Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim

A very merry Christmas and a Happy 2010 to everyone. Good Luck to all those taking part in the Weymouth Harbour Christmas Day Swim which starts at 1030 in the morning.

Its stopped raining at last!

A cold crisp evening in Weymouth for the Hope Square Victorian Night, glad its better weather they deserve a bit of luck for this event.

George Rolls New Owner of Weymouth FC

Weymouth FC have in the last few minutes just made a brief statement to the FACT that George Rolls (Former Cambridge Utd Chairman) has taken over as Chairman and Owner of Weymouth FC. A statement from Mr Rolls will follow and a press conference will take place on Monday. A massive welcome to George and his family, and the very best of luck, some say you are going to need it. But one thing is for sure we carry on the fight against Curtis!! In fact that fight will never stop!

Victorian Night Hope Square Weymouth 10th December 09

Thursday 10th December sees Hope Square take on the mantel of The Victorian Night in Weymouth. Lots of other things are planned for Hope Square during the festive season, with School Choirs singing most days at 11.30 on the balcony inside Brewers Quay. Santa's Grotto will also be open, and there is even a Reindeer Day on Sunday
6th December 12 til 4pm

High Poll in Favour of Carnival Floats to return in 2010

In a recent Dorset Echo poll a predictable high number of voters, voted for the return of Floats to Weymouth Carnival. The Carnival has been critised in the past couple of years since the Floats were banned. So much so the pole was in fact 96% in favour. Now I said predictable..... but 96% is very high indeed precentage in favour for any pole.

Weymouth & Portland Olympics Information Boards

There have been some Olympic information boards erected in the following locations.
The Nothe Gardens in Weymouth. Furzy Cliffs at Bowleaze in Weymouth. National Trust car park at Ringstead. Osprey Quay. Durdle Door.

London 2012 Olympic Stadium picture

Starting to really take shape, this picture was taken in July of this year.

Nov 5th 2009 Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night Weymouth Beach

Its Bonfire Night and the town will be celebrating it, times are as follows
Funfair 2-10pm, at Weymouth Pavilion Guy Fawkes competition 5.45pm, Bonfire 7pm, Fireworks 7.20pm

Boho Weymouth

Virtually next door to Yate's is Boho, a small but very friendly bar that does have some seats outside. It's starting to get pretty busy in here at the weekends, a great place to meet.

Yates Weymouth

Not far to walk between pubs around here, opposite The Swan, is Yates. It is another chain pub, so you all know what to expect. It's a family pub during the day with food available and sport on the TV. At night its a youngsters pub with very loud music.

JD Weatherspoons The Swan Weymouth

Back on the pub trail, going back into town now.
Probably one the most well known pubs in Weymouth and certainly one of the busiest. It is owned by Weatherspoons, so you all know what to expect. But this particular Weymouth branch is very well known for it's excellent and value of money food. It's open at 9.00am and always pretty busy as well, in fact in the summer it can be full by 9.30!! It used to be virtually impossible to move in there on a Saturday night, but the credit crunch has certainly made a difference. Always good service and a very friendly pub.

Adizone Gym set for Weymouth

Sportswear partner of the 2012 games Adidas have been installing these gyms (which are free to use) around the country, and Weymouth will be getting one before the end of the year, and it will be at Redlands Sports Centre, in conjunction with Weymouth College.

1000 days to go today!

Today marks the 1000 days to go until the start of the Olympic games in Weymouth & Portland. To celebrate the occasion there are lots of activities planned in Portland. The day is of course also Halloween and so the theme was pretty easy to choose. It all starts at Portland castle at 6.00pm and at 20.12pm there will be firework display at the Portland Marina. There are dancers and lots of other activities going on, and there is of course also Portland fair. Have a great evening in Portland!

Victorian Night Cancelled

Well more bad news I am afraid, what was once a very popular night in the winter calender the Victorian Night has this year been cancelled, through what it would seem is a lack of interest. The boom year of 1995 when the streets were packed has unfortunately long gone. In my opinion what followed was a couple of years of really bad weather on the night, and I mean torrential rain and wind. Which really took it's toil on the event. People losing money two years running would of cause be cautious.
Soon the event dwindled and it snowballed the wrong way, the event was very unfortunately becoming a waste of time and effort, such a shame. But lets face it if a lot of effort is put into holding it again, and its another bad evening weatherwise, that would certainly be the end. Brewers Quay is a better location, you can get out of the wind and rain, and you can all congregate in the same area.

Public Exibitions for the plans of the new road scheme on Weymouth Esplanade

There will be a series of public exhibitions displaying the new road layout for
the Weymouth Esplanade and surrounding area. The plans will be on display in early Novemember and the work is expected to start in 2010. There is 18 Million available to improve our traffic system, lets get improving, this is part of the legacy.

Weymouth all set for 2012 - Rob Hodgetts writes for BBC

Well all sounds very good this report from Rob Hodgetts, writing for the BBC Website on the Sail for Gold Regatta held in Weymouth 2009

Beach MotoCross Cancelled at the very last minute.

Well they had PERFECT racing conditions but Lyme Regis-based Response Medical Services Ltd thought it was NEXT WEEK! A lot of devestated people according to the Dorset Echo, but what about the fans who came to watch, surely some responsibility must lie with the organisers. I don't know about you but if I was organising an event like this, I would be ringing round everyone a couple of days before to check all is ok! Easy to blame the Medical Services. To cap this I watched the massive pile up on TV a couple of weeks back at Weston Super Mare, so there is no doubt you need medical cover, but to not check a major service before the event is asking for trouble.

