Delivery

Company Profile

Our Facilities

The Facility The Defence Fire Training and Development Centre (DFTDC) is located on the site of what was RAF Manston. The Unit still conducts firefighter training for military personnel and is part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate. As such it is required to react to any increase in alert state imposed by the MoD. The main entrance gate is therefore permanently manned by uniformed guards.

Sports Facilities We are grateful to the Commandant of the DFTDC for access to the Unit’s fitness facilities for those taking part in training. There is a sports hall and well equipped multi-gym, with free weights, automated exercise machines, a sauna and a solarium. This facility, available for use 24 hours a day, is provided free of charge to all attending our courses. An introductory training assessment and instructional training session, by a qualified instructor, will be necessary prior to independent training. Fitness and nutrition coaching, tailored to the needs and profile of students, is also available.

Local Hotel and Accommodation Details With Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate all within easy reach there is a wealth of hotel accommodation available. We recommend, however, the Holiday Inn Express at Minster. It is just 5 minutes from the Training Centre on the A299, next to the Minster roundabout. For more information on the hotel and the facilities it offers check out www.geminex-hotels.com The FSC will handle all hotel booking arrangements for those attending courses. The village of Minster is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel and has some amenities including three pubs.

Local Places of Interest Adjacent to the DFTDC are two public air museums as well as a private fire museum located on the Unit.

Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum Two immaculately restored classic fighters displayed in a superb purpose-built memorial building, formally known as the Hurricane and Spitfire Memorial Building. Around the aircraft are comprehensive displays telling the story of the air combat over Kent during World War Two. The museum is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm April to September and 10.00am to 4.00pm October to March. Museum admission is free. Telephone contact number for the museum: 01843 821940. www.aeroflight.co.uk

RAF Manston History Museum The RAF Manston History Society, which runs the museum, portrays in various displays the civil and military history of Manston since it was first opened in 1916. It is located next to the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum. The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm March to October and Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm November to February. Telephone contact number: 01843 825224. www.rafmanston.co.uk

The Fire Services Museum. This private museum is located close to the Training Centre, within the perimeter of the DFTDC so is therefore not routinely open to the public. Access to the museum can be made by prior appointment only by calling (01843) 823351 Ext 6394.

Local Area The coastal towns of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs are all within easy reach, with the historic city of Canterbury just 20 minutes away. Just a short distance south of our Manston HQ is the Roman fort and amphitheatre at Richborough. Managed by English Heritage this is where the Roman invaders originally landed in AD43 so is one of the most significant Roman sites in the Country. A full size replica Viking Ship is on permanent display on the cliff top at Pegwell Bay, 3 miles from the Training Centre. The Hugin is a replica Viking Ship that sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the invasion of Britain, the traditional landing of Hengist and Horsa and the betrothal of Hengist's daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent.