The Port of Dover wants budding athletes, keen fun runners and even toddlers to don their favourite spooky outfits and race along the Prince of Wales Pier for the first-ever Port Mini Monster Mile Dash on Friday, October 30.

There will be prizes, a post-event party… and all money raised will go to Dover charities.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s chief executive, said: “This really will be a treat for the town’s children and their parents.

“We want to see as many people as possible wearing fancy dress and running along the mile-long pier. We’ll be handing out awards for the fastest competitors as well as those with the best costumes.

“All proceeds from the event will go to the Dover branches of the RNLI and homeless charity Emmaus.”

The run will be separated into two heats – one for three to eight-year-olds (and their parents) and one for nine to 14-year-olds – with space for 40 competitors in each.

In addition to the winners’ prizes – sponsored by Dover Western Docks Revival contractors GRAHAM – every runner who finishes will get a medal and goody bag.

The after-race party will have apple bobbing, plenty to eat and drink… and a few scary surprises.

Mr Waggott said: “This will be a momentous event not only because it’s the first Port Mini Monster Mile Dash, but it will also be the last time runners will be able to race along the pier in its current form ahead of changes planned under Dover Western Docks Revival.”

To register, please download this entry form

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, 30 October
• Location: Clock Tower located on Dover Seafront next to the Prince of Wales Pier
• 3.30pm: Registration
• 4.00pm: First race for 3-8 year olds with parents
• 4.45pm: Second race for 9-14 year olds
• Presentations will be presented at the Clock Tower at 5pm, including: winners’ prizes, whilst all racers will get special designed medals and a special Trick or Treat goody bag.

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Notes to Editors

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.5 million freight vehicles and £100 billion of UK/European trade.
• The Port supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community.
• It has a shared vision to protect and enhance short and long term port capacity for the nation whilst delivering the catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.
• Dover’s 2014 Stakeholder Benefit in Numbers: 

o    £51.1m – Total community benefit 

o    £10.3m – Heritage assets and environmental commitments expenditure 

o    £350,000 – Port of Dover Community Fund 

o    1,371 staff training days  

o    1,600 hours – Community and environmental projects and events 

o    4,535 hours – Neighbourhood policing by the Port of Dover Police 

o    50 hours – Road Safety events

The company organised a coffee and cake morning at Lord Warden House and also laid on a fundraising food trolley that visited port offices.

The event last Friday was open to members of the port community including agents, Border Force and Port of Dover staff.

There was a variety of cakes on offer including lemon drizzle, chocolate, carrot and a toffee sponge. Decorations, cakes, bottles for raffle and ingredients (coffee, tea etc.) were supplied by PSL Dover’s team of staff, friends and family while the Port of Dover donated tables and chairs. The morning raised over £400 towards McMillian Cancer.

Richard Catt, director at PSL Freight, said: “This was another great result and show of support, especially when there were so many other similar events happening in the area at the same time. I hope each and everyone of them had similar success, and that MacMillan Cancer Support gets the financial support it so richly deserves.

‘The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ is Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual flagship fundraiser and is celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year. In 2014 it raised a record breaking £25 million and this year, with a little help from the community at the World’s Best Port, Macmillan is hoping to raise even more!

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s chief executive, said: “PSL Freight did a brilliant job in putting this all together. I hope the port community does all it can to help them raise as much money as possible for this very worthy charity.”

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Notes to Editors:

• The port handles 13 million passengers, 2.5 million freight vehicles and £100 billion of UK/European trade.
• The port supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community.
• It has a shared vision to protect and enhance short and long term port capacity for the nation while delivering the catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.
• Find out more about the world’s biggest coffee morning, at: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Aboutus/MediaCentre/WBCMMedia.aspx

Historic England – formerly English Heritage – praised the time, effort, determination and craftsmanship employed by the port and its contractors in restoring Dover Marine Station – now home to Dover Cruise Terminal 1 – to its former glory.

The recognition came after the annual English Heritage Awards which celebrate people and organisations who’ve gone to great lengths to look after/care for their historical environment.

The Port of Dover’s work on the Grade II-listed Marine Station focused on its 180m steel and glass Beaux-Arts style roof, as well as the building’s associated access structures. It involved replacing the roof trusses, applying protective paint, replacing patent glazing, electrical and roofing materials, and providing brick and stonework repairs – all while maintaining ongoing cruise operations.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “Projects like this make an important contribution to local and national history, to the life of the local community and to the vital task of securing England’s rich and varied heritage for present and future generations.”

During the renovation works, the port installed a 60m ‘rolling roof’ which was moved along the building as each phase was completed. This innovation, designed to protect the building’s exposed fabric from the elements, was reportedly the largest single span roof system ever used in this situation.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s chief executive, said: “As part of its commitment to restore, promote and celebrate its historic buildings and structures, the Port commissioned a multi-million pound heritage works project – with the Marine Station building a key focus of the regeneration. The project shows how the port cares for such assets in ensuring they are appropriately maintained whilst still able to play a role in the on-going business of a busy international port operation.  We look forward to welcoming more customers together with our community to this fantastic place in the years to come.”