Weymouth Relief Road Forecast Completion Spring 2011

A few months ago, for some reason in the wisdom of the contractors, they decided to announce that the 5 mile single carriageway, Weymouth Relief Road, from the Manor Roundabout to the Ridgeway would be completed early. The company have now had to retract that good news with a statement saying the road will now be completed by the original forecast of Spring 2011. More and more I keep hearing the people of Weymouth ask, "What benefits is the road going to bring us?" And the more I hear the question and look at the road I keep coming to the conclusion of "not a lot!" Obviously there are going to be some..... but.... is it going to make £87 million pounds worth of difference? Why only a single carriageway? And Why only to the top of ridgeway? And Why close the existing road? I have to admit I was fully in favour of the road, but was not fully aware of the restrictions this new road was actually going to have. Will the manor roundabout be the new Littlemore lights? Hopefully it won't be, but it is going to be interesting to see how effective the new road is going to be.

Back off Holiday!

The blog is still up and running, very much so, just been away for two weeks in Turkey, hello to anyone we met. Will be updating soon.

Weymouth Pavilion plans all fall down.

No change to Weymouth Pavilion! What a total mess this has been, the council say they will keep the Pavvy running for one more year! One more year, hmmmmmmm. How sensible.

Nothe Fort Victorian Military Tattoo Weymouth Sep 19th & 20th 2009

An amazing collection of Victorian Military equipment is going to on display at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth over the Weekend of 19th - 20th September 2009.
On both days morning and afternoon, there will be a full program of events, note however the afternoon performance will be a repeated in the afternoon.
The cost is £12.50 per adult and £6 per child (when booked online, in advance) this allows morning or afternoon entrance to the Fort, to see either the morning or afternoon performance. Access to the Gardens is free of charge all day.
Quite a complicated ticket system is available, but it promises to be another brilliant weekend here in Weymouth, to buy your advanced tickets please go to the Victorian Military Website

Many Congratulations to the Weymouth FC Saviour 100

An outstanding effort 50K has been raised in just over a week. This does give the club a chance, and with a popular signing to be announced on Monday, you certainly cannot fault the commitment of the board and fans.

Gold for Nick Dempsey Our new World Champion

A fantastic performance by Nick, as he wins the RSX Windsurfing World Championships on Weymouth & Portland waters, the home of the Olympics 2012 games. It was at a cost however as Nick was injured, and battered from a very tough competition and will now miss next weeks "Sail for Gold" competition.

Terras Saviour 100 - Fantastic effort!

A picture showing Weymouth players applauding Weymouth Fans, and they should do as well! What a brilliant effort by the fans and public of Weymouth, they have raised £45,000 in just 10 days, with another £5,000 to go thats 10 x sponsorship packages worth £500 each. The board have quite rightly extended the administration deadline which was set at the 8th September to find £50,000 to at least next Monday. So it would seem possible, if the additional packages can be sold that the Terras can continue at least most of the season without going into administration. The critics (and there will be some of course) will say, "Its only a stay of execution" So what!!! Its the right thing to do!!! and it is a superb effort!!! More information can be found from the Weymouth FC Website
And from todays article with the latest information from the Dorset Echo It's so refreshing to get this good news, after the terrible time under Curtis with his crazy ideas, and the way not to treat fans, at last we have a board who respect the fans. The Terras Trust also at last getting it's act together, brilliant well done to them. Let's take the pressure off the team, who care's if we get relegated again, at least we have a stadium and a team. We WILL rebuild it!

Nick Dempsey World RSX Championships - Weymouth

Nick Dempsey and all his friends and family will be hoping that today Nick can put away the heartbreak of finishing 4th at the Olympic games with a podium position in the medal race in the RSX Championships that are being held here in the Olympic venue Weymouth. Good Luck to Nick today, he is currently in 1st place, fingers crossed for him.

Portland Young Offenders - Ian Wright on TV 7 Sept 09

For what is certain to be a pretty controversial documentary/reality TV programme. The Ian Wright "Football behind Bars" kicks off tonight on Sky One at 10.00pm.
I know for a fact that the football series has been put together for all the right reasons and if nothing else it is going to show parts of the prison never seen before on TV. Well worth watching lots of locals from Portland & indeed Weymouth work in the prison, and it should be very interesting.

Great Effort Steve Claridge

Ok so we lost 1-5, but again for the most of the 1st half were the better side. Also again we all too easily collapsed and never recovered, and quite frankly in the 2nd half were very poor. BUT what a fantastic effort by Steve Claridge, I thought he played really well, and told him that as he walked off the pitch, a great effort, thank you Steve. Administration will probably happen on Tuesday and the board have tried their best in virtually impossible circumstances. The comments on the back of the free paper are quite frankly completely out of order, administration should be avoided if at all possible, this board are in my opinion completely vindicated in their actions to try and do this. For the losing (yes losers) consortium to come out now and say "I told you so" quite honestly STINKS. In fact the whole article stinks.

Steve Claridge back and plays on Saturday 5th September 09 aged 43

A picture of Steve Claridge scoring a hat trick for Weymouth. Ian Ridley has asked Steve Claridge to help out the Terras in desperate trouble, and SC has agreed. He will play on Saturday against Bromley age 43. And if there is any question at all about if this is a good thing for Weymouth or not, then you only have to look at todays telegraph! Fantastic news, win lose or draw it's going to be a great game.
Let's hope he gets a real hero's reception, he deserves it after the Forest game.
The past is the past, welcome back CIG!

Weymouth - Extreme Laying Down Craze - 2012 Look out!

Just in case you might be wondering, what are the people like in Weymouth, well the latest craze that has just been started in Weymouth is called Extreme Laying Down and you can see the craze has its own facebook page, with thousands of photographs being added. Oh and the above is my step daughter Katy getting married to Jamie last weekend, and the fella on the cars is Christian the bestman! Great Wedding!

