Thanet Bubble Rush
Hundreds of fundraisers took part in the first Thanet Bubble Rush last weekend to raise money for children’s charity Demelza.
More than 600 people went along to the event, which saw participants wade through 4ft walls of colourful bubbles as they made their way around the course.
It’s the 10th year the charity has been hosting the event, but the first time it has come to Thanet and it took place at Quex Park in Birchington on 1 June.
Among the participants was Dover-based social media star Arron Crascall, who shared videos of people enjoying the bubbles with his 4.6m Instagram followers. The event kicked off with a warm-up led by Birchington-based Quigley Theatre Arts and Whitstable samba band Samba Pelo Mar got the crowd going.
Participants then walked, jogged, ran, danced and toddled their way around the course, which was fully accessible and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Altogether, the event raised almost £17,000 for Demelza, which provides extraordinary care for extraordinary children with serious or life-liming conditions, and their families, throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex.
Demelza Senior Events Manager, Anna Watson, said: “We were delighted to bring our first Bubble Rush to Thanet. It was a fantastic event and there were lots of smiling faces.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Quex Park for their amazing support of the event. We’d also like to thank Quigley Theatre Arts and the Samba Pelo Mar band for their fantastic entertainment.
“And of course we want to thank every single person who came along to the event, fundraised, bought merchandise and just enjoyed their day.
“Everyone who takes part in events like these makes a big impact on the lives of children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families who use our services.”
The next Kent Bubble Rush will take place at Mote Park in Maidstone on Sunday 22 June and there are still some tickets left. To find out more or to book a space, visit Bubble Rush Maidstone | Events | Demelza
RECLAMET
RECLAMET, a leading metal and vehicle recycling business in Thanet, is proud to be a headline sponsor of the Martha Trust’s much-loved annual summer festival, Music on the Farm, taking place on Sunday, June 29th, from noon to 8pm at Solley’s Ice Cream, Ripple.
Firmly established as a highlight in the local calendar, Music on the Farm draws huge crowds from across east Kent. The event promises a fun-filled day of live music, local food and drink, and family-friendly activities – all in support of Martha Trust, which provides vital care and support for people with profound disabilities.
Kerry Banks, Martha Trust, said: “‘Music on the Farm’ is our flagship fundraising event and now a much-anticipated fixture in Kent’s summer calendar. We’re thrilled to be bringing together another incredible day of live music, dancing and family fun in the beautiful setting of Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour and Farm.
“Our home in Deal is a truly special place, where we support 23 residents with profound disabilities, helping to transform lives every single day. We simply couldn’t do this without the generosity of our supporters and the success of events like this one.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome RECLAMET as a headline sponsor for 2025 and deeply grateful for their support.”
Stuart Mann, Owner and Managing Director, RECLAMET said: “The work carried out by the Martha Trust team, from care staff to fundraisers, is nothing short of inspirational. We’re incredibly proud to support such a vital organisation and to be a headline sponsor of this fantastic local event. The Reclamet team is looking forward to a great day at ‘Music on the Farm’ 2025.”
Millmead Community Centre
We have a fantastic Summer Holiday Club coming up (for reception age up to 11 year olds) from the 28th July until 22nd August.
Morning sessions 8am to 1pm and afternoon sessions noon to 5pm are £15. Day session 9am to 4pm is £20 and full day of 8am to 5pm is £25.
Bookings and enquiries are made via email to [email protected] OR you can leave your name and contact details by calling 01843 280555.
We also have a playground for babies (under 18 months) and our Sparkle Room (A combination of Sensory and/or boogie room).
All bookable via www.ticketsource.co.uk/millmead-childrens-centre
Birchington Together CIC
Sue Kent from BBC’s ‘Gardeners World’ will be a feature speaker at The Centre in Birchington on Thursday 7th August. Sue is a charismatic and inspiring presenter/author who will give her insights as to how to make the most of your time in the garden, no matter what challenges you may face.
The evening will include:
Designing Beautiful Flower Borders & Personal Reflections
Sue will begin by sharing practical strategies and RHS design tips for creating or revamping beautiful flower borders. She’ll explore the use of monochromatic planting schemes, illustrated with examples from renowned show gardens as well as her own home garden.
After a short break, Sue will return to talk more personally, offering insights into her life and experiences.
