Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 963

  PaulB, Dover

Woe! what a night. and it all changed so fast from calm tranquillity to violence within minutes. The most unusual skies ever were overhead and then whoosh. Firstly it appeared to yours truly as though there was a big fire across the harbour in the area of Lord Warden House, but then I realised that Shakespeare Beach itself had become quite spectacularly airborne, I tried to get a picture of this but was hit myself by what I can only describe as a shockwave. Because doors were open due to heat etc, all furniture crashed over and all belongings scattered everywhere within seconds here in the 'control tower'...and then just as quickly the shockwave was gone.. and the thunder and lightning began.

But before all that in the calm of a summer evening, the Braemar headed off to Honfleur. A lovely place Honfleur as you can see in the picture below.
Took the picture about 3/4 years ago.


Smashing pictures below guys all round. Thanks once again for the cruise info Colette.



Saturday, 19 July 2014 - 06:48

 

Post 962

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Re; John's comment on the Sea Sport centre, I was one of the few that liked it from day one.

It won a major design award and the sunrise photo there shows it at its best.

I think it is a British thing to rubbish any new architecture, we have some lovely buildings along Marine Parade and they are not diminished by new offerings.

Friday, 18 July 2014 - 21:05

 

Post 961

  ColetteB, Dover

Some great photos below there from John, Phil & Mr B, I'm certainly looking forward to Regatta day next Saturday

And now for the rest of our July cruise ships

Tomorrow Saturday 19th July, the Ryndam arrives back to CT1, TR.

Two cruise ships on Sunday 20th, the Ocean Princess returns to CT2, TR & the Braemar arrives back to CT1 from her short cruise to the beautiful 'Honfleur'.

No cruise on Monday but on Tuesday the Saga Pearl 11 cruises back to CT1, TR.
No cruise on Wednesday, on Thursday 24th July the Saga Sapphire arrives back to CT1, TR.

Then nothing until Wednesday 30th July when once again the Saga Pearl 11 returns to
CT1,TR.

We end this month on the last day of July, Thursday 31st with the familiar Saga Sapphire again at CT1, TR.

That's all for now folks, will be back with lots of cruises in August, some nice surprises too

Friday, 18 July 2014 - 17:06

 

Post 960

  John Mavin, Dover

Looking at Howard's post on the main Forum regarding the Sea Sports Centre, I think it's clear that despite the early cynicism it has established itself as a very attractive seafront feature - lovely at sunrise.



Friday, 18 July 2014 - 10:02

 

Post 959

  PaulB, Dover

This beautiful and tranquil picture of a Belgian ketch off Samphire Hoe was taken and sent in by Phil Smith who is a spectacular wildlife photographer.
Many of Phil's wildlife pictures can be seen in the Forum. Nice one above Phil. Thanks also to Howard for sending it through so that we can all enjoy.



Friday, 18 July 2014 - 06:34

 

Post 958

  Kevin Charles, Dover

Always an enjoyable event, well supported by many people. Before that, don't forget the three day Dover Music Festival starting tomorrow and continuing throughout the weekend. There will be free music events in Pencester Gardens and Market Square.

Thursday, 17 July 2014 - 20:28

 

Post 957

  brian, sunny aycliffe.

dependant to the weather of course.

Thursday, 17 July 2014 - 16:43

 

Post 956

  JanT, Dover

Yes certainly looking forward to next weekend. Reading the post below, there sure looks like there will be a lot going on, for kids and us grown ups alike so why not come down to the seafront and enjoy the day.

Also a very good opportunity for those with cameras to get some good pictures.



Thursday, 17 July 2014 - 09:34

 

Post 955

  PaulB, Dover

The post below number 887 has us all agog with excitement for the coming Regatta. It should be a great day out for the entire family as there is lots to do for absolutely everybody. This is the scene last year, oceans of people enjoying the sunshine day and all the activities on Dover Seafront and it is a great seafront for just this kind of day.
After a brief lull the Regatta kicked off again last year in fine style and now with momentum gathered should be even better this year and above all - its FREE.

Puts a chap in mind of some of the great Regatta days in the past. Remember the Sea Kings of long service...this guy came chopping by my rear window one year at a blistering rate of knots. Didn't half rattle the bone china and damn near knocked the Renoirs off the wall !! But it was brilliant though. I don't think the Sea Kings come any more as they are at pensionable age now...but there will be flying machines..