Weymouth Football Club in yet more trouble.

First can I just say, good luck to Ian Ridley, his partner, and family with his
fight with his illness, this is really bad news on top of what has been a pretty
troublesome few years for Weymouth FC. It is therefore very understandable that
he has had to stand down as Chairman and I hope he is able to get to as many
games as possible in the future. Only a couple of weeks after that news was
yet more bad news in the fact that it has been decided that unless £50,000 is
"found" then the club will be placed into administration, which with the current
set of circumstances could prove to be the beginning of the end. I hope not the club does certainly not deserve that, but with the ground being tied up it would appear that this club is no longer a viable business, and the "thanks" for that in my opinion go to Mr Curtis.

World Windsurfing Championships Weymouth August 22nd - Sept 5th 2009

The World Windsurfing Championships are on right now, you can watch them from the Weymouth to Portland causeway. The best youngsters and windsurfers in the world, potential medalist for 2012 are right here, right now.

Whow Now that is Busy! Weymouth Beach on Carnival Day 19 August 2009

Whow whow whow!

Weather Forecast & Timetable for Carnival Day Weymouth 19th Aug 09

It's going to be a busy one, with great weather forecast for today and tomorrow at least. From 10.00 am there will be plenty going on the seafront and beach, with competitions, The Guinot Wing Walkers aircraft display. The fabulous Red Devils parachute display team. The RAF Town Show, Weymouth FC Penalty shoot out. Search and Rescue display. Then at 4.30pm the FANTASTIC Red Arrows. 6.00pm the Carnival procession, then at 9.30pm the Fireworks followed at 10.00pm by the grand raffle draw.

Oliver Cromwell Steams into Weymouth on Carnival Day

This magnificent stream engine will be arriving in Weymouth at 12.46pm on Wednesday 19th August 2009 and will depart at 5.25pm

Weymouth V Bishops Stortford

Some very clever person caught the horror show on cam and put it on UTUBE!!
Weymouth really are in trouble, and it wouldn't surprise me if there are resignation's and perhaps even news of administration this week. This comes after two home defeats of 0-5 and 2-6 in a league below they were in last season. The fans are moaning, and I don't blame them!! The Directors go on the internet and blame the fans and to be quite honest have ridiculous opinions. At least Ian Ridley tried to put the record straight yesterday with his excellent programme notes, but I think it might all be in vain, it's really sad, but Weymouth FC's next darkest day, is close now. Warning the UTUBE video has an 18 certificate.........................

Weymouth Carnival Wednesday August 19th 2009

I wonder how big the Weymouth Carnival 2012 is going to be? Anyway I like Carnival day, there are too many people moaning that it is too small but all they do is moan about it. Its' a great day out, and there is plenty going on during the day, with the air display over the beach, including the fantastic Red Arrows. There are various competitions throughout the day on the beach, and of course after the parade in the evening there is a firework display. The parade starts at 6.00pm from Lodmoor and is expected to last for one hour. The fireworks are at 9.30pm, I will publish the other times once I know them. If you are coming to Weymouth on Wednesday, get here early, as it is going to be busy, it is the busiest day of the year by far. Bur there is plenty of car parking room, so come on down and have a great day by the seaside.

Weymouth 0 Eastleigh 5

Try and find some positives, oh ok, good crowd 931 very good for this div, and from what can only be said as a weak Weymouth side. But this is going to be a long long season, and even longer for the smokers (not me I might add) but I do have sympathy, as you NEED a fag watching Weymouth, banning smoking in the open air is another own goal! I sometimes wonder why I bother watching them. As for the football last night, it was complete and utter rubbish!

Weymouth Beach Busy today!

For an up to date picture, click on the link via the Philbeach Bed & Breakfast website.

The Duke of Cornwall Weymouth

Well that's the harbour pubs complete, but there are plenty more! Let's go into town, if you walk from the George back along the harbour and turn right into town, you will come to the Duke of Cornwall in St Edmund street, right next door to the registry office. This is a very famous Weymouth pub which come alive on Friday & Saturday nights. It's famous for it's party atmosphere and music, as it is only a small pub so it can get pretty full at the weekend's but that just adds to the fun. Often there is dancing on the benches and all in all if you like a bit of a sing and perhaps a dance then this is the place to visit. No food or anything posh in here, what you see is what you get, but you can be assured a welcome if you do go in.

Here comes trouble! New road plans for Weymouth 2012 !

Oh boy this is going to run and run, but the latest plans for the new road traffic plans for Weymouth in 2012 and beyond can be seen on Right here
And if you want to attend the meeting about all of this, you can go to the Wessex Stadium on Thursday 6th August (yes tomorrow) but sorry I don't know what time the meeting is, the Echo didn't tell us that bit. These plans don't actually tell us much though do they? Ok they explain the problems, but we all KNOW the problems. It's creating some discussion on the Echo website anyroad.......I mean anyway!

The George Inn Weymouth

Following on the pub trail, the next pub just another few yards down the harbourside is The George Inn. Another typical Weymouth Harbour pub, it has a few chairs outside so you can watch the world go by. Inside it has music at the weekends (can be quite loud, but if you like it loud, this is the place to go) but normally quiet during the week it's does homemade cooked pub grub, and has a restaurant upstairs which is great value for money. A very friendly pub and well worth a visit.

Still Talking about regeneration of the Seafront

Today's Dorset Echo has a report on the latest state of affairs with the changes that they may or may not have planned for Weymouth Espanade. Well there was 7 and and half years to go to 2012 when we were awarded the Olympics, now there is less than 3! What have "they" done with the the seafront. NOTHING. This is my pet hate, and trying to keep positive with the timewasters on the council really makes me so mad!! It's too late now to make a lot of difference, just too late, we have been VERY BADLY let down. The link to the Echo report is
RIGHT HERE
I suppose they might just about have time to knock the pier bandstand down???!!!
Easier and cheaper than the Pavvy.

