Friday, 19 April 2024

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Sea Pictures from Dover.

Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...


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Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
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Post 6271
  Sea News, Dover
The Swimmers - pictures from the weekend.
The loneliness of the long distance swimmer...
Ships that pass in the night...
Endeavouring to show the crowds of swimmers at the weekend here but the pic doesn't convey it entirely successfully. There was a huge swim buzz a-goin' on. It was indeed a big weekend for ...what you might call...the pro-swimmers.


CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP: A record of action and a promise of more
_______________________________________________________________

Dear Mr Boland,

The local election campaign trail was a great opportunity to chat to people about what matters to them. Unsurprisingly, there was a sense of deep frustration over Brexit and a strong desire to get on with it – deal or no deal. We need to leave the EU and move on.

Yet the election also produced a hugely impressive set of results. An increased majority was a real testament to the hard work, teamwork and dedication of our local team. So much progress has been made locally in recent years. We’ve been working tirelessly to bring more jobs and money to our corner of Kent.

Back in 2010 things looked bleak. Unemployment locally had rocketed 50% in the Great Recession. Yet there are now 7,700 more people in work in Dover and Deal, while there has been more than £500 million of investment.

Nearly a year ago the new £50 million St James development opened. Where Burlington House once scarred the skyline, there now stands a brand-new multiplex cinema, shops and restaurants. Meanwhile the new leisure centre is a packed-out, massive success.

The £250 million Western Docks Revival is also well underway. I was lucky enough to walk along the new pier which opened recently. It will be a great asset for our community in the years to come.

In Deal, the town’s pier is undergoing its most comprehensive refurbishment with £500,000 of investment and £600,000 more to follow. The new Deal Pier Kitchen draws hundreds of visitors who can at last truly enjoy this iconic landmark. The long-awaited Regent cinema plans are progressing.

Big companies have set up shop in our district too. Multipanel UK relocated its manufacturing operation from China to Eythorne in 2014. Last year I visited their 24/7 operation, producing more than 500,000 square metres of aluminium composite panels a month. Bosses told me they have been so successful that they hope to open new production lines – and hire up to 100 more staff.

All this investment has been delivered with the lowest council tax in east Kent. This is what a strong vision and teamwork can achieve – real investment, excellent services and great value for money.

We’ve been able to deliver more jobs and money by getting the nation’s finances back in order. Unemployment is at a record low. We’ve also cared for the least well off by taking more than five million people out of paying income tax altogether. And over the past year wages have been rising well above inflation.

Much has been done. Yet there is much more to do. We need more investment in our roads, including a dualled A2 and lorry parks. We must focus like a laser beam on our high streets. We must strive for stronger borders.

And we want to get on with leaving the European Union. An incredibly bright future lies ahead – for this country and for our area. Let’s keep working together to deliver it.

Charlie

The above newsletter is from Charlie Elphicke MP...this website does not necessarily agree with all the content.


Nadine Nearly Nods-Off : Yes its the Nadine Dorries deep-throated double-decker yawn... while the PM delivers more desperation during PMQ's in the House last week, and with frontbenchers and others seemingly all agog and riveted to the spot...the TV cameras swung wide and in that moment Dorries was caught by the aforementioned cameras in a gigantic yawn, a yawn that almost swallowed Hunt and Nokes in front of her. Some people say she has the concentration span of a gnat ..but one couldn't possibly comment. Smiley




Enjoyable odds and ends there below Mike. Particularly enjoyed the 'Chelsea' shot from the new pier. Smiley
Yes exciting changes afoot Jan and yes lots of activity. Yours truly still has yet more cruise ships, reefers, etc etc to catch up with. Smiley


PaulB


Tuesday, 14 May 2019 - 06:25
 
Post 6270
  Mike J., Dover

Some Dover odds & ends, starting with the blunt ends of of the AIDAVITA & the COSTA MEDITERRANEA [with WHITDAWN alongside] on recent visits.



A close-up of one of the ‘Yoko’ floating fenders.
First introduced by the Yokohama Rubber Company.


In the Tidal Basin the smart Dover-based TERLYN.
The owner is very proud of her, note the protective padding between the fenders & the hull & on some of the mooring ropes to prevent any markings on the motor-yacht’s immaculate hull.


