Post 111
PaulB, Dover (dover7@msn.com)
The scene across the harbour this morning tuesday.
Yes its certainly a bit foggy this morning and no mistake, but for a short while earlier the sun peaked through the gloom so I got the above picture. But with autumn mists surrounding us it might just be the right time to start thinking about hitting those fantastic ski slopes in the months ahead. See the following just in from our newest ferry company...
MY FERRY LINK
GETAWAY DURING THE SKI SEASON BY CAR AND SAVE ALMOST £500
With the ski season just around the corner, ski lovers can save money and avoid mounting airline charges for their extra baggage and ski equipment by travelling by car with MyFerryLink, the Dover-Calais ferry operator.
Any duration car crossings start from just £30 each way, for up to nine people with skis and all of their luggage. There are plenty of fantastic ski resorts all within a day’s drive of Calais and even taking into account petrol costs and road tolls, driving to the slopes this year could save a family of four nearly £500!
For those looking for the ultimate winter escape on a budget, travelling by car offers the perfect solution. Holidaymakers have the freedom to travel with all their home comforts, ski boots and equipment, luggage and even food for the drive, without worrying about any hidden costs.
Additionally, opting to drive gives the whole family a chance to take in the sights and enjoy the scenic countryside, all the while avoiding the inconveniences of modern flying. To find out how much a family of four could save skiing this winter, check out MyFerryLink’s ski calculator table below. ( ah..I wasnt able to reproduce the table but it points out the price penalties of trying to get ski equipment onto a plane )
MyFerryLink operates 16 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to nine passengers start from £30 each way any duration and from £30 for a day return. To find the best fares, visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100
The Rodin at Calais 5.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013 - 08:24
Yes its certainly a bit foggy this morning and no mistake, but for a short while earlier the sun peaked through the gloom so I got the above picture. But with autumn mists surrounding us it might just be the right time to start thinking about hitting those fantastic ski slopes in the months ahead. See the following just in from our newest ferry company...
MY FERRY LINK
GETAWAY DURING THE SKI SEASON BY CAR AND SAVE ALMOST £500
With the ski season just around the corner, ski lovers can save money and avoid mounting airline charges for their extra baggage and ski equipment by travelling by car with MyFerryLink, the Dover-Calais ferry operator.
Any duration car crossings start from just £30 each way, for up to nine people with skis and all of their luggage. There are plenty of fantastic ski resorts all within a day’s drive of Calais and even taking into account petrol costs and road tolls, driving to the slopes this year could save a family of four nearly £500!
For those looking for the ultimate winter escape on a budget, travelling by car offers the perfect solution. Holidaymakers have the freedom to travel with all their home comforts, ski boots and equipment, luggage and even food for the drive, without worrying about any hidden costs.
Additionally, opting to drive gives the whole family a chance to take in the sights and enjoy the scenic countryside, all the while avoiding the inconveniences of modern flying. To find out how much a family of four could save skiing this winter, check out MyFerryLink’s ski calculator table below. ( ah..I wasnt able to reproduce the table but it points out the price penalties of trying to get ski equipment onto a plane )
MyFerryLink operates 16 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to nine passengers start from £30 each way any duration and from £30 for a day return. To find the best fares, visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100
The Rodin at Calais 5.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013 - 08:24
Post 110
Mike J., Dover
Howard -
Tugs often last considerably longer than ‘regular’ merchant ships due to their much more robust construction & a life of 20 or 30 years or more is not unusual, although they tend to change hands many times.
Sometimes they are completely stripped & rebuilt with a completely different appearance, with only the hull remaining to show their age.
Often steam tugs were re-engined with diesel engines & continued in service for many years. Some undoubtedly still exist.
The KINGSTON is a little unusual that despite many modifications she essentially retains her 1960s appearance.
She is still using her original Mirlees diesel engine.
For her specs & history see -
www.griffintowage.co.uk/
riverthames.sosugary.com/displayimage.php?pid=1582
[You’ll need to insert ‘http//:’ to get the links to work].
