1 Week To Go Until Portsmouth Navy Days!

With just a week to go, excitement is building and everyone is getting shipshape for Portsmouth Navy Days, a three-day event at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard, which runs from Friday 30^th July – Sunday 1^st August.

The Royal Navy’s two newest warships are set to be a dazzling double act as the newest naval technology features alongside the historic prowess of the naval fleet of the past, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

The new formidable Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring (Saturday and Sunday only) and HMS Dauntless are among the most powerful warships in the world and for the first time together they will open their hatches to the public.

Alongside HMS Dauntless will be a full-size replica of a supersonic car hoping to break the world land speed record, Bloodhound, and the anti-submarine Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron.

Joining the destroyers on the list of ships opening their hatches to visitors are Type 23 frigates HMS Richmond and Westminster, Type 22 frigate HMS Cumberland, who last year undertook a successful anti-piracy patrol in the Indian Ocean, minehunter HMS Cattistock, fisheries protection vessel HMS Tyne, and the newly refitted RFA Argus.

Also just confirmed for the three days are fast-roping displays over the harbour by the Royal Marines, demonstrating the daring techniques involved in boarding suspect vessels.

The skies will also resonate to the sounds of the RN Historic Flight and a flypast by Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance. The Black Knights Parachute Display Team and a demonstration by a coastguard helicopter and Portsmouth lifeboat will add to the action over the harbour.

Deputy Naval Base Commander, Captain Paul Lemkes, said: “Navy Days is a fantastic opportunity for the Royal Navy to be able to show the public, close up, the capabilities it contributes to UK Defence. The line-up of ships will give visitors a true feel of the wide variety of tasks carried out and I am particularly delighted that we have two Type 45 destroyers on show in their home port so that visitors will be able to see how the Royal Navy is maintaining its place at the forefront of maritime operations with this cutting edge class of warship.

“I am sure that RFA Argus will be a big hit with visitors too. She is a one-off ship with a very special capability and does not often get the chance to have the public on board.”

Navy Days 2010 promises to be one of the most popular events on the South Coast this summer, featuring serving warships of the Royal Navy, thrilling naval displays, historical re-enactments and the world-class attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

Robert Bruce, Chief Executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is co-hosting the event with the Naval Base, added: “Navy Days 2010 will be a brilliant event for all ages, showcasing the Navy’s present and future capabilities including its people and, especially at Portsmouth, its heritage too. There’s nowhere else in the country that you can see this great mix and we’re expecting it to be the highlight of this summer on the south coast.”

Visitors are encouraged to use the Portsmouth Park & Ride Service at Lakeside North Harbour in Portsmouth (signposted from the M27). It will be operating for all three days and the first bus will depart Lakeside North Harbour at 9am and the last bus will depart from The Hard at 7pm. The cost is £2.50 per car and up to 7 passengers.

The 40 page glossy souvenir guide produced by The News, Portsmouth’s daily paper, contains the full programme of events and a map of the site as well as lots of fascinating articles about the modern Royal Navy, its ships and people. On sale for £2 at most retail outlets throughout the local area, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre, The News offices at Hilsea and The News shops at Portsmouth City Centre, Havant, Gosport and Fareham. And for those outside the area the programme is also available to www.portsmouth.co.uk/newspapersales (Additional postage fee for online purchase will apply).

Programmes will also be available to buy at Navy Days.

Further information, including ticket details, is available from the Navy Days website – www.navydaysuk.co.uk or by calling 023 9283 9766

1 Week To Go Until Portsmouth Navy Days! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Rainbow Directory Family Publication have changed their name to The Family Directory this is a rather special Summer 2010 issue. As they have been running for 5 years this summer.They have grown so much over the years and it is thanks to Island Families and Local Businesses. They would love to hear your views, ideas and your news. With your involvement and their vision to develop The Family Directory, they hope to give you even more essential local information from, leisure, schools, parties, places to visit, health and events.

This Summer issue the magazine  has two new features ‘Family cooking at its simplest with Anna’. At the end of the day as parents  want a quick, easy, healthy family meal  to cook . The other new feature  is about  going back to work full time or part–time?  You will find  some ideas of working around your family.