Come on you Blues !
At first I thought that the Chelsea FC’s supporters club had come down for a swim, but it was a couple of busloads of Belgian schoolkids re-arranging the beach by lobbing much of it back into the harbour.
Taken from the new Pier.




Tuesday, 14 May 2019 - 00:34
 
Post 6269
  JanT, Dover
Opening the curtains this morning to see two more cruise ship's sitting in the harbour.
Took a drive on the new piece of road and across the new bridge yesterday, along with the new pier it all looks very impressive

Monday, 13 May 2019 - 08:30
 
Post 6268
  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES PAYS BACK CUSTOMERS WITH FREE FUEL VOUCHERS
_______________________________________________________


P&O Ferries is encouraging Brits to venture further when exploring Europe, by giving away £20 worth of free fuel for long break (5+ days) return bookings, or £10 of free fuel credit for single journeys from Dover to Calais.


Travellers can book direct on the P&O Ferries website from now until 5th June, for travel until 15th July 2019, using promo code Q2FUEL19. Valid for motorised vehicle bookings only, excludes bicycles, foot passengers and commercial vehicles such as vans.

Sarah Rosier, Director of Passenger Sales at P&O Ferries, said: "Just one of the many reasons people choose to sail with us to Europe is the freedom to take their car abroad and travel on their own steam. There are so many incredible destinations across the Continent reachable by ferry, from France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany – all within a day’s drive from Calais."

"By filling our customer’s tanks with an extra top up of fuel, we hope to lessen worries around rising fuel costs. This offer is also there to encourage people to travel further and explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots – by discovering somewhere new who knows what unforgettable holiday memories await."

To redeem your free fuel voucher (valid 24 hours after you’ve sailed), follow the below steps:

Use promo code Q2FUEL19 when you make your booking
Fill up on fuel
Follow the link on your e-voucher email
Enter your unique code and upload your fuel receipt
Once confirmed (within 7 days) fill in your bank details via the secure portal
Receive payment direct to your account

There are up to 23 sailings a day between Dover and Calais with P&O Ferries, which are 90 minutes in duration, giving flexibility to fit your schedule and ensuring a relaxing trip across the Channel. On board are a variety of eateries, including The Brasserie for an a la carte dining experience, as well as the Food Court, offering a full range of family favourite dishes. For those who want to travel in further comfort, spaces at the Club Lounge are bookable from just £12 per person.

For more information, or to book a crossing visit www.poferries.com.

-Ends-

One of the P&O Spirits making its way back from Calais in the picture above. We have shown this one before but the mirage affect showing the buildings in Calais behind the ship is quite extraordinary. Its rare to get that effect so worth showing again. Obviously a long range pic...with the tug Wulf in the foreground.

Top shot shows the Pride of Canterbury approaching the Port of Calais.

A fascinating and novel idea above there from P&O Ferries. Some good offers from P&O at the moment see top of page. Like that other well known brand says..."every little helps!"
Many thanks to the team at P&O for the info.

* *

A busy time of it this weekend for Border Force.
The following pictures show the Border Force cutter Searcher in action yesterday evening just off the Port of Dover... more below..



From the BBC...

"
Eight children were among 26 migrants intercepted in two dinghies off the Kent coast, Border Force said.

The first boat, carrying 14 people, was spotted by a fishing vessel in the early hours, before being intercepted by two Border Force cutters. A second boat with 11 men on board was met by a Border Force patrol boat.

All 26 have been checked over and four were sent for "further assessments" in hospital, the Home Office said.

"

AIDAvita was in with us again yesterday and we see another double whammy today..
Saga Sapphire and Viking Sun, so a very busy time of it.

Cracking shot below Patrick.. Smiley

PaulB

Smiley


Monday, 13 May 2019 - 06:08
 
Post 6267
  Patrick, Marine Parade
Yesterday the cruise liner 'Crown Princess' was just visible out in the channel as it passed our Port en route to Le Havre from Scotland. In the process dwarfing the 'Cote Des Dune' ferry crossing the lanes



Sunday, 12 May 2019 - 22:37
 
Post 6266
  Sea News, Dover

Costa Mediterranea

Some late-in-the-day pictures of Costa Mediterranea above there. Top pic shows her getting ready for departure and the following one shows the huge ship underway...it was getting dark as you can see. She was off to Bremerhaven in Germany as part of a seven day round cruise from Amsterdam/Ijmuiden which took in Bruges/Zeebrugge and Cherbourg and of course Dover and Bremen. Great to see the Costa ships still coming... always welcome. Pictures from Thursday evening.

