Team history

Fairbridge in Kent first opened its doors in 1985 when a team of just six people ran a small base in Chatham Dockyard. The focus then was primarily just ourdoor pursuits.

The centre quickly outgrew its home and was moved to a bigger building in the yard where it continued outdoor activities and used a local studio to offer its young people a chance to record music.

In 1999 the centre moved to its third and present location within the dockyard in the old lead and paint mill. The building was converted so that its facilities were integrated into one centre with a recording studio in the basement below. The mill retains its old character and original vats in which oil for the paints still line the walls.

The centre has had some notable guests during its history, including a visit by the then-prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. It has also had some more unlikely company. One workman helping to build the third centre was discovered to have been part of the punk group, Splodgenessabounds, creators of the one-hit-wonder track, 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps', and the mayor of Medway’s escort was found to have played the bass in the group, Vanity Fair.