Jurassic Jaunts

This area of the UK is famous for the stunning "Jurassic" coastline, and with that the very popular Jurrasic walks that can be found all along the coast. The best website to find all of the walks is easily www.jurrasic jaunts.co.uk Where you will find all the walks and even an updated account of the walks done by Andy the website owner recently.

Portland 2 Weymouth 5

Well with just a few minutes to go, it was 2-2 and Portland had seemed to have done more than enough to get a very well earned draw. But for some reason they had a mad last 5 minutes and Weymouth came away with a result that never looked possible half way through the first half. As indeed in the first 45 minutes it was Portland that had the best chances and they were pretty unlucky to go in level at 1-1. 2nd half was more even, but give Weymouth credit they kept up the pressure in the end to win this friendly. Portland's ground is a great looking ground and very friendly staff and it was again a pleasure to go up and watch this pre-season game. All the very best to Portland Utd over the coming season.

3 YEARS TO GO TODAY!

The opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic games will take place in 3 years time today.

The Ship Inn

The next pub is not very far away! The Ship Inn is about 10 paces from the Royal Oak, and has a few tables outside, and also a courtyard. Inside another typical Weymouth pub. It does have Karaoke at the weekends but you need to check when it's going to be on. The Ship also has good value pub grub, and children are welcome.

Royal Oak

Right next door to Rendezvous is the Royal Oak, and as far as I am aware is owned by the Rendezvous, at the time of writing anyway. It's a small pub but comes into it's own on a Summer afternoon and early evening as the tables outside get very full. It has real ale and that draws a few to this small but friendly little pub.

Weymouth V Bristol City 21st July 09 (Friendly)

I intend on giving a very brief summing up of all the Weymouth games that I manage to get to, which won't be all of them due to work, but it's a little bit of publicity for the club which won't do any harm. Well the game last night was played in just about perfect conditions, after raining all day it turned out to be a nice evening. The attendance of 484 was a bit disappointing but Weymouth do have a poor history of attendances in July & August. Bristol City brought virtually the first team that finished the end of last season, so right from the start this was going to be a very testing evening for the Terras. It was pretty clear from the start that the Championship side (4 tiers higher than Weymouth) were fitter and stronger and some of the passing was fast and very accurate. Some deadly through balls caused lots of problems. The game ended up 0-4 to City, however I thought some of the promise shown from the Weymouth lads was very encouraging indeed. The Goalkeeper Ryan Harrison in particular getting praise from all corners of the ground. So its hard to predict how they will fair in the Blue Square South which starts in early August, but I think we are going to be pretty competitive and look forward to a good start at Lewes on August 8th, followed by a home fixtures on the Tuesday against Eastleigh and then again at home to Bishops Stortford on Saturday 15th August.

Rendezvous

This pub is in a fantastic location and has a brilliant view from the night club and the restaurant/bar of the harbour. During a hot summers afternoon it is a pretty nice place to sit and have a drink, right by the bridge, and in the sunshine. At night it does turn into a pub/nightclub for the youngsters, however during the afternoon and very early evening it does serve food, and it's not bad grub either.
This pub has a website and can be found here

Don't Forget Weymouth Lifeboat Week July 19th - 25th!

PLEASE SUPPORT WEYMOUTH LIFEBOAT WEEK IF YOU CAN.


Sunday 19th July at 7.45pm
Blessing of the Weymouth Lifeboats in the Cove, Weymouth Harbour. Both the Weymouth All Weather and Weymouth Inshore Lifeboats will be moored in the Cove area of Weymouth Harbour where a service will take place to celebrate the dedicated work of the Weymouth Lifeboats and the crew.

Monday 20th July, events from 6:00pm onwards in Nothe Gardens
BBQ, Bar, Live Music, Children's entertainer, Harry Potter bouncy caste, tug o War. At 7.00pm watch a combined Air Sea Rescue demonstration featuring the Auxiliary Coastguard team, Weymouth All Weather and Weymouth Inshore Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

Wednesday 22nd July at 7:00pm, Bowleaze Cove
In the early evening you will also be able to view, from the Bowleaze Cove area, a combined rescue display by the Weymouth All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

Thursday 23rd July at 6:30pm
Join the Weymouth Lifeboat Crew for a barbecue and drinks at Weymouth Sailing Club.

Saturday 25th July from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm at the Weymouth Lifeboat Station
The Weymouth Lifeboat Crew invite the public to have a guided tour of both the Weymouth All Weather and Weymouth Inshore Lifeboats. The volunteer crew will be on hand to show you around the boats and share their experiences of the different types of rescues undertaken in the call of duty.

Sailors Return Another Weymouth Pub

After the boot, turn around and walk back into town, (there are other pubs but I will come to them later) Go back over the Town Bridge and turn LEFT, in fact you will see the Sailors Return from the other side of the bridge so it's pretty difficult to miss! You will find the Sailors one of the most friendly pubs in town, and it's nearly on everyone's pub crawl list. On a Friday night there is always a Karaoke and quite often on a Saturday night a band.

The Boot Weymouth

After the Kings Arms you would expect to walk over the bridge and into town. however there is one other pub close by, carry straight on without going over the bridge and in 600 yards or so you will come to The Boot. The boot is pretty famous in Weymouth, mainly because it sell's Real Ale. The pub is also the oldest in Weymouth dated back to the 17th century, so you can expect an old pub full of character, and its supposed to be haunted as well. It says in the "handbook" it has outside seating, well it does, but don't expect anything too fancy, it just wouldn't be the boot with fancy chairs outside now would it? In fact you can see one of the benches on the photograph, but as you can see quite a few sitting down having a pint of real ale.

