Birchington Parish Council

News and events from your Parish Council Spring/Summer 2021

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The FIRA gold award is a mark of product excellence within the furniture industry. Call 01843 309317 or 07515 126601 for a free no obligation estimate or visit thanetkitchens.co.uk and download our free 90 page catalogue. Birchington THE ROOF DOCTOR Parish Council Your Local Re-Roofing & Repair Specialists CHIMNEY STACKS RE-POINTED & REMOVED COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FLAT ROOFING & NEW ROOFS UPVC FASCIAS AND SOFFITS Twinned with La Chapelle d’Armentieres GUTTERING IN ANY COLOUR, ROUND OR SQUARE FREE ROOF CHECK SMALL JOBS CARRIED OUT WITH PLEASURE Contents FREE ESTIMATES | ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED T: 01843 602 229 | M: 07972 249 158 Updates from Parish Chairman 4 9 Whiteness Green CT10 3JS The Centre 8 Birchington Youth Parish Council 10 THE OLD GITS Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club 12 REMOVALS, STORAGE & RUBBISH Shelter News 14 CLEARANCE IN THANET Birchington Parish Representatives 16 Highest level of hygiene precautions! With more than 15 years’ experience Farmers Market and Crafts Fair 18 We will get you moved smoothly & quickly! Birchington Together CIC 19 Birchington Anti-Litter Group 20 DOMESTIC REMOVALS – COMMERCIAL REMOVALS HOUSE CLEARANCE – OFFICE CLEARANCE Vernon’s incredible fundraising cycle 22 News around Birchington 24 We offer some of the most competitive prices so get in touch now for a free quote Environmental and Open Spaces Committee (EOS) 26 CALL: 01843 832904 ∙ MOB: 07747 860999 Information Boards at Minnis Bay 30 Westgate & Birchington Inner Wheel 31 Rotary Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary 33 Birchington in Bloom 34 Fundraisers in Birchington 36 General Builders Birchington On Sea War Graves Liaison Officer 38 10% discount with this advert Royal British Legion: 100 Years Old 40 Double Glazed Windows & Doors | Porches RNLI - Margate, Birchington & Districts Branch 42 Conservatories |Soƒits & Fascias Memoirs of a true warrior 44 Guttering | Cladding Birchington Residents’ Association 46 Plastering, Rendering & Repairs To see more beautiful pictures like the front cover of Minnis Bay 7 Sailing Club, visit the Instagram page @adventuresoflee www.olsen-co.com | olsencogeneralbuilders 01843 833105 | 07969 518767 | [email protected]

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES Contact Our Team A big thank you goes out to all the local businesses that have 01227 940750 advertised and supported the Birchington Parish Council Magazine 07704453288 To advertise please call 01843 523030 Published by Community Ad Web Ltd Rubbish Clearances • Bulky Waste Removal www.communityad.co.uk Garden Waste • Builders & Trade Waste 01843 834160 [email protected] House Clearances • Bins Emptied Fully Licensed & Insured Load & Go • Cheaper Than a Skip

To view our T&C’s, please visit our website Magazine 3 Updates from Parish Chairman Cllr Neville Hudson Welcome to the summer edition of the Parish Magazine. The Parish Council have had a busy year more ambitious projects requiring large despite the problems caused by the funding grants. Covid Pandemic. Emergency legislation As part of our ownership of the MRG laid before parliament meant we able to we are responsible for the collection of continue having Meetings by Zoom, not rubbish, sadly, since taking over, we have ideal for all, but a very effective way for us had to pay for fly tipping to be removed, to meet and exchange views and opinions including asbestos and a mattress, as well as meeting our legal obligations. which we have been informed by several Details of our years’ work are listed in the residents was dragged there by a local Annual Work programme report 2020/21. person, regrettably, this has cost the Parish year’s work programme; my thanks to Cllr Council hundreds of pounds that could Nick Blankley for the preparation of the have been spent on nicer things. report. (Copies available on by request Unfortunately, litter continues to be a from our Parish Clerk). problem everywhere; we continue to Another Sea Shelter is complete with the work with the Team at TDC who are always next one on schedule to be complete for supportive of our requests. A special the summer. Our thanks to the stirling thanks to Karen Everest and her team work done by Brian and Karen Everest and of litter pickers – ‘Birchington Anti-Litter the BSAG committee. Group’ (BAG), who work tirelessly to make Many of you will have noticed the concrete Birchington a tidier and cleaner place. shelter at Minnis Bay has been demolished, We are hoping to take over the ownership as sadly it was beyond economical repair. of Dog Acre this summer, which will We are currently having plans drawn for a enable us to make better use of this as a replacement and will keep you updated Community Space. With such events as with progress. Birchington looked splendid the Summer Market planned on August in the spring, the planting and maintenance 22nd, in conjunction with the newly of planters by ‘Birchington in Bloom’ on formed ‘Birchington Together’ Community our behalf have been outstanding, the Interest Company, (CIC); at which we will volunteers have worked very hard, our launch our volunteer bureau, read more thanks to Lorraine and Ron Castle and all of about both in the magazine. Thank you to the team. Councillors Geraldine Watson and Marcel We would like to thank everyone who Pooke for all the work they have done in responded to our request for comments progressing this. regarding possible uses for the Memorial We have been asked about The Beacon Recreation Ground, (MRG); we are at Minnis Bay, which is in a very sorry collating suggestions and concerns and condition, and although not owned by are drawing up plans to be presented for us or TDC, as it was gifted as part of the public consultations as soon as we are Queens Jubilee grant; was discussed at allowed. We are looking at realistic and last Full Council, and depending on costs affordable short-term plans, along with we hope to restore the hanging shield. Continued > 4 Magazine R Clark Plastering All aspects of internal plaster work undertaken. Clean, tidy and quality finishes guaranteed.

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Felicity’s Café at Quex is run by two cousins, Laura & Molly, from a large and very close farming family. We value family over everything so named the café after Laura’s daughter Felicity Rose. We have been so excited to welcome you back and can now offer the inside of our café for bookings as well as our tranquil outside seating area, where you can come and enjoy all our delights. From breakfast and lunch to coffee and cake, not forgetting our incredible Afternoon Teas, these can be served in our inside and outside seating area which are also available for private hire. Please visit our website for updates. We have made some changes to ensure the safety of our staff and customers which will allow you to have the best experience possible www.felicityscafeatquex.co.uk here at Felicity’s Cafe! We have limited seating, so it is strongly advised to make a reservation and if you would like to book an Afternoon Tea with us, we need at least 48 hours’ notice. Our opening times are Tuesday – Sunday 10am until 4pm. If you would like to make a reservation or book an Afternoon Tea, please email; [email protected].

E: [email protected] | T: 01843 482004 Magazine 7 The Centre During this long pandemic “The Centre” has been used as a COVID-19 testing station. To this end of course, the building has The Centre has suffered from the very not functioned as normal, with its many high winds we had earlier in the year. Members and Affiliated Societies not As a result of this, part of the wall to the being able to meet. side of the building has collapsed. We It has been agreed that for this current are currently waiting for estimates. This year the membership fees will be waived. is going to be a costly repair to put the Notices will be sent out in 2022 for wall back in the same fashion. Please be renewal. patient with any restrictions that may be in place for safety purposes. When the NHS withdraw their services and after The Centre has been fully The Management Team look forward to cleaned, Vicky will be in touch with all seeing all of its regular hirers back again regular hirers and get The Centre up and soon. running again for the community. If you wish to become a member of The Centre please contact Vicky 838010 or The testing station has been very Membership Secretary Maureen on 841900. successful and this is part of The Centre’s To become a member you must reside in commitment to the community. Birchington, Acol or St.Nicholas.

