Summer Has All But Gone

June and July we had some beautiful bar-b-que weather but what happened to August?  And now here we are in September already and the Summer Season is almost over.

Of course it would be nice to have blazing Sunshine from May to October but as always you can not predict what the Great British Weather is actually going to do especially during the Summer months.

That is why we love Weymouth and it is such a great place to go on holiday f or all the family.  You  can always find things to do throughout the year and even if it rains there are activities and fun for the kids to enjoy.

And if you are staying at a holiday camp where entertainment, kids clubs and activities are available as well as indoor heated swimming  pools then you probably won’t even notice the weather too much.

You can still enjoy Weymouth throughout September although you will find some of the events have scaled back, but you will still be able to enjoy many different events and here are a few:-

Gala Weekend

Friday 10^th to Sunday 12^th September 2010 – 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Bournemouth & Poole Preservation Club are joining together with Swanage Steam Railway to hold a gala weekend event at Haycrafts lane, just off the Valley Road, A351, Harmans Cross, Swanage.

There will be Steam Engines, Vintage and classic cars and motor cycles, tractors, the steam railway, stalls, displays, catering, bar and music including Stepping Out (on Friday evening)  the Original Plonkers (Sat & Sun afternoon) and Black Sheep (Sat evening)

Admission Adults £3.50 -    OAP’s £3.00

Children (5 to 15 years)  FREE

Digital Photography Field Trip – RSPB Nature Reserve

Thursday 16 September from 10 am to Noon

This is your chance to greatly improve your skills at shooting wildlife with your digital camera.  This field trip is designed to get the best photos with a combination of camera and lenses and you will be able to shoot beetles, berries, birds and blooms and anything else that you may come across on this field trip.

Booking is essential and you will need to contact Radipole Lake visitor centre on 01305 778313

Kingfisher Quest Weekend – RSPB Radipole Lake

Sat 18 September to Sun 19 September – 10 am – 3 pm

If you have always wanted to see Kingfishers then September is a wonderful time to do just that. There will be spotters located in different areas around the nature reserve who will point out any kingfishers on show.  Not only that but every visitor will receive a fabulous kingfisher print to take home and keep – also free binocular hire is available – Contact Radipole Lake visitor centre on 01305 778313

2010 Weymouth – Dinosaurs Not Allowed

Sat 25 September – 11am to 4pm -

5 different sites around Weymouth harbour and shopping area

This is an event that showcases the Traditional Youth Dance from across the South West region.  With 15 teams dancing in and around Weymouth  performing traditional dances of England, including Cotswold, Border and North West Morris dance, Social dance, Rapper and Longsword.

This promises to be an exciting and energetic show and it is Free so come and watch and maybe you can even have a go yourself.

Weymouth in September

September is a really pleasant time of year to visit Weymouth.  You may still be lucky enough to catch some warmer weather, but most of all you will be able to enjoy everything that Weymouth has to offer at a quieter slower pace than in the Summer season.

You can enjoy a walk along the many coastal paths or even try the Rodwell Walk which was shown on the TV earlier in the year.

And for the artists and photographers amongst you, I am sure you will find something of great interest to paint, from the boats in the harbour to the wildlife in the nature reserves to the promenade and seafront there is much to paint or photograph.

Retail Therapy

And if you love retail therapy then you will find the shops are  far less busy than they were in the Summer as the tourists start to diminish and the Christmas Shoppers have not quite started yet.

Actually if you are an Early bird then Christmas Shopping on your holiday in Weymouth may be a great idea as the shops are very reasonable and the array of goods on offer is great.

If you are looking for gift ideas then the Harbour Lights shop in Brewers Quay offers a year round choice of gifts and presents so you may find just what you need there.

In fact if you are not tied to School Holidays then September is a wonderful time to take a holiday or short break in Weymouth and it is the perfect base to visit many other places of interest in the Dorset area including Durdle Door.

So until next time …. Pratley Caravans

Please note that any information given on this blog was correct at the time of writing.

Autumn in Weymouth

It is now the end of the Holiday season at the Holiday Parks in Weymouth and it has been a phenomenal year for Pratley Caravans with a huge demand in holiday bookings, perhaps in part due to the credit crunch and guests deciding to stay in the UK this year, but whatever the reason I know from the feedback from our customers that they have all had a fantastic holiday this year.