The bumper Summer issue of The Family Directory is packed with even more things to do over the summer holidays. With more amazing competitions. To the Owl and Monkey haven or tickets to see a circus.  Also you can sign up for the FREE Family Directory e-newsletter, to receive the latest news on events, holiday clubs, what’s on and special offers. Simply click on the newsletter button on their home page and they will do the rest.  Go to www.thefamilydirectory.co.uk

If you have not had your FREE copy email info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk or call 01983 872191

We have a calendar on our website of clubs, classes, events and lots more. All available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have an event please email it to us on info@thefamilydirectory.co.uk and we will add the event for free. Also join us on Face book and Twitter.

The Rainbow Directory Family Publication have changed their name to The Family Directory is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Pirates and Pinafore Take Over HMS Warrior 1860

Sunday 18^th July 2010 – 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm

FREE with entry ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

As part of the Victorian themed events to celebrate the launch of HMS Warrior in 1860, Bournemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Society has been invited on board to perform excerpts from The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore, plus a selection of sea shanties on Sunday, 18^th July.

Bournemouth G&S Society, which is regarded as one of the best Gilbert & Sullivan Societies in the country, has won many awards, their latest awards being ‘Runners Up’ and ‘Best Animated Chorus’ at the prestigious Buxton International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival.

Robin Lavies, who is playing Sir Joseph Porter from ‘HMS Pinafore’ said that the whole Society was very much looking forward to singing aboard HMS Warrior and that he was delighted to be one of the principals taking part in such a unique and exciting event. “HMS Warrior is such a superb ship with all its history and atmosphere, so to be singing excerpts from 2 of the best loved nautical G&S operettas on her deck will be an experience not to be missed.”

The three performances will be open to the general public as they tour HMS Warrior 1860 and are timed for 12.30, 1.45 and 3.00pm. Penny Chrichton-Seager is producing the performance and has scripted some amusing dialogue between Sir Joseph Porter from HMS Pinafore and the Pirate King from The Pirates of Penzance – largely based on the Johnny Depp characterisation from The Pirates of the Caribbean films.

A ticket for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard also gives entry to HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Action Stations and Harbour Tours. Tickets cost adults £19.50, seniors £16.50, children & students £14.00 and a family ticket costs £55.00 (up to 5 people with a maximum of 2 adults or seniors). Entrance to the Historic Dockyard is free for those wishing to visit the retailers, cafes and Antiques Storehouse.

The Historic Dockyard opens at 10am daily and further information can be found at www.historicdockyard.co.uk or by calling 02392 839 766.

Pirates and Pinafore Take Over HMS Warrior 1860 is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

RhythmTree Festival 16/17/18 July 2010 Calbourne Mill IOW

Blossoming between the Isle of Wight Festival and the Bestival the RhythmTree world music and didgeridoo festival is making its mark on the Island music scene. Now in its second year and again to be found above the beautiful setting of Calbourne Water Mill the event is building on the great reception it received from Island attendees in 2009. Bringing musicians from as far as West Africa and New Zealand, Poland, Croatia, Germany, Czech Republic and France this years event is another celebration of world and didgeridoo music that certainly brings a markedly different musical sound and festival atmosphere to its audience. Friday night is headlined by the evergreen KangarooMoon, the superb French trio Nostoc and the amazing Linos Wengara Magaya with his own brand of Zimbabwean reggae featuring the Mbira. Saturday is the up tempo get up and dance evening with ZubopGambia and their line-up of west african master drummers, the return of Airtist who brought Cowes week to a halt last year with their unstoppable rhythms, Secret Vibes, featuring an on stage fire show and the haunting sound of the Hang Project. Sunday is a real high quality musical evening with the return of Croatian solo didge player Dubravko Lapaine who stunned audiences last year with his virtuosity and stage presence, Czech bands KusKusKlan and El Tenere, slide guitar and blues harp player Phil Henry and the Islands own Cepholadidge. The whole event is headlined by the Afro/Celt fusion band BakaBeyond with their full eight person line-up featuring Fela Kuti’s niece Malora, French fiddle player extraordinary Paddy Le Mercier, Martin Cradick of Outback fame and his wife Sue Heart. Starting at mid-day each day the event is full of off stage entertainment for all the family. Sit and relax in the Didge Cafe with its small open-mic stage, see everything from belly dancers to samba bands perform, join the drum circle at the Chai Chapel or sign up for various world instrument workshops. Youngsters will find lots to do in the Children’s orchard next to the healing area with numerous market stalls close by selling everything from didgeridoos to hand made jewellery. Of course there is a bar and numerous high quality food concessions so no need to  go hungry or thirsty. Tickets are available now from Strings Guitar Center Monkton Street Ryde, Volume One Music Shop The Arcade Shanklin, Music Central Newport, The Ventnorian Ventnor and the Calbourne Mill Ticket Office. Visit the festival website www.rhythmtree.info for online tickets and lots more information.

