Damage caused during the Newcastle Meadow Well riots
Damage caused during the Newcastle Meadow Well riots

Joining Steve Bloom and his friend Derek for the Southampton Boat Show, visiting the PC Maritime Stand to review the latest Wayplan navigation software and then driving home to find the family still up and eagerly awaiting our return.

The 'Meadow Well' Newcastle Riots are continuing and, with them, an on-going political row over the root causes but most probably due to the unemployment and deprivation of the area

We had a nice breakfast which, though not as big as the other hotel, was of high quality. Then we packed and checked out in time to load the bags into the boot of the Corniche and be ready for the taxi that we had arranged to take us to the boat show. It was a strange-looking taxi - all covered with coloured spots that evidently makes this particular taxi fleet distinctive - but it got us there all the same. We arrived in good time for the start of the show and were able to use the complimentary tickets that Steven Bloom had got us to gain free access. He had left a message to meet us at 11.00am at the Fairline stand and so we had an initial walk around the shore-based stalls until then.

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I joined him and his cruising friend Derek in looking at a number of 31-37ft motor yachts whilst Diana relaxed and watched the demonstrations before enjoying a fashion show nearby. We met up at The Post House Hotel at the show where I paid for an enjoyable lunch and then went our own ways afterwards until the end of the day. I bought a 1992 Reeds Almanac and set of common-key security locks before spending some time on the P.C.Maritime Stand and buying the latest upgrade for their Wayplan Software. In all, we had a good day and the weather was again sunny and warm. We met up at 5.30pm and left by taxi for the hotel car park where we transferred to the Rolls Royce and set off for home. The car ran well again and the three of us and all our luggage were no problem as we sped along the motorways.

We stopped off for tea at a service area and finally arrived back at about 9.30pm to find the family still up and eagerly awaiting our return. They had been all right and were pleased to get our presents. I then called Mum who was anxious about the arrangements for tomorrow and that was all I did before falling into bed quite tired after the late nights and exertions of the week. The ‘Meadow Well’ Newcastle Riots are continuing and, with them, an on-going political row over the root causes with the Tories insisting on tougher policing and the opposition parties pointing to the unemployment and deprivation of the area.