At Dode we believe it is important to provide information and a degree of education in respect of the long history of this very special place. To this end we encourage supervised groups of schoolchildren to attend as part of their extra-curricular activities. Such visits last usually for approximately 1˝ hours and are conducted during daylight hours. A talk on the long history of Dode is included, session for questions and answers and also a period of time for teachers to provide their own input.

number of evenings are also set aside each year for adult participation which involves a talk on the history of Dode, a subsequent discussion/question and answer session and practical demonstrations of dowsing etc.

No charges for visits and meetings are made.

Many historical and archaeological societies have over the past years booked Douglas Chapman for one of two talks on Dode and he is pleased to travel to any part of the County although for evening meetings only, and for which a charge is made.

Archaeology

The fascinating history of Dode is perhaps founded as much in legend and myth as in reality.

In Dode’s relatively recent past a professional programme of archaeology was carried out prior to the construction of the Retreat building and the “Village” well has been opened up and, (as far as is practically possible,) investigated.

Towards the end of 2009 an extensive archaeological and topographical assessment (entitled “The Dode Landscape Project” ) is to be carried out by Members of the Kent Archaeological Society. It is hoped that as a follow on from this project a more detailed investigation of the well may be possible although this will be a time consuming (and expensive) operation with very considerable Health and Safety considerations to be taken into detailed account.

It is planned that a limited archaeological dig will take place in the “Chancel” to further original investigations made by George Payne of the Kent Archaeological Society at the end of the 19th Century, at which time elements of a Roman building were discovered.

Full details regarding the status of any of these projects can be obtained by contacting Douglas Chapman via our contacts page.