Earthblog

At just after 8.00 am this morning I recieved a phone call from Gordon Wise who was to be our host for the planned visit this afternoon, due to heavy snowfall overnight in the Dover area it had taken him 45 minutes to get to work from Kingsdown normally an easy 5 minute drive away so the visit was cancelled. All those booked for the event have been informed and the table for 18 at the 'George and Dragon' has been cancelled. Looks like I will have to arrange a further visit for 2010. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Kelston & Jackie 

Due to the popularity of the first visit I have managed to arrange another visit to Dover Coastguard Station on 19th December at 4.00pm followed by a meal at the 'George and Dragon' in Fordwich.

If you would like to book a place for this event please post a comment, email me on  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone me on 07860 541953. 

In a lay-by overlooking the the port of Dover seven cars containing fourteen club members met as planned. We must have looked a touch dodgey as we drove in convoy to Dover Coastguard Station where we received a warm welcome and awaited the arrival of Louise and Jan who were due to join us all the way from Holland - they had to catch a later ferry than planned having been delayed by heavy traffic.  

We had a tour of the station, which is built on the old WWII gunnery battery (which includes secret underground tunnels - although we couldn't see those).  There was a film presentation of the work of the Coastguard stations around the country and how they organise the search and rescue operation across the UK.  As far as Dover coastguard station is concerned we saw how they log all the ships that go through the separation zone on the Dover side.  The Dover Coastguard is now also responsible for the 'Sunk' area near Harwich. 

I have arranged for a maximum of 16 club members to visit Dover Coastguard Station at 3pm on Saturday 17th October, to follow I have booked a table at 'The Coastguard' pub / restaurant in St Margaret's bay overlooking the sea, to reserve a place please post a reply, e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or phone me on 07860 541953

Kelston Tobin 

 Update: 5.30pm 24th September.

The visit to Dover Coastguard Station is now fully booked, however I have booked for 25 at 'The Coastguard' pub / restaurant in St Margaret's bay so there are still 9 places available for the dinner.