PS Ryde was launched on 23rd April 1937 she entered service on the Portsmouth to Ryde passenger ferry service. In 1939 she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy. She was renamed as HMS Ryde and used for the D Day landings. Reverting to her pre-war name on her return to Southern Railway. She was retired in 1969 in September 1970 she began a new career as a nightclub. Renamed as the Ryde Queen however by the late 1980s her popularity waned and the nightclub was closed. She became derelict and abandoned on her mooring. In August 2006 her funnel collapsed, she remains to the present day as seen here in August 2009.

Albert Road is and always has been a bustling, alternative interesting road full of independent small businesses, shops, fantastic cafes, restaurants and pubs, music venues including the world renowned Wedgewood Rooms and the crowning glory, The Kings Theatre which stands as a beacon to all around inviting people to visit. The shop owners and local residents blend together to create a fantastic community with a bohemian feel, Albert Road has a true feeling of togetherness where schools, businesses the church and different cultures from around the world work and live side by side. Love Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

The Red Arrows have performed over Portsmouth Harbour today to mark HMS Ark Royal's return to the fleet after a £12m upgrade.
The aircraft carrier has been undergoing work in dock in Portsmouth for the past seven months.

The display today has been timed to coincide with the ship's annual family day..

Royal Garrison Church was constructed c. 1212 as part of a hospital complex. Although the nave was badly damaged in a 1941 fire-bomb raid on Portsmouth, the chancel remains roofed and furnished.

This years event was held over the Bank Holiday Weekend thus adding an extra day on the usual two day event normally held a week earlier, the weather has been disappointing this year with only the Monding being half decent.

The Mid-Hants Railway hold this Day out with Thomas event every year, with rides the length of the railway we also sampled rides on The Troublesome Trucks & behind Thomas himself, a miniature railway was also in place along with face painting and many other events.

The Netley Marsh show was first held in 1971, when it was a one day show and called The Puffin, and local steam engine owners brought along their engines to entertain the visitors. The aim of the show was to raise funds to pay for urgent repairs to St Matthews Church. Following the success of that aim and the general enjoyment that was had by everyone who attended the show, it was decided that this should be an annual event. The show has been going ever since, now a three day event with traction steam engines and a wide and varied range of vintage vehicles and engines, added to which there is always a wide range of entertainments for all ages.

Every year there is a major Hovershow event at Lee on the Solent, Hampshire where you can experience the thrill of hovercraft trips, displays of modern and historic craft and see many more on display. This years event is special as it is the 50th Anniversary of the first operational hovercraft the SR.N1 which crossed the channel on July 25th 1959 with Sir Christopher Cockerell aboard. The inventor's daughter, Frances Cockerell, will open the show. Four days starting Friday 24th to 27th July 2009 with family entertainment, helicopter & hovercraft rides. There will be hovercraft services to and from the show provided by Hovertravel who operate between Ryde & Southsea. The two largest hovercraft in the world will be fully open during the event.

The Portchester Gala started as usual next to Portchester Community Centre, the route taken for the procession was Westlands Grove, White Hart Lane then down Castle Street to Portchester Castle the whole route taking about one hour. In the Castle grounds is a large fun fair along with the usual stalls and a large arena, also on display were a number of vintage cars, there appeared to be less floats than in years gone by, still an enjoyable day.

Over 100,000 people attended this years Derby at Epsom in Surrey, an event with something for everyone, this year the weather was wet with drizzle for most of the day, still a very good day though.

'Celebration of Steam' was an event held in the 'Historic Dockyard' Portsmouth over the weekend of 9th-10th May 2009, this is the forth year this event has been held at this venue, visitors could also visit HMS Warrior, HMS Victory & the Mary Rose.

The Heavy Horse show is held on 'Castle Field' Southsea every year, after last years event highlighted a few safety issues various road closures were undertaken this time, us is usual when I see this event the weather could have been better.

