Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2528

  vic matcham, Dover

Said this so many times but they are great photos ,and when you think they could not get better then up pop ones that are ,the one of the white cliffs and the port at sunset are top of the ladder and again thank you.

Monday, 2 November 2015 - 08:41

 

Post 2527

  Sea News, Dover

Picture above shows the White Cliffs of Dover looking magnificent just two/three days ago...towering over the Port, which you can see just creeping into the photo bottom right. Pictured of course before the onset of all this fog. Very foggy indeed today so all need to take care when on the move. The Port is engulfed...yours truly cant see a blasted thing at the time of writing.

Port takes top prize in National Heart Awards.
______________________________________

The Port of Dover has won national recognition for the way it equips and trains staff to deal with cardiac arrest casualties.Of its 300 employees, the port has schooled 109 in the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques (mouth to mouth and chest compressions).

It has also invested more than £9,000 installing seven AEDs - hi-tech pieces of kit which can shock a heart back into a regular rhythm - at terminals, in police vehicles, at the marina and in one of its patrol boats.

Now its work has gained national plaudits at the UK Heart Safe Awards 2015, with the Port of Dover taking top slot in the Large Business of the Year category.
A spokeswoman for the organisers said: "Judges were impressed by the standard of responsible practice and tight structure for what is an extremely busy site. The port has a very structured and proactive approach to responsibility and team engagement. It was acknowledged how much this business has really engaged with Heart Safe to improve its application this year."

Port safety officers say the training and equipment - which is logged as an asset by the South East Coast Ambulance Service - has already led to lives being saved. Port police were dispatched to an incident in Dover town to support paramedics. A trained off-duty member of port staff used an AED at a running event when a competitor collapsed with cardiac arrest. And another of the port’s workforce used their CPR skills to help an unconscious, non-breathing casualty at a martial arts dojo.

Andy Stephens, port safety officer, said: "The earlier a casualty with sudden cardiac arrest gets treatment, the greater their chance of survival. The port handles 13 million passengers a year and we’ve placed our AEDs in strategic locations to ensure the best coverage.
"A third of our staff have already had training, and the fantastic national recognition we got at the UK Heart Safe Awards is testament to their enthusiasm and dedication."


ENDS


And now a reminder about the following..


ARE YOU SHIP SHAPED?

Coastal Shipping is proud to announce its new format, South Coast Ship Show. The event will be on Saturday 14th November, 10 – 4pm, at The Boundary Rooms, Sussex County Cricket Club, Hove.

Previously held in Portsmouth, the show will bring shipping enthusiasts, charities, model boat makers and collectors together under one roof. You can expect a day of congeniality and enjoyable conversation along with exhibits depicting our maritime past, present and future.

The Coastal Shipping crew are enthusiasts themselves and enjoy meeting people who share a love of all things maritime. This year they have been in Liverpool, Edinburgh and Portishead. The Ship Show in Portishead has been a fixture in the ship and transport enthusiasts’ calendar for many years now, and not just in the UK. Friends Ben and Koos travel from the Netherlands annually and Ben said, "We come every year, there is nothing like this where we come from. So many people are keen to share their interests. They are a very knowledgeable and friendly crowd. "

Bernard and Doreen McCall have been running Coastal Shipping together since 1994. Both ex-teachers, they retired early to focus on writing and publishing books about ships and transport. They are truly a family crazy about anything that moves. One of their sons publishes books under the Mainline and Maritime imprint and the other works internationally on supply ships.


End


Cracking picture below Ed..perfect finish to the Atlantic Reefer item.



Monday, 2 November 2015 - 08:01

 

Post 2526

  Ed Connell, Dover

Atlantic Reefer discharging at the DCT.



Sunday, 1 November 2015 - 22:32

 

Post 2525

  Sea News, Dover

Atlantic Reefer

There was very thick fog at certain times today across the harbour. All three pictures here show the arrival of the cargo ship Atlantic Reefer earlier today, around midday in fact. While taking the pictures the electronic fog warning pulses suddenly triggered and although bright and misty initially.. within minutes the ship was engulfed by swirling fog and disappeared completely from view. It took some considerable time for the tugs to get her to the cargo terminal. She had just arrived from somewhere called Paita..not a name that instantly trips off the tongue.


