“Great news!

We have had confirmation that we will be receiving a grant from the Ministry of Defence towards the project costs.  This will enable us to do the practical workshops as the project progresses and produce a transient exhibition. This will showcase the 2D and 3D artwork produced as well as writings and art inspired by the local heritage around Gillingham, Chatham and Rochester.

Researching  for this project has made me look more closely into the history of the area. 

Before researching I did know that Will Adams – the inspiration for the character of John Blackthorne in James Clavell’s bestselling novel Shôgun – had come from Gillingham. I had also taken my 3 children to the rope making factory 20 years ago. We then walked up to the War Memorial  (seen in the film Last Orders with Michael Cane, Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, David Hemmings  and Ray Winston). 

I did not however really know anything about the Great Lines of Defence. I had not been down to the fabulous Historic Dockyard to have a good look round,  nor walked through the Heritage Park or been into the Royal Engineers Museum.

I have also now been into Gillingham library for the first time. I am very impressed with the IT facilities and refurbishments going on.  We will be making use of the library, dockyard and many more local places in this long term project.

Anyone wanting to see some of Sam Holland’s (the sculptor who will be making the final piece) work can look on her website. The sculpture she did for the millennium is placed in St Mary’s Island.”

Jane Anderson

Partnership Development Office, University of Kent