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Friends of Chatham Traction

Formation

The re-discovery in 2002 of GKE 68, built in 1939 and the sole surviving "brahn bus" set off a remarkable wave of nostalgia.  These buses had been the lifeline for the Medway towns, and Chatham Dockyard's "mateys" in particular, through war and peace.  They were part of the local fabric, familiar and re-assuring signs of normality, carrying the unique light green and ginger-brown livery of the Chatham & District Traction Company.

The commemorative event held at the Historic Dockyard Chatham on 1st October 2005 drew an encouraging response from enthusiasts, former employees and the public in general.  Treasured items appeared, stories were told, and there was clearly a basis for something more. A subsequent canvass of support during 2006 and a key meeting with early supporters on 28th December of that year led to the formal creation of Friends of Chatham Traction in March 2007. The Friends' principal aim from the outset was to restore the bus for use in the promotion of local history and heritage awareness in Medway.

Current Status

In October 2009 the Friends became a registered charity (no. 1132120). Accordingly, Richard Bourne, David Swan, Norman Kemp, Bob Ratcliffe, Phil Gates and Richard Ratcliffe became Trustees and the organisation’s aims as expressed in the Constitution were adjusted to emphasise their charitable nature. Constitution

A number of individuals with special knowledge, interest or experience have nominal posts of a supporting or advisory nature: Geoffrey Foord - Financial Examiner Phil Gates - Bus Club Liaison Roland Graves – Restoration Adviser Mike Hodges – Archivist Paul Kemsley – Membership Richard Ratcliffe - Corporate Fundraising. Alan Watkins – Public Relations The Trustees continue to meet every two months, usually at Aylesford.

David Swan, Norman Kemp, Richard Bourne and Bob Ratcliffe at the Press call following the announcement of a £10,000 grant to the Friends from the National Lottery under the Awards for All scheme, September 2008.