Sunday, 1 November 2015 - 18:59

 

Post 2524

  Sea News, Dover

Following on from Sarah's pictures of the Thames Barge...now over on page 2 post 2047, by sheer fluke I captured this watercolour also showing a Thames Barge. There was yours truly fiddling with his camera while loosely watching an antiques programme on TV, when up popped the following nice picture...and here we are...
Unfortunately we don't know the artist.

Sunday, 1 November 2015 - 07:47

 

Post 2523

  Sea News, Dover

Ahh tis a lovely morning so it is...the sea is calm and all's right with the world. The sun lies fair upon the Straits.

Saturday, 31 October 2015 - 07:15

 

Post 2522

  Sea News, Dover

The tides have been very high since the very recent full moon. The beaches at the eastern end of the harbour almost disappear in the swirling surf and the smaller piers are swamped. The movement in the tide levels from low to high is quite a shocker at times. The following pictures just celebrate the swirling green water on blustery Thursday. The seagulls always hang in the sky in the strong winds...perhaps feeding or...





See also the note below re the Prince of Wales pier.

Saturday, 31 October 2015 - 06:24

 

Post 2521

  Sea News, Dover

SEE ADDED NOTE BELOW RE PRINCE OF WALES PIER.
Just an ordinary October day...the tugboat returning to base after being called across the harbour on yet another vital job, helping to keep the Port operating smoothly, and being watched here by a couple of lonely figures on the Prince of Wales pier. The tugboat shown is the redoubtable Doughty.
In the far distance a monster moves south.
Below.. the harbour as it was yesterday. It was a bit blustery yesterday that's for sure...the skin went off that rice puddin' again.


Excellent post below Mike. Nice pictures for sure..great info.


ADDED NOTE JUST IN FROM PORT:

We are currently conducting some test piling activities on the old Hoverport. ( you can see the crane in the picture above )
On Monday 2nd until Wednesday 4th inclusive the main impact piling will take place. We have been informed by our contractors that based on a noise prediction study there will be some noise level emanating from the rig which will be clearly audible to anybody on the pier or the old Hoverport area. As a precaution we have decided to close the pier on those days. Apologies for the inconvenience.



Friday, 30 October 2015 - 15:31

 

Post 2520

  Mike J., Dover

Nice autumn pix of the Stour at Sandwich in post 2060 - a little narrower & muddier when the tide goes out !

The ‘River Bus’ is a former ships lifeboat & some years ago she was operated by a retired Sealink Ferries Master.

In July 2012 Sandwich was visited by the replica caravel MATTHEW OF BRISTOL here seen heading downriver.

The original MATTHEW sailed from Bristol in 1497 under the command of John Cabot in search of new trade routes & crossing the Atlantic made landfall in Newfoundland.
The current MATTHEW was built in Bristol in 1996 & retraced the voyage in 1997.






Not a million miles from Sandwich is the Royal Military Canal from Hythe across Romney Marsh to beyond Rye.
After leaving the centre of Hythe there’s a most attractive wooded section.

An elegant electric launch LA TIENNE runs public trips along this length - a very pleasant & relaxing way of passing an hour.
A glimpse of a kingfisher is [almost] guaranteed.





Friday, 30 October 2015 - 00:09

 

Post 2519

  Sea News, Dover

Lorry driver jailed for tobacco smuggling
___________________________________


A lorry driver, who smuggled 445 kilos of tobacco into Dover’s Eastern Docks, has been jailed for 14 months.

Adam Zbigniew Tyszkiewicz, 42, was arrested by Border Force officers in September 2015, who discovered 445 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco in his lorry. Following his arrest, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) carried out an investigation and discovered that around £82,747 of duty was evaded.

Alan Tully, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:

"Working closely with our Border Force partners, we work to prevent smuggled tobacco from reaching the UK’s streets. Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clampdown on the illicit tobacco market, which costs the UK around £2.1 billion a year in lost revenue. This is theft from the taxpayer and undermines legitimate traders.

"Anyone with information about the illegal importation or sale of tobacco should contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."

Tyszkiewicz pleaded guilty to evading excise duty on smuggled tobacco. He was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 23 October and is to serve half in jail.

Ends



Thursday, 29 October 2015 - 07:35

 

Post 2518

  JanT, Dover.