Kings Arms Weymouth Harbour Pub

Moving along from the Old Rooms the next pub before the bridge is the Kings Arms.
This has recently been updated and it is much improved inside, recently under new ownership, Pete who used to run the Spa runs this very nice harbourside public house. It does serve traditional pub grub and there is often entertainment on in the bar which produces a very nice atmosphere. Very busy on bank holidays and nice summer weekends when people spill out into the street, but generally it is a quieter pub with a great view of the harbour and bridge. A typical nice Weymouth pub.

The Old Rooms Inn Weymouth Harbour

Moving a few yards from Hope Square and directly onto the Quay side of Weymouth Harbour you will find the Old Rooms Inn, this pub in summer is in a beautiful location right by the harbourside and in the sunshine, so it does get very popular. We tend to eat here in the winter when it is a bit quieter, as they have a very good menu in here but they do get quite busy at peak times. Always worth stopping by for a pint if you find the walk from Hope square into town too far!

The Excise House in Hope Square Weymouth

Obviously still in Hope Square the entrance to the Excise House is just inside the entrance to Brewers Quay itself. The pub is directly opposite The Red Lion. It also has tables outside and does also get quite busy on a summers weekend. But again it doesn't often take too long to find a seat. Inside you either love or hate, it is rather dark, but on a evening when a band is playing it has a great atmosphere and can get very busy indeed. It is of course much quieter without a band playing and they do have quite an extensive pub type menu to suit all ages. Next door you can find Bowlingo which is great fun to play while having a beer.

The Red Lion Hope Square Weymouth

Often the starting place for a Day out in Weymouth, here is a brilliant night picture of the outdoor area that attracts people to this part of town and indeed to the pub.
In the Winter it is a quiet local pub like many others in the town, but it comes alive in the spring once it is warm enough to sit outside. It can get busy at weekends, but often it does not take too long to find a seat. It does have a new menu to 2009 and the food I have eaten in there has always been fine. A great place to meet people and enjoy the atmosphere of the square. It is a fabulous location right opposite Brewers Quay and all its attractions and only a few paces away from Weymouth Harbour.

Pubs in Weymouth

Over the next couple of years (so plenty of time!) I will be writing a small piece about most pubs in Weymouth, (and also restaurants) I am going to start in Brewers Quay and work my way around the harbour and then up into town and then back along the seafront. So it's quite an interesting journey and all the pubs will be simply tagged and labelled PUBS! So they can all be pulled out as a comprehensive list for any visitor to read.

Weymouth Spirit of the Sea Events July 4th to July 12th 2009

This event is getting larger each year with masses of events going on in the town ending with the Dorset Seafood Festival July 11th & 12th 2009.

There will be live bands on the beach every night, and this will include the Schools Battle of the Bands which will be judged on Friday July 10th. The bands will be on the stage from 2pm until 10pm at the weekends, and from 6pm until 10pm on Weekdays.

This years nine day festival has 33 events throughout Weymouth and Portland and its going to be bigger and better than last years inaugural event which was a major success bringing in around £1.5 million for the local economy. It is seen as a legacy for 2012 and as interests grows over Weymouth so will the festival.

DON'T MISS THE OPEN DAY OF THE WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND SAILING ACADEMY ON JULY 11TH

For more details please go to www.spiritofthesea.org.uk

Weymouth Pavilion not over till the fat lady..........

The saga runs on, and the committee has two meetings planned over the next week to discuss a fresh bid from a new company.............I am starting to get bored with this subject now, the chances of this being complete by 2012 are now minimal, but the council have a problem with the funding of it, something has to happen FAST.

Fresh Hope for a New Look Esplanade

Local Traders have put forward a plan to regenerate Weymouth Esplanade before 2012, in fact the report says, it could be completed as early as 2010 (but of course we don't believe that one do we?!) But anyway it is a good idea to improve the eating and drinking facilities along the sea front. The "cafe/bistros" would be in form of upturned rowing boats that open up to form a beach cafe that would serve the traditional ice creams and burgers during the day, but transform into a place where you can buy a snack and have a glass of wine in the evening. Excellent idea, lets get cracking! Those of you that live in Weymouth will recognise the Chips sign!

After Sad news it's all positive news for Weymouth FC The Terras

After the very sad news of the death of life long Supporter Mike Baker, who died peacefully this week. Weymouth FC have announced that their struggle with stabilising the club seems to be bearing fruit as the seeds of a new and stable era seems to be upon us. After a few years of turbulence and financial difficulties the new board seem to be putting together a package which could be sustainable. The new team on paper looks very good indeed and they all start work in earnest next week as they go back into training. Also announced was the fact that there will this season be a reserve team which is of course fantastic news as it does mean there is a fresh supply of players waiting to play if required, it also gives local youngsters a real chance of progressing. Mike will be missed on the terraces of Weymouth FC, and also by his colleagues at Portland YOI where he had many very close friends. I know he would be welcoming this good news that has come from the club. RIP Mike.

Coming Soon on the Olympics are coming to Weymouth

1. Full history and information about Portland

2. A guide to all the pubs in Weymouth

3. Information about Brewers Quay

4. A Restaurant guide

Weymouth a perfect evening.

Its been a beautiful day here in Sunny Weymouth and not a cloud in the Sky, sun still shining at 8.00pm, you can view the latest weather conditions from the Webcam high up on the Philbeach Guesthouse on the seafront.

