The Wanderers' Community Day 2024

11th September 2024

There was much to entertain and inform at this year’s Community Day on the 8th of September at Thanet Wanderers. A small army of volunteers helped the many visitors learn more about the club and find information about many of the other parts of the Thanet Community.

On the small field, there were two bouncy castles and the Coaches of the youngest teams, Mario and Caroline, were getting a soaking from their young charges as they slipped and slid before doing battle with wet sponges. Older youngsters were demonstrating their prowess at touch rugby and everyone was having a good time. The First XV pitch was ringed by a wide variety of stalls and public service vehicles.

A circuit of the pitch started for me at the Clubhouse where, under the balcony, there were stalls for Wanderers' very own SEND project and “Tasty Planters” part of Broadstairs Town Team, where three jolly ladies were offering free seeds and explaining how to grow them. Club Chairman Chris Panteli, was at the Broadstairs Town Council stand in conversation with the Deputy Mayor of Broadstairs, Councillor Joanne Bright, and Town Councillor Alan Munns. Kent Fire Service Tender was on standby for a call but thankfully none came and crew members had an attentive audience. My granddaughter enjoyed a visit to a stall laden with sweets which was next door to the Gap Project stand. This local initiative is based at the Baptist Church and does so much within the community, particularly to help the homeless. MKR recovery service had an impressive display of their vehicles and explained their services. They were next door to the Cow Shed Bar and Grill proprietors from Birchington who offered a welcome (and very tasty) sample of their wares. Wanderers' very own Life Guard, Tom Walton, was in charge of the Coastguard display. The Bike Shed stand was on hand with safety tips or to explain where to buy their products in Westbrook.

Watkins Plumbing, have just renewed their sponsorship of Wanderers’ Junior Section for a two-year term and their director of Group Services, Marc Harris, was manning their stall where he was offering a free water bottle to junior members of the Wanderers. Thanet Wanderers club shop was doing a brisk business selling items from the new range of merchandise from Akuma. The Hive Project is based at Forelands Fields School in Ramsgate and at their stand one learned of the project which aims to provide a lifelong hub for those with special educational needs. Rainbow Sand Art Parties had more goodies for sale and gave details of something different for those children’s parties. There was a large selection of necklaces and earrings available next door and adjoining was a stall with some Go Energy melts that looked delicious. The Cake stall was very busy with a tempting array of their wares and the youngsters could work off the extra calories with a finishing session on two more bouncy castles.

Meanwhile, in the centre of the main pitch, youngsters had been introduced to the joys of Tug of War which was always a staple of Rugby Open Days. Inter-section contests had been enthusiastically contested with Michael Whitehead expertly commentating and Ian Lodge with help from a contingent of volunteers was valiantly battling to establish order in the men versus ladies games. All looked to be more good fun and then I repaired to a very busy clubhouse for refreshment.

Thanks to St Peter's School for the use of their car park and to the legion of volunteers who helped make the day go smoothly. It was great to see the members of our local town council present and thanks also to Mark Harris from Watkins for joining us. Thanks too to the members of our public services, it was great to see you. The staff in the clubhouse worked hard to keep everyone fed and watered, thank you. Finally thank you to Wanderers Director for Community Affairs, Vicky Flower and the Development Director, Andy Bull, for their organisation of this enjoyable and successful morning.