The flood-damaged Royal Navy ice patrol ship HMS Endurance has arrived off the coast of Portsmouth & Southsea after being transported home from the Falklands. Ten passengers were rescued when HMS Endurance lost power as the engine room flooded off Chile in December. Fears had been raised the ship could be scrapped after she was towed to the Falkland Islands but the navy decided to pay for her repair. It is thought the bill could run into millions of pounds. The vessel has been floated off the back of the transporter ship MV Target today ( 10th April 2009 ). It was towed into Portsmouth Harbour today - completing the month-long trip back from the South Atlantic.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) (known affectionately as the Big Stick or TR) is the fourth Nimitz-class supercarrier and her call sign is Rough Rider, the name of President Theodore Roosevelt's volunteer cavalry unit during the Spanish-American War. She was launched on 27 October 1984 and saw her first action during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. She arrived in the Solent today and is due to sail on Wednesday, her crew will be visiting Gosport & Portsmouth during their stay.

Port Solent is the south coast's premier destination marina with easy access to the Solent. There is a fully serviced boat yard with storage ashore for 500 boats, 24-hour fuel, top quality showers and toilets, plus free car parking. Port Solent, celebrates its 21st anniversary this year.

Most people take New Years day at a slow pace after a heavy night the day before, its usually mid morning before most see the light of day, me, well since the 1990's I attend the Friends of King Alfred Buses running day in Winchester, in 2000 it was held on the 3rd January so I had a day off, apart from illness I've attended every year, to see the bus photo's go to my bus site at http://mick-stillwell.fotopic.net/c1632370.html but heres a few photo's of the day... HAPPY NEW YEAR

For the past few years there has been a seasonal Ice Rink behind Winchester Cathedral, up until the 14th December this was held along with an Xmas Fare the Skating Rink operating alone until the 4th January 2009

Today was the last time that Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) berthed at Southampton, she arrived a little late this morning after an altercation with the Bramble Sand Bank off of Calshot Spit, no harm done with her running aground, with a rising tide and the help of four tugs she was soon afloat again, I witnessed her arrivel through The Solent and drove to ’Town Quay’ to watch her turn. I returned midmorning for a trip around the docks to get a closer view, It was then back to Southampton once more to view the final departure with the other 15,000 or so people, she finally left Southampton after a spectacular firework display at 8.15 p.m. to sail down The Solent past Southsea & the Isle-of-wight for one final trip to Dubai where she will become a luxury hotel.

The Spinnaker Tower is due to lit up in a number of differant colours in the coming months, today it was lit RED for Rememberance Sunday, I was the only one at Old Portsmouth in the driving wind & rain. other dates the tower will be lit are.
November 13th World Diabetes Day (Blue).
November 14th Children in need (Yellow).
November 30th St. Andrews Day (Blue).
December 1st World Aids Day (Red).
December 2nd onwards Christmas Tree Green Background, lets hope they replace the blown bulbs by then.

The Spinnker Tower is holding an 'Alien Invasion' exhibition until early November, in this collection you will find some of my pictures from today, these include views form the tower itself with the odd Stormtrooper thrown in for good measure.

A surprise hot & sunny October day so an opportunity to stretch the legs without getting wet, we had a short drive to Old Portsmouth and parked up at the Camber Docks we then walked along to Gunwharf Quays to have a bimble around the shops and have a general look at what was going on.

For those of you who follow my photo stream on a regular basis, you will know I spend a lot of time in & around Portsmouth Harbour, during the summer months we spend a fair amount of time walking between Old Portsmouth & Southsea seafront, usually armed with the camera, here are a few shots of the ships that ply their trade in & out or around the harbour, these include Wightlink, Hovertravel and the Gosport Ferry.

Set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 240 primates. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent, stable home. Today Monkey World works in conjunction with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. At the park visitors can see more than 240 primates of 15 different species.

29th September 2008 is their 21st anniversary.