RhythmTree Festival Calbourne Mill IOW is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hanging Out

Carinthia West

Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts

Sat 17 Jul – Sat 28 Aug

Talk and Film Screening: Sat 17 Jul 5 – 6pm

Anthony Minghella Theatre, Booking required

Drinks Reception: Sat 17 6 – 8pm All Welcome

As a model and actress of the 1970s, Carinthia ‘hung out’ with some of the world’s most respected musicians and performers, taking photographs on her SLR Canon camera, and experimenting with different types of film. Many of her subjects were also her close friends at the time, and include David Bowie, Dame Helen Mirren, Eric Idle, Carly Simon, James Taylor, to mention a few. For this tongue-in-cheek and anecdotal exhibition she has chosen portraits of Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Neil Young, George Harrison, King Hussein of Jordan, and the Pink Floyd pig amongst others.

Carinthia West is the daughter of Christine and Michael West who helped establish Quay Arts in the 1970’s. Carinthia will be giving a talk about her parents and her work on Sat 17 Jul 5 – 6pm which will be followed by a film screening by The Bespoke Film Company in collaboration with Island schools on the history of the Quay Arts and The West Collection – A Quay Vision; an exhibition of the Wests’ art collection in the Michael West Gallery (Sat 3 Jul – Sat 4 Sep).

‘Hanging Out’ by Carinthia West runs from: Sat 17 Jul – Sat 28 Aug, Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, Isle of Wight PO30 5BD

Rope Store Gallery, Quay Arts Newport Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

20th June – Fathers Day Specials Steam Trains are just made for Dads!

Whether he reminisces about steam train travel as a boy, wants to check out all the engineering stuff, or secretly dreams of being a train driver, your Dad, whatever his age, will enjoy a day out at the IWSR! All dads travelling on the train will receive a free gift and the Railway’s Refreshment Rooms will be open all day for meals and refreshments. Tickets – Steam Train fares: Adults £9.50, Children (5-15) £5.00, Infant (0-4) FREE, Family £24.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children). For full details please contact: 01983 882204 www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Fathers Day Specials Steam Trains Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, saw an 8% increase in the number of passengers using their hovercraft, whilst putting on a HoverFest for people travelling to the Isle of Wight Festival.

Neil Chapman, Managing Director of Hovertravel, said: “Hovertravel is a firm favourite with festival goers. This year we launched the first ever HoverFest which saw local DJ’s entertain hundreds of festival goers as they queued to board the hovercraft from the Southsea terminal. We helped get the party started for customers and staff worked hard to put on extra services to transport over thousands of bags, thousands of tents and  10,000 wellies.

Hovertravel is the fastest way to the Isle of Wight, as well as being the most entertaining, with specially prepared DJ mixes being broadcast on our hovercraft during the trip across the Solent.”

HOVERTRAVEL ENJOYS RECORD NUMBERS DURING THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Needles Old Battery – Round the Island Yacht Race Breakfast 19 June 6am – 11am Watch the yachts round the Needles rocks from the spectacular vantage point of the Needles Old Battery whilst enjoying a hearty breakfast in the tea room or, if the weather permits, outside on the grassy slopes. For wheelchair users and less abled visitors there is now a viewing platform at the far end of the Parade Ground overlooking the Needles (limited space). For disabled access please phone 01983 754772. For commercial filming and photography please contact the Assistant Property Manager on 01983 741020. Normal admission charges apply and do not include breakfast. Additional charge for breakfast £6.99. All Images byChris Boynton if you wish to enquire – purchase an image please email: chris.boynton@virgin.net or call on +44 (0)1983 406007. Chris Boynton www.chrisboynton.co.uk

Needles Old Battery – Round the Island Yacht Race Breakfast 19 June 6am is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel launches HoverFest

Hovertravel, the fastest way to the Isle of Wight, is launching the HoverFest, in association with Galaxy 100-106, ready for the festival goers travelling to the island.