Yes great to see everyone working together, that's what is needed if we are going to move on with projects that benefit us all.

Love that laughing moon, and oh how calm the sea looks.

Wednesday, 28 October 2015 - 19:02

 

Post 2517

  Sea News, Dover

THE LAUGHING MOON.
Yes the picture above shows the moon on monday night and for a brief moment it appears to be laughing..perhaps laughing at us trying to fend off these super high tides as seen below along Dover Seafront on Tuesday. The moon has the last laugh.

Great to see all the bodies working together for Dover as seen in the post below..it is indeed the only way forward. The combined teams appear to have done very well at that recent major exhibition in London. Onward and upward from here. (see also 2052)

Wednesday, 28 October 2015 - 15:48

 

Post 2516

  Sea News, Dover

STRONG INTEREST IN DOVER DISTRICT AT MIPIM EXHIBITION
___________________________________________________

Potential investors, developers and government ministers flocked to visit the Invest in Dover stand at the UK's premier property and real estate investment exhibition at London Olympia last week. There was strong representation for the Dover district with partners Dover District Council, the Discovery Park Enterprise Zone and the Port of Dover coming together to promote the "Enterprise Coast".

Among those visiting the stand during the three day exhibition was the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, who praised the public/private approach to inward investment. Marcus Jones MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, also visited the stand.

Tony O'Brien, Development Director of Travelodge UK was welcomed to the stand by Head of Inward Investment, Tim Ingleton. Mr O'Brien was a key speaker at the event and was delighted to see the progress on the St James site and excited to be opening their first hotel in Dover in 2016. Hotel and leisure investors also took a strong interest in the Dover Western Docks Revival.

Major city and international financial institutions also visited the Invest in Dover stand and expressed strong interest in investing in developments across the district. Among the visitors was Nick Cooper, Deputy Chairman of Palmer Capital, one of the main shareholders in Discovery Park.

With a Local Plan in place and 14,000 new homes planned by 2031, there was also strong interest from residential property developers in key sites, including Connaught Barracks, Dover Waterfront, and Whitfield.

Nadeem Aziz, Chief Executive of Dover District Council, was on hand to speak with potential investors and developers throughout the exhibition. He said: "There was an unprecedented level of interest in what's happening across the Dover district at present. We were delighted to have such a strong presence at the exhibition and speak directly with investors and developers who want to work with us to build the future on the Enterprise Coast."

Mr Aziz concluded: "I'd like to thank the team from Discovery Park and the Port of Dover for working with us to deliver such an exciting showcase for the Dover district."


- ends -


Many thanks to Dover District Council for the info above.

Yes indeed Vic the tugs work hard...long days too. The Elsebeth cargo vessel was with us yesterday, she both came and went in the same day and the tugs were there in support both times. It gets totally hectic for them in rough weather.

The Elsebeth... in from Vlissingen.


Colette those seagulls are great posers..they will do anything for a crust!
This picture of the Elsebeth is from a previous visit. PB.



Wednesday, 28 October 2015 - 06:06

 

Post 2515

  VIC MATCHAM, DOVER

Our Tugs put in a good day and nights work 24/7

Wednesday, 28 October 2015 - 04:41

 

Post 2514

  ColetteB, Dover

Yes, brilliant Autumnal deals there from DFDS and today would be an ideal day to cross the Channel. Someone must have tipped off the Sandwich seagulls that you were coming with your camera Mr B, that young gull is posing, ready for his close up

Ah! I will miss the beautiful cruise ships as I'm sure lots of you will, Guten Tag AIDACara, looking forward to next year already.

Some beautiful photos over the last few days, keep them coming guys & gals




Tuesday, 27 October 2015 - 13:01

 

Post 2513

  vic matcham, Dover

Now back from the highlands, we had great weather,would like to add my views to the very good photos we are getting of the port and the boats and ships that use it and go by.The good weather means we will get more of them thank you.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015 - 07:52

 

Post 2512

  Sea News, Dover

In keeping with our recent excursions further afield...
a few pictures now from Sandwich...the river, the boats...