Tickets for London 2012 Olympics

For information, the tickets for the London 2012 Olympics will go on sale in 2011.
A brilliant idea for the sale of tickets is the fact that included in the price of the ticket is Free London travel on Bus or Underground for the day of the ticket, so you are able to enjoy the full atmosphere of the games for the whole 24 hours that your ticket is valid for. There will be some free events, such as the Road Cycling, Triathlon and of course the Ladies and Mens Marathon.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight buys a printer for £7279 !!

As the political scandal of our MP's goes on, it has now come to light that South Dorset MP Jim Knight bought a two colour printer for £7279!!!!!! Over £7000 for a printer Mr Knight? Oh I see you try and justify it, but then again most of the MP's have denied any wrong doing. The public have been treated with complete and utter contempt, and this is just another example of that.

Weymouth Spirit of the Sea Festival July 4th - 12th 2009

This years Spirit of the Sea Festival in Weymouth from July 4th - 12th promises to be bigger than ever. Included is the Dorset Seafood Festival that will run along side the event. This is the next festival in a long line of events that keep the town of Weymouth so busy. Of note for Sailing fans, the Weymouth & Portland "Olympic" Sailing Academy will be open to the public on July 11th. For plenty more information please go to www.spiritofthesea.org.uk

Weymouth Public rally round to replace stolen money.

At the recent Veterans festival, some low life stole a collection box from a charity stall on Weymouth Esplanade. Since the weekend £805 has been sent in by members of Weymouth Public to replace the stolen money. This equates to 6 times the amount stolen which of course is very good news. Also the police are questioning someone in connection with the theft. I think you can send in any money care of The Royal Star and Garter Homes to the Echo and they will forward it to the charity. More details in today's Dorset Echo.

Weymouth Pavilion could go under the Hammer.....DEMOLISED!

That's the headlines in today's local paper. I have to say I am undecided on this one, part of me would love the theatre to be around, I disagree with a lot of the comments in the Echo today, but the other half looks at the figures and has to agree they just don't add up. When it is explained that the theatre is losing £1,800 A DAY it must be time to say, enough is enough. But of course that was obvious years ago, it's not suddenly happened, and the council have had years and years to do something, and have missed the boat I am afraid. The statement concludes that it is going to be FIVE YEARS before building work can start! And so to find £1,800 a day for 5 years is not really a very good option. Flatten it would solve a problem. Great well done everyone, wait until the options become too expensive, then flatten it.............problem solved.
This has been a really contentious subject of late, and public opinion is divided, not sure what the spilt is, but divided is a fair summing up. Those who are for saving the Pavvy, and those who want to see the back of it, both have some fair points to offer. At the moment I can see the flattening of it, happening before 2012, rather than it being saved for 2012.

Weather Forecast in Weymouth Great for the Weekend & Beyond!

As you can see from the webcam high up on Philbeach Guest House on the Sea Front, the weather is perfect here in Sunny Weymouth, and the forecast is for it to get hotter over the coming days.

45 Skulls found in Burial Pit on Relief Road

Archaeologists working on the Weymouth Relief Road have confirmed that at least 45 Skulls also including other bones have been found in what is thought to have been an ancient burial pit probably dating back to the Romans. This is a surprise find but work is not going to be held up on the road, and the area has been sealed off and now under 24 hour guard.

HM The Queen's Visit to Portland: The 2012 Olympics Sailing venue, Portland, Dorset.

Thanks to Stuart Morris.

Windsor Castle on Weymouth Beach

SIMPLY..............WHOW!


'Just like the real thing': The Queen said and Prince Philip even pointed out where he takes morning tea, the Queen was thrilled with the Sand Sculpture of Windsor Castle. Click on the picture for larger detail

Weather Looks good for Armed Forces Veterans Weekend in Weymouth 13-19th June 2009

Its the first day of the Armed Forces Veterans Week here in Sunny Weymouth. The full itinerary can be seen below. This is just to say it is a lot brighter here this morning with the forecast looking good for Saturday and Sunday at least. Perfect weather for walking around the seafront to see the displays, and then on to the harbour for a drink and something to eat. It's already quite busy in the town, so if you are coming to Weymouth tomorrow then be sure to arrive early as the esplanade will be closed to traffic for the duration of the parade. Check out the webcam high up on Philbeach Guest House for the latest conditions and traffic. See link top right or left of the blog. Simon Weston the Falklands war veteran will be attending the parade.

Queen Visit to Weymouth 11 June 09

The Queen will be arriving from Portland on a Sunseeker at 11.35am she will see the Punch & Judy, and watch a fitness demonstration all including beach volleyball. There will be a sand sculpture of Windsor Castle. There will be 1000 union jack flags handed out to make this a real day at the sea-side for the Queen.

Armed Forces Day Celebrations in Weymouth

Details:
SATURDAY 13th JUNE:
Historic Military Vehicle Display static Display (from 10am) Veterans Rendezvous (10am - 12 noon) Beach Assult and Bridge Building (12pm) Historic Military Vehicles depart Forecourt in Convoy (2pm) 1940's Day at Portland Castle AJ Big Band Dance - Pavilion Ocean Room (7.30pm- Ticket £12 per ticket)
Ex- Service Association awareness & fund raising stalls/ units together wirh Welfare and information units i.e. SSAFA/ Veterans Agency Advise Bureau etc (All Day on the Esplanade) Regimental recruitment and promotional awareness stands (All Day on the Esplanade)

SUNDAY 14th JUNE:
Open Air Church Service, Parade and Vehicle Convoy (11am) Band Performances (from 1pm) Historic Military Vehicle Static Display (from 1pm) Fly Past (2pm)
Ex- Service Association awareness & fund raising stalls/ units together wirh Welfare and information units i.e. SSAFA/ Veterans Agency Advise Bureau etc (All Day on the Esplanade) Photographic Display of Parade (from 3.30pm)