Monday, 23 September 2013 - 22:15
Tugs often last considerably longer than ‘regular’ merchant ships due to their much more robust construction & a life of 20 or 30 years or more is not unusual, although they tend to change hands many times.
Sometimes they are completely stripped & rebuilt with a completely different appearance, with only the hull remaining to show their age.
Often steam tugs were re-engined with diesel engines & continued in service for many years. Some undoubtedly still exist.
The KINGSTON is a little unusual that despite many modifications she essentially retains her 1960s appearance.
She is still using her original Mirlees diesel engine.
For her specs & history see -
www.griffintowage.co.uk/
riverthames.sosugary.com/displayimage.php?pid=1582
[You’ll need to insert ‘http//:’ to get the links to work].
Monday, 23 September 2013 - 22:15
Post 109
howard mcsweeney, dover
more fascinating photos, the one of the "kingston" caught my eye due to its age.
i am wondering how much it cost to build over half a century ago and how much money it has earned in that time i would think it must have paid for itself many times over.
what is the lifespan of a tug normally?
Monday, 23 September 2013 - 18:12
i am wondering how much it cost to build over half a century ago and how much money it has earned in that time i would think it must have paid for itself many times over.
what is the lifespan of a tug normally?
Monday, 23 September 2013 - 18:12
Post 108
PaulB, Dover (dover7@msn.com)
Sunday was a grey ol day as we know but much of the colour was once again supplied by the local population. Here we are with that somewhat amusing and enjoyably colourful sunday morning ritual....The March to the Sea
or to be more accurate on this occasion...march through the sea in search of deeper water
! I blame that darn moon again. I think we did have a similar picture previously but this is yesterdays interpretation of the ritual.
Still plenty of swimmers turning out and up and down the harbour they go, presumably for long distance training and the like. The water must be pretty cold now but I guess expending all that energy keeps them warm..ish.
Below we have yesterdays departure of the Star First reefer which I believe was carrying fruit to Antwerp. Both tugs..tugged and pulled her into position for swift departure through the eastern entrance or indeed exit in this case. The black exhaust smoke is from the tugboat not the ship.
Some guys are watching from the breakwater there.
Good pix below Mike and good story.. glad you liked the channel rowers Howard..this time I didnt spot the thread mentioned. Probably because I returned to the idea later in the day when I saw the rowers coming back. Good spot Kevin.
Monday, 23 September 2013 - 10:16
or to be more accurate on this occasion...march through the sea in search of deeper water
! I blame that darn moon again. I think we did have a similar picture previously but this is yesterdays interpretation of the ritual.Below we have yesterdays departure of the Star First reefer which I believe was carrying fruit to Antwerp. Both tugs..tugged and pulled her into position for swift departure through the eastern entrance or indeed exit in this case. The black exhaust smoke is from the tugboat not the ship.
Some guys are watching from the breakwater there.
Good pix below Mike and good story.. glad you liked the channel rowers Howard..this time I didnt spot the thread mentioned. Probably because I returned to the idea later in the day when I saw the rowers coming back. Good spot Kevin.
Monday, 23 September 2013 - 10:16
Post 107
Mike J., Dover
Thanks for the welcome !
Last Friday a 51 year old tug sailed from Dover after sheltering for a few days whilst towing the disabled fishing vessel VANQUISH from Newlyn to Den Helder [NL].
The KINGSTON was built in 1962 as the SUN XXIV at the now-closed Pollocks Shipyard at Faversham.
She is now operated by Griffin Towage of Poole & although extensively upgraded over the years still looks like a classic 1960s tug.
She looks a little rusty & the wheelhouse looks a little old-fashioned but she’s a hard-working little ship & has just returned from a long trip to Morocco from northern Europe towing a floating pipeline.
