Main Website Viewing Figures

Current Total is 13,979

Will the target of 14,000 be reached?
Just today to go and the site needs  21 visitors to get there - not going to open the champagne yet but on the face of it the target is within reach

The figures are provided by the site host and therefore easily verifed to any third parties that might question their authenticity.

The total daily figures are only available after midnight.

Main Website Viewing Figures

Current total is 13,944

With two days to go, including today. It's still touch and go. The latest (January) official 'Blog' page is on the main site so I'm hoping that will help.

Will the 14,000 Target be Achieved on the Main Website?

Latest Figures 13,903

I'm crossing my fingers as with three days to go including today it only needs 33 visitors each day and the targets reached

Note: the figures are only available after midnight on any given day so I can't update them other than on a once daily basis.

I do use a separate visitor counter on a couple of the web pages but this was only for evaluation purposes and it doesn't seem too reliable

Visitor Numbers - Can we make it 14,000?

VISITORS TO THE MAIN WEBSITE
As the year end approaches I'm hoping our visitor numbers will reach 14,000. Current total is 13,862 not including today. It's going to be touch and go

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
A high level of interest in the Regeneration Scheme is important to the Group and potential funders. It also helps with our sponsorship since our Sponsors name is clearly shown on the home page. Every visitor will see this and of course advertising pays - Just ask Coca Cola

WHAT AM I DOING
I'm working on the January 'Blog' in the hope of publishing it a few days early - Visitor numbers always increase at the beginning of the month when the 'Blog' is first placed on the site so that's my incentive

TOMORROW
I'll publish the figures on this 'Blog' each day until New Years Day - so you can see if we are going to reach the target - As I said in the opening paragraph it really will be touch and go

Merry Christmas Everyone

Wherever you are in the world

Happy Christmas from Portgordon Village

Banffshire

Scotland

Portgordon Heritage Group

click for a bigger image

An early view of the harbour as a Steam Drifter approaches. What a magnificent sight. The Harbour Group Committee has allowed me to create a link to this 'Blog' and the website of Portgordon Heritage Group. Nice touch this and continues the Groups ethos of supporting other local organisations.

The website is a modest affair but is intended to show a wider audience how the village was many years ago.

All the pictures are available for viewing in the village resource centre 'The Lampie Hoose'

I hope as you look at the site it will reawaken your memories of this fine place

Do you have any photographs that can be added to the existing collection. If so, please scan them and send to the email address on the main websites contacts page. Acknowledgement will be given automatically unless not required

I'm still building this site and so the content is a bit sparse at the moment

Portgordon Heritage Group

Quiz

Here's the answer to the question I posed yesterday - suggestion was that it was a bit too easy - ok I'll bear it in mind

Quiz

Any idea where this is?

Answer will be given tomorrow (Sunday)

Website Statistics

click to enlarge

There's always interest in the website viewing figures so here's the latest chart for the twelve months ending, and including, November 30th

Blog issue for December

Despite my belief yesterday that I wouldn't get the official 'Blog' finished in time I'm pleased to say I did and it's published on the website

This is despite the fact that I thought there were 31 days in November

You probably guessed the picture on yesterdays page is of a Gordon Highlander. If you got that you probably also know the connection with Portgordon is the man that founded the village also raised this famous regiment - Alexander 4th Duke of Gordon

December 'Blog'

I'm frantically working on the December 'Blog' to get it finished and on-line by the target date (1st Dec) it seems to me that as one door closes another one shuts!

Please bear with me if it's a few days late - I know it gives the website viewing figures a boost because the stats tell me the first few days of the month are when it gets the most views and it also tell me the 'Blog' page is the most popular

In the meantime here's a question for you: What regiment is represented by this picture and what is the connection with Portgordon? Answer will be given tomorrow

Regeneration - Phase one

More detail is now available on phase one of the harbour regeneration project.

1. Form a Trust Port (Legal fees & Scottish Government Fees)
2. Dredging (stage one = sampling)
3. Repairs to Structure (pointing to masonary)
4. Miscellaneous works (new bridge to outer pier, vertical ladders, life saving equipment, signage, deck furniture)
5. Civil works (breakout and renew inner pier surfacing)

You will appreciate the tangible elements of the above appear modest, however, they pave the way for phase two

All of this is dependent on the latest funding application being successful and therefore it is not at all possible to give a start date.

