Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2348

  ColetteB, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
_____________

Firstly, I must say, what an Awesome Community Regatta day
The People's Day indeed!!! A Huge Well Done to all who made it possible
Some Fab close-up photos there MrB depicting the happy mood of the people & some of the great entertainment , Luvit!!!

And now for the first of our September Cruises with a double header tomorrow & Wednesday

Tomorrow, Tuesday 1st September, we welcome the Enchanting Costa Favolosa once again to CT2, POC, she last graced us with her presence in May this year
Also, another chance to see Star Legend at CT3, TR. She was here in July this year.

The following day, Wednesday 2nd, another Costa cruises into Dover, the beautiful Costa Fortuna will return to CT2, POC. She was here in June this year. Also, our old friend the Braemar will be at CT1, TR.

Thursday 3rd September, for the first time this year, the sophisticated, elegant Marina will arrive at CT2, POC. She was here in September last year.

Then on Monday 7th September, Saga Pearl II returns to CT1, TR.

The following day, Tuesday 8th, the Ocean Princess is back with us at CT2, POC.

See you soon again

Monday, 31 August 2015 - 15:24

 

Post 2347

  JanT, Dover

Well done to all who worked hard yesterday to make it a success, as the pictures show it was very well supported, and the weather was on side.
And it was a grand display of fireworks to round off a day of fun for all.

Monday, 31 August 2015 - 11:17

 

Post 2346

  Sea News, Dover

THE PEOPLE'S DAY...





The Community Regatta: It was a grand day for the people of Dover and far beyond..thousands and thousands of people came from miles around for the fantastic event. In this post we focus on just the people themselves, all having a fine time all along the super seafront in the very warm weather. It was a slightly overcast day but as we said...warm and humid. There was a whole array of exhibitions and stalls, and fun-packed play areas for kids of all ages, and even vintage cars and buses aplenty. The aerial display by the Blades was a spectacle, the Lifeboat and helicopter display was as ever enthralling...the beach was packed to see it...and last night the fireworks sizzled and exploded across the bay with thousands watching...and there was music.

Yours truly had to cool down his sizzling camera in the course of the day with several classes of wine..fine wine of course...

Ah Vic I didn't see you waving....there was so many people...
Will have more of the action pictures in due course. PB.


Monday, 31 August 2015 - 10:14

 

Post 2345

  vic matcham, Dover

I did wave to you or one of your family in the morning about 0915 standing up there looking down on it all good photo there of the fireworks going off in the night sky.

Monday, 31 August 2015 - 09:46

 

Post 2344

  Sea News, Dover

Good to see you had a nice time Vic. It was a fantastic day and went on into the night. Thousands and thousands came...will have more pictures later. But above there we have a firework shot from last night. The seafront was packed with cars to see the display. People love a firework...


Monday, 31 August 2015 - 08:33

 

Post 2343

  vic matcham, Dover

Went on her today and took alot of photos crew were very helpfull we had a great day down there today and to much to eat.Will not be going tonight to late out for us old ones.

Sunday, 30 August 2015 - 19:08

 

Post 2342

  Sea News, Dover

The picture above shows the Galatea once again. She was anchored offshore last evening almost out of vision but then just drifted her bow into view and so the picture...seen here on a calm evening and in a little bit of late fading watery sun. In the foreground right you can just see a further glimpse of our star visitor.. the Gotheborg at the Prince of Wales Pier.

Also late in the day the HM CoastGuard helicopter moved gently over and across the harbour, and did so very slowly indeed. Gave yours truly a great chance with the camera and there we are below. Can all aircraft in future, including military jets, move this slowly ( 15mph) across the immediate harbour so that we can get pictures. Thankyou. PB




Enjoy the REGATTA today everyone.

Sunday, 30 August 2015 - 06:33

 

Post 2341

  Sea News, Dover

A few more pictures there above of the worlds biggest wooden sailing ship, the Gotheborg....arriving here at the Port of Dover for our magical Regatta.
See post 1881 for details.

Saturday, 29 August 2015 - 07:13

 

Post 2340

  Sea News, Dover

REGATTA - SPECIAL VISITOR ARRIVES

The fabulous Gotheborg arriving for the Community Regatta just a few minutes ago as I write ( 12.20 ) with all guns a-blazin'
...that shivered me timbers so it did...fantastic noise.



