Celebrate RNLI 200 at The Historic Dockyard Chatham

On Monday 4 March, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrated 200 years since its formation. 

In partnership with the RNLI, The Historic Dockyard Chatham have launched a commemorative five-month exhibition for the charity’s 200th anniversary year. The exhibition has officially been opened by the Chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE DL and Chair of the RNLI, Janet Legrand OBE KC (Hon) during a special reception evening on Thursday 21 March.  

RNLI 200: The Exhibition tells the exhilarating story of the history of the lifesaving charity and the stories of the people who have risked their lives to save others, come rain or shine, storm or hurricane.

The exhibition is one-of-a-kind and the first time that such a large collection of stories and RNLI artefacts have been brought together in one space. 

It celebrates the lives and heroism of the crews and people involved in the organisation over its 200 year.  

Already home to the RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is the perfect venue to showcase the thrilling story of the RNLI. 

Included with standard Dockyard ticket.

Potential Kingsferry Bridge Closure Dates 2024 – Updated more info.


The MSBA has been advised that some urgent work is required on the Kingsferry Bridge relating to the replacement of the cables and weights. Network Rail appreciate that this will affect Medway and Swale users as well as commercial traffic to the Port and are therefore providing an early warning of potential closure dates.  Please be aware that these dates have not been confirmed and as soon as more information is available, we will advise members.

Please note, these are continuous closures and the dates/times shown are proposed start of closure and end of closure.


If any of the above closures will impact any events involving access through the Bridge that have already been scheduled please email Chairman@msba.org.uk  as soon as possible with full details and this will be passed to Network Rail.

Potential Kingsferry Bridge Closure Dates 2024


The MSBA has been advised that some urgent work is required on the
Kingsferry Bridge relating to the replacement of the cables and weights.
Network Rail appreciate that this will affect Medway and Swale users
as well as commercial traffic to the Port and are therefore providing an
early warning of potential closure dates.  Please be aware that these dates
have not been confirmed and as soon as more information is available, we
will advise members.


*    1st – 2nd June 2024 (2-day) – Kent Side Counterweight Ropes
*    8th – 9th June 2024 (2-day) – Sheppey Side Counterweight Ropes
*    14th – 23rd June 2024 (8-day) – Kent Side Main Ropes
*    28th June – 7th July 2024 (8-day) – Sheppey Side Main Ropes

If any of the above closures will impact any events involving access through
the Bridge that have already been scheduled please email
Chairman@msba.org.uk  as soon as possible with
full details and this will be passed to Network Rail.

Medway Swale Estuary Partnership

The  Medway Swale Estuary Partnership have now produced a very short questionnaire that they would love to get as many responses as possible from boat users in the Medway and Swale.

The general aim is to understand what boat users knowledge and gauge the interest in invasives species control. Can we please ask you to share the following link with your members and ask them to respond as soon as possible.