There are many views and opinions as to the best way to go about developing the project, the foremost being voiced is the harbour should be dredged before anything else is done. It is not that straightforward.

The scheme has been developed on engineering principles and will be project managed in line with regulatory standards.The foregoing represents major progress and the Group look forward to recieving support from all quarters as it pursues its stated aim of contributing to improving the village for all

If you wish to make any comment please use the comments box below - your name will not be revealed unless you request this at the time of writing. Note: all comments are moderated (filtered) to avoid spam (junk mail) and it may take a few days for them to be published

Finally, thank you for your support

Can You Spare One and a half Million Pounds?

Harbour Regeneration


This is a snapshot of the current position


Despite well meaning forecasts that the Group could obtain £1.5 million as a lump sum to regenerate the harbour, the reality is quite different and whilst it has made representations to numerous bodies with regards to funding, it feels the recent financial climate has not helped matters. The Group has therefore decided to adopt what it considers a more appropriate route and has embarked on this.


The Business Plan is constantly under review and because of its fluid design it can be used in such a way as to promote a more tactical approach to funding - this may be better explained as a phased approach.


The Group has now applied for funding to meet the proposals in line with phase one (of four) and will provide more information on the detail in due course.


In the meantime, if you do know anybody that could spare £1.5 million......???

The Railway Station and Harbour

click to enlarge

© copyright Mike Stephen. Thanks to Mike for allowing me to use his work and also grateful thanks to officials of the Great North of Scotland Railway Association (GNSRA) for their assistance.

This photograph was taken on the 13th April 1968 just a few weeks before the line closed forever

I think you will agree that this is a powerful picture and one that's sure to evoke memories of a time not too long ago when everything seemed so much better. Not only has the railway gone, the two buildings at the side of the harbour are no longer there.

If you look closely you can see the breach in the north wall of the harbour, thankfully repaired by the Gurkhas (69th Gurkha Independant Field Squadron) in the eighties.

I do know that this site is visited from many parts of the globe and I hope the picture reminds you of the place that perhaps was your home at one time.

Next chance I get I'll take a picture from the same viewpoint so that you can compare today with yesterday

Here's a link to the GNSRA website

http://www.gnsra.org.uk/

Please remember them...

Portgordon Railway Station

I've recently come across a photograph of Portgordon railway station, dated 1968, showing the harbour in the background along with several buildings, close to the harbour, that are long gone.
The picture is sure to bring back memories to many of you
I'm currently negotiating with the copyright holder for permission to use his photograph on this site - watch this space!

Remembrance Sunday

Please pay your respects in your own special way to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom

PORT GORDON or PORTGORDON

If you read the  November 'Blog' on the main website you will know that I intended to place pictures on this 'Blog' to let you see the apparent difference in the way the village name was portrayed on the railway station signs, have a look and see what you think - is it an optical illusion? - I don't think it is anyway it isn't intended to start a controversy, it's just that I find it an interesting subject

click on the picture to enlarge

Once again you may ask "What's this got to do with the harbour" the answer is Nothing, though I could suggest if you had been standing on the station platform you would have had a nice view of the harbour - so that's near enough of a connection for me

Many thanks to Maggie Reid for letting me use these pictures

More on the Fireworks Display

please click to enlarge

More details of the event including local transport times.

This promises to be a night to remember for all the right reasons - don't miss it.
Imagine a 'Pipe Band' to start proceedings then entertainment for the kids followed by one of the best Fireworks Displays in the area and all within the confines of the harbour - what a great setting.

Please note Portgordon Community Harbour Group Ltd are pleased to support this evening in any way it can. It cannot accept any credit for staging the event because this is down to Portgordon Fireworks Group. A team of dedicated individuals who year after give their best efforts to make it the spectacle it has grown into and who's motivation and determination are driven by the will to make this a great community occasion.

I see 'Flicks Chicks' are involved once again with the refreshments - what a great team they are - and the part they play is appreciated as with all the others that volunteer to help.

Portgordon Fireworks Display 2009.

