SDPT Annual General Meeting 2021 Report
The Sheerness Dockyard Trust’s recent AGM on 6 November was also a cause for celebration as Dockyard Church reaches a major milestone in its restoration, with the six bespoke 3.5 tonne & 19 metre long roof trusses being craned into position that week.
Photo by Will Palin, SDPT Chair.
Those present were pleased to hear some exciting updates including; plans for the Great Dockyard Model's gradual return to display, news that four clock faces from the Church tower are currently under restoration and will all be returned to working oder, and that the original weathervane, currently in store, will be gilded and returned to the tower too.
The evening concluded with a fascinating talk by Trustee Andrew Byrne on the 1829 Quadrangular Store, a once magnificent five storey building at the heart of the Dockyard, that was demolished in 1979 with only its clocktower retained. The Trust plan to remember this remarkable building by returning its section of the Great Model to the Church next year.
Those attending were able to view a film of the excellent progress made on site over the last year and hear updates and thanks from Trust Director Will Palin who was delighted to share details of the remarkable transformation and range of traditional heritage techniques being used to conserve and repair the Grade II* listed building.
Thanks to a great design and construction team, and despite a difficult year for everyone, the project is still forging ahead with minimal delays and is currently scheduled to open to the public in Autumn 2022.
Director of the Trust Will Palin said:
“The lifting of the new roof trusses into place represents a symbolic moment as we approach the half-way point in this landmark regeneration project. I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved who have been working incredibly hard to keep things on track in the face of considerable challenges."
Photo by Will Palin, SDPT Chair.
The restoration of Dockyard Church is funded thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and 23 other trusts and foundations.
Find out more, view our latest film updates and share your memories of the Church at https://sdpt.org.uk/
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