A novelty pic of sorts below. Bog standard shot showing the harbour in the gorgeous sunlight 2 days ago. Yours truly is always amazed by the fixated patterns in the water, the regimented lines...a natural phenomenon.


PB

Sunday, 12 May 2019 - 06:22
 
Post 6265
  Sea News, Dover
Cargo Activity at the Port of Dover.. from the past few days...

Distant picture above there of the Baltic Klipper moving off earlier this week. Just caught the tail end of her in the distance as she set sight for Bridgetown in Barbados...a long run.. she was just about to disappear into the low hanging mist above there..

Enter Stage Left: Just as Baltic Klipper moved off...in towards Port from the east came the Atlantic Reefer, yes to the left of original shot. You can see the ship here below approaching and entering Port...

Atlantic Reefer






There is another reefer in Port as of now...Luzon Strait...so they come thick and fast. Never a dull moment!

Smiley Thanks Del, yes quite enjoyed that pic myself...not everyday you can get a pic of the French Coast due to visibility issues etc...

PaulB

Saturday, 11 May 2019 - 06:31
 
Post 6264
  Del Styan, Norwich
Great long range shot of the Calais coast. Well done!

Friday, 10 May 2019 - 22:44
 
Post 6263
  Sea News, Dover

Just adding this very long range shot taken yesterday. The building at the very top of the French Cliffs beamed an amazing light across the channel as the sun caught something there late in day. Its obviously some sort of communication station there on top of Cap Gris Nez. The picture doesn't quite catch the beam of light but amazingly it came out fairly well all the same considering the range and mist etc..etc...

Friday, 10 May 2019 - 15:25
 
Post 6262
  Sea News, Dover


Top two pictures show AIDAvita departing on Wednesday evening at 19.50 or close to 8PM. Taken of course in fading light at that time...she was off to Hamburg via Amsterdam having cruised all the way across the Mediterranean from Crete. The pic below is from an earlier time and shows the other angle as it were. Nice looking ship for sure...bit smaller, not one of the 'whoppers'.



The same day we had AIDAluna...so we had an impressive double whammy of AIDA's. The pictures below are from the visit just before. As the ship comes in very regularly and we were not able to catch up... here we are now at last...AIDAluna





SmileyExcellent post below from Mike...interesting pictures plus...so...
Don't Miss Those!

Foggy today.

PaulB

Friday, 10 May 2019 - 06:33
 
Post 6261
  Mike J., Dover

Thursday afternoon arrival of Maltese-flagged KEIT from Paldiski, Estonia via the Kiel Canal with the first of several consignments of log cargos for the Sandwich biomass plant.





Log lorries awaiting loading.



Friday, 10 May 2019 - 00:25
 
Post 6260
  Sea News, Dover
PRINSENDAM DEPARTING

Some shots above there of the Prinsendam leaving us a couple of evenings ago ( Monday)...you can see the pilot boat alongside there on a blue evening as she made her way off on a 14 night Celtic Explorer cruise, and very nice too.

Cant resist also including this double whammy shot from last year which also shows Prinsendam and the Seabourn Ovation. Just re-found this picture in the files...



The Anuket Sapphire provided bunker services for the Prinsendam and here she is a-coming and a-going .. obviously on the same day... not an easy ship to photograph from range.



PaulB

The great cruise ship visits continue...Costa Mediterranea in with us today.
Thanks Jan yes lots happening at the moment.
Yes the Free Wine offer is very tempting...not that I touch a drop myself you understand! Smiley !!

Thursday, 9 May 2019 - 06:58
 
Post 6259
  JanT, Dover
Nice collection of picture's chaps, busy times in the harbour, and a good offer from P&O I'm sure lot's will be taking up the offer Smiley

Wednesday, 8 May 2019 - 09:03
 
Post 6258
  Sea News, Dover
Dungeness Lifeboat in towing rescue action...

The pictures above were taken on Monday evening just before 8pm ( 20.00 ) and show Dungeness Lifeboat towing a small yacht back to the Port of Dover. The light was fading fast but with a bit of luck in the camera department, we managed to get the shots as they entered the Port. The pix were fairly dark and had to be brightened up somewhat with the help as per usual of the computer program. You can see a Lifeboatman onboard the yacht there in one of the shots guiding things along. Excellent work once again by the RNLI.