MONDAY 15th JUNE:
Veterans Rendezvous and photographic display (10am-12pm)

WEDNESDAY 17th JUNE:
Veterans Rendezvous and photographic display (10am-12pm)

FRIDAY 19thJUNE:
Veterans Rendezvous and photographic display (10am-12pm)

Sea Front Olympic upgrade seems now to be lost

It is bring reported that a 6.5 million pound scheme to regenerate the Sea Front in Weymouth in time for the Olympics looks like being shelved. Our local council AGAIN proving that they are just incapable of doing anything. They have had 7 years to do something to improve the town, we are now down to 3! So time has virtually run out now anyway. We have a brand new road, that has yet to prove that it is going to be any better than the present one, we have a new cycle path to the Granby. We have been let down again by the council, and of course they are going to blame everyone else but themselves as per normal. 4 years wasted, and we are NEVER going to get another chance like this.

D Day 65th Anniversary Weekend Weymouth Nothe Fort 6th 7th June 09

The Nothe Fort that sits overlooking the town of Weymouth, is often an overlooked gem that is well worth a visit. It is a perfect location for evening concerts and this weekend is playing host to the 65th Anniversary of the D Day Landings. There is lots going on adjacent to the Fort on Saturday, with a picnic 1940's style that everyone is invited to join. In the evening inside the Fort is a nostalgic evening of music and flag waving to remember the brave D Day invasion that changed the course of World War II. Fingers crossed for the weather, it is rather overcast this weekend and there is a lot going on in the town with the folk festival and the D Day anniversary hopefully the rain will stay away. If you can't visit the fort this weekend, put it on your lists of places to visit, they have a great museum within the fort, and it is a smashing walk from town to the gardens surrounding it. They do have a website and that can be found right here

That's the way to do it! The Queen to watch Punch & Judy Show

For the Queen's visit on June 11th, will be included a walk along the prom prom prom, to watch the famous Punch & Judy show, and to see the donkeys. A sand sculpture of Windsor Castle is being constructed and there will be a keep fit class held around that. She will be arriving by Royal Train, and also visit the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy and then travel back to Weymouth from Portland on a 30ft Sunseeker.
Later in the day she will visit the tank museum at Bovington.

Weymouth Hot Sunny & the Beach is BUSY!

This afternoon from Philbeach Guesthouse on the seafront a perfect day in Sunny Weymouth, boy that beach looks busy, and loads of people in the water.

Weymouth Folk Festival 5th 6th & 7th June 2009

The correct name for the festival is the Wessex Folk Festival, and it is being held in various locations around the town, on the 5th 6th & 7th June 2009. Rather than me trying to tell you were all the events are, please go to the Wessex Folk Festival Blog where they have all the details. http://www.wessexfolkfestival.com/

Oh what a beautiful morning...................

After yesterday's washout, the good weather returns as you can see from this live picture taken at 0653 this morning. If you want to see the current conditions just click on the link on the right hand side, or via the Philbeach Guesthouse link on the left.

Webcam from Philbeach Guest House on Weymouth Seafront

The "Olympics are coming to Weymouth" blog staff are proud to team up with Helen & Dudley from Philbeach Guest House.
All the details can be found about the Guest House from their well informed website.
They also have a fabulous webcam located on their Guest House and as you can see they have a spectacular view of the beach and the beautiful bay of Weymouth.
TO VIEW THE WEBCAM CLICK HERE

Credit Crunch and Good Weather - Weymouth Packed

This bank holiday weekend and indeed the start of this week, a school half term week has seen Weymouth beach, town and harbour side packed with holiday makers that have decided that credit crunch or no credit crunch they are going to get away. The town has had pretty good weather with Sunday, a cracking day. Local bands were playing outside of the Rendezvous by the harbour and town bridge all weekend, to record crowds.

Weymouth Vintage Motorcycle Run Sunday 17th May

Weymouth Annual Dorset Vintage Motorcycle Run is for motorcycles over 25 years old, they will take a route around Dorset starting and finishing at the Weymouth Pavilion. I will try and get some times in the next 24 hours or so.

Weymouth Harley Davidson Rally Saturday 16th May

Saturday 16th May will see 650 Harley Davidson motorbikes roar into Weymouth. They will leave Warmwell and take the coastal A353 into Weymouth, arriving mid to late morning, at the Lodmoor Country Park on the outskirts of the town.

Weymouth 2009 Beach & Clean Water ENCAMS award

Weymouth Beach has again been awarded the Quality Coast award for 2009. This means that the quality of water is good, also the beach facilities and supervision is up to standard. All good news for this summers visitors.

Weymouth Kite Festival May Bank Holiday Weekend

The weather forecast is good, sunny and bright, with a sea breeze for sure, so perhaps perfect kite flying weather. Thousands are expected, but there is plenty of room on the beach folks.

Weymouth FC Season Ticket Prices

Weymouth FC still fighting for survival have just this evening released their early bird season ticket prices in an attempt to try and reduce some of the debt that the board still face. Chairman Ian Ridley is quoted as saying that these prices
are "not so much early bird but rather getting up with the lark!"

Getting up with the Lark prices (Ends 15th May)

Terrace £165 Stand £196 Premier Stand £283

Early Bird (Ends 29th May)

Terrace £185 Stand £220 Premier Stand £318

From 29th May until Season Begins

Terrace £210 Stand £250 Premier Stand £360

For the full list of ticket concessions and match day prices please go to

the main website, link on the left hand side

Well done the Weymouth FC board you might think, well yes these prices are good, and they are certainly early. But only last week there was still a strong indication that administration was still a possibility, one would therefore have to assume, that this was an attempt to try and increase awareness that there was a problem, and hopefully kick start the season ticket sales. At an average of just £8 a game for the average Jo, I would expect the loyal to grab the early bird prices fast. Shame I am unable to buy one this year due to work commitments. It is very disappointing to hear that the club still owe a lot of players money. I thought they were going to use the £70,000 that was pledged for sales of shares for this?? I hope this can be resolved, but it's not going to be easy.

