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Last Friday of the month: times and venues vary.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Dockyard at Chatham on the river Medway is full of interest for everyone, for example, the making of rope, like this on the left, or huge anchor cables. Rope making at Chatham has been going on since pre-Victorian times and is carried out in one of the longest buildings in Europe, serving the Royal Navy’s huge demand, especially during Nelson’s time . Ropes made at Chatham are distinguished by their yellow centre strand.

A guided tour of the ropery led by the entertaining and knowledgeable gentleman in the cap.

A guided tour of the ropery led by the entertaining and knowledgeable gentleman in the cap.

Forming a three stranded rope. The Ropery is still a commercial enterprise.

Forming a three stranded rope. The Ropery is still a commercial enterprise.

Ocelot talk, prior to a walk through the very cramped spaces in the submarine. Well done Mo and Ron.

Ocelot talk, prior to a walk through the very cramped spaces in the submarine. Well done Mo and Ron.

Relaxing in the sun, but the wind was surprisingly keen.

Relaxing in the sun, but the wind was surprisingly keen.

These modern looking so-called covered slips date from late Victorian times and built mostly from wood. They were used for ship construction under cover and now house a large collection of marine craft, including lifeboats.

These modern looking so-called covered slips date from late Victorian times and built mostly from wood. They were used for ship construction under cover and now house a large collection of marine craft, including lifeboats.

Many thanks for the photos Giles.

Many thanks for the photos Giles.

The far end of the building – 1/4 mile away is almost out of sight – bicycles are the easiest way to get to the far end.

The far end of the building – 1/4 mile away is almost out of sight – bicycles are the easiest way to get to the far end.

HMS Ocelot was built at Chatham and launched in 1962 – decommissioned in 1991 after serving mainly in the north Atlantic during the Cold War. The bulbous bow houses Sonar (echo sounding) equipment. Read more

HMS Ocelot was built at Chatham and launched in 1962 – decommissioned in 1991 after serving mainly in the north Atlantic during the Cold War. The bulbous bow houses Sonar (echo sounding) equipment. Read more

HM S Gannet, launched at Sheerness in1878, decommissioned 1895 and became a training ship in 1903. Powered by sail and steam engine. Read more

HM S Gannet, launched at Sheerness in1878, decommissioned 1895 and became a training ship in 1903. Powered by sail and steam engine. Read more

On board the destroyer Cavalier, launched IoW 1944, decommissioned 1972. Saw service in the last year of WW2 off Norway. Read more

On board the destroyer Cavalier, launched IoW 1944, decommissioned 1972. Saw service in the last year of WW2 off Norway. Read more

James Bond submarine – you may know the film.

James Bond submarine – you may know the film.

 

Wings and Wheels website.

Please contact John Chalkley for more information.