RSPB Thanet’s 50th anniversary
The RSPB Thanet Local Group were delighted to welcome the RSPB Chief Executive Officer, Beccy Speight, to a special event to mark their fiftieth anniversary on Wednesday 12th November. Beccy gave a fabulous talk to a group of approximately 150 people, which included past leaders, members of the group and many guests.
The Mayor of Broadstairs, Cllr Mike Garner, opened the meeting by warmly welcoming Beccy to Broadstairs and sharing some examples of work that Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council have done for nature in our area.
Beccy then gave an excellent talk about the RSPB’s aims and achievements, followed by answering some excellent questions from the audience.
Two awards were given out by Beccy for long-standing service to the Local Group: Mr Brian Summerfield for 50 years of volunteering and Peter Radclyffe for 45 years. Both have been leaders of the group over their time.
Stephen Blaskett (former leader), plus past group leaders Paul Hale, Dr Brian Summerfield, Brian Short and Peter Radclyffe with Beccy.
Cllr Mike Garner, on behalf of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council, gave Beccy two Swift boxes to pass to The Royal Albion, Broadstairs, as this Shepherd Neame pub has generously agreed to put the boxes up on the front of their building to help these endangered birds in Broadstairs.
“I am so impressed by this active local group, and I look forward to seeing what it can achieve for birds and nature in Thanet over the next fifty years,” said Beccy Speight.
“I was delighted to be invited to be a part of this wonderful occasion. Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council try to do their best to support birds and other wildlife in the area,” added Cllr Mike Garner.
“We were delighted to have so many of our members gathered together to mark this special event. It was a lovely evening and very special to have Beccy as our guest speaker.,” Kerry Sabin-Dawson (RSPB Thanet LG Administrator) said.
QEQM Hospital League of Friends
We recently agreed to fund up to £3k for the provision of gowns to enhance the dignity of patients and promote their mobilisation in St. Augustine’s Ward and elsewhere in the Hospital. A number of patients do not have their own clothes or family to provide them. Whilst standard gowns are provided by the Hospital, due to the gap at the back they do not encourage patients to take part in activities.
Caroline Judge, Associate Director Nursing for General Medicine at the Hospital, said: “We are so delighted to provide these dignity gowns for our patients thanks to the generosity of the League of Friends and everyone who supports them, of course. The gowns do not have fiddly poppers and can be worn both ways round or as an extra layer using the integrated tie cord– ideal now it’s getting colder. Due to the amount we have been able to order, we have got an excellent price which means even more patients can benefit. Once again, thank you so much to the League of Friends.”
One of the gowns is shown being modelled by member of staff Sarah.
We depend on donations without which we will no longer be able to make a difference to our local hospitals by funding items like these. So please support us – visit www.qeqmfriends.com for all the information you need.
Arts Society Thanet
Our Christmas lecture takes place on Thursday 11 December 2025 (second Thursday in December rather than our usual third Thursday). The lecture is ‘Getting the Drift – Snow in the history of art’. Our lecturer is Matthew Wilson who studied History of Art at the Courtauld Institute and is an author lecturer and educator. We meet at St Peters Church Hall Hopeville Avenue St Peters. The lecture starts at 2.30 pm. We suggest you arrive just after 2 pm in order to secure a seat and a parking space. Visitors are always very welcome at £8.50 pp or £6 pp if a member of another Arts Society. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served after the lecture. Do come and join us. Our website contains details of all our lectures for 2026. Please visist: artssocietythanet.org.uk;
Ramsgate Town Council
Ramsgate Town Council and the Chair, Councillor Albon, would like to express sincere thanks to our own Town Centre & Tourism Manager, Rebekah Smith, and our dedicated Technicians Team for their exceptional work in delivering Ramsgate’s festive lights and this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
As employees of Ramsgate Town Council, Rebekah and our Technicians continually go above and beyond for the benefit of our community. Their hard work, creativity, and professionalism have once again transformed the town with marvellous Christmas lights, bringing warmth and festive cheer to residents, visitors, and local businesses.
We are equally grateful for the superb organisation of the Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which showcased their commitment, teamwork, and attention to detail. The event ran smoothly, brought the community together, and set a wonderful tone for the festive season.
