Broadstairs life - its people, its places and its charm

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...

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 wee...

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 ag...

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...

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 dr...

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...

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 A...

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...

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

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

Simon gives us a brilliant insight into this years Fireworks and water Gala here in wonderful Broadstairs

BROADSTAIRS WATER GALA WEDNESDAY 29th JULY VIKING BAY AND VICTORIA GARDENS

https://www.broadstairswatergala.co.uk

A FREE fun filled family day at the seaside Sandcastle competition - prizes for all!

Thanet Coast project activities RNLI Lifeboats Paddle board lessons with Kent Surf School Children's Bandstand entertainment and activities from 11am King Neptune and his Viking team

Walkabout characters Meet the Dinosaurs at the bandstand

Broadstairs Fireworks 2026

The...

Author Zoe Antoniades moved to Broadstairs in 2025 as she loves to write by the sea. Zoe was born in West London of Greek Cypriot parents. She has taught and worked as an Arts Leader in the London boroughs of Hounslow and Lambeth, collaborating on a wide range of creative projects in partnership with cultural venues such as the Southbank and the Young Vic. Zoe provides creative writing workshops for young people through which she has published four anthologies of short stories as Invincible Voices. Zoe has also written a memoir, Tea and Baklavas, which won the Winchester Writers’ Festival Me...

Kai Folk Week Director gives us an insight into this years Folk Week event here in Broadstairs

7th-14th August 2026 visit Broadstairs Folk Week https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk viist here for information on events venues and tickets

With decades of experience in the music industry, both in the UK and abroad, Kai M. Hoffman the Festival Director since 2024. Her multi-faceted background includes detailed, high-end artistic programming, social media marketing and events management at venues including Ronnie Scott’s Club in London, where she ran a monthly club night residency for eight years involving da...

Sue give us a fascinating insight into another part of Broadstairs History. An important part of the charm of Broadstairs & St Peter’s is the wealth of fascinating buildings which preserve the unique history of our town. In today’s podcast, we talk to Sue who has been actively involved in the Broadstairs Society project to update a register of all our local Grade II Listed buildings. These range from the inspiring 11th Century Parish Church of St Peter the Apostle to a row of humble 19th Century wash houses. Included in this register are Lord Holland’s famous follie...

The History of the Bells of St Peter-in-Thanet Church

St Peter’s church has had bells for over 600 years, but it is not known exactly when they were first installed or how many bells there were. A single bell was in the south east corner of the church and it is said that there are signs of wear caused by a bell rope on the wall of the present Lady Chapel. St Peter’s present tower was built in the 15th century at the north west corner of the church, but nothing is known about the bells unti...

Justine- I was born and raised in Broadstairs and have always appreciated and lived our little town by the sea. As a youngster I spent most weekends out on my dad’s fishing boat. At school my two loves were sport and art. I did a pre degree in art, lived in Australia for 18 months then came back and became a graphic designer for the creative print shop. Later I taught art and craft at the Thanet college and left to have my daughter Daisy in 2003. I started my decorating business in 2016 which I still do, but it now en...

Sarah is a local breastfeeding counsellor who is dedicated in supporting mothers with their breastfeeding journeys.

Sarah cares deeply about up to date information and informed choice- whilst cheering on the mothers (and babies) she works alongside with.

Instagram:

@sarahbfsupport

Website: https://sarahturner1.wixsite.com/specialist-breastfee

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAbgJSUPd/

​BradARA is a social club based in Broadstairs, Kent, open to local men and women who are retired or semi-retired.

We provide members with opportunities to make friends and engage in activities through attending regular meetings, and joining in with outings and social and cultural events.

BradARA is a satellite group from the well-established TARA (Thanet Active Retirement Association) which has been running since 1983. We are affiliated to the Kent Active Retirement Association (KentARA) which has 84 club branches throughout Kent (click on the crown at the top of this page to learn about the King's aw...

Broadstairs Sailing Club provides a range of training, dinghy sailing and racing activities from its base at Broadstairs harbour on the North East Kent coast. The Club has a well appointed clubhouse with bar, kitchen, changing rooms, training room and a lounge with panoramic views overlooking Broadstairs Viking bay.

Broadstairs SC is essentially a dinghy racing Club but there are opportunities for members to train and take part in rescue boat, race and Club management.

The Club welcomes new memberships from experienced and non-experienced families, couples and individuals. Broadstairs Sailing Club is run entirely by...

“Opening my own children’s bookshop is an absolute dream come true. Together with my outreach work with schools and the local community as The Kids Books Curator, the Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop represents the culmination of my ultimate goal – establishing a physical presence on the high street. This shop is more than just a place to buy books; it's a vibrant community hub where young readers can discover the joy of reading and where we can foster a lifelong love of literature in children. Our collaboration with the café and artisanal bakery STAPLE means that visitors can also enjo...

