Prince Harry marks the next milestone in the history of the Mary Rose Prince Harry has today (Friday 18th March, 2011) visited the Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to mark the next milestone in the history of the Mary Rose. The Prince was given a tour of the current museum and its collection before taking part in the foundation stone ceremony for the new Mary Rose museum.

In the foreword to the commemorative programme Prince Harry says: “I am delighted to be able to mark another milestone today in the extraordinary history of the Mary Rose. This Foundation Stone in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard moves us a step closer to turning the vision and hard work of so many over the past 30 years – some might say 500 years – into reality. This will be a special place of celebration and learning for future generations, and one of commemoration for the English sailors and soldiers who lost their lives in the disaster on 19th July, 1545. I would like to acknowledge the longstanding support for this project of my father, The Prince of Wales. I am so pleased to be building – quite literally – on his good work of so many years. I wish every success to the volunteers and world leading experts, who are working towards the completion of the new Mary Rose Museum.” During his tour of the museum the Prince met with current staff and volunteers, including four divers from the 1982 excavation who are still working for the trust. He handled some of the artefacts recovered from the wreck before meeting with students from the Mary Rose School and then moving into the classroom to meet pupils from St John’s Catholic Primary School. He was then put through his paces by Crookhorn College of Technology when he helped them take part in a Tudor gun drill. Prince Harry then arrived in Victory arena where he met with other staff and supporters and those involved with the construction of the new museum. During the official ceremony, John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust presented the Prince with one of the Mary Rose £2 commemorative gold coins produced by the Royal Mint.

Photo – Ross Young with children from St John’s Catholic Primary School Portsmouth

Prince Harry marks the next milestone in the history of the Mary Rose is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

40th Anniversary event At The Isle of Wight Steam Railway. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

As part of a major project to restore parts of Ryde Cemetery, free masonry training sessions are being offered to Islanders.

Two workshops will be held on three separate days in July at the cemetery on West Street in Ryde.

The first, ‘An Introduction to Monumental Masonry’ will be held on  24 and 30 July. The second, ‘Traditional Masonry and Craft Skills’, will take place on  23 and 31 July. All workshops take place between 0930 – 1630.

The free events are being delivered by Wight Stonemasonry and are aimed at providing an introduction to working with natural stone within a conservation environment.

The workshops form part of the Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project which is a major scheme to regenerate parts of the cemetery. This includes repairing and refurbishing buildings, perimeter fencing and existing walls.

The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with support from the Isle of Wight Council and local conservation groups.

Places on the workshops are limited and they are expected to fill up fast. Anyone wishing to apply for a place should request a booking form from Janis Mundell who can be called on (01983) 885172 or via email at janis.mundell@iow.gov.uk

FREE STONE MASONRY WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE 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

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

The Ellen MacArthur Trust is a charity based on the IOW working with young people between 8 and 24, helping to rebuild their confidence after treatment for cancer and leukaemia.

Established in 2003 by world-renowned yachtswoman and IOW resident Dame Ellen MacArthur, the Trust now welcomes young people from hospitals all over the country to participate in short sailing trips, initially around the IOW. These young people have often spent long periods of their childhood in hospital, missing out on school and isolated from their peer group.  The trips give them a chance to regain their independence and take control of their lives again, meeting others who understand what they’ve been through.  We aim to rebuild the confidence lost during treatment, and simply have fun, with sailing being the perfect catalyst.

The young people sleep and eat on board, and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of crew life, from helming the yacht, to washing up, with the emphasis on teamwork.  The sailing is mixed with shore-based activities and the Trust is supported by local businesses and organizations including UKSA, Liz Earle, Plaza Ice Creams, Yarmouth Lifeboat, Red Funnel and Solent Yacht Club, helping to make sure all the young people have a great time.

They can then return each year, to sailing regattas, a residential dinghy week in Essex, or for longer cruising.  In 2009 we sailed Round Britain, with 74 young people crewing on one of 16 separate legs.  Trust crews sailed under London’s famous Tower Bridge, were welcomed into Belfast by the Lady Mayor, and saw dolphins and whales.  The yacht returned to Cowes in September at the end of a truly inspirational voyage! To find out more about the work of the Trust or how to support us, please visit www.ellenmacarthurtrust.org

The Ellen MacArthur Trust is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Start your festive season with a day out to A Victorian Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The special 10th Anniversary event this year promises all of your festival favourites of the last decade with a host of Victorian entertainment and colourful characters, the largest Christmas market on the South Coast, and even more snow!

Tickets are now no longer available by phone, you can however buy them via the link on the left of this page at any time up to and during the event! They are also available in the Visitor Centre from 10am on all 3 days of the Festival.

Highlights include a Victorian Father of Christmas (complete in traditional green dress!), a snow covered Victorian Street, Nativity Farm, Punch & Judy shows, Parlour Games, Victorian School Room, Carol singing, Fagin’s Tavern, Lantern Parade, a Ride on Railway, Victorian Fairground and other great Christmas entertainment.

Browse a fine range of unique gifts, art, crafts and festive food and drink and get all of your Christmas Shopping done in one go!

There truly is something for everyone so bring along the whole family and make 2009 a Christmas to remember.

A Victorian Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

A lower gundeck dinner in HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, is the centrepiece of a weekend in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard devoted to the leading fictional chronicler of Nelson’s Navy, Patrick O’Brian.

Brought to a new generation of fans by the film Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany, Patrick O’Brian wrote a total of 20 books featuring Captain ‘Lucky’ Jack Aubrey and his constant companion, the surgeon, naturalist and part-time intelligence agent, Stephen Maturin. They have been described as the finest historical novels ever written.

The weekend, which runs from Friday 26^th to Sunday 28^th March 2010 inclusive, is being organised by the Royal Naval Museum, which is located in 18^th Century Storehouses at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. In addition to the HMS Victory dinner, other highlights include a concert of music and readings from the novels and lectures by leading historians on the Navy of the period.

“The aim is to celebrate Patrick O’Brian and the Navy he loved so much,” says Mrs Sue Goodger, the Museum’s Events Co-ordinator. “The first weekend a couple of years ago was intended to be a one-off, but we all enjoyed it so much that it has become a regular event. We get participants from all over the world, especially the United States.”

Places cost £450 per person (accommodation not included).

For further information on booking please contact Mrs Sue Goodger at the Royal Naval Museum, HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3NH, UK (Tel: 023-9272-7583); e-mail: sue.goodger@royalnavalmuseum.org

Exclusive Weekend Offered For Fans Of Naval Novelist is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk