Thursday, November 28, 2013
ROM AND SOCRUISE
A very patient So Cruise tolerates Rom (look closely above his head) one of the two rescued 'fox kittens'.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
FIELD NAMES OF MAIDENCOMBE: 'TOM BOX'
This is the first field name video diary of 'Tom Box' and a tantalizing glimpse of bygone decades here in Maidencombe. The 'Finger' field or 'Box' field as I knew it, turns out to have been named after Tom Box, one of the residents who had an allotment here in the forties and fifties.
Grateful thanks to Alan and Bob Hunt for retrieval of this field name and supporting history.
Much information was gleaned from a meeting on November 13th where Alan Hunt and his brother Bob exchanged knowledge with Jim Campbell and his reservoir of knowledge gained from Captain Bill, Harry Nickels and Hiley Edwards (senior).
Friday, November 22, 2013
MUM HOLDS THE MEDAL
Mum proudly displays the Arctic Star medal awarded to my late father for his service in the Merchant Navy (and Royal Navy) for the Russian Convoy sailings in the last war.
A MOST SPECIAL DAY
I've just been to the post box to retrieve the mail and was surprised to find a package addressed to my dear old Mum. As far as I knew, she hadn't sent off for anything and it didn't appear to be from one of her many animal supported charities.
Mum hasn't been well lately and to cheer her up I had been planning to put up the Christmas tree this Saturday as she so loves the festive season.
I took her a cup of tea in bed and gave her the parcel. A few moments later there was a cry from the bedroom which I heard in the kitchen.
I rushed in to discover that my late father's Arctic Convoy medal had finally arrived! Mum was terribly excited and silly old fool that I am, I went all misty.
A photo and accompanying story to follow. A most special day here in Maidencombe.
Mum hasn't been well lately and to cheer her up I had been planning to put up the Christmas tree this Saturday as she so loves the festive season.
I took her a cup of tea in bed and gave her the parcel. A few moments later there was a cry from the bedroom which I heard in the kitchen.
I rushed in to discover that my late father's Arctic Convoy medal had finally arrived! Mum was terribly excited and silly old fool that I am, I went all misty.
A photo and accompanying story to follow. A most special day here in Maidencombe.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
THE DANGER OF GANTRY ISLAND
Traffic exiting Brim Hill onto the Teignmouth Road are severely hampered by the gantry signage constructed around the lamp post. A narrow window of view exists which is insufficient for safety of motorists. At times, this tiny 'window' is blocked off by illegal advertising boards which completely block the view of oncoming traffic from Shaldon. Highways will be reviewing the situation in the light of complaints from residents.
The repeater 30 MPH sign to the right of the gantry has served its purpose but now traffic are 'wise' to the sign and do not slow down.
Repositioning of the signage to the village on the right and Stokeinteignhead to the left may be desirable. In any event, the notorious 'Gantry Island' is considered an eyesore by many residents.
The repeater 30 MPH sign to the right of the gantry has served its purpose but now traffic are 'wise' to the sign and do not slow down.
Repositioning of the signage to the village on the right and Stokeinteignhead to the left may be desirable. In any event, the notorious 'Gantry Island' is considered an eyesore by many residents.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
FEROX DETENTION UPDATE
My thanks to 'Grim Snapper' for this update on the detention of the Ferox (detained since October 24th in Poole Harbour). Rather than leave a comment on a post (I agree, it's very difficult) please contact me on my email address at: preconcruiser@aol.com
Tug Ferox – information is now available on the MCA website giving details of the 20 deficiencies found at her PSC Inspection including the 8 grounds for detention.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=8F8AD74EBE1E91F1&m=11&y=2013
If and when she is released from detention her name will be removed from the list of current detentions at the Paris MoU on Port State Control website.
https://www.parismou.org/detentions-banning/current-detentions
You can also see details of her previous two detentions by using the Inspection Search facility on the same website.