Friday, 28 August 2015 - 12:26

 

Post 2339

  Sea News, Dover

Here we have another and clearer pic of the TS John Jerwood...

Beautifully entering Ramsgate Harbour just a few days ago, in much better weather as you can see.
Picture by SARAH HEWES

Friday, 28 August 2015 - 11:25

 

Post 2338

  Sea News, Dover

This attractive vessel called the TS John Jerwood was at rest in the outer harbour for much of yesterday morning, note Sea Cadets banner, she was presumably taking a break from the rough oul weather out in the channel. Around 1300 hours ( 1pm) she set off again leaving the harbour and heading out to the open sea, doing so she went straight into a nasty squall (as seen in pic below) and within minutes thought better of it and returned back to the safety of the harbour...she carried on at that point into the inner harbour and out of immediate sight. This is the interpretation of events as seen from the landlubbers perspective ...




NOTE
______

RUSSELL STREET CAR PARK TO CLOSE AS PART OF
MULTI MILLION POUND TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION


As part of the multi million pound regeneration of Dover town centre, the Russell Street Car Park in Dover is closing at 5pm on 30 September. The area forms a key component of the St James’s development, and the closure of the car park will allow developers to move forward with major work on the site.

The St James’s development comprises 120,000 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space, parking for 450 cars, and will feature a M&S store, a six screen multiplex Cineworld cinema, a 108-bed Travelodge hotel, and five national chain restaurants, including Frankie & Benny's and Bella Italia, along with a further 12 retail units.

Demolition contractors are progressing well with the demolition of the multi-storey car park and the former County Hotel. They are in the process of making Burlington House safe, and stripping out and screening the building in a scaffolding wrap, with a view to the physical demolition of Burlington House getting underway this autumn.

The archaeological survey work in the Russell Street Car Park continues to make progress, and this will continue as scheduled. The closure of the Russell Street Car Park also follows the launch of a new 48 space car park in Bench Street in June, to complement the St James’s development.

For more information on the St James’s development and regeneration in Dover District, please see the Invest In Dover website at www.investindover.co.uk

- ends -


Oh Dear! that sounds more than a bit disappointing Vic re sundays weather. Lets hope most of the rough stuff passes through quickly, it is Summer after all...so they tell us. Sigh! many thanks once again Vic.

Have a good day Brian. 39 again eh?
PaulB

Friday, 28 August 2015 - 07:32

 

Post 2337

  vic matcham, dover

weather looking ok for Saturday and monday but sorry to say not looking good for Sunday and that is the day that the port and other great events are on in and around Dover. thanks yet again for some good photos and the news on the port of Dover.

Friday, 28 August 2015 - 06:54

 

Post 2336

  brian, dover

yes paul its me.had a blonde senior moment.

thank you for the wishes.

Thursday, 27 August 2015 - 19:24

 

Post 2335

  Sea News, Dover

While we are on a roll with the all too fabulous Wind Surf. Yours truly had a trawl back to July 2012 in the picture archives to find this exceptional one. I remember waiting waiting waiting as she moved across the harbour until all sails were fully 'loaded'. And there we are above....aaah when summers were summers, when we didn't get a months worth of rain in just a few hours..
PB.

I take it that's you below Brian Dixon. A big Happy Birthday to you for sunday.
The Regatta pales in comparison. Have a great day Brian.

Also if readers want to see about the Regatta as well...check out Post 1881.


Thursday, 27 August 2015 - 15:09

 

Post 2334

  beian, dover

all so counting down for my birthday on sunday.

Thursday, 27 August 2015 - 13:22

 

Post 2333

  Sea News, Dover

Don't forget....it's all happening on Sunday

ADDED EXTRA JUST IN..........

Final countdown to flagship festival of family fun at Port of Dover Community Regatta
________________________________________________________________________

We are now down to the last few days before Dover’s flagship seafront event returns, facilitated by the Port of Dover with a cast list of supporting partners.

The Port of Dover Community Regatta will feature free entry, courtesy of the Port, onto the world’s largest sea-going wooden ship, the Gotheborg, being brought to Dover especially for the Regatta. Enjoy the arena displays by the emergency services organised by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and explore the wide range of food, community and craft stalls along the seafront.

