1) Thank you for those sent in photos of a quite rare event in Gosport, some are on the site and I hope to have the others on shortly.

2) GOSPORT CARNIVAL PROCESSION CANCELLED

Because the Police are unable to provide officers to control traffic, the Gosport Carnival procession scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday 14 June, has had to be cancelled. The suggestion, by the Police, that the organisers - the Gosporteers - provide a large number of stewards to undertake the tasks normally done by police officers, was not practical, at this late stage. Extremely disappointed, but undeterred, the Gosporteers say that the Carnival will now be confined to Walpole Park, with charity stalls, arena displays, refreshments and a parade of competition entries. Those that have entered should still attend in all their finery. Efforts have been made to increase the attractions in the Park and in addition to a crazy golf course, the Gosport Cheer Power Dynamite Cheerleading Squad will give a display. The Gosporteers are working hard to get more displays and activities to boost those already coming. The Carnival is one of the events raising funds for the Mayor of Gosport, Coun. Derek Kimber's charities: Falklands Veterans Federation, the junior Section of the Gosport Silver Band and the Lee-on-the-Solent Community Responders. Brian Russell, the Gosporteers Press Officer said: "The Gosporteers are naturally very disappointed that something that gave enormous pleasure to the people of Gosport, particularly youngsters, cannot take place. However, we are confident that support for the Mayor's very worthwhile charities will still be forthcoming". If you would be able to put up one or more posters, I can email it to you or drop off some to you.

3) June 2009 is the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of the SRN 1, built by Saunders Roe on the Isle of Wight, and the start of the World wide development of the first true amphibious vehicle. To celebrate this anniversary, the Hovercraft Society, in conjunction with a number of agencies, is celebrating 2009 as the "Year of the Hovercraft".So far, consideration is being given to a number of local, national and international events. Those already in the programme include a presentation by Ray Wheeler (a member of the British Hovercraft Corporation design team and later Technical Director) on 11 June 2009 to a joint meeting of the Isle of Wight Royal Aeronautic Society and the Hovercraft Society. Negotiations are currently underway with the Science Museum for a visit to the SRN 1 at Wroughton, and a presentation in June 2009.

The Hovercraft Museum is organising a flypast of historic and current hovercraft to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the first hovercraft crossing of the Channel, by the SRN 1, on 25 July 2009. John Chaplin, who was on the original Channel crossing, has indicated that, as long as his health allows, he will come over from the States to join in the celebrations. The Royal Institute of Naval Architects will be holding an Air Cushion Vehicle Conference on 2 & 3 November 2009, in London. In addition, a number of talks to local organisations are being organised, including an N5/N6 Seminar and BH 7 model and full scale presentation, at the Hovercraft Museum. If any local organisation would like Brian Russell, who has been involved with hovercraft for over forty years, to give an illustrated talk entitled "Fifty Years of Hovercraft Development" in 2009, they should contact Brian on 02392 584371, or at 24 Jellicoe Avenue, Gosport, or via e-mail Brianatjellicoe@aol.com

4) I have just secured FANTASTIC stalls seats for 'QUIDAM', performed by The Cirque du Soleil at The Royal Albert Hall in January 2009, performing from 7th January until 1st February. The show is always a sell-out and tickets are not yet on public release! THERE ARE TWO DATES TO CHOOSE FROM FRIDAY 16th, & 23rd January 2009. Both dates have the same excellent seats in the stalls, and so you will have a great view as usual !!! TICKETS FOR THIS FAMOUS WORLDWIDE SHOW ARE JUST £83.75 each. This price includes: The BEST theatre seats at The Royal Albert Hall; Luxury coach travel; hostess service; various drop-off points for shopping, museums etc; Restaurant booking service at The Royal Albert Hall for lunch; a complimentary glass of wine on return journey. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to provisionally reserve seats. Please state the number you require, and your preferred date. I will then email an itinerary and booking form for you to complete and confirm seats.

'Quidam' contains all elements Cirque du Soleil is famous for: astonishing acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, unique lighting, and an elaborate set design. Get ready to discover an acrobatic show where hope and beauty come to life.I look forward to hearing from you soon. Kind regards Lin Wilson Solent Events & Leisure www.solentevents.co.uk Please forward this website link to friends & family!