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HUNDREDS OF FLAVOURS TO CHOOSE FROM & THOUSANDS OF FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS e Vapeistry, 55 Station Rd, Birchington CT7 9DJ Magazine 9 Birchington Youth Parish Council - An update Cllr George Kup has said “I am happy to see the ongoing positive development of Birchington’s Youth Parish Council. It was a very ambitious task that myself Although Zoom has been a most and Birchington Parish Council set welcome host, it still cannot offer the ourselves when we decided to launch desire to meet each other face to face. a brand-new project in the middle of With this in mind we have decided that a pandemic. However, even though the next time we meet will be when COVID-19 brought many hurdles I believe Government guidelines allow us all to as a newly founded group we have been meet in person. able to go from strength to strength. I am very proud of how well BYPC is With our committed young Birchington doing, and I have to say thank you to residents coming forward, bringing their everyone that has been involved so ideas and enthusiasm has meant that we far, from the Parish Council, local youth have already had many discussions about groups, and of course our brilliant young the way forward for Birchington Youth volunteers. Parish Council and what they would like Please do keep an eye out for the survey to see happen in Birchington. that will be coming out soon, and if you So far, the main project that is under are or you know of someone that wants development is a survey for the youth to get involved with BYPC and help shape of Birchington to answer so that we, as a the future of where you live please do get group, have an idea on what the majority in touch with us by sending us an email want implemented into our village for the on [email protected].” benefit of our younger residents.

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Magazine 11 Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club

The Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club is a thriving club with members from Thanet and the wider reaches of Kent, with a few stragglers coming from further afield. There is even one regular visitor from Yorkshire! With a presence in Minnis Bay for nearly Recently, the Club created a fundraising 40 years, it is a non-profit organisation, campaign and with the kind support run entirely by volunteers, and an of local businesses, such as Shepherd affiliated club of the Royal Yachting Neame, and the enormous generosity of Association. local residents, two public defibrillators The Club tries to keep its membership were installed; one outside The Minnis Bar fees low to make the sport as accessible & Restaurant, the other on the outside of to as many people as possible. New Sea View Heights flats at the other end of members can opt to use Club equipment the Bay. as part of their membership package, For further information, the Club can be saving them the cost of investing in large contacted by email: amounts of gear they may not use. There [email protected]. are boards of all sizes and sails to match, Or visit their Facebook page: plus equipment especially for children. www.facebook.com/ Whilst the Club is not a training center, MinnisBayWindsurfingClub occasional visiting pro-instructors are www.minnisbaywindsurfingclub.org.uk invited for coaching sessions, whether for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. The Club also supports the local community, having saved members of the public and beach paraphernalia from drifting out to sea, as well as regular litter picking sessions.

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Please see our Facebook page for our Daily Specials. 72 St. Mildreds Rd, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8RF Magazine 13 Shelter News We have been able to re-start our project this year and by the time you are reading the Parish magazine, the sea shelter in front of Grenham Bay Court Care Home will be finished and in use. We know the bird watchers are very keen to use this particular shelter! We should also be a good way into finishing Shelter 6 which is at the side of the pathway down to Grenham Bay. We would like to thank all our professional tradesmen, All Access Scaffolding who generously donate the scaffolding for the duration of the builds; Turners Carpentry Ltd who work their magic building the mainframe; Complete Roofing Contractors Ltd, DW Projects (Dave Wall) for the carpentry; and Richard The Parade! I know last year other groups Gradus at Eco Choice for providing the were also involved in keeping our shelters polycarbonate sheets and donating his looking their best. labour. And of course, not forgetting We have received some very generous all our volunteers who have given up donations which will go towards the last their time to paint half a mile of wood (3 shelter that needs to be rebuilt i.e. Shelter times i.e. 1.5 miles) in some of the most 8 on Cliff Road near to Beresford Gap. challenging weather: on one occasion, I We have recently applied for a couple of was wearing 5 layers of clothing to keep grants which may be successful, but until out the north wind! we are in funds, we do not know when we I’m sure the residents along Cliff Road will will be able to start our last shelter. keep an eye on their new shelters. If you need any further information, A big thank you to the Queens Avenue please contact us at seashelters@ crew whom, during the very high winds in hotmail.com or join our Friends of May, cleaned shelter 2 (between Hengist Birchington Shelters Facebook page for Road and Queens Avenue), they had a updates. great time chasing their buckets along

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Magazine 15 BIRCHINGTON REPRESENTATIVES PARISH COUNCILLORS Chairman Linda Wright - Linda has Neville Hudson - A local lived in Birchington for (ish) boy, Neville was born 21 years and has been on in Herne Bay. He moved to Birchington Parish Council Birchington in 1961 and for 9 years. She is Vice Chair over the years he became and Treasurer of Thanet Rural Chairman and then president Regeneration Group and Vice of the local Chamber of Commerce. Neville Chairman Thanet Area Group Twinning. In 2011 was a Thanet District Councillor, of which she became a Thanet District Councillor and in he became leader, for 28 years. He wishes to 2021 a Kent County Councillor. She has interests bring the Parish Council to the forefront of the in our heritage, health and wellbeing, social community and unite everybody to enrich the care and mental health and is very involved in village. climate change issues. 76 Quex View Road, Birchington, CT7 0DY. 90 Canterbury Road, Birchington CT7 9BB. Tel: 01843 841900/ 07860 172546 Tel: 07825 338999 [email protected] [email protected]

Vice Chairman Robert Wright - Robert Marcel Pooke M.B.E - As has lived in Thanet on and an ex-Primary Care trust off since the age of 3. His executive director and also background is in design, a Management Consultant, particularly in shop fitting Marcel is used to working and the restoration of old with people to get the best buildings. He joined the results for the community with the most council because he felt strongly about the efficiency and for this he was awarded an MBE. proposed changes to the infrastructure of our He has only lived in Kent for a short while village and environs. having moved to Birchington on retirement. 27 Queen Bertha’s Avenue, Birchington, CT7 9BH. Marcel wants to serve the community using Tel: 07931 928199 and promoting the values he holds dear, [email protected] leadership, community, compassion and action. Max Houghton - A former 29 Spencer Road, Birchington, CT7 9EZ. Parachute Regiment Tel: 07973 551227 officer who served also [email protected] with the Australian and French armies, the UNHQ Members in New York and the EU in Philip Fellows - Phil joined Brussels before becoming BPC in 2015 after hearing of a Director of a defence engineering company TDC’s plans for thousands in Stockport. In an effort to escape the of houses to be built around Manchester rain Max and his wife made the our village and its green 25th move of their married life to Birchington fields. He was brought up in 2017. Chairman of the Birchington Branch of locally in a working class family and, having the Royal British Legion he joined the Council a young family, understands the fears and with the wish to be part of the decision worries caused by mass development. making process that will enhance the quality 74 Canterbury Road, Birchington CT7 9BB . of life for all Birchington residents Tel: 07970 388870 The Lodge, Cliff Road, BirchingtonCT7 9LS. [email protected] Tel: 01843 841153 (H), 07539 973270 (M) [email protected] 16 Magazine Geraldine Watson - nick.blankley@ Geraldine has lived in birchington-pc.gov.uk Birchington for almost Nicola Hayes - Nicola is a 30 years. She has over 25 relative newcomer to the years’ experience of in the village, having moved here voluntary sector. She joined 5 years ago primarily to be the Parish Council in order to closer to family (her parents contribute towards ensuring the village thrives retired here). She has spent most of her career whilst retaining a sense of community. This working in financial services, often working includes ensuring that Birchington does not with governments and local authorities both become over-developed to the extent that it in the UK and overseas. Since becoming a compromises the quality of life for residents. freelance consultant 3 years ago she has Geraldine is a firm believer in people shaping focused on the voluntary sector and sits on the community in which they live. the board of the charity Sue Ryder. She has a c/o Parish Council office, 2 Albion Road, particular focus on the services that the village Birchington, Kent CT7 9DN. can provide to its residents and as a dog Tel: 01843 846666 owner takes a close interest in the upkeep of [email protected] our beaches and green spaces. Compass North, Cliff Road, Birchington, Sandra McCreddie - Sandra CT7 9LS. moved to Birchington from Tel: 01843 312476 Mobile: 07471 943338 Broadstairs in 2016. Her Email: [email protected] career was in Central and International Banking in the Denise Johnson - Clerk to the Parish Council City of London. Much of her Parish Office, 2 Albion Road, Birchington, work has been in Human CT7 9DN. Resources therefore interested in meeting Tel: 01843 846666 people. She finds Birchington a very close Email: [email protected] community and is delighted to be a Councillor. www.birchington-pc.gov.uk Flat 21, 3 Beach Avenue, St. Mary’s Lodge. Birchington, CT7 9JS. Lyn McDaid - Deputy Parish Clerk Tel: 01843 446845/07720 121755 Parish Office, 2 Albion Road, Birchington, [email protected] CT7 9DN. Tel: 01843 846666 Nick Blankley - Born in Email: [email protected] Leicester, Nick came to Birchington before his first Lianne Kirkman – Clerk’s Assistant birthday; he attended Park Parish Office, 2 Albion Road, Birchington, Lane Primary and then Simon CT7 9DN. Langton. Despite moving Tel: 01843 846666 away as a young teenager, Email: [email protected] Nick retained his connection and frequently returned to visit family, to work and holiday; moving permanently two years ago. Following an NHS career of almost 30 years, he went on to establish a small consultancy providing specialist management services. Nick is now retired but during the summer can be found working as a bay inspector at Minnis Bay. Beach House 167b Minnis Road, Birchington CT7 9QD. Tel: 01843 845431