The VANQUISH [with the KINGSTON invisible behind her] can be seen in the old Jetfoil terminal in Howard’s 18/9 photo from St.Martin’s Battery.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 23:55
Last Friday a 51 year old tug sailed from Dover after sheltering for a few days whilst towing the disabled fishing vessel VANQUISH from Newlyn to Den Helder [NL].
The KINGSTON was built in 1962 as the SUN XXIV at the now-closed Pollocks Shipyard at Faversham.
She is now operated by Griffin Towage of Poole & although extensively upgraded over the years still looks like a classic 1960s tug.
She looks a little rusty & the wheelhouse looks a little old-fashioned but she’s a hard-working little ship & has just returned from a long trip to Morocco from northern Europe towing a floating pipeline.
The VANQUISH [with the KINGSTON invisible behind her] can be seen in the old Jetfoil terminal in Howard’s 18/9 photo from St.Martin’s Battery.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 23:55
Post 105
howard mcsweeney, dover
i thought they were quite interesting paul, each to their own i suppose.
you must have missed kevin's "cross channel rowing attempt" thread on the main forum.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 21:35
you must have missed kevin's "cross channel rowing attempt" thread on the main forum.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 21:35
Post 104
PaulB, Dover (dover7@msn.com)
BY any stretch of the imagination these pictures are pretty dull so I debated with myself as to whether it was worthwhile putting them up at all. But I opted to do it as it marks another rowing attempt on the channel. I was reminded to do it as less than half an hour ago, at about 2.40pm, they returned to harbour..presumably they have been over there to the French coast and back having left the smooth safety of Dover Harbour this morning about 8am.
There is very little publicity for these things nowadays as so many people do it or have done it..even one or two celebs have given this one a go previously. I was notified to the notion that something was taking place by the sound of whistle blowing ( no - not that kind of whistle blowing
! )
And now for my close up Mr De Mille..here with just one boat plus support vessel.
No pictures of them returning you will be pleased to hear. But a well done to the rowers. Thanks Ed..my arty farty image shot to pieces with these ones...lol
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 15:27
There is very little publicity for these things nowadays as so many people do it or have done it..even one or two celebs have given this one a go previously. I was notified to the notion that something was taking place by the sound of whistle blowing ( no - not that kind of whistle blowing
! )And now for my close up Mr De Mille..here with just one boat plus support vessel.
No pictures of them returning you will be pleased to hear. But a well done to the rowers. Thanks Ed..my arty farty image shot to pieces with these ones...lol
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 15:27
Post 103
howard mcsweeney, dover
welcome indeed mike good to see you putting up a photo straight away, very little gets missed with some very knowledgeable posters on this thread.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 10:34
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 10:34
Post 102
Ed Connell, Dover
Great stuff, Paul. Getting very arty-farty now, expect you will be wearing a beret and smock next!
And a BIG BIG welcome to Mike J. Look forward to some of your great photos and informed comment, Mike.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 09:00
And a BIG BIG welcome to Mike J. Look forward to some of your great photos and informed comment, Mike.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 09:00
Post 101
PaulB, Dover (dover7@msn.com)
A bit of extra Port News below.. but first a couple of dramatic pictures of the Port for you to enjoy from the last two days.
Above we have a ghostly moon over a blazing and still hugely busy Port ...although we still enjoy the remnants of summer travel, busy ferries, busy hotels etc, etc...I can nevertheless report a dropping off in the level of camper vans waiting on the seafront !
Just snatched at this picture when the moment presented itself with a simple point and shoot camera. It shows a grim weather system moving in from the East mid morning. Light and shade, summer and winter, heaven and hell...
Ed got some great close ups of the Lyrika below.
Here is another one of her from further away, arriving with the help of the two tugs. I had earlier bumped into one of the LIVE Export demonstrators complete with loudhailer who said there was another LIVE departure scheduled friday night and he was on his way to give them hell. I thought for one moment when I saw the vessel approaching from some way off that they had upgraded from the Joline but no..
* *
PORT NEWS....
