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Southeastern's class 375 dual voltage Electrostar electric multiple unit (EMU) number 375609 comprised of coaches 67809, 74209, 74259 and 67859 works 1P18 from Ramsgate to London Victoria on 14 October 2015. Owned by and leased from Eversholt Rail Group (formerly HSBC Rail) 375609 was built by Bombardier Transportation (previously ADtranz) assembled at Litchurch Lane Works, Derby between 1999 and 2001 the traction motors, train control and communications equipment having been manufactured at Vasteras, Sweden.
According to Realtime Trains the route and timings were;
Ramsgate [RAM] 4............0750...........................0750 1/4......................RT
Broadstairs [BSR] 1............0755 1/2/0756 1/2...0755 1/2/0756 3/4...RT
Margate [MAR] 3...............0800 1/2/0801 1/2...0800 1/2/0801 1/2....RT
Herne Bay [HNB] 1............0816 1/2/0817 1/2.....0816 1/4/0817 3/4.....RT
Whitstable [WHI] 1.............0823 1/2/0824 1/2..0823 1/2/0824 1/4....RT
Faversham [FAV] 2...........0832/0834...............0831 3/4/0835 1/2.....1L
Sittingbourne [SIT] 1.........0844/0845...............0843 3/4/0845 1/4...RT
Rainham [RAI] 1..................0852/0853...............0852 1/4/0853 1/2....RT
Gillingham [GLM] 2...........0857/0858 1/2.........0857 3/4/0858 3/4..RT
Chatham [CTM] 1...............0902/0903...............0901 1/2/0903...........RT
Rochester [RTR] 2.............0904 1/2/0905 1/2..0904 1/2/0905 3/4..RT
Rochester Bridge Jn........0907 1/2....................0907 1/4......................RT
Sole Street [SOR] 1............0915............................0913.............................2E
Fawkham Junction ..........0922 1/2....................0922............................RT
Swanley [SAY] 3................0926 1/2....................0926 1/2.....................RT
St Mary Cray Junction.....0930...........................0929............................RT
Bickley Junction[XLY]......0931............................0929 3/4.....................1E
Bromley South [BMS] 3...0933 1/2/0935.........0932 1/2/0935..........RT
Shortlands [SRT]................0936 1/2....................0937 1/2.......................1L
Shortlands Junction.........0936 1/2....................0939 3/4......................3L
Beckenham Junction 2...0938...........................0940 1/4.....................2L
Kent House [KTH] 2.........0939...........................0941 1/4.......................2L
Herne Hill [HNH] 2............0943 1/2....................0945 1/2.....................2L
Brixton [BRX]......................0944 1/2....................0946 1/2.....................2L
Voltaire Road Junction....0946...........................0947 3/4......................1L
London Victoria [VIC] 2...0951............................0952 3/4.....................1L
892W50MP14
According to Realtime Trains the route and timings were;
London Victoria [VIC] 5...1222.........................1223............................1L
Voltaire Road Junction....1226 1/2...................1228............................1L
Brixton [BRX]......................1228 1/2...................1230............................1L
Herne Hill [HNH] 3............1229 1/2...................1231 1/4.......................1L
Kent House [KTH] 3..........1234.........................1235 3/4.....................1L
Beckenham Junction 3...1235.........................1236 3/4.....................1L
Shortlands Junction.........1236 1/2...................1237 1/4.....................RT
Shortlands [SRT]................1237..........................1238 1/4......................1L
Bromley South [BMS] 4...1238/1239...............1239 1/4/1239 3/4...RT
Bickley Junction[XLY]......1241 1/2....................1242 1/4.....................RT
St Mary Cray Junction.....1242 1/2...................1243 1/4.....................RT
Swanley [SAY] 4................1246 1/2...................1247...........................RT
Fawkham Junction ..........1250 1/2...................1250...........................RT
Sole Street [SOR] 2..........1258 1/2...................1258...........................RT
Rochester Bridge Jn........1306 1/2...................1305 1/4.....................1E
Rochester [RTR] 3.............1308 1/2/1309 1/2..1307/1309.................RT
Chatham [CTM] 2..............1311/1312 1/2............1310 1/2/1311 3/4......RT
Gillingham [GLM] 3...........1316/1317.................1315/1317...................RT
Rainham [RAI] 2.................1321/1321 1/2...........1320 3/4/1322 3/4...1L
Sittingbourne [SIT] 2........1328/1328 1/2.........1328 3/4/1329 1/2....1L
Faversham [FAV]...............1339/1343...............1338 1/2/1343...........RT
Whitstable [WHI] 2............1350 1/2/1351..........1349 1/2/1350 1/2....RT
Herne Bay [HNB] 2...........1357/1358...............1356 1/4/1357 3/4...RT
Margate [MAR] 1................1413 1/2/1414 1/2.....1413 1/4/1414.............RT
Broadstairs [BSR] 2...........1419 1/2/1420.........1417 3/4/1419 3/4.....RT
Ramsgate [RAM]................1426.........................1425 1/4.....................RT
At Faversham this train divided forming 1S35 that continued to Dover Priory.