* *

DAY TRIP TO FRANCE IN MAY WITH P&O FERRIES AND GET SIX FREE BOTTLES OF WINE
____________________________________________________________________________



Travel to the continent just got that much more tempting, as British ferry operator P&O Ferries is giving away six free bottles of wine for every day trip booking between Dover and Calais.

Book from now until 26th May, for travel from 7th May until 28th May 2019, to claim six free bottles of Banrock red, or white wine - dependent on your preference and subject to availability. Valid for car, or high car bookings only, using promo code WINE19.

Sarah Rosier, Director of Passenger Sales at P&O Ferries, said: "Imagine spending a day in France, exploring its beautiful sights and unrivalled cuisine and then sailing back to the UK with six free bottles of wine to enjoy. We are giving our customers the opportunity to experience that for themselves with this exclusive offer. It’s a great day out and a special treat for when you get back home."

Renowned for its diverse landscapes and fascinating history now is the perfect time to explore northern France, with warmer weather on the horizon. For culture seekers, a day trip to the Hauts-de France region offers the opportunity to view stunning scenery including forests, farmland, beaches and chalk cliffs. Just over an hour from Calais the city of Lille also offers cobbled streets lined with bars and bistros, plus plenty of shopping opportunities. Travellers interested in history can venture to the battlefields of Ypres, or Dunkirk’s famous beach, just a short drive from the port.

How to claim:
1. Book your crossing via the P&O ferries website
2. Enter promo code WINE19
3. Receive your voucher at Dover port check-in on the day of departure
4. Present your voucher at the tills on board during your outward journey
5. Pick up your six free bottles of wine

There are up to 23 sailings a day between Dover and Calais with P&O Ferries, which are 90 minutes in duration, giving flexibility to fit your schedule and ensuring a relaxing trip across the Channel. On board are a variety of eateries, including The Brasserie, as well as a Club Lounge for those who want to travel in further comfort, spaces are bookable from just £12 per person.


For more information, or to book a crossing visit www.poferries.com

ENDS

SmileyThe enjoyable sandy Calais beach below...you can see families enjoying themselves there. The beach is great for a daytrip and with wine on offer as well...wowser!


SmileyNice collection below Mike. Good to see those...thanks for the info re the motor yacht, have added the name to the earlier post now so our search engine can pick it up later if needed.

Smiley Thanks for that info Del. Well done with that.
Heavens! we wouldn't want you turning into another Chris Grayling...one of those is enough.Smiley

Ooops that wine picture uploaded bigger than expected. A Freudian slip ?...

PaulB

Smiley

A double whammy of AIDA ships in today AIDAluna and AIDAvita
...will also have pictures of Prinsedam to follow along also reefers plus more...we're a bit behind but catching up.. Smiley


Wednesday, 8 May 2019 - 06:11
 
Post 6257
  Mike J., Dover

Paul’s sleek motor yacht in post 6255 is the Portguese CHELINA which had come up from Plymouth & is still in Dover on Tuesday evening & showing on AIS.



Also in the Tidal Basin was an interesting Dutch motor yacht, the NOORD BANK who looks a lot more businesslike & may be based on a workboat design.


Kind friends from Littlestone have sent me pix of the Antiguan coaster RMS RATIGEN who was in Rye Harbour on Wednesday.
Thanks Alison & Mike !


A stroll up the new marina pier shows that views of shipping at the Eastern Entrance is better than expected, altho’ poor from the end of the pier due to obstructions.
Views of the cruise ships on the Admiralty Pier & the Western Entrance are poor.

A nice structure for sure, with excellent views of the Castle & the town but not a patch on the Prince of Wales,

A lady on the Dover Town forum who calls her herself ‘Weird Granny Slater’ has posted her mixed feelings about the new pier in an excellent post, No.4 on the ‘New Marina Pier & Lock Bridge open’ thread.

The same thread has excellent infrastructure pix from PatrickS.






Wednesday, 8 May 2019 - 01:03
 
Post 6256
  Del Styan, Norwich
I've done a bit of google digging, and the forts were used from 23rd September 1964 till 9th February 1967 by Radio City. Thank god - I thought my memory was going the way of Chris Grayling's Seaborne decisions.