Nadeem Aziz, Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and Chief Executive of Dover District Council said: "The Port of Dover Community Regatta promises to be a great day out for the family, and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the range of great work carried out by the Community Safety Partnership."

A regatta is not a regatta without activities on the water, so cheer on the teams competing in the Port-sponsored Dover Port Dash, raising money for two local charities, the RNLI and Emmaus. Why not get out onto the water yourself and try the free water activities courtesy of Dover Sea Sports Centre and the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club.

This year, following the return of the spectacular Blades aerobatic display team to round off the day, the event stretches into the evening with entertainment on stage and along the promenade organised in association with Dover Town Council.

Town Mayor of Dover, Cllr Chris Precious, said, " Dover Town Council are delighted to provide the evening’s entertainment for this centuries old Dover tradition, uniting town and harbour in a celebration of the past, present and future."

To round off our extended event, the Regatta finishes with a fantastic firework display over the harbour, kindly sponsored by local restaurant Cullins Yard.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "Together with all of our partners, we look forward to welcoming our community and visitors for a fantastic family day out. Wishing you all a great time on our fabulous seafront. See you there!"

The free family fun event takes place on Dover Seafront on Sunday 30th August.

ENDS

Definitely an exciting day to look forward to here on Dover Seafront on Sunday. Thousands and thousands of people usually come and as you can see in the poster, there will be an excellent level of activity for all tastes.

We are in a bad spell of weather for sure so lets hope it clears up in time for the Regatta. Below we have a picture of that tiny all too brief interlude of watery sun over the harbour yesterday morning with the jet streams for added autumnal effect. It rained after that all day long in dismal dreary fashion and the sun went awol. Come back summer all is forgiven !


Another pic of the Grampian Defiance which returned again the following day after our previous pic...and the day after too. Hence this extra pic from a different location just offshore. There must be gold out there...its all those rainbows isn't it!?


"
Grampian Defiance D-Class vessel..
____________________________

Grampian Defiance is the fourth and final ship in the series of four new D-Class emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs) constructed in northern Spain by the Balenciaga Shipyard.

The vessel was launched in May 2012. She has been chartered to DONG E&P to support their offshore operations in the North Sea. The contract is set to start in September 2012. The vessels are owned and managed by Aberdeen-based North Star Shipping, which owns and operates the largest wholly-owned fleet engaged in the British offshore industry. North Star Shipping is itself a wholly-owned subsidiary of Craig Group.

The four D-Class vessels represent an investment of $43.7m. Total investments made by Craig Group in the new-build programme since 2003 stand at $337m. The vessels were ordered to replace the older tonnage with new ones.

"


That's a gorgeous ship for sure Ed. Great to see that postcard.

Thursday, 27 August 2015 - 07:32

 

Post 2332

  Ed Connell, Dover

Postcard of the Wind Surf obtained onboard by a friend who is a baggage handler.



Wednesday, 26 August 2015 - 17:12

 

Post 2331

  Sea News, Dover

COMMUNITY FUND SPECIAL!

Port of Dover Community Fund – thrilled to support music related activities in community
_________________________________________________________________________

The Port of Dover is delighted that Deal Festival of Music and the Arts will benefit from the Port of Dover Community Fund, with a grant worth £10,000.

The Deal Festival of Music and the Arts is one of the landmarks of the English music festival scene bringing art lovers from far and wide to enjoy concerts and other events from world-class artists.

The Port of Dover Community Fund, which has recently awarded 10 local projects with a combined contribution of over £71,000, will support the Festival’s community outreach programme in Dover District; aiming to work with 500 local participants, particularly those faced with challenging circumstances, who have little or no access to the arts.

Dr. Paul Edlin, Artistic Director of Deal Festival of Music and the Arts, says:

"We are thrilled with the generous support from the Port of Dover Community Fund which will assist greatly in our educational work in Dover. Whilst the Deal Festival itself lasts for two weeks we work with schools and local communities throughout the year to support music related activities which can have such a positive effect on people’s education, self-esteem and social skills."

Recently Roger Knight, Community Fund panel member, and Andy Garrett, Kent Community Foundation, visited Deal Festival of Music and the Arts to present them their cheque and attend a concert which was the culmination of a week long Summer School for local residents. It included musicians from the age of 7 to 82, some with a wealth of experience and others who were just starting out.