Councillor Albon said: “We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and talented staff within Ramsgate Town Council. Rebekah and our Technicians consistently deliver outstanding work, and this year’s lights and switch-on event are a testament to their passion and professionalism. On behalf of the Council, I offer our heartfelt thanks for everything they do.”
Ramsgate Town Council wishes everyone a joyful and peaceful festive season and invites residents and visitors to enjoy the beautifully lit town throughout the holidays.
Royal Temple Yacht Club
On Friday 28th November members of the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate were invited to a private tour of the One:One Collection in Margate.
Escorted by Director and club member Frank Martin and Project Manager Dan Armstrong a fabulous time was had by all.
In The One:One Collection, the stars of the show aren’t scale models, but the real thing – iconic locomotives, rolling stock, maintenance vehicles and memorabilia – 1:1 scale and up close.
The collection’s new home isn’t yet fully open to the public, but you can get on board, follow its progress, and learn about opportunities to be among the first to see the collection as it arrives by following their website www.oneonecollection.co.uk.
The ladies of the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate held their annual ladies lunch on December 3. As is usual the proceeds from the raffle was donated to a local children’s charity and over £350 was raised on the day.
This year the money is going to Spurgeons Family Charity based in the Hub at Whitehall Road, formerly Fegans.
Family Hubs ensure families with children aged 0-19 can access integrated early help to overcome difficulties and build stronger relationships. They also run Buttons preschool in Ramsgate which has been operating for over twenty years and is owned and run by Spurgeons.
A huge thank you to everyone that attended and Judy Pearson-Parish and Davena Green who arranged the event.
https://familyhubsnetwork.com/hub/spurgeons-family-hub-ramsgate/
Thanet Big Sing
The Thanet Big Sing Choir will hold their winter concert on Saturday 31st January at Birchington Village Centre from 2.30pm.
They will be joined by the Big Sing Band and conductor Tony Castro.
Tickets are £10, under 14s £3
Prebooking advised, Call Lorna on 01843 290513 or email [email protected]
Thanet Jubilee Singers
Thanet Jubilee Singers will perform Christmas Singalong events in Ramsgate, in December. The emphasis will be on participation. We hope it will be fun and, more importantly, raise money for local homeless people.
We’re doing these events in aid of Porchlight and you can expect a mix of popular classics and traditional carols. Each venue will make a generous donation and we hope that patrons will also give generously. The dates are:
Sunday 14th at 4pm: San Clu Hotel
Wednesday 17th at 7.30pm: The Mariner’s Bar
Sunday 21st at 4pm: The Queen’s Head
Christmas is the right time to help those who are less fortunate and we’re very proud to support Porchlight. We hope these events will encourage more people to join our group
Living Advent Doors with Brighter Days Festive Market
Wednesday 10 December, 5pm to 8pm, Radford House
18-20 Effingham Street, Ramsgate CT11 9AT
Join us at Radford House to celebrate the lead-up to Christmas. The fire engine hall will be decorated with paper decorations, handmade at Chat Time sessions, and Brighter Days Market will bring its fabulous mix of local makers and craftspeople with shoppable gifts for all.
Ramsgate Arts Primary will join us at 6pm to sing seasonal songs. Stop for a while, taste Suzy’s famous mince pies and get yourself set for the Festive Season!
Wildernesstowonderland
Big thanks to everyone who has supported W2W with fab Tombola prizes. We need to see a lot of supporters of community gardening on Saturday to be able to clear the table.
Angels 4 Dogs
Jax was signed over to us recently through no fault of his own as his family couldn’t look after him any longer
Jax is an incredible friendly and well behaved dog who loves everyone he meets. He is quiet strong on the lead so will need someone able to manage this and do some training with him. As with all shepherds he can be a sensitive lad, he is not happy in kennels and desperately wants human company and to have his person. He is a loyal boy. Someone experienced with German Shepherds would be ideal.
He is house clean, knows his basic commands, loves a game of fetch and with a bit of lead training will be a perfect all rounder!
Jax is a great dog and will make the perfect companion for someone who has the time for a bigger boy.
Jax will need a secure garden with 6ft fencing minimum and no gaps at all. As with all dogs on going training will be needed.
Jax would be best with children 12+ as he is big and active and would knock a little one over.
