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

44 – (0)1962 – 852124

comarkuk@ntlworld.com

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

44 – (0)1962 – 852124.

E : comarkuk@ntlworld.com

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

comarkuk@ntlworld.com

44 – (0)7532 – 697 – 902

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.

180225 web TIM PEAKE PRESENTATION 9259 copy

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

MARY ELLIS – ‘ Spitfire Girl ‘ – The Last Air Transport Auxiliary Spitfire Ferry Pilot talks to Tony Knight

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Tony Knight

Sad to report that I have learned that Mary passed away on Tuesday 24th July 2018. Mary was a kindly, determined and remarkable English lady, who achieved so much during the war in an unfussy way, along with her colleagues and after it on the Isle of Wight. Her memory and story will live on and the part she played in Hampshire’s wartime efforts. Runge and I treasure our meeting with Mary last August. She was an inspiration, still driving her car at almost 101 years of age. HAPPY LANDINGS Mary.

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Hampshire’s own former Air Transport Auxiliary( ATA ) ferry pilot, Mary Ellis gave a rare recorded interview to Tony Knight in August 2017, about her fascinating career delivering front line fighter planes in World War 2.

Pride of Hampshire – MARY ELLIS

Following the publication of her life story ‘ A Spitfire Girl ‘ told to author Melody Foreman ( Frontline Books 1996 ), Mary Ellis agreed to talk to me about her truly remarkable life delivering aircraft from the factories to operational airfields around the UK.

One of about 160 women who answered the call for pilots to deliver war-time aircraft urgently required by the RAF. Mary, a sprightly centenarian is still driving her car locally. She told me about her experiences : learning to fly; joining the ATA; flying 400 types of aircraft ranging from DH Tiger Moth, Gloster Gladiator, Fairey Swordfish, Hawker Hurricane, four engine Wellington bombers, to the iconic Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. Mary was one of the first women to fly a Gloster Meteor jet and has had a long and distinguished career. She’s also great fun to meet, with a cheery smile and a sharp memory for detail and her past experiences..

Mary celebrating her 100th birthday in a beloved Spitfire ( rear bubble )

Not content to have achieved so much, Mary was also a rally driver, managed a commercial airfield and ran her own fashion boutique. Clearly determined, capable and a high achiever in all she undertakes, Mary is still, at 101, a truly a remarkable, engaging and elegant woman.

Mary Ellis at home. Her centenary birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen displayed behind her.

Mary has recently been awarded the

‘ Freedom ‘ of the Isle of Wight for her

distinguished service to the country

in World War 2.

Mary’s story as told to Melody Foreman, in ” A Spitfire Girl ” was published in 2016 by Front Line Books and is a wonderfully detailed and engaging read.

LISTEN to Mary’s exclusive interview below : ( Copyright Tony Knight ).

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£10 JANE AUSTEN BANKNOTE LAUNCHED AT WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Tony Knight

The Jane Austen £10 Banknote un circulation from 14th September 2017

Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, Victoria Cleland outside Winchester Cathedral.

The distinctive Thetis Blacker banners added colour and spectacle to the longest nave in a European cathedral, as 500 members of the public assembled for the launch of a new £10 denomination banknote, featuring the portrait of local authoress Jane Austen.

Unveiled on the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and just feet away from where her remains lie, Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney revealed the new £10 banknote with Janes’ portrait, weeks before it enters circulation on 14th September 2017.

170718 0596 JANE AUSTEN £10 NOTE LAUNCH WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL copy

Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney enters the Cathedral with Dr. Gillian Dow of the University of Southampton ( left ) and Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester.

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Crney

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney

Jane's young lady companions sra ehown the new banknote by Mark Carney.

Jane’s young lady companions are shown the new banknote by Mark Carney after the ceremony in the Cathedral.

The event attracted national and local television coverage. BBC Tv Steve Humphries with Mark Carney outside Winchester Cathedral.

170718 0804 LAUNCH OF THE NEW JANE AUSTEN £10 NOTE copy

Fiona Bruce reports the launch on the Six ‘o Clock News on BBC Television.

The new £10 banknote

Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

HELLO, IS THIS PLANET EARTH ? Novium Museum, Chichester – ( Talks at Six )

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Tony Knight

When I visited the Novium Museum in Chichester in the south of England in late March 2017, I was delighted and intrigued at the prospect of a talk to be held there in July. Entitled ” AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY ” the speaker was not listed. Could it be Chichester’s most celebrated son, Astronaut TIM PEAKE ?, So I booked…. and waited.