Today you can listen as Kanndiss talks to us about her inspired Pies with a strong Caribbean influence made here in Broadstairs and sold across Thanet. Kandiss tells us how she started in October 2025 and where her inspiration came from. Her passion just flows as she talks about her background the joy of making pies and what inspires her.

She will be telling us about her Curry Goat, Mushroom & spinach, saltfish and jackfruit, leek & tempeh chicken & broccoli flavoured pies plus many other flavours that are available. There is also a hint of what is coming as a...

Thank you to Lisa who is one of the people who we all know and see everyday about but very rarely hear about. To learn what our local Posties do and why they love the job they do listen as Lisa tells us all about her job... and it's not just wearing shorts all year!!!!

If you live between the chalk cliffs of Broadstairs and the quiet, flint-walled lanes of St Peter’s, you will know the rhythm of Lisa’s stride. While the rest of the town might be hunkering down against a North Sea gale or s...

Empowering Broadstairs: The Youth Action Campaign

Amelie and Angel, two dedicated students from Dane Court Grammar School, have launched a vital initiative aimed at tackling youth crime within the Broadstairs community. Their campaign focuses on a proactive, educational approach to steer young people toward positive paths.

Key Pillars of the Initiative

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...

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.

...

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 ca...

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...

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 j...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode Jim talks about the history of the Ukulele and how he loves teaching others .

I'm Jim Moran and I've been teaching ukulele to beginners and intermediate students for quite a few years. I'm a qualified teacher in schools and colleges and my experience includes starting a successful ukulele club in a special school that I worked in. Courses have been run for clients including Ageless Thanet, Live Better in the Community, Age UK and Neptune Co-Working Hub.

To get in touch with Jim visit his website https://www.jimbiz.co...

Peter Shaw gives us an insight into the history of the Crampton Tower Museum. A fascinating small museum is partly housed in a flint tower adjacent to the Broadstairs Railway Station. The tower formed part of the first Broadstairs public water supply and was put in repair by Thanet District Council.

Thomas Russell Crampton is perhaps chiefly remembered as a designer of locomotives and of railways, but he was also concerned with gas, water works and the submarine telegraph cable. He was the first to succeed in laying an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel.

Mitchell brings us a fascinating insight into the world of a dog behaviourist & trainer.

I've spent the last 26 years volunteering at 3 animal santuaries doing 4500 hours and rehomed and rehabilitated over 1100 dogs...and studied widely on what helps Dogs feel calm and balanced

I now work self employed as a dog behaviourist. I work one to one and come to you. I work through my vet and personal recommendation. I have a diploma in canine psychology. I can help with any issues and change any behaviour to calm whether it's reactivity, pulling , barking etc. These behaviours...

For the past 220 years or so the church has worshipped on its current site. Older people in the community will remember it being called Salem but for the past 20 years it has been known simply as The Baptist Church, St Peters. There have been many ups and downs. At one time the church had to move off-site following a break-in and a fire. Our neighbours in the St Peter’s Parish church next door kindly let us use their community hall for our worship gathering on a Sunday morning. Following a time of growth at the end of the 1990’s an...

Many of us see the Community Payback team working here in Broadstairs. On this podcast you will listen Danny speak about his passion for this service and what makes it work and how it helps those involved.

Supervised by veteran Danny Ward, the Community Payback Team has spent the years revitalising Broadstairs. This partnership between the Town Council and the Tourism & Leisure Association allows offenders to serve their sentences by improving the local environment.

The impact is twofold: the town gets high-quality labor—like the recent refurbishment of emotional memorial benches—and the participants gain life...

This alehouse features Kentish ales, ciders and others from further afield, including craft keg beers. The beer and cider loving owners are also passionate about live music and hold monthly jam sessions as well as organising the Broadstairs Jazz Festival. A central beer bottle chandelier and large picture windows flood light across comfortable spaces for friends, family and couples, dog friendly too. The Magnet is named after the boys periodical that featured Billy Bunter, whose creator was a local resident.

For full details of events etc visit TheMagnet Facebook page via this link https://www...

It's time to meet our host Dean who along with Elizebeth were busy handing out flyers for the market today 12th April. Here at Bleak House we meet many of those who set up their stalls on what was a very windy day. They are there to sell and promote local food and products at the historic Bleak House in its beautiful garden overlooking VikingBay. Today we chat with many of these here at Bleak House for what has become a regular event in the gardens. Enjoy..

The next Farmers Markets will be on 10th May, 13th & 14...

Phases Pole and Aerial Studio is Thanet’s only purpose-built pole and aerial fitness studio, located on the Westwood Industrial Estate, near B&Q and Hornby.We offer classes in pole dancing, aerial hoop, aerial silks, static trapeze and aerial hammock for all levels from complete beginner to advanced as well as workshops in things like chair dance and burlesque.For kids, we offer classes in aerial hoop, aerial silks and pole sports for those aged 8 and up and there’s a mini fabric class (silks & hammock) for 4-7 year olds.

https://phases-studio.com

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