This is an advert for Portgordons Annual Fireworks Display. The picture is taken from the Firework Groups new website. Visit it at http://www.portgordonfireworks.co.uk/ This display is one of the biggest and best in the area. It's an annual event that has grown in content year after year. It's a great way to see a display under proper controlled conditions and with the other planned attractions it should make for a great night out for the whole family

Some pictures don't need words

What on earth has this picture got to do with the Harbour - the answer is nothing - it's just my way of saying I'm back from holiday. The batteries are now recharged ready for the coming year.

Website Statistics

These are the latest visitor figures up to and including September 2009

You can see the level of interest and how the site visits have grown month on month year on year (most of the time anyway) The figures do reflect the work put in by the group. As always please keep coming back to see how things are progressing - every visit is appreciated - I keep saying that, but it's true!

Click on the picture for an enlarged version

What time's the next bus?

It's not all about the harbour

I was walking past the bus stop the other day and decided it looked worthy of a photograph - then I started to think about the link it provides to two of Scotlands finest cities, Inverness and Aberdeen. Think about it, a small coastal village isolated and peaceful just a bus ride from all that city life has to offer. It's a good service as well with a bus to either every hour and no need to change buses. The buses are comfortable, air conditioned and the drivers are pleasant and helpful.

Not a bad look at life is it - by the way, the harbour's just across the road

Unusual drink or what?

This is an unusual drink. The bar order would be "A glass of water and carnation please - no ice and in a tall glass"

Yesterdays question was along the lines of who drinks this

The answer is of course the same man who gets into the harbour to rescue one of the tents and gets soaked and frozen in the process

The same man who ignored the advice on where to stick the poles






The same man who didn't look where he was driving and collected a 'piper'

and finally

The same man who just makes things happen

Last word - the Team has many individuals who combine to make the Harbour Group what it is and so I may well pick on someone else in due course.....?

Which member of the Team has an unusual taste in drinks

The headline is 'which member of the Team has an unusual taste in drinks'

I plan to reveal all tomorrow and will include a picture of the individual concerned with one of the most unusual drinks you are ever likely to see

Another subject

YouTube - From time to time I place slideshows on YouTube and then add them to the Blog and the website as links - I now understand the links may not always be viewable. It seems to depend on your operating system and choice of web browser. All I can suggest is you bring up the You Tube site and key in Portgordon Harbour, Portgordon Raft Race or Portgordon Gala Day. That should bring up most of the slide shows.

Charitable Status.

The Group is now a registered charity
This really is good news. The Group has worked long and hard to achieve Charitable Status - this paves the way for the future and was always a key element in the Groups progress. More information will be published in due course. Please keep looking at the website for updates

Treasure Hunt

The Treasure Hunt took place as planned yesterday. It was a nice day weatherwise, however, the turnout was far lower than expected. A lot of effort went into making this a success so it was a disappointment not to achieve what the day deserved. The Group will continue to offer the community more variety as it continues along the route to harbour regeneration. I reflect on the day and consider it a disappointment 'though not a disaster. The next event will be a quiz night - plans are underway - it will probably take place in November. The date and venue will be announced in due course.

Treasure Hunt Sunday 6th September

click to enlarge


Come along for a day with a difference. Family and friends can take part in this, our first ever, Treasure Hunt.

Everyone likes to test their knowledge so this is your opportunity. The various stopping places will become clear and there will be plenty of time to complete the course - remember the winner depends on the number of clues answered and items found or produced - it has nothing to do with speed - this is simply a leisurely drive for all to enjoy

Refreshments will be on sale in the Community Hall

If you wish you may take part in our quiz: Spot the 'Famous Kids' or the 'Golden Oldies'
Please come along - you will be helping in our progress to regeneration of the harbour

See you there

A 'snapshot' of the Gala

Latest slideshow in which I've tried to capture the atmosphere generated on the day. What doesn't show through is the tremendous support we receive so that it can all happen.

