The Broadstairs Civic Service - September 2024
The Broadstairs Civic Service – A Heartfelt Community Gathering
We were incredibly honoured to attend the Broadstairs Civic Service, having been selected as Mayor Mike Garner’s Charity of the Year. The service, held in collaboration with St Peter’s in Thanet church, was a meaningful opportunity for us to connect with the local community.
Our Partnerships Manager, Julie, represented 21 Together at the service, where Mayor Cllr Mike Garner delivered a speech highlighting the vital work we do. It was heartwarming to hear Reverend Alice Bates include 21 Together in her reading, emphasizing the importance of inclusion for everyone, no matter our differences.
Generosity shone through, as those attending kindly donated the service collection to support our cause. It was a joy to meet the Mayor’s parents, with his father, Peter Garner, contributing a moving reading. Both of them joined in singing alongside the congregation, filling the church with a beautiful atmosphere.
After the service, we gathered in the church hall for refreshments and photos, providing a perfect opportunity to catch up with some of the wonderful people in the community. Notably, we had engaging conversations with Jack Packman, Mayor of Margate, and Karen Brinkman, Mayoress of Margate, discussing their work and sharing more about 21 Together’s mission.
Among the attendees was a delightful local gentleman named Les, who, at 96 years old, shared stories of his life in the area.
One of the highlights of the service came towards the end, when children were invited to share what they would do if they were mayor for a day. A young boy’s imaginative response of bringing dinosaurs to Broadstairs brought smiles and laughter to everyone.
It was a day filled with warmth, community spirit, and a shared commitment to making the world a more inclusive place. We are grateful to have been a part of this special day and look forward to continuing our work alongside the Broadstairs community.
