Project Redsand News 2005

ENGINEERING WORK AT THE TOWERS

INSTALLATION OF ACCESS SYSTEM COMPLETE Mowlem Marine, working out of their base at Northfleet Kent, have successfully completed the new access system to the G1 (South) Tower at Redsands. The system is specifically designed to aid the restoration project and comprises a large working platform above the landing stage, an enclosed ladder leading to a further railed platform and an access ladder through into the tower. The work was completed on Monday 10th October 2005 despite poor weather conditions which made for difficult work. Project Redsand and no doubt all "friends of the Forts" are very grateful to Mowlem for this successful operation. Images of the new access system will be available for viewing in our gallery and sponsorship pages very soon. This safe access to the G1 tower will enable further inspections by Taylor Woodrow Materials Division in readiness for remedial work to be carried out to all columns and caps at the towers during 2006.   MOWLEM MARINE - FORT FOR THE DAY - Read PDF File

 

THE MAUNSELL SEA FORTS EXHIBITION AT WHITSTABLE

Talks, Trips and Exhibitions on the 30th and 31st July 2005 A Report by Linda Mason, Area Event Organiser for Kent County Council Sheriff Cllr Lewis Norris opens the Maunsell Seaforts Exhibition 2005 at Whitstable Castle July 30th - 31st. (Image Courtesy of Whitstable Times) (L-R) Trevor Adams, Frank Turner, Zach van Rensburg,  Sheriff Cllr Lewis Norris with wife Anne, Robin Adcroft and Bob Leroi. The event was a success with many of the talks full with visitors crowding the walls to hear the speakers despite the wet weather. The Tea Gardens sold teas and cake to keep spirits high as the rain fell. The event was kindly opened by the Sheriff Cllr Lewis Norris. The Sheriff and his wife Anne extended their visit to take in a talk by Bob Le-Roi, A local Radio City DJ. Bob Le-Roi started the event with a signing for his new book called "Making Waves". Bob told of his life on the forts during his career and got many visitors reminiscing the history of radio and the jingles were very popular. Bob attracted many djs and inspired some lively discussions. BBC Breakfast TV interviewed Military Historian Mr Frank R Turner shortly before his talk so was able to get some additional publicity for the forts. Franks talks were widely attended, some from WWII, some locals and some from the construction side, attracting some thorough questioning at the end. Project Redsand are a trust, set up as a charity to retain and restore the Red Sands forts. They were very pleased with the publicity and many locals and visitors took time to study the exhibition, use the interactive computer show. Many learnt much more about the forts and completed the "support" questionnaire. They aim to arrange for funding from a variety of sources to fund restoration of the towers. People came from great distances, well outside the county to attend and buy the merchandise. Some items were sold out, so the event is definitely worth repeating. The WWII vehicles were popular and inspired a number of questions, especially the jeep - originally built to last 90 days, still working today and road legal. The Dandy C (WWII Whitstable Search and Rescue boat) hopes to attend a future event. Weather conditions reported on the day meant the Bayblast trips were unable to fulfil their ambitions for the weekend so they were cancelled late Saturday morning. This is only the second time Bayblast have needed to cancel an event and they worked hard to offer other dates by Sunday morning. Those who saw the forts were fascinated by their imposing size and varied history. The WWII menu on the Sunday at St Mary's was another success, treats such as boiled beef and carrots and Corned beef hash proving tasty and popular. Maunsell Sea Forts Saturday 30 July and Sunday 31 July 2005 Program: Maunsell Sea Forts Exhibition by Project Redsand 2pm to 5pm (Saturday) Whitstable Castle 10am to 4pm (Sunday) Whitstable Castle History of the Forts, find out more about the history of the forts from historian Frank Turner. 3pm to 4pm(Saturday) Whitstable Castle 11:30am, 2:30 and 3:30pm (Sunday) Whitstable Castle 1960's Pirate Radio exhibition by Bob Le Roi. 2:30 and 3:30pm (Saturday) Whitstable Castle 11am and 2:30pm (Sunday) Heritage Cafe, St Mary's Parish Hall Bob Le Roi will be signing copies of his book at 9:30am on Saturday at Bestbookdeals.com, Oxford Street. Further information at www.bobleroi.co.uk Honoured guest: John Ross-Barnard, Senior announcer at Radio 390. Boat trips to the Forts throughout the weekend. Trips to the Sea Forts and Swale Barge Race throughout the day by Bayblast, departing Whitstable West Quay (next to the Lifeboat Station, unless otherwise directed at time of booking). The trips last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Booking information for boat trips. Saturday 7am to 9pm and Sunday 7:30am to 9pm. Pre booking is advised, via the VIC or Bayblast. Price £22 per person. www.bayblast.co.uk Tel: 01227 373 372 Mob: 07800 745 493

 

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ON SEA FORTS

See details of artist Stephan Turner's residency on one of the Maunsell Sea Forts starting 31 July 2005. Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, Sunday, 1 to 4pm. Whitstable Museum and Gallery Foyer. For further information about the residency see www.seaforts.org Whitstable Visitor Information www.canterbury.gov.uk

 

CONTRACTORS APPOINTED

Project Redsand are pleased to announce the appointment of the main contractor, Mowlem Marine. During the coming years, Mowlem will be taking a leading role in the restoration of the Redsand Towers. Mowlem will be working in conjunction with our other partners Taylor Woodrow and the Royal Engineers. A number of other companies experienced in Heritage restoration projects will also be taking part. Details of these will be announced later. Mowlem Marine and Taylor Woodrow

 

THIS SUMMER AT REDSANDS

Inspections and Surveys will continue at the Towers commencing in July. A detailed inspection of the G1 (South) Tower and Control Tower will be undertaken. An Arts Council sponsored event is due to take place in early August.  More details of this will be published later.

 

ISLE OF SHEPPEY GUESTS HAVE A DAY OUT WITH BAYBLAST

Michael Dolan of Project Redsand (Isle of Sheppey) has organised a trip around the Redsand Fort and other Thames Estuary sites on Saturday, 23rd April leaving Neptune's Wharf, Herne Bay at 10:30 AM. The trip is intended as a 'thank you' to the folk of Sheerness who have given their time without reward, to promote the Project in the Isle of Sheppey. Members of the Project Redsand Team will join the guests and all of us here wish the party a wonderful day out. Further information on the Bayblast tours