Roger Knight, panel member and local businessman says:

"The panel of the Port of Dover Community Fund was delighted to support Deal Festival of Music and the Arts in its Dover outreach education programme. The concert was a fantastic showcase of the type of work that they do and to see local musicians, young and old, experienced and novice coming together to demonstrate their talents was an evening to remember."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says:

"I am thrilled that Deal Festival of Music and the Arts will benefit from the Community Fund. Their educational activities in the community will truly bring the arts to those who would not normally have the opportunity to engage with this unique experience."



Photo (from left to right): Andy Garrett, Kent Community Foundation; Roger Knight, Panel member of the Port of Dover Community Fund; Dr. Paul Edlin, Artistic Director of Deal Festival of Music and Arts. Top Photo shows the Deal Festival of Music and Arts Summer School concert.


Also read the latest below...funding for the Bechange Charity..
In the picture left to right : Bishop Trevor Willmott, Paul Kirsch (support worker), Kirsty Hawthorne (support worker), Nicky Cox (support worker), Cheryl Maley (Service Manager) and Natalie Smith (Kent Community Foundation Fund Manager)



Port of Dover Community Fund – giving local young people hope for the future
_________________________________________________________________

A charity, whose goal is to make lasting change for a positive future throughout Dover district, has been awarded £7,500 from the Port of Dover Community Fund.

Bechange provides local people with support in skills development and employment, finance and housing as well as with families and relationships.

The Port of Dover Community Fund is supporting 20 disadvantaged young job seekers from deprived parts of Dover to make a positive change and develop their confidence and skills to move into employment.

The independent panel that recently awarded 10 local projects with the first grants from the Port of Dover Community Fund has been on a special visit to see the work of Bechange first hand and to present a cheque.

The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover and Chair of the independent panel, said:

The panel of the Port of Dover Community Fund is delighted to support Bechange in its important work with Dover’s young jobseekers. The intensive, targeted work they undertake with our young people is highly effective and something the panel is more than happy to fund. We wish both Bechange and the young people coming to this project every success.

Angela Doggett, Acting Chief Executive, Bechange, said:

We are delighted that the Port of Dover Community Fund has chosen to support the work we do with Dover’s young people – helping them to develop and overcome barriers, and into training and work. It’s very rewarding work, allowing young people to feel positive and hopeful for the future, and this grant will make a big difference. Many thanks to the Fund for supporting Bechange!

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "This is a fabulous local charity and I am delighted that their work has been recognised in this way. It stands for everything the Port of Dover Community Fund was set up to do."

ENDS


Postcard from the Edge....




Wednesday, 26 August 2015 - 07:21

 

Post 2330

  Sea News, Dover

We featured the Galatea a few posts ago..1871 in fact, she has been working steadily offshore for a few days. The picture we had wasn't the clearest so here we are with some more ... SARAH HEWES to the rescue once again.

The Galatea...




Many thanks for those pictures once again Sarah.

Also a further interesting Note about Sarah Hewes:
We featured Sarah's pictures of the UMOE VENTUS a while back here on the Sea News pages. Her ace pictures were spotted on here by nautical writer/publisher Andrew Cooke in Freshwater, Isle of Wight...the result is that one of Sarah's pictures is now featured in a comprehensive article by Andrew in SHIPPING MONTHLY...all in the current issue, out now. Great stuff indeed! If you want to see the pictures in an instant type UMOE VENTUS in the Search Engine above and all will be revealed.



I don't know if there is some recently discovered buried treasure offshore or something, but we've had lots of activity just outside harbour in the past few days. This guy has been out there for the past couple of days too as of course has the Galatea recently..exciting...
its the wonderfully named Grampian Defiance..



Many thanks Vic - yes its a magnificent ship for sure. It had horrendous weather for its visit..ambient light was grim to awful...was difficult getting a decent picture. The Ocean Princess is in today...so the busy schedule continues.

Tuesday, 25 August 2015 - 06:59

 

Post 2329

  vic matcham, dover

What a great looking ship she is.Thanks yet again for the good photos keep them coming.

Tuesday, 25 August 2015 - 04:50