Long range pic from 2011 and its early morning still. The Regatta hasn't got into full swing yet...took this pic before going off and joining in, got in the queue for the face painting early..


* *
Late evening departure for the Southern Bay on Tuesday. Picture taken about 8.30pm in fading light. I shudder to mention it but the evenings are already shortening....oh dear!


Thursday, 17 July 2014 - 07:48

 

Post 954

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO DOVER’S FLAGSHIP FAMILY EVENT –



THE PORT OF DOVER COMMUNITY REGATTA

With just over a week to go, the Port of Dover Community Regatta is on track to delivering one of the biggest and best family events in the town this year. Packed with stalls and offering a wealth of entertainment on land, sea and air, the event promises something for all the family.

Starting at 10am, the 16 adult and four junior Port Dash teams will already be on the water, pitting their techniques against each other as they row in the harbour. In the true spirit of the race, we have a wide range of names including Bish, Bash, Bosh, The Misfits, I can’t believe we’re not better, Skull Duggery, Shark and Oar, the Lynx Effect and the Turtle Heads. With names like that, you can be sure there will be some fun and games on the water as they compete to be crowned this year’s winners!

The event will officially be opened by the Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL on the music stage at 10.45am, followed by the start of a full day’s musical entertainment on the stage including Mel Harris, Ben Mills, Dover Has Talent, Jodie South and the Electric Beatles, all guaranteed to get the crowds up and dancing.

In the arena, the Kent Fire and Rescue Services and a range of blue light services, will be demonstrating their skills by dealing with a dramatic kitchen fire, and the Dover and Walmer RNLI boats will stage a breath-taking sea rescue in the harbour, showcasing their bravery and dexterity on the water.

Over 300 classic cars and bikes will be on display along the eastern end of the seafront and over 100 stalls selling a wide range of food including tasty treats from Germany, Spain and the Caribbean and hand-made cakes and sweets, to crafts, ceramics and plants.

There will be plenty of community information available from charities including the Dover Lions Club, Emmaus, the Royal Life Saving Society and the British Heart Foundation through to Health Trainers, KCC Wardens and the Air Cadets.
A climbing wall, fair rides, face painting and glitter tattoos will be some of the activities available for the children, although not exclusively as we are sure there are plenty of mums and dads who would like to have a glitter tattoo or try their hand at climbing the wall!

Bringing the event to a close will be an air display over the harbour by the renowned Blades aerobatics display team, who are all former Red Arrows pilots. The 15 minute display will include more than 30 exhilarating manoeuvres containing a variety of mind-blowing aerobatic stunts flown just feet apart.

We hope you can come along and support this fantastic community event and look forward to seeing you all on the day.
THE EVENT TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY JULY 26 - it's the place to be.

Picture: that's one from the archives of the famous dragon boat races of yore. The guys from the RNLI in action there.

* *

The UK Border Agency were back on the case again on Monday. This is another pic of Searcher to add to the mix below. See also 886, 884.




Tuesday, 15 July 2014 - 06:57

 

Post 953

  PaulB, Dover

UK BORDER AGENCY SPECIAL
You will remember what we said in the earlier post 884 about the highly visible presence of the Border Agency over the weekend...well here we are with more pictures taken mostly on Saturday which show some of the high profile and hopefully effective presence.
it was a surprise to find two of these identical or near identical ships in close inshore water activity. Yours truly believed he was photographing just the one vessel when vessel number two popped onto the scene. The photograph in the previous post below page (884) showed Searcher, now we have Vigilant entering the fray.
Long range shot above and it appears that the UK Border Agency guys have lowered a RIB to investigate and escort a mid channel yacht. This Border Agency vessel appears to be Searcher.
Above you can see both Agency vessels in the one picture...confirmation if you like that both were actually here in fine operation keeping our borders safe.
The Vigilant whispers in to the inner harbour. The people strolling on the Prince of Wales pier have hardly noticed her presence as she slowly prowls in.

Monday, 14 July 2014 - 06:50

 

Post 952

  PaulB, Dover

We mentioned Spyro further down the page ( 878 ) and here she is departing to pastures new early on in the weekend. She gave a majestic wave as she left. For the first part of her stay she remained in the outer harbour but then after a couple of days moved into the safety of the cosy Marina. It did get blustery in the outer harbour for a while. It is not too calm as they leave either as you can see. Let's hope they enjoyed their stay here in Dover.

