The Windy 500 23 Countries in 23 days or Bust 14th June 2013

The Windy 500 has been in the planning stages for years, Weymouth fan Steve Blackmore thought up the idea and he has meticulously seen it go from a dream to very close now to reality. The teams must now be very excited as it is now just 3 weeks to go. So what are the bullet points (rules!)


This is Team Mowlam

1. To Visit 23 Countries in 23 Days!

2. To travel in a vehicle that was purchased for less than £500 !

3. Total Distance approx 5500 Miles!

4. Distance per day between 100 and 400 Miles!

5. It is a Charity Event, not a race!

6. Assemble at Weymouth Pavilion at 7pm on 14th June 2013 to depart down the Esplande at 9pm

Sounds like a really fun event and I expect they will have tales to tell for years, I wish them all the very best of luck and I am sure they will have a great time. If you want to see more and some will be blogging along the way I believe the website is here http://www.windy500.co.uk/

Weymouth and Portland Armed Forces Day Celebrations June 22nd to June 28th 2013

Weymouth has always been at the forefront of the Armed Forces Day Celebrations they have consistently supported this week. This year they have been rewarded with a £10,000 grant from the Ministry of Defence. Celebrations and moments to remember are organised all week, however below are the highlights which have been announced so far.

Saturday 22nd June 2013

Military Vehicle Display at the Pavilion 10am - 2pm

Veterans Rendezvous Meet and Greet in the Ocean Room 10am - Midday

Beach Assault Display by the Royal Engineers Weymouth Beach at Midday 

Lots of Military and Service Charities with stands on the Esplanade all day

Sunday 23rd June 2013

Service of Remembrance 11am Weymouth Cenotaph Esplanade

Veterans Parade Vehicle Convoy RBL Riders Along Weymouth Sea Front

Band Performances during the afternoon Pavilion Forecourt

Photographs on Display in Ocean Room at the Pavilion from 3.30pm 

New Free Weymouth and Portland Hotels Advertising Website is now active

I have opened a new website specifically for the promotion of Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the Weymouth and Portland Area. This will make it a lot easier to use if you are either looking for Whats On, or Accommodation its not often you want to look for both at the same time really.

I am making it totally free to be listed, I will include the review and link it to a few booking sites that you are a member of. I am a member of all the main booking sites. You of course are free to change anything you wish, this is a promotional review only, so I don't expect you will any complaints.

Once it is listed it will be promoted through various social media, which does include over 5,500 active followers on Twitter account https://twitter.com/WhatsonWeymouth and will be tweeted now and again, you of course are free to tweet it at anytime if you have an account, please join in.

This website is currently hitting 500 viewers per day and growing, and I expect the new one to reach quite close to that, although it does take time, but it will get picked up and your Hotel or Bed & Breakfast will get seen.

So the link you need to see the site is http://www.bestweymouthhotels.com/ and if you want to be listed just
email me on bestweymouthhotels@yahoo.co.uk I have had requests already this morning, and have a queue of about 4, but those can be completed by the weekend, just to give you an idea.

Have a great day, and hopefully a busy Summer.

Weymouth Sealife Centre The Octonauts From 25th May 2013

The Octonauts will be at the Weymouth Sea Life Centre from this Friday 25th May 2013, you can meet them there thoughout the Summer.

Remember if you purchase your tickets in advance (at least 24 hours) and online you can save a MASSIVE 35%  Here is the Link you need for Sealife Centre Booking

Weymouth Whats On Entertainment Late Spring Bank Holiday 24th 25th 26th 27th May 2013

Events

25th Whitsun Fairground; Pavilion Forecourt 10am - 10pm until 1st June
25th Egdon Easy; Lodmoor Country Park
25th Gig Regatta; Nothe Gardens and Newtons Cove
25th Artwey Open Studios and Art Trail
25th That'll be the Day; Weymouth Pavilion 
26th Pitch on the Pitch Cider and Music Festival; Weymouth Football Club
26th & 27th Quayside Music Festival; Weymouth Harbour Rendezvous
26th Dorset Tour; Lodmoor Country Park

