Sponsored by the Port of Dover and back by popular demand, the Dover Port Dash will see teams race across the harbour in ‘Thames Cutters’ pitting their wits against the waves and challenging their fitness in a bid to raise money for local charity, the Cinque Port Pirates.

There are only 10 places left for mixed adult teams of six, with a cox supplied by the Dover Sea Sports Centre. Entrance fee is just £90 which will be donated to the charity. However, any donations secured by yourselves over and above that will be much appreciated. 

For the first time, there will also be a Junior Port Dash, which is FREE to enter for teams of six, aged 10-16 years. 12 places are still available, so why not give our younger stars the opportunity to show the adults how it is done!

Facilitated by the Port of Dover, with the support of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and the Dover Sea Sports Centre, the free Regatta will return with all of the family fun of last year, and continues to incorporate the popular Dover District Community Safety Day.  The Regatta will also feature some notable additions, such as a big classic car rally, an entertainment stage throughout the day, family activities along the whole of the seafront, and a spectacular cutting-edge aerobatic display by the world renowned Blades to conclude the day.”

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover stated; “Last year’s Port Dash was great fun to watch with teams from across the local community taking part and entertaining the crowds throughout the day. We’re delighted to support the race again and providing a great event for the community to enjoy, whilst importantly supporting a great local charity.”

Nadeem Aziz, Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and Chief Executive of Dover District Council said: “We are looking forward to another successful event on Dover Seafront.  Incorporating the Community Safety Day within the Port Regatta is a great way to create a fun day out for the whole family, and to show the community how the partnership continues to work to keep our district a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Also on the water will be paddlesports, sailing tasters, pedalos and more, organised by Dover Sea Sports Centre.  On land there will be demonstrations by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a range of blue light services as well as community agencies organised by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and a host of stalls offering entertainment and local produce.

Further event details will be announced over the next few months,  but in the meantime please register your interest in taking part in the Dover Port Dash by emailing Alyson Hudson at PODCommunityRegatta.co.uk

ENDS

Issued by External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4430 rom 8.30 – 17.00)

Following the Port’s successful hosting of the CLIA UK & Ireland Luxury Expo last year and a fruitful presence at the recent Cruise Shipping Miami 2014 to promote the Port and the Garden of England, the Port is delighted to announce a number of inaugural calls this year that further showcase Dover’s appeal to luxury liners.

Included in the line up are five calls by Dover newcomer Portuscale Cruises, introducing the elegance of its two ships MV Funchal (formerly the Portuguese Presidential Yacht) and MV Azores to the first class facilities, globally recognised local attractions and excellent transport links to the Capital that are on offer from the UK’s second busiest cruise port.  What’s more, MV Azores’ inaugural call on 30th March will be the first cruise call of the year at Dover – a fitting launch to the 2014 season!

Andy Harmer, Director, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland, said:

“We have held a series of highly successful events in Dover including a luxury expo which took place at the dedicated cruise terminal.  Dover is ideally placed as more British passengers than ever before are beginning their cruise holiday from a British port. The Port of Dover and Visit Kent also form a great destination partnership, promoting the very best of Dover and Kent to an international audience.”

Other inaugural visits include AIDA Cruises’ AIDAbella, Sea Cloud Cruises’ Sea Cloud II, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud, Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest and SeaDream Yacht Club’s Seadream I.

Ben Greenwood, Business Development Manager, Port of Dover, said: “We look forward to welcoming this year’s cruise customers to the Port of Dover.  Whether the cruise line, cruise vessel or one of the customers on-board, we are committed to ensuring that they all receive the very best service. 

Dover regulars, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Saga Cruises, will be retaining a significant presence along with Holland America Line, a sign of the successful partnerships that the Port of Dover has established with its cruise line customers.  AIDA’s growing commitment to Dover is also reflected with 21 calls booked for 2014.

