Huge thank you for joining our beach as part of the Great British Clean 2025! It was great to see you all and your efforts were very much appreciated (especially in that rather chilly wind)!
Our results have been submitted to the Marine Conservation Society … we collected 532 pieces of litter off Tankerton beach – a great team effort!
Wednesday 24 Sept, 5pm meeting at the Hotel Continental, Whitstable.
Whitstable Maritime, Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants, and the Marine Conservation Society are teaming up for a shoreline sweep — and you’re invited to be part of it!
Every year, thousands of volunteers across the UK take part in the Great British Beach Clean, a nationwide effort to protect our coastlines and marine life. This isn’t just about picking up litter — it’s about collecting vital data that helps shape environmental policy and protect our oceans for future generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or just curious to lend a hand, this is a brilliant way to connect with your community, enjoy the fresh sea air, and make a real difference.
What to bring: gloves, sturdy shoes, and a sense of purpose. We’ll provide bags and guidance — you bring the energy!
Let’s show the world what Whitstable can do. Sign-up here: https://whitstablebeachclean.eventbrite.co.uk
The Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show was featured in the Whitstable community Ad magazine, a reprint of the article appears below.
Pictures courtesy of Gordon Butler and Peta Nash
A massive thank you to everyone who made this year’s show an unforgettable celebration of our maritime heritage, community spirit, and coastal creativity! From the Heritage Boat Building Centre and the iconic 1906 Gamecock restoration, to the off-shore barge races, model steam-train and live music by the quay. Every moment was a tribute to Whitstable’s vibrant connection to the sea!
With multiple maritime-themed stalls, gourmet food, lifeboat demons and even coracle building (!), the harbour came alive with stories, laughter, and waves of inspiration. Whether you were sea swimming, exploring the Coastal Trail, or dancing at the evening concert, you helped make this a truly magical day for all ages.
Here’s to the volunteers, performers, sailors, storytellers, supporters, and every visitor who joined us. You didn’t just attend—you became part of Whitstable’s living maritime legacy.
Until next year, keep the tide of enthusiasm rolling!
We will be flying the flag at this year’s Whitstable & Harbour Boat Show. Free family-focused day out, come and find out how Gamecock restoration is going!
Here more about the day on BBC Radio Kent as Susannah Gooch (Chair, Whitstable Maritime) and Gordon Vincent (President, Whitstable Maritime) are interviewed on BBC Radio Kent, The Wake-Up Call. 9.42am
The first part of the first plank fitted.
You can see the amount of twist in the plank. This meant it had to be steamed. Steaming makes the wood go ‘rubbery’ temporarily. It is then clamped into position and as it cools it hardens up again in the new shape.
Watch this space for more planks being fitted
It is that time of year when we look back and reflect, or look forward in anticipation of events planned, or speculate as to which scenario is most likely to unfold.
Those of you who have closely followed the history of Gamecock will be saddened to learn of the death of Bill Coleman at the age of 95 (see Obituary in News page). Bill had not enjoyed good health since parting with the Gamecock but fortunately he lived long enough to see the care and craftsmanship with which she is being restored on the East Quay at Whitstable.
2024 was also the year in which we took the decision to revive the Harbour & Boat Show in partnership with the Harbour Board. A cross-community planning team composed of Volunteers has made good progress and with a generous donation from the Whitstable Improvement Trust. We are now confident that we shall have a successful Show. The date is Saturday 9 August when there is a favourable High Tide. We have begun inviting folk to contribute to the exhibitions and displays. If you have not already done so, please find an application form for a pitch in the new dedicated section of this website: ‘Harbour & Boat Show’. If you are planning to arrive by boat and have not yet received an invitation from me, please get in touch direct: the berth is free and there is already a lot of goodwill so it promises to be a significant event in the maritime calendar.
It is also worth recalling that Whitstable Maritime was 10 years old in October. It took us two years to find our way and of course approximately eighteen months was lost through lockdown. However, the Charity is now well established. The Board is pleased to have appointed Susannah as Chairperson and she has brought a fresh approach which bodes well for the future. Alex is driving the Coastal Trail – no pun intended – which is remarkably popular with visitors and has the potential for further development. The loyal team devoted to the restoration of the Gamecock have reached the reconstruction phase so progress is more evident with the planking of the hull and deck about to transform her appearance: see the diagrams in the ‘Heritage Centre’ section.
The Charity’s aims remain as relevant as they were in 2014 so it is likely we shall continue to attract funds and able Volunteers, as well as generate a more sustainable income from trading. If you are intrigued but not yet committed then make 2025 the year to Volunteer for Whitstable Maritime. If you are already a loyal Supporter then we are very grateful for your contribution, whether in cash or kind.
I like to think of us as a community with a common interest that is bedded in Whitstable but extends nationally. For me, relationships are at the core of our activities and I wish every one of you success and well-being in 2025.
Gordon
President
Whitstable Maritime’s AGM was well attended. In her Chairperson’s address, Susannah used these diagrams to illustrate progress with the restoration of the Gamecock. The planks for the side of the hull have been purchased. Most are larch but the bottom few will be sweet chestnut because it is easier to steam and bend to the shape of the hull.
Help support the Gamecock restoration with this perfect Christmas present!
A dark rum produced by Canterbury Brewers & Distillers both celebrates and supports the restoration of the Whitstable Gamecock. This rum is initially aged in a first-fill Bourbon cask, then further aged in Virgin American Oak, and finally finished in a Virgin English Oak cask.
Supplied in a presentation box with a Gamecock Illustrated Glass, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to support the restoration work.
Order your bottle from the Canterbury Brewers & Distillers website.
