Volunteering

There are over 200 volunteers involved with us here at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Caring for the many historic buildings and artefacts, three historic warships and around 130,000 visitors each year means that there are plenty of different roles for volunteers to fill! The Trust is supported by 5 volunteer groups whose activities range from restoring and running the dockyard’s steam railway to carrying out historical research. For further information on volunteering with us please call 01634 823800 or click here to email us on info@chdt.org.uk

The Chatham Historic Dockyard Volunteer Service (CHDVS)

Painting helicopter This picture shows Kieran painting the tail blades of a Royal Naval dragonfly helicopter that is on display at The Historic Dockyard

This was formed by members of the now disbanded Thames and Medway branch of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS). CHDVS assists in conservation and other essential work across The Historic Dockyard site, including supporting staff during events. The group has recently opened the RNXS Museum.

Historic Warship Volunteers

Picture shows Alec and John restore the cots from HMS Cavalier’s sickbay.

Top Picture shows Alec and John restoring the cots from HMS Cavalier’s sickbay.

These people are involved in the restoration of our three historic warships. At the moment work is focused on HMS Cavalier (1944) and HMS Gannet (1878), as well as some of the Trust’s collection of small boats.

Click here for more information on the Historic Warships Volunteer Group|

Click here for more information on the HMS Cavalier Association|

Bottom Picture shows Tim repairing a corroded bulkhead on HMS Cavalier.

The volunteers come from all walks of life and have all different levels of skill. Work varies from simple tasks like painting, to more technical jobs, e.g. the recent restoration and reactivation of the hand powered 40 mm Bofors Gun

Dockyard Steam Society

This picture shows Volunteers running ‘Achilles’ at the Medway Festival of Steam & Transport.

The 'steamies' work on the restoration and running of The Historic Dockyard’s collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock. The locomotives and freight trains steam every first full weekend of the month from April until October and there is an opportunity to be trained as part of the operating crew.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Picture shows Blue Peter III: One of the 16 vessels held in the collection that the Lifeboat volunte

This picture shows Blue Peter III: One of the 16 vessels held in the collection that the RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection volunteers maintain.

Our RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection gallery houses 17 of the RNLI’s collection of historic lifeboats and is one of The Historic Dockyard’s public galleries. The lifeboat enthusiasts help keep all the exhibits fully maintained.

Click here for information on the RNLI

Chatham Dockyard Historical Society (CDHS)

Picture shows Chris computerising archival records in the Royal Dockyard Library.

These volunteers assist in the staffing of the Museum of the Royal Dockyard on a daily basis between February and October. They also construct new displays, carry out historical research and help man the Royal Dockyard Library.

Click here for further information on Chatham Dockyard Historical Society (CDHS)|