Sue will reflect on her life and previous career, her journey to joining Gardeners’ World, and what it’s really like to be a TV presenter—plus the behind-the-scenes realities of featuring her own garden on the show.
She’ll also introduce some of the practical gadgets and tools she uses to make gardening more accessible and enjoyable. The evening will include plenty of time for an audience Q&A and a book signing session.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet one of Britain’s most inspirational gardening voices! Early Bird tickets at £19 are now available from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/btcic/t-jzgomoj
Thanet & District Caledonian Society
The Thanet & District Caledonian Society is an organisation that celebrates Scottish heritage and traditions.
Our social activities during the year encompass all things Scottish: Burns supper, St Andrew’s Dinner, ceilidh dancing, whiskey drinking, haggis, kilts and tartan, bagpipes, holidays to Scotland, golf and Scottish country dancing.
Whatever social activity you are attending, you are always sure of a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Our main events of the year are our Taste of Scotland Dinner and Ceilidh, in September, St Andrew’s Celebration Dinner in November and the Burns Supper and Ceilidh in January. The latter two functions include the highlight of the haggis being piped in by a piper and being addressed in the traditional Scottish manner. Our ceilidh dancing is always enjoyable when dancing to a live band. Our events are always well attended by members, families, friends and guests.
Due to the sad closure of St Augustine’s in Westgate, our functions are now booked to be held at North Foreland Golf Club.
We always enjoy our annual quiz with a fish and chip supper, in April.
This summer, on Sunday 6th July, we are looking forward to our first Afternoon Charity Concert. We have a very popular Scottish Country Dance & Folk band playing. Chris and Julie Dewhurst, from Leicester, play a wide selection of accordion music and travel all around the world.
If you enjoy dancing, come along to our weekly Scottish country dancing group which meets every Tuesday afternoon at The Vale church hall in Broadstairs.
We also have a golf section which meets regularly for friendly games and competitions at North Foreland Golf Club, Broadstairs
The Caledonian Society is open to anyone with an interest in Scottish culture, there is no need to be Scottish! You are welcome to join us.
If you would like to become a member of the Thanet & District Caledonian Society or you would like more information about our events, please look on the Kent Association of Scottish Societies’ (KASS) website: kass.org.uk
If you would like to purchase tickets for our upcoming Charity Concert in July please contact [email protected]
Mencap
Organise a Mencap One Big Walk this September and help raise funds for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
Whether you walk alone or with friends, family or colleagues, the money you raise will support the vital of work of Mencap to help people living with a learning disability in the UK and their families
Mencap knows that people with a learning disability face huge inequalities. They are more likely to be socially isolated and sadly, people with a learning disability die on average up to 23 years younger than the general population. The money raised by One Big Walk will go towards supporting Mencap’s campaign work to tackle stigma and create a fairer society for people with a learning disability.
How can you get involved?
There are three challenges to take part in:
Walking 1.5 miles every day
Organising one 15-mile walk
Walking 150 miles across the month of September
Simply sign up at www.mencap.org.uk/event/one-big-walk
Kat Newstead, Community Fundraising Specialist at Mencap says: “We want everyone to get involved this September and support people with a learning disability by organising their own One Big Walk. Every penny raised will go towards funding Mencap’s life-changing work, which aims to tackle stigma and help people with a learning disability lead happy and healthy lives.”
Isle of Thanet Photographic Society
Come along to the Isle of Thanet Photographic Society’s Annual Exhibition of images at the York Street Gallery, Ramsgate from Thursday 12th June until the end of the day on Tuesday 17th June (not Monday).
There are usually 40-50 prints on display, some of which are for sale.
We hope that many local people and holidaymakers will drop in, enjoy seeing the range of photos on display and be inspired to get creative with their own cameras.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Thanet Big Sing Community Choir
The Thanet Big Sing summer concert takes place on June 28, 2.30pm, at The Centre in Birchington.
Tickets are £10, under 14s £3
Refreshments included, booking advisable
For tickets call Lorna on 01843 290513 or email [email protected]
St Nicholas at Wade Open Gardens
The St Nicholas open gardens event will be held on June 14-15, 11am to 5pm, with proceeds going to Friends of St Nicholas at Wade Church.
Local history author Nick Evans will be at the event to launch his new book about the Thanet Villages as well as selling signed copies. There will also be a Craft Fair in the Village Hall. The church will host lunches and cream teas from the new kitchen, paid for by The Friends – a good example of how the funds raised from these events are being used for the good of the community!
