Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
I`m hoping to visit the castle sometime, since I haven`t been up there since 1982! Please don`t ask me why as I don`t know. Anyway, late morning I was at my favourite eat in for breakfast, and the owner informed me that she had 2 elderly German ladies in there yesterday from the cruise ship in port. They weren`t too happy as they had a 10 hour stay in Dover before sailing at 20.00 last night. Now, they got the bus up to the castle, but were disappointed as they had to stay at the bottom of a great flight of steps, and were unable to make it to the top. They came back early to the above for tea and food and told all to the owner, who told me today. Any comment`s on their castle visit? Also, has anyone been longer than I have in visiting it? I`ll try and get some pics on here next week.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
colin
sounds like they got off at the wrong stop, the steps are steep and are usually used by those going down rather than up.
the next stop offers a fairly easy walk up a gentle slope.
i am surprised that the bus driver did not make it clear what was the best stop, they are normally very helpful.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
Sounds right Howard, but there is also work at Constables Tower so that may have caused confusion...
Colin - join the Friends of Dover Castle and get unlimited annual access for 1.5 of the normal admission, and get along to some of the events. First major one is the Dunkirk event at the end of May
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
As a member Paul is right on this one and we need all the new members we can get,so please join up and get into the castle most times for free.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
spot on vic, events on during the summer and school holidays.
some people may not even have seen the wonderful tower seen its renovation.
2 great cafes, plus picnic tables at various spots for those on a limited budget.
a train continually going round the various viewing points to help those with limited mobility.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I am back on their commitee again and lookward to going to the next meeting.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
Good news Vic. Hopefully it has already been raised, but if not can you mention it, that the Anti Aircraft gun that the Friends paid for is looking very sad these days and need a lot of tlc....
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Thank you Paul,and yes I will do that I have put it in my note book.
Paul
As you know any profit the Friends of Dover Castle make go towards provision/restoration of objects at Dover Castle.
We are currently in discussion with English Heritage in respect to the Bofor's Gun as we are prepared to assist with the costs ( we have already allocated an amount)for work required, we are of course keen to see the maintenance done as soon as possible on this gun to avoid any further deterioration as the Friends originally purchased it for the castle.
With regard to the original posting by Colin. It seems that the people did not get off at the correct stop. We shall remind Stagecoach of the easiest foot access to the castle.
We are aware of the needs of people with walking disabilities and the terain at the castle as the Friends have purchsed over the years seven electric buggies that could not be provided within the English Heritage budget.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
Yes, I know Pat, I have been a commitee member in the past !!
Would be good to find out what happened to the gas burner we purchased for the beacon as that just vanished... I am sure it will be in store somewhere and might be worth raising with the new HVO.
Been nice knowing you :)
Thanks Paul
Will put on my list for next meeting with EH
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
pat
as i posted earlier, stagecoach drivers always point the passengers in the right direction, even telling them where to get the bus back and times.
this was a one off.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
Let`s hope so Howard, otherwise they`ll be a few tourist`s not coming back.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
12 October 2010
13:5874647 I recieved this interesting post card this morning, post marked DE 15 08, (Dec 15 1908). Another original Edwardian scene, this one is post marked Acton W, and is addressed to Leighton buzzard, Bedfordshire. I`m still not sure of how the colouring was done on the post card before the days of colour film. Anybody know?
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 702- Registered: 9 Jul 2010
- Posts: 241
12 October 2010
15:3374658Colin
As far as I can determine, originally black & white postcards were hand-painted, usually by low paid female workers. Later as colour printing became possible/cheaper cards were printed in two runs, first the normal B&W, then over printed in colour. This of course allowed the printers to 're use' old designs.
This is only what I can derive from the Internet and I am sure there is much more to these processes. It needs a postcard collector/expert for a definitive answer.
12 October 2010
16:2674660Many years ago I seem to remember free entry over an off season weekend for locals. I believe it was with a 'token' from the Dover Express. Certainly we had this going in Deal with entry to Deal and Walmer Castles (also English Heritage) with a cutting from the EKM.
Frankly £34.80 for a family ticket for Dover Castle will seem an awful lot for many Dovorians.
Perhaps t'committee could consider re-introducing the offer?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
12 October 2010
17:2674673i seem to to remember the express doing that in conjunction with english heritage only a year or two back.
at the moment the castle is doing well rather well because of the great tower, cannot see the need for them to make free offers.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
12 October 2010
17:4774678Think that is right whan Ken says, I have quite a few that were 'revamped' old B&W cards but they lose a lot of the interesting detail of the original.
I have quite a few, I will have a look later....
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
12 October 2010
17:5074680Re the comment "Frankly £34.80 for a family ticket for Dover Castle will seem an awful lot for many Dovorians"
Friends of Dover Castle is an annual membership which gets you in free to the majority of the events and is well worth the money
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
12 October 2010
19:0474690Here is another of the Castle - hand tinted of gunners on the oarade ground by Palace Green - so much more detail available in the original 'real photograph' card
Been nice knowing you :)
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Been nice knowing you :)
