LOOK BACK ON LINE : THE DAY THE SKY CRIED IN LONDON – The funeral of His late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej ( London Tributes ) 26th October 2017 – remembered.

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Tony Knight

On the day of His late Majesty’s funeral in Bangkok, Thailand, the Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon, London became the focus of the grief and tributes of His subjects in the United Kingdom, many of whom had travelled to Bangkok during the past year of mourning to pay their personal tributes at the Grand Palace.

The Government of the Kingdom of Thailand was represented by the Ambassador, His Execellency Mr. Pisanu Suvanajatanu and senior colleagues.

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His Execellency Mr. Pisanu Suvanajatanu makes his way to the ceremony.

At the very moment when the ceremonies were reaching their climax in Bangkok, the heavens open over London, drenching those gathered outside the huge marque containing dignitaries and guests. It were as though the sky itself was moved to tears at the solemn moment of bidding His Majesty farewell, as they gave thanks for a life devoted to the welfare of His loyal subjects.

His Execellency Pisanu Suvanajata pays respect to His Majesty.

His Execellency Mr. Pisanu Suvanajatanu pays respect to His Majesty.

I had the privilege of joining those in the Marquee to pay my own respect to His late Majesty’s memory and to witness the dignitaries and those assembled, as they gave their own tributes. Venerable Monks conducted the service, as on the large screen, events in Bangkok were relayed in real time via BBC World Service, so we too could follow the ceremony 6,000 miles away.

Mourners in Wimbledon

Attendees prepare to pay their tributes.

Mourners filed into the Marque from the rain, to lay their tributes at the altar, bow and take their leave.

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Mourners quietly contemplate the passing of their beloved monarch and show their respect to His memory.

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All ages came to the Temple – a day that they will remember.

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A monk, himself sheltering from the heavy rain, kindly records the occasion for attendees.

Group Captain Kuhn Sakesan Kantha and colleague join mourners in a photograph.

Time for a group photograph in the peaceful grounds of the Buddhapadipa Temple.

Rungratsamee Knight from Winchester joined those from around the UK paying their personal tributes at the Thai Temple, Wimbledon

Time for a group photograph in the peaceful ground of the Buddhapadipa Temple.

The service in Bangkok is relayed to Wimbledon via BBC World Tv.

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.A moment of repose

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Many world leaders and important guests travelled to Bangkok.

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A moment of homage to His late Majesty during the service.

KEVEN KEEGAN – BOOK SIGNING – MY LIFE IN FOOTBALL – RETURN TO THE ” SAINT’S ” COUNTRY

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Tony Knight

Football legend Kevin Keegan at Waterstones, Southampton

Saint’s football legend Kevin Keegan at a book signing at Waterstones, Southampton

Wherever Kevin Keegan OBE makes an appearance, like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, he is surrounded by a wave of enthusiasm.

Kevin book signing Waterstones, Southampton

Kevin Keegan book signing Waterstones, Southampton

The archetypal Mr. Nice Guy, Kevin Keegan affords everyone he meets a few magic minutes to chat with him. His appearance at Waterstones, Southampton on Saturday 6th October 2018, was no exception. The queue outside the shop in the West Quay Shopping Centre, was evident at 12.30pm. The journey from an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live, was prolonged due to an incident on the motorway, we were told.

Kevin Keegan and Romesh Ranganathan

Former England football player and manager Kevin Keegan made his professional debut fifty years ago. He talked to Aasmah Mir and the Rev. Richard Coles about how a nun was his first mentor, the way Bill Shankly changed his life and seizing opportunities off the pitch. ( Courtesy BBC ).

Tony Knight meets Kevin Keegan after almost 30 years.

Tony Knight meets Kevin Keegan almost 30 years after a brief meeting in Winchester.

