GOES TO: THE ROYAL NORFOLK HOTEL
For always being there for us, in every which way possible including feeding us during our meetings.
Here is what they said.
“We would like to thank The Sandgate Society so very much. We are very thrilled and honoured to be awarded The Business of the Year Award 2026. We would like to also thank you all for your continued support. Many thanks, Alison and Bill!
A memorial bench dedicated to Geoffrey Edmunds, which was originally placed in Sandgate by The Sandgate Society has turned up more than 150 miles away after washing ashore on a beach in Chapel St Leanards, Lincolnsire.
While walking their dog, a couple named Lisa and Neil discovered the bench and noticed the memorial plaque attached to it.
Realising it was dedicated to someone and had likely travelled a long way, they kindly contacted the Society ad carefully removed the plaque to prevent it from being lost or further damaged.
It is thought Storm Goretti which broke on 9th January, swept the bench away. Thanks to their thoughtfulness, the plaque has safely made its way back to Sandgate.
The Green Fair and Wild About Sandgate Launch
Join us on Saturday June 7th at Enbrook Park for a family-friendly day out.
https://www.sandgateenvironmentalaction.co.uk/big-green-fair
More information to follow soon.
Sandgate is an absolute gem when it comes to nature. With the sea on one side and a beautiful wooded escarpment on the other, this area is a paradise for plant life and wildlife. We’ve got hedgerows, footpaths, a stunning shoreline, and plenty of green spaces like parks and playing fields—not to mention all the lovely gardens. But have you ever stopped to wonder what kinds of plants and animals are living right around you?
If you’re curious and want to learn more about the nature in your neighborhood, why not join the Sandgate Watch community project? It’s super easy to get involved. All you need to do is keep an eye out for any interesting plants, animals, or insects, record your observations, and upload them to Sandgate Watch. The community of nature lovers will help you figure out exactly what you’ve spotted.
Not only will you be learning more about the natural world around you, but you’ll also be contributing to our collective knowledge of Sandgate’s environment. It’s a great way to connect with nature and your nature loving neighbours!
Ready to get started? Head over to www.sandgateenvironmentalaction.co.uk to find out more. You can download the app from there, or just search for Sandgate Watch in your phone’s app store. Happy exploring!
The Sandgate Society, a civic society and registered charity, has been actively campaigning for over 60 years to preserve and enhance Sandgate village’s unique built and natural heritage. Their commitment to promoting community well-being and building a sustainable future is evident in the diverse range of events and activities undertaken throughout the year.
Highlights from the past year include an exclusive wine event at John Dory, guided walks with pub lunches, a Sloe gin competition, a summer picnic, a two-night sell-out Murder Mystery play, a Safari Sale, the Sandgate Sea Festival, a winter quiz, and support for the SEA sustainable Fashion Show.
With a couple of weeks left until Christmas, upcoming events include another HG Wells walk, a Christmas Party at the Burlington Hotel, and a special Christmas Coffee morning.
Looking ahead to 2024, the social calendar promises to stay vibrant with planned events such as a Big Fat Quiz night, guest talks, photography competitions, summer and Christmas parties, more talks, walks with lunches, and the possibility of a trip to a vineyard, among many other exciting activities.
For those interested in learning more or joining this dynamic society, additional details can be found on their website at: https://sandgatesociety.com/ or by reaching out to the society via email at sandgatesociety@gmail.com.”
Folkestone streets will become even safer due to grant: A £335,546.64 award is the result of a bid made by Folkestone & Hythe Community Safety Partnership (CSP), Kent Police and the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner for round five of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.
In Folkestone the funding will focus on five key areas: CCTV, Anti-social behaviours and crime prevention, Education programmes, Safer parks and Public guardianship.
For more information about the Folkestone Safer Streets Fund visit: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community-safety/safer-streets-folkestone
Funding approved for rural district businesses and communities: Folkestone & Hythe District Council has been awarded more than half a million pounds over a two year period from central governments Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The grant will be used to support activities that specifically address challenges these areas face and can include: Grants for business to fund projects in rural areas that will support jobs, business growth and resilience. This can include net zero infrastructure, diversification needs and start ups and expansion opportunities, Grants for communities to fund projects in rural areas that will improve local facilities and amenities specifically aimed at enhancing phyiscal, cultural and social ties. This can include net zero infranstrure and improvements to faciltilies and amenities.
For more information about rural England Prosperity Fund can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus/rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus
The delightful Sandgate Park, also known as Sandgate Rec, located on Military Road, was formerly under the care of F&H District Council, later taken over by Sandgate Parish Council. This informal park features open grassland, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and a grassed area for boules. Additionally, there are small children’s play areas with swings and slides in the central part of the park.
