Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council
The first showing of Broadstairs & St. Peter’s Town Council highly anticipated Summer Theatre in The Park and Trash to Treasure crafts events at Pierremont Hall and Park were a huge success!
The day started off with free to attend, under the sea themed crafts for little ones, using recycled materials. The children (and parents!) created sea creatures from yogurt pots and used packing materials.
The children were then able to take their new recycled friends to watch the free Summer Theatre event, Caspian’s Storm later that day, which was an interactive performance from Applause.
The performance told the tale of a singing crab living in the town of Crabbiton, who one night was transformed by a storm into a giant talking crab! From becoming the mayor, to escaping a cruel cabal trying to cook him for dinner, it was a truly a remarkable sing along adventure for all!
Join us for our next Family Summer Theatre and Trash to Treasures on Wednesday 5th August!
Family Programme:
Trash to Treasure Craft Session 11am-1pm before each show (each session will be the theme of the show to follow)
- Tractor Time: Wednesday 5 August at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM
- The Butterfly House: Wednesday 19 August at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 3:00PM
- Uglybugs Wingding: Wednesday 26 August at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Join us for our adult shows too.
Adult Programme (Thursdays at 7:00 PM)
- Tales for an Unruly Audience: 6 August
- Three Idle Women: 20 August
- Grandma’s Shop: 27 August
Brought to you by the Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council in association with Applause.
Salvation Army (Minster)
The Salvation Army in Minster celebrated 140 years of serving the local community with a weekend of worship, fellowship and thanksgiving recently.
More than 60 people attended the anniversary celebrations including former members, community representatives and guests with longstanding connections to Minster.
The weekend featured a special Sunday worship service led by Phillipa Chagas, former Minster Salvation Army leader, with music from the band and featuring a duet from Phillipa’s eldest daughter and her husband who work for The Salvation Army in Brazil.
Guests also enjoyed a shared faith lunch, explored a display of historical photographs and memorabilia and welcomed visitors including the chair of Minster Parish Council and a representative from The Church of England.
Roger Harding, corps sergeant major, said the weekend was very memorable
“It has been a real privilege to bring people together to celebrate 140 years of The Salvation Army in Minster. Seeing so many familiar faces, including families who have been part of the church for generations, has been incredibly special.
“The weekend reminded us that The Salvation Army has always been about people. We enjoyed inspiring worship, wonderful fellowship and, as always, more than enough food! Looking back through the photographs and memories showed just how faithful God has been to this church over the years.”
The church’s history includes the opening of its current hall in 2006 following an ambitious £1.2 million fundraising project. Alongside significant support from The Salvation Army, local people rallied behind the appeal, raising more than £163,000 after an anonymous donor challenged the community to match their generosity. The former hall was later transformed into the Salvation Army charity shop, which opened in 2009 and continues to serve local residents.
Asked what has enabled The Salvation Army to remain part of the community for 140 years, Roger said its role extends far beyond Sunday worship.
“This has always been a place of warmth, friendship and refuge for people who need comfort. We want everyone to know they can find a welcome here.”
Today, the church continues to support the community through its toddler group, house groups and the popular Cameo Club, alongside offering friendship, practical support and a listening ear to anyone who walks through its doors.
Roger added: “This is much more than a church building. It is a place of wellbeing, hope and welcome, where people know they can find friendship, practical support and someone who will listen.”
Friends of QEQM Hospital
Thanks to a generous donation from the relatives of a patient in gratitude for the care they received whilst on the Ward, the QEQM Hospital
League of Friends has funded new window blinds – one of which is shown – for four of the side rooms in Sandwich Bay Ward. The blinds, which cost £1,000, provide privacy, stop the light coming in while patients are sleeping and shield them from the sun. They are coloured to match the palliative care themes in the rooms.
GMW Private Hire
Margate taxi driver Gavin Wallis has taken delivery of an AED defibrillator to be carried in his vehicle in case of emergency for passengers or pedestrians.
Gavin, who owns GMW Private Hire Limited, said: “I took the decision to acquire a machine to help the community should the need arise because time matters.
“I will be the first taxi/Private Hire Car to have a Defib in my vehicle.”