On both Thursday 10 June and Friday 11 June, Hovertravel will host two afternoons of live DJ mixes supplied by Galaxy 100-106 between the hours of 12pm and 6pm. Travellers can enjoy the music at the Southsea terminal as well as onboard the hovercraft. DJ’s performing on the days will be Galaxy’s 100-106’s Ben Glover, Sparky and Gillies.

Neil Chapman, Managing Director of Hovertravel, said: “Visitors to The Isle of Wight festival often choose Hovertravel because we are the quickest way to travel to the island. This year to get the party started even faster we are launching the HoverFest to add to the excitement and help get our customers in the mood for the big event.”

Hovertravel launches HoverFest is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Go Wild in the Woods

Come and enjoy a fascinating day in the life of the woodland of Firestone Copse during the spring half-term holidays on Wednesday 2 June.

Set your alarm clocks early as the day begins at 5am with a dawn chorus walk followed by lots of other great wildlife activities throughout the day including pond dipping, woodland crafts, wildflower and butterfly walks, tree climbing, canoe safaris and outdoor art plus loads more, and will draw to a close with night time wildlife detecting at dusk.

We’ll also need your help with Island’s very first BioBlitz where you can get involved with recording all the species that we see on the day – so bring a camera!

Parking is limited at Firestone Copse, so please try and car share. A free hourly shuttle minibus will run from Station Road Steam Railway car park in Wootton.

For the latest event updates and activities timetable visit www.wildonwight.co.uk

Go Wild in the Woods is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Naturezones is run at a ten acre site consisting of wildflower meadows and native woodland at Blackwater. It is a great venue for children to become Nature Detectives. The Wildlife Education Centre was set up by Angela Hewitt and her husband three years ago with the help of Heritage Lottery funding.

Numerous activities include: Tuesday Holiday Club, for 6 – 12 year olds. This includes Hide building, treasure hunts, art and craft. They offer Birthday Parties during the school holidays which include a healthy eating picnic and nature discovery activities – the parents provide the birthday cake. Parents can either stay and join in the fun or leave them in capable hands for two and a half hours.

Naturezones latest project is The Green Girls Saturday Club – giving nature a helping hand. This club is for 8 – 12 year olds and is held the last Saturday of every month. The Green Girls will take part in Forest School type activities, nature investigation, help with the Meadow Makers project and even the odd excursion to other nature reserves on the Island.

Naturezones supports the national curriculum in natural sciences (particularly in the understanding of wildlife habitats), geography, art and craft and social skills in all of its activities. As well as offering one free school visit for up to 30 children until July 2011. They also support the Diploma course for higher education students with work experience and citizenship skills.

There is something for parents too, with their volunteer programme and workshops.

For more info go to www.naturezones.org.uk

Children discovering nature at their own pace. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Fancy Free Summer Festival Tickets?

Where there’s a skill there’s a way…

launches ‘Summer of Give’ campaign:  Give Time. Get Your Free Festival Ticket

Suffering from a lack of festival funds? Finding that tickets are already sold out? Well, don’t write off the 2010 music festival season just yet says  , The National Young Volunteers service, as where there’s a skill there’s always a way!

has launched ‘Summer of Give’, a brand new initiative asking 18-25 year olds across the country to give their free time this summer to get the time of their lives for FREE at some of the UK’s most sought after – and already sold out music festivals including Isle of Wight, V Festival, T4 on the Beach, Relentless Boardmasters and Creamfields.

Talented 18-25 year olds are being called upon to join the vcrew on the bigvbus at each location. The deal? Get creative and share your time and talents with others in return for free festival access. Simple.

All willing volunteers have to do is log on to www.vinspired.com/summerofgive and tell  what skills they can uniquely offer for free at each festival location. So whether it’s music, dance, photography, writing or even fashion styling skills that make you stand out from the crowd,  needs your help and for just four hours a day. That’s it!

Aspiring DJ’s and bands could hit the top deck of the bigvbus and play a warm up festival set while promising photographers and writers snap, blog and tweet the festival scene. Graffiti artists and dancers could even hold master classes on-board – it’s your call, just tell  what you can do.

Not sure you have a special talent but still eager to get involved? 18-25 year olds looking for more general volunteering opportunities at festivals can still visit vinspired.com to see how else they can get involved in the festival scene for free this summer. All volunteer applications will be judged by ’ s ‘Summer of Give’ panel and those chosen will receive a free festival pass. Creative volunteers will also be given a dedicated performance space each day on the bigvbus.

