The ‘Smart Families Get Healthy Together’ project will support 35 families on low incomes over a one-year period to plan and create healthy meals on a tight budget. Families will cook together and then take home healthy meals to share. As part of what is designed to be a fun and interactive course, a trained support worker will also run Activkids sessions to inspire families to become more physically active.

One parent said: “This is a great chance to come and do an activity together – it helps me bond with my son.”

Another mum said: “My child is usually a fussy eater, but she loves cooking here and eating with the other families. She has tried foods that she wouldn’t usually eat at home.”

The project is part of the Bechange initiative, which supports disadvantaged adults, families and young people in making lasting changes to reach more positive futures.

Angela Doggett, Chief Executive, Bechange Community Hub, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to the Port of Dover Community Fund for this award.  It is enabling us to provide activities to families that helps them think about being healthy in a fun, practical and innovative way.  The children love to cook with their parents, try new foods and they really enjoy the interactive games and exercises which get them moving around. They build up an appetite then all sit down and eat together.”

Jenny Beacon, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Port of Dover, said: “On my visit to the project it was lovely to see families together taking part in fun games and exercise, cooking in the kitchen and learning about healthy food and nutrition. The children were really enthusiastic about cooking and what ingredients to use and proud of their dishes at the end of the session. I’m delighted that the Port of Dover Community Fund was able to help in this way.”

The bridge, designed and manufactured by Qualter Hall has been installed by Qualter Hall on behalf of VSBW – a joint venture comprising VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster – who are responsible for the marine and bridge civils contract for the DWDR development.

The bascule bridge has been designed to maintain vehicular and pedestrian access along the Esplanade and will span the new navigation channel connecting the existing Wellington Dock with the new marina that is being built in in the outer harbour.

The bridge deck is attached by tie bars to a pivoting arm, which sits on top of a pair of masts, designed to represent ship masts. The deck is lifted using hydraulic cylinders, attached to the pivoting frame. The lifting mechanism is assisted by a steel filled counterweight section at the end of the balance arm.

The deck is 16m in length and 15.1m wide, and weighs 96 tonnes. It has a mast height of 16m and was brought in by a sea-going barge from the fabricator, Victor Buyck, Belgium, and lifted into place by a substantial 1250t land based crane.

In addition to the bascule bridge, two sector lock and mitre gates are being installed to provide 24hr access for marine craft into the Wellington Dock Navigation Channel, and also to provide flood protection during extreme high tide and storm surge conditions.

The two sector lock gates, each 12m high, and weighing 50 tonnes, will be located at the entrance to the navigation channel; and the two mitre lock gates, each 6m high and 5.5m wide, and weighing 13 tonnes, will be installed in the middle of the navigation channel adjacent to the bascule bridge.

George Orton, Managing Director for Qualter Hall, said: “We are delighted to be working at Dover again where, over the years, Qualter Hall has carried out a significant number of major works.

Recently this included all the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical control equipment for the refurbishment of RoRo berths 2, 3 and 7 at Dover’s Eastern Docks. The revival of the Western Docks will be a key catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area, providing vital employment opportunities and we are privileged to be playing a part in this.”

Alan Hicks, Project Director for VSBW, said: “This is another successful key milestone within this high-profile project. The close collaboration between VSBW, our supply chain and the Port of Dover, has allowed the installation to take place as planned and ensures the success of the regeneration project for the Port as a whole”.

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:

• 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;
• 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; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Whole Team Interim 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. Qualter Hall

Qualter Hall was founded in 1860 and quickly became established as a leading supplier of machinery to the deep mining industry. Over the years the company has grown and diversified its core skills so that its current activities take in an extremely wide range of market sectors providing a unique service in the field of bespoke, turnkey project engineering both in the UK and worldwide.

Its recent work includes:-

• Project Engineering
• Moving bridges
• Static bridges
• Water control gates
• Ro-Ro linkspans
• Winches and haulages
• Nuclear waste handling ( special projects involving robotics )
• Other specially designed engineering requirements
• Control and operating systems for the above ( electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, fully integrated to suit specific installation )
• Manufacturing
• 12000 square metres of state of the art production facility, in addition to Qualter Hall designed equipment, typical contracts include:-
• Architectural steelwork
• Specialist structures
• Railway rolling stock
• Nuclear waste storage boxes
• Mining
• Mine shaft systems
• Mine winders and haulages
• Underground transportation systems
• Control and operating systems for the above ( electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, fully integrated to suit specific installation )
• Ships Presses
• Comprehensive range of large machines for plate preparation and forming, used in shipbuilding and others sectors of industry

   

  http://www.qualterhall.co.uk

4. Image

Images and video courtesy of www.cloudcamuav.com  

The Pledge states: “We are committed to building an employment culture that actively supports and celebrates gender diversity, at all levels, throughout our organisation and our industry.” The port’s chairman Richard Everitt CBE signed the pledge on behalf of the port alongside other signatories Department for Transport maritime minister Nusrat Ghani MP and Women in Maritime chair, Sue Terpilowski OBE. Following the signing, Ms. Ghani was given a tour of operations to experience Europe’s busiest ferry port in action.                                                                  

As a signatory of the pledge, the port of Dover has made clear its intent to create positive change within the organisation, and collectively, across the UK maritime sector. The port is already actively involved in the work of the Women in Maritime Taskforce, represented by Director of Corporate Development and Operational Businesses, Barbara Buczek, herself a successful woman in the maritime sector and one of the winners of the 2018 Seatrade 20 under 40 awards which recognise the rising stars of the cruise industry. The Taskforce brings together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime.

