Ramsgate RNLI
Big congratulations to Pete Jones from the RNLI Thanet Fundraising Group, who for the third year running took up the Mayday Mile Challenge.
This year Pete completed over 80 miles walking the Viking Coastal Trail and raised an incredible £723 to add to the £145 in 2023 and £365 in 2024 .
The RNLI’s Mayday Mile is an annual fundraising challenge, held usually in May, where people are encouraged to walk, run, swim or cycle a mile every day. They can take part either in groups or solo and whilst encouraging exercise it’s also a great way to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. If you would like to take part then visit fundraise.rnli.org
Pete’s already eyeing up his 2026 route.
Boys & Maughan
Boys & Maughan’s Solicitors’ family and property litigation teams have again been recognised in The Legal 500, featuring in the 2026 edition of this leading guide to the UK’s top lawyers and law firms.
In family law, Jonathan da Costa continues to be named as a Recommended Lawyer, with the guide praising the “highly experienced, capable” team operating across Margate and Canterbury. The editors highlighted Jonathan’s leadership and extensive experience in collaborative law and the innovative Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model. The team regularly advises on international financial disputes, complex asset divisions, and Children Act proceedings.
One referee described the family lawyers as “highly experienced, capable and very well led by Jon da Costa who is a top-drawer family lawyer of the higher calibre.” Another commented that “Jonathan da Costa is very experienced, energetic and has excellent judgment.”
The property litigation team also achieved fresh recognition in this year’s edition. Andrew Baker and Richard Giles remain Recommended Lawyers, joined by Joana Daraskeviciute, who is singled out for her expertise in disrepair claims and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) cases. The team is praised for being “extremely hardworking, very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with” as well as “friendly, approachable and highly professional.”
The editors draw particular attention to the breadth of the practice, noting Andrew Baker’s specialism in property damage and ownership disputes, Richard Giles’ work on possession proceedings and professional negligence claims, and Joana’s growing authority in disrepair cases.
The team’s work highlights include representing a client in a complex £1m wills and property dispute involving a house and adjoining industrial estate in East Kent.
Andrew Baker, Senior Partner at Boys & Maughan, said, “The recognition our teams have received in The Legal 500 is a reflection of the skill and dedication they bring to each case. What pleases our firm most is that the guide shines a light not just on the outcomes, but on the approachability, care, and professionalism that our clients experience when they come to us.”
This marks the 11th year that Boys & Maughan’s family team has featured in The Legal 500, while the property litigation team has now been recommended for six consecutive years.
The Legal 500 submission process involves rigorous independent research, incorporating feedback from clients, referees, and peer firms to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of legal services across the country.
Japanese Embassy – Foreign Minister’s commendation to Dr. R. John Pritchard
On 22 September, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki presented the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Thanet resident Dr Robert John Pritchard – best known as John- at the Embassy of Japan.
As a historian, Dr Pritchard has devoted many years to research primarily concerning the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. Through his studies of Japan, he has worked tirelessly to promote mutual understanding between Japan and the UK, thereby contributing continuously to fostering reconciliation between the two nations.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki stated that the Commendation to Dr Pritchard, a historian who has made outstanding contributions to promoting post-war reconciliation between Japan and the UK, is of profound significance as this year marks 80 years since the end of the World War II. He expressed deep respect and gratitude for Dr Pritchard’s contributions.
Dr Pritchard reflected on his own endeavours and expressed his gratitude for the Commendation.
Invited guests included former British diplomats and ambassadors, current officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and individuals who had taken part in demi-official initiatives led by Dr Pritchard devoted to Truth, Peace, Reconciliation and Friendship between the UK and Japan, particularly involving former British Far Eastern Prisoners of War, Civilian Internees, their families.
Millmead Community Centre
HOLIDAY CLUB – More info Facebook
We have spaces available at the October 2025 Half Term Holiday, closing date is tomorrow (Friday 03/10/2025) for bookings.
Just email [email protected] for a booking and registration form.
JANUARY 2026 MEADOW NURSERY INTAKE – More Info Facebook
We have our waiting list open and ready to take children from 9 months at Meadow Nursery in January 2026.
We accept the 30 hour funding for 9 months+ for working parents and the 2-, 3- and 4-year-old funding too.
Just email [email protected] for a registration form and/or to book a show around.
FANCY A GAME OF BINGO? DAYTIME QUIZ? More Info – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F7YpCjta3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Hosted by Age UK Thanet, we have Prize Bingo EVERY Monday (only £1 per person) and all the family can join in or if you prefer Quiz, We have a Daytime Quiz (only £3 per person, includes refreshments) EVERY Friday.
The Age UK CAFE is up and running and full of lush food! Come on down and grab a bite and/or a gorgeous treat!
Keep an eye out for our Christmas Trade Fair, Sensory Play Groups, Sparkle Room and other groups and events via our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/millmeadchildrenscentre
We also have a “Pay in Forward” scheme to help those in need of a little extra help. Anyone can donate to a ‘friend pot’ that helps sup[port persons in need. This could be simply not having the money to join one of the groups and the donations would help give them social interaction or it could pay for a lunch for someone who is hungry or just wants some company because they are lonely.
Stagecoach and RNLI Margate
Stagecoach South East has donated a total a £500 community grant to Margate RNLI to continue their valuable work within the community.
The grant, awarded via the Neighbourly community giving platform, reflects Stagecoach’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
It will help fund a 24-hour rescue service and seasonal safety cover on local beaches, supporting approximately 1,000 extra people.
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet is hosting three events this month
Our events are facilitated by Neurodivergent adults for Neurodivergent adults; they are all free to attend and can be booked online via https://ndft.org.uk/events/
Social Events:
Neurodivergent Social Meetup – Mon 6th Oct – 7-9pm – Camp, Margate https://tinyurl.com/OCTMU2025
Our Social MeetUp for Neurodivergent adults to meet in safe spaces with their peers. Casual, social event, with games, activities and chatting
Neurodivergent Coffee Morning – Friday 31st Oct – 10am- 12pm – Camp, Margate https://tinyurl.com/OCTCM2025
A Coffee Morning for Neurodivergent adults to meet in safe spaces. Casual, social event, for a friendly chat and a cuppa.
Creative Events:
Creative Connection Club – Mapping Minds to Make Space with Hubert Zirconium – Thursday 16th Nov – 7-9pm – Queens Road Baptist Church https://tinyurl.com/CCC2025OCT
The Friends of St Nicholas at Wade Church
A Christmas craft fair will be held at the church on Saturday, November 8 from 10am to 2pm.
Includes arts, crafts, charity stalls, festive gifts and decorations. Lunches available noon to 2pm plus coffee, tea and cake. Free entry.
Sobar Social
After a hugely successful debut, The Sobar Social is returning to Margate this autumn for another evening of connection, conversation, and community — no alcohol required.
Thursday 9th October. 6:30 – 8:30pm, The Shakespeare, Margate
Guests can sample The Shakespeare’s impressive alcohol-free drinks menu, take part in fun ice-breakers, and join open conversations around sobriety and mindful living.
Founded by Ronnie Traynor, The Sobar Social was created to help people build confidence and make new connections while socialising without alcohol. The event welcomes everyone — whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply looking for a refreshing alternative to the usual night out.
Free to attend – DM @the_sobar_social to book your place.
More sober events and meet-ups will be announced soon — follow @the_sobar_social on Instagram to stay updated!
Slimming World
Catrina Harrall has been a member of the Slimming World Chilton Primary School group held on Saturdays since February this year.
She says: “I really wanted to lose a lot of weight for my daughter’s wedding on 28th July this year, so that I could look and feel more confident and nice for her big day.
“I started my weight loss journey in August last year by just cutting out carbs Monday to Friday, but planned to join Slimming World later on. I lost just under 1 stone, but needed to lose more, so in February 2025, I joined my local Slimming World group with a friend. We were both a bit nervous about joining, but our consultant, Fay, was lovely and very welcoming. She has been a great support,and staying each week at the group has really helped me.
“Since starting, I have changed how I shop, eat and cook, I love cooking all my meals from scratch and my family love them too. Our favourite is a Sunday roast.
“I also joined the gym, doing Toning Tables several times a week after work and a dance class there too, as I was working on my Body Magic Awards. I have achieved my Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards and am now on my last week towards my Platinum Award.
“I feel so much more energetic, happy, and confident in myself. If I can do this, then anyone can. It doesn’t matter how long it takes set a goal or aim and go for it!”
Find out more by calling consultant Fay on 07713804889.