Magazine 17 Farmers Market and Crafts Fair At long last we’re able to enjoy an outdoor event in the village! A Farmers Market and Crafts Fair will take place on Dog Acre on 22nd August, and the Parish Council will be on hand to introduce its Volunteer Programme to you all. Experiencing our very first lockdown, along with the challenges that we have all faced since then has highlighted how important volunteers are to our community. As well as those who have stepped up to help out during these exceptional times, we also recognise what a vital role volunteers play in our day to day lives, running groups, clubs and associations, arranging activities and generally making Birchington a special place. Volunteers are always required for a variety of roles, either on a regular or a one-off basis, so even if you’re only able to lend a If you are a voluntary organisation or hand once or twice a year, we will most community group and would like to definitely welcome you and value your join us in our volunteer tent on the day, contribution. please email me at Geraldine.watson@ Please come and visit the volunteer stand birchington-pc.gov.uk to find out more and meet representatives from a wide range of groups who are on STALLHOLDER SPACES ARE LIMITED the lookout for willing helpers! DUE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING CONSIDERATIONS AND ARE FILLING

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This means that we have a social aim, We’ve already launched our own lottery – which is to benefit the local community. more about this elsewhere in this edition Any trading profits or assets will be – or you can hop to www.onelottery. reinvested directly back into the co.uk/support/birchington-together- community. CIC’s are not-for-profit cic to find out more and buy tickets or if companies. Birchington Together is you’d prefer you can phone 01865 678 supported by, and will be working in 679 to buy tickets. partnership with, the Parish Council and We will be actively seeking out the views other organisations in Birchington. of residents to help us plan and shape Because the Parish Council is a tier of future activities. Look out for updates government, it means there’s lots of rules, here in the magazine and keep an eye out regulations and protocols that often make for us on social media. it difficult to find the flexibility and funds to embark upon projects, or even make Thanet’s registered 25 YEARS OF small improvments, for the benefit of the installers, THE FINEST established INSTALLATIONS community. 1995 A community interest company offers www.thanetfascias.co.uk flexibility, as well as access to forms of email: [email protected] funding unavailable to the Parish Council. Herne Bay• •Thanet This means we can help to: • deliver projects Whitstable• •Deal • make improvements to our Canterbury• •Dover surroundings, services and facilities • plan and manage events call 01843 845556 • introduce new activities for residents U.P.V.C HOME IMPROVEMENTS • seek out and apply for funding to Windows • Doors • Porches 10 year 20 year support projects in Birchington guarantee Conservatories • Garage Doors guarantee on on installations Canopies • Car Ports colour fast As with any other company, there is a Guttering • Cladding Board of Directors, all of which serve Home Front Renovations voluntarily and bring with them a wide Fascias • Soffits • Flat/Tiled Roofs range of skills and experience together Proprietor - D.R Taylor The Yard, Netherhale Farm, Canterbury Road, with a real passion for making Birchington St Nicholas, Birchington CT7 0LX the best it can be for residents and visitors alike. WE RECYCLE MATERIALS UPVC · GLASS · METAL · WOOD

Magazine 19 Birchington Anti-Litter Group – Diary of a Trainee Litter-picker

You have probably seen members of the Birchington Anti-Litter Group (BAG) AKA ‘Karen’s Barmy Army’ clad in hi-vis jackets with a TDC rubbish bag in one hand and litter-picker in the other, wandering round the streets of Birchington collecting the things folk discard either by accident or design. But how did I end up doing this? Well, ‘let me tell you a story’ If you don’t recognise my name you So it was last year that I contacted Karen may well have seen me pootling about and received my 20 second Health & Birchington on my bike in all weathers Safety, Diversity and other training which and still wearing shorts. I’ve been aware was essentially ‘here’s some bags, here’s of BAG members collecting rubbish for a litter-picker, oh yes and look both ways some years and thought ‘what a fine and before you cross the road - off you go’. public-spirited thing to do’... but sadly There are no rounds or organisation until recently never did anything about it! but most folk collect as I do near where So, what changed? they live and all you do when the bag is Well, two things: the pandemic, as full or too heavy to carry comfortably is I found myself with more time, and leave it tied up by a TDC waste bin and more importantly my wife spotting a hey presto, like magic one of their gangs newspaper article about cross-training? whisks it away. Sounds fancy but it’s really just not doing So, what have I learnt? Well, it makes only one type of exercise. She quite rightly walking more fun for me and has had pointed out that I cycle everywhere but the added bonus during lockdown of should really do more walking. The issue increasing my opportunities for social is that I find walking boring compared to contact. Most people smile when they see cycling so need a purpose... then, I had me and I often bump into folk I recognise a light-bulb moment - why not kill two (not literally, usually) plus occasionally birds with one stone and collect litter at folk say thank you, which always lifts my the same time. spirits.

20 Magazine There’s also Finally, I suspect it was recently ‘National the benefit Discard Your Disposable Face Mask of feeling Day’ – in a one hour litter pick around like I’ve put the Station Road area I collected 17! something back Surely it’s not too difficult to remember into our local to take them home and put them in the community. household waste once they’re done with? I’ve also learnt But enough moaning, overall I enjoy that some my regular forays litter-picking which dog-walkers are have benefits for me and I think our good at putting community. So why not consider joining their pooch’s ‘Karen’s Barmy Army’ – it’s fun, it’s poo in bags free and it will make you happier and but haven’t healthier... what have you got to lose? made the leap If you are interested contact Karen at of imagination [email protected]... and then to then put the off you go. bag into a ‘dog poo bin’- why chuck them on the pavements or in bushes? There are Dave Alker also a few folk who can’t understand the PS: In the photos you can see me in action concept of rubbish bins and leave their ‘rescuing’ one of the infamous disposable household waste in public spaces, most face masks and, as a keen cyclist, my notably in Albion Road car park. mobile litter-picking collection kit!

