Yoakley House
Volunteers, staff, residents and relatives at Yoakley House in Margate have embarked on a month-long fundraising challenge: walking around their beautiful gardens throughout August to raise money for Michael Yoakley’s Charity.
The event was officially launched on Sunday 3rd August with a rousing proclamation from Broadstairs Town Crier, Bryan Jones. Following his announcement, members of the League of Friends set off on their walks, marking the start of a community effort that will continue throughout the month.
Five circuits of the gardens equal one mile, allowing participants to walk (or be pushed in a wheelchair) at their own pace. By spreading their walks across August, everyone can take part, regardless of their age or ability. Every donation, no matter the amount, will support the Charity’s work through its JustGiving fundraising page.
This challenge celebrates the unique community at Yoakley House and the funds raised by the League of Friends provide additional equipment and amenities for both the almshouses and the care home, enhancing residents’ quality of life whilst helping to keep care fees as affordable as possible.
Those wishing to experience the award-winning gardens themselves will have the opportunity during the next Open Gardens event on Sunday 6th September. Head Gardener Paul Twyman and his team will be on hand to chat about the planting and planning of the grounds. Tickets cost £5 and tea and delicious homemade cake will be available. Book your visit through the Yoakley House website www.yoakleycare.co.uk
Whether by supporting the August walking challenge, making a donation, or visiting the Open Gardens event, the local community is warmly invited to help Yoakley House make a lasting difference to the lives of its residents.
QEQM Hospital League of Friends
Thanks to the kind generosity of our supporters, we have funded a blood gas analyser shown with Respiratory Practitioner Rebecca flanked by our Honorary President Sylvia and fellow Trustee Laura, which is being of huge benefit to patients.
This very sophisticated handheld and portable device, which cost £8,582, uses advanced technology to deliver lab-quality diagnostic measurements of parameters such as pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide within minutes using a small blood sample.
This helps patients with breathing and pulmonary disorders to be evaluated, treated and cared for.
Having this equipment at the Hospital’s respiratory clinics prevents delays and patients having to travel elsewhere. Also, it is being used for home visits for those who cannot attend a clinic.
We are delighted to be able to make a difference to our local Hospital in ways like this. Please visit www.qeqmfriends.com or our Facebook page to find out more about us and how you can support us if you can.
Family history
Christine Reeves (nee Bubb) is making an appeal for family history information.
She says: “A family story passed down to me was that my great grandfather Edward Bubb born 27 June 1858, helped a establish a working men’s club in Ramsgate.
I think this could be the Ramsgate Woking Men’s Club founded in 1914. He would have been living in Montague Road, Ramsgate at the time and worked as a plasterer.
I know the club closed 10 years ago but does anyone associated with it at that time have some information?”
- Edward Bubb was born on 27 Jun 1858 in Canterbury.
- He married Emily (nee Brockman) in Ramsgate on 6 Dec 1875.
- According to the 1881 census they lived in Turner Street, Ramsgate.
- They had one son Walter Alfred Edward Bubb born on 25 Nov 1883.
- According to the census In 1891, 1901 and 1911 they lived in Montague Road.
- Emily died in Ramsgate in1920.
- Edward married Vashti Mary Cogger (nee Coleman) in 1922.
- Edward was buried in Ramsgate on 11 Jan 1928 ( I do not have an exact date of when he died).
- Vashti died in 1941.
- His son Walter Alfred Edward Bubb was my Grandfather.
- My father whose name was Walter Edward Bubb born in Ramsgate on 26 Jan 1921. He was the one who passed on the story.
Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected]
Westgate Art and Craft Group
The group is holding its summer exhibition at St Saviour’s Church on Saturday, August 22 to Monday August 31. 10am to 4pm. Free entry plus art, craft and cards for sale and a raffle.
To note- exhibition does not open on mornings of 23rd, 28th and 30th.
Merchant Navy Day
In the year 2000 the Government decreed that September 3rd would forever be National Merchant Navy Day due to this day being the UK’s first casualties of WW2 when the liner “ATHENIA” was torpedoed by a German “U” boat and sunk with the loss of 118 lives, both passengers and crew.
Parades / services are held on or near this day all over the country with the major one being at the National Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill in London.
Thanet towns have been very supportive since day one with Red Ensigns being flown across the island and we are extremely grateful for that. The general public appear to know very little about the Merchant Navy as it’s a case of “out of sight – out of mind” but our merchant seafarers have supported the Armed Forces for well over 100 years and continue to do so, besides bringing much needed goods into our country.
In WW2 we lost over 30,500 seafarers, we had 15,100 seafarers held as POW’s from 2,524 ships lost, we had merchant ships assisting at Dunkirk in 1940, at Normandy we had 101 merchant ships plus thousands of seafarers. In the Falklands we lost ships and seafarers and today we have numerous ships and hundreds of seafarers stuck in the Straits of Hormuz due to the Iran / US war.
