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  • RNLI Major Incident Exercise

    The Fourth Portal served as the triage centre for the NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service during Operation Big Red Ship, a major incident exercise led by the RNLI. The large-scale simulation tested emergency response procedures, bringing together multiple agencies to coordinate life-saving efforts on the River Thames. RNLI Major Incident Exercise < Back 9 February 2024 The Fourth Portal served as the triage centre for the NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service during Operation Big Red Ship, a major incident exercise led by the RNLI. The large-scale simulation tested emergency response procedures, bringing together multiple agencies to coordinate life-saving efforts on the River Thames. Previous Next On 9 February 2024, a large-scale mass casualty exercise, codenamed 'Exercise Red Ship', took place aboard the historic lightship LV21 in Gravesend Reach. This significant event was one of the largest exercises ever conducted on the River Thames. The exercise involved multiple emergency services, including Gravesend RNLI's lifeboat Olive Laura Deare II, London Coastguard, Port of London Authority, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and South East Coast Ambulance Service. Seven volunteer actors from the Casualties Union participated as injured casualties, simulating various injuries such as burns, fractures, and smoke inhalation. The exercise provided an invaluable opportunity for these agencies to collaborate and enhance their emergency response procedures in a realistic, controlled environment. RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) The RNLI is a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea, operating a fleet of lifeboats and lifeguard services around the UK and Ireland. The Gravesend RNLI station, one of the busiest on the River Thames, provides rapid response rescue services in one of the country’s most challenging waterways. NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) SECAMB provides emergency and urgent care across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and North East Hampshire, responding to 999 calls and major incidents. Their highly trained paramedics, emergency responders, and call handlers deliver lifesaving pre-hospital care in critical situations. London Coastguard (Maritime and Coastguard Agency – MCA) The London Coastguard, part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), coordinates maritime search and rescue operations across the Thames and surrounding coastal areas. They oversee emergency responses to incidents on the river, ensuring swift and effective action. Port of London Authority (PLA) The Port of London Authority (PLA) manages safety, navigation, and environmental protection across 95 miles of the tidal Thames. They work closely with emergency services, commercial operators, and river users to maintain security and respond to incidents. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) Kent Fire and Rescue Service provides firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response across Kent and Medway. Their crews are trained in water rescue and hazardous incident management, making them essential in river-based emergencies. Casualties Union The Casualties Union is a specialist organisation providing trained actors to simulate realistic injuries and trauma scenarios for emergency training exercises. Their volunteers help improve real-world preparedness for paramedics, lifeboat crews, and other emergency responders. This provides a concise but informative overview of each participating organisation. Let me know if you need any refinements! This event has ended Visit Event Page MORE ON THIS EVENT BELOW Previous Next Event Documentation Previous Next

  • Neural Radiance Fields For Outdoor Scene Relighting | FourthPortal

    < Back Neural Radiance Fields For Outdoor Scene Relighting Photorealistic editing of outdoor scenes from photographs requires a profound understanding of the image formation process and an accurate estimation of the scene geometry, reflectance and illumination. The technique allows simultaneous editing of both scene illumination and camera viewpoint using only a collection of outdoor photos shot in uncontrolled settings. European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV) 2022 6 Jan 2024 Abstract Photorealistic editing of outdoor scenes from photographs requires a profound understanding of the image formation process and an accurate estimation of the scene geometry, reflectance and illumination. A delicate manipulation of the lighting can then be performed while keeping the scene albedo and geometry unaltered. We present NeRF-OSR, i.e., the first approach for outdoor scene relighting based on neural radiance fields. In contrast to the prior art, our technique allows simultaneous editing of both scene illumination and camera viewpoint using only a collection of outdoor photos shot in uncontrolled settings. Moreover, it enables direct control over the scene illumination, as defined through a spherical harmonics model. It also includes a dedicated network for shadow reproduction, which is crucial for high-quality outdoor scene relighting. To evaluate the proposed method, we collect a new benchmark dataset of several outdoor sites, where each site is photographed from multiple viewpoints and at different timings. For each timing, a 360° environment map is captured together with a colour-calibration chequerboard to allow accurate numerical evaluations on real data against ground truth. Comparisons against state of the art show that NeRF-OSR enables controllable light and viewpoint editing at higher quality and with realistic self-shadowing reproduction. Our method and the dataset are publicly available in the Downloads section below. https://4dqv.mpi-inf.mpg.de/NeRF-OSR/ For more: Design, AI, NeRF, Machine Learning, Neural Network, 3D Visualisation Previous Next

