Broadstairs life - its people, its places and its charm

Broadstairs life - its people, its places and its charm

por Barry Stickings MBE
ComidaLugares y Viajes
Temporada 2
Carina Mermaid inspired Therapy & Storytelling
Carina Coen is originally from Galway, Ireland, a country well known for folklore and magical stories of Leprechauns. Carina has written a new twist on ‘Faerie-Tales’, in an unusual and imaginative mix of fantasy-story-telling and Environmental and Educational messages for the reader. You can listen to Sylvie's Wish via this link https://sylvieswish.com Carina is now based in central Broadstairs Kent running a Mermaid Retreat inspired BnB & Therapy Storytelling studio. Carina also works @tidetherapies Dr Haushka skincare in Broadstairs. Remedial massage Sangye Yoga Studio London. Instagram @carinacoen @@tidetherapies BnB https://mermaid-retreat-broadstairs.hotelskent.com/en/
T2 · E15
24 ago 2026
32:56
Our New Broadstairs and St Peters Town Crier - Bryan
Broadstairs and St Peter’s have a new Town Crier appointed by The Town Council. My name is Bryan Jones I was born in Canterbury and have lived here for the last twelve years. Many people will already know me from my membership with various local Clubs and associations Broadstairs and St Peter’s Twinning Association, The Village Tour , The Caledonian Society, St Peter’s Living Lively Choir, The Dickens Declaimers. You may well have seen me at the Food Festival earlier this year, and in and around Broadstairs Dickens Festival a couple of weeks ago. I will also be about during the Folk Festival next month, so please stop me for a chat, and say hello, you are more than welcome. Any stories or interesting facts about yourself, or the Town will be well received. My main role is to bring a bit of colour to local events and to promote Broadstairs and St Peter’s, If you would like to book Bryan or get in touch you can email jimbry60@gmail.com
T2 · E14
20 ago 2026
52:37
A chat with Cllr George Rusiecki - Our new Mayor of Broadstairs & St Peters
Born in Wales, my first connection to Thanet was when I was posted to RAF Manston in 1979. I worked there in air traffic control for the next three years during which time I met a local girl – now my Mayoress, Sarah Kemp. Over the next twenty years we bought our first house together in Wardour Close, Broadstairs, got married and had three children. I split my time between the family in Broadstairs and West Drayton, Heathrow and lastly Southampton where I worked for the CAA at the Air Traffic Control Centre. When the opportunity arose to work at Manston again I jumped at the chance to base myself fully in Thanet and I worked at the airport until it closed in 2014. During this time I also bought the café on the beach at the bottom of Harbour Street which I ran alongside and then after my CAA work until 2016. It was the sudden closure of Manston airport which got me into local politics – I was never politically ambitious until this time. In August 2016 I won the by-election for the Northwood Ward in Ramsgate and became a Thanet District Councillor. At the following local elections in May 2019 I became both a Ramsgate Town Councillor and a Thanet District Councillor, but it was always my aim to represent Broadstairs. In 2023 I was elected to represent Bradstowe ward in Broadstairs for both the Town and District Councils. I was delighted to serve as Deputy Mayor for the Town Council during the Civic Year 2025-26 and I am honoured to be able to represent the Town as Mayor for the current year. Unlike County and District Councils which can be remote because they deal with such large numbers of people, Local Councils are placed within our communities. Local Councillors are vital to our community as they meet and talk to the people they represent every day in shops, pubs, at work and out and about. People tell us what is important to them and we can act on that. We know security in our town is a main priority for many and we have worked hard to provide additional security resources not only on the beaches but in the high street, parks and shops. My aim as Town Mayor is to make Broadstairs even safer and more family focused. As a keen member of Dickens Festival I recognise the importance of our heritage and the appeal of a traditional family holiday. As a keen fisherman I will be looking to reintroduce the Mayor’s Cup – a fishing competition for young people. I will be working to increase awareness around defibrillators and bleed kits and ensuring everyone has access to them. With my military background I am passionate about helping former servicemen and women and I will be therefore be working with colleagues on the Town Council to introduce a Veterans Association. Broadstairs is and always has been a special place. I intend to do all I can to ensure that it continues to be a place where everyone feels safe to enjoy its rare combination of physical beauty, heritage and wholesome family fun. https://www.broadstairs.gov.uk/the-town-mayor/meet-our-town-mayor/
T2 · E13
16 ago 2026
51:29
Gavin - The Best of Times Bookshop, Cafe & events venue
