The national competition is a Considerate Contractors initiative which challenges children to be innovative, solve problems and think creatively about the environment that surrounds them from houses to national landmarks.

Dover smART Project, a local charity supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people through community art projects, helped coordinate the two-day build. Local children, ages seven to eleven years, from Lydden and Green Park Primary Schools, and White Cliffs Primary College for the Arts were inspired to build a replica of the iconic Dover Castle using recycled materials.

Dawn Maddison, Dover smART, said: “Dover smART Project is thrilled to be able to work with VSBW and the Port of Dover in bringing local primary schools together to educate youngsters on Dover’s history, engineering, art and the value of working collaboratively as a team.”

Collecting waste cardboard and other items, such as plastic bottles, started several weeks ago after enlisting the help of the local supermarkets. To aid the construction, staff from the Port of Dover and VSBW worked with Dover smART to hold a pre-build day at Green Park School to enable the youngsters to plan how the big build would be undertaken.

Rachel Bagshaw, Year 6 Teacher at White Cliffs Primary College for the Arts, said: “Our children had a fantastic time and really enjoyed getting involved in some big building.

“They were really impressed at what they had helped to create and also enjoyed working with children from other local primary schools, in some cases catching up with friends they had not seen for some time.”

Ron Eckersley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for VSBW, said: “The Big Build competition is an ideal opportunity for VSBW to educate children on building site safety, encourage them to think about a career in construction and highlight how construction builds the world around them. In this case, inspire the building of a replica of the iconic Dover Castle.”

Dave Herrod, DWDR Programme Director for the Port of Dover, said: “As an engineer myself, this was a wonderful opportunity to bring pupils from different parts of our community together and engage them in a challenging, but fun activity which will perhaps help develop the skills needed to create the Port’s engineers of the future from talented young local people.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c.£250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR 

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

3. 2017 Honor’s Big Build Challenge

The winning entry will receive a £100 Amazon voucher, fun packs for the children who took part and a voucher for a free hire of an Honor Goodsite costume, valid for 12 months.  

Awaiting within the Port’s historic Cruise Terminal 1 from 25th November to 1st January, the undercover ice skating rink measures a fantastic 400 sq m making it 100 sq m bigger than last year.

“VSBW are delighted to be playing a small part in giving back to the local Dover and East Kent Community” stated Paul de Jong, Managing Director of Boskalis Westminster Ltd.

As well as a bigger and better ice rink, this year’s Christmas Market will include more fair ground rides for the children and a wider range of market stalls and concessions serving a variety of food and drinks. The Bohemian Pub from Deal will also be operating a pop-up Bar called the Bo-Ho-Ho and there will be live music to add to the atmosphere. And of course no Christmas is complete without Father Christmas and his friendly elves who will take up residence in Santa’s grotto.

Stuart Eckersley, Project Director for VolkerStevin, said: “It is a real honour to be involved in such a fun and festive event for the whole family within the local community.”

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive from the Port of Dover, said: “Over the past year, together with VSBW, we have been working hard to deliver a bigger and better Western Docks with a bigger and better waterfront while providing a lasting community legacy through apprenticeships, employment for local people and work with local schools and charities.

“It is great to see how such a project can also lead to bigger and better community events, celebrating the very best of Dover to bring us all together at this seasonal time of year.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

3. White Cliffs Christmas

Last year’s White Cliffs Christmas was a huge success last year, bringing in as many 100,000 people.

So make sure you book early to avoid disappointment for the skating and the visit to Santa. If you don’t want to skate just turn up on the day to enjoy the refreshments and market stalls and just soak up the Christmas spirit.

To book Skating and/or Father Christmas visit the White Cliffs Christmas website at: www.whitecliffschristmas.co.uk 

Harry Quested and Ismail Gonul, aged 17 and 21 respectively, on completing their first year at MidKent College, Maidstone have now joined Rory Sutton who started working on the project earlier in the year.

