PictureFrom the Coalhouse Fort Project Management Committee: Charity to close After 35 years of working to maintain, restore and promote Coalhouse Fort, it was unanimously decided at our Management Committee Meeting on Sunday 26th January 2020 to disband the Coalhouse Fort Project Registered Charity. This news was communicated to the volunteers and members at the AGM, immediately following the committee meeting. The decision was not made lightly or without consideration for the Fort, but rather we feel this marks the beginning of its next chapter. When The Project began in the 1980’s the Fort was physically falling apart, having been derelict for most of the 30 years following the dissolution of Coastal Defence in 1956. But with the energy, enthusiasm and hard work of countless volunteers across the years, thousands of members of the public have had the chance to explore this historical treasure. In recent years, Thurrock Council have taken a broader interest in the Fort. With their help, and Heritage Lottery Funding, parts of the Fort such as the Gatehouse have been reinstated. Going forward, works will continue to open more rooms and give new purpose to this fantastic building. We feel that this work can and will continue without The Project, especially now that a solid foundation has been laid. We wish to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers who have given their time and experience across the years as well as everyone who has shown an interest in Coalhouse Fort by coming to an open day. Thank you.