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
Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show 9th August 2025
A celebration of our connections with the sea – past, present and future.
Promotion of intra-generational cohesion, enterprise, and healthy life-style.
A greater awareness of our maritime heritage and marine environment.
A safe, enjoyable programme for all members of the family.
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
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.
Planning is at an early stage but many organisations in Whitstable and the South-East are already developing ideas as to how they can best celebrate the town’s connections with the sea: past, present and future. The day will be packed with a full programme of activities for all ages, both on and off the water. Events will be held on both beaches and in the Harbour from 10.30am to 4.30pm, concluding with an evening concert on the South Quay.
Volunteer as a Steward and help welcome over 10,000 visitors. Alert the planning team to any group in the community who may have difficulty in accessing the Show for physical, mental or social reasons. Share news of the Show with colleagues and friends. Watch the local Press and Whitstable Maritime website for updates.