Despite notices allowing dogs in designated areas (but not in children play areas), a Sandgate resident was recently fined £100 for walking her dog on a lead in the park. The resident, who was en route to the dog area, was informed that dogs were prohibited ANYWHERE in the park, including a public right of way footpath from Military Road to Valley Road.
Sandgate Parish Council clarified that dogs on leads ARE allowed in the park, as indicated by signage, and are not restricted from using the footpath which is a public right of way. The affected dog walker intends to appeal the fine, and residents with similar experiences are encouraged to contact the parish clerk, Gaye, for guidance on the correct procedures.
EDIT: The good news is – that with super quick help from Sandgate Parish Council – this £100 fine was cancelled and F&H District council apologised to the dog walking resident for this error.
So, in short, responsible dog walkers are very welcome in Sandgate Park – but as the signage states – dogs must be kept on the lead and away from childrens play areas. Dog waste must be picked up and bagged and deposited into one of the bins. There is also an area especially for dogs to run off lead, to the side of the car park.
13/12
Conservationists are calling on National Grid to consider an alternative route for a new electricity line between Kent and Suffolk.
The Sea Link project would lay 90 miles (145km) of undersea cable that comes ashore in Sandwich in Kent and between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh in Suffolk.
Kent Wildlife Trust urged the energy company to “avoid the route which causes the most environmental impact”.
National Grid said it was designed with “consideration of the environment”.
The proposed cable would carry renewable power from offshore wind, interconnectors and nuclear power to where it is needed.
A sub-station and converter station has also been planned for Minster, near Ramsgate, Kent, and near Saxmundham in Suffolk.
For more on this item click on the link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-67660322
The week kicks off at the best time of year for planting trees, giving them a good start to grow strong and healthy. People around the county are being encouraged to take part and Plant a Tree in ’23.
Funded through a Forestry Commission grant, activities to be carried out this week include planting 40 trees at schools, including an orchard at Greenfields Community Primary School. A mix of apple, plum, pear and cherry trees will be planted providing a learning resource as well as a food for students.
To read more about this – check out the following link:
https://news.kent.gov.uk/articles/trees-planted-and-donated-as-part-of-national-tree-week
On November 11, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed four cases of bluetongue in cattle, with the virus identified in a cow near Canterbury. In response, a temporary control zone spanning 10km (6 miles) has been established, imposing restrictions on the movement of animals.
To read more on this please click on link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/restrictions-after-bluetongue-found-on-kent-farms/ar-AA1kB1WS
A previously convicted fraudster from Maidstone found himself back behind bars after his release from prison. Blake Paterson, who had served time for engaging in fraudulent online car sales, was released on licence in 2022. Unfortunately, he resumed his deceptive activities, scamming new victims.
Paterson had a history of deceiving individuals into making payments without delivering the promised vehicles. In addition to the standard licence conditions that allowed for his recall to prison if he reoffended, Paterson was also obligated to adhere to a Serious Crime Prevention Order.
Protect Yourself from Scams: A Friendly Reminder
Watch out for the various tactics scammers employ to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Be cautious when sharing personal information, whether in person, via email, or over the phone. If you ever doubt a call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and use their official, published number to contact them.
Unexpected calls from Microsoft (“Hello, I’m from Microsoft and you’ve got a problem with your PC”) are likely to be scam calls, they may even ask for you by name, but do not engage in conversation, just hang up. Microsoft do not make unsolicited calls.
When contemplating a purchase, especially on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, exercise caution, especially if the price seems too good to be true. Seek advice from someone familiar with scamming techniques or explore online resources for scam prevention tips at https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing.
If you encounter a suspicious email prompting you to click on a link or download an attachment, it could be a scam. Forward it to the government department at report@phishing.gov.uk, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate.
Stay vigilant and safeguard yourself from potential scams.
Work is under way along a section of Kent coast to protect more than 3,000 homes and businesses from flooding.
The latest round of recycling and regrading of shingle between Fisherman’s Beach in Hythe and Folkestone Harbour began on Monday.
The project is scheduled to take up to eight weeks to complete.
The work “helps shield the sea wall, reducing the possibility of flooding and coastal erosion,” according to Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Read more about this here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-67262469
Buying a home can often be a big challenge – but in many areas it’s becoming increasingly tough just to rent somewhere. Official figures show that people in rural and coastal spots are being squeezed out of the rental market – because the pandemic has seen outsiders and holiday-makers snapping up properties in popular tourist destinations. In North Devon – there’s been a 22% increase in house prices. The Office for National Statistics says “rising house prices and private rents mean that some workers are at risk of being priced out of living in rural and coastal areas, contributing to skill shortages in the tourism and hospitality industries.” Cornwall and Torbay Councils have warned of what they say is a “perfect storm”. BBC reporter, Jon Kay, has been hearing about the challenges from one couple in Bideford – Sarah-Jane and her wife, Lauren. This is 5 Minutes On how the rental crisis is having a real impact on people’s lives.
