Excel London Boat Show January 2008

This is not my favourite show, I think has lost its magic by moving to Docklands, but at least it is a boaty place to go in the middle of winter. More of a show for bigger boats; there is more choice at the cheaper end of the market at the Southampton Boat Show but you've missed that until next September. The point of this message is (finally) - if you want a dirt cheap ticket, raid your Tesco vouchers, you can get in for £3.25 if you book through http://www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals/product.aspx?R=583 but you have to do it before 11th January.

Queen Victoria

Yet another weekend of gales and rain, so I wasn't too upset to spent part of it doing Christmas shopping. We went to West Quay in Southampton, and surprise surprise (because I had not been following the local news), Cunard's newest cruise liner Queen Victoria is moored next to Mayflower Park, right across from the shopping centre. She is a fabulous sight, I expect we will see her along with the other two Queens, heading past us when we are fishing the Nab area. She will be named on Monday 10th December.

Portsmouth Harbour Notices

Many moons ago I registered on http://www.qhmportsmouth.com/ which is the official Portsmouth Harbour web site. It was supposed to email Notices to Mariners that affected boaters in the Harbours and Solent. Nothing happened, and I put it down to a rubbish web site design. Perhaps it was and perhaps they have fixed it because now it's working! You can get emails telling you about events, major ship movements, dredging and other useful things to know about if you plan a trip in the area.

River Cottage Fish Book Review

This is my review on Amazon.

The best fish cookery books are written by fishermen and fishmongers. My favourite fish cookery books so far have been from Sophie Grigson and William Black, Philip Diamond, Mitchell Tonks and Alan Davidson. All really know their fish because they get out there and catch them, or deal with fresh fish for a living. Now Hugh and Nick join that select band of my favourite fishy authors for the same reason - they know and love fish, from the bottom of the sea to the plate. They write informatively, humorously and passionately, and the reader can't help wanting to pick up a rod or net and get involved. Don't expect fussy recipes: these are best cooked in a farmhouse kitchen or a fishing boat galley, and eaten with your fingers. But they will taste fabulous. Don't expect too many recipes for boring old cod or salmon either, as Hugh and Nick explore nearly all British edible species that swim or crawl. This is a big book, and hugely readable. The authors are both very passionate about sustainable fishing, and offer useful tips to help conserve the more pressurised species, and provide every reason to try alternatives that are right on our doorstep. Buy this book, you will not regret it. (Click here, even!)