The vessel is currently berthed at Portsmouth Naval Base.
Rame Head is the last surviving British designed Canadian built Second World War “Fort” class merchant cargo ship.
Launched: 22 November 1944
Out of Service Date: 27th March 2008
Last Refit: 1967
Displacements: Current: 7775 tonnes Full: 12700 tonnes Light: 9000 tonnes
Length: Overall - 134.6 metres
Breadth: 17.5 metres

Amberley Working Museum is a 36 acre open-air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east. Staffed largely by volunteers, the Museum contains a wide range of exhibits, ranging from transport-based collections, such as the Southdown bus collection & the village garage, to industry-based collections, such as the Print Workshop & Wheelwrights. The Museum is also home to a number of resident craftspeople, who work to traditional methods. Visit the Website for more details.

http://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/index2.html

Built on the Clyde in 1947 - to replace the original Waverley that sunk off Dunkirk in 1940, the Waverley was originally built to sail only between Craigendorran & Arrochar in West Scotland. It is amazing to think that she now sails right round Britain offering regular trips on the Clyde, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with other calls at various ports & piers throughout the UK. Waverley spends three weeks on the south coast each year and here are a few photo's of her arriving and departing Portsmouth Harbour, last year I travelled on her see the photo's of 1st September 2007

Today we had a trip to Windsor, we walked up to the Castle and trough the town and then over to Eton, before we left we had a trip on The Windsor Wheel, With a full 360° panoramic view 60 metres above Alexandra Gardens the Royal Windsor Wheel offers the chance to view the historic sights of Windsor and Eton from a rare perspective. On a clear day, visitors will take in the panoramic views of not only the local attractions visible but also those of Berkshire and London, including the famous arch of Wembley Stadium and even the London Eye and Canary Wharf.

The end of the summer holidays and its time to stretch the legs, at first we went to Southampton when we got there a big black rain cloud rolled over so this was abandoned, we travelled along the coast and parked in Old Portsmouth from here we walked to Clarence Pier and back, here are a few photo's from Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.

More bus Bournemouth Air Festival have made this year’s inaugural festival of flight a great success. With over 300,000 people along the seafront’s seven miles of golden beach enjoying the Festival atmosphere, this is the most people Bournemouth’s seafront has ever seen. Held over 4 days this was day two 29 August 2008.

An annual event held on Southsea common, I#ve driven past this event on many occasions however this is the first time I've attended, it would seem many people attend this from far & wide and not just from this country by the look of the vehicles parked there, having parked in Old Portmouth ourselves we walked to the common then back to Old Portsmouth then to Gunwharf and on to the Naval Base and back too, my poor feet!!!

The Mid-Hants Railway hold this Day out with The Mid-Hants Railway hold this Day out with Thomas event every year and this year again became my sons birthday treat, with rides the length of the railway we also sampled rides on Diesel, The Troublesome Trucks & behind Thomas himself, a miniature railway was also in place along with face painting and many other events.

I used to travel to central London often in the 1990's and it has been quite a few years since my last visit, we planned to go up for a few hours on the day however the traffic at Hindhead delayed us some what, we reached Central London within a couple of hours then started the next challenge 'somewhere to park' however after taking a wrong turn at Trafalgar Square and then turning back to The Strand what did I spy? yes one parking space!!

GAFIRS is an independent Inshore Rescue Service that was founded in 1969, the service provides free marine rescue cover in the Solent, from Portsmouth Harbour to Titchfield Haven. The crews are on call with HM Coastguard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Additionally the service is also available to the counties emergency services to respond to inland and other incidents.

A few pictures taken during an Open Top Bus ride from Southsea through Portsmouth and ending at Hilsea, the bus was ex Southdown 418 PRX200B and was 418DCD. with views through Portsmouth you would not usually see. This was a typical British summers day, Rain. Wind, Cold, Cloudy etc etc etc etc....

