Tickets went fast for Saturday’s Trafalgar Night Dinner (22 October 2022) And rightly so for it was another memorable night of feasts celebration and song…
For those unfamiliar with Trafalgar Night, this is a notable social occasion in the Navy and many sailing clubs around the country, commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar. Minima’s take on this is informal and respectfully light-hearted, and an excuse for a sumptuous feast. Proceedings began at 7.30 with an opening address by the Rear Commodore, Paul Bloomfield, who indicated that the evening would follow a Pickle Night format. This nominally commemorates the role of HM Schooner Pickle and its Commander Lt. John Richards Lapenotiere, in bringing news of victory at Trafalgar and of the death of Nelson, to the Admiralty in London. After Nelson’s Grace, read by John Forbes, the Roast beef dinner was served. During the meal, 6 dispatches were read out (by someone from each of the 6 tables), recounting the story of the Pickle and Lt Lapenotiere. After the meal, while port was passed round, the Vice Commodore, Rob Brooks, gave the final address, concluding with the Loyal Toast, and toasts to the Immortal Memory and Absent Friends. The evening ended with some lusty Shanty singing, and adjournment to the bar.