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Notes to Editors:

• The port handles 13 million passengers, 2.5 million freight vehicles and £100 billion of UK/European trade.
• The port supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community.
• It has a shared vision to protect and enhance short and long term port capacity for the nation while delivering the catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.
• Pictures: Dover Marine Station 1  from outside before restoration works, Dover Marine Station 2, 3 & 4 from inside Dover Marine Station during restoration works and Dover Marine Station 5 after the restoration works at this year’s Port of Dover Annual Consultation Meeting.

The Port of Dover is committing £100,000 in addition to the £250,000 it used to pump-prime the scheme last year, just as the second round for bids has opened.

Projects or groups which enhance the town’s skills and job prospects, or benefit its social, cultural or environmental credentials, are being invited to apply for grants of between £2,000 and £10,000.

Although the scheme – known as the Port of Dover Community Fund – is financed by the port, it’s administered independently by Kent Community Foundation.

The charity, which has more than 14 years’ experience in this field, says 20 organisations have already registered an interest in the latest round of funding.

And, on September 29, to help even more local good causes benefit, it will be holding a workshop where community groups can learn what criteria they need to meet for funding, how to apply, or – if they tried and were not successful in the last round – how to make their applications stronger.

Andrew Garrett, from the foundation, said: “We’ve already had some enquiries and expressions of interest coming in from local groups, with some really exciting projects that could potentially make a real difference in the long term.”

The scheme is open to projects or organisations either based in the town or which serve the people of Dover.

Port of Dover chief executive, Tim Waggott, said: “This fund is about putting the port at the heart of its community and making a real and lasting difference.  The latest injection of money is a clear sign that we remain committed to that principle.

“The fund is independently managed by Kent Community Foundation but, in addition to the money, the port is keen to host the workshop to ensure the people of Dover get maximum benefit from the funding on offer.”

The workshop for funding applicants runs between 10am and noon on September 29 at Cruise Terminal One, Port of Dover.

The deadline for funding applications is November 27.

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Notes to Editors

• Further enquiries about the funding awards should be made to Samantha Flood, Fund Development Manager, Kent Community Foundation – samantha@kentcf.org.uk / 01303 814 500.
• For more information on the Port of Dover Community Fund, please visit – http://www.kentcf.org.uk/apply/funding-round/#PortofDover
• For more information on Kent Community Foundation, please visit – http://www.kentcf.org.uk/
• Previous announcements about Community Fund beneficiaries include: Cinque Ports Community Kitchen CIC, Dover Music Festival, Dover Partnership Against Crime (CPAC), Deal Festival of Music and the Arts and Bechange.

Experts from across North West Europe will be unveiling the findings of a three-year study into generating energy from the tides.

More than 20 speakers – leaders in their field – and in excess of 40 delegates will be staying in the town for the two day Pro-Tide event.

They will be scrutinising the results of tests and analysis carried out in Dover, the Isle of Wight, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

Vicki Jago, the Port of Dover’s enviornmental manager, and organiser of the conference said: “Tidal power is an important form of green energy. Unlike solar or wind energy, tidal doesn’t rely on specific weather to be effective – it is predictable 365 days a year.

“However, harnessing this power is a real challenge. That’s why the Pro-Tide research has been so important and why we in Dover have been keen to play such an important part in it.

“This conference marks the end of the project and will be an opportunity for delegates to learn from the experiences of the study and leaders in the field.”

The Pro-Tide project has been focussing on drawing power from sites that have relatively low flow rates and tidal ranges. Experts behind the pilot scheme say it’s different from other tidal energy projects because it’s been studying systems that could work closer to the shore, in estuaries and tidal rivers, and alongside coastal defences.

The final Pro-Tide Conference will be at Dover’s Cruise Terminal Two from September 30 to October 1.

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Notes to Editors:

• Pro-Tide is an Interreg IVB funded European project that aims to further develop the use of tidal energy systems in North West Europe, focusing on innovative systems operating at sites with small differences in tide levels and/or low flow rates. It is different from other tidal energy projects because of its focus on systems which may be suitable for near-shore locations, estuaries, tidal rivers and coastal defense infrastructure.
• Please visit http://www.pro-tide.eu/final-conference/ for more information

The Port of Dover has joined forces with the Cruise Lines International Association to promote Cruise Week, which encourages new travellers to take to the seas.

In Dover, port chiefs are currently ploughing £120million into renovating the Western Docks adjacent to the cruise terminals, which will include a new marina and piazza.

The redevelopment will complement the recent £10million restoration of Dover’s cruise terminal one, built in 1914.

