NEWSLETTER No. 2, Summer 2025

From Sue Haydock
Chairman of Friends of Eastgate House

Dear Friends,
 
It’s been some time since our last newsletter but that does not mean we have been sitting on our laurels.  Your committee have been working hard on progressing the work to the windows in the Grand Reception Room.  The work has had to go through a Quick Quotes system which has caused a further delay, but we are getting closer to appointing the appropriate craftspeople to do this specialist work.
 
The committee have purchased some chairs for the house, to help make it more attractive.
 
Our next talk is scheduled for Tuesday 9th September 6 for 6.30. at Eastgate House.  Details of who and the subject matter is still to be finalised. This will be our last one timed for the evening..  Raffle; light refreshments. ⚠️ **Important Update:** To book your place, please call **01634 967292**. (Please do not use the number listed in the newsletter.)

The pond is being sorted as I write.  You may be able to see progress on the work if you pop down to have a look..
 
The Dickens Chalet.  A report from Geoff Etheridge

The Writing Chalet - A Fresh Initiative - Transfer it to the Community?

Perhaps for 50 years Charles Dickens’ writing chalet has languished in the grounds of Eastgate House - inaccessible and deteriorating. A number of grant applications have been submitted to fund its restoration, and all have failed; further applications were likely to fail unless a new and different approach was taken.

Following very constructive discussions with Medway Council and the Friends of Eastgate House it has been decided to apply for funding from the Medway Heritage Place fund. Key to the application will be the exploration and demonstration of the worth of transferring the ‘ownership’ of the chalet from the Council into community ownership.
 
There are various ways this could be achieved - a lease arrangement,  perhaps to a Community Interest Company or some other means.
 
Key to the success of the project will be demonstrating the cultural, educational and economic benefit that could accrue through having a restored and accessible chalet. As important as it is to memorialise Charles Dickens it is essential that the chalet has relevance today - and hopefully inspire future generations of creatives and storytellers. 

Perhaps the reason the chalet is in a dilapidated condition is because it commercial value was not recognised; both in terms of generating the income required to ensure its maintenance, and the benefits that would accrue for the local economy through having more visitors drawn to the 'Eastgate Quarter'.
 
We are at the start of potentially a long journey as we first make the case, then restore the chalet and then operationalise it to benefit the community, and generate an income to prevent the chalet falling into a state of dilapidation again. But it’s not an untrodden path - albeit not in Medway - and the Council has confirmed that £100k of match-funding remains available so long as it can be committed this financial year.
 
If you feel able please complete the Contact Form on the website. The more support / interest we can demonstrate the stronger our case becomes to the Council - to transfer - and to potential funders.
 
https://charlesdickenschalet.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/CharlesDickensWritingChalet
[email protected]

Above image: Chairman, Sue Haydock with the Deputy Mayor at our AGM advertising the Teddy Bears’Picnic