We are already taking bookings from guests for holidays in 2011 who say they are really looking forward to their holiday Next Year. And why not as Weymouth never fails to delight with so much on offer for everyone of all ages.

You may not be able to stay at the Holiday Parks in Weymouth during Late Autumn and Winter but there are many delightful Hotels, Guest Houses, and Bed & Breakfast accommodations available so if you are looking for a short break you can enjoy a quieter more relaxed stay out of the main holiday season. And with one of Mother Natures best displays of Reds, Golds and Yellows on the trees you are bound to find some beautiful scenery on route.

If you would like to know more of the exciting things on offer year round in Weymouth then please read my previous entries under the categories section to see what has been happening in this beautiful part of the country during this past Year and keep reading in the future as I will be adding to this blog as time goes by.

So until next time from …. Pratley Caravans

Destination Dorset, UK – Travel Info
By Sarah Maple

With the current financial climate forcing all of us to cut back on spend for the non-essentials this year, many Brits are considering a holiday here in the UK instead of travelling abroad. As a result, prospective holidaymakers are becoming fully aware that if they choose to stay in England it is unlikely that they will be the only souls with that idea – so choosing a destination that is less known, sooner, and booking early is a great idea. Dorset is the perfect destination, especially for those seeking camping or cottage holidays. It is a less obvious choice than Devon and Cornwall, but is equally as unique and enchanting a place.

Lyme Regis is perhaps one of the best known tourist destinations in the county. The town lies on the Jurassic Coast (a World Heritage Site) to the east of the county and equidistant between Exeter and Dorchester (25 miles from each). The town’s rich history is related closely to the progression and growth of shipping and exploration in the 13th Century, and was once home to George Somers (who founded Bermuda). Today, one of the major pastimes in the town is fossil hunting. The Blue Lias rock of the cliffs is host to many intact fossils that are revealed by coastal erosion, and easy to find by visitors.

The county’s unique geography is also exemplified by Chesil Beach. This barrier beach connects the Isle of Portland to the mainland, and stretches 18 miles north-west up to the village of Burton Bradstock. The intriguing beach bar structure offers a natural barrier to Weymouth and Chiswell against the harsh channel and sea. Behind the beach in-between the Isle and the mainland lies Portland Harbour, the second biggest manmade harbour in the world after Sydney. The harbour is a popular destination for sailors, wind surfers, and divers.

Bournemouth is the largest town in Dorset and is situated on the coast at the east of the county. The town is considered the regional centre for leisure and recreation, and consequently offers many things for tourists to do. The Russell Coates Museum contains collections of 19th Century paintings from countries as diverse as Japan and Russia. Bournemouth is also home to the well-renowned Royal Bath Hotel which has been the temporary residence to such celebrities as Oscar Wilde, H. G. Wells and Shirley Bassey.

There are numerous other sights to see in the county to satisfy all tastes and interests: from castles to tank museums. Monkey World is certainly worth a visit. The primate sanctuary is continually growing and progressing its environmental efforts, with a range including Gibbons, Marmosets, and Lemurs. However the icon that is no doubt most known around the world is that of the Cerne Abbas giant – an 180 ft tall chalk drawing to the north of Dorchester.

Sarah Maple writes about holiday cottages and country cottages

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Maple
http://EzineArticles.com/?Destination-Dorset,-UK—Travel-Info&id=2071576

Please note that any information given on this blog was correct at the time of writing.

A Caravan Owners Blog …

Hello and Welcome,

Here we are busy getting ready for Christmas which seems to have come round very quickly this year. OK I know it is still 365 days in a year but I have been so busy that this year seems to have flown by faster.

Victorian Show Night

In previous years Weymouth has held a Victorian Show Night in the Town which usually promises to be a very nostalgic night to put anyone in the Christmas mood.   I have tried to find out if it is going to be held again for 2010 but can not find the dates yet so If anyone knows the exact dates please let me know.  It would be an awful shame if this event was not to take place.

And even if the Victorian show night does not happen this year you will still be able to enjoy the decorations and Christmas lights around Weymouth and the lovely way in which Brewers Quay is decorated and the shops give off that air of old fashioned quaintness which should help to make you feel very Christmasy.  You can also take in some late night Christmas shopping if you want.