There is a delightful autumn walk to be had along the River Stour there at Sandwich and indeed there are yet more boats to see just the other side of the bridge. The trees are changing to cooler colours etc so in the next few weeks it should be good. They are still doing the river tours as you can see... visiting the seals and so on. After a short walk though yours truly's camera was sizzlingly hot, almost on fire, and needed cooling down in a nearby pub. Technology...sheesh!


Don't miss Mondays Special below from DFDS SEAWAYS with further autumn ideas.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015 - 07:02

 

Post 2511

  Sea News, Dover

DFDS SEAWAYS SPECIAL



Create your own Tale of Two Cities with DFDS
Save 20% on return fares of over five days on Dover-France routes
_______________________________________________________

Award winning ferry operator, DFDS, is offering a 20% discount on return crossings of over five days for passengers travelling via car or motorbike on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover Calais services. Return fares using this offer start at £72 for a car and up to nine passengers.

The offer is available to book before 30th November for travel on selected departures until December 13th, using code E2CITIES.

Now is the perfect time for an autumn break, and travelling by car and ferry means you can explore destinations in Europe at your own pace. With so many great cities in Europe within close proximity to each other, it’s easy to take in two at a time if you are looking to make the most of your short city-break.

Two of our favourite destinations for a two-city break are Ghent in Belgium and Lille in northern France.

Ghent :
Located at around two-hour’s drive from the port of Dunkirk, Ghent is one of Belgium’s most loved historic cities, lined with cobbled streets and intersected with picturesque canals. Ghent was once medieval Europe’s second largest city, but is now a comfortable, accessible size for tourists; easy to get around with a fantastic range of museums and shops to discover, but still with a vibrant atmosphere.

Lille :
At just an hour’s drive from Ghent, Lille in French Flanders is another great city destination, with its fusion of French and Flemish flair and cuisine. As you’d expect from a city once named European Capital of Culture, Lille is home to a variety of museums, galleries, historic buildings and monuments. It is also the largest city in northern France, with a population of students and young professionals who have helped make it a cool, modern and cosmopolitan destination. And, like many French cities, it also boasts an impressive range of restaurants, shops and markets.

DFDS sails up to 44 times a day between Dover and France, providing passengers with flexible crossing times, a relaxing travel experience and convenient travel options.

DFDS’ short sailings from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk take just 90 minutes and two hours respectively, but there are still plenty of facilities on board to keep you entertained.

During your sailing with DFDS Seaways, you can enjoy a meal or snack in one of the on board cafes or restaurants, shop for holiday essentials and luxuries, or relax as the children play in the dedicated children’s area, meaning your holiday starts as soon as you board.

To book your European short break now or for more information and destination inspiration, visit www.dfds.co.uk or call 0871 521 5522.

-Ends-

* *
Many thanks to DFDS Seaways for the info above. Some great ideas there.

And now a couple of extra DFDS pictures especially for our nautical men at large Ed C and QM Wayne. Pictures taken in the soft rain last week show the Delft Seaways meandering slowly across the harbour in light drizzle...in one of the pix you can also see the David Church dredger..





Monday, 26 October 2015 - 06:51

 

Post 2510

  Sea News, Dover

Our old friend the Schweiz Reefer arriving today...
she has come a long way from the South Americas and here she is arriving with us after the long voyage around midday today Sunday.
That's the Pride of Kent ferry in the background in Pic 2 heading towards the much used nowadays...western exit/entrance.


You might need to don some Raybans for the next two...blindin' ( in the old sense of the word ) shots of the early ferry powering towards the Calais sun this morning Sunday. See also todays other post below..a farewell to the cruise liners for this year.




Sunday, 25 October 2015 - 15:07

 

Post 2509

  Sea News, Dover

Just recording here the last cruise visit of the season....with AIDA Cara. The ship was here with us on Thursday and left at 8pm (or 20.00 hrs) as the AIDA ships tend to do and headed off to Le Havre in the dark night...and so drawing down the curtain on another terrific cruise year for the Port of Dover. The seasons have changed now for sure and summer is definitely over. Must remember to put the clock back an hour today. Cant wait to see what cruise excitements we have in store for next year. Both pictures were taken on Thursday at different times during the morning..
Yes some backlogs again Brian but people will all rush off at once !
But the Ports both here and in Calais cope very well when you consider everything. PaulB.

Sunday, 25 October 2015 - 06:30