Pilgrims Hospices
Pilgrims Hospice Thanet is delighted to have received an annual donation of £2,362 from the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race, held at Broadstairs Sailing Club over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The cheque was presented to Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, by Michael Todd, Vice Commodore of Broadstairs Sailing Club.
Michael shared the origins of the event: “The Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race was created in memory of Broadstairs Sailing Club member and former Flag Officer Steve Dyson, who sadly passed away on 25 August 2008. Steve spent his final days at the Margate Hospice, where he received exceptional care. In gratitude, the Club felt it only right to give something back.
“What began as a tribute to Steve has grown into a celebration of all our past members, including those from the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Minnis Bay Sailing Club, Margate Yacht Club and Downs Sailing Club, whose sailors continue to support the race each year.
“For the past 17 years, the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race has taken place every August Bank Holiday, featuring three back-to-back races. Entry is by donation, and all proceeds— including bar takings and buffet meal donations — go directly to Pilgrims Hospices.
“We are fortunate to have a major sponsor, Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds’), who generously provide a free 72-pint barrel of Seasider each year. This year, we were also kindly supported by Pips Cider, who donated two polypins of cider.
“To date, the Dyson Dash has raised an amazing £39,375.09 for the Margate Hospice. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing connection with Pilgrims Hospices and look forward to supporting them for many years to come.”
Karen expressed her thanks on behalf of the charity: “We would like to thank everyone who has organised, sponsored and supported this wonderful event over the past 17 years. These incredible donations have helped to fund more than 1,575 hours of specialist care, both in our hospice and in patients’ own homes.
“We simply couldn’t provide our services without your continued generosity. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. There is also a 24-hour advice line.
Birchington Heritage Trust
On Thursday, 27th November, the beloved Thanet Clarinet Quartet returns to Birchington!
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with timeless tunes, festive stories, and songs that will spark joyful memories. The event kicks off at 7:30pm at The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington. Enjoy a festive raffle, a lively atmosphere, and a fully stocked bar to keep spirits bright.
Tickets are just £10 each—available now at the Museum (Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9:30am–12:30pm) or on the night. Secure your spot before they’re gone!
Every ticket and every sale helps preserve Birchington’s rich heritage for generations to come.
For more information, visit www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk or find us on Facebook.
The Society of Old Augustinians
A special Remembrance Service for former school pupils at St Augustine’s College went ahead on Saturday 8th November at 12 noon after Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School and Hartsdown Academy came to the rescue after the Ursuline College pulled out at short notice.
The service was attended by The Chair of Thanet District Council, Cllr Debra Owen-Hughes, former pupils of St Augustine’s and Ursuline Schools, local parishioners and other school representatives
Chatham and Clarendon Grammar school students gave readings and the read the roll of honour of those former St Augustine’s pupils who gave their lives in WW1 and WW2. Also involved with the service were representatives of Hartsdown Academy.
A wreath was laid at the St Augustine’s College War Memorial by Old Augustinian, David Fugurally.
At a reception afterwards, Dr Chris Horsburgh, President of the Old Augustinians, presented gifts to Chatham House and Clarendon Grammar School represented by Mr Craig Lowis (photo above) and to Hartsdown Academy represented by Mrs Kate Spikes (photo below). Dr Horsburgh thanked both schools for coming to our aid.
A gift was also given to Pugin’s St Augustine’s church, which apart from being a working church is also one of Thanet’s main heritage attractions. The gift was received by its Rector, Fr Jonathan Routh.
Andrew Sharp, Chair of the Alumni thanked all those present for attending and showing their support and for all the donations given my both the Old Augustinians and Ursuline Alumni groups who generously donated to help fund the Ursuline College’s recent trip to Ypres to visit some of the war graves of those who read out in the roll of honour.
He went on to say, “We are so pleased to have received help of these two Thanet Schools, and we are very grateful.
“We would also like to thank the Isle of Thanet News for publishing our appeal for help – the publicity helped us enormously and we are very grateful.
“Lest we forget – it’s an important part of Thanet Schools’ heritage that today’s generation of students remembers those many ex-Thanet pupils who gave their lives for us. They should never be forgotten.”
Margate Mayor fundraising quiz
The Mayor of Margate is giving a final shout-out for the seasonal Fundraising Quiz Night taking place this Friday, 28 November, at Hartsdown Academy. Doors open 7pm for a prompt 7:30pm start.
Join host Horace Hotman as quiz master, for a fun and festive evening — all in support of local causes and community projects. Tickets are just £6 per person, with teams of up to eight. Solo quizzers are welcome and will be teamed up on the night.
It’s Bring Your Own drinks and nibbles, and don’t forget some cash for the raffle.
You can book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/margate-charter-trustees or email [email protected],
Come along, test your knowledge, and help support Margate’s community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Disability Awareness Birchington (DAB)
We’re delighted with the positive feedback from our last Parish report—thank you! As a result, more keys have now been distributed for the disabled toilets, making access easier for those who need it.
