NEWS
SET SAIL BACK TO THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD
The Dockyard , once the country ’ s largest and most important industrial site , is delighted to reopen to visitors after being closed to the public for seven months .
As an 80-acre site with Slips big enough to protect mighty warships , and magnificent Mast Houses , long enough to store ships masts as tall as 90ft , there is no shortage of space to explore , lots of outdoor activities , and special adaptations of favourite experiences , such as walking the decks of Victorian sloop HMS Gannet and surveying the fleet ’ s fastest ship , World War II Destroyer HMS Cavalier , to ensure visitors an exciting , yet safe , day out .
For the first time , visitors will be able to inspect a full-sized scale model of a ballistic missile operated by the Royal Navy during the Cold War , as the UGM-27 Polaris , on loan from the Imperial War Museum , takes pride of place in the expansive , No . 3 Covered Slip .
Whilst BBC One ’ s award-winning Call the Midwife enthusiasts will be able to delight in the Official Location Tour which shows how the Naval site is transformed into 1950 ’ s and 60 ’ s East London on a specially adapted tour with additional safety measures and small group sizes .
Richard Morsley , chief executive , Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said : “ We are thrilled to welcome
our visitors back and look forward to families and friends reconnecting at the Historic Dockyard this summer . Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the site looks outstanding , and with a new temporary exhibition and new collections on display , we are confident in delivering a fascinating maritime adventure in a happy and safe environment .”
In line with the latest government guidelines , and to keep things ‘ ship shape ’, all visits to The Historic Dockyard Chatham must be booked online , in advance , where arrival dates and times can be chosen . Visitors are asked to ‘ toe the line ’ and abide by social distancing rules , adhere to one-way systems and wear face coverings in internal spaces .
OUTDOOR LEARNING INITIATIVE AT MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL
Marlborough House School Prep School has whole-heartedly embraced their new initiative ‘ The Great Outdoors ’; a wonderful blend of outdoor learning , well-being and all things eco .
In the first weeks of the summer term , pupils excitedly completed the school ’ s project to plant over 200 native trees ; creating a winding woodland walk and growing their busy Forest School : ‘ Let ’ s come back every day to see how much our tree has grown ’ said one enthusiastic Year 6 child .
Next on the agenda was the installation of a timber outdoor classroom overlooking the lake , creating a focal point to further support their outdoor learning activities across the curriculum . With both projects completed in April , it has been a fun and active start of term for the MHS community , with ‘ positive energy ’ pretty much summing up the school spirit .
Marlborough House affirms that while it is the grades acquired in the classroom that will earn pupils their scholarships and senior school places , it is the character skills that will prepare them for life and their future well-being . With outdoor learning a popular option to drive character strengths and transferable skills , such as problem solving , creativity and resilience , ‘ The Great Outdoors ’ aims to encourage children in these areas . Acutely aware also , of the increased screen time that children have experienced over the past year , the initiative also heralds a renewed focus on mental and physical well-being for the school in 2021 .
THE GARDEN ROOM OPENS TO PUBLIC AT PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is delighted to announce the opening of its new restaurant and bar , The Garden Room .
Situated within the Grade II-listed mansion ’ s historic stable yard , built for original owner Sir Philip Sassoon , the restaurant is the first onsite offering for guests who are not visiting the popular wild animal park or staying in its awardwinning accommodation .
Designed by creative director Victoria Aspinall , the restaurant ’ s light and airy interior features a vaulted glass ceiling , mirrored garden walls and elegant brass lanterns to create a tranquil Mediterranean garden ambience in which to enjoy the enticing menu , celebrating the very best Kentish produce , designed by executive chef Lee Edney .
Lee Edney comments : “ The new menu showcases the abundance of fantastic produce we ’ re privileged to have here in Kent . With a strong commitment to seasonality and championing local artisan suppliers , it focuses on fresh , lively flavours , offering something for all tastes .”
The Garden Room is open for evening dining and afternoon tea reservations 7 days a week as well as Sunday brunch . Diners who book a table for Sunday brunch or afternoon tea will have complimentary access to the Reserve , with ample time to explore its 15 acres of landscaped gardens , stunning coastal views and 50-plus rare and endangered species before dining .
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