Broadstairs life - its people, its places and its charm

Barry Stickings MBE
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  • Places & Travel

Hello and welcome to my Podcast channel Broadstairs Life. I hope you enjoy and will continue to listen to future podcasts featuring the people of Broadstairs as they share the stories of their lives, their work, their loves and history of this historic and welcoming seaside town in Kent. I am just proud that I can help share information and peoples stories of the beautiful and friendly place I live. Broadstairs, a traditional British seaside coastal resort. What Broadstairs Life is About Human Stories: Personal accounts from locals sharing their life journeys, passions, and professional work. Local History: Exploring the heritage and historic significance of Broadstairs as a classic English seaside destination. A Welcoming Guide: Insights and tips that help visitors navigate and appreciate the beauty of the town. Community Connection: A platform that celebrates the "welcoming" spirit of the area. We are on all podcasts platforms Facebook Youtube and other social media platforms pls follow and enjoy my new Podcasts every Tuesday and Friday Thank you and enjoy and feel free to contact me if you would like to take part. Contact me to take part broadstairslife@gmail.com RSS Podcasts https://rss.com/podcasts/broadstairs-life Follow us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1656734542425046/ Subscribe on Youtube https://youtube.com/@broadstairslife?si=YH2MRreIM2WF-iG5 About me ... so you know who I am https://www.baam.org.uk/our-team

  1. 2d ago

    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/

    A chat with Cllr George Rusiecki - Our new Mayor of Broadstairs & St Peters

  2. 5d ago

    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

    Gavin - The Best of Times Bookshop, Cafe & events venue

  3. Aug 10

    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

    Kent Surf School Joss & Viking Bay Broadstairs with Andy

  4. Aug 6

    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.

    Zone Youth Club Pavilion Broadstairs with Victoria

  5. Aug 3

    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

    The History of Punch and Judy by Ben & his shows on Viking Bay in August

  6. Jul 30

    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

    Andy Chats about bringing Special Educational Needs Children into Rugby as part of Thanet Wanders Rugby Club

  7. Jul 27

    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

    Alex- Boathouse Seafood Shack Broadstairs

  8. Jul 23

    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

    Laura - Nutritional Therapist based in Broadstairs
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About

Hello and welcome to my Podcast channel Broadstairs Life. I hope you enjoy and will continue to listen to future podcasts featuring the people of Broadstairs as they share the stories of their lives, their work, their loves and history of this historic and welcoming seaside town in Kent. I am just proud that I can help share information and peoples stories of the beautiful and friendly place I live. Broadstairs, a traditional British seaside coastal resort. What Broadstairs Life is About Human Stories: Personal accounts from locals sharing their life journeys, passions, and professional work. Local History: Exploring the heritage and historic significance of Broadstairs as a classic English seaside destination. A Welcoming Guide: Insights and tips that help visitors navigate and appreciate the beauty of the town. Community Connection: A platform that celebrates the "welcoming" spirit of the area. We are on all podcasts platforms Facebook Youtube and other social media platforms pls follow and enjoy my new Podcasts every Tuesday and Friday Thank you and enjoy and feel free to contact me if you would like to take part. Contact me to take part broadstairslife@gmail.com RSS Podcasts https://rss.com/podcasts/broadstairs-life Follow us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1656734542425046/ Subscribe on Youtube https://youtube.com/@broadstairslife?si=YH2MRreIM2WF-iG5 About me ... so you know who I am https://www.baam.org.uk/our-team

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