Tag: News

  • Work Experience Week

    Work Experience Week

    Inspiring local futures through real‑world maritime and coastal careers

    Whitstable Maritime has completed our successful Work Experience Week in partnership with the Kent & Medway Careers Hub, connecting 15 students with 8 organisations across the private, public and charity sectors. Over five days, young people explored a wide range of local industries, from maritime heritage and marine engineering to coastal management, community services and environmental roles. All sessions were a combination of hands‑on activities, site visits and conversations with professionals.

    The week created space for meaningful discussion, helping students build confidence, understand workplace expectations and see how their interests and strengths can translate into real career pathways. Employers shared insights into both traditional and emerging roles within Whitstable’s coastal economy, giving students a clearer sense of the opportunities available on their doorstep.

    This programme forms part of Whitstable Maritime’s commitment to supporting local young people, strengthening the town’s skills pipeline and ensuring that Whitstable’s maritime heritage and modern industries continue to thrive.

    Thanks to the local companies supporting the week: Kent & Medway Careers Hub, RNLI, Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable Oyster Company, Brett Aggregates, Cardium Shellfish, Kent Wildlife Trust, CCC Coastal Monitoring and Boat Building Academy.

  • Birdwise

    Birdwise

    New for 2026, Birdwise N Kent will be at Faversham Eco Fair on 21 June 2026. Joining local businesses, charities and community groups celebrating sustainability and climate action, the event is taking place in the Market Place on Sunday 21 June from 9am to 2pm.

    Birdwise will have their nature trail to take part in and lots of information to help you discover more about the birds that call Faversham home throughout the year and how we can all help to protect them.

    Faversham Eco Fair 2026 | Bird Wise North Kent

  • Gamecock moved to its new temporary home

    Gamecock moved to its new temporary home

    In a carefully planned and executed operation, the Gamecock’s was moved to its temporary new home on Iron Wharf.

    Planned engineering works starting in August on East Quay, meant that the Gamecock had to be moved to a new location, allowing restoration work on the oyster yawl to continue, whilst the Whitstable harbour works are underway.

    In its current, partially-restored, state the Gamecock is a fragile structure and an internal frame had to be built to strengthen the boat for the move. Thankfully, the frame performed as planned and the move went without a hitch. The Gamecock now sits in the boatyard at Iron Wharf, where the restoration work can continue.

    ITV was there to cover the move and an item appeared in Meridian’s evening news on the day. If you missed it, you can catch up using the ITVX app and see the move, together with interviews with Morgan (the shipwright doing the restoration work) and Susannah (Whitstable Maritime Chair).

    If you’re curious to know how the boat’s restoration is progressing, the Gamecock can be seen in its new location alongside Faversham Creek, just follow the path alongside the creek from Standard Quay.

    The move in pictures…

  • Charting a New Course: Gamecock’s Temporary Relocation

    Charting a New Course: Gamecock’s Temporary Relocation

    Gamecock, one of Whitstable’s beloved oyster yawls, will begin a new chapter as she is carefully moved on 20 May 2026. Built for the tough, tidal work of the oyster fishery, Gamecock has long been a symbol of the town’s maritime grit and craftsmanship.

    With planned engineering works taking place in Whitstable Harbour starting this August, Gamecock needed to find a temporary berth until the engineering works are finished. Next week, Gamecock will be carefully lifted and transported to Iron Wharf, in Faversham, where restoration work will continue. Given the iconic nature Gamecock has in Whitstable, the move will have the level of care usually reserved for museum pieces.

    So whilst Gamecock will be missed in Whitstable Harbour, with restoration now underway, she is set to return in 2027 stronger. Her journey continues, and so does Whitstable’s proud connection to the sea.

  • All Hands On Deck: Developing Work Experience for Students

    All Hands On Deck: Developing Work Experience for Students

    Whitstable Maritime partnered with The Education People to host a workshop for local schools and businesses to explore how more students can access meaningful work experience across the maritime sector. The session brought together educators and employers to share insights, identify opportunities and discuss how to broaden participation so a larger number of young people can benefit from hands‑on industry exposure.