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• Further information on the Port of Dover’s 2014 cruise season and its facilities can be found at http://www.doverport.co.uk/?page=Cruises
• The Port 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

Featuring a full marathon each day and a 10k run on the Saturday, the festival is set to attract around 200 professional and amateur runners across the three events.

The runs are in aid of the Buttons for Brathay campaign which is raising money for the Brathay Trust.  The charity works to improve the life chances of some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach children and young people.  It helps them to engage positively in their communities by developing their confidence, motivation and skills to positively change their lives.

Event organiser and Port of Dover staff member, Karen Webber, said: “The Port was delighted to facilitate this event for such a great cause.  Improving the life chances of young people is what we are about so it is a great fit with our Youth Engagement Scheme as well as a keep fit opportunity for some from our community.”

Several free places were offered by the charity to the local and port community for participation in the 10k which starts at 11am on the Saturday and will see participants running along the seafront and Prince of Wales pier.

Kaz Hurrell, Buttons for Brathay Coordinator, said: “Thanks to the Port of Dover we have quite a unique course to run in an iconic location that I am sure will inspire the runners to reach the finish line.  Teaming up with the Port is a great partnership of those aiming to be the best port in the world with those looking to achieve the some of the best times in the world and it is all for a fantastic cause.”

The promenade and beach will remain open to the public for both those who wish to watch the races and those wish to go for a weekend stroll.  So come along and cheer them on!

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Note to Editors 

• For more information on Buttons for Brathay and the Brathay Trust, please visit: www.buttons4brathay.co.uk

Dedicated to the safety and security of the Port, the 13 million customers who use it and the local community, the appointment of new officers reflects the ongoing commitment of the Port of Dover Police to provide a visible and effectiveness police service to the Port community.

Superintendent Paul Wilczek, Chief Officer for Port of Dover Police said:

“It’s fantastic to see such enthusiastic and committed new officers joining the Port of Dover Police force which has such a great heritage of serving its Port community.”

The four new recruits are: Donna Shorter, who was previously a Courts Warrants Officer and a Kent Police Special Constable where she performed the role of A/Section Officer, responsible for up to 15 officers. Jake Griffiths has a BSc (Honours) degree in Crime and Policing and previously held the position of Freight Co-ordinater within the Port for DFDS Seaways. Jennifer Wheatley is a Master of Mathematics (2.1 Honours) and worked with Kent Police as a civilian employee in the Police National Computer (PNC) Bureau.  Sarah Lavender was formerly a Community Safety Officer for Shepway District Council and has an Advanced NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration and a Btec Level 3 in Neighbourhood Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour.   

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, added:

“I am delighted that the Port of Dover Police has been able to recruit people who are full of such enthusiasm and with relevant academic and employment experience.  I am sure that they will be highly valued by the Port’s customers and community whom they will serve. I wish them well in their careers within the police service, joining at such a exciting time for the Port and for Dover.”

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

As part of the Port of Dover’s commitment to provide the very best Kentish service to its cruise customers as part of its award winning partnership with Visit Kent, the Port has been operating customer feedback kiosks to gain information on its performance.

Sean Chaffey, Marketing and Customer Relations Manager, Port of Dover, said: “We greatly value the feedback we receive from all of our customers.  These are the people who are going to tell us whether or not we are achieving our vision of being the best port in the world.  Our cruise customers are no exception.”

Having travelled on a Fred Olsen cruise last summer, Mr P. Troubridge completed his feedback at the kiosk and was entered into a free prize draw to win a lovely Kentish hamper kindly donated by Dover-based Riverside Catering Services, caterers to Dover’s cruise terminals.  Mr Troubridge turned out to be the lucky winner of the hamper.

Rob Kirk, Co-owner of Riverside Catering Services, said: “We work closely with the Port to provide quality services to cruise passengers as well as the local community and visitors to Dover.  We were delighted to provide a special Kentish hamper that reflects how we are all working together to promote Kent and showcase what we have to offer.”

