Project Update March 2019
Works update
Work to the café extension in Kearsney Abbey is continuing and the installation of the steel frame and roof structure is well underway. The services connections for drainage have now been completed. A temporary roof has been constructed over the old billiard room to protect the building while work takes place on the roof and lantern.
The landscape contractors are due to start work shortly. Some pathways and access routes will be affected while work takes place. There may be times when certain areas of the park need to be closed off temporarily, for the safety of both contractors and the public. We will clearly signpost these areas and updates will be posted on the park noticeboards.
Easter egg hunt
On Thursday 18 April, from 10am – 12 noon, join us for an Easter egg hunt in Kearsney Abbey! Please come along and have a stroll around the park, find the clues in the trees and get a chocolate egg when you have completed the trail. Come and meet us outside the old billiard room to pick up your trail sheet.
Wildlife surveys
Over the next few months, we’ll be doing reptile surveys in Kearsney Abbey to find out more about the lizards, slow-worms and other reptiles that may be in the park. Shelters, known as refugia, have been placed around the park and will be monitored regularly. If you’d like to volunteer to help us out, please email kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk
Art in the Park
More events are coming up as part of Art in the Park – Kearsney Interpreted, an Arts Council funded project that is being delivered in partnership with Dover Arts Development (DAD).
On Saturday 6 April, photographer Lisa Derand will lead a walk around Kearsney Abbey to look at some of the photographs she took of people in the park last autumn. The photographs will be on display in the park and we’ll hear more about what the park means to those people.
On 12 April, there will be another screening of Art in the Park – Kearsney Interpreted animations at Dover’s Silver Screen Cinema. This will include animations from young artists, as well as Watercress and Daffodils, Clare Smith’s work exploring public and private aspects of the once unified Russell Gardens and Kearsney Court gardens, and Park Bench, a DAD production bringing together work from local artists, poets and musicians. Entry is free but places must be booked.
For more information about both events, please see www.kearsneyparks.co.uk/events
Big Tree Climb
Following the sell-out success of the last two years, the Great Big Tree Climbing Company is coming back to Kearsney Abbey! This is your chance to climb high into the tree canopy to get a different view of the park.
The Big Tree Climb is happening on Saturday 29 June and Saturday 14 September. Tickets cost £20 each and sessions lasts for an hour. The activity is open to children aged six and over, and adults.
More information is at www.kearsneyparks.co.uk/events
Kearsney Parks Forum
The next meeting of the Kearsney Parks Forum will take place from 6pm - 7.30pm on Tuesday 2 April, at Co-Innovation in Dover (this is the old Co-op building in Stembrook). If you’d like to come along, please email kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk
This month’s photograph
This month’s photograph of daffodils in Kearsney Abbey was taken by Ruth King. If you have a picture you’d like to share, please email kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk
Keep in touch
If you have any comments or questions, please email us on kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk or follow us on Twitter @Kearsneyparks