On Saturday February 26^th a small group attended Nelson’s Ship in Bottle Day at the National Maritime Museum. The day was excellent after morning coffee we observed the activities arranged for children about Nelson and the period before attending the Panel Debate about Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle which was very interesting after we had the chance to meet with Yinka Shonibare the artist who created it and present him with a copy of The Nelson Dispatch with the article about Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle. Our thanks to the NMM for an excellent day.

 

On April 13^th a group, mostly from London and SE Branch, left for a wonderful long weekend in the Isles of Scilly. We were made very welcome by several Scillonians. We had a very interesting visit to Tresco to see the restored ornate carving from Colossus there. After we went out to the wreck site – a very poignant moment for all as we floated over the wreck site listening to a poem on Colossus written by Todd Stevens who found more of the Coloossus wreck. With us as well was his wife Carmen, who found the carving and who’s forebears on Samson helped rescue survivors from the wreck.  For all of us an enjoyable and memorable weekend thanks to friends made there.

 

On May 5^th a small group attended the talk on Lt Hick’s uniform at the NMM that was very informative and interesting.

 

On June 22^nd members attended a talk at the NMM on the coat that Nelson was wearing when he was mortally wounded. Our thanks to NMM for excellent photos for Nelson Dispatch.

 

Then on June 23^rd Genevieve took a group for a visit to the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC), followed by an excellent lunch in the King William Restaurant. Fr Tom Pyke a Naval Chaplain was with us and said the Naval Grace – a moving touch to lunch. After we were taken on an excellent tour of the ORNC, including Admiral’s House, by Ray Lewis one of the ORNC guides. With not a note in sight he gave up the history of Greenwich over the past 2000 years – no mean feat !!Our thanks to the ORNC

 

On June 1^st we had an excellent day visit to The Nile Clumps where in the presence of  Edward Parslow, a descendent of Captain Ball, our Chairman Dr Slope unveiled the plaque on HMS Alexander marking its replanting.

 

Before Christmas we hope to have a visit to Trafalgar Sq to see Nelson’s Ship in a bottle before it is removed from the 4^th Plinth.  Also we intend to visit to the NMM to see the new Sammy Ofer  wing and to see the newly acquired sword of Capt Blackwood and the restored uniform of Lt Hicks.  Watch out  for more details later.

 

My thanks to members who have attended the events and special thanks to those members  who have helped make these events possible. I would also like to thank the ORNC, the NMM and Colin Heggie and Amesbury Rotary for all the have done to continue with the restoration of the Nile Clumps on a daily basis over the past two years.

The National Maritime Museum has brought to our attention a series of lectures commencing 30th June 2011 at the NMM highlighting Maritime Heroes.  The Nelson specific lecture is on the 21st July 2011.  http://www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/events/the-making-of-maritime-icons

The society has recently received the following email which may be of interested to members

Sirs, we thought your members might like to see our latest creation.

This is not a sales pitch, we sell our watches very easily to our regular collectors. I am sure that you will enjoy and would appreciate your comments.

With best regards
Lisa @ Kindler & Thorpe

http://www.kindlerthorpe.com/trafalgar.html

The Nelson Society Summer Outing to Greenwich: June 23^rd 2011

 

 

A repeat visit to the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich is planned for June 23^rd 2011. We will meet in the Brewery Café at Discover Greenwich at about 11am. If the weather is fine we will be at a table in the Courtyard, otherwise inside. After coffee, members are free to explore the exhibition showing the history of Greenwich over the past two thousand years, including its time as a favourite Royal Palace -  Henry V111 and Elizabeth 1 were both born here. Of special interest to members will be the reconstruction of a Pensioner’s berth during its time as The Royal Hospital for Sailors; and the Display on the Nelson relief with an explanation on the Coade stone, which it is made from.

 

We will be having lunch in the nearby King William restaurant beneath the Painted Hall at 1pm: a two course set luncheon at a booked table. At 2.15pm our Guide will come to the Restaurant to take us on a tour of the Old Royal Naval College. We will visit the world-famous Painted Hall and the old bowling alley much loved by the Greenwich Pensioners; and as Nelson Society VIPs, we will also visit The Chapel and Admiral’s House where Capt Hardy lived when he was Governor there, which is not open to the public. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.

 

After our tour of The Old Royal Naval College we will visit the graveyard close by where Capt Hardy is buried. The visit finishes there and you will then be free to explore more of Greenwich at your leisure.

 

Menu: Beer battered Cod with hand cut chips and mushy peas followed by Summer pudding and cream with Spinach and ricotta tortellini as the vegetarian alternative.

 

The cost for this very special guided tour and lunch in the King William restaurant is £25.00.

 

If you wish to book, please download a booking form from the TNS website or contact Genevieve St George on 0207 515 8173, email stgisland@hotmail, or write to my address in TNS.

 

Greenwich Summer Visit June 23rd 2011 Booking Form

 

I / we wish to join the Nelson Society visit to The TNS Summer Visit to The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich on June 23^rd 2011 at a cost of £25.00 per person to cover the visit and the two course lunch as on the  Menu below

 

Members Name/ Names    ………………………..

