Dockyard Volunteers Win Excel

Members of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Volunteer Service (CHDVS) have been recognised for their work at The Historic Dockyard during 2007. The Certificate for Volunteering Excellence, issued by Kent County Council under the Volunteering Excellence Award Scheme, was presented by Sir Ian Garnett, Chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust to Mike Mannington, CHDVS Project Co-ordinator.

The volunteers, who have been involved with numerous projects at The Historic Dockyard over the last thirteen years, come from all walks of life, are of all ages and have many skills between them which have been put to good use where Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust feels they are best used. The CHDVS project co-ordinator, Mike Mannington, said "There is not a lot that the CHDVS volunteers are not prepared to tackle. During the year they have been involved with the restoration of marine artefacts large and small, military vehicles and are always seen providing support of all kinds during The Historic Dockyard's events."

Sir Ian Garnett, Chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said "CHDT is immensely grateful to all its volunteers whether engaged in restoration, research, supporting museum services or more general tasks. It is particularly pleasing that the unsung heroes of the volunteer service, just one of five groups here, has been recognised by this prestigious and well deserved award."

CHDVS is just one of the voluntary organisations to join amongst the wide range of options for volunteering at The Historic Dockyard, where there are currently over 300 active volunteers. Anyone with time to spare and skills that may be relevant and wish to use, should contact James Armstrong, Youth and Volunteer Co-Ordinator on 01634 823839 for an informal chat or email him on jarmstrong@chdt.org.uk.