Thanet Wanderers charity fun run
The Thanet Wanderers charity fun run in August has raised more than £4,000 for the British Heart Foundation in memory of two members who lost their lives last year.
The rugby club run, now in its 40th year, supported the charity in memory of John Duffy and Brad Teall.
The rugby club again teamed up with the Hotel De Ville in Grange Road where money was also raised through a huge raffle organised by John’s wife Kim.
John had been a regular at the Hotel De Ville and a member of Thanet Wanderers. Dad-of-three Brad Teall was a Thanet Wanderers player.
The total raised was £4469.
Plastic Free Thanet
By James Bonthron
Litter pickers flocked together last Sunday to clean up Margate, in a seagull-themed fancy dress litter pick.
The pick was one of the Protect Our Waterways litter picks and activities running throughout August and September from CleanUp UK.
On Sunday 31st August, Bon Volks Cleanup hub partnered with Rise Up Clean Up Margate CIC and Plastic Free Thanet for the Seagull Litter Picks & Parade.
Margate’s Mayor, Cllr Katie Pope and Deputy Mayor Tamara Campbell joined the volunteers as they cleaned up Dane Park, and then assisted the Rise Up Clean Up Margate community beach clean on Main Sands.
The best dressed were gifted Margate Cups, reusable coffee cups sold by Plastic Free Thanet.
In total, 19 volunteers collected 18 bags of rubbish during the clean, with five volunteers dressed up.
Plastic Free Thanet lead Jessica Rose said: “Seagulls are such an iconic part of life in our coastal towns. The litter pick idea was a creative way to draw attention to litter issues and have a bit of fun. It was a great squark!”
The groups hope that the seagull beach clean will become an annual event.
There are currently six Cleanup hubs in Thanet: Ark Cliftonville Cultural Space (Margate), Bon Volks Studio (Margate), Ellington Park Community Cafe, Oval Bandstand & Lawns, Radford House and Newington Community Centre.
Burn It Clean
Burn It Clean is a contemporary art exhibition which presents seven artists – Maxine Allan, Billy Chainsaw, Girl Shit, Ian Helliwell, Gavin Jay, James F Johnston, Rob Rinn – working in paint, print, collage and sound installation.
Raw, visceral, surreal and fiercely independent, their work channels the underground and the elemental — offering dark beauty, thought-provoking countercultural resistance and unapologetic feminist propaganda.
The exhibition runs from 11 to 15 September at the Pie Factory in Margate. Opening times 11am- 5pm, Wednesday to Monday.
https://piefactorymargate.co.uk/exhibition/burn-it-clean
Birchington Heritage Trust
Birchington Heritage Trust is preparing to open its doors to the past and invite both residents and visitors to experience the unique stories, architecture, and vibrant culture that make our community truly special.
This year, Heritage Open Week is focusing on architecture and promises a captivating journey through time, celebrating not only our historic landmarks but also the cherished shops that have shaped daily life for generations.
Heritage Open Week is an annual event designed for those with a passion for tradition, curiosity about local history, and appreciation for the enduring spirit and character of our village. Over the course of the week, scan the QR codes on special notices in the windows of shops and businesses in Station Road and discover a short history of individual properties.
More detailed historical information may then be obtained via a link or by searching the Trust’s website (www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk)
We’re also launching our new Station Road Heritage Trail booklet, that provides an opportunity to explore the architecture of the commercial heart of the village. It will be on sale at the Museum, which is within the library at 17 Alpha Road. The Museum will be open until 3pm on Saturday 13th September, then Monday – Saturday the following week between 0930 and 1230 daily (except Wednesday). We’ll display images of shops and businesses from the past. Our volunteers will be on hand to help research our extensive archives too.
Our historic shops are the lifeblood of the village—preserving traditions, supporting local
employment, and offering personalised service that cannot be found elsewhere. Station Road has been a “main road” for 130 years since it was designated as such in 1895 and has grown into the principal commercial hub of the village. Participation in Heritage Open Weeks and shopping locally helps sustain these businesses and ensures that future generations can enjoy their unique charm.