Having arrived, Kevin embarked on a mammoth signing session of his autobiography ” My Life in Football. ” The average wait was about 2 hours, but true to form, everyone got individual attention. The French couple in front of me had their book dedicated to special friend; got a photograph together with Kevin, before he unexpectedly launched into a very personal videoed vocal rendition of ” Happy Birthday ! “

Kevin and Tony exchange memories of their last meeting, when hair styles were longer and thatches blacker !

Kevin and Tony exchange memories of their last meeting, when hair styles were longer and thatches darker. ( Tony who is is your hairdresser ? I really must avoid him next time I’m in town ! )

“Who is this man ? ” Answers on a postcard….

All in all a warm welcome back to Southampton for one of the City’s most popular sports stars on the first wet, windy and cold day of Autumn, hence the warm winter coat.

Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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SPITFIRE GIRL MARY ELLIS MEMORIAL SERVICE – of Mary, Memories and Merlins. ” Playing in the Clouds “

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Tony Knight

Mary Ellis, Air Transport Auxiliary pilot.. once again Playing In The Clouds !

After the service were Spitfire tributes – hear audio whilst you read this report.

AUDIO LINK: Mary Ellis Memorial Service SPITFIRE DISPLAY over Northwood House, Cowes Isle of Wight, 24th September 2018

The elderly woman behind me in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Cowes, sang with gusto, in her clear, rousing soprano.. ” We plough the fields and scatter… ” She is a link between my generation and the formidable, wonderful woman, for whom the congregation had gathered to pay tribute – ‘ Spitfire Girl ‘ Mary Ellis.

Throughout the service, memories rolled back the years to Mary’s first flight as a young girl, as a passenger in a bi-plane of Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus in the1930’s; hearing an appeal for women pilots on the BBC ‘ wireless ‘; joining the Air Transport Auxiliary. Mary had also told of landing a four engine aircraft only to be confronted by the ground crew, disbelieving that she was the pilot.

Tribute

Group Captain Anne-Marie Houghton, who shared here memories.

Group Captain Anne-Marie Houghton recalls Mary telling her that on 6th June 1944 she had flown above the English Channel and on her return journey noticing that the flotilla of ships, seen earlier in the morning, had departed in the afternoon – D-Day had begun the push for freedom on the Continent. Group. Capt. Houghton realised that on the same day – 6th June, she too was flying in the same airspace, on the same date, as Mary had many years before.

Guard of Honour

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Cllr. Lora Peacey-Wilcox of the Isle of Wight Council.

Paying their tribute, Alec Anderson and Peter Com, both National Malay and Burma Veterans Association members.

Paying their tribute, Alec Anderson and Peter Cobb, both National Malaya and Burma Veterans Association members.

A Toast to Mary. Mary's nieice, Rosemary Martin is on the right of the photograph.

Mary’s niece, Rosemary Martin, on the right of the photograph, raises a glass of Champagne to her aunt’s memory.

Rosemary Martin, Mary’s niece, felt that her aunt would have been ‘ astonished ‘ at the gathering as she was very modest. ‘ ‘ Mary was never frightened and did just get on with things. ‘ Reverend Andrew Poppe told the congregation that Mary’s contribution was ‘ immense. Her place in the history of the nation and the knowledge of what she did in those heady days of World War 2 have brought her to the forefront…. she was a beacon of what women can do. ‘

Captain Anthony Brindle KSG remembers being taught to fly by Mary’s husband Don Ellis

Biggin Hill Spitfires fly past in tribute

The distinctive sound of a Merlin engine heralds of a Spitfire.

The distinctive sound of a Merlin engine heralds the arrival of a Spitfire.

The gathering of press and guests gasped and fell silent – the Spitfire, piloted by Dan Griffiths approached at speed and climbed into a loop above Northwood House, Cowes, Isle of Wight. He then gave a display that thrilled and excited all there. Weaving, looping and rolling around the sky, all too soon the display was over and having been ‘ playing in the clouds ‘ as Mary had been won’t to do, he victory rolled the Spitfire a final time and gave our ‘ Spitfire Girl, ‘ Mary the traditional farewell, dipping each wing in turn. Her beloved Spitfire then disappeared into the clear blue skies.

