HARBOUR VIEW

The two ferries are (l-r) Maid of Kent and Caledonian Princess. It was quite usual to see as many Sealink vessels in the harbour at one time during the winter months when they were laid up. However this looks more like summer, which means the two ferries are most likely awaiting sale. Both vessels were sold in late 1982, having been here for around a year, so the photo can be dated 1981-82. Edit: I now know that Caledonian Princess arrived for sale in September 1981, so this photo is summer 1982.

Cally Princess, as we called her, went up to Newcastle to become a floating casino and nightclub. She's only recently been towed away for scrapping. Maid of Kent wasn't so lucky and was broken up in 1983.

Also in the photo at the left with the blue funnel is Metrec Vulture and another Metrec vessel alongside. Just poking her funnel above the Lifeboat House is the dregder Testside, and Meeching is at her usual stage. To the right of Meeching is Colonel Templer, AKA 'the boffin boat' or 'spy ship'. A rarity - a boat operated by the Army!