Shortly after Heritage Open Week, the Trust will host a talk by Alexandra Gilbert on Revisiting Birchington’s Victorian History. This is on 25th September at The Centre, Alpha Road, CT7 9EG. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. All are welcome: it’s free to Trust Members and we invite donations from guests. The bar will be open.
Margate WI
Grab your best friends, your favourite snacks and join us as the Margate WI quiz returns this October.
Prepare yourself for fun, mini-games, and perhaps some head-scratching moments, all in the name of supporting local good causes. There are picture rounds, there are questions on film, TV, geography, general knowledge and much more.
The popular raffle featuring an array of amazing prizes donated by local businesses is back – keep an eye on our social media feeds (Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky @margatewi) to see what you could win.
All funds raised from the quiz will support Margate Women’s Institute, as well as our good cause of the year, the Free Books for Schools initiative run by The Margate Bookshop.
The quiz will be held on Friday 3 October 2025 at Roosty’s, based in the Kent Innovation Centre in Millennium Way, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2QQ. Doors open at 7pm and the quiz begins at 7.30pm. Car parking is available.
Tickets are £6 per person, a maximum of eight people per table. Smaller groups may be grouped together.
To book your tickets, email [email protected] with the subject Quiz Tickets.
Slimming World
At St Luke’s Church Hall in Ramsgate, every Tuesday evening, something special happens. It’s not just about weight loss—it’s about transformation, community, and courage. And Kerry Smith’s story is a shining example of all three.
Kerry, a devoted mother and grandmother, joined Slimming World after bravely entering recovery from alcohol. “I swapped one addiction for another,” she jokes, recalling her newfound love of sweet treats. But instead of letting that derail her progress, Kerry discovered Slimming World—and with it, a healthier way to indulge. Her signature roulade quickly became a group favourite, and her passion for creating delicious, guilt-free desserts helped her stay on track.
Fast forward to today, and Kerry has lost over four stone. She reached her target weight just six weeks ago, a milestone that brought cheers, tears, and a standing ovation from her fellow members. But her journey didn’t stop there. Kerry is now a proud member of the group’s social team, helping to welcome new members, support others through their own ups and downs, and bring a little extra sparkle to every session.
Despite the challenges she faces—caring for her disabled daughter, juggling family life, and maintaining her own wellbeing—Kerry never misses a group. “Slimming World isn’t just about the scales,” she says. “It’s about friendship, support, and finding joy in the little things. Without this group and the amazing people in it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Her consultant, Tanya, agrees. “Kerry is the heart of our group. Her resilience, warmth, and humour lift everyone up. She’s proof that no matter your starting point, you can rewrite your story—and inspire others while doing it.”
If you’ve been thinking about making a change, Kerry’s story might be the nudge you need. Tanya runs two friendly, supportive Slimming World sessions every Tuesday at St Luke’s Church Hall, St Luke’s Avenue, Ramsgate—at 5:30pm and 7pm. You can reach her on 07463 311219 to find out more or book your place.
Westgate Heritage Centre
On Saturday 6th September, Pat Orpwood will be talking about the fascinating subject of ‘Jane Austen in Kent’.
The painting of Ramsgate shows the town around the time Jane visited there.
This talk will take place at Christ Church United Reformed Church, Westgate Bay Avenue, Westgate-on-Sea, CT8 8SN. Doors open at 10am and the talk starts at 10.30 am. Tea/coffee and scones will be available to buy together with publications about the history of Westgate-on-Sea. Non-members pay just £2 on the door. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Festival of Remembrance
The Royal British Legion at Ramsgate is again hosting the Ramsgate Festival of Remembrance on Friday 24th October.
The event will take place at the Granville theatre, Victoria Parade, Ramsgate.
Doors will open at 7pm.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticket Source at £12.50 per ticket plus a small booking fee at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/royal-british-legion-ramsgate-branch
The price this year includes a programme so that all our guests can join in with the evening.
This event is raising money for the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal.
During the evening we have the Invicta concert band, the Swingtime Sweetheart’s and a lone piper.