The Best of Times is a place to browse, to read, to write, and to explore. With great coffee and snacks, free WiFi, and a unique curated selection of new books on two floors, it’s the latest addition to Broadstairs’ cultural scene. In time we’ll offer a programme of events, and host writers’ groups, book clubs, singer-songwriter nights and more. And don’t forget our unique spooky book nook… Visit Gavin’s website for details of upcoming events at this lovely place in Broadstairs to look amongst the books and events as people enjoy the love of books reading and poems. Plus music https://www.bestoftimesbooks.com/ 1 Chandos Road Broadstairs, CT10 1QP
T2 · E12
13 ago 2026
29:18
Kent Surf School Joss & Viking Bay Broadstairs with Andy
Kent Surf School is the ONLY surf school to hold a license from both Thanet District Council and Adventure Activity Licensing Service ensuring that we meet strict operating and safety parameters. Andy Webb owner of Kent Surf School also works as an Ambulance Practitioner for South East Coast Ambulance Service and is Trainer Assessor for Surf Life Saving Great Britain in water sports instructor training and First aid qualifications. Kent’s leading surf school is an award winning surf school as voted by our customers. As a family owned and run business, Kent Surf School has a driving passion to share our enthusiasm for the ocean with the next generation. Throughout all our surf lessons and water activities we emphasise the fundamentals of beach safety to promote solid lifelong practices. We keep class sizes small so that everyone can enjoy a personal learning experience as they discover how to make the most of the ocean. You are guaranteed that the quality of teaching you will enjoy at Kent Surf School is absolutely always first rate. Whatever you want, we aim to make sure that every single one of our customers has the time of their life. That could be why so many of you come back year after year!! We believe in offering you outstanding customer service and the highest level of surf and water sports tuition. At Kent Surf School, our team are incredibly highly trained and motivated, totally dedicated to helping you learn new skills. https://kentsurfschool.co.uk
T2 · E11
10 ago 2026
25:06
Zone Youth Club Pavilion Broadstairs with Victoria
A lovely chat with Victoria Suchak - Manager and founder https://www.thepavilioncommunitycafe.co.uk I have been running the Zone Youth Club for over 20 years, first at St Andrew’s Church in Reading Street, then at The Gap, Queens Road Baptist Church, and for the past 9 years at The Pavilion Café in St Peter’s Recreation Ground. I am a qualified Senior Youth Worker, overseeing all the weekly club sessions we run at the café. The Zone Youth Club first started one cold, snowy night in February 2005 at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Reading Street. 120 children and their parents lined up to join. It was overwhelming, but we enlisted help from friends and family, and the club was born. We had a long waiting list, started a second session, did lots of fundraising, bought lots of new equipment, trained staff, ate lots of sweets and burnt a lot of toast, tried hard not to annoy the neighbours too much, organised some really fun trips out, and made lots of new friends. The children that came through our doors became happier, more confident, learned some new skills, gained new friends, and some stayed on to become junior volunteers. We moved to The Gap Community Centre in central Broadstairs in 2015 as we needed more space and to be more accessible. But the seed of an idea was growing……club members and staff had always struggled with not having our own space, to do what we want, when we want, to not be reliant on hiring space, having storage for our ever-increasing equipment and resources. So we took a big leap of faith (and some said madness). In July 2017, we closed the youth club Friday night session for the last time. During that summer, we took on the huge task of renovating the derelict sports pavilion in St Peter’s Recreation Ground. It had been subject to years of vandalism, rotting wood, a leaking roof, broken doors and windows, and neglect. We spent long days and nights fundraising, applying for grants, persuading funders that we could fulfil our ambition. We signed the lease, took most of the building apart, put it back together again, gathered a very mismatched collection of furniture, and in November, cautiously opened the door to everyone. We re-started the youth club, but as an after school youth café – three times a week. It was a struggle to decide how to manage the additional ‘members’ that were coming – the parents! But after some gentle persuasion, another grant to allow an all-age session, we now have dedicated sessions for young people aged 5-16. They come straight from school, eat vast quantities of free toast, meet their friends, play, chill, chat with us, and sometimes even learn some new skills. We have become a very welcoming, friendly and supportive community café as well. It made sense to open in the morning, for light refreshments for the people using the park – dog walkers, joggers, parents after dropping the kids at school, elderly people…..and now we have a lovely baby and toddler family group, a group of “knit and natterers”, occasional art and craft workshops, and lots and lots of chat! We are a focal point for our local community, providing friendship, information, and whatever interesting activities we can think of.