    Participants looked at ways to give students greater visibility of the diverse careers connected to Whitstable’s maritime heritage, from engineering and marine services to tourism, conservation and shore‑based operations. Local businesses contributed ideas on how placements, site visits and project‑based experiences could be expanded, while schools highlighted the skills and aspirations of their students.

    The workshop marks an important step toward building a stronger pathway between education and the maritime industries that play a vital role in the local economy. Further development work will continue in partnership with schools and employers to create a wider, more inclusive programme of opportunities for young people. Stay tuned for more details!

  • The Harbour is Calling

    The Harbour is Calling

    Hello?” Who’s calling? The harbour called! We’re docking again soon!

    Save the Date: 15 August 2026! A FREE family celebration where centuries of oyster dredging, traditional boat building, and seafaring tales come alive right by the harbour.

    Spot historic yawls like the Greta, browse coastal craft stalls and demonstrations, soak up live performances, and discover Whitstable’s rich maritime heritage through hands-on displays and stories from the past to today’s sustainable seas.

    It’s more than just fun, it’s about keeping traditions alive, sharing knowledge across generations, and feeling the town’s deep connection to the water.

    Why visit? Because here the past floats right in front of you: interactive, inspiring, and ready for you to experience and pass on. Who’s joining for this seaside heritage day?

  • Gamecock is Moving …

    Gamecock is Moving …

    In an extraordinary “once in a lifetime” operation planned for late May 2026, the much‑loved Whitstable Oyster Yawl Gamecock will be carefully lifted from Whitstable Harbour and transported by road to Iron Wharf in Faversham. Here restoration work will lovingly continue!

    The move is required to allow essential engineering works to take place within Whitstable harbour. To protect the vessel and ensure restoration can continue uninterrupted, a large crane will hoist Gamecock from her long‑standing berth before she begins the short but complex journey inland.

    Built in 1906 and recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a traditional Whitstable oyster yawl, Gamecock holds a cherished place in the Whitstable’s maritime heritage. The relocation marks a significant moment in her ongoing preservation, offering the public a rare chance to witness a dramatic engineering feat involving one of Whitstable’s most historic vessels.

    Further details, including the exact date and viewing arrangements, will be announced closer to the time.

  • Long Rock Guided Nature Walks

    Long Rock Guided Nature Walks

    Every second Sunday of the month. Join Wild About Whitstable’s Long Rock guided nature walks. Hosted with Bird Wise East Kent, these walks are led by experienced locals and focused on spotting a variety of birds and wildlife in the Long Rock SSSI area.

    Long Rock SSSI is known for its numerous bird species, as it is an important feeding and roosting area for hundreds of our wintering waders. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see Turnstones, Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover and much more along this walk.

    Perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a fun educational outdoor experience, meet every 2nd Sunday of the month at the Skate Park, 8am. Walks last approx 1.5 hours.

  • Gamecock Revival: Get Involved …

    Gamecock Revival: Get Involved …

    The restoration of the Gamecock is progressing brilliantly and it’s an exciting time to be part of the journey . We’re opening the doors for anyone who wants to get involved – whether you’re passionate about heritage, eager to learn new skills, or simply looking to connect with others in the community. There are countless opportunities to participate, contribute, and make a meaningful impact as we bring this remarkable project to life.

    If you would like to help us restore a Whitstable icon, get in touch via our contact from below:

    Name
  • Charity Sailing Forward!

    Charity Sailing Forward!

    Following our successful AGM, Whitstable Maritime is excited to build on the energy and ideas shared by our members and supporters. The meeting was a celebration of our achievements over the past year and a chance to chart the course ahead. With renewed commitment, we look forward to expanding our projects, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to protect and promote Whitstable’s rich maritime heritage.

    You can view and/or download the AGM presentation using the links below.

    AGM Nov 2025 – FINALDownload