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Prime Minister's Office
10 Downing Street

Heritage regeneration in Chatham

855. Keith Gulvin

Keith Gulvin, from Kent, has been the driving force behind the preservation and development of ‘Fort Amherst’ in Chatham, volunteering for over 35 years in support of local heritage regeneration.

Keith founded the original ‘Fort Amherst Heritage Trust’ in 1981 to preserve the local landmark in Chatham’s historic dockyard, building up a team of over 45 volunteers who support the Fort’s 20,000 annual visitors. As Trustee, he has also been crucial in securing £214,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding for a regeneration project due to be completed at the end of next year, which aims to restore the town’s maritime heritage and reconnect local community with its military roots.

Keith received his award from Tracey Crouch, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, at a visit in her constituency of Chatham to mark Local Charities Day, which highlights the work of small charities that are making remarkable differences in their communities, and shines a spotlight on unsung heroes.

In a personal letter to Keith, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Your commitment to ‘Fort Amherst’, spanning over three decades, has not only inspired a team of volunteers to preserve this remarkable local landmark, but also attracted tens of thousands of visitors every year. Thanks to your tireless volunteering efforts, you have helped to protect and restore a unique piece of Chatham’s maritime heritage for future generations to enjoy.”

Keith said:

“I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of the voluntary work that I have been undertaking in the heritage sector since the age of 15. It is so nice to think that someone notices all the quiet work that goes on in the background by the many volunteers who work to protect our important heritage.”

 

 

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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