Broadstairs life

The Art of Needle Felting Artist Michelle Wharton

Self taught and now a teacher and instructor Michelle Wharton introduces needle felting as a versatile dry felting method. By using specialised barbed needles to mesh wool fibre's together, she helps through her workshops crafters produce everything from intricate 3D sculptures to detailed 2D art. This accessible hobby requires minimal equipment—primarily wool, a foam mat, and needles—making beginner kits for ornaments or animals an ideal starting point. Key skills involve precise vertical stabbing, tight rolling, and strategic layering to build structure and density. Michelle also exhibits her art in local galleries. If you would like to join a class in Broadstairs or in other areas of Thanet you can contact Michelle via her email wharton55@hotmail.com [wharton55@hotmail.com] You can follow Michelle on her facebook page to see her work and people in her classes https://www.facebook.com/michelle.wharton.338 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle.wharton.338]

Sarah Thorne Theatre Michael Wheatley Ward

From the Largest Theatre Group in the World to The Oldest Stage in England and the Future of the Theatre Michael Wheatley-Ward has had invaluable experience of the theatre management business. Here is a colourful entertainment all of its own of the risks involved in production management from the wings as well as front of house. A wealth of knowledge which has been gained through knowing and working with some leading actors, directors and producers in the theatre business over fifty years. From some of London's West End play houses, cinemas and provincial picture houses to the second oldest theatre in England, the Theatre Royal Margate. This centre was one of local controversy in 2007, which led to the creation of the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs. Michael said: “There are several reasons why I fought to save the Sarah Thorne Theatre site in Broadstairs. For those who have read Michael Flagg’s biography of me, entitled “Surviving in the Theatre” which during Covid, Cameron Macintosh told me was a very apt title, readers will see I have spent a life in the entertainment profession. “Community theatre plays an important part in life and especially now where we need places for people to learn and develop their skills. Also in later years it offers employment and a purpose to get up in the morning which for me is another reason. Like our Patron Judi Dench says retirement is not a word in our dictionary.

Broadstairs and its Community Speak

This is a special edition after the events that took place over the Bank Holiday Weekend FYI some of the comments were converted but not changed from the original submitted text into the spoken word. This is confirmed during the Podcast at which point this takes place. Thank you Let's remember Broadstairs is a quintessential, charming coastal town located on the Isle of Thanet in East Kent, England. Affectionately nicknamed the "Jewel in Thanet's Crown," it beautifully preserves a nostalgic, Victorian-era seaside atmosphere while fostering a thriving contemporary food, shopping, and arts scene. Nestled between the coastal hubs of Margate and Ramsgate, the town is renowned for its spectacular chalk cliffs, a necklace of sandy bays, and strong historic ties to literary giant Charles Dickens. As we all know Broadstairs did not have such a great weekend. Families, visitors and local residents were all geared up for a fantastic weekend in the sun. The beaches were packed local restaurants, pubs and cafes were all geared up for a great time. However a very small minority were encouraged by social media as has happened before to descend on our town. But it was for all the wrong reasons. Fuelled with drink and walking our streets in beach wear and stealing from local shops they caused havoc stealing alcohol and other items and in the end forcing local business to close. But this was not just unique to Broadstairs many coastal resorts across the country suffered the same problem. So here you can listen to our local community tell you why Broadstairs is not like this all the time, it's a fantastic place to visit and enjoy. I thank you all for taking part.

Broadstairs & St Peters Bowls Club - Ray

OUR HISTORY Aspley House Bowls Club was set up by Dr Brightman (Broadstairs Council chairman) during WW1. In 1917 the rinks were laid out in his back garden, facing what is now Lawn Road. They were mainly used by returning servicemen at the end of the war. When Dan Mason gifted the Recreation Ground to the town in 1921 by way of his personal thanks to the troops, he set up a bowling green in the grounds (now the present Broadstairs & St Peters Bowls Club), closing not only his personal double bowling rink in Pierremont Park, but also the Apsley House Bowls Club. A BIG CELEBRATION In 2016 we celebrated our centenary year. To mark the occasion, we organised several exciting games and visits, one being to play the Royal Household in Windsor. It was a perfect way to mark our incredibly special year. We then played host to the Royal household in a return match and it was a wonderful day. Thinking of Joining? If you are looking for good company, gentle exercise, friendship and maybe some competition in the heart of beautiful Broadstairs, then why not come and join us at Broadstairs & St Peter's Bowls Club. broadstairsbowl.secretary@outlook.com [broadstairsbowl.secretary@outlook.com] https://broadstairsandstpetersbowls.uk [https://broadstairsandstpetersbowls.uk]

Thanet Disabled Riding Centre Broadstairs with Vicky

Vicky who has been at the centre for 25 years tells us about the amazing work this centre does to give anybody with a disability to ride and interact with their horses. Thanet Disabled Riding Centre is an independent, nonprofit organisation located in Broadstairs. With the fantastic support from our team of volunteers, we can cater to 40 riders a week. The Centre has now been running for 47 years and is currently home to four ponies. Three of whom are in full time work and our other one is a 34 year old, retired, tea drinking Shetland! We are a full time charity which takes £150 per day to run, so we appreciate any support we receive. Our Story TDRC was established in 1974 on a small yard in Thanet, Kent. (up until 2004 the centre was affiliated with the RDA) This was soon taken over by Nora Setterfield and Rowena Young a few months later due to a threat of the centre closing down. This led to Nora and Rowena having to find another plot of land to restart the charity. They came across a riding school called Bromstone. This allowed the centre to use the riding school ponies, they continued this set up, unfortunately, the riding school closed down a few years later. So the hunt was on to find another home. They soon found a plot of land in Fairfield. Due to a lack of stables and an influx of riders, a pony bed and breakfast was created. This is where owners would kindly allow the centre to keep their ponies every weekend, where they would be stabled and fed, in return for riding use. Nora was soon able to cut down on the amount of bed and breakfast ponies due to being donated working ponies that the centre could use. After a few months, the council decided to sell the land for development, so Nora and Rowena had to, yet again move the centre. They were lucky to have supportive councillors who waited until they were settled in a new home to sell the land. Nora and Rowena found a quiet plot of land in the grounds of Maurice house (the British Legion) in 1985. This has since become the centres permanent home. The pair had a massive task on their hands to clear the trees and level the ground to make a safe home for the centres ponies. Nora says “anyone who popped their head over the wall to be nosy, got a job. The whole community pulled together to help us get started”. Before long the centre was deemed safe for riding. With six pony-sized stables constructed, a tack room/tea room and a feed room were installed. The centre then started with only 2 ponies, Rusty and Paddy. So bed and breakfast continued until 2 more centre ponies were bought, Sunny, and Blaze. So bed and breakfast was stopped. The centres most well known possession is a 34-year-old, tea drinking devil Shetland named Smartie. Bought by the centre at age 4, she would take on a ridden career for Nora’s baby clinic on a Friday morning. Unfortunately, smartie found it more amusing to kick volunteers and watch them run away, than actually be ridden. Her favourite activity was chasing people through fences. And throwing a tantrum if she didn’t get her morning cup of tea. To make matters worse, Smartie was petrified of games so Nora broke Smartie in to drive, and she loved it! Thanet Disabled Riding Centre,Callis Court RoadBROADSTAIRS, CT10 3AH https://www.disabledridingcentre.com [https://www.disabledridingcentre.com]