  • John Edwards | FourthPortal

    All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs John Edwards Double Bass Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Boat-Ting Oct18 1 October 2018 Flimflam 30 July 2025 Boat-Ting Dec22 5 December 2022 Boat-Ting Dec 2022 http://Website or social media email or phone number

  • Sue Lynch | FourthPortal

    All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Sue Lynch Tenor Sax, Flute, Reeds Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Boat-Ting Oct18 1 October 2018 Flimflam 24 September 2025 Boat-Ting Nov24 4 November 2024 ImproVox #01 8 July 2024 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

  • El Galeon Andalucia and PLA

    A spontaneous decision to invite the crew of the visiting Spanish El Galeón Andalucía and representatives from the Port of London Authority (PLA) to discuss the art of sailing historic vessels on the modern Thames quickly turned into a lively and insightful exchange. With a bustling crowd in attendance, the event explored the challenges of navigation, maritime heritage, and the connection between past and present sailing techniques. El Galeon Andalucia and PLA < Back 19 September 2024 A spontaneous decision to invite the crew of the visiting Spanish El Galeón Andalucía and representatives from the Port of London Authority (PLA) to discuss the art of sailing historic vessels on the modern Thames quickly turned into a lively and insightful exchange. With a bustling crowd in attendance, the event explored the challenges of navigation, maritime heritage, and the connection between past and present sailing techniques. Previous Next El Galeón Andalucía & Port of London Authority at the Fourth Portal A spontaneous event on a chilly Tuesday afternoon saw the crew of El Galeón Andalucía and representatives from the Port of London Authority (PLA) gather at the Fourth Portal for an engaging discussion on navigating historic vessels in modern waterways. What began as an informal conversation quickly transformed into a lively and insightful exchange, enriched by performances from poets, storytellers, and musicians. With a bustling audience eager to explore maritime heritage, navigation challenges, and the deep connections between past and present sailing techniques, the event became a unique blend of discussion and artistic expression of poetry, storytelling, song, music making and lively discussion, bringing history to life in a truly immersive way. El Galeón Andalucía Visits Gravesend In September 2024, the El Galeón Andalucía made its inaugural visit to Gravesend, docking at the historic Town Pier from the 11th to the 22nd. This impressive 55-meter replica of a 16th to 18th-century Spanish galleon offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore its five decks, providing an immersive experience into maritime history. As part of an extensive European tour, the ship aimed to educate the public about the legendary vessels that once connected continents. During its stay, El Galeón Andalucía attracted numerous guests eager to learn about its historical significance and the lives of sailors who once voyaged aboard such ships. Navigating the Thames: A Conversation with the PLA & El Galeón Crew As part of its visit, El Galeón Andalucía participated in an impromptu talk at the Fourth Portal, alongside representatives from the Port of London Authority (PLA). The discussion explored the complexities of navigating a historic sailing vessel along the River Thames, touching on the challenges posed by tidal currents, modern river traffic, and the adaptation of traditional sailing techniques to contemporary waterways. This rare insight bridged historical maritime practices with present-day navigational expertise, bringing together past and present in a unique setting. Insights from El Galeón's Crew Andrea, the bosun of El Galeón Andalucía, provided a fascinating look into the demands of maintaining a historic sailing vessel. She spoke about the intricacies of traditional sailing practices, the challenges of managing the ship’s complex