There will also have a Flower Display in the church, and some artwork by the children of St Nicholas at Wade School.
Entry is £5pp, under 18s free.
Boutique Care Homes
Boutique Care Homes has proudly been named Winner of the ‘Residential Elderly Care Provider Small’ category at the prestigious HealthInvestor Awards 2025. A recognition that celebrates excellence in the business of healthcare across the UK.
Held in London on 4 June, the HealthInvestor Awards have, for nearly two decades, spotlighted innovation, dedication, and outstanding care across the sector. Boutique Care Homes’ win in this highly competitive category honours its commitment to delivering care that’s deeply personal, professionally led, and thoughtfully designed for every individual who calls Boutique Care Homes, home.
Founded in 2019 by Managing Director Ameet Kotecha, Boutique Care Homes has developed four exceptional care homes across the South East; The Burlington in Shepperton, Brampton Manor in Newmarket, Chartwell House in Broadstairs and Keymer Hall in Burgess Hill.
Each offers residential, dementia and short-stay care within warm, elegant surroundings. Together, they reflect the group’s core philosophy: to be “a warm and loving family where everyone feels at home.”
Speaking after the ceremony, Ameet Kotecha shared his pride in the team’s achievement; “I’m just so proud of what we’re building, not just as a care provider, but as a team of people who genuinely care. This award belongs to every single person who brings our values to life, day in and day out. It recognises the everyday commitment to personalised, values-driven care that makes such a difference to our residents and their families. We set out to offer care so good, it’s unexpected, and moments like this show we’re staying true to that promise.”
To discover more about Boutique Care Homes, please visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk
Bags, bags & more bags
A sale of bags, accessories, and mixed media artworks by Irene Burton Raising funds for The Garden Gate and The Brain Cancer Trust, in memory of Paul Burton (cash only)
Saturday June 28, 10am to 4pm at the Community Space next door to the Carlton Cinema
Ramsgate Space
Following the successful opening of Ramsgate Space HQ, a new programme of free weekly business support sessions has launched, offering practical guidance, inspiration, and expert advice to local entrepreneurs, startups, and independent businesses.
Hosted at Ramsgate Space HQ, located at 17 Albert Court, the sessions run every Thursday from 1–2pm throughout the summer. The programme opened with a special event on Thursday 5 June, featuring Wednesday Lyle, founder of popular independent retailer Potters, in conversation with Emma Jones CBE, Director of Ramsgate Space and founder of Enterprise Nation.
“This programme is designed to support anyone looking to start or grow a business in Ramsgate,” said Louise Brooks, Co-Founder of Ramsgate Space CIC. “Whether you’re already trading or just testing an idea, the sessions will provide useful insight and a supportive environment to learn and connect.”
The weekly sessions will feature a mix of expert talks, peer support, and practical advice, covering topics such as:
Marketing and visibility on a budget
Understanding policy tools for accessing empty shops
Developing sustainable business models
Navigating the challenges of seasonal trading
The business support programme is a key part of Ramsgate Space CIC’s wider mission to bring life back to the high street, by reactivating empty shops and creating opportunities for local people to shape their town’s future.
All events are free, but spaces are limited. Bookings can be made at: www.ramsgatespace.co.uk/businesssupport
Ramsgate Space HQ is open now at 17 Albert Court, Ramsgate, CT11 9DN. Follow updates at @ramsgatespace
East Kent Co-operative Party
To remind readers, as mentioned in a previous article, 2025 is International Year of Co-operatives.
The East Kent Co-operative Party is calling for support for community renewable energy schemes. People need to know where their energy comes from and be able to control it, so that we can contribute to a sustainable future, and generate benefit for our locality. Thanet is unique in having potentially three forms of sustainable energy, solar and offshore wind farms, and even the possibility of tidal flow energy. Jobs and training opportunities for local people would follow.
We will be supporting Solar energy installation across all KCC properties as a model of investment in green energy. Programmes should be developed to provide leases to publicly owned sites which are appropriate for solar installation, making these available to community energy schemes, for example roofs of council estates, libraries and any other suitable roofs.
For a start, KCC needs to increase the availability of electric car charging points across Kent and to harmonise the payment methods.
For more information, check out the Co-operative Party’s national website – www.party.coop