Faversham [FAV]................1345.......................1345.........................RT
Canterbury East [CBE] 2...1357 1/2/1359.......1357 1/4/1358 1/2..RT
Shepherds Well [SPH] 2...1415 1/2/1416 1/2..1414 1/2/1416 3/4...RT
Dover Priory [DVP] 3..........1426.......................1426 1/4..................RT
The return path of 2W50 towards London joined by 2W49 from Ramsgate was then;
Ramsgate [RAM] 2...............1440.........................1440 3/4...................RT
Minster [MSR] 2.....................1445 1/2/1446.........1446/1446 1/4..........RT
Canterbury West [CBW] 1...1502/1504..............1501/1504................RT
Ashford International 2.......1522/1533...............1521/1533.................RT
Pluckley [PLC] 1.....................1539/1539 1/2........1538/1539................RT
Headcorn [HCN] 1................1545 1/2/1546........1544/1545.................1E
Paddock Wood [PDW] 1......1600 1/2/1601 1/2...1600/1600 3/4........RT
Tonbridge [TON] 2...............1608 1/2/1610.........1608/1610................RT
Sevenoaks [SEV] 1................1618/1619.................1618 3/4/1619..........RT
Chelsfield [CLD]....................1626.........................1624 3/4....................1E
Orpington [ORP] 2...............1627 1/2...................1627 1/4....................RT
Petts Wood Junction...........1629 1/2...................1629..........................RT
Chislehurst [CIT] F................1630 1/2...................1630..........................RT
Grove Park [GRP] 2..............1632 1/2...................1632 3/4...................RT
Hither Green [HGR] 1...........1634.........................1636 3/4...................2L
Parks Bridge Junction.........1638.........................1639 1/4.....................1L
North Kent East Junction...1640 1/2...................1641 3/4.....................1L
London Bridge [LBG] 6.......1645 1/2/1646 1/2..1647 3/4/1649 1/4...2L
London Waterloo East D....1652/1653...............1652 3/4/1653 1/2..RT
London Charing Cross 4....1656.........................1656 1/4....................RT
One from a couple of weeks ago, a lovely early evening on Ramsgate Harbour.
Thanks for your time.
Regards - Sarah x
Hoverlloyd commenced operations from Ramsgate Harbour to Calais Harbour on 6 April 1966 using small, passenger only SR.N6 hovercraft.
When the much larger SR.N4 craft, capable of carrying 30 vehicles and 254 passengers, were delivered in 1969, Hoverlloyd moved operations to a purpose built ‘hoverport’ in Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.
A similar facility was provided north of Calais harbour and was shared with Seaspeed (who operated into Dover on the UK side of the English Channel). Crossing ('flight') times were typically 40 minutes between Ramsgate and Calais, which compared favourably with crossing times of 90 to 100 minutes for the traditional ferries on similar routes.
