The Ropery

Upcoming events at The Ropery

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Community

Medway Business & Skills Showcase

Medway Business and Skills Showcase event celebrates businesses in Medway helping them grow and prosper. It’s FREE to attend and open to all professionals across Medway and Kent. If you’re looking to raise your brand awareness, meet with potential customers, generate leads, build your database and increase exposure across Medway and Kent, you really must consider exhibiting at this exciting exhibition. Our event brings this community together in one place, under one roof. USEFUL INFORMATION CostFREE to attend as a visitor BookingPlease reserve your place by booking online.Next Events4 June 2026Time10am to 3pmLocationNo.1 Smithery at The Historic Dockyard Chatham find out more Photos by Jason Dodd Photography

Thu 4 Jun11:30The Ropery

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Talks & Lectures

In conversation with... Nick Ball and Simon Stephens

Join Nick Ball and Simon Stephens for an illuminating talk on the extraordinary world of ship models, drawing on one of the largest and most important collections of its kind, held at the National Maritime Museum. Spanning more than 3,500 objects, from ancient examples to the very latest 21st century vessels, the collection reveals the evolution of maritime design, craftsmanship, and innovation across centuries. The talk explores why ship models were made, from their crucial role in the 18th century, when some of the finest examples of Navy Board ship models were produced, exploring their complex role bridging patronage and ship design. It also traces the origins of this remarkable collection, first established in the early 19th century by Sir Robert Seppings and continually expanded into a world-class resource for research and discovery. Nick is Collections, Galleries and Interpretation Manager at the Historic Dockyard, and Simon is Curator of Ship Model and Boat Collections at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. Together, they bring curatorial expertise and deep historical insight to a conversation that reveals ship models not only as technical artefacts, but as powerful expressions of artistry, identity, and the enduring fascination with the sea. Our talks are free to attend (you do not need a Dockyard admission ticket) but spaces are limited. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Thu 4 Jun18:30The Ropery

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Deaf-Led British Sign Language (BSL) Tour: Ocean Photographer of the Year

Step into a world of colour, movement and life beneath the waves with our latest temporary exhibition, Ocean Photographer of the Year. Experience a breathtaking collection of award-winning images celebrating the beauty and fragility of our blue planet. The exhibition includes specially created three-dimensional images that can be explored through touch. To mark World Oceans Day 2026, we’re delighted to offer a deaf-led tour of the exhibition with BSL guide John Wilson, creating a shared space to explore these powerful images through British Sign Language. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, we are able to offer this tour on a complimentary basis. book tickets Ocean Photographer of the Year Access Information Time12pmDate5 June 2026CostThe tour is free to attend (a ticket to The Historic Dockyard Chatham is not required).BookingSpaces are limited and very popular, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.AccessibilityThere is free parking on site and the galleries are fully accessible. Please click the button below link to find out more about accessibility at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.LocationNo.1 Smithery temporary exhibition gallery (meeting point will be in the Mess Deck Restaurant) access information for the Historic dockyard CHATHAM Photo credits: Andrey Shpatak and Giancarlo Mazarese.

Fri 5 Jun13:00The Ropery

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Community

Armed Forces Day 2026

Armed Forces Day 2026 will be held at The Historic Dockyard Chatham on Saturday 27 June. This annual event, in partnership with Medway Council, is an opportunity to show support for all those who have served in the Armed Forces, including current personnel, their families, cadets, and veterans. On the day, you can enjoy colourful military parades, displays, bands and singers as we come together to celebrate the bravery of those who have answered the call of duty. Prepare to be captivated by a range of immersive experiences - from military displays to musical performances. book online Useful Information CostFREEBookingTickets must be booked in advance. No tickets will be available on the day and annual Historic Dockyard admission tickets are not valid for this event.Event Date27 June 2026TimingsThe event begins at 10am, with a packed programme of military parades, displays, bands and family activities.A highlight of the event will be a formal parade at 12.30pm, followed by a Drum Head service, and the Beating Retreat finale at 4.30pm.LocationThe Historic Dockyard ChathamOpen AreasThe RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection, No.3 Slip, Museum Square, Ship Compounds, Tennis Court Lawn, HMS GANNET, Helipad, Mess Deck, and Wagon Stop Restaurants.Closed AreasNo.

Sat 27 Jun11:00The Ropery

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History & HeritageTalks & Lectures

In conversation with... Richard Holdsworth, Former Director of Heritage

This illustrated talk and discussion marks the completion of the restoration of Commissioner's House at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Britain’s oldest intact naval building. It will explore how our understanding of this historic building developed during the Trust’s project to restore this remarkable Ancient Monument, examine the role of the Resident Commissioner and look at how the building’s shape and form changed over the years as individual Commissioner’s left their mark on the House as tastes and fashions changed. Richard joined Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in 1985 as the Dockyard’s first Curator. Over the following 36 years he served as the Trust’s Museum & Heritage Director and Director of Preservation & Education before retiring in 2021 as the Trust’s Director of Heritage, Public Engagement and Learning. He was awarded an MBE for Services to Heritage in Kent in 2009. Our talks are free to attend (you do not need a Dockyard admission ticket) but spaces are limited. Tickets must be booked in advance. FREE - book now DateThursday 9 July 2026LocationThe Commissioner's House at The Historic Dockyard ChathamTimeArrival from 5.30pm for a 6pm start. The Mess Deck will be open for drinks and snacks prior to the talk.BookingTalks are FREE to attend but we ask that you book in advance.

Thu 9 Jul18:30The Ropery

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History & HeritageTalks & Lectures

In conversation with... Nicola Moorby, Curator of Historic British Art, Tate

J.M.W. Turner's lifelong engagement with the sea resulted in some of his most dramatic and iconic paintings. This talk provides an overview of his obsession with the ocean and, in particular, his evolving exploration of the concept of the Sublime. A fascinating blend of imagination and observation, his pictures of storms and shipwrecks reflected the anxieties and ambitions of maritime Britain, as well as a personal pursuit of atmosphere and empirical style. Central to Turner's reputation as a modern master, they have become defining images of the Romantic era, as well as an imaginative point of departure for his creative legacy. Nicola Moorby is Curator of Historic British Art, specialist in nineteenth century landscape, she is the author of Turner and Constable: Art, Life, Landscape, published by Yale University Press, 2025. Our talks are free to attend (you do not need a Dockyard admission ticket) but spaces are limited. Tickets must be booked in advance. FREE - book now DateThursday 1 October 2026LocationThe Commissioner's House at The Historic Dockyard ChathamTimeArrival from 5.30pm for a 6pm start. The Mess Deck will be open for drinks and snacks prior to the talk.BookingTalks are FREE to attend but we ask that you book in advance.

Thu 1 Oct18:30The Ropery

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Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.