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Helping your small business become a great business. • Accounts • • Self assessment • • Business management • • PAYE • • Grant applications • • Companionship • Respite Cover and so much more. • Dementia Care • Hospital to Home • Personal Care • Live In Care Call me today to talk about how I can help • And much more... 01843 307067 07711 308788 aeae [email protected] Magazine 21 Vernon’s incredible Viking Way Demelza fundraising cycle At just 12 years of age, Birchington resident Vernon Hill has raised an incredible £1,436 for Demelza by cycling the Viking Coastal Trail four times alongside his dad, Matthew. Starting on the weekend of 22nd Were you surprised with the feedback February, Vernon completed his final leg and support you received through your of cycling on 2nd May and we caught challenge? up with Vernon as he discussed his I was very surprised and grateful for all idea behind starting the fundraiser, his the support I received. I want to thank toughest moments on the pedal and the everyone who has given me support feedback he has received from the local throughout the challenge. It was an community… honour to meet the Mayor and Sir Roger Why did you first want to take up this Gale MP; I felt very proud of myself. challenge and who would you say You covered 143 miles on your journey, helped you through this the most? what would you say were your most I wanted to do this challenge because I memorable and toughest moments knew things would be hard for people at from the challenge? Demelza during COVID-19 and I thought I did the rides over 4 weekends so that I wanted to help. My Dad had helped would be 30 miles on just one weekend. me all the way through and I am really The most memorable part was when I appreciative of all the support he has met the Mayor and Sir Roger Gale MP. The given me. toughest part was when I rode up a very What made you choose Demelza as the big hill that I was not able to do for the charity you wanted to raise money for? first two rides, but I managed to do them I chose Demelza because in my last on the next two rides. school, we used to do home clothes days and other activities to help charities and Demelza was one of the charities I had found out about; I think it is a great charity that supports children who are very ill.

22 Magazine You have raised an incredible £1,436 If you would like to donate, please go through the challenge, you must be online and visit www.justgiving.com/ immensely proud of this, how was the fundraising/vernon-hill47 reception when you completed this and what was it like going into school the next day? A lot of people were extremely impressed and my P.E teacher was very impressed with the amount of cycling I have done and with how much money I raised. My Principal said that it was an amazing thing to do and I should be very proud of what I have done. Having completed this brilliant fundraiser, do you have any future goals and challenges in the pipeline that you would like to do? I want to do the Tour of Cambridgeshire in a couple of years’ time and I may do another fundraiser for Demelza when doing so. This is a 100km or 100-mile ride. I will start with the km!

BOOK YOUR FREE CARE ASSESSMENT NOW CAREMARK THANET Providing personal, professional care and support in your own home across all Thanet areas for children as well as adults.   aneaea  aeaane e ie a ange iiia ae eie ining iein eie an nig ae We are currently recruiting for care and support workers. Please contact: [email protected] Magazine 23 News around Birchington

The Crispe Charity (Founded In Westgate Art and Craft Group 1708) Have you been creative during lockdown, A Registered Charity – Number 208 705. perhaps experimenting with new arts and Calling children’s and youth group leaders crafts? Did you know there is a local group and school students currently in year 13 that you could join to practise your chosen in Birchington or Acol! This local charity hobby in the company of others? We are a may be able to help you settle into higher group of local amateur artists and crafters education or apprenticeships with small of mixed abilities and styles, who get cash grants. Completed applications need together to pursue our love of our chosen to be received by 15th October. hobby. No tuition or materials are provided For an application form, please write or but there is always someone keen to telephone: Ann Story, 8 Nursery Fields, pass on hints and tips. It is a sociable Acol, Birchington, CT7 0JF. 01843 846651 group and we often have activities such or email [email protected] as demonstrations, workshops, raffles, bring and buy, etc. When possible we also RAMBLETHON put on an annual exhibition. Meetings Promoted by are weekly throughout the year, 2-4pm Minnis Bay Lodge on Tuesdays at Westgate Community 8496 Centre, Lymington Road, car parking and Saturday 26th access friendly. A small charge is made June 2021. This for annual membership and weekly subs year’s charity and prospective members are invited to walk will, where come and see what we do, free of charge possible, be across for three weeks. The group has been the rural public footpaths and bridleways suspended during lockdowns but we around Thanet. Despite only being a reopened for three months last summer distance of twenty-one miles, the circuit strictly following government guidelines calls for strong, supporting walking boots for cleansing and social distancing. We or shoes. A start time of 8am is envisaged hope to resume in a similar fashion in with a finish around 3 or 4pm. It will start late May 2021. Follow us on Facebook: and finish at the Masonic Hall, Sandles Westgate Art Craft and Cards or phone Road, Birchington. Participants are free 07535317593 for further details. to choose their own charity or just do it Diana Butcher, Chairperson for self-satisfaction. The £10 entry fee is payable in advance to allow for catering. Birchington Man Shed It covers the rental of the venue and the We are just trying to gauge interest wonderful finger buffet afterwards. Guests amongst the retired men of the village to are welcome to meet the walkers on their see if it’s worthwhile forming a Man Shed return, but if they wish to partake of the in Birchington, a club primarily aimed at buffet a charge of £7 per person applies, men who still feel they are not on the scrap booked and paid for in advance only. The heap. A place where all of your wealth Hall bar will be open for cheap drinks of experience will not be wasted. Or just from around 2:30pm in readiness for the a meeting place for like-minded men. If walkers’ return. For further details or to we get enough members, we could get book for the event, please contact John the support of not only our local Councils Matthews on 07711 873770 or email: but also many grants are available to help [email protected] grow and maintain our project. 24 Magazine News around Birchington

