Serenaders Ladies’ Choir
Following our very successful Christmas Concert held in December 2025 the Serenaders Ladies’ Choir the choir are continuing performances for various organisations and care homes.
The music ranges from Abba to songs from the musicals and popular songs from all eras.
During the next few months, the choir has several events arranged. We have performed concerts for several organisations already this year and have concerts booked in April and May at various venues.
On the 4th July, we are holding our very popular Summer Charity Concert at St Philips Church in Palm Bay. Money raised from which will be donated to a local charity to be decided at our AGM in early May. On 6th November we have, once again, been invited to sing at the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Concert which is taking place on at the Centre in Birchington.
Our very popular annual Christmas Carol Concert is already in the diary and will take place at St Philips Church in Palm Bay on Saturday 19th December at 2.30pm.
Ladies, if you can sing, and fancy being part of a friendly team that has raised thousands of pounds for charity, having fun whilst doing it, then please get in touch with our Musical Director Janice Regan on 01843 224027 or our publicity officer Chris Buffrey on 07711938373 email: [email protected]
All you need is a love of music and an ability to sing in tune. Altos and seconds are particularly welcome. Please come along to any of our rehearsals. We meet on a Monday evening at 7.30pm at St. Philips Church in Palm Bay.
Rotary Club of Thanet
Following on from a meeting with The Rotary Club of Thanet and the Directors of The Hive @Foreland in January of this year, the club voted unanimously to make a donation to The Hive @Foreland using funds from an endowment left to the club by the late club member Malcolm Weston.
Club members agreed that this project ‘ticked’ all the boxes regarding the use of funds raise by the club or by individual donations.
Club members were very impressed with the activities of The HIVE, especially because their position is right in the heart of Thanet and many members were totally ignorant of their existence.
The picture shows Chairman of the club Community Services committee, Richard Gardner, Ann Weston along with Diarmuid Molloy (Director of Philanthropy) and co-director Jeremy Edwards who is the safeguarding lead for the Hive presenting a cheque for £13,000, supplemented from other club charitable funds.
Both directors were delighted with the donation which will enable the project to move forward in providing more facilities.
Founded in 2024 as a not-for-profit community interest company. The HIVE is the first of-its-kind national, bespoke and fully accessible recreational, social, training and learning centre for children, young people and adults with SEND (people with special educational needs and disabilities)
Rather than explain the many facets of the organisation have a look at their website: http://www.thehivethanet.com
T50 gym/It’s Your Choice Services
We are giving away 60 free of charge boxing classes, open to assisted living, SEN schools or SEN groups.
We would like to thank Mencap and Our Active Community Thanet for making this possible.
We are collaborating with Your Choice Activity Services and bringing these sessions to the community over the next few months.
If you have a sports hall, community hall, open space or outside area for the summer months, we can cater for up to 15 people at a time.
To get in contact message T50 on: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576675883738
Or It’s Your Choice at: https://www.facebook.com/itsyourchoiceactivities/
Birchington Heritage Trust
The brilliant multi-instrumental trio The Ashen Keys are performing at The Centre in Birchington – St George’s Day 23rd April. They will be accompanied by Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter.
These 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-trust1 or via the Trust’s website: www.birchingtonheritage.org.uk
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
Over 20 years the Trust has produced many publications about Birchington and the local area, with some published in association with local authors. Topics range from Rosetti to World Wars, Farming to Ingoldsby Legends and the very popular “Birchington Kaleidoscope” based on talks given by our much-missed Archivist, Jennie Burgess.
Many will not be re-printed when stocks end so why not visit and pick up a bargain?
DATE: SATURDAY 25TH APRIL
WHERE: THE HERITAGE MUSEUM, BIRCHINGTON LIBRARY, ALPHA ROAD, CT7 9EG
TIMES: 10.00am to 3pm
We look forward to welcoming you.
All proceeds help us to maintain the Museum’s collection and archives.
