This cache allows you to enjoy views of the Solent as you complete the cache. Park at N. 50.51.290 W.001.03.127 Although parking might be difficult on a Sunday! This location for parking has an interesting history and is worth a diversion if time allows.
The Parish of Portsdown was first created in 1870, in response to John Deverell, the Lord of the Manor of Farlington's concern over the lack of spiritual welfare for the troops based in the new Forts on Portsdown HIll at Purbrook and Widley. Christ Church, Portsdown was therefore constructed in 1871 and consecrated in 1874. It has a graveyard which is still currently open, and managed as a wildlife area and includes a little known military cemetery. Its history can be found at www.christchurchportsdown.org and most notably includes a church service on the morning of 4th June 1944 (the eve of the D-Day Normandy invasion), when Christ Church, Portsdown was the venue for one of the most important services of the 20th Century. The service was the ‘Knights Vigil’, a service organised by the Vicar (the Reverend RBS Gillman) and General Sir Miles Dempsey (Commander of the British Second Army). The graveyard contains the grave of one of the surviving soldiers from the battle with Zulu warriors at Rorkes Drift on 23 January 1879.
To find the cache (white rectangular container containing, on replacement, 35mm colour film, tape measure, poker chip, clip, pencils and log book) you need to solve the following clues:
Clue 1. Go to: N 50. 51. 300 / W 001. 03. 098 and enter the DD MM YYYY as C6 AG 193B from a foundation stone when The Lord Bishop opened something;
Clue 2. Go to: N50. 51. 199 / W 001 03 162 and enter the DD MM YYYY as F9 0D 1968 when FAJE-W opened this
Clue 3: Go to N 50. 51. 165 / W 001. 02. 576 and write the 'Contact Owner number' as 0800 E940078
Enjoy the scenery along the route as you track down the cache at: N 50. BA.FBA W 001. GC. EDC Take care when locating and replacing the cache as this can be a high muggle area and caution is needed due to the first container being muggled. You can also find the 'The Dog's Tale' (GCVK5Z) cache nearby as well.