T2 · E10
6 ago 2026
38:27
The History of Punch and Judy by Ben & his shows on Viking Bay in August
As Punch & Judy Shows Return to Viking Bay This Summer Ben Bamboozle talks to us about this wonderful Seaside tradition and its history. Families and visitors can enjoy this classic British seaside entertainment right on the beach by our official performer Mr Punch and Judy, Ben Bamboozle. https://www.mrpunchandjudy.co.uk/ Admission is completely free for all attendees. Performance Dates The shows will take place across selected dates in July and August 2026 on Viking Bay Broadstairs Times: 11am, 12pm & 1pm • Friday 14th August • Saturday 15th August • Sunday 16th August • Friday 21st August • Saturday 22nd August • Sunday 23rd August • Friday 28th August • Saturday 29th August • Sunday 30th August Event Details • Location: Centre staircase, Viking Bay Beach, Broadstairs • Cost: Free admission Come along to enjoy great comedy, iconic characters, and seaside fun for all generations. For more information please contact; • Email: events@broadstairs.gov.uk • Phone: 01843 263609 • Website: www.broadstairs.gov.uk
T2 · E9
3 ago 2026
28:46
Andy Chats about bringing Special Educational Needs Children into Rugby as part of Thanet Wanders Rugby Club
Andy talks about how just over 4 years ago the club decided it was time to extend Rugby to everybody in the community. What followed was a journey that nobody expected, it has gone from strength to strength .... Listen as Andy talks with passion about this amazing group of young people who now enjoy Rugby new friends etc plus parents who are overjoyed as their children become involved .... If you child would like to be involved you can contact Andy via this link https://www.thanetwanderers.co.uk SEND Rugby The Thanet Wanderers Rugby SEND Programme was started back in 2022 to give children and young adults, for whom sports provision is limited at best, an opportunity to play an exciting team sport. The programme is non-contact and is played using tag belts in teams of 7. All children with some degree of Specia Educational Needs or disability are very welcome from 5 years old up to young adult. The sessions take place on Sunday mornings from 9.30am until 10.30am at Thanet Wanderers RUFC, St Peter's Recreation Ground, Callis Court Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3AE. The programme is the only SEND rugby programme in the whole of the south east of England but looking to support other local clubs to set up their own programmes. Wooden Spoon Tagfest 2024 In June 2024 the squad enjoyed a 2 day visit to Coventry to take part in the Wooden Spoon Tagfest tournament where the 2 teams entered played against other SEND programmes from across the UK. We are hoping to once again attend the tournament in June 2025, more information about the destination when we have it. Our tag rugby programme is designed for those aged 6-21 years with Special Educational Needs and Disability for whom full contact rugby would not be possible. It meant so much to the both of us to be included in such an amazing opportunity. Theo is very proud of himself and teammates and grateful for all the coaches amazing love and support to show him his true potential and believing in him. - Amy, mother of Theo We watched our little girl start her rugby journey two years ago with Thanet wanders when she couldn’t catch a ball. Two years later she was given the opportunity to play in her first tournament and went and got a try. That memory will live with us forever and Something we never dreamed she could achieve. It’s moments like that provides our children with confidence and belief that will help them with the challenges they face daily. But most importantly puts the biggest smile on their face. - Paula, mother of Summa
T2 · E8
30 jul 2026
47:30
Alex- Boathouse Seafood Shack Broadstairs
Alex talks about how his father in law Nick has brought Fresh seafood back in Broadstairs. It's a local family run takeaway seafood shack with Alex and his wife Jess at the helm helping everybody to enjoy what is a seaside tradition. Local seafood. Selling cockles , whelks , dressed crab , crab or prawn sandwiches, cold drinks and snacks...and much more. The Boathouse , Harbour street , Broadstairs, United Kingdom, Ct10 1EU on the harbour itself;f app The Tarter Frigate. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590576721615
T2 · E7
27 jul 2026
26:31
Laura - Nutritional Therapist based in Broadstairs
Laura is a Registered Nutritional Therapist who helps men and women take the guesswork out of nutrition. Passionate about evidence-based health, she works with clients to uncover the root causes of their symptoms and create practical, sustainable strategies that support energy, gut health, hormones, metabolic health and overall wellbeing. Through education and realistic lifestyle changes, Laura empowers people to build healthier habits that last, without restrictive diets or overwhelming advice You can contact Laura via www.watsonyourplate.co.uk orlaura@watsonyourplate.co.uk instagram: watson_yourplate
T2 · E6
23 jul 2026
38:53
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