Hamble Priory Church – 900 Year Celebration

Just down the river, the village of Hamble-le-Rice is celebrating 900 years of the Priory Church of St Andrews this year.


Led by St Bernard of Thiron, monks came from France in 1109 and settled on the shores, by the mouth of the river, founding the abbey and priory church, which still today contains some fine examples of Norman building.


More recent, but none the less interesting is the church’s 19th century stained glass.


Over the bank holiday weekend - August 28th to 31st there will be a flower festival at the church, reflecting the rich history from medieval time to present day.


The idea of the festival is that floral displays will be mounted in the church and the adjacent Priory Centre. Farming and domestic life of the original monks will feature, as will other aspects of the Church’s history such as the sacking and burning of the church by French raiders in the 1300’s (bound to be popular with the kids!!).

Christine Wright shown here, has been responsible for the design of many of the displays. A carpet of flowers is planned, dedicated to St Andrew the patron saint.

In addition scenes of the life of the village will play a central role in the festival, originally a fishing port, Hamble is now a popular yachting venue, which also has strong association with aviation.

With the regatta at Bursledon being held over the same weekend, it looks like we will be having a busy time and even more reason for people to visit to the area.

D-Day 6th June

Sixty-five years ago the allied forces embarked on one of the most remarkable military operations, the landing on the beaches of occupied France which led to the liberation of occupied western Europe.

Walking along the river on the eve of the anniversary, it's hard to imagine the scene on that momentous day, not so long ago.

This memorial on the quay at Warsash, celebrates the British and Allied Naval and Commando units who left the river on 5th June 1944. Around 3000 commandos embarked from Warsash pier, in landing craft which had been lying in the river. Some 80 landing craft set off across the channel as part of the 1st LC Squadron HMS Tormentor.


Comprising the 200th, 201st and 202nd Landing Craft Flotillas, were men of the No 3 and 6 Army Commandos, No 45 Royal Marine Commando, French Commando, 1st Battalion Fusilier Marines, destined for Gold Beach Normandy. Also No 41 and 48 Royal Marine Commandos embarked from Warsash Pier.


The memorial is made in the shape of a landing craft bow.

Military operations were run from the Rising Sun pub adjacent to the pier.


The scene this morning was very different, with slightly somber low cloud.

Locally the events of 65 years ago are well remembered, later today in Portsmouth an RAF Hercules will drop a million red poppies over the city.

Our local green grocer has also joined in the celebrations with this window display .

This post, in it's small way, is to honour all the men and women involved in that epic day.