Mayor of Medway

Mayor of Medway To promote our wonderful Medway Towns and share all the amazing events that take place here.

We aim to platform the good work and the great people that make Medway so special. This year the Mayor has chosen Caring Hands in the Community and Slide Away as his charities.

I was honoured to join Petronela’s Hope for the presentation of a cheque from Kent Community Foundation.A cheque can car...
14/09/2026

I was honoured to join Petronela’s Hope for the presentation of a cheque from Kent Community Foundation.
A cheque can carry more than a number. It can represent safety, compassion, practical help, a listening ear, and the chance for someone facing the most difficult circumstances to begin rebuilding their life.

Petronela’s Hope provides vital support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, as well as vulnerable families across our community. Their work reminds us that no one should have to face fear, isolation or uncertainty alone, and that, even in the darkest moments, there is always hope.

Thank you to Kent Community Foundation for recognising and supporting this essential work, and to Petronela Zilik and her team for the care, courage and commitment they show every day.

I was proud to meet the team, their partners and supporters, and to take part in this meaningful presentation. May this funding help even more people find safety, strength and a path forward.
Because hope is not just a word. For many people, it can be the first step towards a new beginning.

Choose to never give up is a must read 📖👇🏽❤️

Kent Community Foundation Douglas K Hamandishe

Yesterday’s Battle of Britain commemoration was a truly moving and reflective occasion, an opportunity to honour the cou...
14/09/2026

Yesterday’s Battle of Britain commemoration was a truly moving and reflective occasion, an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who defended our freedom, and to give thanks for the values of service, duty and unity that continue to inspire us.

As Mayor, I was proud to attend and to see the RAF Cadet Parade march up Maxwell Drive to the St St. Barbara's Garrison Church, Brompton. Their presence brought real dignity and pride to the service, reminding us that the spirit of service remains strong in the next generation.

A particular highlight was the RAF Cadet band, who played superbly. These young people give up their own time to rehearse, perform and serve their community, and they represented themselves, their families and the RAF Cadets exceptionally well. My sincere thanks also go to their dedicated instructors and supportive parents, your encouragement, commitment and guidance make all of this possible.

The service also provided a powerful reminder of the first lesson of the Second World War: following the 1939 declaration of war, the people of Gillingham saw the need to support one another and became involved in the war effort. That community spirit, people standing together in difficult times, is a lesson that remains as relevant today as it was then.

We must all, take a moment not yearly but regulary to reflect appreciate the peace and freedoms we enjoy today.
Lest we forget ❤️

Thank you to Peter and Jane from the great photos.
https://pepsoftphoto.uk/pepsoft-photographic

Royal Air Force 1404 Chatham Sqn ATC Douglas K Hamandishe Medway Council

It was a real pleasure to meet the inspiring women of Soroptimist International Medway and Maidstone.I enjoyed hearing a...
12/09/2026

It was a real pleasure to meet the inspiring women of Soroptimist International Medway and Maidstone.

I enjoyed hearing about the friendship, support and positive action that brings members together, as well as their important theme for the year: the safety of women and girls. This is an issue that demands all of us, organisations, communities to play our part in building a safer, more equal society.

Thank you to Jane Barnes and everyone who gave me such a warm welcome. I was particularly pleased to learn more about the practical difference Soroptimists make locally and internationally through their advocacy, fundraising and community work.

If you would like to meet like-minded women, make new friends and help create positive change, Medway and Maidstone Soroptimists would love to hear from you.🫵🏽❤️

📧 [email protected]
🌐 sigbi.org/medway-maidstone
Facebook: Medway and Maidstone Soroptimists
Instagram:

Medway and Maidstone Soroptimists Douglas K Hamandishe

Proud to have attended Commemoration Day at King’s School Rochester, a wonderful occasion celebrating the school’s herit...
12/09/2026

Proud to have attended Commemoration Day at King’s School Rochester, a wonderful occasion celebrating the school’s heritage, community and future.

The highlight was the opening of the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) facilities: an inspiring investment in the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers. It was a privilege to join Principal Simon Fisher, Deputy Lieutenant Kate Fenwick, Bishop Jonathan and so many members of the King’s community, including pupils, staff, families and Old Roffensians.

From the moving service to the warm reception in St Margaret’s Garden, followed by the traditional cricket and netball fixtures, the day captured the strong sense of belonging that makes King’s such a special part of Rochester.

My congratulations to everyone involved in making the day such a success, and especially to all those whose vision and hard work have brought these excellent STEM facilities to life.❤️

King's School Rochester Lord-Lieutenant of Kent Mark Snoswell Rochester Cathedral Canon Chancellor The High Sheriff of Kent Douglas K Hamandishe

🎳 Bowled over!Yesterday I managed to tick of another item from my bucket list, a trip to Halls Bowls Club. Trying somet...
12/09/2026

🎳 Bowled over!

Yesterday I managed to tick of another item from my bucket list, a trip to Halls Bowls Club. Trying something new, making new friends and raising funds for the Mayor of Dartford charities.

A few bowls went in the right direction. Others were clearly exploring Dartford. 😂

Huge thanks to the Bowling Club for being fantastic hosts, and for an equally fantastic donation to the Mayor’s charities.

Great company. Great cause. Great fun.

I may have found a new sport… although the sport may not have found me yet! 😄

Douglas K Hamandishe Mayor of Dartford Mayor of Bexley

10/09/2026

Two weeks to go until The Mayor’s Walk to Remember — a day for connection, conversation and community.
Following my conversation with Nat from Legend on the Bench, one message stood out: we do not need to have been personally affected by su***de to know that checking in, reaching out and being present for one another matters.
On Saturday 26 September, please join us for this free community charity event in support of su***de prevention. Choose from two walks, bring your friends, family, colleagues or four-legged companions, and help us make space for the conversations that can change — and even save — lives.
There are only 100 places, so please secure yours and walk with us.
Let’s remember those we have lost, support those who may be struggling, and show that in Medway, nobody has to face difficult times alone.

It was a real privilege to attend Canterbury Christ Church University’s graduation celebrations yesterday with the Revd ...
10/09/2026

It was a real privilege to attend Canterbury Christ Church University’s graduation celebrations yesterday with the Revd David Stroud.

Faith and service are not so different: both call us to look beyond ourselves, to support one another, and to use our gifts for the good of others.

David spoke with great pride as we reflected on the students’ remarkable journey, from arriving as freshers to graduating as confident, capable individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

Congratulations to every graduate for your dedication and commitment. And thank you to the families, friends and university staff whose encouragement, care and guidance have helped make this special day possible.❤️

Canterbury Christ Church University Medway Council Douglas K Hamandishe

What a wonderful afternoon at Fort Amherst for a charity tea and tour in support of my four mayoral charities.A huge tha...
06/09/2026

What a wonderful afternoon at Fort Amherst for a charity tea and tour in support of my four mayoral charities.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, helped organise the event, donated raffle prizes and, of course, bought raffle tickets. Your generosity will support the vital work of:

Wisdom Hospice Charity
Chatham Royal Marines Cadets
Sunlight Centre Gillingham


Fort Amherst was the perfect setting. For more than 300 years it has watched over Medway, helping to defend the River Medway, Chatham Dockyard and our towns. Today, its remarkable tunnels and ramparts bring people together, helping us celebrate our heritage while supporting the people and organisations that make such a difference in our community.

Thank you all for making the afternoon so enjoyable and for helping us raise funds for four truly deserving local causes.❤️

Fort Amherst Douglas K Hamandishe

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend Medway’s Merchant Navy Day observance at Gun Wharf and the annual Drill Shed comme...
05/09/2026

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend Medway’s Merchant Navy Day observance at Gun Wharf and the annual Drill Shed commemoration.

At Gun Wharf, we raised the Red Ensign in recognition of the Merchant Navy’s extraordinary contribution to national life. Merchant seafarers transport the food, fuel, medicines, materials and goods on which our communities rely, often working long periods away from home in demanding conditions. Merchant Navy Day, held annually on 3 September, honours both those serving today and those who gave their lives in conflict.

The day continued at the Drill Shed, where we remembered the devastating events of 3 September 1917. During a German air raid, two bombs struck the Drill Shed at HMS Pembroke, where naval ratings were resting. Around 130 sailors were killed.

For Medway, with its profound naval, dockyard and maritime heritage, these commemorations matter deeply. They remind us to value service, to remember sacrifice, and to ensure that the stories of those who gave so much continue to be told.

Thank you to the organisers, veterans, service representatives, families and residents who helped make the day so meaningful. Including the fabulous Pete of Pepsoft Photography for the wonderful photographs, which ensure this important day of commemoration can be remembered and shared. ❤️

Medway Council Douglas K Hamandishe

Hop along to the Hop Festival for a weekend of great music, food and, of course, hops!It was a pleasure to join fellow M...
05/09/2026

Hop along to the Hop Festival for a weekend of great music, food and, of course, hops!

It was a pleasure to join fellow Mayors and civic guests for the opening of the Faversham Hop Festival today. There was a wonderful turnout, a warm welcome, and a real sense of community in the town.

With live music, delicious food, local drinks and plenty to enjoy for all ages, it is a fantastic celebration of Faversham’s heritage and hospitality. If you can, do go along and support this brilliant festival.

Douglas K Hamandishe Faversham News

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Mayors Parlour, Gun Wharf
Chatham
ME44TR

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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