We continue to receive reports from wheelchair and mobility scooter users about difficulties with drop kerbs. You can help! Please avoid parking on or blocking drop kerbs—they’re vital for safe and independent travel.
Our Facebook page is full of helpful tips and resources for anyone needing support. We’ve also launched a new helpline:
0345 833 8728 — You’ll speak to a real person who’s ready to assist with your queries.
We’re proud to have donated £250 to Singing 4 Well-being, a joyful group that meets weekly to sing and share music. Led by Charlie on guitar, the group meets every Monday (during school terms) from 1:45–3:00pm at St Thomas Church Hall.
We’ve discussed ongoing issues at the local doctor’s surgery. While the lift has been repaired, prescription problems persist. We encourage you to use the complaints procedure via email: [email protected]. You might also consider the home delivery service for prescriptions.
Thanks to Thanet Lions Club, we now have access to “Message in a Bottle” kits and emergency wallets. DAB can help you obtain these—just get in touch.
We’re excited to welcome Gill, who is now leading our Facebook page efforts. Our website also links to other local groups, including Health and Well-being initiatives. We invite other organisations to connect with us online:
Disability Awareness Birchington | Facebook
Another new member, Sue, will soon be sharing an article on Invisible Disabilities—keep an eye out for it on our Facebook page.
Thank you for reading and for your continued support. If you need us, we’re just a message or call away.
Call 0345 833 8728
Birchington Health & Wellbeing Group
The Birchington Health and Wellbeing Group has been gathering real momentum in recent months, bringing together passionate local residents who share one goal… to make Birchington a healthier, happier, and more connected place to live.
With meetings now running strong, exciting developments are already underway. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of Aaron Short and John Langley from The Veterans Association, the group now has its very own website (www.birchingtonhealthandwellbeing.org)and an 0800 number for anyone in the parish who’d like to get involved or learn more. They’ve also been busy designing a brand-new leaflet to help spread the word and ensure everyone knows what’s happening locally.
The first community meet-up will be held on Friday, 6th December, from 12pm to 2pm, at The Veterans Association, 2 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, CT7 9SA. The group will continue to meet on the first Friday of every month thereafter.
Everyone is welcome, whether you’re curious about the project, want to get involved, or simply fancy a friendly chat over tea, coffee, or a slice of cake. For anyone feeling a bit lonely or isolated, especially as we head into the festive season, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet friendly faces and feel part of the local community.
This project wouldn’t be possible without the amazing contributions from the dedicated members who have freely given their time and energy to get things off the ground. Special recognition goes to Colin Brown, local councillor and chairman of the group, whose leadership and commitment have driven the project forward with purpose and enthusiasm , truly embodying the spirit of community action.
Also playing a key role is Martin Dickerson, whose podcast Peace Unplugged (available now on Apple Podcasts and soon on YouTube) has been helping to share the message, highlight local voices, and bring the community together in new and inspiring ways.
With so many passionate contributors and exciting initiatives already taking shape, this is only the beginning for the Birchington Health and Wellbeing Group. Watch this space… there’s plenty more to come as this project continues to grow, creating positive change and connection for residents across Birchington.
Margate WI Christmas Fayre
The weather outside might be frightful, so join Margate Women’s Institute somewhere delightful – and get into the festive spirit with the return of our free shopping event.
The Margate WI Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 6 December and is set against the retro background of the wonderful Roller Disco indoor at Dreamland. It aims to provide the perfect opportunity for people to pick up unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts, as well as meet the talented makers and find out the stories behind them.
The WI elves have been working hard to track down a brilliant selection of artists, makers and independent businesses. Expect stalls filled with greeting cards and illustrations, jewellery, sweet treats, coastal inspired gifts, bright and beautiful homewares, fabric and yarn goods, handmade clothing, and much much more.
To help spread festive cheer as well as entertain all those who attend, shoppers will be able to meet and mingle with the talented cast of Robin Hood, this year’s panto from MOS Productions – oh yes they will!
The Mayor of Margate, Councillor Katie Pope will be present to open the free fayre, which runs from 11am to 4pm.
Margate WI members will be on hand to welcome shoppers to the fayre and our tombola is back for people to try their luck at winning prizes, while helping local good causes at the same time. Funds raised from this stall will benefit Margate WI’s good cause of the year, the Free Books for Schools campaign, which is run by the Margate Bookshop.
There will also be an opportunity to find out more about Margate WI and the work our charity does to help the community, including assisting Thanet’s baby bank, Mama to Mama. Details will also be available regarding Bystanders can be Lifesavers, a campaign created by our own members which has now been chosen to become the new national campaign for the Women’s Institute this year.
As well as showcasing some of the best independent makers in Thanet, Margate WI is supporting community groups and organisers of other events being held in the town on the same day, to help signpost people towards having the loveliest Christmas ever! Look out for the Margate Christmas Market Trail map on social media. Follow @Margate WI on Facebook and Instagram to find out more.