27th Wild Photography Fun Day; Chesil Beach Centre

MUSIC AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Friday24th May 2013

North and South Kings Arms
Sheryl Lee Edinburgh House of Sounds
Worried Men Finns
Jam Night Lounge Bar
Bill Solo Wellington Arms
Karaoke Sailors Return
Slipped Disc Golden Lion
Cancer Bats Weymouth Pavilion
Antigua Joe New Vic
Leggomen Royal Oak

Saturday 25th May 2013

Hustle Sailors Return
Karen House of Sounds
Freak Circus The Lugger Inn
Mixer Moby Dicks
Diva Lee Kings Arms
Jonathan Cotton Duke of Cornwall
Wheel of Misfortune Old Ship Inn
The Dolmen John Gregory
Ska/Reggie Night The Clifton

Late May Bank Holiday Sunday 26th May 2013

Pitch on the Pitch Weymouth Football Club See Poster From 1pm Gates 11pm
The Dolmen
Skimmity Hitchers
The Roos
Sketchy
Catherine Burke
The Shapes
Underdog
WOB

Quayside Music Fest Rendezvous See Poster Starts Midday

12pm til there was Uke

1pm Leggomen

2pm Lauren Bannon

3pm Smokin Benny Blues Band

4pm Mighty Leap

5pm The Surfin Birds

6pm Mighty Leap

7pm Amy Mayes Band

8.30pm Flybone Yellow

Bank Holiday Fest Lazy Lizard See Poster Starts 6pm
Stereoironics
Electric bucket
Thou shalt sexy 
Hustle
Danny Adams
Leggomen
Powelly
Lauren Bannon
DJ Willis

Splinter Golden Lion
Darren H Edinburgh House of Sounds
Bill Solo Lugger Inn
Finn Duke of Cornwall
Lo Numbers Dave's Sports Bar (Rumshack)

Late May Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2013

Quayside Music Fest Rendezvous See Poster from Midday

12pm DR Badtooth

1pm Amy Brown

2pm Bit of Rough

3pm Decades

4pm Amy Mayes Acoustic

5pm Howling at the Moon

6pm Speedway Snails

7pm AC Beebies

8.30pm Hustle

Bi Proxy Clifton

Posters for Events all on Sunday and Monday

Weymouth Gig Regatta Hosted by Weymouth Rowing Club Saturday 25th May 2013

Weymouth Rowing club will be Hosting their annual Weymouth Gig Regatta on Saturday 25th May 2013 and all the action takes place on the Nothe. They have a great viewing area and recreational tents with a 24 hour bar in place to have a great weekend. Let me tell you something, this great little club certainly know how to put on an event.

They have organised camping and breakfast for the teams, and the whole event I am absolutely positive will be brilliant. Racing starts at 11am on Saturday and it is a full days event, and evening by the sounds of it! Fantastic fun and if you want to read more you can go to their website
on http://www.weymouthrowingclub.co.uk/index-4a.html

Egdon Easy Lodmoor Country Park 10km Race 25th May 2013

The Egdon Easy is a 10km Race from Weymouth College and is held on Saturday 25th May 2013 at 7pm and goes around a circuit of the Lodmoor Country park and adjacent footpaths. For more information you can go to http://www.egdonheathharriers.com/egdoneasy.php

Pitch on the Pitch Weymouth Football Club Sunday 26th May 2013

Brewers Quay in Weymouth Continues to Grow

The Brewers Quay Complex continues to grow with 3 distinct areas, and of course the Italian Restaurant Il Porto. They will soon be opening up the Upstairs which will become an Auction House, where they will hold Auctions on Fridays. Here is just a small part of each area.