It remains the case that the hovercraft were the fastest crossing of the channel and have never been bettered. Hovercraft operations were prone to disruption and cancellation during bad weather, although this was eased over time by various modifications to the craft, a typical problem being damage to the rubber 'skirt'. Also, the hovercraft had an unmatched turnround time, with the ability to disembark/embark cars at both ends of the craft, whilst simultaneously dealing with foot passengers from two main exits on the port and starboard cabins.
Hoverlloyd operated a successful express coach/hovercraft/coach service from London to a number of near European cities with fares which were considerably cheaper than the air fares available at the time.
The most frequent service was London - Paris with London - Brussels with fewer departures. In 1978 these were the only two destinations. In 1979 Amsterdam was added.
On the UK side the coaches were operated with Hoverlloyd liveried coaches provided by Evan Evans Ltd - at that time a subsidiary of Wallace Arnold Tours of Leeds. Coaches did not cross the channel - though the Hovercraft could take standard height coaches with luggage space at the rear. Film footage of operations is included in the 1974 spy film "The Black Windmill" with Michael Caine. Film footage also appeared in the 1980 film "Hopscotch" with Walter Matthau.
By 1980, it was obvious that cross Channel hovercraft operation could only continue economically if the two operating companies merged, with consequent rationalisation. Therefore, Hoverlloyd and Seaspeed merged in 1981, to create Hoverspeed.
The former Hoverlloyd services from Ramsgate were subsequently withdrawn after the 1982 season and the four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were thereafter based at Dover until their withdrawal from service between 1983 and 1993.
All four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were eventually broken up and none remains extant
The hoverport at Pegwell Bay was used as an engineering and administrative base by Hoverspeed for a few years after passenger services ceased but the site was eventually closed and all buildings completely demolished. Nonetheless, the hovercraft pad, car marshalling area and approach road are all still clearly identifiable.
Hoverspeed continued cross Channel hovercraft operation until October 2000, when the last two craft were retired and the era of ‘hovering across the Channel’ came to an end.
Hoverlloyd commenced operations from Ramsgate Harbour to Calais Harbour on 6 April 1966 using small, passenger only SR.N6 hovercraft.
When the much larger SR.N4 craft, capable of carrying 30 vehicles and 254 passengers, were delivered in 1969, Hoverlloyd moved operations to a purpose built ‘hoverport’ in Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.
A similar facility was provided north of Calais harbour and was shared with Seaspeed (who operated into Dover on the UK side of the English Channel). Crossing ('flight') times were typically 40 minutes between Ramsgate and Calais, which compared favourably with crossing times of 90 to 100 minutes for the traditional ferries on similar routes.
It remains the case that the hovercraft were the fastest crossing of the channel and have never been bettered. Hovercraft operations were prone to disruption and cancellation during bad weather, although this was eased over time by various modifications to the craft, a typical problem being damage to the rubber 'skirt'. Also, the hovercraft had an unmatched turnround time, with the ability to disembark/embark cars at both ends of the craft, whilst simultaneously dealing with foot passengers from two main exits on the port and starboard cabins.
Hoverlloyd operated a successful express coach/hovercraft/coach service from London to a number of near European cities with fares which were considerably cheaper than the air fares available at the time.
The most frequent service was London - Paris with London - Brussels with fewer departures. In 1978 these were the only two destinations. In 1979 Amsterdam was added.
On the UK side the coaches were operated with Hoverlloyd liveried coaches provided by Evan Evans Ltd - at that time a subsidiary of Wallace Arnold Tours of Leeds. Coaches did not cross the channel - though the Hovercraft could take standard height coaches with luggage space at the rear. Film footage of operations is included in the 1974 spy film "The Black Windmill" with Michael Caine. Film footage also appeared in the 1980 film "Hopscotch" with Walter Matthau.
By 1980, it was obvious that cross Channel hovercraft operation could only continue economically if the two operating companies merged, with consequent rationalisation. Therefore, Hoverlloyd and Seaspeed merged in 1981, to create Hoverspeed.
The former Hoverlloyd services from Ramsgate were subsequently withdrawn after the 1982 season and the four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were thereafter based at Dover until their withdrawal from service between 1983 and 1993.