Dan Griffiths in his Spitfire from Biggin Hill

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Photographs and words : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA.

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RED ARROWS JOY AT BOURNEMOUTH AIR FESTIVAL 2018

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Tony Knight

Mention the Red Arrows Royal Air Force aerobatic team and heads turn. The very name is enough to raise the temperature.

The Red Arrows make a dramatic pass

The Red Arrows are much anticipated regulars each year at the Bournemouth Air Festival and have just completed 3 days there again. The event is the largest the team attend in the UK and the wonderful weather this year saw the crowds turning out in force.

This couple from the West Country were ready for a great show.

On Saturday 1st September as noon approached, with anticipation rising the commentator, Red 10 in the group introduced the Team to the crowds strung out along the East and West Cliffs and in the beach area. Precisely as the seconds ticked over to 12pm – the Red Arrows, smoke trailing behind them burst low over the crowds to begin their spectacular display.

The Red Arrows arrive over Bournemouth beach on time to the second and launched into their breath taking display.

Red Arrows fans begin early.

For 20 minutes, the Red Arrows commanded the skies with their world famous display.

These amazing manoeuvres held the collective breath as they closed on each other with split second timing.

A singleton caught against blue contrails.

Many young fans also dress in flying suits in tribute to their heroes.

Weaving around their 7 colleagues, as they paint their way across the sky.

My brother’s a Spitfire pilot. A small boy watches his brother in the cockpit.

BOMBER COMMAND VETERANS

Veterans of conflicts long ago are still remembered with pride and at least one managed to attend at the age of 95 years. I was privileged to meet George Dunn, DFC, who was signing books commemorating the work of Bomber Command.

George Dunn DFC.

George Dunn, DFC took part in 45 sorties over Berlin flying in Mosquitoes and another 30 in Wellingtons over other German targets. He also flew on a mission to the V1 rocket factory at Peenemunde. During his distinguished service George flew Mosquitoes, Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs.

As he signed copies of the books commemorating the work of Bomber Command, the questions about his part in World War Two, came thick and fast. He looked hale and fit and certainly was enjoying the fine sunshine and was clearly happy to be there.

Jo Lancaster, DFC.

Unfortunately Jo Lancaster, who is almost a centenarian, was unable to attend the signing session in person. His illustrious career spanned action over Berlin, Settin ( now Szczecin ) on the Baltic, Cologne and Brest. He took part in the first 1,000 bomber raid in May 1942. Hel also flew Lancaster bombers.

Jo became a test pilot and became the first pilot to eject in an emergency from a British aircraft when the Armstrong Whitworth flying wing developed a fault over Warwickshire in 1949. He also played a significant part in the flight testing of Lancaster, Avro York, Meteor, Javelin, Hunters and Shackleton aircraft.

Bomber Command veteran Flt.Lt. George Dunn, DFC, with author and publisher Steve Darlow at the book signing.

photographs & words : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH – around Worth Matravers in Dorest 6 miles

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Tony Knight

A small section of the coastal path which encircles the UK is the South West Coastal Path. Part runs from just south of the hamlet of Worth Matravers close to Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck.

A delightful section of the Dorset Coastal path.

A circular walk of about 6 miles, leave the car park ( BH19 3LE ) just above Worth Matravers and walk down past the Square and Compasses public house and the pond. From there after passing a row of cottages, continue though a gate and along a path through a field, to join an uneven track of smooth flints, which winds down to the coastal path. The walk is over Limestone cliffs, bordered by chalk grassland.

Stone was excavated from a quarry, waiting to be explored. A large 'cave ' has been created and can be explored.

Stone was excavated from a Winspit Quarry, waiting to be explored. A large ‘cave ‘ has been created and can be explored.

At the point where the path splits east towards Swanage or west to St Albans Head with it’s coastguard station,are the remains of Winspit stone quarry. This is popular with climbers and has it’s possible to explore inside the rock face.