rigging system, and the crucial role of the boatswain in ensuring smooth daily operations. Andrea also delved into the complexity of navigating the River Thames using paper charts, demonstrating the skill required to maneuver such a grand vessel through dynamic waters. She was joined by Miguel, a volunteer crew member, on his first voyage aboard El Galeón Andalucía. Miguel shared his personal journey of adapting to life at sea, learning the ropes — literally — and the unique experience of working on a historically significant replica. Their combined stories brought the realities of sailing a galleon to life, offering the audience a rare glimpse into life aboard a traditional vessel. Port of London Authori ty: Keeping the Thames Ru nning John Dillon-Leetch, Port Hydrographer at the Port of London Authority (PLA), provided an in-depth look into the operations of the PLA, explaining his role in overseeing navigation, conservancy, and river management. He detailed the scale of maritime traffic entering the London Gateway and the intricate processes involved in keeping the river safe and navigable. As a final touch to the discussion, John delighted the audience with a traditional river folk song, bringing a moment of warmth and humour to the session — though we’ve promised not to share the video! A Visit to the Gravesend Gurdwara Before the event, the Fourth Portal took Andrea and Miguel to meet Jagdev Singh Virdee, who welcomed them to the Gravesend Gurdwara — one of the largest Sikh temples in Europe. Jagdev led a fascinating tour of the stunning Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, explaining its rich history, architectural significance, and role within the local community. As a place of worship, learning, and service, the Gurdwara offers free meals daily in its Langar Hall, embodying Sikh values of hospitality and equality. For Andrea and Miguel, accustomed to the rhythms of life at sea, the visit provided a unique cultural exchange, offering them insight into the diverse heritage of Gravesend before they returned to El Galeón Andalucía. About El Galeón Andalucía El Galeón Andalucía is a meticulously crafted replica of a 16th-century Spanish galleon, constructed by the Nao Victoria Foundation in 2009. Spanning approximately 50 meters with six decks, this full-rigged ship serves as a floating museum, offering visitors an immersive experience into Spain’s maritime heritage. Since its launch, El Galeón Andalucía has sailed over 70,000 nautical miles, visiting ports across four continents and participating in numerous cultural projects. Port of London Authority (PLA): A River’s Lifeline Established in 1909 under the Port of London Act 1908, the Port of London Authority (PLA) is a self-funding public trust responsible for overseeing the tidal River Thames and its continuation into the North Sea. The PLA’s duties include maintaining navigation, ensuring safety, and protecting the river’s environment. Historically, the PLA was created to bring order to the congestion of the Thames, as rival wharves and docks competed for business in the late 19th century. Today, it remains crucial to the safe and sustainable management of the river, supporting both commercial and leisure activity. A Unique Exchange of Cultures and Maritime Knowledge The event at Fourth Portal was an unexpected yet enriching gathering, where historic maritime traditions, modern navigation, and local cultural heritage intertwined. From the open decks of a Spanish galleon to the worship halls of a Sikh temple, the experience showcased the diverse, interconnected stories that shape Gravesend’s riverfront today. The conversations sparked that day will undoubtedly continue to resonate, as visitors left with a deeper appreciation of the river, the ships that sail it, and the communities that thrive along its banks. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/2fcede_26c72fe341894d60b461735a193b2f20/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Visit Event Page MORE ON THIS EVENT BELOW Previous Next Event Documentation Previous Next

