The Festival of Chatham Reach

Withall the atmosphere of ‘a country fayre by the water’, The Festival of Chatham Reach focuses on the heritage of the River Medway and its historic vessels. First developed two years ago by Tiller & Wheel (see p48), activities are located on Sun Pier and alongside at Sun Pier House in Chatham – a once-empty office building now turned into a vibrant gallery, studios, workshop space, venue and tearoom – this year’s event takes place on September 16 and will include sailing trips on board the Sailing Barges Edith May and Repertor, and on the Steam Tug Barking. Those with a need for speed can enjoy a faster-paced RIB tour, and Sailing Barge Blue Mermaid will offer tours and demonstrations. Ashore, there’ll be history walks covering the old theatres, great fire of Chatham and river industries. Drop-in family art workshops, an art market and food stalls add to the off-the-water programme, and there’ll be live music throughout the day.

The festival is largely free to the public thanks to funding from Tiller & Wheel’s patrons, Medway Council and the Chatham Maritime Trust. The 80-minute sailing experiences aboard Edith May and Repertor require a £10 deposit (refunded at the end of the trip) and will take in the historic sights of the upriver Medway – there’ll be plenty to see as the barge sails between Sun Pier, Upnor Castle and Chatham Historic Dockyard. •www.tillerandwheel.com

A traditional family run boatyard on the River Deben, in the heart of Woodbridge. Contact us for all your boating needs, including:

Full repair and fitting out service

Rigging supplied and fitted

Hardstanding and Lay-up packages

Painting and varnishing

14 tonne travel hoist

Large winched slipway

The Crow’s Nest

Come and stay at our wonderful holiday apartment overlooking the boatyard and River Deben, accommodating 6, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The open-plan living room, dining room and fully fitted kitchen open onto a large balcony with river views.

Tel: 01394 382305 info@robertsons-boatyard.co.uk www.robertsons-boatyard.co.uk crowsnest@robertsons-boatyard.co.uk www.thecrowsnestwoodbridge.co.uk