Tuesday, 7 May 2019 - 23:13
 
Post 6255
  Sea News, Dover

While photographing the lifeboats on sunday this fabulous motor cruiser came into port and made its way to the inner sanctum. A very impressive beast indeed...however the guys fishing on the Admiralty Pier in the background of pic there weren't overly impressed and hardly gave it a second glance...nor did the lifeboat crews below...what can ye do Smiley
Yours truly didn't get the name of the thing...so if anyone knows... ??
it was one of those jobs you mean to go back to .. ah thanks to Mike... Name of cruiser is Chelina.



And speaking of all things exotic...an even more serious piece of exotic equipment is this ultra fab superyacht below belonging to the formula one race team Force India. This one joined us here in Port a couple of years back. Yours truly's invitation for a pink gin onboard got lost in the post...strewth!


Now alas at the other end of the social scale...the picture below shows the Police crackdown on rough sleepers last week. A much higher profile from the police was in evidence as they cleared out the seafront shelters over a series of days. Picture below...you can also see an ambulance on the scene. The rough sleepers had taken up residence in the shelters for quite some time.

See also yesterdays fund raising post/pictures re P&O Ferries and the Lifeboat.

PaulB

Ah yes indeed Del there used to be offshore radio stations...not sure if those forts were featured but maybe...

Tuesday, 7 May 2019 - 06:11
 
Post 6254
  Del Styan, Norwich
I seem to remember some of the pirate stations operating from the forts in my youth. Radio City, I think? Maybe Radio England?

Monday, 6 May 2019 - 23:13
 
Post 6253
  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES RAISES RECORD-BREAKING AMOUNT FOR THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTE
_________________________________________________________________________________


P&O Ferries welcomed volunteers and officials from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) to Channel House, Dover to present them with a cheque for £13,522.59 – the largest amount ever raised for the charity by the ferry operator’s employees and customers.


Continuing the long-standing partnership between P&O Ferries and the RNLI, this figure was raised through collection boxes placed on all six of its ships serving the English Channel throughout 2018, allowing donations of any currency.

As the company’s official charity these are the exclusive collection boxes on board and this year’s efforts signify an increased donation of over £500, in comparison with the amount raised in 2017.

In attendance at the presentation and accompanying lunch were a range of figures from the RNLI’s Dover branch, who work tirelessly to save lives at sea, as well as P&O Ferries crew who were recognised for their exceptional fundraising efforts on-board.

James Clapham, Coxswain at RNLI said, "We are very grateful to P&O Ferries, their employees and passengers for their valuable donations. These contributions are a big part of our ability to undertake life-saving at sea."

Joe Ciantar, Head of Security, Gaming and Foreign Exchange at P&O Ferries said, "P&O Ferries are proud to present the RNLI with a cheque for £13,522.59 in respect of 2018 donations, which is another record breaking amount from the generosity of our passengers and employees for the RNLI. The RNLI is our nominated charity with whom we have a long connection and relationship."

For more information on the RNLI visit www.rnli.org. For further details on P&O Ferries visit www.poferries.com.

-Ends-

Pictured with the 'large' cheque (large in more ways than one! ) above and below are Joan Hazelden and James Clapham.
This is the largest amount ever raised by the ferry company employees and customers.


One of the P&O Ferries below which helped to raise all the cash...the Spirit of Britain...


There is much talk of the new pier at the moment, this picture below of Dover Lifeboat was taken from the old pier, yes the Prince of Wales Pier. This picture of the Lifeboat was taken a few years ago by our 'roving reporter' Sarah Hewes ..


Now a couple of shots of Lifeboat action in the harbour yesterday. Both Dover Lifeboat and Dungeness Lifeboat were on a training exercise and here we are below... Dover Lifeboat to the left in first shot...
Picture above shows the Lifeboats at the Port entrance...and the pic below shows Dover Lifeboat and crew as we look across the new development works to the inner harbour.


* *

Many thanks to the team at P&O Ferries for the information. Great great fundraising there...Smiley

Nice shots below Mike...we are having a big Lifeboat day today.Smiley

PaulB

Smiley

Monday, 6 May 2019 - 06:00
 
Post 6252
  Mike J., Dover

Sunday morning & Tamar Class ELEN COMBIE awaits departure from Dover after overnighting during her long 655 mile trip from Poole to Longhope in the Orkneys.

By Sunday night she had arrived in Lowestoft.







Sunday, 5 May 2019 - 23:31
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