There are one or two areas left to rent in the Craft section, but they are expected to go very quickly, so if you are interested you need to get down to Brewers Quay

There is the Craft Section though the Centre Doors

There is a large Antique Section through the Right Hand Doors

The D Day Museum to the Left

















The Delicious Menu at the Italian Restaurant Il Porto

The Boat that Rocks Fawlty Towers Experience Evening 19th 20th June 2013

The Boat that Rocks which is right next door to the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy in Portland is a really good choice for an evening out, especially when the Sun is shining as you can sit out and enjoy the beautiful view. 

They have the Fawlty Towers experience evenings returning as they were so good last time on 19th and 20th June 2013. They are so much fun and you can find out more details direct on their website

http://www.theboatthatrocks.co.uk/home/faulty-dining-experience.php  

Note though there is £5 off the price if you book before 21st May 2013 

Dorset Vintage Motor Cycle Rally Weymouth 19th May 2013

The Dorset Annual Vintage Motorcycle Rally takes place on Sunday 19th May 2013. They ride 60 miles through Dorset in a circular route starting and finishing at Weymouth Pavilion. The motorcycles will all be at least 25 years old and they will start between 10am and 11am. They are expected to return at approx 2pm and stay for a couple of hours in a static display.  

Weymouth Bay Haven Caravan Holiday Park Dorset

Weymouth Bay is the third Haven Holiday Park in Weymouth. I have reviewed all three now but there is no particular reason in which order I have gone about that. Weymouth Bay sits on the outskirts of Weymouth and leads down to Bowleaze Cove which has its own beach and entertainment area. It is easy to get into Weymouth from the park, there is a good bus service which runs from right outside. It is certainly walkable along the sea front on a nice day. Also from the park it is easy to visit surrounding areas such as Portland, Poole, Bournemouth, Monkey World, Tank Museum, Lulworth Castle and the beautiful surrounding Dorset countryside.

Weymouth Bay has a great indoor swimming pool and guests are also allowed to walk or drive up to Seaview Haven Holiday Park and use their pool and other facilities as well, so you really do get two for one here. There is a lazy river which is great fun at Weymouth Bay which runs outside this indoor pool..

Haven are of course always updating their Caravans, the facilities inside them are really top quality. This is inside a brand new 2013 van and it looks like any front room! I think these are just £5 more so if you do want to stay in something brand new, you can.

Of course Haven Holiday Parks are famous for their family entertainment and Weymouth Bay is no different it is a brilliant place to relax and enjoy the shows in the evening. The kids love it and there is always something to keep them entertained.


Weymouth bay is a friendly park kept in pristine condition and is delightful to walk around, it is in an excellent location to explore the area if you wish. Weymouth's famous sandy beach is only down the road, and the beautiful Weymouth Harbour is right there also. You only have to look on this website to see what is on in Weymouth in 2013, Weymouth is back! The Haven Holiday parks are very important to the town and they are a credit to it in the way they are kept in such fantastic condition. If  you choose Weymouth Bay you will have a fantastic holiday!

You can check out their Fantastic Offers at the Haven Holiday Website for Weymouth Bay RIGHT HERE

50% Proof Weymouth College Bay Theatre 12th June 2013

Another fantastic production at the Bay Theatre they are really leading the way at the moment.

Weymouth RAF Careers Beach VolleyBall Classic on SKY Sports 2nd - 4th August 2013

Great news is that Sky Sports will again be covering the RAF Careers Beach Volleyball Classic on Weymouth Beach from 2nd - 4th August 2013

Here is actress Tracy Shaw having a go in Weymouth a couple of years ago. The Beach Volleyball Classic was not held in 2012 due to the Olympics, so it is great to see them back again!

Quayside Music Festival Weymouth May Bank Holiday 26th 27th May 2013

Sunday 26th May
12pm til there was Uke

1pm Leggomen

2pm Lauren Bannon
3pm Smokin Benny Blues Band
4pm Mighty Leap
5pm The Surfin Birds
6pm Mighty Leap
7pm Amy Mayes Band
8.30pm Flybone Yellow

Monday 27th May
12pm DR Badtooth
1pm Amy Brown
2pm Bit of Rough
3pm Decades
4pm Amy Mayes Acoustic
5pm Howling at the Moon
6pm Speedway Snails
7pm AC Beebies
8.30pm Hustle

Met Office Issue Yellow Warning for Rain valid 14th May 2013

The Met Office have issued a Yellow Warning for Rain for Tuesday 14th May 2013 and that is valid from 0800 until 2359hrs. The Area covered is the whole of the South West of England and Wales and does cover Dorset, which of course includes Weymouth & Portland.