Opportunities to develop rock climbing skills.

Opportunities to acquire or develop rock climbing skills.

A few yards north of the quarry, you would have noticed a flight of steps ( with quite large stones ) leading up to the path along this beautiful coastline winding westwards.

For the most part the path is easily navigable and slightly inland of the cliff edge. Some sections have been moved further away from the cliff edge due to erosion. In spring and summer the route is lined with tall grasses and colourful wild flowers.

Spectacular views over the bays towards Lulworth.

Spectacular views over the English Channel.

Care should be taken not to stumble on short pieces of iron fence post projecting from the path, usually right in it’s centre. On fine days a succession of walkers coming the opposite way, lends the opportunity to exchange greetings as you pass on the narrow path.

Peace and tranquillity on a hot June day, broken only by the sound of Skylarks and the sea below.

Most of the route to St Albans Heads undulates gently, but s few sections are steeper and care should be taken where the surface is loose and slippery – particularly when descending.

Unrestricted views towards Lulworth with it’s cove and steep climb westwards.

A good place to pause for refreshments and to get you breath back, is just below the Coastguard station, manned by volunteers. Nearby is a row of white coastguard cottages and an ancient chapel.

A rare seat is located in a prime position on the approach to Chapman's Pool.

A welcome seat is located in a prime position on the approach to Chapman’s Pool.

Not for the feint hearted of those who find difficulty navigating steps, steep flights of steps lead down to and away from Chapmans Pool.

The Coastguard Station at St. Albans Head

Steep flights of steps lead down to Chapman' Pool.

Steep flights of steps lead down to Chapmans Pool and up the other side

For those returning to Worth Matravers, about 3 miles along a wide chalk path, pause a while in the 800 year old St. Adhelm’s Chapel.

The cross on the altar of St Albans Chapel, Worth Mataravers.

The cross on the altar of St Adhelm’s Chapel, Worth Mataravers.

St Alban Chapel has stood her for 800 years.

St Adhelm’s Chapel has stood here for 800 years.

Dorset Coastal Path

The return to Worth Matravers, is ideal for a chat with your companions.

The long road home.

A working quarry adds interest to the return journey

Worth Matravers.

Whilst 6 miles is not too long for most walkers, I found the last mile was definitely the longest. Entering the village, passing the church and up past the Square and Compasses was the cruellest and it was a great relief to kick my boots off, once back to the car. The views, peace and tranquillity is well worth the effort !

NB : The route, with a diversion to view Chapman’s Pool and return to the coastguard station was measured on GPS as 6.03 miles.

Words and pictures : Tony Knight photography and MEDIA

MUDEFORD AND AVON BEACH ON DORSET’S ” GOLD COAST “

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Tony Knight

What has turned the sleepy Dorset coastline into it’s ‘ Golden Coast ‘ ?

Mudeford and the Avon Beach just over the Hampshire border, the county of which it was once a part, is not quite what it at first might seem.

Situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour, with small craft weaving through the narrow channel, against the tide, it is peaceful, sedate almost, with the air of a small fishing harbour popular with visitors, seeking a stroll, fresh air without the burden of the exclusivity and millionaire reputation of Bournemouth or Sandbanks. Whilst it is comfortable, retirement country, stretching from Highcliffe in the east, it’s change in fortunes is often overlooked.

The entrance to Christchurch Harbour.

It’s a great place to walk along the strand from Highcliffe the 1.80 miles to the facilities at Avon Beach, with it’s now rather more upmarket ‘ Noisy Lobster ‘ restaurant, fish and chip, coffee, shop and toilets ideally situated to suit all tastes. Whatever the weather, it’s always popular with visitors.

Avon Beach, popular with visitors of all ages.

I’ve visited Mudeford since I was a child, but have never ventured on the ferry to the other side or walked to Hengisbury Head and have always wondered what the beach hut visitors enjoy about their experience. At the beginning or end of season, or bracing days – they huddle inside and even around the entrances, clutching hot drinks and reading avidly.

