World Heritage Latest
9th June 2009
Today saw the launch of the public consultation on the draft nomination document for Chatham Dockyard and its Defences. Over 160 people attended a meeting of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership to mark the launch, and to hear updates on the Great Lines Heritage Park, and the UK review of World Heritage policy. Words of welcome to the splendid venue of No. 3 Covered Slip were provided by the Leader of Medway Council, Councillor Rodney Chambers and the Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Bill Ferris. Guests were welcomed by a special performance from the Creativity Without Borders Company reflecting on the 25 years since the closure of the Dockyard. The evening also saw the launch of the second round of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership Fund, providing funds for residents and local organisations to deliver projects supporting the aims of Chatham's nomination.
The role of the nomination documents is to set out how Chatham is internationally unique, and how this will be cared for by everyone with an interest in the site. A summary of the document can be downloaded here.
The full Management Plan can be downloaded in sections below:
Foreword and Executive Summary
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Description and Significance of the Site.
Section 3: Vision
Section 4: Opportunities, Challenges and Policies
Section 5: Policies and Action Plan
Bibilography and Acknowledgements
Appendices A - F
Figures and Maps
Appendix A - Summary of Stakeholder Consultation
Appendix B - Background to World Heritage Sites
Appendix C - Summary Chronology of the Site
Appendix D - Current Ownership, Management and Use of the Site
Appendix E - Site Gazetteer
Appendix F - Planning Framework and Protective Designations
Map of Proposed Boundary and Buffer Zone
Questions to guide your response can be found at the back of the Consultation Summary, but you are welcome to comment on any aspect of Chatham's nomination. Please return all comments to chathamworldheritage@medway.gov.uk, or to
Joanne Cable,
Chatham World Heritage Manager,
Gun Wharf, Medway Council Headquarters,
Dock Road,
Chatham,
Kent. ME4 4TR.
Consultation closes on 4th August 2009. If you would like to receive feedback on your comments, please ensure you include your contact details with your response..
If you would like a hard copy of the document, please email chathamworldheritage@medway.gov.uk, or call 01634 331176.
Fiona Watt and the Creativity without Borders company would like to thank all those who took time to look in detail at The Suitcase Museum. If you are interested in knowing more about the project, would like to post some comments or perhaps hit a beer keg drum when the project resumes in the autumn, please get in touch! cwb.fiona@hotmail.co.uk
1st June 2009
Volunteer Trustees required for Fort Amherst: closing date extended.
Fort Amherst Heritage Trust is a charitable company created to promote and maintain this important Napoleonic Fort, built to protect Chatham Dockyard. This is an exciting period for the Trust which is involved in the bid for World Heritage Status for Chatham Dockyard and the surrounding area. The board are looking for additional trustees to broaden its skills and experience. Apply in writing by 31st July 2009 outlining the skills and experience you would bring to the Board. For further information contact the Trust Chairman, Alan Anstee:- Fort Amherst Heritage Trust, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4UB. 01634 847747.
15th May 2009
The next meeting of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership will take place in No. 3 Covered Slip, Chatham Historic Dockyard on Tuesday 9th June from 6pm - 8pm (Registration from 5.15pm).
The meeting will mark the launch of public consultation on the World Heritage Nomination Document for Chatham Dockyard and its Defences, and will feature updates on the Great Lines Heritage Park, and the future of UK World Heritage nominations. Following the success of the Chatham World Heritage Partnership Fund in 2008, the evening will also see the launch of the second round of small grants to help local residents and community groups support the aims of our nomination.
Words of welcome will be provided by the Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers, and an introduction to No. 3 Covered Slip by Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a chance to view a special exhibition marking 25 years of transformation since the Dockyard's closure.
If you would like to attend, please register by Tuesday 2nd June, noting your email or postal address, and if you have any special access of dietary requirements.
24th March 2009
Fort Amherst has received a welcome donation of building sand by local firm J. Clubb. This is a major contribution to the restoration of the 18th century Guard House, and has helped secure an important grant from English Heritage.
Fort Amherst Heritage Trust Vice Chairman, Glen Robinson, commented:
“This donation is an important step towards the completion of repairs to this significant building, which will be used to provide meeting rooms for local community groups and organisations, and to enhance the visitor experience at Fort Amherst. The restoration of the Guard House is an important commitment by Fort Amherst Heritage Trust to the Great Lines Heritage Park project”.
Visitors will be able to view part of the restoration this Saturday (28th March) when Fort Amherst will be open, from 10.30am – 4pm, as part of Kent’s Big Day Out. Details of this and other exciting events at Fort Amherst can be found on www.fortamherst.com.
For further information, or for other offers of help please contact Gerd Hoad on 01634 847747.
Fort Amherst volunteers Ashley and Brian hard at work.
16th March 2009
Thanks to everyone who came along in early February to support “Through Our Eyes”, the public display highlighting Chatham and Brompton as they are seen today, and through the eyes of the past. Despite the dreadful weather, there was good attendance at this free event, funded by the Chatham World Heritage Partnership Fund, and kindly hosted by Fort Amherst in their Gate House.
Thanks also to all students of Gillingham Adult Education Centre's Mixed Media class who worked hard to produce thoughtful and striking impressions of local heritage.
A gallery of the works can be viewed here.
10th March 2009
Lindsey Morgan would like to pass on her thanks to everyone who contributed to the Chatham World Heritage Partnership response to the government's review of World Heritage Policy. Lindsey's letter on behalf of the Partnership can be viewed here.
Government's feedback on consultation responses, and proposals for future World Heritage nominations, are expected in May.
3rd March 2009
All are invited to a St George's Day celebration at Fort Amherst on 24th April, from 7pm, in aid of Help for Heroes.
The evening features English beer and cider, freshly smoked meats, english cheeses and other delicacies. Entertainment will include live folk music, morris dancers and historical re-enactors.
£25 per person includes drink, food and entertainment. For more details, please contact Steve Craddock.