All four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were eventually broken up and none remains extant
The hoverport at Pegwell Bay was used as an engineering and administrative base by Hoverspeed for a few years after passenger services ceased but the site was eventually closed and all buildings completely demolished. Nonetheless, the hovercraft pad, car marshalling area and approach road are all still clearly identifiable.
Hoverspeed continued cross Channel hovercraft operation until October 2000, when the last two craft were retired and the era of ‘hovering across the Channel’ came to an end.
Hoverlloyd commenced operations from Ramsgate Harbour to Calais Harbour on 6 April 1966 using small, passenger only SR.N6 hovercraft.
When the much larger SR.N4 craft, capable of carrying 30 vehicles and 254 passengers, were delivered in 1969, Hoverlloyd moved operations to a purpose built ‘hoverport’ in Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.
A similar facility was provided north of Calais harbour and was shared with Seaspeed (who operated into Dover on the UK side of the English Channel). Crossing ('flight') times were typically 40 minutes between Ramsgate and Calais, which compared favourably with crossing times of 90 to 100 minutes for the traditional ferries on similar routes.
It remains the case that the hovercraft were the fastest crossing of the channel and have never been bettered. Hovercraft operations were prone to disruption and cancellation during bad weather, although this was eased over time by various modifications to the craft, a typical problem being damage to the rubber 'skirt'. Also, the hovercraft had an unmatched turnround time, with the ability to disembark/embark cars at both ends of the craft, whilst simultaneously dealing with foot passengers from two main exits on the port and starboard cabins.
Hoverlloyd operated a successful express coach/hovercraft/coach service from London to a number of near European cities with fares which were considerably cheaper than the air fares available at the time.
The most frequent service was London - Paris with London - Brussels with fewer departures. In 1978 these were the only two destinations. In 1979 Amsterdam was added.
On the UK side the coaches were operated with Hoverlloyd liveried coaches provided by Evan Evans Ltd - at that time a subsidiary of Wallace Arnold Tours of Leeds. Coaches did not cross the channel - though the Hovercraft could take standard height coaches with luggage space at the rear. Film footage of operations is included in the 1974 spy film "The Black Windmill" with Michael Caine. Film footage also appeared in the 1980 film "Hopscotch" with Walter Matthau.
By 1980, it was obvious that cross Channel hovercraft operation could only continue economically if the two operating companies merged, with consequent rationalisation. Therefore, Hoverlloyd and Seaspeed merged in 1981, to create Hoverspeed.
The former Hoverlloyd services from Ramsgate were subsequently withdrawn after the 1982 season and the four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were thereafter based at Dover until their withdrawal from service between 1983 and 1993.
All four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were eventually broken up and none remains extant
The hoverport at Pegwell Bay was used as an engineering and administrative base by Hoverspeed for a few years after passenger services ceased but the site was eventually closed and all buildings completely demolished. Nonetheless, the hovercraft pad, car marshalling area and approach road are all still clearly identifiable.
Hoverspeed continued cross Channel hovercraft operation until October 2000, when the last two craft were retired and the era of ‘hovering across the Channel’ came to an end.
A former pub now in use as a fish & chip shop at the bottom of tthe High Street, Ramsgate, Kent, 5 September 2020. Built 1867. Note the nice use of possessive apostrophes - a seemingly dying art in contemporary English, regrettably.
Hoverlloyd commenced operations from Ramsgate Harbour to Calais Harbour on 6 April 1966 using small, passenger only SR.N6 hovercraft.
When the much larger SR.N4 craft, capable of carrying 30 vehicles and 254 passengers, were delivered in 1969, Hoverlloyd moved operations to a purpose built ‘hoverport’ in Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.
A similar facility was provided north of Calais harbour and was shared with Seaspeed (who operated into Dover on the UK side of the English Channel). Crossing ('flight') times were typically 40 minutes between Ramsgate and Calais, which compared favourably with crossing times of 90 to 100 minutes for the traditional ferries on similar routes.