The Queen is coming to Portland & Weymouth !

Queen Elizabeth II is going to visit the Olympic facility that is based on the Isle of Portland, in the borough of Weymouth & Portland. Yes on June 11th 2009 she will be coming to see the brand new Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy that will host the 2012 Olympic Summer games sailing events. The Queen of England will travel with Prince Philip and will also visit Burton Bradstock Primary School and in the afternoon will open the re-vamped Tank Museum at Bovington.

Olympic Gold Medalist Skater Robin Cousins - Ice Rink for Weymouth

Cousins Entertainment is said to be very keen on bringing a winter outdoor ice rink to Weymouth town centre. The company is run by Olympic Gold Medallist Robin Cousins who is also head judge on Dancing on Ice. Robin with his partner Jayne Torvill, together scored a perfect 10 by all 10 judges to win the 1984 ice dance Olympic gold medal. This has to be a brilliant chance for Weymouth to get Weymouth back on the map for the Winter months..........all we need now are some shops!

Congratulations Steve White as he returns to Weymouth

Steve White has returned to Weymouth and aboard for the return was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who completed the around the world feat 40 years ago. The 28,000 miles meant Steve was away for 109 days, and he becomes the 173rd person to complete the single handed round the world sail. A credit to Weymouth and he seems to have plans to continue on his personal voyage and I am sure will be a big part of Weymouth & Portland 2012 celebrations.

It's Crunch Time for Weymouth Football Club

Good Luck to Weymouth Football Club who have two critical games over the Weekend
Game One, is on Saturday away to Lewes, who are bottom of the league. And Game Two is at home on Easter Monday to Forest Green Rovers, entry is just £10.00 and it is going to be an Easter Cracker. Without in a win in ages! and without even a goal in 5 games, Weymouth have to get something from this weekend.

After a 1-0 defeat at Lewes, WFC sacked the manager after a run of 11 straight losses. Bobby Gould was appointed the new job late on Saturday night. A fair performance by the team on Monday managed a 1-1 draw at home to Forest Green Rovers. They really should have scored 3 in the first half and the game would have been all over, but a poor 2nd half meant that one point from the two games might not be enough. It is still there to be saved however and the 1st half at least did again prove that they can do it.

Then the Football club get broken into sometime on Monday night, and they left the shop takings in the till..........I give up, I really do.

Weymouth The Town Bridge

This is a Bascule bridge and was built in the 1930's and was opened on the 4th July 1930. It is the 6th bridge to be built. It has set lifting times to let the taller boats into the huge mooring harbour.

The Jubilee Clock Weymouth

The Famous Jubilee Clock which was built for the 50th year celebrations of Queen Victoria's reign in 1887. The clock was originally on the sand, but in 1920 the Esplanade was built around it to protect it.

Weymouth Lifeboat Week 19th - 25th July

Sunday 19th July at 7.45pm
Blessing of the Weymouth Lifeboats in the Cove, Weymouth Harbour. Both the Weymouth All Weather and Weymouth Inshore Lifeboats will be moored in the Cove area of Weymouth Harbour where a service will take place to celebrate the dedicated work of the Weymouth Lifeboats and the crew.

Monday 20th July, events from 6:00pm onwards in Nothe Gardens
BBQ, Bar, Live Music, Children's entertainer, Harry Potter bouncy caste, tug o War. At 7.00pm watch a combined Air Sea Rescue demonstration featuring the Auxiliary Coastguard team, Weymouth All Weather and Weymouth Inshore Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

Wednesday 22nd July at 7:00pm, Bowleaze Cove
In the early evening you will also be able to view, from the Bowleaze Cove area, a combined rescue display by the Weymouth All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

Thursday 23rd July at 6:30pm
Join the Weymouth Lifeboat Crew for a barbecue and drinks at Weymouth Sailing Club.

Saturday 25th July from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm at the Weymouth Lifeboat Station
The Weymouth Lifeboat Crew invite the public to have a guided tour of both the Weymouth All Weather and Weymouth Inshore Lifeboats. The volunteer crew will be on hand to show you around the boats and share their experiences of the different types of rescues undertaken in the call of duty.

Virtual Weymouth Relief Road

New Traffic System around King George III Statue

Plans are being drawn up, and work expected to start in Sep 2009 for a new traffic system on the sea front. The idea is to pedestrianise the area around King George's statue and to do that, quite how that is going to all work, I am not too sure. I suspect that it won't mean a massive change to traffic, other than you cannot go around the statue, there will be a new roundabout put in the road before the statue.

Google Earth image of Weymouth Harbour & Beach

Digging the New Relief Road

Well its the road that we all never thought we would see, as it has been talked about for years and years. But at last the diggers have started. Will it actually make a lot of difference? Well it takes out, the school run, Littlemoor traffic lights, and the hairpin bend. But that's about it, I think it is quite improbable that all Weymouth's traffic problems are going to be solved, improved yes, solved, not a chance.

Olympic Artists in £500,000 competition

All across the country Artists are invited to submit their design that will show the country the best of UK's Artists. It is part of ten major cultural Olympiad schemes that will lead up to 2012. It is very much hoped that the countries south west submissions will be shown in Weymouth. For more information you can go to
The deadline for submissions is May 29th 2009