Gavin has held an operator’s licence for eight years and takes on contract work as well as driving for Uber.
He also spent 15 years with St John Ambulance.
He said: “I recently stopped and did first aid in Birchington when I saw a woman who had fallen and hurt herself. I bandaged her up and waited for her husband to pick her up and taker her to hospital.
“I thought I would invest in the defib so it can be used for any passengers or pedestrians in need.”
A defibrillator is a medical device that delivers a high-energy electric shock to restart a heart during sudden cardiac arrest. You do not need training to use one, as the machine gives clear voice instructions and only shocks if necessary.
Gavin, and other drivers who carry out contract work through him, are also displaying the Southeastern Trains & Network Rail scheme Hub of Hope stickers in their cars which direct people to mental health support by scanning its QR code.
Gavin said: “Southeastern and Network Rail asked us to adopt the scheme through a contact and I wanted to back the scheme as it is really important.”
Thanet Freemasons
Thanet Freemasons from Group 8 claimed victory and raised £1,544 for Kent Down’s syndrome charity 21 Together at their annual charity golf tournament.
On a blistering summer’s day, with the mercury hitting 34°C and not a cloud in the sky, 22 golfers followed 21 Together’s Partnerships Officer Julie Stichbury down the first tight fairway at London Beach Golf Club, Tenterden. The course is no bomber’s paradise: narrow fairways demand precision, water hazards sit ready to punish the over-ambitious, and greens with subtle slopes test every eye. Heat shimmered off the turf. Shirts clung to backs.
Sweat stung eyes. Three players wisely retired at the halfway mark; the rest pressed on, flushed and determined.
For the third time in four years, the Thanet side (Group 8) lifted the Mark Bassant Trophy against their Maidstone-area rivals in Group 5. No one came close to Julie’s outstanding 38 points. She took the individual prize, Ken Burton claimed nearest the pin, Nigel Mann the longest drive, and Miki Travis the “most golf played” award.
The money was presented to Julie and 21 Together CEO Kevan Hodges. The charity, named for the extra copy of chromosome 21 that every person with Down’s syndrome carries, supports around half of the roughly 450 children and young adults living with the condition in Kent. It runs hubs in Thanet and Maidstone, offering services and vital respite to families.
Further fundraising events for 21 Together are planned across 2026. Thanet Freemasons urge other groups organising charity days to consider supporting the organisation’s life- changing work.
Same time, same place next June — same fierce competition, same fellowship, and the same chance to make a real difference.
The Hive/Barratt David Wilson Homes
Housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes has raised £186,000 for The Hive Thanet over the course of its 18-month partnership with the community group.
Founded in 2024, The Hive Thanet is the UK’s first national centre providing training, recreational, social and learning support for children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The organisation also supports family members and carers.
Barratt David Wilson Homes’ substantial donations have enhanced the organisation’s ability to provide inclusive outdoor learning, sensory engagement, wellbeing activities and accessible sport for their community. The new outdoor facilities include two learning spaces, a large horticultural area, a sports facility, a forest school area, a trim trail and a nature walk/wheel.
The housebuilder’s support has also facilitated two years’ funding for the organisation’s Trainee Programme. Known as ‘The Hive Traineeship’, the service offers a wide range of bespoke activities to develop social, life and employability skills, all aimed at building independence.
Throughout the partnership, Barratt David Wilson Kent took part in numerous fundraising activities, including a Go Karting event, Golf Day, Gala Dinner, Charity Ball and padel and football tournaments. Last summer, the housebuilder also contributed two weeks of volunteering at The Hive.
Working alongside Kingsheath Construction, Barratt David Wilson Kent built two outdoor log cabins from start to finish. These vital additions to the charity’s facilities are now used as all-weather outdoor learning classrooms equipped with step-free access to the main building and electricity throughout.
Diarmuid Molloy, Director of Philanthropy at The Hive Thanet, said: “Barratt David Wilson Kent’s donations have been invaluable in helping us develop The Hive into a more accessible, practical and inspiring site for our community. We are hugely grateful for all the help and the funds that have been raised, which will make a significant difference to the children, young people and adults we support.”
