Ladies Group

The visit to Ramsgate Tunnels was an enlightening experience, rich with the history of Ramsgate and the remarkable ways in which the tunnels were used to protect and save the lives of the local people during the war. Known as the backbone of Ramsgate’s wartime defence, these tunnels, which were originally constructed to provide essential railway links, were transformed dramatically as World War II unfolded and they became an indispensable shelter, and served as a sanctuary during the bombings, offering refuge, safety, and hope to the terrified citizens.

Martin, our guide, proved to be an invaluable source of information. His deep knowledge and passion for Ramsgate’s history illuminated our journey through the tunnels. As he led us through the dimly lit passages, he pointed out key features and historical markers, bringing the past vividly to life.

After our insightful tour, we gathered at the Perico Lounge to unwind and reflect on the evening’s experiences. Over drinks, we shared our thoughts and impressions, appreciating the depth of history we had encountered. The relaxed ambiance of the Perico Lounge offered a perfect setting for socializing and further discussion.

The visit to Ramsgate Tunnels was not just a journey into the depths of the earth but a profound dive into the heart of Ramsgate’s history. It highlighted the importance of preserving such historical sites, as they serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and courage of past generations. Through Martin’s expert guidance we left with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made and the stories of survival that define Ramsgate’s heritage.

In February 2025, we organised our first breakfast event. It was heartening to see some new ladies come along that are unable to attend our evening gatherings.

The event began with a continental breakfast, that helped to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The assortment of cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, and hot beverages provided a perfect start to the morning, encouraging conversations between all those that came along.

After breakfast, Rita shared a very touching and thought-provoking testimony about her life. Her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room as she recounted the challenges she had faced and the ways in which God has guided her over the years. Her story of faith and perseverance was both inspiring and moving.

Following Rita’s testimony, we learned about the amazing work of Still Water’s Counselling Service. The presentation highlighted the various ways in which this service helps individuals navigate through difficult times. It was evident that the support provided by Still Waters is both compassionate and effective, offering a lifeline to those in need.

Wow. What an amazing evening. Nearly 80 ladies attended the line dancing evening, making it a night to remember. We are very grateful to Rachel, our incredible instructor, who had so much patience as she guided us through the steps and helped everyone relax as they tried to follow the instructions.

Great fun was had by all as we tried to keep in step and avoid bumping into anyone. The evening was filled with laughter, creating a warm and lovely atmosphere. Once again, food and drinks were provided, adding to the overall enjoyment of the event. The combination of dancing, laughter, refreshments and a superb instructor made for a great evening for everyone.

Christmas Craft Night – November 2024

The Christmas Craft Night in November 2024 was a great evening with over 70 ladies attending. This annual event has become a popular evening, offering a wide range of crafting activities that bring joy and creativity to all who attend.

The event offered various crafts, each designed to spark the holiday spirit. Participants had the opportunity to engage in a wide array of creative endeavours, ensuring that there was something for everyone. The crafts included:

· Decorating Bottles: Transforming wine and small bottles into beautiful decorative pieces that can grace any festive table.

· Making Christmas Cards: Handcrafting personalized Christmas cards, adding a touch of love and uniqueness to holiday greetings.

· Filling Baubles: Creating charming baubles by decorating pre-cut wooden pictures and filling with artificial snow – perfect for adorning Christmas trees.

· Face Flannel Craft: Crafting a teddy bear and a cupcake from flannels – a very tactile activity.

· Macrame: learning basic macrame knots and creating macrame rings to hang on the Christmas tree.

· Dried Fruit Fragrances: Making fragrant decorations using dried fruits, which not only look beautiful but also fill the air with a festive aroma.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter, chatter and the variety of crafts ensured that everyone found an activity that resonated with them, and the sense of accomplishment was palpable.

Although refreshments were provided throughout the evening, there was such a buzz with ladies wanting to do as many crafts as possible, that quite a few did not even take a break!

Christmas Craft Night is more than just an evening of crafting; it is a celebration of community and the joy of shared experiences. The event fosters connections among participants, bringing together friends old and new. The crafts created during the night serve as lasting memories of the event.

In September 2024, we decided to have a ‘Chris and Curry Night’ in which we would hear some of Chris’s poems.  However, this gradually developed, and we had the privilege of having an ‘Evening of Entertainment with Matthewman and Langsdon. Renowned for their extraordinary talent, they captivated the ladies with their performance of ‘Chapter and Verse’.  During this performance, Chris shared his life story up to that point, beautifully intertwining verse and songs into a tapestry of both serious and humorous sketches.

Chris’s narrative, delivered through verse, was a masterful blend of introspection and wit, offering a unique glimpse into his journey. His portrayal was both poignant and amusing, striking a balance that kept everyone engaged throughout the evening.

‘Chapter and Verse’  was a collaborative piece, showcasing the duo’s exceptional creativity and collaborative synergy. Brian Langsdon’s contributions were equally remarkable, adding depth and dimension to the performance. The whole evening was not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving us with much to ponder.

Chris and Brian’s ability to weave stories through verse and song created a wonderful evening that was greatly enjoyed by everyone present.