Tug Ferox – information is now available on the MCA website giving details of the 20 deficiencies found at her PSC Inspection including the 8 grounds for detention.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=8F8AD74EBE1E91F1&m=11&y=2013
If and when she is released from detention her name will be removed from the list of current detentions at the Paris MoU on Port State Control website.
https://www.parismou.org/detentions-banning/current-detentions
You can also see details of her previous two detentions by using the Inspection Search facility on the same website.
Friday, November 15, 2013
HMS SEVERN IN BABBACOMBE BAY
Pleased and quite surprised that my Canon Powershot SX40 is now operational once more (fingers crossed) after failing a few days ago with the PC equivalent of the 'blue screen of death' - the dreaded ' Lens error Will shut down automatically Restart camera' from which there is little hope of survival. It may have helped that it was pulled from a shelf by one of the kittens and fell onto my cork-tiled floor!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
THE GRAVEYARD OF TOWS
The More convoy, subject of great interest on the shipping forums, is now about 110 kms south of Lands End making 4 knots on a heading of 230 degrees. Martin has kindly given me the current wave heights (crucial for tows) from the Celtic Sea Buoy and it appears that the convoy is being subjected to wave heights well over 2 metres.
The Novara, smallest of the two vessels, is able to cope with wave heights up to 1.7 metres (according to information received).
Worse is to come late Wednesday with wave heights approaching 4 metres in the Celtic Sea.
The good news for the More crew is that they will have exited the Celtic Sea by then but the bad news is that they will then be within the feared Bay of Biscay - the 'Graveyard of Tows'.
The tiny convoy will have to keep well clear of the coast to avoid the effects of the steep Atlantic swell, known as the Continental Shelf effect.
The Novara, smallest of the two vessels, is able to cope with wave heights up to 1.7 metres (according to information received).
Worse is to come late Wednesday with wave heights approaching 4 metres in the Celtic Sea.
The good news for the More crew is that they will have exited the Celtic Sea by then but the bad news is that they will then be within the feared Bay of Biscay - the 'Graveyard of Tows'.
The tiny convoy will have to keep well clear of the coast to avoid the effects of the steep Atlantic swell, known as the Continental Shelf effect.
PROGRESS OF THE MORE CONVOY
Eighteen hours after departing their anchorage off Maidencombe, the More convoy is now about 60 kms south east of Lands End and about to leave the English Channel for the French coast.
On the Scheepvaart (shipping) Forum, there is amazement that this convoy is operating at this time of year with these types of vessels. One suggestion of the loading operation that took place on Saturday is that some sort of navigation lighting system was being put in place. As I mentioned, there was no lighting at all on the Novara. In any event, the More convoy is potentially on a perilous venture to its African destination, proceeding at a snail's pace of 3 or 4 knots. To give you an idea of that rate of progress, you could comfortably keep up on foot - if the route was on land.
On the Scheepvaart (shipping) Forum, there is amazement that this convoy is operating at this time of year with these types of vessels. One suggestion of the loading operation that took place on Saturday is that some sort of navigation lighting system was being put in place. As I mentioned, there was no lighting at all on the Novara. In any event, the More convoy is potentially on a perilous venture to its African destination, proceeding at a snail's pace of 3 or 4 knots. To give you an idea of that rate of progress, you could comfortably keep up on foot - if the route was on land.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
MORE CONVOY EN ROUTE TO DAKAR
Just after 5:30am, the More convoy left its mooring off Maidencombe. It is currently about 30 miles south of Plymouth, proceeding at 4.4 knots on a heading of 229 degrees.
Saturday, November 09, 2013
LOADING OPERATION ON THE NOVARA?
LOADING OPERATION ON THE NOVARA?
Intrigued to see a small tender/vessel alongside the Novara early this afternoon. Under higher magnification, the vertical orange canister shaped containers appear to be either being loaded or unloaded from the Novara. Video clip to follow and perhaps you Dutch and German experts out there can tell me what's happening here.
