We received our early calls and made our way down for a substantial Breakfast.

We ordered taxis (Radio Taxis 023 80 666666) to take us to the Collections Management Centre where we were met by Alistair Arnott, the Curator of Local Collections, who showed us photographs and unique items from the Titanic era.

We spent a number of hours enthralled at what he pulled out of his files.

It was a most interesting visit and we extend a huge thank you to Alistair for his time and for answering all of our questions so fully.

Again, another part of the Creamer project, so we were very pleased to have been able to see it all.

Back into taxis and we returned to the hotel to collect wreaths to lay them on behalf of a number of organisations onto the Titanic-related memorials in Southamptom Civic Centre area.

Taxis then came to take us to the Maritime Museum to see the Titanic Exhibtion.

By now we were running somewhat late so we purchased what we wanted and ordered the taxis for 4-00pm

Taxis arrived on the dot at 4-00pm to take us to the VTS at Queen Elizabeth Dock to see three cruise vessels sail out, the Oceana, the Ventura and the Saga Ruby..

VTS Southampton
Based at the furthest point at Berth 37 Eastern Docks, the Southampton Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), is responsible for the monitoring and co-ordination of all shipping movements for vessels of 20 metres length overall or over in the Solent, South of a line joining Gilkicker Point and Horse Sand Fort Light. With special thanks to Ron Hancock from the VTS Southampton, our group gained an unprecedented view of the Queen Elisabeth Dock (Berth 38), which enabled us to take these stunning photographs:

On the left is the new Ventura on a quick lap round of the Solent mouth as part of the final trials before the official launch next Wednesday by Dame Helen Mirren

On our right is the Saga Ruby.

David Storey, Ron Hancock and Lucy Dhillon in the VTS Tower Cafe

John had arranged the visit with Ron Hancock and Genevieve Bailey joined us.

Then the Taxis returned yet again and delivered us to the "Cowherds" (reputed to be Captain Smiths Local) for our evening meal.

Satisfied after a packed day and a packed stomach. we returned to the Hotel --- by taxis.

There was a presentation to thank John for his hard work. It was another statuette of Captain Smith !!

Other events on Friday 11th April:

The Auction from 10-00 to 4-00 at the former Magistrate Court Civic Centre, entry by catalogue Ł5

Titanic Tales from 10-00 to 4-00 at the Maritime Museum Tower House Town Quay Road.