What’s more, Mr Troubridge stated that he was very satisfied with the service and facilities at the Port.  So it is a great result all round and shows that the Port is heading in the right direction towards the achievement of its vision.

Mr Chaffey added: “The Port is working hard to deliver the best product for its customers whilst at the same time supporting local suppliers that promotes the best of Kent and contributes to the local economy.”

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Note to Editors

• Riverside Catering Services provides quality catering services for the Port of Dover’s cruise terminals as well as operating the café at the end of the Prince of Wales Pier and the kiosk on the seafront which it leases from the Port.

Four companies, formed by students from four local schools, will go head to head in a bid to become this year’s champions and lead Dover’s charge at the county finals and maybe beyond.  The students have spent the past year establishing and running real companies, funded by the Port of Dover and mentored by Port staff as well as advisers from other companies, in order to gain invaluable business experience.

The companies are:

• inTEQuk (Sir Roger Manwood’s School)
• Revolution (Dover Grammar School for Girls)
• GEM (Dover College)
• Start Upz (Astor College for the Arts)

Port of Dover’s Lesley James, Chair of the Dover Area Board, said: “The standard produced by the students continues to amaze me and this year we have some incredible innovation on display, showing how Dover’s young people are capable of becoming business leaders of the future.”

Tim Waggott, the Port’s Chief Executive is guest speaker and he will also be presenting the awards at the end of the evening.  Lisa Dixon from CREABILIS (and judging panel chairman), Barbara Buczek from the Port of Dover and Jenny Lorimer from P&O Ferries are the judging panel.

As last year’s winners, Astor College for the Arts is hosting the event, which also provides some of the College’s other students studying A-level Business with the opportunity to plan and implement the final as a business-related event that contributes to their course.

Alison Shopland, Director of Vocational Education, Astor College for the Arts, said: “We are delighted to host this great event for Dover that celebrates our major businesses and education working together to support Dover’s stars of the future.”

The Port of Dover wishes all those taking part and those organising the event a successful evening, and hopes that parents, friends and teachers will come and support them and their enterprising efforts which are helping to put Dover on the map.

 ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• Port of Dover has been major supporter of Young Enterprise in Dover District for the past eight years, providing funding and mentoring to local schools. 
• The charity is also supported in the Dover area by Megger and P&O Ferries as associate supporters.

Handling 13 million passengers each year, the Port of Dover would equate to the UK’s fifth busiest airport.  The students, training to be pilots and studying BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management degrees, were given an insight into how the Port handles such volumes effectively alongside the 4.7 million vehicles that also pass through annually.

Dr Sarah Jane Fox, Senior Lecturer in Aviation at Buckinghamshire New University, said: “I wanted to increase the students’ knowledge of running a business involving freight and passenger movements, to look at the similarities between airports and port operations so apparent at the Port of Dover, and to establish a better appreciation of the wider logistics chain of which the Port is a critical part.”

Following a warm welcome by the Port’s Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, the group visited Terminal Control, the nerve centre of the landside operation, where they were given a presentation by Emma Ward, Head of Operations Eastern Docks, on how the Port facilitates the movement of so many passengers through the ferry terminal. 

Emma Ward said: “We were delighted to welcome the students and show just how intensive the operation is here at the Port of Dover and how we therefore have to operate extremely efficiently, running in a similar way to a major airport.”

The group also went to Port Control where Paul Brown, General Manager of Operations and Chief Harbour Master, explained how the Port is responsible for and ensures the safe movement of vessels in the Port, on average one every ten minutes.

Dr Fox added: “The students really enjoyed their visit to the Port to the point where one student is now considering a Port-related career rather than one in aviation.  It was fascinating and rewarding to see such an iconic port at work.”

