Guest 705- Registered: 23 Sep 2010
- Posts: 661
Well it's official, Dover Harbour Board have refused to accommodate TSS Dover anywhere in the Port of Dover. DHB Chief Executive Bob Goldfield last week invited us in for a meeting which had been requested by DSC secretary Andy Mclean.
The most important objective before we secure the ship is to find a berth without which we would have 3600 tons of liability on our hands. Obviously Dover is where 'Dover' should be. We were able to state our case but alas it was fait accompli. Mr Goldfield opened the meeting by informing us that he felt that telling us NO face to face was more polite than writing us a letter of refusal. The reasoning of Mr Goldfield and his attending senior oficers was articulate, predictable and littered with platitudes. In short,no space,no resources, no will- and of course the imminent start to the construction of the fabled T2.
We outlined our plans for seasonal operations,education, maritime training and a major tourist attraction in the heart of the Port-also the projected exciting employment oportunities and the boosting of local regeneration. Mr Goldfield and his team payed tribute to our principles but stated categorically that they could not help us-a sad fact,but it was just impossible to facilitate our vessel.
Well at least when someone asks me "Have you approached Dover Harbour Board?", I can answer "Yes". We would like to thank Bob Goldfield and his colleagues for taking the time to meet us.
On a brighter note, yesterday we had a meeting with DPPT chairman Neil Wiggins and if I may quote Mr Wiggins from the minutes of that meeting..."Our aim is to develop the port's infrastructure with due sensitivity to it's unique heritage aspects,not destroy it...we see the heritage vessel 'Dover', as having the potential for being the centrepiece for the regeneration of Dover..."
We are continuing talks.
Never give up...
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
Good luck to you with pursuing this.
We have visited the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. After seeing it moored so often on the Prince of Wales pier we thought that the royal connections would be the highlight, but apart from Charles and Diana's honeymoon bed (
) it was getting to see around the inner workings of the ship from the bridge to the engine room and learning how it was operated that we came away most impressed by, so this could be a winner.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
so it looks like bob golddigger is still looking at his golden handshake then.
really.
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
I think DHB have a point here, that Dover Port has not got the space to accomodate a museum ship. To do so they would have to build an extra berth somewhere in the Harbour, (cost: tens of millions of pounds), and this cannot be a basis for regeneration in Dover.
DHB have predicted an increase in Port traffic over the years, making it all the less likely they could find space for a vessel that does nothing.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
Could be static in Wellington Dock?
Been nice knowing you :)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
that would have been my choice, would have been of interest to locals and visitors alike.
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
The Royal Yacht is berthed next to a major shopping centre like a small Bluewater and the ticket desk, entrance and souvenir shop for it is on the top floor so everyone's a winner, shoppers get lured to the ship and tourists get lured into the shops.
Just needs a bit of vision to see the opportunities and adapt the western docks development in that way - the Victorians would have been digging the foundations by now.
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
Ray, if that is an alternative to building another supermarket in Dover: having a ship serving as a shopping area, then it is a very good idea!
To place it in the Wellington Dock is also a good idea.
Well done there, Ray!
Guest 705- Registered: 23 Sep 2010
- Posts: 661
Wellington Dock is the obvious place-naturally we have been discussing this as a location. The Dover Steamship Company believe that the area known as 'The Bubbles' would be ideal.
'Dover' would be restored to fully operational condition to work as a seasonal coastal and cross channel cruising vessel. She would be manned by local deck and engineering cadets in association with the remaining maritime and local colleges
Before we bring her south from Middlesborough she needs dry docking to at least towing standards. We have been formulating our budget and business plan to encompass 2 phases. Phase 1-to Teeside dry dock for survey and repairs to load line standard. Phase 2 tow to Dover and berth. Here she will be refurbished internally and externally to a high standard,with all machinery brought back to full working order. Incorporated would be the latest clean burn equipment for her boilers with her traditional navigational aids enhanced by the latest developments in that field of maritime technology.The latest SOLAS legislation will also be adhered to making her a heritage vessel truly worthy of the expectations of the 21st century.
Out of season she would stay at her berth,serving as a conference and exhibition centre,with the cadets class- room bound or carrying out maintenance and improvements as a part of their training. A designer market outlet could be created on the car deck during these times with invited local traders offering their wares and services. She would become the focal point for the promotion of brand 'Dover'-a truly underestimated dimension of local potential. Local tourism could be serviced from a facility which would see squabbles about sea front cabins evaporate. The possibilities are endless!!
Our campaign is well and truly underway with our own fundraising commenced-please visit our developing website for details.
http://www.tssdover.co.uk/Never give up...
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I am also on this committee, and like the rest i do hope it can be done,but still a very long way to go yet,so if you got a few bob to give away please think about supporting this please.
Guest 705- Registered: 23 Sep 2010
- Posts: 661
Cheers Vic-do you need further material for the cabin?
Never give up...
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Richard if some one is coming my way can they please drop my staple gun off at my home,I need it.Thank you.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
We at DPPT support this but until we have overcome several other hurdles are not in a position to do much.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 705- Registered: 23 Sep 2010
- Posts: 661
We fully appreciate that Peter and certainly realise it is early days for any practical liason. Obviously we place much value on your support in principle.
...and Vic,we'll get the stapler up to you by pony express ASAP. I guess your desk must be getting a little untidy-and we can't have that!
Never give up...
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Thank you and I need to talk to you at some point Thank you.