Broadstairs and its Community Speak

Dickens House Broadstairs with Darren Cowd

We have to thank Darren Cowd TDC museums manager & Curator of Dickens House. Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens' long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens' inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. According to the reminiscences of Charles Dickens son Charley, they regularly had tea there with Miss Mary Pearson Strong, and her belief of her right to stop the passage of donkeys in front of her cottage became the donkey incident for the character of Betsey Trotwood. The parlour, described by Dickens and illustrated by Phiz, will be known to readers of David Copperfield. The cupboard in the corner may be recognised as the "press" from which Miss Betsey produced the concoctions she gave poured down the throat of young David Copperfield. Visitors to Dickens House Museum will see items that once belonged to Charles Dickens including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box and mahogany sideboard, along with a fine collection of prints by H K Browne (Phiz), one of Dickens' principal illustrators. There are also displays of Dickensian memorabilia, Victorian costumes and Victoriana, as well as a feature on "Our English Watering Place". It was in 1851 that Charles Dickens wrote this affectionate record of the town and its inhabitants. 2026 Season: Wednesday 1st April - Sunday 1st November: Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) For more information and to book Email: museums@thanet.gov.uk [museums@thanet.gov.uk] * Phone: 01843 577646 * Website: Visit Thanet Museums [https://visitthanetbusiness.co.uk/about-us/museums/]

The Dickens Festival Broadstairs with Elizabeth, Simon, Dean and Sharon

Festival 2026 - Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th June 2026 will be the 89th year, and we are pleased to confirm the dates for our 3-day festival. Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th June Charles Dickens visited Broadstairs in Kent regularly from 1837 until 1859 and immortalised the town as "Our English Watering Place". In 1937, to commemorate the centenary of the author's first visit, Gladys Waterer, the then resident of Dickens House, conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and of having people about the town in Victorian dress to publicise it. Thus the festival was born and, with the exception of the years of World War 2, has been held annually ever since. The Broadstairs Dickens Fellowship was formed the same year - 1937 and constitutionally 'requests' the festival each year. https://www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk/ [https://www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk/] info@broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk [info@broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk]

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]