Recent Posts

I have learnt today that this forum is to close by the decision of the chairman who has deemed it to be 'no longer fit for purpose.'  This is a disappointing action as it deprives ordinary members a voice, members who have a query and for local groups to publicise their activities.  In fact it is the ONLY up-to-date means of getting a message to members as the Dispatch is continually late.

I urge the chairman to reconsider his action and to rescind to closure of the forum.

Between 1799 and 1818, when the war at sea against Britain's enemies was at its height, Clarke and M'Arthur edited The Naval Chronicle.  The publication, a periodical, contains a massive amount of information about the navy of the period, and has been the main source for all serious historians and enthusiasts of the period.

Cambridge University Press have announced that they are to reprint the entire series in facsimile in 40 volumes, from this month.  The books will be in paperback, and utilise the 'Print on Demand' technology.  I spoke to the person responsible for the series as I had concerns about the quality of the reproduction of the plates.  They too had concerns, especially as the originals were frequently poor, but the example that they sent me (volume 14, covering Trafalgar) shows that a reasonable attempt had been made to enhance the quality.

Retailing at about £27 each volume, the complete set is on offer for £1000.  A more complete review may appear in The Nelson Dispatch in due course.

Thank you Eileen and Phyl for organising yet another great Nelson Society event at the Soho Works museum.  This has been a consistent highlight of the year and I know that those who attended thought it was worthwhile.  What is a shame however is the lack of support by the committee.  Not a single member of the committee turned up.

There will be a meeting at Soho House, Birmingham on May 8th 2010 starting at 12 noon (you can get in from 11.30 a.m.) and ending at 4pm (shorter time due to opening hours being cut by City Council as part of spending cuts) Our guest will be Colin Bowden giving his spectacular Trafalgar presentation.  We may have other attractions which are still being arranged.  Everyone welcome from any region. Prize raffle.  Free car parking and a cafe serving light refreshments.   If you need further details email me, Eileen Skidmore ; mayqueen@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 0121 624 6770

There will be a meeting at Soho House, Birmingham on May 8th 2010 starting at 12 noon (you can get in from 11.30 a.m.) and ending at 4pm (shorter time due to opening hours being cut by City Council as part of spending cuts) Our guest will be Colin Bowden giving his spectacular Trafalgar presentation.  We may have other attractions which are still being arranged.  Everyone welcome from any region. Prize raffle.  Free car parking and a cafe serving light refreshments.   If you need further details email me, Eileen Skidmore ; mayqueen@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 0121 624 6770

Can anyone explain the value of being a member of the Nelson Society in 2010? I have had no subscription advice, no Nelson Dispatch for ages and no notification of any events. Is it all consigned now to the computer.
Fortunatly I have a computer in fact two, but many members possibly the older ones are not intersted in going on-line and still rely on the dear old post.
Its about time someone on the board gave some explanation as to what is realy going on. I realy miiss my Nelson Dispatch which used to be looked forward too.

An historic picture of Nelson with Sir William and Lady Hamilton is to be auctioned at Bonhams soon, it is in a sketchbook containing 36 other watercolours painted by Ellis Cornelia Knight when she accompanied the trio on board Nelson's flagship, the Foudroyant, in the Mediterranean in 1800.

The sketchbook, completed in 1806, is estimated to fetch £10, 000 - £15, 000 at a Bonhams manuscripts auction in London on March 23.

Hope it goes to either an art gallery who will preserve it for the nation or to someone who genuinely admires Nelson

If you wish to register to contribute to this forum.

Please send an email with your name, email address and details of your interest to:

forum@nelson-society.com

Many Thanks!

Anyone interested in the men of Nelson's navy would find the newest book by Roy and Lesley Adkins, 'Jack Tar' to be of enormous interest. The book is full of wonderful anecdotes that draw on a huge number of original diaries and records of ordinary seamen. It is a wonderful tribute to the men of Nelson's navy and shows why he had such faith and pride in them.

2010 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Admiral Collingwood, trusted friend and comrade of Lord Nelson. To mark the bi-centenary, an exhibition will be mounted in his native city of Newcastle.


http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2009/12/30/exhibition-marks-200th-anniversary-of-collingwood-s-death-72703-25494971/

And congratulations to the administrators on this re-vamped website!