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
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