The Hive Thanet/ Barratt David Wilson Homes
Housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes has announced it will be extending its partnership with its Charity of the Year, The Hive Thanet, until early summer 2026. The housebuilder will be continuing its fundraising activities to support individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and the wider community around them.
Founded in 2024, The Hive Thanet is the UK’s first national bespoke training, recreational, social and learning centre for children, young people and adults with SEND, as well as supporting family members and carers.
Throughout 2025, Barratt David Wilson Kent took part in a number of fundraising activities including a Go Karting event, Golf Day, Charity Ball and paddle and football tournaments, raising a total figure of £160,504. The housebuilder also dedicated two weeks of volunteering last summer, constructing two outdoor log cabins that are now used as all-weather classrooms, hosting the charity’s day service called ‘The Hive Traineeship’. The service offers a wide range of bespoke activities to develop social, life and employability skills, all aimed at building independence.
The housebuilder will continue its charitable efforts in early 2026 supporting The Hive Thanet, with plans to take part in fundraising activities including Go Karting and hosting a Gala Dinner.
To commemorate the partnership extension, Barratt David Wilson Kent recently joined The Hive Thanet at is community centre in Ramsgate to tour the site with the cabins now in full use.
Diarmuid Molloy, Director of Philanthropy at The Hive Thanet, said: “We have a special relationship with Barratt David Wilson Kent which is testament to them extending our partnership until the summer. What they have achieved so far in terms of support is exceptional, and we are grateful for all the help and funds that have been raised – it all makes such a difference.
“With the extra support, we will be able continue providing safe and nurturing spaces for those who need them most, allowing us to reach more people and deliver essential services to the local community.”
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, said: “It has been a real pleasure to have been able to support The Hive Thanet in 2025, so we are really excited as a division to have the opportunity to extend our partnership until early summer.
“Last year, we demonstrated our commitment with the construction of two outdoor log cabins alongside Kingsheath Construction. It was lovely to see the team at the charities base once again and see the cabins in use – it has sparked excitement for the fundraising activities we have planned for the start of the year!”
If you have a learning disabled family member or friend who might be interested in joining The Hive Thanet or would like to find out further information visit www.thehivethanet.com.
Margate Civic Society
Please see below for details of our next meeting – details of which have changed following the publicised speaker having to cancel due to serious family health concerns.
Date: Thursday, 16 April
Venue: Holy Trinity Margate Hall, St Mary’s Avenue, Margate CT9 3TN
Time: 1930 hrs and attendees are requested to be seated by 1920hrs
Topic: “My Life in the Theatre and Entertainment – Part 2…the revenge!”
Speaker: Gordon Clarkson (Margate born, playwright, theatrical producer, actor, all round entertainer, and public speaker who worked in Theatre for over 40 years in Thanet and across the UK).
Guests: £3.50 nominal fee
As always, refreshments, merchandise and raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the evening.
All welcome.
Birchington Heritage Trust
The Trust is delighted to welcome The Ashen Keys to The Centre in Birchington on St George’s Day 23rd April 2026*. They will be accompanied by Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter.
These multi-talented musicians have performed at many events across Kent, showcasing their folk-style repertoire playing a wide range of instruments.
All proceeds from the event will help support the Trust to meet the cost of managing the heritage museum (based in Birchington Library), including our extensive archives and collection.
Tickets for what promises to be a great evening of music are £15 each and can be obtained from the Museum (Monday, Thursday, Saturday mornings 0930-1230), or www.ticketsource.com/birchington-heritage-trust
or via the Trust’s website: www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk
The Trust’s Publicity Officer Rod Giddins said “This is one of two fundraising evenings we hold each year, but it’s a new event for us and we hope it will attract a wider audience. We are really looking forward to these talented musicians performing for us in Birchington”.
*Doors open 6.45pm. Event runs from 7.30pm to 10.00pm. The bar will be open and there will be a raffle during the interval.
Booking fee applies to tickets bought via ticketsource
Sunset Sol Radio
Sunset Sol Radio is a new community, non profit radio station that aims to support and mentor young adults interested in electronic music, DJ,ing and radio production and performance.