The evening culminates with a short remembrance ceremony.
If anyone has any problems with accessing a computer to book their tickets, please contact either Mark Brotherhood (Branch Treasurer) 07971543651 or Russell Haffenden (Branch Chairman) 07711 928469, we will be happy to assist you.
New Book: ‘Chas & Dave – Wallop! (The Music 1970-2018)’ By Peter Checksfield
Emerging from the London pubs with their own unique combination of ‘50s Rock ‘n’ Roll and Cockney Music Hall, much-loved duo Chas & Dave had hits such as Gertcha, Rabbit, Margate, Ain’t No Pleasing You and Snooker Loopy’. They had their own TV series, numerous one-off specials and were the subjects of ‘This Is Your Life’. The duo played Glastonbury, Knebworth, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. Yet there’s never been an in-depth look at their music – until now.
From their tentative beginnings as ‘Country Pie’ and ‘Oily Rags’, via the classic singles and albums of the ‘70s & ‘80s, right through to their triumphant return in the New Millennium, Thanet author and music historian Peter Checksfield reviews everything they ever did. So, stop your incessant talking, behave yourself grandad, get your beer out the sideboard, and order from Amazon!
(Special thanks to Jim Davidson, Sally James & Richard Digance)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FPF13GLY/
Express Travel Thanet
Express Travel Thanet taxi and airport transfer service is a family-run business serving Kent since 2022 and now we also want to connect our community to something bigger: compassion, kindness, and real support for those in need.
This Christmas, we’re launching a charity raffle with a special prize: for just £2 per ticket, you could win a free transfer to one of five major London airports — Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton or London City. More than just a chance to win, every ticket sold will help raise vital funds for people across Kent who are struggling.
The raffle is open now runs until the end of November. The live draw will take place at Maya’s Community Support Centre in Herne Bay at the beginning of December.
We are proud to support Maya’s Community Support Centre in Herne Bay, a place where nobody is ever turned away. With a free shop, food bank, hot meals, and even facilities for the homeless, Maya and her team welcome people from all across Kent. They don’t ask where you live — they just help. This Christmas, the money we raise will go directly to providing meals for families, the elderly, and children, because no one should be hungry during the holidays.
Express Travel Thanet also supports people like John from Thanet, a football coach and dedicated volunteer. Through sport, he helps young people build discipline, teamwork, and confidence, giving his time to guide the next generation. Like Maya, he shows what true community spirit looks like: giving back, with no expectation in return.
At Express Travel Thanet, we believe that when local businesses, volunteers, and residents come together, we can achieve something powerful. By joining our raffle, you’re not just in with a chance of winning a transfer — you’re directly helping feed families, support the homeless, and bring joy to people who might otherwise feel forgotten at Christmas.
We will appreciate every contribution, because together we can ensure that help goes to the right people, at the right time.
Enter the raffle: https://mayas.org.uk/win/
Copperfield Court
As pupils across the UK prepare returned to the classroom after the summer holidays, residents at Copperfield Court Care Home in Broadstairs reflected on their own school days, from wartime experiences to strict uniforms and lifelong lessons.
Freda Gedge (92) grew up moving between villages, which meant attending several different schools.
She enjoyed sports such as netball and rounders, but it was domestic science, also known as home economics, that captured her heart.
Freda said: “I took my own apron to lessons and loved it so much that I went straight into domestic service after leaving school. For six years I worked as a live-in cleaner and polisher in a family home, before leaving work to raise a family of my own.
“My advice to school children today would be to respect the rules and authority, because they’re important.”
Fellow resident Iris Loxley (88) described herself as a creative child who loved music and the arts.
Her favourite teacher, Ms Sellwood, inspired her love of history by bringing the subject to life.
Iris’s uniform included a ginger-coloured tunic with a sash and beret, with skirts checked for modesty.
Iris said: “I remember having to kneel on the ground so that the principal could make sure the length of your skirt was correct.
“My time at school inspired my career. During infant school, a Luftwaffe bomb was dropped on our playground, and I was very fortunate to have survived. After seeing how frail people really are, I wanted to do all I could to help, and I went on to have a successful career in the NHS for over 20 years.