The Woman in Maritime Pledge is the forerunner to the Women in Maritime Charter, which is due to complete its pilot phase and be rolled out in 2019. As one of the Pledge signatories, the port of Dover will go on to become members of the Women in Maritime Charter in 2019 and take practical steps, setting measureable and ambitious goals towards meeting the aim of the Pledge.

Port of Dover Chairman, Richard Everitt said: “The Port of Dover is committed to encouraging and building gender diversity, at all levels, throughout the maritime industry. We are proud to support the Women in Maritime Pledge and Taskforce and in doing so, shaping positive change within the sector.”

For more information on the Maritime UK Women in Maritime Pledge visit:

www.maritimeuk.org/programmes/women-maritime/

Employees from the DWDR team, which also includes principle contractors VSBW – VolkerStevin Boskalis Westminster Joint Venture, VolkerFitzpatrick, Buckingham Group and WW Martin have not only been hard at work finishing DWDR Stage 1 & 2 but also collecting food via its very own Giving Tree for the local charity Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable.

DWDR’s Giving Tree was decorated in a slightly different way to the average tree. Mixed among the baubles were tags marked with different types of gifts to buy, along with a little space for people to leave a message on. Everyone who decided to take part selected a tag and bought a present of that description.

The charity, which works under the Salvation Army banner, aims to help the homeless and vulnerable in Folkestone and the surrounding areas, by serving meals on a Monday and Friday each week from 3.15pm to 5pm at the Salvation Army centre on Canterbury Road, Folkestone.

The Leadership Team who volunteer for Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable, said of the Port’s donations: “‘We are extremely grateful to the staff from the DWDR team for their kind donations.

“Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable are reliant on donations from individuals and organisations, so partnerships such as this are invaluable in ensuring we can make a difference this Christmas.”

Chris Talbot, DWDR Communications Manager, commented: “We are delighted to partner with the Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable charity this Christmas.

“Each item of food that has been donated will make such a huge difference to those receiving them. I’d also like to thank our contractors working on the development in the Western Docks who have once again shown their commitment and enthusiasm in supporting local charitable causes. Initiatives like these go some way to help leave a lasting legacy here in Dover and the surrounding areas.”

To date contributions have been made to vulnerable families throughout Dover and Folkestone and Social Services will be receiving a number of boxes to distribute amongst families at risk under their care.

A number of Dover based schools and nurseries also received packages, and contributions were made towards the Festive Feast, hosted by the Salvation Army on New Year’s Eve, in Folkestone.

The Giving Tree is just another way the Port of Dover’s flagship development is helping the community; it already has committed over £40k and 1,200 hours to local community initiatives.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Image

Team pictured left to right, Antony Greenwood, Helen Hadlow, Louise Hooley, Steve Rawlings and Chris Talbot – The Giving Tree with just one of the many packages ready for delivery

2. 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:

• 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;
• 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; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Whole Team Interim 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 

3. 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.

4. VolkerFitzpatrick

VolkerFitzpatrick will deliver the paving, utilities and infrastructure contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development. 

With a contract value of £21m, this construction stage is a mix of heavy duty port paving, interconnecting roads, power and lighting, landscaping, street furniture, reefer gantries, fencing and access gates and border control facilities to approximately 10 hectares of the Western Docks.

5. Buckingham Group Ltd

Buckingham will deliver the contract to build the new Refrigerated Cargo terminal (RCT) for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £15million, this will deliver the construction of a 9,630 square metre multi-purpose refrigerated cargo facility designed to meet the future demands of the business.

6. WW Martin

Kent-based contractor WW Martin will deliver the contract to design and build the new Dover Marina Control Building for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £1m, this will deliver the construction of a 300.0m2 building which is designed to facilitate all marina operations including the Bascule Bridge and the Wellington Dock Navigation Channel lock gates.

Established in 2014, and independently managed by the Kent Community Foundation, the Port of Dover Community Fund benefits the local community by supporting projects that provide opportunities for people to develop employment skills as well as those offering activities that enrich and improve the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities.

The total amount of financial support provided by the Port Community Fund to date is £520,000, funding 66 projects and over 44,000 beneficiaries.

TCDT have been helping the residents of East Kent since 2002. Their mission is the relief of poverty among local vulnerable and disadvantaged people. They receive no core funding but work in partnership to deliver projects which improve lives. In this way, they have brought over £10 million in grant funding into the local economy over the last 15 years.

This grant funded 4 x CSCS Card courses for the ‘Build a Future’ project covering tutor costs, venue hire, student travel and fees for exams, accreditation and card application.

To date, 45 people have successfully benefited from the ‘Build a Future project’ which is 5 more than their initial target of 40. Ten of these are now in sustainable work as a result and at least one is in further training. The project will continue to track and support participants to help them find employment with an expectation of at least 60% in work by the end of the duration of this phase. The project has been such a success so far it already has a waiting list for any further courses.

Port of Dover Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Jenny Beacon said: “The ‘Build a Future’ project couldn’t be better named as it has done just that for many local young and disadvantaged people. It’s heart-warming to see the dedication of those involved and hear the stories of participants who, following their previous struggles, have now found steady employment or further education as a result.

“Congratulations to the Thanet Community Development Trust. I’m so proud that the Port of Dover Community Fund could help to make the ‘Build a Future’ project the unequivocal success it clearly is.”

Natalie Glover, Projects Manager, Thanet Community Development Trust said: “Thanks to the Port of Dover Fund, we have been able to literally transform the lives of local people who are now qualified to work on construction sites. By delivering these construction industry specific courses in an area undergoing a large housing development, we have seen many people find work quickly, and kick-start their career in construction.

“Some of our recent course participants were previously hanging around the street and getting into trouble but this course gave them the opportunity to break free from this. Having this opportunity on their doorstep led them in a new and improved direction. Here at TCDT, we are delighted with the outcomes of the project so far and it’s been a pleasure working with Bechange in Aylesham to deliver the courses from their Community Hub. We’re looking forward to making even more of a difference in 2019″

The two-day visit provided an overview of the DWDR development, the various careers in construction and different routes into civil engineering.

Maddy initially shadowed Graduate Civil Engineer, Nuno Djabi, who has worked on the development for the last two years; but she also got first-hand introduction to the wider aspects of the £250m development through project planning, project management, design, tender process, cost planning, safety and the environment, and communications and stakeholder management.

Maddy said: “I knew work experience with a project like the Port’s Dover Western Docks Revival would result me in gaining a better understanding of the different paths to follow within civil engineering because this project encompasses all the different specialisms involved in a development of this scale.”

Kevin Williams, Senior Project Manager at the Port of Dover said: “Through initiatives like these, young people can gain a real insight into the industry and more importantly the different routes they can take to gain qualifications. We need civil engineers of the highest calibre and inspiring the next generation will allow us to access a wider pool of talent and secure a diverse, robust workforce for the future.”

Maddy added: “This gave me the opportunity to ask a wide variety of questions, which will hopefully stand me in good stead for when I start at University next autumn. I was fortunate to not only experience the office functions but also have a visit to each of the contractors on site.”

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:

• 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;
• 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; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Whole Team Interim 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 

Established in 2014, and independently managed by the Kent Community Foundation, the Port of Dover Community Fund benefits the local community by supporting projects that provide opportunities for people to develop employment skills as well as those offering activities that enrich and improve the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities. Applications can be made for grants of up to £10,000. 

The total amount of financial support provided by the Port Community Fund to date is £520,000, funding 66 projects and over 44,000 beneficiaries. 

The Cinque Ports Community Kitchen is a Community Interest Company (CIC) whose mission is to teach disadvantaged local people to cook nutritious meals on a tight budget, with fresh ingredients. As a result they benefit from a healthier diet, develop employment-related skills, grow in self-confidence and feel less socially isolated. The Port of Dover Community fund has supported two courses over the past 6 months, including a Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Qualification. 

An eight day training programme that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, the ‘Keen2Cater’ course is held at the fully equipped teaching kitchen Chequers Kitchen Cookery School in Deal. They work closely with Job Centre Plus (JCP) and other local organisations to identify people with the desire and potential to gain employment in the catering industry and help them reach their goals. The team includes two industry professionals, who between them have over 50 years’ experience in the catering industry. 

Port of Dover Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Jenny Beacon said: “The Cinque Ports Community Kitchen ‘Keen2Cater’ project is a wonderful programme which has seen amazing results. For local disadvantaged people to have access to learn food related skills is so important for their quality of life and employment opportunities and the valuable work that Cinque Ports Community Kitchen are doing is remarkable. I hope to see this project go from strength to strength.” 

Stephanie Hayman, Director of Business & Social Impact at Chequers Kitchen Cookery School said: ”We are grateful to the Port of Dover Community Fund for supporting this ‘Keen2Cater’ project. It has enabled a group of Dover residents to build their practical cookery skills and get a very useful and well respected Food Safety qualification. 

“We will carry on supporting our participants while they seek work and once they start, helping them adjust to their new environment and maintain confidence.”