Director of Marketing and Communications, Jenni Young, comments: “The ’Summer of Give’ initiative aims to make young people look at volunteering in a whole new light. We have some of the biggest festival names on side to show that volunteering can really get you places, the very best places – and for FREE!   This campaign also offers young, ambitious talent a unique opportunity to shine in an amazing setting.” For all the information you could possibly need about volunteering opportunities on the festival scene this summer vinspired.com is a great one-stop-shop. As well as details about the ‘Summer of Give’ – other festival volunteering opportunities also showcased include roles at Latitude, Freeze Festival, Big Chill, Womad, Summer Sundae and Bestival to name a few. For further details on ‘Summer of Give,’ deadlines for each festival applications and v’s terms and conditions, please log on to www.vinspired.com/summerofgive

‘Summer of Give’ 2010 Festivals:

• Isle of Wight: 11-13^th June 2010
• T4 on the Beach: 4^th July 2010
• Relentless Boardmasters: 4- 8^th August 2010
• V Festival: 21^st – 22^nd August 2010
• Creamfields: 28^th – 29^th August 2010

Fancy Free Summer Festival Tickets? is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Last Great Event

Chris Weston

Café  Wall, Quay Arts

Thu 13 May – Mon 5 Jul 2010

This is the only complete photographic record of the 1970 Pop Festival held at Afton Down, taken over a three-week period by local photographer Chris Weston. Chris was one of only three full time electricians working on the site and had access to areas not available to the press or the general public. Through his extensive collection of photographs, Chris reveals a community event, which has gone down in history as being the largest attended musical event in the UK.

A book accompanies this exhibition, which is for sale at a reduced price in the Quay Arts Craft Shop. This exhibition is supported by The New Rembrandt Gallery, Newport IOW

The Last Great Event by Chris Weston runs from: Thu 13 May – Mon 5 Jul, Café Wall, Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, IOW, PO30 5BD

The Last Great Event Chris Weston Café Wall, Quay Arts is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Unlike the current news headlines, the effects of steam and travel are being celebrated at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and there will be no fear of being stranded from Saturday 8^th – Sunday 9^th May!

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Celebration of Steam is a two day event, where visitors will be transported into the wonderful world of steam, both traditional and modern, with displays of traction engines and road locomotives at work to ferry visitors around the site, steam wagons, boats, model and ride-on railways and a whole host of Victorian dockyard characters.

NEW this year is the chance to compare 150 years of steam technology from the launch of sail and steam powered warship, HMS Warrior 1860, who when built was quite simply bigger, faster and more heavily armoured than any other warship afloat – her magnificent Penn steam engine will be bought to life with smoke pouring from her funnels; to a special appearance of the 2009 land speed record-breaking British Steam Car, along with its dynamic team! Celebrating the fifth successful year of the event with a special appearance is the British Steam Car team which broke the world land speed record in 2009 by achieving an average speed of 148.308 mph over a measured kilometre. The team behind it will be taking things at a more leisurely pace as they chat to visitors, show them the inner workings of the vehicle and give them the opportunity to sit in the car’s cock pit!

Team Manager Lynne Angel said “people are in awe of the vehicle, she really is a show-stopper. Although the press dubbed her as “the world’s fastest kettle” the car looks very futuristic and Thunderbird’esque. The project really celebrates British engineering and ingenuity”.

Back by popular demand this year is the chance to discover the history of Portsmouth Dockyard as one of the greatest industrial complexes in the world throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Guided tours of the now disused Block Mills will capture the imagination on a journey back in time to discover how this was once the first and finest complete steam powered factory in the world.

The Dockyard Apprentice exhibition invites visitors to clock in and go back to 1911 to witness the men at work and learn the crafts and skills that were needed at a time when the Dreadnought battleships were being constructed here. Plus, there is the chance to marvel at the saw bench and stone crusher displays as well as listen to talks on the inner workings of a steam engine. Then as if that wasn’t enough for this steam extravaganza, there is the option to kick back with some pork and a pint at a bigger and better Real Ale, Sausage and Cider Festival, whilst listening to Brass bands and traditional organ, watching lively Morris dancers and treating the kids to nostalgic fairground rides. Plus, with entrance to the Historic Dockyard attractions and a whole host of Victorian dock workers and street entertainers paving the way, it promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family!