Many of the beach huts have intriguing names as well as numbers.

Ravaged by the fierce storms a couple of years ago, many beach huts were destroyed and had to be replaced in the coastal protection and regeneration works which followed. Walking along the promenade, the locked wooden huts have always seemed to me to be an acquired taste. Most are padlocked as you pass by and are painted in various shades of blue, with minimal facilities, on the outside they resemble large garden sheds. Facing the Isle of Wight, they are beloved by devotees, mainly elderly couples seeking quiet days by the sea.

A walk along the prom and a cuppa perhaps.

Any thoughts that beach huts are cheap and cheerful, are quickly dispelled, by recent sales, when these mostly basic structures, come up for sale. They are quickly snapped up. Reached from the Mudeford Quay ferry, or from beyond Hengisbury Head on the Bournemouth side, the beach houses on the other side of water regularly make six figures, the latest example selling for £270,000. Some have basements, fully fitted interiors, even have toilets and are more of a home from home, with the benefit of very exclusive views right on the beach.

Even basic beach huts achieve five figure sums – easily.

Visible across the water from Mudeford Quay, are the start of the more exclusive standard of properties on Dorset’s ‘ Gold Coast. ‘

Googling ‘ The British seaside holiday ‘ reveals that no longer are these a basic no frills, cheap alternative. The recent spirit of nostalgia, has elevated these structures into an estate agent’s dream, high on their list of desirable properties, particularly at Frinton-on-Sea; Bournemouth and here at Mudeford and Avon Beach, turning the coastline into part of Dorset’s ‘ Gold Coast. ‘

The popularity of the area is reflected in the car parking charges at Dorset’s ‘ Gold Coast ‘in spring / summer.

NOTE : Car parking is available on Mudeford Quay; Avon Beach ( Free in Winter / early spring. £4.50 for 4 hours upper car park; £5.50 at the beach car park ); and several other locations and at Highcliffe. )

Sailing and Seaguls at Mudeford Quay.

Words and Pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

THAILAND : The Shopping Never Waivered – in the Land of Smiles !

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Tony Knight

THAILAND :

The Shopping Never Waivered – in the Land of Smiles.

We’d descended the stairs from the Skytrain at Mo Chit station, in the rising April heat, just 3 hours after landing in the Thai capital Bangkok. At 8.30am, we made our way from the busy street frontage into the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market., spread over 35 acres of land in the north of the city. Luckily, we only made a modest incursion into the 15,000 stalls and a couple of it’s 27 diverse sections. We made it ahead of the 200,000 visitors who throng there daily.

Shopping in Asia can be so cheap.

From the moment we arrived, until we left some 2 hours later against the flow, my sister Janet, eyes popping at the sheer variety of elephant patterned trousers at 100 baht, the shopping began in earnest. Unable to believe just how cheap everything was compared with the UK, she vacuumed up all before her. This one, for our sister June; those for the grand-children. The shopping was to continue apace until safely through check-in for the TG 916 at Savarnabhumi Airport 19 days later, determined to resist at all costs the glittering array of designer goodies, they made their way to the departure gate and home.

Spoilt for choice

Still not believing that she was in an Asian bargain basement, some days later Janet was joined by my wife Runge, after we’d crossed the Cha Prya river from Wat Arun, stopping at an Aladdin’s cave neither of them could ignore. The polite lady owner must have thought that all her Christmases had come at once, as they scooped up small coloured fabric elephants, key-rings and other souvenirs, negotiating favourable price reductions and loading up their ‘porters’ – Richard and Tony. ‘

Wanting to visit the weekend market had meant a quick turn round on arrival at the Eastin Grand Hotel, after checking in. We decided to pack a great deal into the first day and having arrived at a busy hotel before most guests had checked out, we piled on to the adjacent Skytrain. Not surprisingly we arrived back at the hotel after a couple of hours and still had a little time before the rooms were ready. The comfortable sofas in the foyer were not wasted !