Broadcasting from the heart of Margate, it is bringing together a diverse collection of DJs and Musicians from Thanet, Kent and internationally. Playing Deep, Soulful, Melodic, Balearic and House music 24/7, with live DJ sets, weekly show rotations and live events and pop ups at venues across Thanet.
Our goal is to put Margate and Thanet on the map when it comes to electronic music, with a focus on quality local artists and great electronic music that isn’t available on mainstream radio.
You can find Sunset Sol Radio broadcasting live every Saturday from 3pm at Margate Beach Club, or you can listen 24/7 on www.sunsetsolradio.com or on a digital music player.
The Friends of St Nicholas at Wade Church
The Friends invite everyone to their craft fair at the church on June 20.
Open 10am to 2pm. Free entry. Coffee/tea, cake and lunch on offer
Pilgrims Hospice Margate shop
Shoppers in Margate are going wild for a new sustainable fashion trend that’s raising vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices.
The £5 Mystery Bags at the Pilgrims Margate Discount Store have already raised £4,220 since launching in April 2025, with 844 bags sold to date.
Each bag contains at least seven items of ladies’ clothing, offering incredible value as well as a fun surprise. The bags are also organised by clothing size, making it easy for customers to find pieces that fit.
The initiative has proved especially popular with visitors to the town, including hen parties and weekend shoppers looking for affordable outfits with a unique twist.
Elizabeth Hilden, Shop Manager, said: “We’ve had such fantastic feedback, people absolutely love the surprise element. It’s been particularly popular with visitors to Margate looking for fun, affordable outfits, and it’s wonderful to see it supporting Pilgrims at the same time.”
As well as raising funds, the project has helped support volunteers. Madison, who spent nearly a year creating the bags, has now secured full-time employment with a major fashion retailer, crediting her time at the charity for boosting her confidence and retail skills.
Mystery Bags also promote sustainable shopping by giving pre-loved clothing a second life and helping to reduce waste.
New bags are added regularly, and shoppers are encouraged to visit the store to see what they might discover.
Pilgrims Margate Discount Store is located at 98–100 High Street, Margate, and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet
Neurodivergent Social Meetup – Monday 20th April 2026 – 7pm – 9pm – CAMP, Margate
Our social meetup for Neurodivergent adults to meet in safe spaces with their peers. Casual, social event, with games, activities and chatting.
Wildernesstowonderland
Wildernesstowonderland invites all our sponsors, supporters and volunteers to gather for a group photo at 11.30am on April 18 at the station approaches in Margate. It will be a great moment to show we care about Margate, our community and our world
10am – meet for gardening session. Tools, gloves available and a range of activities for all abilities
11.30am group photo taken by Frank Leppard
Noon pack away and refreshments at The Shakespeare
Fundraiser for summer flowering blooms: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/W2W
Gig fundraiser
Following their sell out show back in July ’24 David Devant and his Spirit Wife make a welcome return to the Ramsgate Music Hall!
Though known most widely for their 90’s call to arms “Ginger”, and their TV superstardom, on the Jack Doherty show, there is so much more to be drawn from the otherworldly experience that is a David Devant and his Spirit Wife performance.
Not just glorious glam infused classic pop anthems, Ginger, Radar or the masterpiece debut album Work, Love life, Miscellaneous. A whole treasure trove of musical and visual treats await. The recent Cut Out and Keep Me album being up there with the best work of their career. The Piper is the perfect intimate setting for this Victoriana influenced brilliance. And it’s all done by kindness.
The gig is to raise money for Sharon Goodyer’s latest project “Local Meals Made With Love”.
The ticket link is https://wegottickets.com/event/685038
Venue website https://www.ramsgatemusichall.com/
Westgate Dental Studios
As part of National Smile Month, a free children’s oral health talk will be held on Saturday 30th May at our dental practice in Westgate ( opposite the Carlton cinema) aiming to educate and inspire young people while making dental care more approachable and less intimidating.
Working within a private dental practice, I have seen the impact that poor oral health can have—not only on children’s teeth, but on their overall wellbeing and confidence. With many cases of tooth decay being entirely preventable, this initiative focuses on early education and accessible support for families, particularly within communities where dental health challenges are more prevalent.
