PORTSMOUTH REUNION 2005 - International Festival of the Sea

Eight members and seven wives made it to Portsmouth for the International Festival of the Sea, Ager (2), Blake (1), Brennan (2), Grealy (2), Harries (2), Holloway (2), Maddox (2) and Wardrop (2).   Due to the difficulties of getting accommodation within the city, the base location moved to Fareham, where most of us stayed at the Lysses Hotel.

Friday Evening

We dined at the Churchillian pub on Porstdown Hill, where it was planned we should admire the view over Portsea Island & Spithead to the Isle of Wight.   Disappointingly, mist and light rain put paid to that, and we couldn't even see the new "Spinnaker Tower" nor the "Sails of the South".   However we dined well, in spite of the large number of diners to be served.

Saturday

We boarded crowded trains for Portsmouth Harbour.   Some motorists among us appeared not to have travelled by rail for many years - it is now not a steam loco, rails are welded - and you don't end up at Sleaford.   For the International Festival of the Sea the weather was cloudy/sun which meant that it was dry and not too hot.   The dockyard main gate had long queues, and I led the way to a smaller side gate.   However, others had been directed there, and we found a line of people waiting.   I walked to the front, misunderstood the situation, then waved our lot forward, whereupon we peacefully queue-bashed and got in immediately.   A quick snap of all of us, and then we split up to stroll around as we wished.   There were warships, tall ships, private yachts, field gun races, musical entertainment, a military attack display with Marine Commandos, RN and Army helicopters, and two RAF aircraft simulating a bombing raid.   Then there were stalls and marquees with exhibitions or goods for sale.   One thing I learned was that a new company called Thales (European) is basically a combination of Thomson (French) and Racal (British) plus several other lesser company components.   They appear to dabble in navigational and missile equipment.   The name is usually pronounced as "Thayles" by English people but is should be "Tar-less".   The French can't understand our mistake, as we seem to cope with Thomson and Thames which both have redundant aitches.

Saturday Evening

We dined at Edwinns just along the High Street from the Lysses Hotel.   Unexpectedly, we had a large table in a private room, so were able to easily chat to each other.   Bill H said grace, and Dave H made a short toast to "absent friends".

Sunday

Bill & Lois M went to The Royal Armouries Museum in Fort Nelson, Cliff B went to Southampton, whilst Dave & Anne H, along with Neville & Peggy A went to Arundel and The Downs & Weald Open Air Museum.

Sunday Evening

The last five spent a pleasant evening with sandwiches and chat in the hotel lounge.

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