A regular venue I try to get to every year, well its the thought that counts so they say, errr well the last time I went was 1977 and a very good year it was too, I did go last year but when I got there the day had been cancelled due to the bad weather on the first two days, the show ground had turned in to a big bog!! well this year was brilliant and so was the weather, I wont be leaving it another 31 years until the next visit.

Today Kate wanted to go for a walk so it was down to me to find a suitable location, we headed towards The New Forest and I chose Bucklers Hard as a pleasant place to walk , after being robbed of an entrance fee just to walk past a few houses we left and arrived in Lymington, we parked up and walked around the town and down by the ferry & railway, the railway was celebrating the 150th anniversary of ‘The Lymington Flyer’ To mark this event South West Trains recently reinstated to traffic 73109, Battle of Britain and this was used along with Green VEP CIG 1498. I only discovered this event once we got home. I thought at the time that there was lots of people with cameras!!

As you can see the weather didn't improve any, the family deceided to stay inside for the whole journey with Evie coming out for a few minuets only, although not raining it was very windy, the only people outside were a school party some workman 'having a fag' and me, our ferry for the journey was Wightlink's St Claire

The end of the holiday with a few hours to kill so we stopped in Ryde for a wander around, the first port of call was with Hovertravel to view the fleet, all three hovercraft could be seen, Island Express, Freedom 90 & Solent Express, from the bridge you can gain a good view of the terminal, with the railway passing underneath, from here we walked along Ryde Pier, Mrs S walked back up whilst I took the kids for the short train journey, after this we walked along the esplanade before returning to the car and then on to the ferry.

A visit provides the opportunity to see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment. They are mostly tropical species but are representative of the five continents of the world. There are usually around 25 species to be seen at any one time, though 100 species are on display at one time or another, during the season. The exotic gardens are all attractively laid out. The site also includes Fountain World & Jumping Jets.

Shanklin is one of the main seafront holiday destinations on the island. It is easily acessible by car or train. The most popular part of Shanklin is the old Village with its thatched cottages and pubs. There are some quaint shops and old fashioned tea rooms, which offer cream teas, and there is a choice of several pubs that offer great food. Just a short stroll away is Shanklin Chine a picturesque woodland with waterfalls that are illuminated throuthout the summer evenings.
Shanklin has its own lift to provide easy access to the beach from the clifftop.

For nearly a century the Museum of Isle of Wight Geology, above Sandown Library, housed the Island's geology and fossil collections. On August 10th 2001 this changed with the opening of Dinosaur Isle, a purpose built interactive museum which replaced the old museum. Dinosaur Isle provides the space and facilities to properly display and conserve the rich geological collections. Dinosaur Isle is managed by the Isle of Wight Council and cost £2.7 million, half of which was provided by a Millennium Commission grant. The new museum is located on Culver Parade, a short distance from the old building.

The original Isle of Wight Wax Works Museum and Animal World was founded by Graham Osborne-Smith and opened in 1965. Today it is still owned by an Islander who has developed this historical and wonderfully interesting attraction into more than just a Wax Works. It now has many exciting ongoing developments, and in particular the huge new extension - World of Wheels in 2005. The site also boasts a café serving homemade delights, there is also a gift shop.

In July we had our annual holiday, this year we spent it in the Isle-of-Wight, now in this month you would have thought that the summer weather would have started, "not a chance" First day Rain, Second day Wind then Rain, day three Rain, day four, well do you want me to continue!! The week we come back home, yep you guessed Sun, Sun & more sun including the hottest temp ever recorded.

PS Ryde was launched on 23rd April 1937 she entered service on the Portsmouth to Ryde passenger ferry service. In 1939 she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy. She was renamed as HMS Ryde and used for the D Day landings. Reverting to her pre-war name on her return to Southern Railway. She was retired in 1969 in September 1970 she began a new career as a nightclub. Renamed as the Ryde Queen however by the late 1980s her popularity waned and the nightclub was closed. She became derelict and abandoned on her mooring. In August 2006 her funnel collapsed, she remains to the present day as seen here.

A sunny Sunday so we get in the car for a trip to Bournemouth, a walk along the beach under east & west cliff, through the winter gardens and up to the town, another windy day so the balloon in the gardens was grounded again. This town never disappoints, a very lively town.

A fortified brick and stone manor house built between 1515 and 1525. Only one of the two turrets of the main gate remains after almost total destruction in the Civil War in 1644. The reminder of the square building which had a tower in each corner has been used as building material. It is close to St Thomas a Beckett church

This years Portchester Gala started as usual next to Portchester Community Centre, the route taken for the procession was Westlands Grove, White Hart Lane then down Castle Street to Portchester Castle the whole route taking about one hour. In the Castle grounds is a large fun fair along with the usual stalls and a large arena, also on display were a number of vintage cars, I’ve seen some of this event on many occasions however this is the first time I’ve made it as far as the Castle itself, the Fun Fair makes an interesting clash with the historic building.

It's just over a year since 'Solent Express' entered service and it was this craft along with Freedom 90 that were on duty this Sunday, since I took photo's last year the Apron has been extended and a new perimeter wall has been built, complete with viewing windows, although these will soon get scaled up due to the salt water, the blue buffers at the end are proberbly more for decoration I don't thing these would stop a craft in full flight.

A visit to the Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley Southampton, there was a vehicle rally being held in the grounds which comprised cars buses and coaches. The Chapel is all that remains of the massive 435m long three storey Royal Victoria Military Hospital that was demolished in the 1960's. In the grounds is the The Royal Victoria Railway which is set within the 200 acre woodland site, a one mile long, ten-and-a-quarter inch gauge, passenger miniature railway. Trains run every weekend, all Bank Holidays and all local school holidays throughout the year from 11am until 4:30pm.

Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a dual gauge 10¼" / 7¼" miniature railway running from its main station, Eastleigh Parkway, to Monks Brook Halt. The return journey of just under 1¼ miles, takes about 15 - 20 minutes. Monks Brook Halt gives an opportunity to visit the lakes, children's playground or use the picnic tables adjacent to the Halt. Monks Brook Halt also allows passengers from the Monks Brook area of Eastleigh to board or alight from trains.

Raising funds for Cancer Research. Two races were held along Southsea sea front today, the morning race was at 1100hrs with the afternoon race being held at 1500hrs, both my wife & step-daughter completed the morning race in a very respectable 34 mins, well done to both of you and all the others that took part. This was the Portsmouth event races in other towns and city's will be holding their events in the coming weeks.

Portsmouth Football Club won the F.A. Cup in the final at Wembley on the 17th May, the day after a victory parade was held travelling from Fratton Bridge along Winston Churchill Avenue then along Hampshire Terrace and out to Clarence Pier finishing on Southsea Common, these photo's capture the day.

47th Annual London to Brighton Run, organised by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society (HCVS) This is only the second that I’ve been to the first being in 1981 if my memory serves me correctly, now my timing wasn’t great getting stuck behind a number of Fire Engines on the A23 heading down, as the wife was with me today we had a quick walk up ‘The Lanes’ then up to ‘Churchill Square’ before heading back to the car and heading home.

Just after dawn on Friday 25 April Independence of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship in the world made her debut in Southampton. The giant vessel will stay for seven days. To mark its arrival, a Caribbean Festival is being held at Mayflower Park on 26 & 27 April. The park had been transformed into an exotic paradise with Caribbean music, food, drink, arts & crafts and even a beach! Independence of the Seas is longer than 3 ½ football pitches. The giant vessel will sail out of Southampton on Monday 28 April at 18:00 returning on 30 April for her official christening at 16:30 before sailing at 19:00.