“Our mouth is the gateway to our body,” Oral Health practitioner trainee Lucy O’Donnell explains. “When oral health is neglected, it can lead to wider health issues. But the reality is—so much of this is preventable with the right knowledge and habits.”
Recognising that families in more deprived areas can face additional barriers to dental care, I am passionate about bridging the gap. The goal is simple: to empower children and their families with the tools and understanding they need to maintain a healthy mouth for life.
The workshop will provide a welcoming, friendly introduction to the dental environment—helping children feel more comfortable and less anxious about visiting the dentist.
Taking place on the morning Saturday 30th May, the session will include:
A fun and engaging talk on basic oral health habits
A chance for children to explore the dental setting in a relaxed way
Helpful tips on preventing tooth decay
Free goodie bags to encourage healthy routines at home
How to Attend
The event is completely free, but spaces will be limited due to capacity.
To secure a place, parents and carers are encouraged to book in advance by emailing: [email protected]
Invicta Lodge
Churchill Living is inviting local over 60s to a special Cheese & Wine event on Tuesday 21st April at its Invicta Lodge development in Westwood Cross.
The event takes place from 2pm to 4pm and is free to attend for prospective customers and their families and friends. It will offer the opportunity to taste a selection of cheese and wine in friendly company, whilst finding out about the independent, secure and low maintenance lifestyle on offer at Invicta Lodge.
Churchill’s welcoming team will be on hand to explain the help on offer for those looking to make a move, including free downsizing advice, help with estate agent fees and legal costs, specially tailored moving services, and ongoing support throughout the process.
To find out more or register to attend the event, visit churchill-living.co.uk or call 01843 498204.
Stagecoach Thanet
Families enjoyed chocolate treats and coastal views as the Easter Bunny travelled along Thanet’s Open Top bus routes.
Stagecoach South East brought extra Easter cheer to Thanet over the holiday weekend, as the Easter Bunny hopped aboard the Open Top bus, handing out chocolate treats and delighting passengers along the coast.
Families travelling between Minnis Bay, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate enjoyed spotting the Bunny on board, adding a festive twist to seaside journeys and making the most of the sunny weather.
Joel Mitchel, Managing Director of Stagecoach South East, said: “The Easter Bunny was incredibly well received by our customers. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the experience together, the atmosphere on board was brilliant.”
The 2026 service has returned with a refreshed look and an updated route, now including Broadstairs High Street, making it even easier to explore beaches, shops and local attractions. With a flexible hop-on, hop-off service, it’s ideal for family days out, with great value fares including £8 for adults, £5 for under 19s and concessions, Group Day Ticket (up to 5 people) for £22, and free travel for under 5s.
Customers can continue to enjoy the Thanet Open Top bus; 3 – 19 April (Easter Holidays), 23 – 31 May (May half term), weekends from 6 June, daily during the summer holidays (22 July – 31 August), and 5 & 6 September.
Find out more via the Stagecoach website https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-east/thanet-open-top
Police Property Act Fund
Community groups and charities across Kent are being invited to apply for grants as the latest round of the Police Property Act Fund is now open.
The fund is generated from the sale, at auction, of items seized in police operations that cannot be reclaimed. The funds generated are then used to support Registered Charities, Social Enterprise, Constituted Groups or Community Interest Companies (CICs).
Organisations who have a clear connection to Kent and undertake work that benefits the local community and promote safety and wellbeing are invited to apply for funding to support their projects.
In the previous Autumn round, £88,031.86 was awarded to 49 organisations. Projects supported included:
Boxing and personal safety sessions for women and young girls, helping build confidence and resilience.
Counselling services for survivors of domestic abuse across West Kent, providing vital emotional and therapeutic support.
Training opportunities for disadvantaged or at‑risk young people, enabling them to gain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Green Labourer Card to access employment.
Delivery of “I Didn’t Know That!” workshops, educating school‑aged young people on gangs, knife crime, and personal safety.
To apply or learn more about the fund visit: Police Property Act Fund
Applications will close on April 30th.
