A Sideways Launch
Film produced and directed by Michael Maloney. Written and edited by John Kerry.

Countrywide Productions has produced “ A Sideways Launch “, a film available on DVD, which tells the history of the shipyard established in Faversham by James Pollock & Sons (Shipbuilders) in 1916.

The Faversham shipyard was developed at the request of Lord Fisher, the First Lord of The Admiralty. Faversham already had a tradition of shipbuilding, and it soon became a major contributor to markets throughout the world. Vessels such as the Molliette and the Violette both constructed of concrete were the forerunners to over 1200 ships built and launched from Faversham between 1916 and 1969.

The film explores through interviews and original archive film the development of Faversham Creek with frank and often humorous anecdotes from some of the workforce. 

The film is intended to chronicle Faversham, the shipyard, but most importantly of all, the people that gave most of their working lives to an industry that has now mostly been forgotten.

What the media say....

Buy the DVD online from this website.
You can also purchase it from various outlet:
- CHERRY COMPUTERS - 5 Market Place
- BARLEY MOW - 6 Court Street
- THE FAVERSHAM SOCIETY - 13 Preston Street

Alternatively, shipping can be organised.
Please contact us on 01795 539 448.

This project was enabled by

Pictures of the screening that took place on 3rd December 2008 at the Royal Cinema in Faversham:

The Royal Cinema, Faversham.

Peter Holness and Charlie Lennard (Pollock shipyard employee)

Visitors are coming in.

Hugh Chambers (Pollock shipyard employee)

Peter Baldock, owner of the Royal Cinema, introduces the film director Michael Maloney.

Joe Moat (Pollock shipyard employee, Foremen shipwright)

Michael Maloney presents the film before the screening.

Ron Smith (Pollock shipyard employee)

The Royal cinema is full with over 450 people.

Colin Frake (Pollock shipyard employee)

DVDs are being sold after the screening

William Collard from the Cambria Trust, coming to the screening.

DVDs are being sold after the screening