Medway River Festival

Hi folks,
whilst Sue was in Allhallows I spent the day at the river watching the attractions.

I liked the fish theme as you can see they are cable tied along the railings which was a nice touch.

Long legged pirate out ready to do his worst.

Lots of things for the children which was nice to see.

Hands on with this Lobster note his claws banded to stop him nipping the nippers.

Entertaining the children on the green, he had a following.

....and outside the pub.

Newfoundland area was a hit with loads of petting and dribbling going on.

Taken from Chatham riverside across the river with my long lens with the Castle behind the Cathedral in Rochester.

Bit more action in the next blog,  Regards Mike

Queenborough Cars

Hi again,
just to finish on the island a surprise addition on a small car show on the jetty leading to the Lifeboat, this might appeal to some of the Motor Caravanners' Club.

This1968 Commer Campervan just been restored costing over £2,000 to fix the rust alone. Looks like an original Highwayman at £1094 then new although the interior is different. You could also have had an optional refrigerator fitted.

Inside was well kitted out although not original according to one of the group I spoke to.

Couple of MG cars being guarded by the owners, lovely to chat to them as well.

This Thames Truck and in great condition and coming all the way from Eastchurch on the island.

Lastly a yacht returning to its moorings after a day out.  Thanks for looking, Mike

Queenborough Campsite

Hi again folks,
whilst in Queenbouough we visited this quaint campsite overlooking the town.

Leobay takes five units at a time and was immaculate with all the amenities you could ask for.

Including a workshop to repair vans whilst on site

one of the many garden ornaments.

The views across the water looking towards Grain.

Grain Power Station across the estuary.

Finally, this one caught my eye, thanks for looking Mike.

Man Overboard!

Hi folks.
weekend trip to Queenbouough in Kent to check out a campsite, whilst there we took a stroll along the seafront and noticed a operation by the RNLI and decided to investigate.

These three were putting on a demonstration in an open day, I was on a pontoon off the beach.

Reenactment with a body in the water.

Off to the rescue at high speed, now lets see how observant you all are.

Rescued and dragged back on board.

and safely back to dry land.

Bringing up the rear was the lifeboat returning to the event after being called out on a rescue mission to recover a yacht which was safely moored up behind after being towed back.

All the best, Mike

Farnham Castle #2

Hi folks,
completion of the castle we visited.

Looking over the wall by the North turret into the gardens below.

Foundation of the square tower , this would have had store rooms with a deep well to the side. The tower would have been built of wood or stone but no evidence remains of it or how tall it stood.

Walking back to the staircase leading to the site of the drawbridge.

One of the three entrances leading out onto castle hill.

Next to the castle is the Bishops Palace in the same land, now used for functions and also a hotel. 

Finally another one of the ornate gate houses.

Thanks for looking, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Farnham.  Mike

Farnham Castle

Hi folks,
just up from the campsite was this 900 year old castle built on a mound in the 16th century overlooking Farnham, with a very interesting history.

Outer fortifications with Marion and Sue standing guard with Harry.

The entrance gateway with the last surviving tower still standing. The portcullis would have been situated above the wall to drop down for added protection.

Wall - walk, above the entrance gateway this had steps leading up to the surviving wall with doors which lead onto the turrets at first floor level. 

One of the few remaining arrow windows.

Looking back towards the original Norman central tower foundations and well which originally had a 50 foot square tower rising up  and a well going down below. 

Looking over the wall by the north turret you can see the funfair and beyond was the campsite in Farnham park. To the right in the trees was the steep footpath leading down into the town.

Looking back towards the gateway, the original fortifications only lasted seventeen years and was demolished by civil war. It was rebuild in the 12 and early 13 century.

I have a part two to follow, Mike

Arrival at the Meadow and going out with a Punch

Hi folks,
last in the batch of the Carnival in Farnham and thanks for tagging along.

Local boxing team putting on a show.

Being carried the last leg.

Getting all in a twirl.

Fantastic decoration on this float.

Marines bringing up the rear.

Meanwhile at Gostrey Meadow the sideshows waiting to entertain the public.

With a play area for the children.

Refreshments and a sit down.

Lastly followed up by music from the stage.

That's it! hope you enjoyed the carnival as much as we did, thanks for looking. Hope to be back with the Surrey Motor Caravaners Club again next year.  Mike