William Walsh, Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, added: “As our partnership comes to an end, it’s fantastic to see the transformation that The Hive Thanet has undergone over the last 18 months. From new outdoor facilities to funding for the Trainee Programme, we wanted to make as much of a difference as possible across the organisation. It has been a pleasure to support The Hive, whose role in the local community cannot be understated.”
If you have a family member or friend with learning disabilities who might be interested in joining The Hive Thanet, or would like to find out further information, visit www.thehivethanet.com.
Mayor of Margate
On July 27, the Mayor of Margate Cllr Leo Britcher, was honoured to be joined by civic guests, community organisations, uniformed groups and residents for his Civic Service – a historic occasion as the final Civic Service held by the Charter Trustees of Margate before the new Margate Town Council is established next year.
Thank you to everyone who attended to mark this important moment in Margate’s history.
A special moment during the service was the blessing of the new Royal British Legion, Margate Branch Standard, marking an important milestone for the newly formed Branch.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the parade and service, and to all those who helped make the occasion such a memorable one.
The Oval Bandstand and Lawns
Hundreds of dancers came together for the Most Wuthering Heoghts Day Ever at The Oval Bandstand and Lawns, raising more than £3,000 for Oasis Domestic Abuse Service and MAMA to MAMA. The event has raised £8,013 for charity over the past three years.
Tickets for The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever 2027 are now on sale
The Feelgood Ukulele Group
The Feelgood Ukulele Group is holding a coffee and sea shanties event on Wednesday, August 5th at 10,30am at the Sailors Church, Military Rd, Ramsgate.
Entry is free. Donations invited for the Sailors Church.
Seaside CEO
Following two successful events, Seaside CEO is back on 27th August, 5 to 7pm, for local start-ups and business owners. This month’s event will offer ‘Secrets to Profitable Retail & Hospitality’ with a panel of entrepreneurs including, Stefano Cuomo, who runs successful food & wellness destination, Macknade Food Hall, Mike Turner, who has built Bird & Blend into a retail powerhouse with 28 tea shops operating across the UK, and digital founder, Sara Wright, who has worked for numerous retail & hospitality brands, boosting online sales and performance to complement in-store activity.
Event organiser and Ramsgate resident, Emma Jones, said: “It’s great to have seen the local small business population come out in force for the first two Seaside CEO events. I’m excited to hear from such an entrepreneurial panel in August, with their tips and techniques on how to run a successful venture. It could not be better timed for Thanet based retail and hospitality operators who will hopefully be making the most of a profitable summer season.”
Tickets are £5 per person which includes drinks and networking. Events are hosted at Royal Temple Yacht Club. Book your place at www.seasideceo.co.uk
Kent and Medway mental health charity
A charity dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across Kent and Medway is inviting local people to help shape its future by designing an icon for its new logo, following the launch of its new name.
The Kent and Medway Mental Health Charity, previously known as Health, Heart, Hope, has unveiled its new identity as it begins a new chapter supporting people living with severe mental illness, as well as their families, carers and communities.
Kirsty McInnes, Charity and Volunteers Lead at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Our new name gives us a clearer identity and helps explain who we are here for. We exist to make a real difference for people living with mental illness across Kent and Medway, whether that is through improving environments, funding wellbeing projects or supporting ideas that go beyond core NHS funding.
“We want local people to be part of this next chapter by helping shape our new identity. We are looking for a design that captures the values at the heart of our work, hope, care and connection. You do not need to be a professional designer; we want to hear from anyone who has a creative idea and wants to be part of our journey.”
To mark the rebrand, the charity is launching a design competition to create an icon for its new logo. The winning design will become part of the charity’s visual identity and reflect the work it does with people across Kent and Medway.
The competition is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, including artists, community groups, students and anyone who would like to share a creative idea. Designs can be submitted as digital files or clear sketches, but AI-generated designs will not be accepted.
A judging panel made up of charity representatives, mental health professionals and members of the local community will review the entries and select the design that best represents the charity’s values and the people it supports. The creator of the winning design will be awarded with a £100 Amazon voucher.
The closing date for submissions is Monday 7 September. A full design brief, competition terms and conditions, and details of how to submit an entry are available at www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/kent-and-medway-mental-health-charity-invites-community-to-help-shape-new-identity/