Well I had planned an early start as I was due to drive to London to attend a vehicle rally in Cobham, when I woke at 0700hrs it was raining and by 0800hrs, well the pictures show there own story. So rather then drive I took my step daughter out in the snow, we were the first ones out, I think my trip might be off!!!

A visit to Milestones, a place I’ve been meaning to visit for a long time but never seemed to have made it until today, our visits recently have been looking at some of the older infrastructure of Portsea Island. This has included the tram lines still in situ at Old Portsmouth and the lines that have been laid outside the Charles Dickens birthplace. We’ve also been looking at houses that still exist from the 1920’s. This visit showed what the streets would have looked like and has the last Portsmouth Tram on display along with the first Portsmouth Trolley bus and other vehicles from the pre war period.

Fort Nelson was built in the 1860s, as part of a chain of fortifications protecting the great naval harbour of Portsmouth in Hampshire and its Royal Dockyard from a feared French invasion. Covering nearly 19 acres and now fully restored, Fort Nelson sits majestically atop Portdsown Hill, with amazing views of the Solent and the Meon Valley. The Fort stands today as a monument to the skills and ingenuity of Victorian engineering and architecture. Opened in 1995 as home to the Royal Armouries.

The Greek-registered Ice Prince went down about 26 miles (42km) off Portland Bill Dorset after being damaged in a storm on 13th Jan 2008 The vessel was carrying 5,258 tonnes of sawn Swedish timber. About 2,000 tonnes of the cargo was being carried on the deck and a quantity of wood - about 3,000 tonnes - is still believed to be in the hold. Most of the deck cargo drifted along the Hampshire-West Sussex coastline coming ashore between Selsey-Bill & Brighton, Here are a few pictures of the wood on Worthing beach 3 weeks later.

Inspired by the site of The Spinnaker Tower lit up for Christmas we decided to take a trip up the tower once more but this time at dusk so we could view Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Hayling Island & The Isle of Wight and beyond under the cover of darkness, it was a good time to visit as it was not to busy the crowds still spending their time and money around the sales!! Not the best time for photography but here are a few of the better views.

For the past couple of weeks the Spinnaker Tower has been illuminated to resemble a decorated Christmas Tree, myself and a few others spent time in Old Portsmouth taking a few pictures of this, there are also a couple of pictures taken of the festive decorations at Gunwharf Quays and a few of the Spice Island Inn and The Still & West in Old Portsmouth. The Spinnaker Tower is Illuminated like this until 2nd January 2008.

Queen Victoria is a spectacular addition to the Cunard fleet. In celebration of this new arrivel a Victorian Christmas Fayre was held in Mayfower Park. Queen Victoria was named on the afternoon of Monday 10 December by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall in the presence of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. This was viewable by members of the public on large screens built in Mayflower Park. She departed on her Maiden Voyage, to a firework display, at 1700 hours, on Tuesday 11 December.

A Fireworks event at King George V Playing Fields is held every year, this never fails to disappoint. A Travelling Funfair, Food Stalls & Bonfire complement the Firework display; this year over £6000 worth went up in the twenty minuet display. again very mild weather for the time of year.

The very mild weather we're having this year allowed us to have a autumnal walk along 'The Seafront' starting from ‘The Pyramids’ we walked to South Parade Pier and then returned westwards to ‘Clarence Pier’ over this stretch we saw the wonderful sunset over the Isle of Wight , when we arrived at the Hovercraft terminal we witnessed two craft ‘Freedom 90’ leaving and ‘Island Express’ waiting for a space on the apron. A brisk walk back we found we were the last in the car park…

Slightly out of area for South-Coast Photo's today as we travelled to Showbus on Duxford Airfield Cambridgeshire, now I'm no 'Plane buff' but we had a good look round 'Airspace' the new £25 million exhibition of British & Commonwealth aviation.