Christmas Shopping at Brewers Quay

If you are looking for some fantastic Christmas bits and bobs then go to the Harbour Lights shop in Brewers Quay, if you have read my blog before you will know that I love this shop but it is a real treat at Christmas with plenty of pretty decorations and gift ideas and if you pop next door to the Sweet Sensations you can get some traditional sweets and candies which make ideal presents and treats.

If you are looking for that special gift for that special someone in your life it is worth taking a look around all the shops in the Quay as there are some specialist shops such as Pauline’s Patchwork , Wowz on Canvas and All things Collectable, along with many other delightful shops.

And why not sit and have a nice cup of tea in the Courtyard Restaurant or a meal in the Excise House.

Click on the link to view the Abseiling Santa at Brewers Quay Ho! Ho! Ho!

And not forgetting of course that Weymouth Town has some great shops for all your other Christmas shopping requirements including plenty of superb clothes shops for your Party Dresses and shoes.

What’s On in December?

Other things to look out for are:-

3 December 2010 – at Moby Dicks The Esplanade Weymouth 8.30 to 10pm  (one night only)

Miles England the Comedy Hypnotist. Tickets from Moby Dicks.

4 December 2010 – at Portland National  Sailing Acadamy Ann Waters; T: 01305 812775 E: hontytonk@tiscali.co.uk.

Ben Waters Christmas Party. A Christmas spectacular with one of world’s leading Boogie Woogie/Rock n Roll piano players, Ben Waters.

You can enjoy excellent carvery-style food. Tickets for the event are priced at £27 per head.

5 December 2010 – at Brewers  Quay

Reindeer Day

11 December 2010 – at Nothe Fort

Christmas Celebrations

13 December 2010 – at Moby Dicks The Esplanade Weymouth

Moby’s Comedy Night. With 3 comedians and a comic compere. Tickets are £8 each. 8.15pm – 11pm 01305 853587

18 & 19 December 2010 – Willowbed Hall, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset 8.15am – 1pm

Christmas Weekend Arts Crafts & Produce Event., lots  of arts and crafts stalls all under one roof. Including MIGHTY HOP BREWERY offering seasonal mulled cider, seasonal hot treats also available, parking and toilets. Wheelchair friendly free parking.

19 December 2010 - Weymouth Beach

Chase the Pudding Fun Run

25 December 2010 – Weymouth Old Harbour

Christmas Day Swim

31 December 2010 – Town centre

New Year’s Eve Fancy Dress Revelry

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

So until next time from …. Pratley Caravans

Traditional Victorian Christmas

Victorian Christmas Traditions – How the Victorians Celebrated Christmas

By Emma Martin

Many of the Christmas traditions and practices we enjoy the most can be traced back to the Victorian era, which covers the duration of Queen Victoria’s ruling over the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901. During that period, the country experienced something of an emergence from its formerly Puritanical bans on extravagant celebrations. Naturally, people rather exuberantly embraced their newly merry and flamboyant celebrations, spawning a host of traditions. Many of the most popular Victorian traditions are still very much in practice today.

Perhaps one of the most popular Victorian Christmas traditions that is still observed today is the sending of Christmas cards. The practice of sending printed Christmas cards started in England and was a modification of the then customary writing of greetings by English children to their parents. The printed cards enjoyed huge success and later on became a contagious practice that spread from England to the rest of the UK then to the rest of the world. More than a century later, we still send Christmas cards by the truckload to destinations around the globe.

The Christmas tree was not a British innovation, but history has it that the German husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, brought and introduced the Christmas tree from Germany to the United Kingdom in the 1840s. From Windsor castle, the tree’s popularity spread rapidly, becoming even more popular in the US than it ever was in England, and now the Christmas tree is practically synonymous with Christmas, even though were banned by the Puritans as being far too pagan in its symbolism.

Two London-based sweets makers, James Hovell and Tom Smith invented Christmas crackers in 1846. The confectionery makers wrapped their sweets in colored paper twisted around the shaft. The wrapped candies became further popular when love notes, small toys and other bits and pieces were also tucked inside the crackers.

The traditional visitations of carol singers also started in England during the Victorian era. Popular Christmas carols became crowd favorites. Among them were ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, ‘See Amid the Winters Snow’ and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’.

The next time you exchange gifts with friends and family, remember that the traditional Christmas practice was started during the Victorian era. During the reign of Queen Victoria, the middle class people started making hand-made toys that were then given to children for free on Christmas Day.

