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Rare chance to see documentary of Sheppey bomb ship SS Richard Montgomery

12:01, 18 March 2022

updated: 12:04, 18 March 2022

Swale Media Arts Centre is screening a controversial documentary about the Sheppey bomb ship SS Richard Montgomery to mark plans to remove its masts.

A Disaster Waiting to Happen, made by Swale councillor Ken Rowles, pulls no punches as it traces the final moments of the American munitions ship before it sank beneath the waves off Sheerness during the Second World War.

Ken Rowles, David Riley, Colin Harvey historian, Brett Allen cameraman, Steve Marians writer and co-producer of A Disaster Waiting To Happen
Ken Rowles, David Riley, Colin Harvey historian, Brett Allen cameraman, Steve Marians writer and co-producer of A Disaster Waiting To Happen

Cllr Rowles (Lab, Roman) said: "We will also hold a question and answer session to discuss the dangers or removing the three rusting masts later this summer and the future of the bombs still left in its hold."

The screening is at 34 High Street, Sittingbourne, tonight (Friday) at 7pm. Tickets are £4 (free to members) and should be booked in advance by emailing swalemediaartscentre@gmail.com or calling 07831 563354.

The film's producers Action Plus Media say they are in discussions with broadcasters to complete the project with footage of the masts being removed. The documentary is narrated by actor Ian McShane.

Tour companies are now offering a last chance for sight-seers to see the barnacle-clad masts before they are are hacked off in June. Tickets for one of Britain's weirdest excursions are selling out fast.

Ken Rowles and Ian McShane recording the voiceover for A Disaster Waiting To Happen
Ken Rowles and Ian McShane recording the voiceover for A Disaster Waiting To Happen
Last chance to see the masts of the Sheppey bomb ship the SS Richard Montgomery sunk during the Second World War before they are cut down on the orders of the Ministry of Defence
Last chance to see the masts of the Sheppey bomb ship the SS Richard Montgomery sunk during the Second World War before they are cut down on the orders of the Ministry of Defence
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