Harry and Ismail initially worked on the £250m development during part of the summer holidays, building up knowledge and experience before returning to their coursework in September to become quantity surveyors.

Stuart Eckersley, Project Director for VSBW, said: “It is an extremely important aspect of the workforce to have apprentices onsite.  Not only are we, as a project, helping and supporting the future of our industry, but our experienced engineers are able to share their knowledge and support local young people as they grow and develop.”

Harry’s and Ismail’s continued education will take up one day a week for the duration of their apprenticeships, along with Rory who is continuing to get ‘stuck in’ to data collection, reporting and problem solving.

Chris Hare, Executive Director of Employer Relations at MidKent College, said: “Congratulations to Harry and Ismail in securing their apprenticeship opportunities.  Alongside Rory, they have a fantastic opportunity to learn through their work on one of the most significant developments for the region.

“We look forward to supporting Port of Dover and VSBW, and celebrating the huge benefits that employing apprentices can bring to their businesses and communities.”

Both Harry and Ismail are looking forward to a bright future within civil engineering, initially with VSBW for the next 18 months, after which they are both guaranteed a role at the Port of Dover for the remainder of their 3-year apprenticeship.

Harry who is currently shadowing site engineers and, as well as getting to grips with the required paperwork, reports and requisitions said: “As an apprentice, I have the distinct advantage of ‘learning on the job’, which includes actively getting involved from the very start of each phase, such as assisting in concrete cube testing, carrying out risk assessments and even attending a sea survival course.”

In supporting the team onsite, Ismail has been focused on monitoring and reporting on data collated, to assist with problem solving. Ismail stated that: “Working with the team onsite has been invaluable, as they not only help me in understanding the tasks at hand, but are also mentoring me in how to progress and analyse the data. As my learning style is very visual, an apprenticeship is ideal for my overall development.”

Dave Herrod, Programme Director for DWDR at the Port of Dover, said:  “The Port is committed to investing in the employment opportunities that will give local young people the skills to take this key piece of national infrastructure and the Port more widely into the future.  Apprentices are a vital component to that aim.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR 

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

3. Pictures

1. Ismail Gonul at the site offices, and;
2. Harry Quested on site at the Wellington Dock Navigation Channel excavation.

From 10am you can skate on our real ice rink (booking is recommended) or shop at our indoor Christmas Market including arts and crafts from the students makers team, a range of local produce from English Heritage and scrumptious cakes and pastries from Honey Cake Bakers.

From 11am musical entertainment will be provided from the Swingtime Sweethearts, singing songs from their Christmas repertoire. The official opening and welcome from Port of Dover Chairman, Richard Everitt is at 12pm followed by the arrival of Father Christmas on his sleigh guided by his real reindeers. He will then take up residence in his enchanting Marine Station Grotto every Saturday and Sunday until midday 24 December, to greet children with his friendly elf helpers and give out early presents. Children can also bring their Christmas Wish letters to Father Christmas and place them in the special post box.

At 1pm, the unique 12-piece Your Music School Steel Band will add a festive twist to the day followed by the swinging sounds of Michael Buble tribute, Jason Allen Sway.

Talented local bands Cool Maniere and Stellar Talks will also be performing in the evening from 6pm.

The Local photography group Kent Clickers will again kindly be providing photography of the event throughout its duration.

To book Skating and/or Father Christmas visit the White Cliffs Christmas website at: www.whitecliffschristmas.co.uk

The incredible find was made by the principal contractor’s piling supervisor and was being overseen by specialist heritage experts, Archaeology South-East (ASE), who are controlling the excavation at the DWDR construction site.

Kristina Krawiec, Senior Archaeologist, ASE said: “This mammoth find is one of a range of similar finds from the region. It will be subjected to scientific analysis as part of the ongoing archaeological works at the site.”

It’s not clear how old the tooth is, but the last mammoths are believed to have walked in Britain over 14,000 years ago.

What happened to the mammoth still remains a mystery, but some believe that they were wiped out by an asteroid which sparked huge climate change. Other theories suggest human hunting was to blame.

