I admit to being fascinated by hovercraft but I have left it until now to hop onto one to travel the short ten minute journey via HoverTravel from Portsmouth over to the Isle of Wight for a day trip. And I am so glad I did – I’ll be using it again soon no doubt! If like…
Tag: Hampshire
On the trail of John Keats
Has this ever happened to you? Sometimes when you work on a new project, a name pops up again and again and you start seeing references to it everywhere you go. What do they call it – Six degrees of separation? So it was for me with the poet John Keats who is thought to…
The Lavender Fields are Calling!
Make a date for your diary as the open days for some of Hampshire’s most beautiful lavender fields – located between Selborne and Alton in Hampshire – will soon be upon us! There are two open day weekends planned – Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July and Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July – 11.00…
The reason for the D-Day remembrance
The reasons for continuing to remember those who gave their lives for freedom never rang so vividly true for me than with this single snapshot taken yesterday near Southsea Common, Portsmouth. An elderly man was photographed looking for his friend’s names on the cenotaph by the seafront by a young journalist. The hack then shook…
Five of the Best: Southern England’s Country Estates
Having been a recent convert to the National Trust and English Heritage, I find myself seeking out places to visit during the weekend and here are some of my favourites. My enthusiasm, as you will see, has even led me to visit independently owned properties too! Little gems all. If you visit Goodwood House for the…
The beauty of architecture: The Grange at Northington
There is something very appealing about a partially derelict building – and something very sad about its abandonment too. My visit to The Grange at Northington evoked both of these emotions but principally, the great pity of an unloved but beautiful house. The track leading up to the mansion is basic, to say the least, but…
The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower is one of the city’s most noticeable landmarks. A Millennium project which finally opened in October 2005, The Spinnaker Tower has since attracted over two million visitors. With views stretching over 23 miles, there are three viewing decks – the first at altitude 100m (328 feet), the second at altitude 105m (344 feet)…
The Garrison Church – a memorial to the fallen
When walking along the seafront, close to Old Portsmouth, I often passed The Garrison Church without really thinking much about it. Finally, one day, seeing the doors open, I entered the building and became intrigued as to history of the site. Research tells me that it was originally part of “Domus Dei”, a hospital founded in 1212…
Singular Statues: #12 – The Pioneer Statue
The Pioneer Statue is located on Broad Street, Old Portsmouth close on the water side to one of the old Sally Ports. It was presented to the City of Portsmouth by The Pioneer Heritage Foundation on 27th August 2001 to act as a “permanent legacy to the commitment of the Europeans who courageously left their…
The first sign of Spring: Hampshire’s golden fields
For me, the ripening fields of bright yellow rapeseed signal the first sign of spring. This year, they seem to have appeared a little earlier than usual along Lovedean and Chalton Lanes near Clanfield, Hampshire. I wonder where the next crops will – well – crop up – as normally, I would expect to be…
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