Kitchen complex opens at Chickerell Camp

From the archive, first published Saturday 27th Oct 2007.

A STATE of the art new kitchen complex at Chickerell Camp has been officially opened by Dorset Lord Lieutenant Mrs Valerie Pitt-Rivers.

More than £2 million has been spent on Camp refurbishment including the new kitchen complex capable of feeding up to 250 soldiers per day.

Mrs Pitt-Rivers said: "I am delighted to open this new kitchen and congratulate everyone involved. An army marches on its stomach and I am sure that marching from Chickerell Camp is going to be very good indeed."

Commandant Major Harry Reddick said Chickerell had seen huge changes in recent years and had risen from a 270-man site to a 440-man camp.

He added: "I have a strong feeling about the future of the Camp which the Army recognises as being of strategic importance."

Catering manager Neil Hendry said: "It is a first class facility and we are very lucky to have it. It is a pleasure to work here."

Chickerell Town Mayor and Mayoress John and Gillian Dean attended and Mr Dean said: "I have lived in Chickerell all my life and I used to come here when I was seven and the Americans were here. It is marvellous what they have done here."

West Dorset District Council chairman Ronald Coatsworth also praised the new facility and said: "It is far removed from the Army Catering Corps of my day and a credit to the Camp.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor David Harris said: "The facilities are very impressive and so is the artwork by local schools."