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Through a combination of attractive pavement signage mixed with cutting edge smartphone technology, websites to guide books and route maps, the group wants the trail to become a symbol of drawing Dover’s heritage and its people together.  Sources of funding are currently being investigated in order to deliver something that is of high quality and which will attract visitors to Dover.

Derek Leach, Chairman of the Port and Community Forum, said: “This is very much the community’s trail.  Through the Port and Community Forum we have been working on the concept and means of delivery, but this is something that can, and should, involve the wider Dover community.  It is a way for us all to celebrate our town.”

Cllr Sue Jones, Port and Community Forum member and White Cliffs Country Tourism Alliance representative, said: “The bluebird is a fantastic and well-known symbol for Dover, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the town.  We hope that our community will join us in creating something positive for Dover and something inspiring for the many people who pass through our town to explore.”

Anyone wishing to get involved with the Bluebird Heritage Trail project should contact Alyson Hudson (PCF Secretariat) on 01304 240400 (ext 4430) or email Alyson.hudson@doverport.co.uk for more details. 

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Dover Western Docks Revival would see the redevelopment of the Western Docks and creation of more than 600 quality jobs involved in the handling of fresh produce and other cargo for customers using the Port.  The vision will provide an opportunity to kick start the regeneration of the local area and create inward investment opportunities.

Derek Leach, Chairman of the Port and Community Forum, and Dover Society, said:

“The Board’s plans were warmly received by the Port and Community Forum with the possibility of several hundred new jobs, a boost to the local economy and the regeneration of the Western Docks area.  The Board is also looking for the support of the community in delivering the project, which I am sure we shall do in any way possible.”

Adeline Reidy, speaking on behalf of The White Cliffs Dover Hotel & Guest House Group, said:

“The dynamic team led by Tim Waggott and new members of the Dover Harbour Board have given Dover a second opportunity to rejuvenate the Western Port, securing future jobs and very welcomed engagement with the local community.  The master plan and vision will come with key benefits to business and the district. We congratulate the Board and encourage the people of Dover to support this fantastic initiative.”

A further 140 jobs would be safeguarded by the development of a new cargo terminal, relocating the existing operations from Eastern Docks. The expansion of activity at the Western Docks would enable the Port to accommodate increased ferry passenger capacity at new berths in the Eastern Docks.

Dover Harbour Board has been working on the plans with longstanding customers, including local business George Hammonds PLC, which handles approximately 350,000 pallets of fresh produce a year, accounting for more than a quarter of all the bananas imported into the UK.

James and John Ryeland, joint Managing Directors of George Hammonds Plc, said:  “We were consulted in the run up to the announcement and are fully committed to working with the Dover Harbour Board (DHB), other stakeholders, and trade customers to generate a financial model that provides a sustainable and viable future for a multi user cargo facility. It is ironic that we would be going full circle back to the Western docks, but this zone would deliver space, multiple sheltered berths, much improved access and the opportunity to directly interact with other complimentary businesses, such as ripening and packaging services. We would not wish to imply this will be an easy project to deliver but there has been a significant and positive shift in the attitude of the DHB to drive the Port forward. We are delighted to have been included in developing this opportunity, which will both generate further employment and invigorate the local economy, something we all agree Dover is in desperate need of.”

They added: “We are encouraged to hear of the proposed regeneration of the Western Docks. For some 25 years, the business has been tempered by only having one berth available and an extremely tight operating area at the Cargo Terminal.  The business has been in strong growth over the last 3 years with both temperature storage and container space stretched to capacity.  Hammond have just completed the build of a new temperature store at a cost of £1.2m, seen as an essential move to provide security for the increased trade projections.”

Since the launch of the vision at the Port and Community Forum, the Board has issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), acting as a notice that the Port of Dover is planning the investment in a major redevelopment project estimated at £100-£120 million. It will allow the Port to start an early engagement process for interested contractors/suppliers with a view to obtaining further market feedback and finalising its business plan.

