HMS Northumberland

I was fortunate enough to be invited aboard HMS Northumberland yesterday, that is the biggest of the four frigates parked up off Bournemouth for the Air Festival. Just back from the Med this vessel is a key part of our Navy in the role of anti submarine facility. Impressive or what! I am back at the Air Festival today but in a private capacity, spending some time with a plethora of local (Dorset) business people all of which contribute in some way to the local economy. Apart from the awesome weaponry I saw on board the Northumberland, what impressed me was to see Bournemouth at it's best in terms of summer weather, beach facilities and organisation. Thousands of people having a great time, even the traffic was acceptable. I met the High Sheriff and loads of civic dignitaries from all over Dorset, good for promoting Christchurch!