Contact details: https://www.angels4dogs.org.uk/contact
Broadstairs Food Festival CIC
As the gates close on the Easter 2026 event, Jo Scott will be stepping back from her role of Broadstairs Food Festival Event Director, having been in the post since 2012 and board member from the outset, 2009.
Jo says “It has been a privilege to be part of such a unique community organisation, showcasing Kent’s truly extraordinary producers and products, supported by an amazing team of enthusiastic volunteers, without whom there would be no festivals.”
We are delighted to share that Katherine Wyatt has been accepted the position as the next Festival Director, taking the baton from April 2026. The search for the new Festival director was highly competitive, with some exceptional candidates from across the food, drink and communications industry.
But Katherine was the overall choice. She’s not only hugely experienced in the sector, she’s also passionate about the festival’s future, deeply connected in the region.
Currently Head of Enterprises at Kent College Canterbury, Katherine has led a portfolio of events and commercial ventures, so she understands the commercial realities on the ground, but also how to influence decision-makers. She has extensive experience in budget management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, alongside a proven track record of planning and delivering large-scale, high-profile events.
Katherine co-founded two award-winning hospitality businesses; created and managed sponsorship packages, built loyal communities, and has worked closely with traders and suppliers, giving her a strong network and first-hand understanding of the food and drink industry.
Beyond her CV, what really shines through is her passion. Katherine’s motivation is ensuring Broadstairs Food Festivals remain the highlight of Kent’s cultural calendar. She is keen to champion local producers, attract visitors, and secure sustainable funding through creative marketing, partnerships, and sponsorship within in the framework of a community, volunteer led organization.
Simon Abra, Chairman says “Broadstairs Food Festival is in good hands. We have a very strong board and, with Katherine as the new Event Director, we will be able to combine continuity with new energy. From April, I have no doubt Katherine will bring the same commitment and passion she has shown throughout her career.”
Please join Broadstairs Food Festival in congratulating Katherine Wyatt on her appointment.
Bon Volks Swift Guardian Crowdfunder
We’re back, and this time, your impact can go TWICE as far!
A few months ago, your donations helped us begin producing more Swift boxes for Margate, giving these wonderful birds new places to call home. Thanks to your incredible support this summer, we’ve been selected by the Aviva Community Fund for match funding!
That means we now have a new project page with them and every individual donation we receive over the next six weeks will be doubled by Aviva (up to £250 per supporter and only on each supporter’s first donation)
Your support helps us create more nesting opportunities for swifts here in Margate and with Christmas coming soon, you can also gift a Swift Box, T-shirt or Certificate to someone who wants to make a difference.
Donate here
Churchill Living
Colleagues at Invicta Lodge in Westwood Cross are celebrating this week after Churchill Living achieved a top honour at the national WhatHouse? Awards 2025, winning Gold in the ‘Best Retirement Home Developer’ category for a third consecutive year.
The WhatHouse? Awards are widely recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the UK house building industry. Presenter Gabby Logan was the host for the event which took place on Friday 21st November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London and was attended by over 1,300 industry professionals.
The ‘Best Retirement Home Developer’ category recognises the best developers serving the later living sector, looking at a range of factors including overall commitment and contribution to the promotion and enhancement of retirement housing. Churchill’s success in this category for a third year running underlines the Company’s leading position in the sector, thanks to the quality of its developments across the country, including Invicta Lodge on Nash Road.
The judges’ report highlighted Churchill’s exceptional performance during a difficult year for the entire housebuilding industry, saying: “Churchill leads the way in later living, with its unwavering commitment to this sector – not just in the quality of developments it builds right across the UK, but in its tireless championing of the residential and social needs of older people.”
Spencer J McCarthy, Churchill’s Chairman & CEO, said: “Winning this accolade for a third year in a row is an incredible achievement which would not be possible without our fantastic team of people around the country. Recognition like this underlines the strength of our business, the quality of our product and the positive change we strive for on behalf of our sector. I’d like to thank everyone across the Churchill Group for the hard work that goes in throughout the year to help achieve this success.”
Visit churchill-living.co.uk.
Such a lovely roundup of community efforts across Thanet. Great to see so many groups bringing positivity, support and festive spirit to the area. Wonderful work from everyone involved!