[email protected] or call 07962 929700. Dave Alker, Secretary, Probus Club of Birchington and District Reporting problems online to Thanet District Council and Kent County Council You can report litter bin problems, missed bins, abandoned vehicles, graffiti, to name a few on Thanet District Council’s website www.thanet.gov.uk/report For missed bin collections please wait until after 4:30pm on the day of collection and report within 24 hours. For problems with dogs such as fouling, strays, nuisance It’s a long-term venture and, if this does please go to www.thanet.gov.uk/ come to fruition, it will become a major services/dogs-and-dog-wardens asset to Birchington. If any of you are Report a problem on a road or pavement interested, please let us know, phone via Kent County Council’s website. You can 846180 and leave a message or email us report non-urgent issues online including at: [email protected] street light faults (please provide the lamppost number), potholes, drainage, traffic signal faults and overgrown Probus Club of Birchington & vegetation (including hedges and grass). District www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/ At the time of writing, report-a-problem we are still waiting for confirmation that the What3words app - Never get lost lockdown restrictions will again be eased fully at the end With the what3words app, its easy to find, of June although that share and save precise locations. looks increasingly likely. Hopefully we’ll You can easily find a what3words address be back to our regular monthly lunches for anywhere in the world. The app has in the Smugglers, Birchington in July and divided the world into 3m squares, giving we can start to organise social functions each square a unique combination of for the remainder of the year. We are a three words. This way, the addresses monthly lunch club for retired men whose are easy to say and share and prove as membership is open to anyone who is accurate as GPS coordinates. Finding any retired and it currently costs just £15 to location with just 3 words through the app join, which includes a choice of tie and a proves so effective that even the police pin badge. As well as monthly lunches, we have urged everyone to download the app offer an annual social programme - which as they have been able to track and rescue is open to partners and guests – which people that have gone missing through typically includes a BBQ, a ‘Fish & Chip what3words. You can download the supper’, coffee mornings and trips. For app on your smartphone now. For more more information, please contact me at information, visit what3words.com Magazine 25 Environment and Open Spaces Committee (EOS) BPC has a number of committees dealing with local concerns of which the EOS is but one. All members of BPC and EOS are volunteers and act as a link between local residents and various external agencies such as Kent County Council (KCC) for matters including roads, pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, direction signage and Thanet District Council (TDC) for grass cutting, tree maintenance, street name plates, seaweed, cliff falls and the introduction of wildflower areas. The only pieces of land that fall directly to BPC are the allotments opposite Quex Park and the Memorial Recreation Ground. We hope to add Dog Acre and Rossetti please contact them directly or through Gardens to the list in due course. the BPC Volunteer Bureau that will be However, we need to be financially wary set up soon in the Heritage Centre. as once we take on these areas we also Before then the Parish Clerk will act as take on their running costs so we are a focal point for messages on clerk@ currently negotiating with TDC that [email protected] they will be in good order before being Although EOS would often like to take handed over. on more tasks we are aware that we We have recently taken on a new village cannot overstep our level of authority and handyman and over the coming weeks equally we are loathe to spend BPC funds you will see a determined effort by on work that is in theory already covered him to brighten up parts of the village, in the elements of our Council Tax that notably the Station Road area with, for goes to KCC/TDC. However, we appreciate example, the cleaning, rubbing down and accept that there will be occasions and re-staining of many of the wooden when that expenditure will be necessary if benches, the cleaning and tidying up we want action taken sooner rather than of the Noticeboards and in time the later. enhancements around the Memorial If you have any queries or actions you Corner of Dog Acre. believe EOS should undertake then please As a village we are lucky to be supported contact [email protected] by many active volunteer groups such and we shall do our best to deal with as Birchington Bloomers, Birchington in them. Bloom, the Shelters Group and the Litter Beyond this, and to take John F Kennedy’s picking teams all of whom do more than words slightly out of context, ‘ask not their fair share of work to help make the what BPC can do for you but what you village as attractive as it is. Should you can do for Birchington’ in our efforts to wish to join any of these groups then keep the village clean, tidy and attractive. 26 Magazine BRILLS DIY & HOME IMPROVEMENT Delivery Services Key Cutting Glass Cutting Timber Cutting Building Supplies Est 1965 Gardening Electrical Decorating Dept Plumbing Timber ore Household uch m Housewares and m Hardware 01843 845133 www.brills.co.uk 16-18 The Square, Birchington, Kent CT7 9AB MONTHLY PROMOTIONS & BROCHURES ALL YEAR ROUND Birchington Bird Club As it is very quiet along our coastline, we will go further afield this time to the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust. Check their website for when they will Reculver and Stodmarsh. This is a big bird be open again and see what birds have with a 12-foot wingspan. There has been a been seen there. If you are lucky, when reintroduced plan on the Isle of Wight. 10 you visit you may see the ringing being young eagles from Norway were released done. Now back to Birchington, you know and have been seen in Cornwall, Devon, I go on about walking along the railway Thanet and one flew over London. The embankment at Plum Pudding, it’s the Birchington Bird Club has 500 members best place to see Whitethroat Blackcap, now. We are on Facebook. When we can, you will hear Cetti Warbler but will not see we hope to do small walks. Also, check out them chiffchaff. If you cross the railway Chris at reculverbirding.com. Some great you come to a small reed bed which holds news! The shelter up above Grenham Bay Sedge Reed Warblers, Reed Bunting and is being restored in the winter this is one of Cuckoo. Also listen out for the reeling call the best places to see birds flying by. We of a grasshopper warbler and marsh frogs. will set up telescopes to show people what But once the birds are nesting it becomes fly by, red throated divers, gannets, scoter very quiet. As you walk toward Shaut and lots more. Thank you to everyone and Brookend you should see Buzzard who worked on this shelter. All the best, Marsh Harrier and Red Kite. In April, lots of Birchington Bird Club, Ken, John, Terry and people saw a white tailed sea eagle over Brody our mascot dog! Magazine 27 Birchington Medical Centre: Update As always, the BMC Team and our wonderful Patient Participation Group are hard at work continuing with lots of new developments. We hope that you will find the information below helpful and informative. New phone system Our new phone system has proven a great success; allowing patients to access the surgery with no engaged tones. A useful audit has demonstrated the following promising figures: Old Phone Supplier: • 3589 calls taken over a 17 working day period • Average of 211 calls per day • Dates: 1st April – 23rd April

New Phone Supplier: • 4809 calls taken over a 12 working day period • Average of 401 calls per day • Dates: 26th April – 11th May This is a capacity increase of 53%. We have also seen 1881 people use the new ‘queue buster’ service option. As you would expect, we continue to monitor this service and are committed to ensuring ongoing improvements.

New Practice Website As we mentioned in the last newsletter, our practice website is a key link to you, our patients. We have invested significant resources into this area over recent months and are pleased to announce that our new, fresh, more informative, easier to navigate website is now live. It is simpler for us to update too, allowing current news and staffing information to reach you quickly. The new website design and content were of course developed in partnership with our wonderfully supportive Patient Participation Group who ensure that your patient voice is heard. Our thanks to them for supporting this important project. The website address remains the same – happy navigating!

https://www.birchingtonmc.nhs.uk/

28 Magazine Covid Vaccines To date, we have administered first dose vaccines to 6247 of our Birchington Medical Centre patients. This means that almost 70% of our Birchington patient population is now vaccinated with their first dose! 47% of our Birchington patients have received a second dose. We are proud to be supporting the ongoing, crucial vaccine roll out to protect our patients and will continue this work ahead of the booster programme in the Autumn!

Please note that patients do not need to call the practice for vaccine appointments. We are unable to offer second dose vaccinations earlier than 8 weeks after a first dose because we are following government guidance. Please be patient, we will call you. Staffing Updates We are pleased to announce we have now recruited a new full time Nurse Practitioner for the surgery. Cayli Hutton will be working with us on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday covering all aspects of surgery work including minor illness, complex care, end of life support and care planning. Cayli has joined us with a wealth of experience and is a vital, additional support to patients of Birchington Medical Practice. We know our patients will give Cayli a warm welcome. It is also with great sadness that we have had to say goodbye to Barbara Roche, our Healthcare Assistant for the past 13 years, who is moving on to a new role at another GP Surgery Cayli Hutton closer to her home. Barbara will be greatly missed by all and Full time Nurse Practitioner we know you will join us in wishing her well in her new role. Thank You Lastly, our thanks to you all for your support over what have been difficult times. We continue to strive for excellence to provide you with the very best primary care.

Magazine 29 Information Boards at Minnis Bay In a previous publication of the Parish Magazine and following the interest generated by the Information Boards at The Square and on Dog Acre, BPC decided to install 3 more boards in the Minnis Bay Area. One near the Shelter above the rock pool, We are looking to put in place, for general (there was an information board in that interest, a ‘finger post’ showing distance area at some stage and the posts are still to various towns or geographical points there. If anyone happens to have that as of interest. Actual location of the post yet a souvenir, we do not want it back but to be decided but potentially in the area would be interested to see what it said), of the Waves. one near The Waves and one in the area of Subject to costs, it is also our intention the first – shortly to be replaced shelter – to replace the heraldic shields on the by the Beacon. beacons at both Minnis and Epple Bay Whilst we have some historical that are rusting away. These should be information from Birchington Heritage in place no later than 6th February 2022 and from residents, including a postcard when Her Majesty The Queen celebrates showing ice in the Bay, we are still short of 70 years on the British throne, the first some colour photos of days gone by that time any British monarch has reached this do not lose their sharpness when blown historic milestone, and well in advance of up to an easier to view size. If anyone the national celebrations planned over does have any old photos or postcards a four-day Bank Holiday weekend from – maybe of the rifle range or the Royal Thursday 2nd to Sunday 4th June. Observer Corps shelter from 1968 that we could enhance that would be useful. Equally, if anyone has any particular reflections that might be of interest to visitors we would be pleased to hear them. If so, please email max.houghton@ birchington-pc.gov.uk by the end of June with this information who will then include as much as is possible within the space available and arrange for the boards to be put in place.

30 Magazine Westgate & Birchington Inner Wheel In March 2020, Westgate & Birchington Inner Wheel member, Hazel Hedges, from Westgate-on-Sea, was relieved to be given the ‘all clear’ following treatment for breast cancer at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital. She and her husband Chris took on a and raised over £700 for the two charities. walking challenge to raise money for the Hazel said, “We should like to thank all Viking Unit for chemotherapy at QEQM the people who sponsored us, and all and for Inner Wheel District 12’s charity the friends and family, including the which is the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air grandchildren, who have walked with Ambulance. us (socially distanced!) and helped us In the year 2020/2021, the Inner Wheel achieve this total. Chris will continue as District of Kent and East Sussex (District Rotary President for another year due to 12) is celebrating 88 years of fundraising the pandemic, so his Rotary club and friendship. On August 8th 2020, the will be carrying on fund- ‘88 Challenge’ was launched by the Joint raising for the Viking Unit District Chairmen that members do 88 and Macmillan Nurses.” ‘somethings’ to raise money over a period of 8 months, finishing on 4th April 2021. Meanwhile, as President of Westgate and Birchington Rotary Club, Chris Hedges chose two charities which reflect the help, encouragement and treatment that his wife received for breast cancer. The club is proud to support the Viking Day Unit at the QEQM and Macmillan Nurses. Chris and Hazel have now walked 88 miles over eight months to raise money jointly for the Air Ambulance and the Viking Unit

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ROOFING Quali ed 07974 761659 • 01843 585164 a ien an eiae www.craigpiddingtonroofing.co.uk eie eae a [email protected]. 07792 255224 | 01843 291384 Magazine 31 The launch of the new Birchington Together CIC lottery was a great success - breaking its target sales for the rst draw which took place on Saturday 8th May. Congratuation go to Lynda Cooper of Birchington who was the rst winner of the One Lottery and won a prize of £20. The local prizes will be increasing each week as more people support and enter it. ie a e ae • A Birchington Lottery for Birchington people • A self help community fundraising group for Birchington causes and events • 50% o all money raised from ticket sales will be spent locally • Tickets only £1 per week, you could win prizes up to £25,000! To start supporting, visit: nee and search for: iingn gee Or phone: Supporters must be 16 years or older. See website for terms and conditions 41

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32 Magazine FREE QUOTATIONS AND SURVEY The launch of the new Birchington Together CIC lottery was a great success - Advertise in our new breaking its target sales for the rst draw which took place on Saturday 8th May. Cladding & Conservatories c l a s s i f i e d section for Congratuation go to Lynda Cooper of Birchington who was the rst winner General building work of the One Lottery and won a prize of £20. Replacement windowS & DoorS Coloured composite doors £55+VAT for 2 months. The local prizes will be increasing each week as more people support and enter it. ie a e ae Established for 30 years ensuring a personal touch Please call 07553 737573 01843 228284 01843 523030 • A Birchington Lottery for Birchington people [email protected] • A self help community fundraising group for Birchington causes and events • 50% o all money raised from ticket sales will be spent locally • Tickets only £1 per week, you could win prizes up to £25,000! To start supporting, visit: Rotary Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary The Rotary Club of Westgate & Birchington celebrated its 50th nee Anniversary with a virtual ceremony on Zoom. and search for: iingn gee Forty members and guests The Club’s President, Chris Hedges, Or phone: attended and first held a responded by narrating a Supporters must be 16 years or older. minute’s silence for Past slideshow of photographs See website for terms and conditions President Roger Hobcraft, depicting people and who died recently, and events from 1971 to Prince Philip, Duke the present day. This 41 of Edinburgh (an presentation can be Honorary Member viewed by clicking of the Rotary Club of the link on the Club London). website at www.wb- After the Loyal Toast, rotary.co.uk where the President of the there is a large amount 32 Rotary Club of Margate of information about the explained how their activities of the Club. “daughter club”, Westgate & Anyone interested in finding Birchington was founded on 20th out more about Rotary is invited April 1971 and Founder Member, Gerry to visit the website or our Facebook page Abrahams, gave a short talk about the www.facebook.com/WB.RotaryUK activities of the new Club in the 70s. and can then contact the Secretary or The Club is twinned with the Rotary Clubs President for further information. of Darmstadt, Germany and Poitiers, 6 France and their Presidents were able to bring greetings and congratulations thanks to the wonder of Zoom. The Presidents of other Rotary Clubs in Thanet 12 also brought their greetings and the Rotary District Governor, Brian Dunne, proposed a toast to the Rotary Club of 17 18 Westgate & Birchington.

Magazine 33 Birchington in Bloom Easter has gone now but what a week we had. The volunteers associated with The recently have thoroughly Square really did an excellent job enjoyed themselves and decorating the monument with garlands in one case in particular of eggs and bunting. It gave it a festive wished she flavour and looked great with the had joined sun shining. We had so many lovely ages ago. The comments on Facebook and from passers- coach trips Val by that it made the team realise their has organised handiwork was greatly appreciated. are proving popular, dates are; RHS- KEW GARDENS - Saturday 26th June. One of the largest botanical gardens in the world. £36 pp. Entry into the Kew Palace and Royal Kitchens. £18.00 for RHS* POLHILL GARDEN CENTRE - Saturday 31st July. Polhill is much more than a garden centre. £17 pp. RHS - HYDE HALL – THE SUMMER SHOW - Thursday 5th August. £25.00 pp Expect to be wowed in the dazzling surroundings Now we are virtually back to normal of this Essex garden. £15.00 for RHS*. and all of us are out with a vengeance, RHS - WISLEY - Monday 30th August enjoying the freedom, social interaction £26.00 pp. One of the world’s greatest and the fresh air again. We all know what gardens, packed with horticulture or we have missed and are making up for inspiration £14.00 for RHS* lost time. Recently, we have been joined by four new volunteers who are enjoying LOCAL PICK UP AND DROP OFF POINTS. what BiB has to offer. Welcome to you ALL COACHES, CLEANED AND SANITISED. all and please keep enjoying using your ON BOARD TOILET FACILITIES. green fingers for the benefit of our village. Contact Valerie on 07780 369 589 or We are getting so many volunteers now [email protected]. the lockdown has been partially lifted Things are going really well at the and it’s great. On the sunny day before billboards at the moment, with the Easter we had a continual flow of people lockdown lifting more of us are getting behind the billboards, chatting, laughing out to tend to the sites that we look after and drinking coffee. The site is evolving around Birchington. At the billboards, into a nice place to meet. If the gate is the greenhouses and raised beds are open please feel free to pop your head finished and the young plants we have round and have a look. You don’t have to been cultivating will soon be ready to volunteer, you may just want to see what transfer to the planters around the village. is going on behind those hoardings. If you We plan to build an open air work bench are in two minds about whether to join behind the boards, somewhere we can us or not be quick. Those that have joined pot up our seedlings, and cuttings. While 34 Magazine we were thinking of the design of this we These donations were reminded about the sparse amount came at an ideal of water we suffer from on the land. We time and we are do have a few water butts but we thought very grateful. that if we could fit a polycarbonate sloped Roger and Enid roof over the work bench we could fit a have been kind gutter and collect even more rain water. enough to give It does not have to be polycarbonate, any us some surplus suitable roofing material would do, even plants they no tiles or slate. longer need as has Sue, who has been very generous. Karen came to our rescue and supplied much needed water during the dry spell in April. As you can see in the photographs the planters opposite Joe’s Café have had a lick of paint and will be filled with plants in the next couple of weeks, ready for the Café’s patrons to see the colourful display when Joe finally opens. The same can be said for the churchyard, the rose garden and the If you do have any you don’t need or plan flower beds. They to take down an old extension please are going to look think of us. We could put it to good use lovely too. The and it would save more waste going to boxes at the Minnis the landfill sites. are looking a bit tidier after a few We also need more water butts and as hours tending to the plants there. They mentioned before we have a few but if we have taken a beating there but we hope have a dry spell this coming summer we all the work will be worth it. We cannot will run out of water. We need to rig up leave out how a system where we can collect as much good the garden rainfall as possible to see us through the on the Canterbury droughts. Road looks now, If you were to visit the site you will see what a difference just how generous our villagers have from this time last been. We have very kindly been loaned year. Birchington a generator which is invaluable for our in Bloom are electric tools, etc. We would love to have also promoting our own generator so should anyone have the formation of one they don’t need anymore, we have a a Man Shed for our village, there is a good home for it. Even if it’s not working separate article giving a taster of what we may be able to fix it. Topsoil has been could happen. Talks are taking place with very kindly delivered to us by two local the Parish Council and if there is a good residents, Beth and Paul. response from our male villagers it could be the start of a new exciting venture. [email protected]