BBC Antiques Road Trip at Keebles Auction House 18th May 2013

The BBC Show Antiques Road Trip will be filming at Keebles Auction House in Upwey Memorial Hall on Saturday 18th May 2013.  The Auction this week will be Antiques and Collectables and viewing will start at 11pm on the day of the Sale. The Hammer will start at 2pm. You can see more detail on the Keebles Auction http://www.keeblesauction.co.uk/

HMS Portland Freedom of Weymouth and Portland Parade 18th May 2013

On Saturday 18th May 2013 HMS Portland Captained by Commander Sarah West will celebrate their right to the freedom of the borough of Weymouth & Portland. They will hold a parade at the Cenotaph opposite the Prince Regent Hotel at 11am. They will then march at approx 11.15am from there to the Pavilion.


Commander Sarah West salutes at the parade

Weymouth FC Early Bird Season Ticket Prices for 2013/14

Weymouth FC have set their Early Bird Season Ticket Prices as follows, please note that there are 2 additional home games next season and the ticket includes free admission into reserve games. The Early Bird
Ticket can be purchased anytime before 5pm on 30th June 2013                                                                    

Adult £210

Concessions £160

Student with Student ID £100 

After 30th June 2013

Adult £225

Concessions £170

Student with Student ID £120

For further details you can check the Weymouth FC Website for the fine detail and especially the deal for the Junior Terras Season Ticket which is available for just £15 !!! 

The Wessex Folk Festival Weymouth Harbour 31st May to 2nd June 2013

The Wessex Folk Festival is back in Weymouth over the late May Bank Holiday from 31st May to 2nd June  2013 and it is bigger and better than ever.

They have been very busy over the past few months getting their acts together!

 It is a brilliant weekend and they make the Harbour look so vibrant and happy with their dancing and singing. The action takes place all around the Quayside but also inside the pubs in the evenings, and they have a special ticketed concert in Hope Square Church on Saturday 1st June with headline act Nick Dow. Details of how to get tickets for that evening are from Imagine Book Shop in Weymouth All the other events are Free and there are just stacks of them. Some of the acts appearing this year are                                

                                                                     

The Chris Jagger Trio

Reg Meuross

Philip Henry and Hannah Martin
Folklaw
The Galleons
David Gibb and Elly Lucas
Exmouth Shanty Men
Wight Hot Pipes
Andy Clarke and Steve Tyler
Jez Hellard and the Djukella Orchestra
The Bow Legged Skeeters
The Green Children of Wolfpit
Clutching at Straws
Mitchell and Vincent
Ninebarrow
Josie Lloyd

Dance Teams

Beetlecrushers

Pigsty Morris

Oyster Girls

Mr Wilkins Shilling

Whitethorn

Hobos

Fleet Morris

Red Stags

Bourne River

Frome Valley

Dorset Buttons

Dorset Button Rapper

It is a brilliant weekend and you can follow their website on http://www.wessexfolk.co.uk/

All the best deals for Weymouth Hotels over the Bank Holiday are RIGHT HERE

British Olympic Medalist Andrew Bart Simpson Tragically Killed in Sailing Accident

A massive shock to the Sailing world tonight as it has been confirmed that Andrew Simpson has been killed in an accident when his yacht capsized off the coast of California while training for the America's Cup. Bart as he was very well known was one of the most popular members of the British Sailing Squad. His partnership in two Olympics with Iain Percy in the Star Class was followed by thousands of Sailing fans across the world. He won a Gold medal at the 2008 games in Beijing with Iain, and then in Weymouth in 2012 he won a Silver medal. Andrew was sailing for the Swedish based Artemis Racing Team when the accident happened earlier today. A very sad day for Sailing, and of course all our sympathies are with Andrew's family and friends on this shocking news.