After a 6,000 mile flight and early morning shopping out '[ three wise monkeys ' collapsed in a heap for a snooze.

After a 6,000 mile flight and early morning shopping our ‘ three wise monkeys ‘ collapsed in a heap for a snooze.

SONGKRAN CELEBRATRIONS IN THE STREETS

Thai New Year celebrations include throwing water at passers-by at the hottest part of the year in April

Songkjran celebrations - these children score a direct hit on a passing cyclist

Songkran celebrations – these children score a direct hit on a passing cyclist

YET TO COME – A Glimpse

Richard and Janet’s first taste of Thailand had been hot ( 41c – feels like 50 ); strong spices, chillies and Rambutan – no problems there; swaying along atop an elephant by the River Kwai; scrambling up the steps from the railway from hell, at Hintok’s Hellfire Pass. None of this phased either of them. Being honorary members of a Thai family, attending a magical Thai wedding. This heady mix of experiences had been a fabulous introduction, leaving them wanting more – soon !

Feeling the heat ? a young elephant at Tawachee Elephant Camp, Kanchanaburi Province takes a rest

Janet taking a trunk call !

An early morning journey over the route of the infamous Thailand to Burma railway.

Richards meets a durian.

Nongki Temple Isan

A DAY TO REMEMBER – Art & Gift’s formal wedding group, Rayong, Thailand, 21 April 2018

Richard and Janet at Wat Arun – The Temple of Dawn – Bangkok, Thailand.

Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand, A visitor poses in front of a highly decorated statue.

Words & Pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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LOOK BACK ON LINE : LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT – on Christmas Eve 2017

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Tony Knight

Longleat is one of our great country houses, set in the rolling Wiltshire countryside near Warminster. What better way to spend Christmas Eve than a visit to the magical Festival of Light. Each year this spectacular has a different theme.

I’d never been round what is now called the ‘ Safari Drive Through ‘ but used to be called the Lions of Longleat. Now much expanded, the big cats still add even more excitement including the magnificent Tigers.

The Talking Tree, a compelling sound and light show at set times. Visitors were drawn every hour. With Christmas themes pulsing around the tree, it added magic to Christmas Eve.

A Cheetah in repose.

Feeding the Deer before entering the Big Cats enclosures.

You shall go to the Ball ! Cinderella in her coach arrive at Longleat.

TOP TIP : Use the loos BEFORE beginning the Safari Drive Through, particularly the big cats. Queues of traffic at peak times can mean slow progress, so be advised ! ( I found out the hard way ).

Words and Pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATIONS – Janet & Richard Smith – in their golden year of celebrations !

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Tony Knight

Celebration Cake showing Richard and Janet on their wedding day on Saturday 9th March 1968, after the ceremony at St Paul’s Church, Winchester

They’re making eyes at me !

Oh Grandma ! What Big Eyes You’ve Got !

Pictures to celebrate a lifetime together over 50 years ! It’s a year of celebrations. Later in the year Janet and Richard will fly to Thailand to celebrate the marriage of her brother’s nephew and back to the UK to attend the wedding of their nephew’s wedding.These pictures were taken at a family dinner at The White Horse, Netley Marsh, Southampton to celebrate their Golden Wedding attended by three generations of the family.

Janet Smith

An opportunity to learn a smattering of Thai language.

Preparing for Art &Gift’s wedding in Thailand, Janet with her bespoke Thai costume, made in Thailand especially for the occasion and flown to Winchester. A perfect fit !

Photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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BRITISH ASTRONAUT TIM PEAKE RECEIVES THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF CHICHESTER AT THE FESTIVAL THEATRE – picture report

Posted on February 27, 2018 by Tony Knight

Smiles all round as British astronaut Major Tim Peake meets the audience after his freedom presentation.

British astronaut Major Tim Peake has received the Freedom of his home City of Chichester, West Sussex, UK on Sunday 25 February 2018.