Aeronautical Engineer Space Educator JOH CHINNER prepares for his talk.

Aeronautical Engineer Space Educator JOHN CHINNER prepares for his talk.

Came the day and it nearly was the man himself, but commitments in Europe prevented it, but fear not …… the speaker was an enthusiastic, talented and innovative colleague of Tim’s. Himself an Aerospace Engineer and Space Educator, John Chinner is compulsive listening and totally involved with the development, implementation and publicity of the technical things we just wonder about. Ever since the first Sputnik circled the earth on that Sunday morning back in 1957, we have gazed at the skies at the prospect of a Space Station in orbit around the globe. Tim Peake was born 15 years after that momentous Sputnik’s first stride into space. . It took another 43 years until the first British European Space Agency astronaut spent six months in space in the long awaited International Space Station and created a sensation with his easy going manner and beautiful photographs.Tim’s book ” Hello, is this Planet Earth? “ ( published by Century in 2016 ) is packed with stunning photographs of the world unknown until Christmas 1968, when Apollo 8 brought back the first photographs of ” ….the Good Earth, ” as Jim Lovell called it. (Helen Sharman became the first British astronaut in 1991, when she joined the Russian MIR space station.)

Chichester’s own – Astronaut Tim Peake

John outlined the current work of the space industry and an inside view on Tim Peake’s 6 months in space, including some of the dramatic events, when things go wrong. In one incident the water cooling system leaked into the space helmet filling it up with water, causing the space walk to be quickly curtailed.

Looking towards the mission to Mars in 2020, John is working on a ‘ Mars Rover ‘ craft, similar to the Lunar Rover used by the NASA Apollo Moon landing of the 1960’s and 70’s. John proudly displayed his model of the rover, which he also takes to his talks in schools.

Model of the Mars Rover explorer to deployed on the planet’s surface.

After the talk John explained his enthusiasm for his work to me and in particular, his outreach work. Always recruiting staff for the specialised space programmes, he would be delighted if he were able to recruit from qualified candidates, who had been inspired from his work with schools.

The Exhibition is packed with interest and information about Tim’s work on the International Space Station.

Visitor to the exhibition on the top floor of The Nuvio Museum

Visitor to the exhibition on the top floor of The Novium Museum, Chichester.

The Novium Museum is well worth a visit and easy to find.

The Tim Peake – An Extraordinary Journey runs at the Novium Museum, Chichester ( just to the north of Chichester Cathedral in Tower Street ) until December 2017. NB : Call 01243 – 775888 before your visit, as the exhibition may be closed on Tuesday and Thursdays for learning sessions or some other times.

HOT NEWS – ‘ Astronauts : Have You Got What It Takes ? ‘ BBC 2 from Sunday 20 August 2017. Looks at the exceptional qualities and skills required to become a member of any team living and working in the confines of a space craft, how to cope in life-threatening crisis and how to plan and achieve the task in hand.

Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 01962 – 852124 comarkuk@ntlworld.com

WINCHESTER HAT FAIR MAGIC ! Fun for all the family. PICTURE REPORT

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Tony Knight

Over the last 43 years the Winchester Hat Fair has transformed from a small locally known event into an International festival, with artists from around the globe.

Crowds join in the fun outside the west front of Winchester Cathedral

The Winchester Hat Fair takes place at every year in mid summer in the centre of England’s ancient capital city. Jugglers, acrobats, the exotic and the bizarre all come together to entertain crowds for the UK’s longest running street entertainment event.

The streets of Winchester and the Cathedral grounds come alive and the public are invited to participate. It’s the people’s theatre – dance, fire and fringe acts touring the city over three days.

Part of the Hat Fair programme

The Hat Fair encourages the public to try new activities – juggling, tightrope walking, stilt walking all testing dexterity and skill – a hit for parents and children alike. It’s also very entertaining to watch the concentration on the faces, of those determined to succeed.

First steps on a tight-right need a little encouragement.

Juggling, balance and plate spinning are popular challenges !

Concentration : Keen eye and hand co-ordination are necessary in plate spinning.

Sometimes the tongue aids concentration !

This street artist travelled from New Zealand to perform outside the Cathedral.

A packed High Street on Saturday afternoon.

A huge picnic with Hat Fair acts takes place on Orams Arbour which overlooks the city, just outside the Westgate. Traditionally hundreds of families congregate to celebrate the end of the Hat Fair and soon, it’s goodbye… see you next year… at the Winchester Hat Fair.

Words & pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

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