MORE CONVOY LIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS
I saw why there were only two sets of navigation lights showing last night on the More convoy. The More itself is conspicuously lit with vertical mast yellow lights but the Novara, in tow has no lights at all and disappears at night. To overcome this, the Bominflot 5 is anchored bow leading to the Novara's stern. There appears to be only port and starboard lights at the rear of the Bominflot 5, so the illusion is that the anchored vessels appear to be one very long vessel (2 X 85 metres for the tankers.
Weather is ideal for mooring, a very light offshore easterly breeze and calm waters. So far, so good, for the More convoy enterprise - whatever that may be.
Weather is ideal for mooring, a very light offshore easterly breeze and calm waters. So far, so good, for the More convoy enterprise - whatever that may be.
Friday, November 08, 2013
CLEARER VIEW OF THE MORE CONVOY
MORE CONVOY VESSELS
Many thanks to Martin for supplying details of the two inland tankers in the More convoy enabling identification.
So it's the Novara under tow and the Bominflot 5 is accompanying under its own 'steam'.
So it's the Novara under tow and the Bominflot 5 is accompanying under its own 'steam'.
MORE CONVOY REVEALS ITSELF OFF MAIDENCOMBE
Thursday, November 07, 2013
MORE ANCHORED
All stop for the More convoy. Vessels are now anchored less than 2 miles offshore. Only two vessels showing lights though I know there is another vessel there with no AIS. Have to wait for daybreak as my Canon has packed in with zoom on low light.
MORE UPDATE
Just been observing the approach of the More convoy through binoculars. The MTS Vector has passed by at close proximity en route for Brixham - no connection. Two vessels now clearly lit up. One showing port starboard lights and another looking like some sort of rig, strange. Even stranger, is a vessel approaching them from the south with no AIS.
MTS VECTOR
Just noticed that another tug, MTS Vector is on an intercept course with the More from the north. Her destination is Brixham so it may be a coincidence. Popping up the road to observe.
MORE CONVOY CLOSING ON MAIDENCOMBE
Now about 10 kms off Maidencombe and slowing to 3.3 knots. I cannot make out any navigation lights through binoculars. Even small fishing boats clearly illuminated.
MORE CONVOY UNDER WAY
The More and presumably the two tows have left their shelter in Weymouth Bay and are about to enter Lyme Bay. Current speed and track 3.7 knots 274 degrees. Thanks Martin.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
BREAKING NEWS: TUG FEROX DETAINED BY THE MARITIME & COASTGUARD AGENCY IN POOLE
I am indebted to the 'Grim Snapper' for releasing the following information. I stress that the detention of the Ferox has not, as yet, been verified by the MCA. The photo of the Rix Harrier confirms my video comments on the apparent unseaworthiness of the vessel. The Grim Snapper's text is in bold italics: |
Ferox 'detained' in Poole November 2nd |
Ferox's tows in Poole: Valetta (left) and Rix Harrier |
MORE OPERATION NOW IN WEYMOUTH BAY
Currently moored about 4 kms from Weymouth Harbour. Her intentions unknown. My key (and most reliable) source has cited upcoming wind change of direction for her move across the English Channel, which must have incurred extensive fuel costs. My Dutch source stresses the importance of sea state and weather for the towing of these vessels in open sea as the former inland waterway vessels are palpably unsuited to even moderate swell and wind conditions. Many thanks, Martin.
MORE CONVOY UNDER WAY
My apologies for lack of posts, but my health has been suffering for the past few days now. I took a look at the More convoy earlier today which had been sheltering east of the Cherbourg peninsula for over a fortnight and see that it is now under way. It is currently making 6.9 knots on a heading of 292 degrees. At first I thought the group was making for Poole where the Ferox group is at present, but it now appears to be veering west towards either Weymouth or Lyme Bay. Have you any intelligence on this Martin?
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