Magazine 35 FUNDRAISERS in Birchington Birchington and Westgate Slimming World Walk the Walk On Saturday 15th May, seven wonderful Birchington and Westgate Slimming World members took on the Walk the Walk challenge, uniting against breast cancer. They walked an outstanding 27 miles from Minnis Bay to Reculver three times, raising an incredible £2,800 and having a blast while doing it.

awareness and checking for any signs of cancer, “It is something that we are all aware of and check ourselves regularly. It’s so important to have the awareness Clarissa Rolfe, Thanet Swimming World especially when there has been so much consultant leads sessions in Birchington focus on COVID for the past 18 months.” and Westgate and took on the challenge Although only 7 members took part, as leading fundraiser with 6 of her many members came down to Honeyz members, several of whom have been Beach Bar and Café (who kindly let them affected by cancer. Clarissa’s dad is set up on their patch) to help sell their living with cancer, Jane Gurr suffered tombola tickets. They started at 8.30 am in from cancer and one of her Birchington the rain, finishing around 4.30 pm at the members also suffers from breast cancer, Parade, Minnis Bay; the day was filled with so it was a cause close to all of their a mixture of excitement, fun and dragging hearts. their heels! It rained horrendously, was They originally decided to do the walk incredibly windy and hot all within the last year but it was postponed due to hours they walked. COVID-19; when the organisers asked Clarissa said, “I am so overwhelmed with them to complete it locally, the location the support Birchington and Westgate was not difficult to decide on. Many of businesses gave by donating prizes for the members were walking as an exercise our tombola. We raised £650 through the during lockdown when Minnis Bay to tombola, with a local ex-business owner Reculver became a favourite walk. (Brooksend garage) donating £250 to Clarissa Rolfe told CommunityAd bring us up to £1,000. We then raised about the importance of breast cancer a further £2,500 through sponsorship. 36 Magazine FUNDRAISERS in Birchington “I’m proud of my members as we pulled together and have such a connection across all of my groups. Members know each other as friends or family and love having the same consultant across the Birchington & Westgate Slimming World groups.” Taking on this challenge was so important both to raise money for such an important charity but also to bring awareness to the message of eating healthily and exercising; Clarissa said, You can find out more about the “It’s also important to understand some WalktheWalk charity at: of the mental health issues that can lead https://walkthewalk.org/about-us to overindulgence and comfort eating. The Birchington sessions led by Clarissa Understanding and participation in a take place on Wednesdays (COVID healthy lifestyle helps with the recovery in restriction dependent) at the Church hall all illnesses.” in Birchington. Can you help replace the Church House roof? In an effort to raise £10,000 to replace the roof of Birchington’s beloved community venue, Church House, a fundraiser has been launched on JustGiving. the community. But the roof is shot and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. With rain leaking through we just can’t afford to leave it so we are hoping to raise enough funds by the end of the month. “Because of the pandemic we have not had much income as we haven’t been able to lease the hall so have had just 10 or 20% of what we usually would. Lots of people use Used for activities, events, parties and Church House and we want to continue to a number of community groups and offer this great hall for community use.” clubs, the building is celebrating its 50th birthday and hopes to stand tall for at The JustGiving page currently has a target least a century in total, however the roof of £5,000 and has managed to raise over is in urgent need of repair. £400 at the time of writing; but still has a long way to go. The Chair of the All Saints Committee, Dave Alker, has set up a fundraising page To help donate to the roof’s restoration, in the hope that residents will rally to help. make your way over to JustGiving. com and search ‘David Alker’ to find Dave said: “Church House opened 50 the ‘Replace the Church House Roof’ years ago this year and is well used by fundraiser. Magazine 37 Birchington On Sea War Graves Liaison Officer (WiGLO) Hello! and here I am; my name is Alexandra Gilbert and although new to the Royal British Legion I have been appointed as the Birchington Branch War Graves Liaison Officer (WiGLO!) The main aim of this new volunteer role These service personnel are interred in is to ensure that the CWGC grave plots those graves. Their ages span from 17 to 59. look respectable and have a new poppy They represent all three of the Armed tribute on them on Remembrance Sunday Forces and both World Wars. The causes of each November. I will also report any death range from being accidentally shot damage to the CWGC who maintain those by a comrade to heart failure while resting particular graves. in an armchair. Approximately one-fifth of As well as the families of those buried deaths in World War I were from disease. in the cemetery, there are a lot of Today we are all aware of the need for people who I need to network with social distancing where there is risk of before I can do much more than this. transmission of a contagious disease. I need permissions and to follow There wasn’t much option of that on- several organisations’ health & safety board ship, in barracks, or in trenches. Two requirements and regulations. I have of these men died this way: already had very helpful conversations with many people in a short space of Able Seaman William time for which I am very grateful and I am Thomas DAWSON encouraged by their support. [Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves UK]. Royal I was attracted to the role because I used Naval Division, Anson to run a Friend’s group for a 20,000 grave Battalion: Service No: public cemetery in Christchurch, New [London] LZ / 1584. Zealand where I lived for15 years before Born: 31 October 1895. returning to the UK five years ago. I am Died: 8th February the third generation of my family to retire 1916, aged 20 years old of Enteric Fever. to Birchington and live in the same house. Since my appointment, I have been 2029 Drummer George researching the biographies of the service Vincent LOVELL personnel buried in All Saints; starting [King’s Own Royal with the CWGC grave plots. I hope to be Lancaster Regiment] able to share that information soon so 4th Battalion. Born: 1st that people can engage with their stories. Quarter 1899, Cork, Ireland. Died: 30th LEST WE FORGET May 1916, Birchington, There are 13 service personnel buried in Kent, aged 17. Cause Birchington All Saints Cemetery whose of Death: accidentally shot by a comrade. headstones are maintained by the CWGC. 38 Magazine I intend to research the background of all those casualties of war in our Church grounds, details of which I shall expand upon in Parish Magazines to come and in ST. AMES due course, once I have the information QUALITY BUILDING DESIGN to hand, I also hope to run ‘tours’ of j ALL GENERAL BUILDING the Church grounds pointing out the WORK UNDERTAKEN locations of the military graves and the stories behind each of the men buried there. • Extensions • Loft Conversions I am contactable by email at wiglo. [email protected] and would welcome • Renovations hearing from anyone who has knowledge • Carpentry of the background of these • Plastering casualties of war. • Electrical Work