This weekend has seen the 'Hovershow 2007' at the Hovercraft Museum in Lee-on-the-Solent, A number of special features this year with The Princess Margaret open for public inspection for the first time since 2005, Hovertravel's new BHT130 Hovercraft 'Solent Express' on a 'Flypast' on the Solent with a very brief landing on the Lee slipway & the coastguard helicopter also on a flypast.

Last day of our holiday and the 4th trip to the Isle of Wight in the last 8 days, a half day trip to travel on the 'Solent Express' Hovercraft and a trip on 'The Downs Tour' c/o Southern Vectis. We walked into the main town and also walked down the full length of Ryde Pier.

At long last we've managed to travel on ‘Solent Express’ the new BHT130 type Hovercraft operated by Hovertravel from Ryde to Southsea. This entered service in June and was used in Scotland for two weeks in July. Now back on her usual route she always pulls crowds of people on her arrival and departure

Today I went for a Cruise around the Isle of Wight, leaving Portsmouth Harbour at 1140hrs and returning about 1910hrs, we went round in an Anti-Clockwise direction stopping at Yarmouth Pier to pick up passengers and to drop off again, Stunning views of The Needles and we even saw 'The Red Arrows' display team, Transport for the day was P.S.Waverley

Today I went for a cruise on P.S. Waverley, we left from Portsmouth and travelled across the Solent to sail around the Isle of Wight, we picked up and dropped off in Yarmouth, Waverley is the last sea going Paddle Steamer, built in 1947 she is now 60 years old.

An afternoon trip to the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays, It doesn't matter how many times you go up there's always something different to see and nothing can prepare you for that first view when you open the door, its been awhile since we last visited and I still rate this venue''' Do go and see Its well worth the money...

A half day trip to Southsea to visit the Model Village and walk around Canoe Lake, there was a model of ‘The Spinnaker Tower’ in the Model Village and this was the main purpose of the visit, The Model village itself is looking very tired and the amount they charge to get in is a little on the expensive side. The model of the Spinnaker is only here for a limited time!!

A more peaceful day today a trip to Brockenhurst for a walk through the forest, a bit of tree climbing and a few goes on 'The Rope Swings' well for the younger ones anyway, a stop for a 'New Forest ' ice cream on the way home.

We took the kids to Blackgang Chine today; when Evie spied this on our April trip we promised her we would have a day out there. So this was the day 0930 ferry out and 1830 home, this was running very late and actually left at 1930!! And not one apology from Wightlink (not good customer service) the camera broke the day before so we had to go back to the old one so picture quality is not so good.

The second trip around the Island this year to catch all the things we didn't do last time, visted The Needles Park again then for a brief stop in Freshwater, drove round to 'Hanover Point' for an ice cream then a Paddle & Swim in the sea. A quick stop in Shanklin followed by a trip to Sandown and then back to the Ferry for the return crossing to Portsmouth.

Today we went to what has now become the annual trip to Paultons Park; we also seem to have a different guest with us each year too. As usual the weather was very good and the queues were very long..

As the weather forecast advised heading west that’s exactly what we did, a very sunny Bournemouth indeed, the weather seemed to cut near Stoney Cross in The New Forest, back home it was windy with rain. I'd forgotten what a lively place Bournemouth is, Entertainment in and around the Winter Gardens & Town Centre, matched by the same around the 'BIC' and pier..

A Typical 2007 summers day, Yes it poured down for most of it, The Watercress line hold an annual 'Thomas the Tank Engine' week as this fell in-line with my 3 year olds birthday this seemed to be a suitable venue. A very well organisied event and a very big money earner for the Mid Hants Railway too..

A nice bright summers day so what better time for a trip to Windsor and a walk to Eton, after finding some parking we had a walk up to Windsor Castle, the usual tourists and tour buses were present, then down to the river and over to Eton, On arrival at Windsor we saw the 'Royal Windsor Wheel' I didn't even realise this existed!!! After walking around for three hours we ventured home

A day out at Worthing to visit the annual bus rally and walk along to the Worthing Seafront Fair and market. a good display of Buses ( go to http://mick-stillwell.fotopic.net/ to see these) a good look around the Funfair through the Market and a look around the American & Custom cars on display. If you've never been to this do go next year its a good day out, held on the last Sunday of July each year.