Europe recognises Port’s commitment to community through heritage
For the second consecutive year, the Port of Dover has been shortlisted for the European Sea Ports Organisation’s (ESPO) prestigious Societal Integration of Ports award. Furthermore, it is also the second year in a row that Dover has been the only UK port to make it through to the shortlist of five European ports.
Each year the award has a theme and last year it recognised contributions to working with young people in the community, the Port of Dover being shortlisted for its Youth Engagement Scheme (YES), which has increased this year through its Port apprenticeships programme. The 2013 award focuses on ‘heritage’ and specifically on the contemporary use and access to port heritage assets.
The Port of Dover’s ‘Making Port Heritage Work’ project is all about making the Port’s historic assets and heritage work for a number of local audiences, operationally and culturally, and bringing the community closer to the Port in different ways.
Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, explained: "The project looks to bring these strands together and to make them work as one coherent heritage offer that unites the Port and town and their common histories as a way of nurturing current and future integration. It also balances the need to preserve the Port’s heritage assets whilst at the same time enabling them to play a role in the modern day-to-day life of the Port."
ESPO, representing port authorities, administrations and associations from across Europe, announced that Dover had been shortlisted this week for the award. John Richardson, Chairman of the panel, said: "Many European ports value and cultivate their heritage. Our job was to choose the most exciting projects among a very varied selection of them. Several stood out as particularly creative and visionary."
Mr Waggott added: "In a week that has seen the Port working with archaeologists to successfully float a replica of Dover’s famous 3,500 year old Bronze Age boat in Dover harbour, such recognition is a great boost to the Port and should also be seen as a fantastic motivator to the positive discussions that are now getting underway between the Port and the local community on its heritage priorities as part of our new Port and Community Forum."
The winner of the award will be announced on 6th November during a special ceremony at Brussels Town Hall. End.
* *
Great stuff on all those posts below lads..great pictures to enjoy. Welcome Mike. Good to see wildlife ace Phil joining in.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 06:36
!Ed got some great close ups of the Lyrika below.
Here is another one of her from further away, arriving with the help of the two tugs. I had earlier bumped into one of the LIVE Export demonstrators complete with loudhailer who said there was another LIVE departure scheduled friday night and he was on his way to give them hell. I thought for one moment when I saw the vessel approaching from some way off that they had upgraded from the Joline but no..
* *
PORT NEWS....
Europe recognises Port’s commitment to community through heritage
For the second consecutive year, the Port of Dover has been shortlisted for the European Sea Ports Organisation’s (ESPO) prestigious Societal Integration of Ports award. Furthermore, it is also the second year in a row that Dover has been the only UK port to make it through to the shortlist of five European ports.
Each year the award has a theme and last year it recognised contributions to working with young people in the community, the Port of Dover being shortlisted for its Youth Engagement Scheme (YES), which has increased this year through its Port apprenticeships programme. The 2013 award focuses on ‘heritage’ and specifically on the contemporary use and access to port heritage assets.
The Port of Dover’s ‘Making Port Heritage Work’ project is all about making the Port’s historic assets and heritage work for a number of local audiences, operationally and culturally, and bringing the community closer to the Port in different ways.
Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, explained: "The project looks to bring these strands together and to make them work as one coherent heritage offer that unites the Port and town and their common histories as a way of nurturing current and future integration. It also balances the need to preserve the Port’s heritage assets whilst at the same time enabling them to play a role in the modern day-to-day life of the Port."
ESPO, representing port authorities, administrations and associations from across Europe, announced that Dover had been shortlisted this week for the award. John Richardson, Chairman of the panel, said: "Many European ports value and cultivate their heritage. Our job was to choose the most exciting projects among a very varied selection of them. Several stood out as particularly creative and visionary."
Mr Waggott added: "In a week that has seen the Port working with archaeologists to successfully float a replica of Dover’s famous 3,500 year old Bronze Age boat in Dover harbour, such recognition is a great boost to the Port and should also be seen as a fantastic motivator to the positive discussions that are now getting underway between the Port and the local community on its heritage priorities as part of our new Port and Community Forum."