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Magazine 39 Royal British Legion: 100 Years Old May 15th marked the 100th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion’s service to the Armed Forces community. This is a remarkable achievement and this Alexandra has written a short piece success owes much to the efforts of small for the magazine with a more detailed branches around the country like ours in explanation of her tasks and intentions Birchington that is so well supported by on page 38. Initially, she is being well the residents of the village. supported by John and Margaret Marsh I am pleased to report that following a ‘Call who as well as tending the grave of Pte to Arms’ in the last edition of the Parish Holman also keep the RBL planter looking magazine we now have both a Village neat, tidy and colourful. Parade Marshal for Remembrance Day in the person of Mick Heywood (ex-REME) and a Poppy Appeal Organiser in Brian Faulkner who is also the local representative for the Families and Children of Far East Prisoners of War. Many thanks to both of them for stepping up to the mark and I am sure that this year we shall have a really good turnout for the Remembrance Day Parade and related activities. There has been a tremendous response We were able to show our respects to the call to the ‘Knitters of Birchington’ following the death of HRH The Duke of for knitted poppies and I am hopeful that Edinburgh with an impromptu minute’s we shall be able to display the poppies silence at 1500 hrs on Saturday 17th April this year beyond the confines of Station at the Memorial Corner on Dog Acre and Road, The Square and Dog Acre. Could we my thanks to Donna Heywood for laying a ask that knitters hold onto them for the wreath on behalf of the Branch. moment and Ruth Hayward and/or Ray Holland will be in touch as the lockdown eases to arrange a collection/drop off point so that we can consolidate them all in one location? (Contact via [email protected] or [email protected]). I have mentioned in the past a concern that the War Graves in All Saints Church grounds were not getting the attention they deserved with the tidying up Donna Heywood is in charge of wreaths and placing of poppy crosses on the for the Branch and, although it is many 11th November. This concern has now months off yet, any individual, group or been overcome with the volunteer organisation that intends to lay a wreath appointment of a War Graves Liaison on Remembrance Sunday either at the Officer (WiGLO!!), Alexandra Gilbert who War Memorial or on Memorial Corner can be contacted on email at should contact Donna for details at [email protected]. [email protected].

40 Magazine Our thanks to the Village Flagmaster, Capt come – please remember them with your John Lewis MN, for flying the Union Flag usual generosity. each day at half-mast during the period of mourning for Prince Philip. Unsurprisingly, the Branch has not met for over a year now but I am hopeful that we shall be able to get together again on Saturday 24th July in the garden of the Seaview Hotel (who have always been tremendously supportive of the RBL) from 1200 hrs onwards. Our Secretary, Wendy Greenall, will be present with Membership forms – should you feel like joining us! “Lest We Forget”. We need you! ex-military, non-servicemen or women, Contact Max Houghton, our Chairman youngsters – you would all be made at [email protected] most welcome. The RBL has a new brand or Wendy Greenall, our Secretary at and brand marked goodies are available [email protected] for any online from the Poppy Shop including a further information you may require nifty range of pin broaches. about the RBL. Your ongoing support The RBL support to young men and to the Branch – your Branch – is greatly women who have been seriously appreciated. wounded on our behalf and their families “Remember Those who Fell and Stand is ongoing and will be so for decades to with Those who Live on”

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www.alanhopkinstreesurgeon.co.uk www.damhighaccess.co.uk Magazine 41 RNLI - Margate, Birchington & Districts Branch Do What You Can, When You Can, If You Can. The new Thanet Fundraising Group which We would be grateful for a few extra includes Birchington is now successfully helpers. The time slots are from 9.00am up and running under the watchful until 3.00pm and can be for a duration of leadership of Sarah Hewes who already one or two hours. If you are able to help has the ball rolling with fundraising please email [email protected]. activities. Sarah together with Karen Later in the year look out for our fledgling Cox, the voluntary press officer for RNLI Open Gardens event in the village if Ramsgate, took part in a four lifeboat regulations allow. stations walk on 5th May. They walked from Margate via the old Lifeboat station Yellow Wellie has come out of an at Kingsgate, to Broadstairs, finishing at enjoyable isolation with Natalie at Ramsgate Lifeboat Station. Before they Thanetwide Domestics, crossed the road, even began they had raised over £600. and is now in The Bottle Shop. Well done to both on their success. There are rumours that he will be taking The great news is that our annual street an “appropriate” and adventurous holiday collection in Station Road Birchington has in August – I wonder where? been re-instated after the lockdown and Thank you all for your continued support. is scheduled for Saturday June 26th. Fiz

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44 Magazine The book’s tone aims to replicate how John first heard those stories over a glass of whiskey and is proud to say that “it will feel like you are sitting in the pub with Bill, having a chat. It is of historic interest and has been well received by The Parachute Regiment”. When asked if another book is in the pipeline, one about his own life perhaps, John teases us with his answer of “I keep being asked to write one on my life, I’m not sure I could print some of it! Who knows, maybe one day?” “His story is told here in the unmistakably authentic voice of the private soldier”. Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE Colonel Commandant, The Parachute Regiment Chairman.

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Magazine 45 Birchington Residents’ Association Yet again there is little positive to report. Obviously, we cannot hold any meetings We have approached numerous during this lockdown and we are representatives of the local council still not sure about our future including local councillors at The Centre. It is expected and the Safety Partnership, the COVID testing will but despite promises stop at the end of July, and concerns about the but it is still not certain. safety aspects, nothing It then appears to has been done. depend on whether Now that the COVID the Centre can be let problems are gradually on the Wednesdays we easing, may we hope do not use it, as it has that something will be been deemed not to be done before next winter. viable to let it for just one Our fourth newsletter Wednesday a month to us. should be ready for delivery This is despite our very long in July, printing permitting. term booking and the fact that the money was raised for the Centre by Thanks to David Alker, the last delivery grants, QUEXPO and village organisations went much better and we have managed such as ourselves to provide a home to add several paid-up members to for local groups. We hope this situation our lists. If you have not received your will be resolved and we can then start newsletters, please contact me and I shall planning to resume Coffee Mornings on deliver them, making sure your name is the second Wednesday of the month. If added to the list. In the meantime, we are this is not possible, we have been looking going to try to put them on our Facebook at alternative venues but these are not page. necessarily available on Wednesday Just a reminder for those who paid last mornings. year, their membership will continue Following our response to the new until January 2022. Obviously, we housing plan of 1650 houses for should welcome new members and Birchington, copies were sent to the our subscription remains the same: £2 Planning Department of T.D.C., to our for individual membership and £3 for Parish Council, K.C.C. Councillors and to families. In fact, we have welcomed Sir Roger Gale and we have received his a number of new members this year thanks along with a very detailed reply. already and they will not be paying until We are still struggling with other matters next January. involving T.D.C., however. For over three I expect many of our members have, years now, we have been asking that the thankfully, already received their two tree on the north side of the pedestrian COVID inoculations, but we hope you all bridge in Coleman Stairs Road, be lopped keep safe until we meet again in the near so that the light is not obscured and future. people can see the steps. For further details, please contact Pat on 01843 847843.

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