Tim Waggott, the port’s chief executive, said:

“Dover is the premier hub port for cruise lines in the South East of England and already an iconic destination for world travellers. So discover Dover and take the opportunity to explore England’s oldest county – a perfect choice for pre and post cruise clients.”

Dover is one of the busiest cruise ports in Northern Europe. It welcomes around 250,000 passengers each year and hosts more than 25 ship operators.

“Cruising is the ultimate way to travel,” said Mr Waggott. “And we’re fortunate here in Dover that we’re in a county that has ancient castles, awe-inspiring cathedrals, breathtaking scenery and world class shopping. Who wouldn’t want to visit?”

Cruise Week, which runs until Saturday, has special added-value offers throughout the week, and is holding daily competition prizes.

Andy Harmer, director of Cruise Lines International Association UK and Ireland, said:  “This is our eighth year of celebrating cruise holidays.

“The reason behind Cruise Week is that we want to share with travellers the vast range of options available on board a cruise, from the ship size and facilities, to the choice of destinations, both on oceans and rivers.

“A cruise holiday offers a fantastic mix of experiences on-board and on-shore, whether for families, couples or solo travellers, with great value included.”

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Notes to Editors

• The Port of Dover is a member of CLIA UK & Ireland, which brings together cruise lines, travel agents and associated travel partners to help promote cruise holidays within the UK and Ireland. Further information can be found at: www.cruiseexperts.org and can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter with #CLIACruiseFest
• Dover is the second busiest UK cruise port with two dedicated cruise terminals, with a third berth available for port-of-call visits.

The participants – all from the town, with half of them under the age of 25 – have all completed a Hygiene Level 2 qualification successfully.

The course was run specifically for unemployed Dover people, and the externally-accredited certificate they’ve achieved will put them in a better position in the job market. 

The qualifications were the result of a six-week course – run by the Cinque Ports Community Kitchen – which covered cookery and catering skills ranging from nutrition, to knife techniques and meal planning.

Jack Williams, from the independent panel which assesses projects applying to the fund, said: “I am thrilled that every one of the participants was awarded a Hygiene Level 2 qualification – giving them a good opportunity to gain future employment in the sector if they choose.

“I was delighted when the Cinque Ports Community Kitchen was a recipient of the Port of Dover Community Fund. Offering a range of cooking classes and sessions, the social enterprise enables local people – including, among other groups, the young and unemployed – a chance to gain new skills, experiences and confidence.

“I look forward to seeing the community kitchen grow, with its range of new schemes being developed, and am confident that it can have a positive impact in the community.”

The next round of funding has already opened, and Kent Community Foundation is holding a workshop on September 29 at Cruise Terminal One, Port of Dover, between 10am and noon. The workshop will help Dover groups and organisations with the application process.

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Notes to Editors

• Further enquiries about the funding awards should be  made to Samantha Flood, Fund Development Manager, Kent Community Foundation – samantha@kentcf.org.uk / 01303 814 500.
• For more information on the Port of Dover Community Fund, please visit – http://www.kentcf.org.uk/apply/funding-round/#PortofDover.
• For more information on Kent Community Foundation, please visit – http://www.kentcf.org.uk/
• Previous announcements about Community Fund beneficiaries include: Cinque Ports Community Kitchen CIC, Dover Music Festival, Dover Partnership Against Crime (CPAC), Deal Festival of Music and the Arts and Bechange.

Operation Stack, implemented by Kent Police, has proved crucial in accommodating freight delayed in the UK this summer by unprecedented industrial action and migration problems in France.

But the measures inevitably sparked a raft of myths and misunderstandings. So today, the Port of Dover has published a detailed guide for both road users and communities to help them understand the way the system works, why it’s necessary and what the port has been doing to keep traffic moving now and in the future.

Tim Waggott, the port’s chief executive, said: “None of us in our wildest dreams could have foreseen the double whammy of striking French workers hampering ferry routes and an unprecedented level of migrants disrupting Eurotunnel.

“There is no doubt that, for a while, the Channel link was broken. Even though the Port of Dover stayed open for business throughout, there was nothing the UK could do to resolve the situation in France.

“Operation Stack was subsequently bigger and lasted longer than ever. We were seeing phases three and four being implemented, which has never happened before and won’t, I hope, happen again.

“Hauliers, motorists and the community were rightly frustrated with the disruption and this inevitably led to misunderstandings about Stack and why it’s so important.

“That’s why the Port of Dover has taken the step today of publishing this guidance.”

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Notes to Editors:

• The Port handles 13 million passengers, 2.5 million freight vehicles and £100 billion of UK/European trade.
• The Port supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community.
• It has a shared vision to protect and enhance short and long term port capacity for the nation whilst delivering the catalyst for the regeneration of Dover.
• You can view ‘The truth behind Op Stack’ here