The day started cold, windy and wet - then Doreen turned up with a cuppa for everyone and it all seemed to change for the better

Having a bad day? - watch this and have a laugh

turn up the volume!
click to play

More pictures of Gala Day will be appearing this week

Childrens Fancy Dress Parade

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth

What a great day for the children. The Fancy Dress competition was held in the Village Hall and then a parade to the Gala site led by Strathisla Pipe Band made this a day for the kids to remember. Plenty of proud brothers & sisters, parents, aunts & uncles, grandparents and friends to record things on cameras and camcorders. These memories will live on forever

This event was considered so successful that it will be repeated next year for sure

'Lennox Bravehearts'

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth

The 'Lennox Bravehearts' team approaching the finish line with winners 'Flicks Chicks' very sportingly waiting to greet them - just a minute, it's not a welcome - it's an attack! All part of the fun and a laugh for the many spectators that came along to enjoy the day.

The team adopted the 'Bravehearts' theme and name as a result of an original idea from a team member.
The 'Lennox' is the local village public house where members of the team may be seen from time to time - hence the team name 'Lennox Bravehearts'
I suspect this team will be back even more determined next time - I certainly hope so, for they are a great bunch and good sports.

The idea of pelting the other teams with flour goes back some time. I tried to find the origins of this part of the event only to be told it happens everywhere and may have something to do with encouraging the teams to finish quicky to avoid being covered in the stuff - so there it is, I'm better informed but non the wiser. I think I now understand the meaning of 'flour power'

Grampian Fire & Rescue Service

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth - click to enlarge

A team representing Buckie Fire Station took part in the race - they gave a very good account of themselves and finished a tough race in third place. The team won the trophy for best raft - now that's not bad seeing it was their first attempt in the race - they also won many new friends as they got stuck in and proved to be good sportsmen - maybe a more fitting tribute would be - they were a credit to Grampian Fire & Rescue Service for joining in and showing a real sense of community spirit.






The event won praise from the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire who clearly enjoyed proceedings and admired the spirit of the racers for providing a great race for the many spectators.



In mentioning spectators I feel credit is due to them for turning out in large numbers, especially in view of the weather forecast for the day - if you were there you'll know it wasn't as bad as expected. Keep an eye on this 'Blog' as I intend to feature each team that took part in the race in the next few days

More from the Gala

picture courtesy of John Gardiner

I'm now back from holiday so in the next few days I'll be adding more pictures to the site including this 'Blog'

Have to say a big thank you to the team from Burghead Sub-Aqua Club for providing a safety boat and crew during the Raft Race - The race is our biggest attraction on the day and without safety in place it couldn't happen. It's unlikely anything would go wrong, even so, the competitors appreciate the presence of the safety boat.

There are lots of photographs of the day and I'm thinking of making a compilation to create a slide show which would then be placed on YouTube - watch this space

Raft Race & Gala Day

click on the pictures to enlarge

Maybe because of it's age and motive power the 1911 Stanley steamer caught the eye - it was a first for the Gala and attracted a lot of attention.

Several other vehicles equally impressive, though not as dated, were a credit to their owners and what's left of the british motor industry. Brian Reid's super example of timeless quality, driven by Angela, certainly looked great - well looked after with excellent coach-painting and signwriting, of course Brian is a craftsman so maybe no surprise it looks so good

Final layout/plan for Gala Day Sunday 26th July

Well, here it is - the final plan/layout for Gala Day. If you click on the plan it will enlarge in a new window and you will be able to see the detail

The group held it's last meeting, for this years Gala, on Tuesday evening - there was a lot to get through and in the end everything is sorted - now watch this space

The aim is to start erecting tents on Saturday starting at 13.00hrs - might be earlier start 10.00 was suggested - have to wait and see. Starting at 13.00 might have been a bit ambitious 'cause there's a lot to be done

Spirits are high and lets hope for good weather on the day - can't be worse that last year, can it?

Help wanted.

Can you spare some time to help with the Gala? The team need help erecting the tents on Saturday 25th starting about 1.00pm and then on Sunday 26th after the Gala, this time to dismantle the tents as the event closes at about 5.00pm.

The work isn't too strenuous, it's just that there are normally a handful of us and there is quite a lot to do in a short space of time.

Just turn up on the day and you will be made welcome.

See you there.