It remains the case that the hovercraft were the fastest crossing of the channel and have never been bettered. Hovercraft operations were prone to disruption and cancellation during bad weather, although this was eased over time by various modifications to the craft, a typical problem being damage to the rubber 'skirt'. Also, the hovercraft had an unmatched turnround time, with the ability to disembark/embark cars at both ends of the craft, whilst simultaneously dealing with foot passengers from two main exits on the port and starboard cabins.
Hoverlloyd operated a successful express coach/hovercraft/coach service from London to a number of near European cities with fares which were considerably cheaper than the air fares available at the time.
The most frequent service was London - Paris with London - Brussels with fewer departures. In 1978 these were the only two destinations. In 1979 Amsterdam was added.
On the UK side the coaches were operated with Hoverlloyd liveried coaches provided by Evan Evans Ltd - at that time a subsidiary of Wallace Arnold Tours of Leeds. Coaches did not cross the channel - though the Hovercraft could take standard height coaches with luggage space at the rear. Film footage of operations is included in the 1974 spy film "The Black Windmill" with Michael Caine. Film footage also appeared in the 1980 film "Hopscotch" with Walter Matthau.
By 1980, it was obvious that cross Channel hovercraft operation could only continue economically if the two operating companies merged, with consequent rationalisation. Therefore, Hoverlloyd and Seaspeed merged in 1981, to create Hoverspeed.
The former Hoverlloyd services from Ramsgate were subsequently withdrawn after the 1982 season and the four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were thereafter based at Dover until their withdrawal from service between 1983 and 1993.
All four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were eventually broken up and none remains extant
The hoverport at Pegwell Bay was used as an engineering and administrative base by Hoverspeed for a few years after passenger services ceased but the site was eventually closed and all buildings completely demolished. Nonetheless, the hovercraft pad, car marshalling area and approach road are all still clearly identifiable.
Hoverspeed continued cross Channel hovercraft operation until October 2000, when the last two craft were retired and the era of ‘hovering across the Channel’ came to an end.
This photograph was taken by a street photographer in the late 1930s. It shows my Grandfather, Grandmother and Uncle enjoying a day out at the seaside.
The town's railway used to emerge here. If plans succeed, a new WW2-themed visitor attraction will open in the tunnels in 2014
New visitor attraction, allowing access to former railway incline and extensive network of wartime shelter tunnels
The Royal Victoria Pavilion. Built as a concert hall and assembly room and designed by the architect Stanley Davenport Adshead, it is now a Wetherspoon pub.
Hoverlloyd commenced operations from Ramsgate Harbour to Calais Harbour on 6 April 1966 using small, passenger only SR.N6 hovercraft.
When the much larger SR.N4 craft, capable of carrying 30 vehicles and 254 passengers, were delivered in 1969, Hoverlloyd moved operations to a purpose built ‘hoverport’ in Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.
A similar facility was provided north of Calais harbour and was shared with Seaspeed (who operated into Dover on the UK side of the English Channel). Crossing ('flight') times were typically 40 minutes between Ramsgate and Calais, which compared favourably with crossing times of 90 to 100 minutes for the traditional ferries on similar routes.
It remains the case that the hovercraft were the fastest crossing of the channel and have never been bettered. Hovercraft operations were prone to disruption and cancellation during bad weather, although this was eased over time by various modifications to the craft, a typical problem being damage to the rubber 'skirt'. Also, the hovercraft had an unmatched turnround time, with the ability to disembark/embark cars at both ends of the craft, whilst simultaneously dealing with foot passengers from two main exits on the port and starboard cabins.
Hoverlloyd operated a successful express coach/hovercraft/coach service from London to a number of near European cities with fares which were considerably cheaper than the air fares available at the time.
The most frequent service was London - Paris with London - Brussels with fewer departures. In 1978 these were the only two destinations. In 1979 Amsterdam was added.
On the UK side the coaches were operated with Hoverlloyd liveried coaches provided by Evan Evans Ltd - at that time a subsidiary of Wallace Arnold Tours of Leeds. Coaches did not cross the channel - though the Hovercraft could take standard height coaches with luggage space at the rear. Film footage of operations is included in the 1974 spy film "The Black Windmill" with Michael Caine. Film footage also appeared in the 1980 film "Hopscotch" with Walter Matthau.
