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10th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
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11th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

12th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

13th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

14th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

15th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

16th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

17th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

18th September - 19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

19th September 2010
PSP Southampton Boat Show
International boating exhibition hosted in Southampton for over 40 years, 10th - 19th September
More >>

3rd October 2010
Solent Boat Jumble
The Solent Boat Jumble at The Royal Victoria Country Park starts at 10:00am
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9th October 2010
Jubilee Sailing Trust's Annual Pumpkin Festival
The Jubilee Sailing Trust's Southampton Branch are holding their famous Annual Pumpkin Festival on Saturday October 9th 2010 at the Royal Victoria Country Park.
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12th October 2010
Watch the Maiden Voyage of the Queen Elizabeth with Blue Funnel Cruises
Blue Funnel Cruises - Watch the Maiden Voyage of Our New Queen Elizabeth
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12th October 2010
Queen Elizabeth Maiden Voyage
Maiden voyage of Cunard's latest addition to their fleet.
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Click here to view forthcoming events >>

Sea the History

Southampton’s Relationship with the Sea
By Jake Simpkin

Southampton is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world, benefiting from four tides a day, and facing one of the world’s busiest waterways.  Southampton’s relationship with the sea has always rested on its people’s ability to make the most of its natural advantages.  Romans, Saxons, and medieval merchants have all prospered in turn.  And today, Southampton is at the centre of the UK’s cruise line industry, with a record breaking 720,000 passengers passing through the port last year.  It’s the biggest vehicle terminal, and one of the county’s most successful container ports. Overall, an estimated 16,000 jobs are port related.

Tragically, history has shown that success often brings disaster in its wake.  The medieval town was ravaged in 1338.  In more recent times, the loss of the Titanic, and the bombing of WW2, has devastated the town, and port.

Southampton was at the centre of trooping the Empire, and in time of war has witnessed the embarkation of great armies.  It was pivotal to the D-Day landings, and in the last year of WW2 over three and a half million troops embarked from the port.

However, it is the quayside feelings of excitement and sadness associated with arrival and departure felt by pilgrims, soldiers, emigrants and war brides alike that are most poignant, and continue to echo down the ages.

Southampton Revealed DVD 
Join Jake Simpkin on a journey of discovery as he peels back the layers of Southampton rich and varied history. On sale at Borders bookstore in West Quay Retail Park, at museums in the city, priced £12.99.  Also at www.jakesimpkin.org



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