday Extras, The Dog at Wingham, and many more.”
Next year’s Music4Martha is already in the diary for Sunday 9th August 2026, marking 10 years since the very first event.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kerry Banks on 01304 610448 or email [email protected].
The charity’s next event is Music4Martha Sandwich which is being held on the forecourt of Sandwich Guildhall on Saturday 23rd August – stalls open from 10am and music starts at 12noon through until 6.30pm.
