Chelsea Flower Show

 The Chelsea Flower show usually takes place in May each year but as with many events it was cancelled in 2020. However in 2021, for the first time in its history, it was held in October. Moving it from Spring to Autumn presented different challenges to the growers and gardeners. My daughter had managed to get me a ticket for this world famous horticultural event as an extra treat for my birthday.  Here are a few of the numerous photos I took that day. The show consists of displays of flowers and vegetables and show gardens. The photos are in no particular order.

A fishing trawler, Lowestoft

 

This fishing trawler is moored in Lowestoft harbour, Suffolk. The Mincarlo is the last surviving Lowestoft built side-fishing trawler. It was built in 1960 and after the decline of the fishing industry it was converted to an oil rig standby vessel. It has now been restored to its original state and is open to the public.  

The crew's quarters

Dining area

Galley kitchen

If I can't sleep I often listen to the shipping forecast. Strange, I know, but it has its own rhythm as it's read out.

Boats on the Thames

 

This is the boat that has become known as Boaty McBoatface. It is the polar research ship about to embark on its maiden voyage to Antarctica. Its correct name is RSS Sir David Attenborough. 

The boat docked at Greenwich last Thursday as part of a three day celebration hosted by the British Antarctic Survey and Royal Museums Greenwich. It has been undergoing sea trials around the UK and is now ready for service. Its aim is to conduct world leading and ground breaking research in the Antarctic and Arctic regions.

A public vote to name the ship came up with Boaty McBoatface but officials intervened and named it after the well known  and respected broadcaster and natural scientist Sir David Attenborough. A research submarine carried on the ship has taken the name voted by the public. I think to the public the ship will always be called Boaty McBoatface

Another boat I spotted on the Thames this week was The Kismet which was moored east of Tower Bridge. This 95 m long super yacht was built in 2014 for the billionaire Shahid Khan. I believe you can rent the yacht for $1.2 million a week so if you are thinking of a little break on the water somewhere this is what it offers:

State of the art luxury spa, movie theatre, grand piano, sauna, jacuzzi and barbecue area. It has a 'champagne and caviar theme' including a black marble deck, a full gym, helipads and a lift. One of the bath tubs is made of solid onyx and there is a retractable fireplace with an integrated waterfall and a winter garden deck. The aft deck is connected to a sports bar and can be transformed into a dance floor if needed. The downside is it can only welcome 12 guests in 7 lavish cabins so it might not have accommodation for the whole family!