Transport of Yesteryear Display Weymouth Promenade Sunday 12th May 2013

Sunday 12th May will see approx 25 vehicles from the Transport of Yesteryear membership display. This is an annual meeting that takes place by the Jubilee Clock from 10am until 4pm.

The vehicles will range from 1935 to Mid 1970's. The organsiers will also be holding a raffle that will be in support of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance so a very worth while cause indeed. Hopefully you can stop and give them support by buying a ticket or two. They do a fantastic job collecting money all year round and its also great to see the vintage vehicles in Weymouth again, and hope the weather is kind to them.

Met Office Yellow Warning of Extreme Weather Conditions for 9th May 2013

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning of Strong Winds of 50 Mph gusting 55-65 Mph. The warning is valid for 12 hours from 9am until 9pm on Thursday 9th May 2013. The highest winds are expected on exposed coastal areas. In addition to this Met Office Warning there is of course a Shipping Forecast Warning for certain areas in UK and that includes Portland with Winds expected from Southwest of 5 or 6 increasing to 7 and then to Gale Force 9, Slight or Moderate Sea state increasing to Rough or Very Rough.

Weymouth Tuesday Go Spike Beach Volleyball League

The Weymouth Go Spike Volleyball League has just restarted for the Summer. It is held every Tuesday on the Beach and is open to any standard of players. It is the traditional two a side competition and male and female teams can join or it can be a mixed team. So they have tried to make this as easy as possible for anyone to go down and have a go.

The competition organisers, Weymouth Beach Volleyball Club will ensure that the teams are graded to make it as fair a competition as possible. Each team will play at least 3 games, and the cost of entry is £8. Coaching will take place between 5pm and 6pm. All teams must register to play by 6pm for the draw and play will start at 6.30pm.

Weymouth has a great history of Beach Volleyball and the league needs new players. If you want to take part please turn up at the Beach on a Tuesday evening.

The RAF Careers Sponsored Weymouth Volleyball Beach Classic will take place as previously listed on the 2nd - 4th August 2013

You can Follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/WeyVball

Or you can visit their website http://www.weymouthbeachvolleyball.co.uk/

Wemouth is Open and Booking for Summer in 2013 NOW

It is a great time to go on a Short Break or Holiday in UK and Weymouth has really raised it's game since the 2012 Olympics. Traffic problems are a thing of the past, the town has an excellent Park and Ride Facility that is only £1.50 a day for the driver and 7 passengers. The New Weymouth Tower is open now and you can catch the Land Train up to the Weymouth Sea Life Centre and Sandworld at the Lodmoor Country Park. Weymouth has it's own Fort, the Nothe Fort looking over the Harbour is an excellent place to Visit.







Of course it wouldn't be the Sea Side without a beach and Weymouth has one of the best beaches in the whole of the country. Lovely Sand (or pebbles further up if you prefer) in a safe clean environmental, it is an award winning beach and it is easy to see why. Weymouth Harbour is always a winner it is a interesting walk around to the Newly reopened Brewers Quay with all the fantastic choices of Restaurants and Pubs that line the Harbourside.

Or you can just sit on the wall with some fish and chips and a pint and watch the world go by. Weymouth is famous for it's free entertainment. Coming up very soon is the Wessex Folk Festival and also the Dorset Sea Food Festival and of course the Weymouth Carnival with the fabulous Red Arrows will be on 21st August 2013.

Weymouth is very famous for it's music and every night of the week you will find a live band playing somewhere, and at weekends mosts of the pubs now have entertainment. There is lots to do here in the Town and surrounding Dorset area.


Places to stay it is important to book sooner rather than later and the choices are immense with 164  Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts on Late Rooms  Three Haven Holiday Parks and now Two Premier Inns choices for all budgets and all ages, the town can really accommodate everyone.