Do you remember The Point—the special gift we’re presenting to the City of Canterbury in celebration of our Centenary in 2022? We’re thrilled to announce that planning permission has been granted, and work has officially begun on the project’s key components. A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to visit Diva Architectural Metalwork, in Selling, where the stainless-steel collar for The Point is being crafted.
The Point will be a striking stone column featuring a water-bottle filling station that will sit in the heart of Canterbury. A unique aspect of the design – by Rotarian Andrew Clague – is a tubular hole in the stainless steel collar, which will allow visitors to frame photos.
During our visit, Duane Harrison, founder and director of Diva, gave us an insightful tour of their workshop. Diva, a family-run business established in 1999, specializes in architectural metalwork for major construction projects. Their portfolio includes work on luxury buildings in London, as well as local projects like the Beaney Museum and Canterbury Cathedral’s Visitor Centre. We were impressed by the wide range of materials they work with and the precision involved in their craft.
We also had the opportunity to see The Point’s collar up close. Made from half-inch-thick stainless steel, the collar is being welded with incredible precision by Diva’s skilled team. Simon Robertson, the structural engineer overseeing the project, showed us a model of the final design. The level of craftsmanship is evident in every detail, and it was exciting to witness The Point taking shape.
After the tour, we gathered at Howfield Manor for a lovely meal, reflecting on the progress of The Point and the collaborative effort that has brought it this far. We look forward to seeing this iconic structure stand proudly in Canterbury next year.
Picture: Club members and guests look at pictures of some of Diva’s past projects. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury.