Port management are maintaining dialogue with the potential customer partners who are crucial to the success of this project and who will use the facilities in the future. The team participated in Fruit Logistica 2014, the most comprehensive trade exhibition for the international fresh produce sector, where Dover Western Docks Revival was welcomed by the current and future users of the cargo facilities in Dover. Non-Disclosure Agreements are already in place. Discussions have also taken place with funding partners and there is a good opportunity to secure a funding contribution to the project, which fits with the wider East Kent regeneration agenda.

Most importantly, the Board wants to continue to speak to the community, stakeholders and customers to develop the vision and outline all the milestones that need to be achieved. A presentation and discussion regarding the vision was well received at the recent Dover Marina Berth Holders Representatives Meeting.

Andrew Pires, Dover marina user and Berth Holder representative said “Dover Western Docks Revival represents a fantastic commitment to Dover’s marina, which is greatly valued by berth holders.  The prospect of a new marina in the harbour and the associated waterfront regeneration will provide a wonderful future facility and create an ambience that will attract even more visitors to the area.”

The Board is also clear that a project of this scale and delivery of this shared vision will require careful consideration and input from various partners and employees.

Yvonne Buddle of Port of Dover Staff Association (PODSA) said: “The feedback received from PODSA members shows they are looking forward to seeing this project materialise in the near future. Many employees are really excited about this opportunity and are keen to be involved in its delivery. The general feedback from colleagues is ‘let’s get on with it and get it done!’. We all feel it is an excellent idea for both the Port and the town in enhancing Dover’s economy and supporting our community. We really hope that everyone gives this development the support it deserves.  Let’s make Dover beautiful and prosperous.”

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of Dover Harbour Board, added: “Dover Western Docks Revival would protect long-term port capacity, create much needed jobs, and enable the transformation of the Dover waterfront with a new marina boosting the local visitor economy. Recognising the role that Dover plays in the nation’s economy and commitment to a prosperous town, Dover Harbour Board is supporting the work of Kent County Council, Dover District Council, and South East Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver growth and regeneration in a strategic manner.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Port of Dover

Notes to Editors

• For all other general media enquiries, please contact the Port of Dover as normal on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00), or
• Andrew Metcalf, Maxim 01892 513033, Mob: 07990 574680, or
• Philip Jones, Maxim 01892 513033 Mob: 07990 574690

As such, having supported the establishment of the Channel Dash Memorial in 2012, commemorating the incredible bravery of those who took part in Operation Fuller, the Port is once again honoured to support the Channel Dash Memorial Trust in developing an IT educational project to remember such a poignant episode and honour the memories of those who took part.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: “It is really important for us to recognise the ultimate sacrifice made by the 146 young men who gave their lives fighting for our country. The IT Educational Project, proposed by the Channel Dash Memorial Trust, will help keep it in our memories and we are very proud to be able to support it. We recognise that this part of history is hugely important for both the town and community of Dover.”

Together with representatives from the local community through the newly established Port and Community Forum, the Port has been developing a heritage strategy that connects important parts of Dover’s history in order to tell its unique story.   A significant part of that is revealing Dover’s maritime heritage, both in war and in peace.  The educational project will make a very meaningful contribution to that work in remembering and interpreting what was an amazing chapter that recognises such incredible commitment to a cause, whatever the odds.

Jim Williams, Trustee of the Channel Dash Memorial Trust, said: “Dover Harbour Board supported us in 2012 with the Operation Fuller Memorial and has kindly offered to help us take this project a step further.  It is fantastic to know that the Port is keen to be a part of this community initiative to keep the memory alive of the airmen who took part in the wartime Operation Fuller – known as the Channel Dash.”

ENDS

Issued by Port of Dover External and Corporate Affairs on 01304 240400 (ext 4410 from 8.30 – 17.00)

Notes to Editors

• For more information on Operation Fuller (The Channel Dash), please visit

http://www.fleetairarm.com/history-of-channel-dash.aspx