Its been a grey ol' weekend. The Ryndam paid us a visit yesterday Saturday in very gloomy weather. The picture below of the arrival looks like a black and white picture...but no. With the ship being black and white and the conditions being slate grey it would be any easy assumption to make. However it is actually colour. If you look to the left you can just see a smidgen of green on the exit lights. Wowser!
She left yesterday evening Saturday for Bergen.
The UK Border Agency are having a busy hi profile weekend. See post below. We will have more pictures tomorrow.

Sunday, 13 July 2014 - 07:27

 

Post 951

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover

This is the UK Border Agency showing some hi-visibility on Thursday. The vessel is called Searcher...a longer range zoomed in picture as you can see.
According to the BBC, specialist UK Border Force teams are being posted to Dover to identify human traffickers and their victims. It comes as the cross-Channel border is under increasing pressure from migrants trying to reach Britain. We know that a number of audacious and dangerous attempts have been made recently, several even by the humble dinghy.
Earlier this month, police in Calais cleared camps occupied by migrants who were hoping to enter the UK.
Now we appear to be in top vigilance mode.

These pictures immediately below of regular visitor Braemar were taken on Thursday which was one heck of a gloomy day for July..

Bleak outlook above.


Also .. this press release below from DDC will be of interest as it has references to seafront and its further development...


GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN DOVER DISTRICT


Several transport schemes in the Dover district have secured funding commitments from the £442.1 million South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Growth Deal announced today. The Growth Deal is designed to support delivery of four key priorities areas in the SELEP’s Strategic Economic Plan:

1. Enhancing transport connectivity
2. Increasing business support and productivity
3. Raising local skill levels
4. Supporting housing and development

The plans in the Dover district include a commitment from the Department for Transport (DfT) to work with the Local Enterprise Partnership to develop further the business case for improved links between Dover Waterfront and Dover Town Centre. This will include detailed analysis of the costs and benefits arising directly from improved links, and also to understand how the proposed Port of Dover Western Docks Revival scheme can benefit the town.

Also included are plans for a new link road in North Deal to help facilitate the free flow of traffic, addressing safety concerns at existing junctions, and improving access to a new residential development site. The delivery of the scheme will create 150 new jobs and facilitate the delivery of 150 new houses.

Dover District Council has also welcomed the news that funding has been allocated for the creation of a new Manston Parkway station to support the continued success of the Discovery Park Enterprise Zone.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "We welcome these important commitments to improve transport infrastructure in the district. We’ve worked hard with fellow authorities representing coastal communities to get a good deal.

"These schemes will play a key part in our growth agenda by ensuring that the port and town of Dover complement each other, and that Deal has the road infrastructure to support its growing popularity as a place to live."

ENDS




Friday, 11 July 2014 - 06:53

 

Post 950

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover.

PORT of DOVER : New record set for the export of freight vehicles
________________________________________________________

A record number of freight vehicles departed on services through the Port of Dover on Tuesday, reaching numbers not seen since before the recession.
5,337 freight vehicles departed for Calais and Dunkirk from Europe’s busiest ferry port, beating the previous record of 5,322 set in 2008.

It was also the third busiest day ever for total numbers, with 10,134 freight vehicles handled. The busiest day was in 2008 when the port handled 10,584 freight vehicles following the Eurotunnel fire in September of that year.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says: "This shows just what reliance there is on the Port of Dover as a gateway for UK business. We have – and continue to develop – the infrastructure and facilities to provide the services which British exporters need. We have the essential levels of resilience for the nation when our major competitor gets into operational difficulties as it did this week."

The total freight vehicle traffic handled by the port on Tuesday equates to a queue of freight traffic from the Port of Dover up the M20, over the Dartford crossing and up the M11 all the way to Stansted Airport!

Ends.

Picture top shows the situation yesterday evening (Wednesday)...all very busy busy as you can see.

* *

The kids would call this a sleepover. Yes indeedy - the ever popular Saga Sapphire stayed with us all night Tuesday, here is a picture of the ship late into the pastel coloured evening of Tuesday. Similar picture to the one of its sister ship the Saga Pearl at the top of the page currently.
And below here she is leaving us on Wednesday evening in a very stiff breeze, might have been near gale force, but oddly the sea remained fairly calm...inshore anyway.


