News from the Marina Office

I thought, as last year, I could prolong the summer by wearing my shorts until the end of October. However this morning on came the long trousers. However it's been a great season at the helm of the marina. I have enjoyed a great Maritime festival in spite of the weather and as a spin off we may attract part of the tall ships fleet in a cruise in company on their passage to Newcastle next year. The plan is to host the A class ships at Middlesbrough with the rest of the fleet in Hartlepool Marina. Unfortunately Victoria dock will be full of steel during that week otherwise we could have kept the whole fleet together. Tees Valley Hartlepool Council, PD Teesport and Hartlepool Marina are all working together to put a package together and I will let you know when I have more information.

Another event planned for the summer next year should have you all training through the long winter nights. On the 29th May 2005 we are hosting a Triathlon Sprint. Just when you thought you could rest your legs after the great north run you will have to start training again. The event involves swimming cycling and running. I expect all berth holders over the age of 18 and under the age of 90 to enter. The swim section will be a mass start swimming a rectangular route around Jackson's Dock almost ½ mile. The cycle route will take you to Seaton and Port Clarence a total of 20km. Then the run of only 5km will be a piece of cake. Contact lock office for entry forms.

Christmas presents (did I mention that word has my wife has already started buying presents). Yes we have the answer, having recently signed up with Kelvin Hughes we now have access to Imray and Admiralty charts. We will keep a certain amount of stock but if you allow 5 days should the item you require be out of stock. What's charts got to do with Christmas - well not a lot but Kelvin Hughes catalogue has a fantastic range of books and videos. Why not pop into the lock office and place your orders?

On the subject of Christmas we have teamed up with Heritage Marina to supply and fit a range of diesel engines, Beta, Caterillar, Perkins and Volkswagen. All work would be carried out here - ask for a quote. Why not give your boat a Christmas present?

Princess Anne said to me the other day "you have a nice marina here". I think she is right. For those who were on another planet on Monday we were graced with her presence or more accurately the Princess Royal Life boat was rededicated by her Royal Highness Princess Anne. Proceedings started with her arrival by helicopter to the Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club. I was asked by James Atkinson to help him raise the royal standard at exactly the right moment. It must have been quite comical to watch James and I wrestle with the flag in the easterly gale but all went well. The yacht club was full of important people. I wonder why I was there, and the buffet was a right royal feast. Her Royal Highness arrived and was escorted by Brian Stringer Chairman - the Princess Royal Restoration Association to meet the distinguished guests. Shortly afterwards we boarded a bus to travel the 100m to the pizza area where we were met by a guard of honour represented by the Sea Cadets. A short service took place followed by an address by her Royal Highness. Throughout her visit she seemed genuinely interested in the project and took time to speak to many people, myself included.

You will shortly see a change in staff uniforms. We have decided to smarten ourselves up. Instead of the polo shirts we will be sporting smart shirts with logos and our lock masters will adopt more formal naval attire in keeping with their post.

I have placed some marker buoys in the water sports area, this is to remind vessels that permission is required before entering.

Thank you for reading my article.

Allan Henderson