I think the public may now realise this is the reason why stocks are low for food and clothing, and prices are rising including petrol and oil. Surely, it’s not too much to ask that they spend a few moments to think about where their goods come from and to think about the merchant seafarers on National Merchant Navy Day – September 3rd. Please remember our Merchant Navy and merchant seafarers
The Merchant Navy Day service and wreath-laying in Dover is now the nearest one to Thanet following the folding of isle-based M.N. Training Ship Vindicatrix Association in 2024 due to a reduction of members through ill-health, mobility and passing away.
The service and Wreath-Laying Ceremony will take place on Thursday 3 September, 11am, at the Dover Merchant Navy War Memorial, Marine Parade, Dover Seafront.
As this is an outdoor event, please wear suitable clothing in case of inclement weather and please be aware that those attending will be standing on grass and more suitable footwear may be advisable.
Following the service there will be light refreshments available at the Dover Marina Hotel, Dover Waterfront.
RSVP [email protected] no later than Thursday 27 August and please confirm if attending, together with the number of representatives.
If replying on behalf of a group, please give the total number attending. If you will be representing a standard and/or laying a wreath and how many will be staying for refreshments.
Wellbeing and wildlife retreat at Parkminster
Rise Retreats is offering wellness treatments, alongside a gardening workshop to help all the family engage with local wildlife.
The wellness retreat is situated near the historic Minster Abbey, with both interesting architecture and extensive outdoors space.
It’s hosted by beauty and holistic therapist, Alex La Roche, and SEN consultant and trainee reflexologist Nadia Law.
Those attending the retreat can get a variety of treatments, including shorter mini-treatments and back, neck and shoulder massages.
Those looking for alternative medicine may take part in the reiki session, or benefit from reflexology.
Alongside these, are facial and scalp massages. Refreshments are also provided, with tea, coffee and cake available.
Alex said: “We believe holistic therapies are an amazing way to promote health, mental health and wellbeing and we run monthly wellbeing days to ensure these holistic practices are available at an affordable price for all to experience.”
Also part of the retreat is a yoga and meditation class, aiming to clear minds and leave those taking the class feeling calm and rejuvenated. The class is facilitated by Diana, an experienced yoga, pilates, tai chi teacher, and Reiki master.
The wildlife workshop is hosted by James Bonthron who will be providing an in-depth look at local wildlife, and how to make your garden a bit more wild.
Wildlife workshop facilitator James said: “I hope my workshop will give people a sense of what they can do for wildlife locally, as well as a flavour of what’s around them. Thanet is full of wildlife, and I hope I can offer a snapshot of it at a price that fits family budgets.”
The retreat is on Saturday 22 August from 9.30am to 5pm.
Mini treatments are around 15 minutes long, for £10.
The nature workshop is £8, running between 12pm and 1pm.
The yoga and meditation class is £10, running between 1pm and 2pm.
You can book both the nature workshop and yoga class for £15.
You can book your spot now by phoning 07932 324812.
Prostate Cancer UK fundraiser
A fundraising funday is being held at Ramsgate Boating Pool on Saturday, August 29 from 11am to 3pm.
The day will include free entry, bouncy castle, games, lucky dip, sand art, face painting, tombola, hamper prizes and more.
It will raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Organiser Rachael Webster said: “ I currently have a family member going through treatment and I feel that it is one of the un-talked about male illnesses.
“There shall be a stand on the day with lots of information available regarding this particular cancer.”
Invicta Lodge
Residents, friends and family enjoyed a summer’s afternoon of live music, picnic food, ice cream, cocktails and garden games at Churchill Living’s ‘Picnic on the Patio’ party at Invicta Lodge in Westwood Cross recently.
The event on Friday 24th July was an opportunity for visitors to meet the friendly community of people who are already living there and hear their first-hand experience of the benefits of independent living in a secure, low maintenance Churchill apartment.
Churchill’s Senior Divisional Marketing Manager Caroline Haswell said: “Our ‘Picnic on the Patio’ event was a great success, showcasing the fun and sociable lifestyle that comes with downsizing to a new Churchill apartment.
“For anyone who missed it don’t worry, there are plenty more social events on offer throughout the summer for people to come and meet our friendly team and see for themselves the friendly community atmosphere we have here.”
To find out more about the programme of social events taking place at Invicta Lodge throughout the summer, please call 01843 498204 or visit the Churchill website.
Parkinson’s UK
When Richard Brocklesby bought his 28-foot fixer-upper boat, Ketty 11, he didn’t have a grand plan—until a lifelong friend was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Having already watched his grandfather and aunt battle the incurable condition, Richard knew what he had to do: set sail on a solo circumnavigation of the UK to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s UK.
Since departing Plymouth in May, Richard has navigated the western coastlines of England, the Isle of Man, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Now past the halfway mark of his gruelling voyage, he continues his fundraising push at every harbour—complete with a giant QR code printed on Ketty 11’s mainsail for instant donations.
He said: “I looked at Ketty 11 and suddenly knew her purpose. Parkinson’s has taken a heavy toll on my family and friends. There’s no cure yet, but every mile sailed brings us closer to funding one.”
Half the journey is complete, but the fight against Parkinson’s continues. The public can support the cause by donating online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sailUK-for-parkinsonsUK or meeting Richard in port as he completes the eastern leg of his route.
He arrives in Ramsgate on Wednesday 19 August.