Josie Sinden, DWDR Conservation Officer, Port of Dover said: “It’s not clear how the tooth ended up in Dover, but some suggestions include it washing down the River Dour, washing up on the beach, used as some sort of structure by previous inhabitants or even purposely placed as a sacred item.”

The ferry services operating between Dover and France are sometimes referred to as providing a sort of land bridge.  The mammoth tooth illustrates the fact the UK was once connected by land to the rest of the near continent across which mammoths and other prehistoric creatures may have once roamed.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR

2. ASE

Archaeology South-East (ASE) operates as an independent cost-centre within the Centre for Applied Archaeology of the Institute of Archaeology at University College London.

3. Mammoth bones in Kent

Mammoth bones have been recovered from several other locations in east Kent, including the Swalecliffe area on the north coast and from deeply buried riverine deposits at Dover. During the construction of the Admiralty Pier at Dover specimens of mammoth teeth were recovered from the sea bed in 1886 and 1898. Another mammoth tooth was found in the 1950’s, during the construction of the National Westminster Bank in Market Square.

VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, who are delivering the first stage of the development, have calculated the economic benefits as a result of employment, contracting services and goods from local suppliers, and staff accommodation.

Rob Coupe, Managing Director at VolkerStevin, said: “It is really encouraging when we are able to undertake such a contract, to not only deliver a quality project, but also contribute to and support the local communities. With a policy and contractual requirement to source labour and materials locally the development has already contributed £39.2m to the East Kent economy.”

Since work started on the project at the beginning of this year, of the 200 or so people who have worked on the site – 42% live within East Kent and 33% within the immediate Folkestone – Dover – Deal – Sandwich area.  Women account for 14.4 % of VSBW’s Dover workforce – above the industry average of 9%.

World leading economists Oxera recently conducted a socio-economic impact assessment of the DWDR development and, based on accepted methodology, Oxera concluded that new activity related to DWDR could bring significant benefits to the local economy, measured as gross value added (GVA).

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “When fully completed, DWDR could generate up to £765m of local economic benefit through a host of new job opportunities for local people and a transformed waterfront experience for our community and visitors alike.

“Already, through our principal contractor VSBW, we are seeing local communities in and around Dover benefiting from the construction phase of this key project for Dover and the nation.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR 

2. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

3. Image

Images courtesy of www.cloudcamuav.com.    

Dover maths student Ellie Fordham has won backing for her university education after successfully bidding for a Port of Dover bursary.

The former Dover Rowing Club member and Dover Girl’s Grammar School pupil will get £3,000 a year to support her studies for a BSC honours degree in mathematics at Portsmouth University.

She was one of six very strong candidates vying for the award in the 2017 round of funding, which also gives the successful applicant a valuable work placement in the Port to enhance their education.

Ellie, 18, who will be working with the Port’s business optimisation team, said: “I researched the Port of Dover and wider port management and operations while I was preparing my bursary application.

“That research showed the value mathematics can bring to the maritime industry – in particular, the master planning process which identifies port capacity, future demand and the impact of long term traffic forecasts. Much of my university course centres on statistics, operational research and modelling.

“In addition, Dover Western Docks Revival is a significant undertaking, and the opportunity to be involved in some way would be really exciting for me.”

Ellie – Student of the Year 2015 at Castle Community College, Deal, and ‘Maths Ambassador’ at Dover Grammar School for Girls – also has experience of working in a busy environment. Last year, Dover District Council gave her a placement with its accountancy team between July and December.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: “Ellie’s application was incredibly professional and stood out among some very strong contenders from around Dover.

“Ellie researched the port industry and saw not only where the Port could help her progress but also where her skills could bring value to our operation.

“I’m extremely pleased that we’ll be supporting her at this crucial time in her education, and I look forward to working with her.”