My advice to the younger generations today would be to learn as much as you possibly can.”
Another resident, 82-year-old Bridget O’Conor, reminisced about starting her education in Belfast where she was born.
Bridget said: “I went to a strict Catholic convent school where the nuns were very disciplined, but I soon went on to enjoy a mixed secondary school which was much more modern.
“I enjoyed school a lot and made some good friends who I’m still in touch with today. Our uniform was a red and grey coloured skirt with a beret and a striped tie, though in P.E we had red rompers which we had to embroider our names onto ourselves.
“My advice to school kids today would be to make the most of it. I took the skills I learnt in typing, passed my Pitman’s test and secured a role in the NHS as a secretary. From there, I progressed to become a matron in hospital nursing.”
Eve Balcombe, the General Manager at Copperfield Court, added: “It’s inspiring to hear our residents share such vivid memories of their school days. From wartime resilience to finding their passions, their stories carry timeless messages for today’s generation as they head back to school.”
You can find out more about Copperfield Court’s ‘Back to School’ memories campaign at the home’s weekly Tea on Tuesday event, every Tuesday from 10:30am. Taking place in the home on Northwood Road, Broadstairs, Kent, all are welcome to join the residents and staff for homemade cakes and refreshments.
Athelstan/Ethelbert gated alley open day
An open day will take place on Saturday 20th September with the aim of bringing together the multicultural groups from the area. It will be an event where everyone can come together in a safe environment.
There will be various activities for children including rock painting, planting seeds and taking care of them. There will also be a communal mural to be painted and a talk and walk through as well as a free bbq
The Athelstan/Ethelbert gated alley in Cliftonville, Margate, is a shared community garden and community asset that was transformed from a fly-tipping hotspot into a thriving community space between 2023 and 2024, following a joint effort by the Athelstan Road Tenants and Residents Association (ARTRA), the Margate Task Force, and Thanet District Council. Originally a site of significant anti-social behaviour, waste issues, and fly-tipping, the alleyway was gated to prevent illegal dumping and create a safe, shared space for residents and children.
Sunken Garden Society
Join us at the Sunken Garden Eco Fair, a day filled with fun workshops, inspiring talks and eco ideas for all on Sunday 21 September, 11am to 4.30pm
Arit Anderson from BBC Gardeners’ World will be opening the programme of talks. Arit is an RHS Gold Award winning gardener, a key advocate behind the Peat-Free Growers Forum and holds the Veitch Memorial Medal, an RHS People Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to sustainable gardening and public engagement. She will share her passion and knowledge of ecological horticulture and the importance of peat-free gardening with you.
Peat ecosystems play an incredible role in our environment, supporting a range of wildlife and storing over twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests. This talk will be engaging, informative and inspiring, leaving you brimming with ideas to try in your own garden.
Following Arit, you will find Charlie Harpur, head gardener of Knepp Estate, sharing his experience of biodiversity and rewilding to a walled garden; Tony Kirkham MBE VMH with a lively and engaging talk about special trees that he has met on his travels, including during his 43 years at Kew Gardens and local Steven Edney of The No Name Nursery with a discussion on drought tolerant and coastal planting.
With the focus of the day on wildlife, ecology, conservation, tree care, gardening in dry conditions and sustainability, you will find workshops and information points by forty representatives of local and national organisations sharing their important environmental work, including Kent Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Southern Water with a Fatberg display and Wildwood. From bike repairs to bee keeping, bird feeders to hops, screen printing your own T-shirt to using less plastic and much more, there will be plenty to discover and discuss.
Information and booking links are available on our website at www.thesunkengarden.co.uk with updates still being added, so please visit regularly
Entry to the Eco Fair is free for all, with a number of ticketed talks and workshops with a price range for tickets. All ticket fees will go towards the cost of the Fair and the upkeep of the Garden.
Funded and supported by trusts through Kent Community Foundation, Mayor of Margate Fund, CoOp, Thanet District Council and Southern Water.
Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop
Chloe Savage, multi-award winning children’s author and illustrator, hosts ‘The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours’ picture book publication day storytime and craft for little ones (for ages 3+) at 10am on Thursday 11th September.
The event will be held at the Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop, STAPLE (up the stairs), 30A Reading Street, Broadstairs.
Science meets myth and magic, making STEM accessible to all child. Chloe will share her picture book story, and then lead a gentle fun creative craft activity session for little ones inspired by the book’s gorgeous illustrations and a curiosity of space.
Each £5 ticket includes a hardback copy of ‘The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbour’ to take home and treasure — hot off the press, publishing 11th September!
The other picture books in Chloe’s award-winning ‘HIDDEN WONDERS’ series will be also available on the day:
‘The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish’ + limited edition prints
‘The Search for Carmella’
Need to know info about the event and venue:
Suitable for children aged 3+
Event duration: 45 minutes followed by a signing
Ticket price is £5 per child (includes a hardback copy of the book, usually £12.99) – booking is essential.
Book tickets online at: https://www.happyreading.uk/events
Phoenix Community Group – Thanet
By Carol Salter
I’ve found time to volunteer or fund-raise for the odd project, group or activity throughout my life, though working full-time it hasn’t always been easy. Like a lot of people I have been involved in various committee roles over the decades, including; chair, vice-chair, secretary, publicity officer etc,
For the last seven years I’ve wanted to set up a voluntary, community group without the restrictions committees can sometimes bring (At least in my experience of them). I want to spend my time actually volunteering, doing hands on work, not listening to regurgitated minutes, or discussions on petty issues.
I’ve also wanted to build a group that covers our whole Island. That can provide help anywhere on the island. A group led by its members, where its members attending meetings make decisions and act on them.
In June, I went part-time and now I’m in a position to get this going as I have more hours free to do so, but like I said I don’t want to be bogged down by rules and procedures. There must be others like me out there, I know there are, who want their valuable time to be utilised to good effect.
The Phoenix Community Group – Thanet is beginning its life at 2pm on Thursday 11th September at Hotel Chocolat, Westwood Cross.
We aim to identify situations, places and events in Thanet where we can supply support. This includes primarily hands-on volunteer roles to improve and enhance elements of Thanet. Either volunteering directly, or by fundraising, for one-off specific items.
There is no committee, no minutes (only notes to ensure cohesive communication) and no treasurer or membership fee. Where funding is required, the individual or organisation bringing their request will be accountable for any funds relating to that specific task.
Individuals will identify/bring projects and tasks for consideration by the group. Members will vote on projects, and only if a majority of those attending at that specific meeting agree will it be accepted.
To this end the Phoenix Community Group wants people who are interested in:
ü Improving and enhancing the Isle of Thanet.
ü Offering hands-on volunteer work.
ü Are open, honest, and don’t play power games.
ü Care about other people, not just themselves.
ü Admit if they make a mistake–it’s the best way to learn.
If you think this is for you, come along to a meeting and judge for yourself.
We meet on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 2 – 4pm.
Redrow South East
Housebuilder Redrow South East has announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Fund, designed to support community groups, schools, organisations and individuals across Kent and East Sussex. After launching the fund in May, Redrow South East is now proud to announce 7 recipients will receive a share of the £8,000 fund.
The fund will provide vital financial support to several local projects and initiatives. These include funding for education and schools such as £853 for Ramsgate Arts Primary School school, with the funding going towards the construction of a new nurture cabin on the school ground, with the space providing vital support for neurodiverse students.
This will create a more inclusive and stimulating external environment for students and will provide opportunities for climbing, shelter, imaginative play, and self-expression, supporting emotional regulation and social development.
The housebuilder, which has developments in locations across Kent and East Sussex, is excited to help foster the local communities in which it builds by providing resources to support new and ongoing projects.
To find out more visit https://www.redrow.co.uk/south-east
Thank you, Kathy.
The plastic free litter picker seems to be using a plastic bag
The plastic free litter pickers seem to be using plastic bags.!!!
They always do, and never see the irony.