Today we went to the 'Netley Marsh' Steam and craft fair, the last time I went was in the 1970's when we arrived we found today had been abandoned due to the weather of the past few days making the field very boggy, so I'll have to wait another year!!! we went to Christchurch & Sandbanks instead. here are a few photo's taken of the ferry and Wilts & Dorset buses on the Poole to Swanage Service via the ferry.

I spent a few hours around Old Portsmouth & Southsea today, took a few photo's from the top of the 'Round Tower' and took a few shots of the old City of Portsmouth Preserved Transport Depot now being demolished. CPPTD are still alive and well in their new home in Portchester just outside Portsmouth.

Hovertravel's new hovercraft, Solent Express, entered passenger service between Ryde and Southsea in the evening of Thursday 7th June. The 130 seat craft has been based at Ryde hoverport over the last 8 weeks during the extensive trials period and crew training. Solent Express will be gradually introduced to run alongside the long established hovercraft, Freedom 90 and Island Express. The 70 tonne craft has been designed and built at St Helens on the Isle of Wight by Hovertravel's subsidiary company, Hoverwork.

Today we went for a drive to Alresford, we had a long walk around the Water-Cress beds down to 'The Globe' public house, through the town and along to the railway...

Marwell Zoo held an open evening for children with special needs, this was sponsored by local & national businesses each child went home with a goody bag, fortunately the weather was kind… This was Marwell's 4th Annual Dreamnight at the Zoo

A trip to Portchester Castle for a quick walk around, a very hot day with lots of people out with their picnics.

Out to enjoy the last weekend of my holiday a visit to HMS Victory and a trip round Portsmouth Harbour to see the ships.

A day trip to the Isle-of-Wight, around the Island with various stops along the way, Fishbourne to Alum Bay, Across to Ventnor then on to Shanklin, Sandown and finally to Ryde before the return journey from Fishbourne

At the top of Portsmouth Harbour a number of old naval ships are kept awaiting disposal, these include a number of Type 42 destroyers, HMS Rame Head used for training by the SBS, HMS Intrepid & HMS Fearless.

Hilsea Lido opened in 1935 and was very popular with the residents of 'Northern Portsmouth' for many years, the main swimming pool opens during the summer holidays but is now in a state of dis-repair with major concerns over Health & Safety, the 'Blue Lagoon' part remains active at the moment..

Strong winds brought destruction to many areas of Hampshire, many property's were without power and many trees were brought down, this is one tree that come down in Fareham, apptly named 'Cedar Court'

A day out in Brighton. A trip along the coast to give the new Citroen a run. Parking was the usual nightmare but when we did park it was an enjoyable day.

The first day of the 'Solent Blue Line' tour, go to www.dockstour.info

Have a go its great fun.

Hovertravel Limited is the world's longest established commercial hovercraft operator.
Today it operates the most powerful amphibious diesel hovercraft - the AP1-88/100. This is capable of carrying 100 passengers across the Solent all year round.

The first Sunday opening for The Spinnaker Tower, We queued for an hour but it was worth the wait, we all stood on the glass floor….. It was very busy and the weather held out. Next trip will be when the outside lift is working.

A trip to the Hover Museum on Saturday 22nd 2005, probably the last time to see & go aboard The Princes Anne & The Princess Margaret at Lee-on-the-Solent, A great day and not to many people so an opportunity for some photo's.

A family wedding entailed a trip to Guersey in August, a few shots at the airport and on route.

A Half day trip to the Lee-on-the-Solent Hovercraft Museum for HOVERSHOW 2005, Lots of Hovercraft & lots of People.