Tickets for the event are adults: £12, concessions: £10, family (up to 5 people, maximum of 2 adults/seniors): £36. Tickets include entrance to all attractions on site: HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum, National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations (excludes Harbour Tours).

For further booking information please telephone 023 9283 9766 or visit www.celebrationofsteam.co.uk

No volcano in sight but plenty of steam at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Local and National businesses joined forces to create the Island’s best attended Food Theatre to date.

The Southern Co-operatives Local Flavours Marquee drew in unexpected crowds of hundreds of people. Chefs entertained and educated spectators about food seasonality, local fare and valuable cooking techniques. David Etchell Johnson, Head Chef at The Seaview staged a ‘culinary master class’ demonstrating a superb black bream speciality. Charlie Bartlett from The Garlic Farm also impressed the audience with easy to make, yet exquisite sausage rolls. Ben Brown also wowed the crowd showing three ways to cook his own grown asparagus. The marquee sent out aromas across the busy show field dragging people in to the smell of IW lamb cutlets sizzling with David Edgerton-Reed from Real Island Food and crispy crackling from IW pork also provided by Hamiltons and cooked by The head chef, Luke Hadden of The Albert Cottage. Taste buds were also sent a tingling with Jon Groom Head Chef at Sentry Mead who created a superb cheesecake.

The Island Inspirational Masterchef 2010, Sponsored by Southern Co-operatives and IW Country Press

The new competition launched this year at the Garden Show drew in unprecedented crowds of supportive public. Professionally Hosted by Michael Coombes of Isle of Wight Radio two nervous contestants, Rachel Brown and Lee-Emma Carter took centre stage and performed to their greatest ability with judges from Southern Co-operatives, The Seaview Hotel and also Geoff Hughes, the contestants fielded relentless questions and comments while they frantically cooked and created two dishes of an exceptional standard. However Lee-Emma’s cannon of IW lamb stole the show and David Etchell Johnson stated her use of local ingredients helped her secure her victory.

For more information about the Local Flavours marquee, please call Louise Hart on 07872 835353

Robin Hill Garden Show 2010 – Food is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

The Royal Navy’s smallest vessel has joined the growing list of ships lining up for Navy Days at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard this summer.

Visitors can get a close-up look at inshore survey craft HMS Gleaner, which measures just 14.8m and has a crew of five, at the three day-event from July 30th.

The vessel, based at Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth, entered service in 1983 and is used to collect data from the shallowest inshore waters. She has carried out surveys around the entire UK coastline and has also visited various European ports. She uses advanced sonar techniques to compile detailed pictures of the seabed.

Portsmouth-based minehunter HMS Cattistock and fishery protection vessel HMS Tyne have also confirmed their attendance.

They will be joined by the new formidable Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring and Dauntless, Type 23 frigates HMS Richmond and Westminster and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus – an aviation training and casualty reception ship.

Deputy Naval Base Commander, Captain Paul Lemkes, said: “HMS Gleaner is a welcome addition to the attractions at this year’s Navy Days. Although only small, she has a specialist role and capability and I’m sure she will create a lot of interest. The line-up of ships will give visitors a true feel of the wide variety of tasks carried out by today’s Royal Navy.”

The event will also boast a lively and colourful line-up of arena displays including a field gun competition, the White Helmets Motorcycle Display team and Royal Marines Band.

Navy Days 2010 promises to be one of the most popular events on the South Coast this summer, featuring serving warships of the Royal Navy, ships of foreign navies, thrilling naval displays, historical re-enactments and the world-class attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.

For the adventurous and active visitor there is the chance to see if they have the skills to join the senior service on challenging displays, simulators and climbing tower in Action Stations. Whilst there, they can also see Carrier Strike, an interactive exhibition detailing the aircraft carriers of the future.

Robert Bruce, Managing Director of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, added: “Navy Days 2010 will be a brilliant event for all ages, showcasing the Navy’s present and future capabilities including its people and, especially at Portsmouth, its heritage too. There’s nowhere else in the country that you can see this great mix ashore, afloat and in the air and we’re expecting it to be the highlight of this summer on the south coast.”

Further information, including ticket details, is available from the Navy Days website – www.navydaysuk.co.uk or by calling 023 9283 9766

Navy’s Smallest Vessel on View at Navy Days 2010! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk