Ashbury with Kingston Winslow, Idstone, Knighton, Compton Beachamp

WI Life on the Ocean Wave

Hazel and Peter's yacht "Sea Tramp" is moored on the River Hamble at Bursledon near Southampton. In July 09 they very generously offered to take WI members and their guests for a day out on their boat. As interest was high it was eventually decided to make two days of it. Below you can read accounts of the Saturday and Monday trips written by two of our members, Marie-Noelle and Clare respectively, and also view some of the photos taken from the "Sea Tramp" during the trips. On the first day Diane and David sailed their boat "Ena" alongside "Sea Tramp" for a while in order to take some action shots from a distance. A selection of addtional photos taken on the two trips can be viewed after the two written accounts.

Saturday 25th July 09

Marie-Noelle, Hilary, Ro, Maurice, Peter and Hazel

After a welcomed cup of coffee at 11.00am we set off on "Sea Tramp" in brilliant sunshine from our assembly point at the Harbour Master’s Office at Warsash, for a gentle motor up the river Hamble to the boat's regular mooring spot. Soon it was time for lunch and a glass of wine before pudding. This is the WI after all so we take puddings very seriously.

Jacky right, with Hilary and Hazel behind Jacky and Maggie

Washing up was a female collective affair then it was time to secure all the crockery before we motored back down the river and and set sail, surrounded by hundreds of other boats, towards the Isle of Wight. We were heading into a very strong wind and heeling over very steeply! "Don’t worry, it can get much worse than this" said Peter reassuringly.

Atop the mast The Isle of Wight Ferry

Everything was fascinating to our naive eyes, whether it was the boat yards, the man hoisted up to the top of a mast − rather him than me − the industrial buildings or the ferries full of holiday makers. Maurice and Robert had a brief spell at the helm and soon realised it was not as easy as driving a car. We even had our own camera crew on board the yacht "Ena" following us part of the way.

"Sea Tramp"

Although we didn't stop at the Isle of Wight, as there were no free mooring spaces, we sailed past some of its well known landmarks.

Our return to the Hamble was more gentle as "Sea Tramp" glided on towards the harbour and into the river again for dinner. Nobody wanted to leave but at around 8.00pm we felt that we ought to make our respective ways back home to Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. Our final four trips were made in Peter's dinghy which took us from the boat back to the Harbour Master’s Office at Warsash where we had left our cars.

Jacky and Ro in the dinghy steered by Peter

It was a memorable, wonderful, fantastic day. Indeed it felt like a superlatives competition as we were thanking Hazel and Peter for their hospitality. "Sea Tramp", the result of Peter’s labour of love, is a feat of engineering made homely by Hazel's touch. The controls, engine and other bits of sailing kit sit very comfortably next to photos of the grandchildren and the crockery.

Monday 27th July 09

We left Ashbury with two additional crew members Jean and Peter at about 9.30am and after a pleasant journey arrived near our destination when we spotted Hazel, who had come up to the shops for a newspaper and to point us all in the right direction. We left our cars in the free car park close to the Harbour Master's Office at around 11.00am. Lynda and her passengers arrived shortly after us. We then made our way to the boat, where we were met by Hazel, Peter and his brother Jeff, who kindly took a group photo, then we all boarded "Sea Tramp". Hazel gave us a grand tour of the three decks before having coffee and biscuits.

Peter, Jean, Peter, Alex, Hazel, Clare, Lynda, Joan and Kathy

We were all amazed at the size and the accomodation which included cooker, fridge, shower, microwave, and most important of all - a HAIR DRYER. I'm told by experienced yachting people that this is quite unheard of! Well done Hazel. Then of course we paid visits to the "facilities" - the HEADS. Peter and Hazel cast-off from the mooring and with Jeff at the wheel we motored up the Hamble River.

We all sat or stood on deck for a short while before deciding which was the most comfortable place to see all the fantastic yachts. There were hundreds, all different shapes and sizes, from dinghies up to multi-million pound cruisers with helicopter landing pads. The sea was calm with not much breeze as we went up river to "Sea Tramp's" usual berth, where we went below deck for lunch. Joined by Peter and Jeff, Hazel provided a fantastic meal and wine. Outside it had sadly begun to rain again.