The hugely popular Santa Claus is a very characteristic Victorian tradition, as well. In England, Santa Claus was first known as Father Christmas, who was committed to giving out gifts to children on the eve of Christmas Day.

These are just a few examples of the more celebrated Victorian Christmas traditions. They surely add color and fun to everyone’s Christmas.

For some great Christmas Victoriana to add to your own holiday celebrations, there are wonderful Victorian Christmas decorations available, but some of my favorite collectibles are actual ephemera from the period, such as Victorian Christmas Cards

Emma Martin loves vintage collectibles, especially Halloween and Christmas decorations. You can visit her website at: http://www.retroholiday.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Martin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Victorian-Christmas-Traditions—How-the-Victorians-Celebrated-Christmas&id=855557

For Ideas on Card Making for Christmas Cards why not try www.easy-cardmaking.com

For December 2010 | Author: Pratley Caravans

Spirit of the Sea Festival Weymouth

As I write this it is the start of the Spirit of the Sea Festival from 3rd  July to 16th July 2010, so if you are in the vicinity pop along and check out the great stuff going on in Weymouth.   You will find many things going on, please see below…

Weymouth Beach Live

On from Saturday 3^rd to the Sunday 11^th July “Weymouth Beach Live” is a 9 day free Festival of live music and performance showcasing a wide range of talent and music.

Every day will concentrate on the local music scene with a different type of music and entertainment to suit a wide range of musical tastes ranging from Pop, Jazz, Rock, Folk, and Blues. At the pavilion end of Weymouth Beach there will be a Roadshow Stage Unit and there will be a full programme each day.

Bands for 2010 include: Speedway Snails, Mumjums, Lets Dance, Ed Hintz and the Community Choir, Stereoironics, Casino Drive to name but a few.

Members of the Public do not need to book and the event is FREE.

Bands will need to contact the beach office to see if there are any remaining slots available.

Beach Office  Tel: 01305 838511  www.visitweymouth.co.uk

Weekdays 6.30 pm to 10 pm

Weekends 3.30 pm to 10 pm

Other Events Taking Place during these dates

Sea Food Festival – 2 day event celebrating Dorset’s seafood industry on 10 and 11 July 2010

International Maritime Modelling festival

Sea Kayak Demo Days

Weymouth Through Time

SailLaser TrySail

Battle of Weymouth 1645 Tour

Thomas Hardy and Weymouth Walk

Old Town Hall English Civil War Display

Purbeck Film Festival Nothe Fort Screening

Jurassic Coast Walk & Pub Lunch

Haunted Harbour Tour

Henri Lloyd Weymouth Regatta

Come down and see what else is going on in Weymouth and if you can not make it during this time don’t worry as Weymouth has many different events throughout the year.

Weymouth – Not Just a Seaside Resort
By Katrina Holmes

Dorset is one of England’s most pleasant and quaint seaside resorts that offers a long and spectacular history of human settlements along with its beautiful array of listed buildings where the upper class rich folk of days gone by lived. The architecture around the county is stunning and worth a visit just to see some of the many Georgian buildings, and if you venture further, to places like Weymouth you will find architecture at its best.

Weymouth itself is at the Southern part of the county of Dorset and too has a vast history behind it, including the involvement of the spreading of the bubonic plague in the year 1348 when Melcombe Regis was said to be the first place where it started off from, World War II activity and preparations which included United States Armed Forces boarding the landing ships for the famous invasion of Normandy back in 1944, and of course the Georgian architecture that can be seen around the small seaside town.

With a museum, two large shopping centres and an aquarium by the sea front Weymouth brings in many people from around the world and because there is so much to do and so much to see Weymouth has a booming tourism industry and has done so for many years now. Not only is it soaked up in history but the beaches and seas in the area are some of the best in the UK, making it ideal for family holidays and relaxing breaks to unwind and let your hair down.

Katrina is a freelance journalist and part time story writer who loves to review holiday resorts such as Littlesea Haven based in the United Kingdom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katrina_Holmes
http://EzineArticles.com/?Weymouth—Not-Just-a-Seaside-Resort&id=1802445

There are many events happening all Summer long so if you do get the chance to pop over to Weymouth this Summer then come and enjoy everything it has to offer even if you can only get here for a day trip, you will find plenty to enjoy.

So until next time …. Pratley Caravans

“Voyage upon life’s sea, To yourself be true, And, whatever your lot may be, Paddle your own canoe” Sarah Bolton quotes

Please note that any information given on this blog was correct at the time of writing.

