Broadstairs and its Community Speak

Broadstairs Breast Cancer Now Fundraisers - Lorraine & Graham

This is an inspiring Podcast with two truly amazing people who talk candidly with passion and some humour thrown in about why over the years they continue to help others. Local Broadstairs residents Lorraine and Graham Burns have a passion. To raise much needed funds for Breast Cancer Now. Their lives were changed forever when Lorraine's Mum was to lost to Breast Cancer. Since that time they have dedicated ourselves to supporting Breast Cancer Now—a charity that provides world-class research and life-changing care for everyone affected by this devastating condition. Our commitment to this cause has become a central part of our lives. Over the years, we have raised over £160,000 through various charity events. You may have heard of Graham as the "Karaoke Runner," a title he earned by completing 10 London Marathons while singing yes singing to keep spirits high and donations flowing. In 2026 along with so many other charity events, in April they completed the “500 Miles and 500 More” Sponsored Walk in aid of Breast Cancer Now around Broadstairs https://www.justgiving.com/team/500miles500more?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL [https://www.justgiving.com/team/500miles500more?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL] For more information about Breast Cancer Now visit https://breastcancernow.org [https://breastcancernow.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23703102618&gbraid=0AAAAADBP5dtfWcg6N9HqZAmXxdqUKWvfv&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvtowzniTETbPuvsWm6uCuhqDnr5sjQziEGYW8Q8KPRbv8cLrhY4jTRoCOsQQAvD_BwE] Visit Grahams youtube channel for more of his fundraising and singing. https://youtube.com/@dynamicloop?si=_gK6t_vbLSPhDHHM [https://youtube.com/@dynamicloop?si=_gK6t_vbLSPhDHHM]

Broadstairs Police Community Officer-PC James Absolon

PC James Absolon has been a Police Officer in Kent for 8 Years and has served in Margate and is now The Broadstairs Community Beat officer. Here you will listen to james as he tells us about his important role in our community. He has a real passion for being part of the local community explaining the type of Police work his role covers. It's a fascinating chance to listen to a Police Officer who you will see in our town talk candidly about the issues that affect many here. Also how is available to meet you his community to discuss local issues and put a plan in to try and tackle them. You can contact James via this link or if urgent call 999 non urgent 101 and if your information and would not like to give you name call crime stoppers. https://www.kent.police.uk/area/your-area/kent/thanet/viking/about-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area [https://www.kent.police.uk/area/your-area/kent/thanet/viking/about-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area]

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.