You don’t have to be a rower to belong to Folkestone Rowing Club – Folkestone Rowing Club has a great social scene if you don’t fancy rowing! We have quizzes, raffles, open mic nights as well as theme nights. It is open 3pm-10pm Mon-Thurs, 3pm-11pm Fri, 2pm-11pm Sat, Sun 12am-9pm Sun.
To see upcoming events click on this Facebook link: www.facebook.com/FolkestoneRowingClub/events?ref=page_internal
To check out some of the pictures from this years regattas click on this link: www.folkestonerowingclub.com/photos/
Dear Sandgate Society Members and all Sandgate residents,
We need your help please – evidence is needed to avoid an important path closure.
There is a path known as Sandy Lane, which goes from the bottom of Hospital Hill up to the Military cemetery. There is also a path through the woods, from the top of Hospital Hill to the Military cemetery, this is the path we want to claim. The land is now owned by Taylor Wimpey.
The Sandgate Society are in the process of claiming this path to avoid closure but we need 40 witness statements. Locals have used it for many years but it’s not a public right of way.
The evidence needs to start at least 20 years before the date of claim of 2022, but can also be joined up, ie : someone using the path 30 years ago, stopping, someone else using it 15 years ago is fine.
It is, we feel, a Heritage Trail as it includes the Martello tower No.9, remains of WW1 trenches and WW2 pill boxes, a Victorian Firing Range, views of the Royal Military Canal, a mention of the Battery Wall (below, can’t be seen) the Redoubt and the Military Cemetery.
All information for witnesses is on the Sandgate Parish Council website, please follow this link. Please follow this link for full information:
sandgatepc.org.uk/?s=sandy+lane
and help us if you can.
The witness statements cannot be filled out on line, but can be printed free of charge at the Sandgate Library.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Everyone is talking about diversity these days, but how can you work to promote diversity and inclusion in your everyday life? True, you can take to the streets in support of protests and activists that are trying to level the playing field. But these aren’t the only ways to help.
In fact, one of the most powerful things you can do to ensure a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable world is to become an informed consumer because where and how you spend your money can send a message to corporations and society. If you need a little help getting started, try one of these conscientious tips from Sandgate.
Always Review Diversity and Inclusion Statements
One of the best ways to support diversity in your community is to shop locally. Even so, sometimes your needs and budget concerns can make this challenging. When this is the case, know that you can still shop big box retailers without feeling guilty. Do some research before you go shopping to see which stores are working for the common good. Such companies understand the benefits of having a diverse workforce, which includes increased innovation and employee engagement.
Most companies, including the GAP, have their diversity and inclusion statements on their websites. If you can’t find one for your favourite stores, you can also check to see if these companies have any foundations or charitable causes they support.
Find Active Ways to Cultivate Anti-Racism and Allyship
In the intro, we mentioned that diversity and inclusion are trending topics. This is so true, and the same can be said for anti-racism, which is a huge building block towards equity and inclusion. Here’s the hard truth, though: talking about anti-racism and doing something about it requires two different levels of commitment and effort. As On-Seeing points out, if you want to be a true ally to underrepresented communities, you have to be willing to back up your social media posts with real action.
Once again, using your power as a consumer is a great way to act towards change. But you have to be willing to dig a little deeper in order to be a truly responsible consumer. That’s because while many products — including those that contain palm oil — may seem innocent, the production of these goods causes the most harm to people of colour.
You can also look for nonprofit organisations that are run by people of color. This may seem like a small step, but research shows that these NGOs are more likely to promote true diversity in their hiring practices and operations. You can usually find information about an organisation’s board of directors on their website.
Give Up Fast Fashion and Support More Inclusive Organizations
Aside from being selective about which groceries you buy, there are other ways to actively work against racism, like putting a stop to your fast fashion habit. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre notes that racism and oppression have always been at the core of the fast fashion industry.
Many fast fashion companies have a history of mistreating or not hiring minority employees. Their marketing campaigns tend to be devoid of representation as well, but the most severe issues stem from the way they manufacture those discount pieces. To turn a profit, many clothing companies utilise working environments. Workers are also paid very low wages.
Instead of promoting these unethical practices, consider spending your hard-earned money with black-owned businesses that are working to end them. These sustainable companies are also run by women, so you can truly feel good about your purchases.
Creating a more equitable and inclusive world is going to take time and a lot of hard work. By being a more informed and responsible consumer, you are making some very powerful first steps. Know that you’re making a difference and you are acting to create a better world.