Civic dignitaries joined an excited audience, many of them local children, as Tim sat amongst them with his parents and was invited onto the stage to receive the large framed scroll bestowing the ancient civic honour, inaugurated in the 12th century.

Some of the 1,200 people present at the Chichester Festival Theatre are entertained by the Chichester City Band braved the cold weather to play for them.

In presenting Tim with the honour, Mayor Cllr. Peter Evans thanked him for all that he has achieved. He said, ” You have promoted Chichester and the UK and served the rest of the world in broadening mankind’s knowledge in the sciences. This was done through your experiments in the International Space Station during your six months mission and we thank you. ”

” During his mission, Tim has excelled in communicating with young people in our schools and colleges, enthusing young people in the sciences with his experiments and many transmitted communications with those students back on earth. ”

Replying Major Peak spoke of his pleasure being back in Chichester ( where his exhibition ” Tim Peak, An Extraordinary Journey ” was held at the Novium Museum in 2017 ). He thanked his parents for their ” unwavering support ” and commented that ” none of this would have been possible at all without the immense support from family and friends. ”

” Despite choosing a career path from an early age that has had more than its fair share of risk, my parents have always provided the encouragement and unwavering support to help me succeed. Thank you mum and dad and all the friend that are here today. ”

” Of course, Chichester and the local area hold a very special place in my heart, It was a decision in those formative years that really shaped the rest of my life and ultimately led me to space. ” He also took a few moments to praise the Westbourne Scouts; and the Chichester High School whose students he had visited on Friday.

After becoming a Freeman of the City, Tim held the audience in thrall with a talk about his work in space and the European Space Agency’s Principia Mission and answered questions. After which he appeared in his familiar blue flying suit and walked through the audience lined up in the theatre’s foyer to meet him and salute him with a fusillade of mobile ‘phones. After his 20 minute ‘ walkabout, ‘ it was time for Tim to wave goodbye, leaving his fans delighted and happy to have witnessed the day that Chichester had honoured it’s favourite son on a day for the record books. As one mother told her young daughter, ” this is a day you’ll be able to tell your children. ” I’m sure that it’s one that Tim will also long remember, as he clocks up more memorable days in his extraordinary career.

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David Knight from Middleton-on-sea thought that the event and question and answer session was ‘ Brilliant. ‘

Tim answers a spellbound youngster’s question.

Meridian TV interview Tim Peake after the event.

Tim takes his farewell after meeting the audience.

Words and pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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You can read about Tim Peake’s award winning exhibition on link below :

http://tonyknightonline.com/2017/08/15/hello-is-this-planet-earth-novium-museum-chichester-talks-at-six/

Temporary or Touring Exhibition

Winner

– The Novium, Chichester District Council, Tim Peake: An Extraordinary Journey

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Photographer, Broadcaster & Travel Journalist

Author Archives: Tony Knight

LOOK BACK ON LINE : THE DAY THE SKY CRIED IN LONDON – The funeral of His late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej ( London Tributes ) 26th October 2017 – remembered.

KEVEN KEEGAN – BOOK SIGNING – MY LIFE IN FOOTBALL – RETURN TO THE ” SAINT’S ” COUNTRY

Kevin Keegan and Romesh Ranganathan

RED ARROWS JOY AT BOURNEMOUTH AIR FESTIVAL 2018

SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH – around Worth Matravers in Dorest 6 miles

MUDEFORD AND AVON BEACH ON DORSET’S ” GOLD COAST “

THAILAND : The Shopping Never Waivered – in the Land of Smiles !

YET TO COME – A Glimpse

LOOK BACK ON LINE : LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT – on Christmas Eve 2017

GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATIONS – Janet & Richard Smith – in their golden year of celebrations !

BRITISH ASTRONAUT TIM PEAKE RECEIVES THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF CHICHESTER AT THE FESTIVAL THEATRE – picture report

Temporary or Touring Exhibition

Winner