The winner of the award will be announced on 6th November during a special ceremony at Brussels Town Hall. End.
* *
Great stuff on all those posts below lads..great pictures to enjoy. Welcome Mike. Good to see wildlife ace Phil joining in. Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 06:36
Post 100
Mike J., Dover
G’day. I’m a refugee from the sadly-missed Dover Ferry forum where I posted as ‘Marconista’
I keep an eye on the local shipping scene & thought to put up a few photos here, although it’d be very hard to match PaulB’s cruise ship coverage.
Here’s an experimental post, just to see if I can post pix OK here - another take on Ed’s recent view of the MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN.
Cheers
Mike J.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 00:21
I keep an eye on the local shipping scene & thought to put up a few photos here, although it’d be very hard to match PaulB’s cruise ship coverage.
Here’s an experimental post, just to see if I can post pix OK here - another take on Ed’s recent view of the MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN.
Cheers
Mike J.
Sunday, 22 September 2013 - 00:21
Post 99
howard mcsweeney, dover
just received this one of the "seabourne sojourn" taken by phil smith earlier this month who normally supplies us with great wildlife photos.
Saturday, 21 September 2013 - 15:00
Saturday, 21 September 2013 - 15:00
Post 98
Tom Austin, London,Sun soaked and heat-hogging...
Fools rush in...and all that.
I am ever so, and rightly so, pleased to get a butchers at 'em thruster Jonnies [this language 'difficulty' often comes on shortly after reading PaulB's stuff, funny that?]
Leaving to one side the circled 'X' markings and their being 'underwater'.
Back to the fuel saving issue, some considerable drag must come from those grilled-portals, little wonder then that such efforts are made to keep the props trim.
BTW
I watched an old Stan Laurel short yesterday, 'West of Hot Dog', and the baddies horse must have had rear thrusters on both sides, judging by the markings. :)
Saturday, 21 September 2013 - 12:31
I am ever so, and rightly so, pleased to get a butchers at 'em thruster Jonnies [this language 'difficulty' often comes on shortly after reading PaulB's stuff, funny that?]
Leaving to one side the circled 'X' markings and their being 'underwater'.
Back to the fuel saving issue, some considerable drag must come from those grilled-portals, little wonder then that such efforts are made to keep the props trim.
BTW
I watched an old Stan Laurel short yesterday, 'West of Hot Dog', and the baddies horse must have had rear thrusters on both sides, judging by the markings. :)
Saturday, 21 September 2013 - 12:31
Post 97
Ed Connell, Dover
Small coaster Lyrika alongside the Eastern Arm today:
Saturday, 21 September 2013 - 10:53
Saturday, 21 September 2013 - 10:53
Post 96
John Mavin, Dover
Yes, that's their normal berth when they are in the harbour.
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 22:45
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 22:45
Post 94
howard mcsweeney, Dover
i must go around with my eyes shut john i have never noticed a group like that before.
are they always moored next to each other?
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 20:09
are they always moored next to each other?
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 20:09
Post 93
JanT, Dover
Well guys you certainly have been busy with those camera's, its always good to see what is happening down and around our lovely seafront.
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 16:57
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 16:57
Post 92
John Mavin, Dover
Howard, they are the range safety craft for the Hythe Ranges and they've been based here for years. Currently I think we have the Smit Romney, Smit Rother and Smit Stour. Although privately operated, the overall responsibility is with the MOD. I'll see if I can dig out some pictures.
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 15:40
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 15:40
Post 91
howard mcsweeney, Dover
took these about half an hour ago, trying to work out what the orange/yellow ones are about as i don't remember seeing them before.
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 15:19
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 15:19
Post 90
Ed Connell, Dover
German Brandenburg class frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern passing Dover this morning. Try saying Mecklenburg-Vorpommern after a few scoops of Schnapps.
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 12:41
Friday, 20 September 2013 - 12:41