RAF Search & Rescue - Gala Day

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth

More information about the appearance of the RAF Search & Rescue helicopter on Gala Day (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm) There is to be a demonstration by the RAF team with the Sea King helicopter - quite what form this will take is yet to be decided and will of course depend on operational availability. However, there will be ample opportunity to photograph what promises to be a special event and one that will remain in the memory for some time - so don't forget the camera

Got a meeting on Tuesday next to finalise the Gala programme so hopefully will have more information to post soon after

Just been looking at the weather outside and all I can say is it's a good job the Gala isn't today!

Gala Day - Helicopter Visit.

Great news - A Search and Rescue helicopter, based at Lossiemouth, will now be making an appearence on Gala Day (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm) Subject to availability and operational requirements

The pictures you see here are from a real incident that came about as a result of a report that an inflatable sunbed was found in the sea just off Boyndie beach, near Banff. Two young children had been seen playing on it and there was no sign of them. A full scale search involving the Coastguard, Macduff lifeboat and Raf took place - all ended happily with two confirmed reports that the children had been seen leaving the area with an adult - wonder if they found out what they had started

Makes you realise how lucky we all are to have this in place to help in emergencies

Childrens Fancy Dress Parade - Free entry

pictures and design courtesy of Audrey Murray and Moray Desktop Publishing - click to enlarge

This was advertised on an earlier page of the 'Blog' but I forgot to mention entry is FREE

Also, there is no need to book in advance - it would help the organisers if you could phone just so they can get a feel for numbers 'though this is not an actual requirement. The phone number to contact is 01542 836248

This promises to be a great day for the children and will provide unforgettable memories for parents, relatives and friends.

Mrs Blog says I should enter 'cause I'm a big daft kid at heart - no need for that is there?

What a great place

picture courtesy of Brian 'Turbo' Tunnard (click to enlarge)

I've shown this picture before but I couldn't resist another look.
It really does show a jewel in the crown of Moray (or should I say Banffshire)

In the lead up to Gala Day (Sunday July 26th 12 noon till 5.00pm) planning is the focus of attention, which is fair enough but sometimes we perhaps need to reflect on other things and take a little time out.

Look at the picture - Can you think of a better place?

Latest layout for Gala Day

Click the picture to enlarge

This is the latest layout for Gala Day - Sunday 26th July - 12 noon till 5.00pm

It's all fitting together nicely - The Group does it's best to provide something for everyone and with this in mind there is more content for the younger children this time with a Fancy Dress Parade and some fairground type rides. I think the childrens fancy dress parade led by the pipers will be a bit special - don't forget to bring your cameras along to record the day

Raft Race & Gala Day

Pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth (Gala Day 2006)

It's not too late to enter the Raft Race (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm)

If you are thinking about it - well now's the time to stop thinking - just go for it. It'll give you something to remember long after the event. You might even win! You will face the daunting prospect of beating the girls team 'Flicks Chicks' Not an easy task - in fact quite a scary one.

There's a link below to the main site - remember you must read the rules first.

http://www.portgordonharbour.org/Raft-Race-Rules-2009

Question - What is a Stanley Steamer?

What is a Stanley Steamer? I asked Mrs 'Blog' this question and she replied, " it sounds like an american launderette"

The Stanley Steamer is in fact a motor car driven by steam - it's easy when someone gives you the answer

All being well there will be an appearance of a Stanley Steamer at the Gala this year. It will be a 1911 10hp model - I understand it's kept in very good condition - sorry I don't have a picture of this one

Facts:
In 1906 a steam powered car broke the world land speed record achieving a recorded speed of 127mph in the process. It can take up to half an hour to build up enough steam pressure to propel a steam car (source: oldandsold.com)

Childrens Fancy Dress Parade

Another first for Raft Race & Gala Day (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm) A childrens Fancy Dress Parade. What a great day it promises to be for the children. They will parade from the Village Hall, led by pipers, down to the Gala field area.

This is sure to be a nice spectacle for all - there is plenty of time to book a place, though if you are interested in entering your children you should do it as soon as you can because this helps the organisers

picture courtesy of Audrey Murray and Moray Desktop Publishing - click to enlarge

Meeting tonight

There's a Harbour Group meeting combined with a Gala Group meeting tonight, so should have more firm information on the Gala Day events programme and will publish this as soon as possible

Meeting commences at the Lampie Hoose commencing 7.30pm - come along if you wish

Picture courtesy of John Gardiner