Saturday 17 May 2014

Kent at war

2014 sees three momentous anniversaries: 100 years since the outbreak of World War One, 75 since the outbreak of World War Two, and 70 since D-Day. Kent has a wealth of connections to these significant periods in British and European history, including the house that hid code breakers, the coast where bouncing bombs were tested, the tunnels from which Operation Dynamo was masterminded, and the airfields from which Spitfires and Hurricanes flew.

A programme of events and activities in Kent marking these anniversaries includes:

Ramsgate Blitz Walks – A guided walk around the heaviest bombed seaside town in the UK. Various dates through to December.

WWII Weekend, Dover Castle – Witness an explosive battle and soak up the atmosphere as the castle returns to the 1940's. Walk through military encampments and get up close to a full size replica Spitfire. Step inside Mr Smith's bombed-out shop and discover the austerity of the war years. Get tips on the latest period fashion. Witness the firepower display. With a live band playing music from the 40's and plenty of hands-on activities for children. May 24-26. www.english-heritage.org.uk/dovercastle

Plant a REAL Poppy Day, Kent-wide – A unique campaign has been started to plant real poppies to coincide with the centenary of the start of WW1. Bright red Flanders poppies, also known as corn poppies, will be planted by thousands of people across the nation during spring 2014, for flowering late July/early August. The 2014 Real Poppy Campaign is the brainchild of The Greenhithe (Kent) Royal British Legion. Seeds are available direct from the Royal British Legion or from B&Q and many garden centres nationwide. Plant a REAL poppy day is Sunday, June 1. http://realpoppy.co.uk

Ramsgate Tunnels Explorer – Ramsgate's Tunnels Explorer takes visitors on a journey into a network of tunnels which became a town below the town. As World War II approached, the borough council embarked on plans to construct more than two miles of bomb-proof deep shelter tunnels to protect the town’s civilian population. Learn about life underground from recordings of those who took refuge from the bombardment of a front line town. June 1. www.ramsgatetunnels.org

Open air classical concert, Leeds Castle – The concert features The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Military Wives Choir, a military band, field guns, and air displays. July 12. www.heritage-events.co.uk

The War & Peace Revival, Folkestone Racecourse – The Greatest military show on earth is at Folkestone Racecourse for the second year. Highlights include the Vintage Village, an RAF camp, the Women's Voluntary Service providing tea to bombed-out householders, and even cows at the Land Army display! July 16-20. www.warandpeacerevival.co.uk

Valour, Loss & Sacrifice: Chatham, the Royal Navy, and the War at Sea, 1914-1918, Historic Dockyard Chatham – Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the WW1, this exhibition portrays the significant role played by Chatham Dockyard, its workers and the Chatham Port Division of the Royal Navy, shown through the eyes of those who served.  Four years of sacrifice and loss will be depicted using objects and artefacts drawn mainly from The Historic Dockyard's own collection. July 26-November 30. www.thedockyard.co.uk



Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.