Abbotsbury Swannery, Subtropical Gardens

& Childrens Farm

Cygnets Hatching Now

Anyone on holiday and wanting to enjoy the hatching of baby cygnets at the Abbotsbury Swannery near Weymouth now is the time. They are known to hatch any time from the middle of May to the end of June. The swannery is a great place for families to visit, and to be able to walk amongst the nesting colonies is a real treat. If you want to be present at feeding time I believe its daily at 12 noon and 4pm.

The Abbotsbury experience doesn’t stop at the swans there’s the subtropical gardens with formal and informal gardens, exotic gardens, and a nursery where you can purchase plants. If that’s not enough the children’s farm have lots to offer. Hands on activity with the animals such as goat feeding, goat racing etc. Also, the undercover play area is a big hit with everyone. To round things off enjoy some home cooking in the restaurant and browse the gift shop. The Children’s farm is 50% accessible to disabled persons.

You can either pay to go into each venue individually or you can purchase an Abbotsbury passport which allows you into all 3 attractions.

Author:  Pratley Caravans

From Naval Vessel To The Newest Member Of The Condor Fleet

The Condor Rapide…

Who would have thought you could change a former navy ship from Australia into a fast craft Condor Ferry that can take you from Weymouth and Poole in Dorset to St Malo in France this Summer…

Well that is exactly what Condor Ferries have done and it will be launching 13 May 2010 from Weymouth and then it will run from 3 June 2010 from Poole to Jersey, Guernsey and France.

The Newest member of the Condor Fleet is named the Condor Rapide and will be operating along with the other Condor ferry services to Western France and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey.

She is an 86 metre fast catamaran and has been commissioned to replace the older Condor 10.

In her previous existence she was in service as part of the Royal Australian Navy and was formerly known as HMAS Jervis Bay and was one of the first catamarans to be used in this navel role and took part in transporting troops and aid and rescuing people as part of the peace keeping force in East Timor.

Now in her new Role as Passenger and Car Ferry she can transport eager holidaymakers and daytrippers off on their travels where they will be able to enjoy the delights of the old Walled City of St Malo in Brittany, or continue their journey through France.

Before becoming part of the Condor fleet her previous owners invested a huge sum of money in upgrading her and Condor Ferries have also spent a substantial sum in order for her to obtain the highest standards that you come to expect from Condor.

This newest member of the fleet will increase the capacity for everyone wanting to travel from Weymouth and Poole to St Malo this Summer.  So why not try spending a week in Weymouth or Poole and then pop over to France for a dual centre holiday using one of the Condor fleet.

If you are holidaying in Poole this Summer why not try a daytrip using the Condor Rapide.  With its larger capacity than the Condor 10 you will find the interior significantly larger for passengers and cars. and don’t forget there is also the on board Duty Free Shop with the usual array of perfumes, cigarettes, tobacco, wines and spirits, gifts and toys and Fashion Accessories that you would expect on a cross channel ferry.

And if you are holidaying in  Weymouth you can catch the fast ferry and just pop over to France for a spot of Lunch and Retail therapy before returning to the UK at the end of the day, what could be better!

Author:  Pratley Caravans

20^th Annual International Kite Festival

Weymouth Beach, Dorset

I have been visiting Weymouth for many years now and I’m always amazed to find someone who is visiting for the first time,  often finding something that I never even knew existed.

That’s what I love about Weymouth.  So much to see, so much to do, it’s hardly surprising that many other people find Weymouth such a great place to visit.

After Easter things in and around Weymouth gradually gather pace as the holiday season draws ever closer.

One of the first action packed weekends is the May Day bank holiday, when the Annual International Beach Kite festival takes place.

Kites from all over the world take centre stage down on the beach, and enter into competition in their various categories. If you have never seen this before it’s quite something.  Kites take to the skies on Saturday 1^st May from 10am for free flying sessions and then on Sunday & Monday there’s a full program of displays and competitions. If you want to see something a bit different then Sunday evening is when they hold the night kite flying event. At the end of the evening the day’s events are rounded of with an International Fireworks display on the promenade (9.30pm).

The International kite event is just one of many events held throughout the season in Weymouth. It’s also worth remembering that other places such as Dorchester, Portland, Abbotsbury, Bridport, to name but a few all hold different events throughout the year!

Author: Pratley Caravans