The Burley Gallery, Birchington Library www.birchingtonheritage
Kent County Council tree care
As cherry trees bloom across Kent this spring, Kent County Council (KCC) is highlighting a remarkable local story that links Westgate-on-Sea to Japan’s world-famous cherry blossoms.
KCC looks after thousands of trees across the county’s highways and public spaces, ensuring they remain healthy, safe and thriving. Among them are the cherry trees that brighten towns such as Margate and Westgate-on-Sea each spring, and whose story reaches far beyond the county’s borders.
Westgate-on-Sea has a unique place in the history of Japanese flowering cherries. In the late 19th century, Algernon Mitford – diplomat, passionate gardener and grandfather of the Mitford sisters – lived on Sea Road in Westgate-on-Sea. Having travelled extensively in Japan in the 1860s, Mitford developed a deep appreciation for Japanese gardens and is believed to have brought some of the earliest Japanese cherry trees to England.
Mitford later inherited the Batsford Estate in Gloucestershire, which today holds the National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries, featuring around 115 different varieties. That nationally significant collection can trace its roots back to Kent.
Westgate-on-Sea was also once home to Collingwood “Cherry” Ingram, later renowned for helping reintroduce lost cherry varieties to Japan – another reminder of Kent’s enduring horticultural influence.
Peter Osborne, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “It has been fascinating to learn more about the history of cherry blossom in Westgate-on-Sea. Trees like these are an important part of Kent’s character and its history. Our role is to care for them so they remain healthy and continue to protect the stories and heritage that have grown here over generations. I am proud of the KCC highways team, whose work helps safeguard a living legacy that reaches far beyond Kent.”
KCC’s soft landscapes team works year-round to inspect, manage and protect roadside and urban trees. This work ensures public safety, protects biodiversity and helps sustain the historic character of local areas such as Westgate-on-Sea.
As cherry blossoms once again mark the arrival of spring, Kent can take pride in both its quiet role in shaping an international horticultural legacy and in the work being done today to ensure that this living heritage continues to flourish.
Crocus Walk for Breast Cancer Now
A total of 121 participants came together this weekend for the 21st annual Crocus Walk from Walmer – St Margarets and back, raising an incredible £7,355 (and still rising) in support of Breast Cancer Now.
The much-loved community event welcomed walkers from across Kent, all united by a shared purpose. Among them were individuals currently undergoing treatment, breast cancer survivors, and many walking in memory of loved ones, creating a deeply moving and supportive atmosphere throughout the day.
Favourable weather conditions provided the perfect backdrop for the coastal walk, with participants completing the route and gathering at a poignant halfway point at the Dover Memorial, where a minute’s silence was observed.
Organiser Kerry Banks BEM said: “This event means so much to so many people. Seeing 121 people come together — each with their own reason for walking — is incredibly powerful. I am beyond grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered, or supported us in any way.”
The success of the event was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, marshals and sponsors. Notably, the youngest marshal, Thomas Bateson, aged just six, played his part alongside a committed group ensuring the safety and smooth running of the day.
Professional support was provided by A&S Event Services, who delivered first aid cover and patrol support, while Ernie & Will Studio captured drone footage and photographer Ian Banks documented the event.
The halfway point was generously hosted by TV producer, filmmaker and writer Debby Lee, who welcomed walkers with refreshments after the challenging cliff section. Additional support came from Kingsdown Water, Vix Cox, who supplied homemade brownies, and Suzi Fish, who donated wellbeing gift vouchers.
The event also benefited from the continued support of long-term sponsors and local businesses, including The White House Kent, who donated a pamper package prize for the highest fundraiser, Smye Rumsby for communications support, and Karl’s Festival Stall, who contributed fundraising merchandise.
Representatives from Breast Cancer Now were present on the day, sharing a few words with participants and joining in a moment of reflection.
Fundraising remains open, with participants encouraged to continue sharing their JustGiving pages. The highest individual fundraiser will be announced on 30 April 2026.