Sandgate is an idyllic community located between Folkestone and Hythe. If you have any questions, please email admin@sandgate-kent.org.uk.
. . . . . . . . . . Annette Cooper!
And luckily she was at the coffee morning on Saturday to receive her prize!
Well done Annette – her winning entry of frog spawn will be posted on the Sandgate Society website soon.
We will also publish a small selection of some of the other entries on the Sandgate Society website .
Thank you all for such good quality compositions and for the high number of photos received – a good addition to Sandgate Society events!
Well done Annette and thank you to Kevin for organising and judging the competition.
To see a comprehensive list of Sandgate Society events – check out: https://sandgatesociety.com/annual-events-programme/
It’s not always easy for smaller local businesses to keep up with bigger, better-known brands. The COVID-19 pandemic was especially challenging for smaller companies, as many of them lacked the large budgets to stay afloat as business declined or was put on pause.
Now is the time for local businesses to recover and for their communities to rally around them and lift them up. Read on to discover some of the ways that small businesses can thrive and learn how their neighbourhoods can support them, courtesy of Sandgate.
Recognize the benefits of small businesses
Small businesses support their local communities in many ways. For one thing, they help create local jobs. They can also contribute to local taxes, helping to support a healthy local economy. Additionally, small businesses tend to be less burdensome to the community precisely because of their size: For example, they can occupy local buildings instead of having to add new infrastructure that disrupts the area. Oliver POS highlights additional benefits of small businesses, like the fact that they diversify the area marketplace.
How local businesses and the local community can connect
Small businesses can have a reciprocal relationship with their local communities that benefit both sides. However, this reciprocal relationship depends on connectivity. Business owners can connect with the community by taking steps like joining a local business organisation, teaching classes or workshops for locals, introducing themselves to other nearby retailers, and participating in area events. Sponsorships are another great tactic. For example, a local business can sponsor an area sports team or event, like a parade. The business invests in the community while making its brand known.
Marketing tips for neighbourhood businesses
Marketing is essential to any business’s success. This is even more important for small businesses in the wake of COVID-19. It’s important to let the world know that you’re still there and ready to provide essential goods or services. A website is a critical marketing tool. Local businesses can then list their website in area business listings to generate leads.
When communicating with a graphic or web designer, you may need to change file formats from JPG to PDF. Luckily, there are free shortcuts you can use; this tool may help you save money by easily transforming all of your images into a single usable file that’s still high quality. And best of all, it’s free!
Ways businesses can show appreciation for customer loyalty
If the community rallies around a small business, it only makes sense that the business would want to say thanks. There are loads of creative ways that companies can convey their appreciation for customer loyalty. Shopify lists some ideas, like writing handwritten thank-you notes, showcasing customers on social media, and implementing customer feedback. It’s also helpful to set up customer loyalty or referral programs. Finally, consider what kinds of perks people genuinely appreciate. Examples range from offering free shipping to sending personalised communications.
Events that can bring businesses and neighbours together
There’s nothing like a fun event to bond businesses and customers. Companies can host area events to show appreciation for their clientele and drum up business in the process. By attending these events, clients are helping to boost the business’ brand. That doesn’t mean that you have to spend big bucks to throw a flashy party full of glitz and glam. Affordable ideas include hosting a contest, organising volunteering opportunities, or offering workshops. Product or service sampling is another fun way to bring people together.
Small businesses are a vital part of a thriving, happy community. However, local companies don’t always have it easy since they lack the money and notoriety of bigger companies. There are steps businesses can take to ensure locally owned companies thrive, like investing in marketing. The above guide has some additional ideas to benefit both businesses and the communities they serve.
Sandgate is a charming coastal village with a lot to offer. To learn more, please email admin@sandgate-kent.org.uk.
There are lots of great talks coming up, given by the Kent Family History Society, including:
‘Making the most of a Will’, ‘Family history storytelling’ and ‘The Poor Law settlement system in East Kent in the 18th century’, and lots of other interesting topics.
To find out more check out: https://www.kfhs.org.uk/events
According to the Environment Agency, over five million people in England live and work in properties at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, whilst more face flood threats from groundwater, surface water, sewers, and reservoirs.
At Gocompare, we have put together a guide to preparing for a flood and protecting your property – https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/flooding-and-home-insurance/ (scroll down page to: How can I reduce my property’s flood risk?)
In extreme conditions, you won’t be able to stop flood water, and you should always put personal safety above attempts to protect property and possessions. Despite this, there are steps that you can take to keep water out, to buy yourself time to preserve property and possessions and to limit the damage that flood water does.
Thank you for your support, we’re extremely grateful.
Kind regards,
Catherine Bailey
Publisher Partner Manager
GoCompare, Imperial House, Imperial Way, Newport, UK, NP10 8UH