Port of Dover bursaries offer up to £3,000 per academic year for students in the postcode bands CT14 to CT17 who are looking to start port-related studies at university. These courses could range from civil, mechanical or marine engineering to accounting, economics or business management.

Pictured; (L-R) Ellie Fordham, Port of Dover CEO Tim Waggott, Port Business Optimisation Manager Phil Horne

The Old Marine Station will be decorated in a traditional English Christmas style for the Grand Opening on at 12pm on Saturday 25 November 2017.

Father Christmas and his friendly elves will be making a welcome return on a sleigh pulled by real reindeer. Taking up residence in his grotto, the grand old man of Christmas will once again greet children and hand out presents. His special post box will also be available for everyone’s festive wish lists.

Adding to the seasonal mood, will be last year’s favourite, the hugely popular undercover real ice-rink – only this time it will be bigger and better. With it growing by 100m² this year, skaters can again enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of gliding on 400m² of real ice without the worry of inclement weather. Booking early to secure skate times and dates is recommended, so keep an eye on the Port of Dover website and Twitter feed for the launch of the online booking site in mid-October.

The Traditional English Christmas Market will be open once more, offering a wide range of Christmas gift ideas, complemented by live music, a variety of children’s rides, and concessions serving tasty food and beverages.

Open until Monday 1st January, lots more information on the wonderful treats in store at this years’ event (including opening times and dates) will be available soon.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott said: “Following the huge success of the first White Cliff’s Christmas in 2016, we are delighted to be hosting this popular event again for 2017. Last year, we welcomed in excess of 100,000 people. This year, we’re planning a bigger and better experience and I am looking forward to seeing both our community and people from all over the U.K come together to share in the festive spirit and support our local economy.

“Dover is currently undergoing unprecedented regeneration with the Dover Western Docks Revival and many other projects. The White Cliffs Christmas event is part of this drive for a better future and will assist in placing the town firmly on the map as a leading family destination.”

The announcement was made on Monday 2 October 2017 at a charity launch event in the fitting location of the historic Old Marine Station (Cruise Terminal One). Constructed between 1912 and 1914, the Station was completed as the First World War swept across the battle fields of Europe. It played a central role in supporting Allied forces and saw five million troops and their equipment pass through it on their way to the European battle front. One and half million wounded soldiers returned through Dover including the Unknown Warrior now interred at Westminster Abbey.

Highlights from the launch event included a personal message from the author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, and appearances from the incredible stars of the show, War Horse Joey and the Songman. The 120 guests, including the Mayor of Dover, were also treated to vocal performances from the P&O choir and 100 children from local schools; Astor College, Deal; Canterbury College; Ethelbert Road Primary, Faversham; Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury and Wickhambreaux Church of England Primary.

A charity auction was held featuring fabulous lots donated by local businesses such as a Kuoni holiday to Indonesia, a luxury opera break, a White Cliffs weekend and tickets to see War Horse plus an on-stage meet and greet with the star horse, Joey.

All proceeds from the event and auction will be donated to the The Marlowe’s Creative Opportunities Fund. This fund enables The Marlowe to bring the community into the heart of its programme. Initiatives include bursaries for the venue’s acclaimed youth theatre, workshops with professional artists, and tickets for schools.

Port of Dover Chief Executive Tim Waggott said: “This award-winning building, which has been painstakingly restored, is living history; a working monument to those who passed through here to fight for our freedoms and a poignant reminder of those who did not return. What better place to welcome and celebrate Michael Morpugo’s defining work War Horse?

“As the proud custodian of the magnificent Dover Marine Station, it is touching to see this part of its history so faithfully brought to life by the incredible work of The National Theatre and it is an absolute pleasure to sponsor their UK tour performance at The Marlowe Theatre.”

Marlowe Theatre Director, Mark Everett said: “We are delighted the Port of Dover has come on board as sponsor of War Horse.

“With the Port’s strong links with the First World War – links which are both moving and fascinating – there could be no better partnership. I know my colleagues at the National Theatre feel the same, and we all look forward to working together now and in the future.”