Historic Dockyard Visit

The Master and 40 members and family visited the Historic Dockyard at Chatham on 19 April 2009.  This is a unique award-winning maritime heritage attraction which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The day commenced with coffee at the Commissioner's House. This impressive building was the residence of the commissioner of the dockyard.  Later the house was occupied by the Admiral Superintendent. Our party was split into two, each with a guide. The Master’s group was fortunate to have Stan, a former apprentice of the yard, who was a fountain of knowledge on the dockyard of both the past and the present.

The Master took command of James Bond’s midget submarine. Other members admired HMS Cavalier, a destroyer).  She is a memorial to all who served in such ships.  Nearby was a splendid selection of lifeboats in a large shed with a hammer roof.  These ranged from rowboat to modern diesel driven self righting boats. Later we took a river trip down the Medway aboard the paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle.  From here we were able to view the dockyard from the perspective of a visiting or returning seafarer.  Lunchtime saw us back in the Commissioner’s House where the Master imparted a few words of wisdom. 

During the afternoon we had the opportunity to visit the Commissioner’s garden where the Ice House proved of particular interest to members with a construction background.  Our next stop was the Ropery where the traditional trade of ropemaking is still carried on.  This proved most interesting as we were shown how ropes are made and some of the members and wives had the opportunity to make a length.  

After a delicious cream tea we cast off for home all agreed that it had been a rewarding visit. 

Jonathan Wyatt
Court Assistant