  • Alex Ward | FourthPortal

    All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Alex Ward Guitar,Clarinet Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Boat-Ting Sep18 3 September 2018 Boat-Ting Feb19 4 February 2019 Boat-Ting Jan23 9 January 2023 Boat-Ting Nov24 4 November 2024 ImproVox #03 30 September 2024 Load More Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

  • Armorel Weston | FourthPortal

    All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Armorel Weston Voice Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs Boat-Ting Dec22 5 December 2022 Boat-Ting Dec 2022 http://Website or social media email or phone number

  • Frankie | FourthPortal

    All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Frankie Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #176 15 July 2025 SKRONK #177 2 September 2025 SKRONK #175 1 July 2025 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

  • Soundings Part Two

    Soundings Part 2 | An evening of free-form experimental electronics. Soundings Part Two < Back 9 July 2023 Soundings Part 2 | An evening of free-form experimental electronics. Previous Next About this event Fourth Portal, along with sound artist in residence, Richard Sanderson, presented a n evening of exploration of live contemporary electronic music in the extraordinary and resonant space of St Andrew's Arts Centre in Gravesend - a former seamans' chapel on the waterfront. Featured set from Kamura Obscura, Plaid Matter and sourmilk Kamura Obscura https://www.kamuraobscura.com/ Kamura Obscura explores vocal improvisation with electronics, experimental composition with noise, viola, and lyrical yet surreal singing. One of Tokyo's most emotive and inventive singers, part of Japan’s 80s women’s liberation movement, Atsuko founded the first Japanese feminist rock band, Mizutama Shobodan, also known as Polkadot Fire Brigade. As agitprop feminist pioneers. Mizutama Shobodan toured Japan extensively and released two albums, the second of which, Manten ni Akai Hanabira (Red Petals in the Sky) was produced by Fred Frith. She also performed with Tenko at the International Women's Music Festival in Montreal in 1988 as the female vocal duo Honeymoons, which went on to tour the US. The Honeymoons also performed with seminal New York improvisers, Tom Cora and John Zorn. Their album "Laughing Myth", produced by Kenichi Takeda, was released in 1982. As a member of the improvisation group, "Uzo Muzo", she performed at Strasbourg's Musica Festival in 1987. Atsuko joined Kazuko Hohki’s UK-based Japanese pop group Frank Chickens in 1988 and toured Europe, the US, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USSR and Japan. In 2002 she began working with Robert Storey and a new ensemble called I am A Kamura. Alongside this project, she performed with the Anglo-Japanese jazz progressive rock band, Setsubun Bean Unit at the Sonar Festival in Barcelona in 2007. Her latest project, Kamura Obscura, released the albums Melt, Socrates' Garden and Speleology. Kamura Obscura's latest album "4 AM Diary" came out in December 2021. Atsuko performed as a traditional Benshi narrator alongside a live score by Sinestro Home Video at the Flat Pack Film Festival in 2019. Kamura Obscura also supported the Nightingales' sold-out UK tour in the autumn of 2021. Plaid Matter Gravesend based Plaid Matter is the project of Matt Donald - modular electronics. A wondrous and immersive journey into sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDMM1GSRKZE A 360 video of Matt Donnell's debut as Plaid Matter, followed by a very brief snippet of Kamura Obscura. "Sorry battery ran out' wrote Matt on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVpiW4-Gtn0 Ollie - Second of Fourth Reduxx Sourmilk Medway musician Andrew Kesbey plays modular synths and analogue electronic equipment. He is also a former musician, DJ, promoter and co-owner of the record label, Ombrelle Concrète, which has released music from artists from several countries, including the UK, France, Portugal and Canada. sourmik was started by Andrew in 2019 as an outlet for the creative possibilities offered by the electronic hardware he was exploring. Initially, the focus of the project was on dark ambient drones, however Andrew has since expanded the melodic and rhythmic palette of sourmilk, particularly in the area of modular synthesis. Visit Event Page MORE ON THIS EVENT BELOW Previous Next Event Documentation Previous Next

  • Quantum Computing’s Hard, Cold Reality Check | FourthPortal

    < Back Quantum Computing’s Hard, Cold Reality Check Hype is everywhere, skeptics say, and practical applications are still far away IEEE Spectrum 22 Dec 2023 The quantum computer revolution may be further off and more limited than many have been led to believe. That’s the message coming from a small but vocal set of prominent skeptics in and around the emerging quantum computing industry. Quantum computers have been touted as a solution to a wide range of problems, including financial modeling, optimizing logistics, and accelerating machine learning. Some of the more ambitious timelines proposed by quantum computing companies have suggested these machines could be impacting real-world problems in just a handful of years. But there’s growing pushback against what many see as unrealistic expectations for the technology. https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-computing-skeptics For more: Machine Learning, Security, Protocols, AI, Algorithm, Quantum Previous Next

  • tE

    tE < Back Previous Next Visit Event Page MORE ON THIS EVENT BELOW Previous Next Event Documentation Previous Next

  • Carlos Ferrao | FourthPortal

    All Improv Perfomers All Improv Gigs Carlos Ferrao Performer Bio (Max 1000 characters) London and South East improv gigs SKRONK #6 23 August 2016 Performer notes, message or style description http://Website or social media email or phone number

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