This year's Kent Miners Festival was a phenomenal success and a special one in many ways. Commemorating the Centenary of Coaling at Tilmanstone Colliery, made it special for ex- Tilmanstone Miners and their families. Being so successful made it special for its organisers and for those that attended it. The weather, the smiles, the atmosphere and even the odd shedding of tears, meant it was a special day for our Communities.
Thanking everyone gets harder every year, there are so many local people, groups, funders, business's, that have stepped up over the years, that it has made me realize now, it is not about individuals, it's not even about groups, it's all about our local communities coming together and saying, this is what we want, this is important and this is us. This is our Community Spirit, we want preserve it and we want to share it with everyone.
Kent Mining Heritage was in real danger of disappearing all together. Our communities have been here for over 100 yrs. and it must be preserved. When men and families, from all quarters of our country, came to this corner of Kent to find work, they were shunned and ostracized. Turning to their own kind, they developed a community spirit and way of life that affected everyone, in the Towns and Villages in this area, over the years that followed. Schools and churches were built, housing, rail and road structure were developed, sports and social activities was enhanced and even mining medical centres, first aid teams and a rescue station became a vital part of community life.
This Kent Miners Festival gives these Communities and their Heritage, a platform to survive, to join together and to show everyone, we are still here and we still want to share our Community Spirit.
I am pleased to announce that next year's festival is already being organised for the same venue on August Bank Holiday Monday 2014.
However, that could well be the last one. Funding this year's event was the hardest ever and cuts had to be made, we have started funding applications for next year but if reserves have to be used, then that will be the end. We need a main sponsor or several smaller sponsors to secure its future and we need it now. We have much to offer sponsors, full media coverage all year round and massive coverage on the day. All local papers, with live radio coverage and even TV, cover this Free community event. Our website and other social media get worldwide coverage, with huge followings.
Given the opportunity, the Kent Miners Festival will grow and grow and any sponsor getting on board now, can grow with us.
If you would like to sponsor the future of the Kent Miners Festival?
Please contact me on 07800545135 or email
kentminersfestival@sky.com
I would like to thank all of my committee, all of my funders, all of my volunteers and all of my community for all their hard work and support, in making this year's festival a very special one for me.
Sorry Paul & Western Heights, not the best position for your stall, I had you with the other heritage people but something went wrong somehow. I told Dave to make sure he finds me before setting up and he can have position of choice next year.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