PS: Final little bit on the Tour de France.
Kenyan-born Brit ( if that's not an anomaly ) Chris Froome pulled out of the Tour yesterday, so he only lasted a few days and ended our best hope of winning it. Where is Sir Bradley Wiggins these days, if ever we needed a Bradley Wiggins.. who is as English as fish'n'chips.. it is here and now. But sadly he is not in the event. Team Sky politics?



Thursday, 10 July 2014 - 06:45

 

Post 949

  PaulB, Sea News, Dover.

The latest from the guys at the Port re frantic monday.....

Port of Dover delivers Tour de Force for Tour de France
______________________________________________

Resilient Port of Dover put on its own yellow jersey on monday as the number one cross-Channel port helped the Tour de France on its way from the UK to France whilst at the same time leading stranded Eurotunnel passengers across the Channel.

Anticipating high volumes of Tour traffic as the world’s cycling spectacle reached the end of the UK leg and headed to Dover, the Port worked closely with Tour sponsor P&O Ferries to ensure that the 1,000 vehicle Tour convoy got to France on time to start the next stage.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "After all the excitement of the UK leg of this top quality global sporting event, what better way to mark the end of the UK section than with an efficient and high quality ferry service from the reliable Port of Dover and the backdrop of the famous White Cliffs."

Meanwhile, the Port, supported by all three major ferry customers, did the double and assisted hundreds of additional customers who had been caught up in long delays when the Channel Tunnel suffered a power fault, causing a Eurotunnel train to block the Tunnel.

Mr Waggott added: "To be successful, to be the best, you need a great support team around and that is exactly what we have at Team Dover. A wonderful team effort to keep a global sporting event on track and keep UK plc running all at the same time. A tour de force giving customers their Tour de France."

ENDS

Adding here another picture of the famous teams going through.
Garmin Sharp, Movistar, BMC, Cofidis, Europcar, Agr Mondiale.....
The Tour yesterday moved on with the first French stage going from Le Touquet to Lille. Nice places Le Touquet and Lille. Certainly worth a visit. As mentioned previously, Le Tour had a fabulous time here in the UK...one of the best 'Grande Departs' ever.


Thanks for the post below Ian - good to hear from you.
Looks like things have improved a bit since those days.



Wednesday, 9 July 2014 - 06:58

 

Post 948

  Ian J Handley , South Norfolk (Ianjhandley@.cloud.com)

Strangely enough, looking at 877 and 880, when I worked for DHB in the late 70s to 95 we had queues far worse than that 4-5 nigts a week, just normal we would go on 1800 and by 0400 it was all clear, management would come in at 0900 and never new or cared a damn!

Tuesday, 8 July 2014 - 20:59

 

Post 947

  PaulB, Dover

This is a long range pic of the A20 traffic Brian refers to in the previous post as it all slowly comes down the hill past Megger..
Clearly still very heavy ( time of picture approx 16.00 or 4pm ), the Port still trying to clear the serious backlog. Mostly trucks at this time.

And now a couple of further pictures of the AIDA Stella arriving this morning.

Very welcome to Dover. You don't need me to tell you how much it has clouded over since then. Brrrr...

Tuesday, 8 July 2014 - 16:44

 

Post 946

  brian., besieged dovorian.

the A20 still having trouble on the coast bound carridge way,traffic tails back to courtwood interchange.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014 - 15:26

 

Post 945

  PaulB, Dover

Two more cruise liners enjoying Dover today.. the Saga Sapphire and the much larger Aida Stella.
Here is the AIDA arriving this morning about 09.30...
We have had a series of fairly small ships recently so seeing the AIDA STELLA again the first thing you note is the scale...its big! In the foreground is a motor yacht called Spyro. Haven't been able to find out anything about it...its been there 24 hours or so.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014 - 09:42

 

Post 944

  PaulB, Dover

Yes indeed Brian it was hugely busy last night. With the Eurotunnel operation only running a tiny skeleton service, much of all continental traffic came through Dover instead, coupled with that situation, the massed ranks of the Tour de France convoy also joined in. Simon Jones of BBC fame said on Twitter that there were one thousand one hundred vehicles with the Tour de France...wow...here are some of the famous teams coming down Jubilee Way.
But as ever Dover coped very well in the end. Everything seems to be moving okay now.
The Tour de France had a brilliant reception here in the UK. Massed turnouts everywhere. The 'entente cordiale' is alive and well.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014 - 06:38