Chatham Dockyard Historical Society, based in Chatham Dockyard, has been presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2012 for providing an excellent service in maintaining centuries of historical records, manning the Chatham Historical Dockyard Museum and conducting research into the history of the Dockyard.
From left to right: Mr Brian Jenkins, President of the Chatham Dockyard Historical Society, Mrs Sheila Goodhew, Chairman, with the award presented on the 1st November, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Richard Oldfield DL.
Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Ann West MBE JP DL read the citation which gave an insight into the high standard of service that this committed group of volunteers provide to the public.
They have a strong membership, excellent organisational structure and dedicated volunteers who donate huge amounts of time in supporting the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in their charitable work. The Trust could not provide the level of research and museum service that they offer without the Historical Society. They support the Trust in meeting the needs of their visitors, whether actual or web based, as well as undertaking their own research and museum projects. In the absence of the Society there would be a poorer offering to those members of the public visiting the Dockyard, and no facilities at all in respect of family research, which is a growing area of social history.
Presenting the certificate and inscribed crystal trophy to the Society’s President, Mr Brian Jenkins, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Richard Oldfield, said:
Background from left to right: Mr Andrew Patience QC, Patron, Mrs Sheila Goodhew, Mrs Ann West MBE JP DL, and Mr Mike Bax, High Sheriff of Kent. Foreground shaking hands: Mr Brian Jenkins and Mr Richard Oldfield DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant.
“Kent is a big county with 1.7 million people, and Chatham Dockyard Historical Society is one of only three out of Kent’s many hundreds of community groups to win The Queen’s Award this year.
Her Majesty rates the importance of recognising the wonderful work organisations like yours do in the community very highly indeed –on her behalf many congratulations and thanks.
This group is truly exceptional in the outstanding contribution you make providing such a valuable service to the community and to all visitors of the Dockyard. The research you undertake and your historical knowledge is so valuable and deserving of recognition.”