Funds raised will go towards the vital work of Breast Cancer Now, supporting research and providing care for those affected by breast cancer across the UK.
To donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/crocuswalkdeal2026
Kent Reliance Community Foundation
The Kent Reliance Community Foundation (KRCF) has launched a significant new funding campaign offering grants to registered charities working directly with individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or rebuilding their lives following homelessness.
The initiative will provide grants of up to £100,000 to charities for new projects that prevent or relieve homelessness across Kent.
Homelessness continues to affect individuals and families throughout the county – from those at immediate risk of losing their home to people already living without safe, stable accommodation. Through this campaign, KRCF is seeking to champion the organisations providing essential support to those in vulnerable housing situations.
“Homelessness remains one of the most complex and pressing challenges facing communities across Kent,” said Andy Golding, Trustee of the Kent Reliance Community Foundation. “It affects individuals and families in different ways and requires a range of responses, from early intervention and prevention through to crisis support and longer term stability.
“Through this focused funding campaign, the Trustees of Kent Reliance Community Foundation aim to support registered charities delivering charitable activity that prevents or relieves homelessness, or supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness within Kent.
“We are grateful to the charities working tirelessly in this area and thank all applicants for the vital work they do to support people and communities across Kent.”
The Foundation welcomes applications from Kentbased charities providing essential support to individuals and families experiencing housing instability. KRCF recognises that impactful work happens at every scale, and grants are available for both small, targeted projects and larger, established programmes.
To be eligible, organisations must be registered charities delivering activity within Kent and able to demonstrate clear public benefit and alignment with their charitable objectives.
The Trustees will assess all applications carefully, prioritising projects with strong local need, clear public benefit and the potential for long term impact.
Although funding is limited, the Foundation is dedicated to championing the charities that drive positive change throughout Kent.
Applications must be submitted by 22 May 2026, and charities can review the full eligibility criteria and submit an application at https://krcf.org.uk/
The Care Lab
There’s a moment most family carers know well. The one where you realise you’ve been searching the same questions for weeks, getting contradictory answers, and still don’t feel any clearer. When does dementia become too much to manage at home? What does residential care actually cost? Am I entitled to any support as a carer?
A local care home is trying to change that. Chartwell House in Broadstairs, part of Boutique Care Homes, has helped launch The Care Labs: a free online platform built for families and unpaid carers navigating one of the most emotionally complex journeys of their lives. Available at www.thecarelabs.co.uk it brings together practical guides, articles, and infographics across six categories, covering everything from recognising the early signs of dementia and understanding care funding, to managing carer burnout, having difficult family conversations, and knowing what to expect when a loved one moves into residential care.
There’s no registration, no paywall, and no hard sell. Just honest, clearly written information for anyone whose life is touched by care.
Content on the platform covers the topics families search for but struggle to find straight answers on. A practical guide on recognising the early signs of dementia sits alongside
advice on navigating care funding in England, understanding what a care home assessment involves, and knowing when residential care is the right next step. For those in the thick of the caring role, there’s a guide on carer burnout and an infographic on carer guilt, why it happens, what triggers it, and how to manage it. It’s the kind of content that feels like it was written by someone who understands what you’re going through.
Jaye Dry, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, said: “Families come to us having spent weeks, sometimes months, trying to make sense of something nobody prepared them for.
“The Care Labs is our way of reaching people much earlier in that journey, before the stress takes over, with information they can actually trust.”
The platform draws inspiration from Barclays Digital Wings, the free financial education resource that helped millions of people feel more confident managing their money. Boutique Care Homes identified the same gap in care: a dedicated resource giving families real knowledge, not just a list of phone numbers.
New content is added monthly, and the platform will expand to include podcasts, video, and eLearning modules across 2026. Families are actively invited to shape what comes next. If there’s a question you can’t find a straight answer to, send it to [email protected] and it could become the basis of a future guide.
Visit www.thecarelabs.co.uk – free, no sign-up needed.
