CDHS ACTIVITIES

(Above: The Launch Ceremony Programme of HMS/M Oberon. [image credit - N Jennings])

The society members have a variety of activities aimed at assisting the public to appreciate the contribution made by Chatham Dockyard in keeping the ships of the Royal Navy in fighting trim.

All activities are run on a voluntary basis and include:

Manning the Museum of The Royal Dockyard

In conjunction with CDHT, we staff the Museum between 10.30am to 4.30pm seven days per week from February to late October each year and then at weekends only until end November. The Museum reopened on 9th February 2008 with revised and updated displays.

Visitors are free to inspect the contents and displays in the Museum at their own pace. Our CDHS members are always available to answer questions or to lead a conducted tour. Please just ask upon entering the Museum.

Research Papers

Over the years members have researched a considerable number of subjects appertaining to the Dockyard and the Royal Navy. The resulting information has been collated into pamphlet form and are on sale to the general public. Many research topics are reported on and written articles often appear in our CHIPS Journal.

We are in the process of making a collection of computer CD-ROMs each covering a specific subject such as :- Chatham built ships, Ships badges, etc. Please ask for more information.

*** At the bottom of this page are links to (1) a sample copy of the CHIPS Journal and (2) a list of CDHS Research Papers available for purchase.***

Royal Dockyard Library

The CDHT and CDHS jointly have an extensive nautical library, considered by many to be one of the best in the south-east. At the present time the Reference Reading Room is only available to members or researchers who have made a previous appointment. A new disabled access lift has been installed to ease access to the first floor library area.

Public Enquiries

Research is undertaken on behalf of members of the public who have specific queries concerning the Dockyard or the Royal Navy. In the event that we do not have the required information we can very often advise on a likely source that the enquirer can try.

Last Revised ~ 29 February 2008