By 1980, it was obvious that cross Channel hovercraft operation could only continue economically if the two operating companies merged, with consequent rationalisation. Therefore, Hoverlloyd and Seaspeed merged in 1981, to create Hoverspeed.
The former Hoverlloyd services from Ramsgate were subsequently withdrawn after the 1982 season and the four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were thereafter based at Dover until their withdrawal from service between 1983 and 1993.
All four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were eventually broken up and none remains extant
The hoverport at Pegwell Bay was used as an engineering and administrative base by Hoverspeed for a few years after passenger services ceased but the site was eventually closed and all buildings completely demolished. Nonetheless, the hovercraft pad, car marshalling area and approach road are all still clearly identifiable.
Hoverspeed continued cross Channel hovercraft operation until October 2000, when the last two craft were retired and the era of ‘hovering across the Channel’ came to an end.
The Granville, Ramsgate, Kent, 5 September 2020. Built in 1867 as a row of eight terraced houses in Urban Gothic style by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustin Pugin), who lived in Ramsgate and whose bust is to the right of the shelter in front of the building. The cost of building it contributed to Pugin going bankrupt. In 1869 the houses were converted to the Granville Hotel. In 1899 the frontage was remodelled by Horace Field. In 1915 it was converted to the Granville Canadian Special Hospital to treat Canadian soldiers suffering from shell shock and nerve damage in WWI. After the war the building was modernised and reopened as an hotel in 1920. In 1940 it suffered bomb damage and in 1947 was converted to apartments, Granville House, that use remaining to this day.
IMG_2205
I think this is the vantage point to look for. I just need to be there with slightly more light in the sky.
Granville Theatre, Ramsgate. Constructed in a sunken garden in 1947 as a live theatre, films were added to the mix later. In 1988 it was split into two auditoria the rear stalls becoming a permanent cinema, while the front stalls and original stage became a dual purpose cinema and theatre with a new small balcony added. The there is a low fly-tower.
Ramsgate Kent, Granville Theatre, Victoria Parade
January 2016
You take photographs, could you take some of us swimming?
So asked Ange.
Which is why we were up at six on a Sunday morning, and down on the beach at the harbour before seven, me giving them both instructions on where to swim from and to, all before the clouds rolled in from the west.
We at at the foot of the sea wall, the morning light showing warm against our faces, but with clouds in the west, the low sun made the contrast between the houses on the Prom and the incoming storm all the more stark.
First run, a float bag that Sean has, bright orange, distracted in every shot.
So with clouds gathering, he took it off, they went back out a hundred yards, turned and swam to me.
Anyway, this was the best shot out of 665 taken, with them near the shore and nearly in sync. And the light still being warm from sunrise.
The did another circuit, while I began to look at the shots, but already the clouds driven hard by a keen westerly was dropping the first spots of rain.
As it fell harder, I walked back up the the car, dried the camera off and waited for the others. After hugging and wishing each other well, as the schools go back on Monday, we leave in opposite directions, us back to Townwall Street and up Jubilee Way to home.
Back home then for breakfast and brews. The rain now was coming down hard, but only for a few minutes, and soon cleared.
The light sparkled now the dust has been washed out of it.
I sat in the garden a while with Scully, the garden quickly drying around us.
But more excitement was to come, as we were to meet another friend, Andy, in Ramsgate at two, and as I had to meet the keyholder of the church hall I will be using for the churchcrawling group at midday, we left the house at quarter to eleven, finding a place to park off The Strand in Walmer.
The service had yet to end, so thin voices sang along with the last hymn, the Victorian organ in St Saviours sounding bombastic in contrast to the voices.
The service ended, so I saw maybe 30 people in attendance, in the twin towns with so many churches, I didn't think was bad.
I met the keyholder, she made it all so simple, so we shook hands and would meet on the 10th.