Clare left with Hazel and Lynda further back

After lunch, some of us went back on deck and we motored down the Hamble to Southampton Water. As the wind had picked up and it was quite choppy, Peter decided against going to the Isle of Wight, so we sailed up Southampton Water instead, passing giant tankers at Fawley Oil Refinery, dodging Red Funnel ferries, and gazing at the Naval vessels. Peter and Hazel gave a running commentary on the different places of interest we were passing, and regaled us with tales of their various sailing trips.

Lynda centre with Jean and Peter

Near the ferry terminals we saw a sail training ship and a huge Cruise ship named Equinox preparing to go off on her maiden voyage. This was reported on Southern News TV the next day, from which we learned that the liner had a full complement of passengers and crew totalling approximately 3000. After watching some cadets practising "man overboard", we headed back towards the Hamble.

Sail Training Ship

Equinox

Ships of the British Fleet

On part of the trip back Alex and Peter had a go at steering the boat, very successfully. Yet more rain, then back up the Hamble to where we had started from with Jeff at the wheel. Approaching the berth we noticed a chap in the next boat peering anxiously at us, to see if we could moor up without bumping him, needless to say Jeff berthed expertly without a hitch. We all then sat down to tea, cake and muffins - just right. We left at around 6.30pm and had an excellent journey home, in sunshine! Our thanks go to Hazel and Peter for a truly marvellous experience.

More Photographs

"Sea Tramp" "Ena"

Hilary plotting the course Maurice trying his skills at the helm with Ro and Hazel

Hazel at the wheel counteracting the swell - great pose! Robert and Marie-Noelle admiring the other yachts

Peter - skipper of his boat Hazel at the bow

Lynda on look-out duty A damp end to an otherwise very enjoyable day


Home Welcome Calendar Churches Schools Parish Council Planning Local Organisations Neighbourhood Watch Village Hall Business Directory Historical Background Archives Living History Project Local Attractions Local Events Women's Institute Places to Stay, Eat & Drink Post Office Bulk Heating Oil Purchasing Scheme Shop Transport Rubbish & Recycling Contact Numbers District Council County Council	WI Life on the Ocean Wave Hazel and Peter's yacht "Sea Tramp" is moored on the River Hamble at Bursledon near Southampton. In July 09 they very generously offered to take WI members and their guests for a day out on their boat. As interest was high it was eventually decided to make two days of it. Below you can read accounts of the Saturday and Monday trips written by two of our members, Marie-Noelle and Clare respectively, and also view some of the photos taken from the "Sea Tramp" during the trips. On the first day Diane and David sailed their boat "Ena" alongside "Sea Tramp" for a while in order to take some action shots from a distance. A selection of addtional photos taken on the two trips can be viewed after the two written accounts. Saturday 25th July 09 Marie-Noelle, Hilary, Ro, Maurice, Peter and Hazel After a welcomed cup of coffee at 11.00am we set off on "Sea Tramp" in brilliant sunshine from our assembly point at the Harbour Master’s Office at Warsash, for a gentle motor up the river Hamble to the boat's regular mooring spot. Soon it was time for lunch and a glass of wine before pudding. This is the WI after all so we take puddings very seriously. Jacky right, with Hilary and Hazel behind Jacky and Maggie Washing up was a female collective affair then it was time to secure all the crockery before we motored back down the river and and set sail, surrounded by hundreds of other boats, towards the Isle of Wight. We were heading into a very strong wind and heeling over very steeply! "Don’t worry, it can get much worse than this" said Peter reassuringly. Atop the mast The Isle of Wight Ferry Everything was fascinating to our naive eyes, whether it was the boat yards, the man hoisted up to the top of a mast − rather him than me − the industrial buildings or the ferries full of holiday makers. Maurice and Robert had a brief spell at the helm and soon realised it was not as easy as driving a car. We even had our own camera crew on board the yacht "Ena" following us part of the way. "Sea Tramp" Although we didn't stop at the Isle of Wight, as there were no free mooring spaces, we sailed past some of its well known landmarks. Our return to the Hamble was more gentle as "Sea Tramp" glided on towards the harbour and into the river again for dinner. Nobody wanted to leave but at around 8.00pm we felt that we ought to make our respective ways back home to Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. Our final four trips were made in Peter's dinghy which took us from the boat back to the Harbour Master’s Office at Warsash where we had left our cars. Jacky and Ro in the dinghy steered by Peter It was a memorable, wonderful, fantastic day. Indeed it felt like a superlatives competition as we were thanking Hazel and Peter for their hospitality. "Sea Tramp", the result of Peter’s labour of love, is a feat of engineering made homely by Hazel's touch. The controls, engine and other bits of sailing kit sit very comfortably next to photos of the grandchildren and the crockery. Monday 27th July 09 We left Ashbury with two additional crew members Jean and Peter at about 9.30am and after a pleasant journey arrived near our destination when we spotted Hazel, who had come up to the shops for a newspaper and to point us all in the right direction. We left our cars in the free car park close to the Harbour Master's Office at around 11.00am. Lynda and her passengers arrived shortly after us. We then made our way to the boat, where we were met by Hazel, Peter and his brother Jeff, who kindly took a group photo, then we all boarded "Sea Tramp". Hazel gave us a grand tour of the three decks before having coffee and biscuits. Peter, Jean, Peter, Alex, Hazel, Clare, Lynda, Joan and Kathy We were all amazed at the size and the accomodation which included cooker, fridge, shower, microwave, and most important of all - a HAIR DRYER. I'm told by experienced yachting people that this is quite unheard of! Well done Hazel. Then of course we paid visits to the "facilities" - the HEADS. Peter and Hazel cast-off from the mooring and with Jeff at the wheel we motored up the Hamble River. We all sat or stood on deck for a short while before deciding which was the most comfortable place to see all the fantastic yachts. There were hundreds, all different shapes and sizes, from dinghies up to multi-million pound cruisers with helicopter landing pads. The sea was calm with not much breeze as we went up river to "Sea Tramp's" usual berth, where we went below deck for lunch. Joined by Peter and Jeff, Hazel provided a fantastic meal and wine. Outside it had sadly begun to rain again. Clare left with Hazel and Lynda further back After lunch, some of us went back on deck and we motored down the Hamble to Southampton Water. As the wind had picked up and it was quite choppy, Peter decided against going to the Isle of Wight, so we sailed up Southampton Water instead, passing giant tankers at Fawley Oil Refinery, dodging Red Funnel ferries, and gazing at the Naval vessels. Peter and Hazel gave a running commentary on the different places of interest we were passing, and regaled us with tales of their various sailing trips. Lynda centre with Jean and Peter Near the ferry terminals we saw a sail training ship and a huge Cruise ship named Equinox preparing to go off on her maiden voyage. This was reported on Southern News TV the next day, from which we learned that the liner had a full complement of passengers and crew totalling approximately 3000. After watching some cadets practising "man overboard", we headed back towards the Hamble. Sail Training Ship Equinox Ships of the British Fleet On part of the trip back Alex and Peter had a go at steering the boat, very successfully. Yet more rain, then back up the Hamble to where we had started from with Jeff at the wheel. Approaching the berth we noticed a chap in the next boat peering anxiously at us, to see if we could moor up without bumping him, needless to say Jeff berthed expertly without a hitch. We all then sat down to tea, cake and muffins - just right. We left at around 6.30pm and had an excellent journey home, in sunshine! Our thanks go to Hazel and Peter for a truly marvellous experience. More Photographs "Sea Tramp" "Ena" Hilary plotting the course Maurice trying his skills at the helm with Ro and Hazel Hazel at the wheel counteracting the swell - great pose! Robert and Marie-Noelle admiring the other yachts Peter - skipper of his boat Hazel at the bow Lynda on look-out duty A damp end to an otherwise very enjoyable day
	This web site is owned and operated by Ashbury Parish Council for the benefit of all those who live or work in the parish. If you have any comments please email us on feedback@ashbury.org.uk