MORE than 450 former Chatham Dockyard workers are planning to attend a reunion planned to mark the 20th anniversary of the naval base's closure.

The event, at Chatham's Historic Dockyard on April 1, promises to be Dockyard Workers' Reunited in a big way.

The former workers, with partners, should ensure an attendance of around 1,000. No tickets will be issued until the day (see itinerary below for details).

The Dockyard Trust has had replies from Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire. Some workers chose to be transferred to Portsmouth and Devonport (Plymouth) dockyards rather than be made redundant.

One former worker had written from Australia, regretting that he is unable to make the 12,000-mile journey to attend the reunion.

The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, which is organising the event, supported by the Medway Messenger newspaper, has now drawn up a detailed programme for the day.

Trust chief executive Bill Ferris said: "We are delighted with the response and looking forward to what should be an excellent day. I am sure that many of the former workers, especially those from further afield, have not been back to the dockyard since it closed.

"Of course, many of the historic and listed buildngs are still here, but there have been some dramatic changes. It will also be a great opportuniy for the former workers to take a trip down memory lane and swop stories."

Chatham Dockyard closed on March 31, 1984, after 400 years, leaving about 6,000 workers without jobs, many of them with skills unique to the dockyard.

The former dockyard was split into three - the Historic Dockyard, Chatham Maritime and Chatham Docks which now, between them, employ around the same number of people who previous worked in the naval base.

ITINERARY

10.am Guests to arrive via the Visitor Entrance (see below) and to be issued with their complimentary ticket for the day.

10.45am Guests to be in position between the Victorian sloop HMS Gannet and the submarine HMS Ocelot. Entertainment by Gillingham Operatic & Dramatic Society

11am Arrival of special principal guest. Principal guest to go aboard HMS Gannet to review the restoration work

11.15am Opportunity for guests to explore the three historic warships - be amongst the first to go aboard HMS Gannet and then take a tour of the destroyer HMS Cavalier and HMS Ocelot

12.15pm-12.30pm Guests make their way to marquee on Museum Square (the peashingle in front of the covered slips)

12.30pm Welcome to The Historic Dockyard by Sir Nicholas Hunt, chairman, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Welcome to Medway by Cllr Rodney Chambers, leader of Medway Council (Mayor also in attendance.)

12.45pm Lunchtime refreshments

Afternoon guests are free to enjoy the galleries and attractions of The Historic Dockyard

6pm The Historic Dockyard closes.

* All guests should arrive via The Historic Dockyard Visitor Entrance, approached via Dock Road and then left turn at roundabout into Western Avenue, signposted Historic Dockyard. Car parking is in the main visitor car park, which is opposite the old Pembroke Gate. Do not attempt to enter via the main gate.

* There are regular trains to Chatham from London and the coast and buses from Chatham station and the town centre. Catch a bus to Chatham Maritime or the Dockside Outlet shopping centre. For futher information, call national rail inquiries on 0845 748 49 50 or bus inquiries on 0870 608 2608

* Only those who have pre-registered their interest will receive complimentary entry at the main Visitor Admissions Entrance. No tickets will be sent out in advance.

* Guests are reminded that The Historic Dockyard is a large, open air site and that there are steep ladders and hatches on the ships. It is advised that guests wear warm clothing and sensible shoes.

* Don't miss Monday's Medway Messenger (March 29) for a 12-page special marking the 20th anniversary of the dockyard's closure. And there's an eight-page reunion picture special in the Medway Messenger on April 5.