I come out and try to find Jools. I see her sitting at a bench. So I go to a shop to buy ice creams, then cross The Strand to sit with her to eat the ices quick, whilst looking at the beach huts and stony beach with the Channel beyond, while above the dramatic cloudscape kept on moving.
As the main road through Sholden was closed, and had been for weeks, we drove back to Whitfield then out back along the Sandwich road before crossing the Great Stour onto Thanet and into Ramsgate, parking down near the beach, under the shadows of the huge revetments holding the chalk cliffs back.
Just along is where a branch line to Ramsgate Beach station emerged from a steep tunnel, with barely enough room for a station and turntable. That closed in the 1920s, and the tunnel made into a tourist attraction with a small train running part way up.
Then in 1940, the tunnels were repurposed into air raid shelters, new tunnels with bunks being dug, so much of the townspeople could sleep safe as the bombs dropped.
Andy was on a tour of the tunnels, and would meet us at two, so we had 45 minutes, and suddenly we were hungry, so we went to a café.
We took a table inside, as I saw clouds and rain sweeping across Pegwell Bay, glad we did as soon those at tables outside were running in to take shelter as the heavens opened once again.
The food was fine, but expensive.
We walk back to meet Andy, they had walked miles by all accounts. So we ambled back down the prom, thinking of going into the UK's largest 'Spoons, but I spy an Belgian bar opposite in one corner of the old London Restaurant building.
Two bottles of Delirium tremens had our heads spinning and feeling much better.
Hoverlloyd commenced operations from Ramsgate Harbour to Calais Harbour on 6 April 1966 using small, passenger only SR.N6 hovercraft.
When the much larger SR.N4 craft, capable of carrying 30 vehicles and 254 passengers, were delivered in 1969, Hoverlloyd moved operations to a purpose built ‘hoverport’ in Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate.
A similar facility was provided north of Calais harbour and was shared with Seaspeed (who operated into Dover on the UK side of the English Channel). Crossing ('flight') times were typically 40 minutes between Ramsgate and Calais, which compared favourably with crossing times of 90 to 100 minutes for the traditional ferries on similar routes.
It remains the case that the hovercraft were the fastest crossing of the channel and have never been bettered. Hovercraft operations were prone to disruption and cancellation during bad weather, although this was eased over time by various modifications to the craft, a typical problem being damage to the rubber 'skirt'. Also, the hovercraft had an unmatched turnround time, with the ability to disembark/embark cars at both ends of the craft, whilst simultaneously dealing with foot passengers from two main exits on the port and starboard cabins.
Hoverlloyd operated a successful express coach/hovercraft/coach service from London to a number of near European cities with fares which were considerably cheaper than the air fares available at the time.
The most frequent service was London - Paris with London - Brussels with fewer departures. In 1978 these were the only two destinations. In 1979 Amsterdam was added.
On the UK side the coaches were operated with Hoverlloyd liveried coaches provided by Evan Evans Ltd - at that time a subsidiary of Wallace Arnold Tours of Leeds. Coaches did not cross the channel - though the Hovercraft could take standard height coaches with luggage space at the rear. Film footage of operations is included in the 1974 spy film "The Black Windmill" with Michael Caine. Film footage also appeared in the 1980 film "Hopscotch" with Walter Matthau.
By 1980, it was obvious that cross Channel hovercraft operation could only continue economically if the two operating companies merged, with consequent rationalisation. Therefore, Hoverlloyd and Seaspeed merged in 1981, to create Hoverspeed.
The former Hoverlloyd services from Ramsgate were subsequently withdrawn after the 1982 season and the four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were thereafter based at Dover until their withdrawal from service between 1983 and 1993.
All four ex-Hoverlloyd craft were eventually broken up and none remains extant
The hoverport at Pegwell Bay was used as an engineering and administrative base by Hoverspeed for a few years after passenger services ceased but the site was eventually closed and all buildings completely demolished. Nonetheless, the hovercraft pad, car marshalling area and approach road are all still clearly identifiable.
Hoverspeed continued cross Channel hovercraft operation until October 2000, when the last two craft were retired and the era of ‘hovering across the Channel’ came to an end.