The Admiral's Tea Party

One thing that seems to slip many peoples minds is that the majority of Chatham dockyard is based in neighboring Gillingham (New Brompton).

From the beginnings of old Gillingham as a fishing village, there has been a strong naval tradition in the area. You can imagine there is a lot of naval history that is unknown about the area, or not widely known. One of the most surprising things that I have found out is that the Admiral of the whole British fleet held "fabulous" tea parties on the lawn of his residence on the lower lines park. (I'm still quite surprised that he lived in Gillingham).

To celebrate and illuminate this history, Sam of Wordsmithery fame is helping local people create a show commissioned as part of the Paint The Town Festival to be performed at the Lower Lines Park in Gillingham on Saturday, 8 July.

A day-long workshop is planned at the Brook Theatre on Saturday, 24 June for people who would like to take part. To book or for further info contact wordsmithery.info@gmail.com

See this article about the Great Lines Admiral's Gardens by the Kent Gardens Trust

Tone Festival 2014 - sound and light

The Tone festival has been playing in Medway over this weekend. It has moments of beauty, and I can see that a lot of time and care and attention has gone into creating the concepts in many of the pieces.

Frode Halti plays while Morgan O'Hara sketches
Image credit: SM Jenkin

Too Prolix, the performance tour of Chatham Dockyard, was an intriguing illumination into a little-report piece of history. Bolshy dockyard workers petitioning the navy board for better treatment. There was a splendid Salon held on the tennis lawn this evening, with maritime-themed food and drink and music.

The other pieces were well thought out and clever, with one example of this being atonal music being accompanied by an artist sketching the movements of the musicians hands.

However, I felt disengaged. I can appreciate high-concept art, but it felt a little samey. This festival has high aims, but needs a little more variety in the execution of its ideas and more engagement with the audience.

I haven't explored the free art yet in the other locations yet, and there is a lot to see. If nothing else, the festival has been ambitious in showcasing art in multiple locations.

Medway festival of Steam and Transport 2014

Image Credit: SM Jenkin

I attended the first day of the Medway festival of steam and transport today. Despite the traditional bank holiday weather, I had a whale of a time. There was a great deal going on, and it was lovely to see the dockyard so busy.

What is there to see? Three music stages for a start - one of these is hiding with the steampunks in the Mezzanine Floor of No. 3 Slip (the BIG Space). Funnily enough the folk and blues stage (where the splendid Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs were playing) was right next to the Nelson Brewery van. Can you find the cheeky stall holder selling potterdjes? - I might post their sign later. There was plenty of places to eat and drink

Of course, being a steamhead, I loved seeing all the steam powered engines. They even had a steam powered woodcutter! The mobile ones were paraded along the length of the dockyard. If you're going tomorrow, be sure to catch it at 2pm. The real highlight for me though was the steampunk palace. It was like another world of art, music, fun people to chat to. There were a few nice things to buy as well, but mostly I just chatted. It was fascinating to hear about peoples costumes, and each had an interesting story attached.

Elsewhere at the festival there is also a small zoo, a chance to ride a penny farthing, play scalextrics, a chance to have a go at model making and more. I really enjoyed the chance to ride the penny farthing - scary but fun! Overall, everyone I spoke to was very enthusiastic about what they were doing, and were very happy to share that with you.

I've heard the weather is going to be dry tomorrow. Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great day.

Medway Festival of Steam and Transport 2014 - it's coming!

So this Easter, there's going to be an exciting event at the historic Dockyard in Chatham

The Medway Festival of Steam & Transport will be going full steam ahead!

It sounds like an exciting mixture of retro chic, music, steam and vintage vehicles and steampunk! Yes, our very own Great Kentspectations will be taking over the Mezzanine Floor of No. 3 Slip The BIG Space. I love events like this, where people who share a variety of passions, interests, obsessions call them what you will, are able to share them with others. It's a great way of meeting new people, and having your world expanded.

More information about the events for 2014 is available online here

Have you ever been? Do you have any memories you'd like to share? Any tips for a newbie?(Do they sell beer?)