 

Membership number………………………………

 

Address .…………………………………………..

 

…………………………………………………….

 

…………………………………………………….

 

Postcode…………………………………………..

 

Phone No …………………………………………

 

Mobile No ………………………………………..

 

Email ……………………………………………..

 

I/we would like the main menu………………….

 

I/we would like the vegetarian menu  ……………

 

Disclaimer: The Nelson Society is not responsible for personal bills or accidents and recommends personal Insurance cover. I accept the TNS terms and conditions.

 

Name………………………………….

 

Signed…………………………………

 

Dated………………………………….

 

King William Menu for June 23^rd 2010

 

Main Course : Beer battered Cod, hand cut chips and mushy pea

Vegetarian: spinach and ricotta tort

Dessert: Summer Pudding and cream

 

 

THE NILE CLUMPS VISIT MONDAY AUGUST 1^ST 2011

We have arranged a second visit to The Nile Clumps,near Amesbury, Wiltshire on Monday August 1^st 2011 in conjunction with Colin Heggie of Amesbury Rotary who are restoring the The Nile Clumps which are Beech trees planted each depicting a ship at The Battle of the Nile and were planted by Baron Douglas said at the behest of Lady Hamilton and Capt Hardy. The restoration was started by Tony Lester Caird and continued now by Amesbury Rotary

 

Most of the restored trees are on Countess Farm owned by The National Trust run by Hugh Morrison and Christopher King who kindly allow the visit. We are to be at Countess Farm at 10.00am. Cars can be left there for the walk or drive possibly by tractor and trailer. Since our last visit in 2009 The Nelson  Society have purchased trees on HMS Alexander which were planted in March 2011 are on the adjoining farm owned by Mrs Sandell and her son. This is the first restoration of clumps on the farm and Amesbury Rotary hope to put a plaque marking HMS Alexander that at The Battle of the Nile sank three French vessels. It is also hoped that a descendent of Admiral Bull, Captain of HMS Alexander at the battle may join be able us on this visit. The certificates for these trees on HMS Alexander will be presented to Dr Nick Slope by Amesbury Rotary. Members that have also purchased trees will be able to see their trees for the first time.

 

We have made arrangements with The Salisbury/Stonehenge Holiday Inn near Amesbury to meet there for Morning coffee and a comfort stop between 9.00 am and 9.30 am leaving the hotel by 9.45am for Countess Farm. We will return to the Holiday Inn for lunch at approximately 1.00pm. We will be joined by Amesbury Rotary and the National Trust, Tony Lester Caird and Neil Morrison the farmer when the first Clumps were restored for the visit and after at lunch. We are limited to 30 members as we can only have 15 members at a time on the tractor/trailer ride at a time.

 

We have arranged a 2 course luncheon including tea and coffee for members and  morning coffee. The cost for the visit, the luncheon and morning coffee is £25.00

 

We have also arranged a special rate of £75.00 per room including breakfast with The Solistice/Stonehenge Holiday Inn for up to two people on the Sunday evening July 31^st 2011 for members who live too far to comfortably reach The Nile Clumps early on Monday morning. It is very close to Stonehenge and Salisbury for those who would like a 2 day break away. Members will need to make the own room bookings by June 30^th 2011 direct with the hotel.

 

For more information please contact :

Genevieve St George

The Nile Clumps 2011 Booking Form

I / we wish to join the Nelson Society visit to The Nile Clumps at Countess Farm, Wiltshire on Monday August 1^st 2011 and after for luncheon at The Holiday Inn Salisbury/Stonehenge near Amesbury, Wiltshire at a cost of £25.00 per person to cover the visit, morning coffee and the lunch as on the attached Menu. Please enclose a cheque for £25 pounds made out to The Nelson Society.

 

Members Name/

Names   …………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Membership number……………………………………………………………………………..

 

Address .………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Postcode     ……………………

Phone No ………………………….. Mobile No…………………………………

 

Email …………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

I/we would like the main menu………………….

 

I/we would like the vegetarian menu.……………

 

We will be walking on a farm so sturdy shoes and country clothing are   recommended.

 

Disclaimer: The Nelson Society is not responsible for hotel bills or accidents and recommends personal Insurance cover. I accept the TNS terms and conditions.

 

Name………………………………….Signed……………………Dated…………………

Menu

Marinated chicken breast

spring onion mash potato, roasted courgettes and

red peppers, tarragon jus

~~~~~~

Charlotte of grilled Mediterranean vegetables

spicy cous cous and a tomato basil sauce

~~~~~~

Seasonal berry Pavlova

vanilla ice cream and

raspberry coulis

Tea or Coffee

 

Saturday 25^th June 2011

We are holding a meeting of The Nelson Society in The Goodison (Education) Room at Soho House, Soho Avenue, Handsworth, Birmingham, B18 5LB starting at 11:30 and ending at 16:00. There is free parking at Soho House. Light refreshments are available in Soho House tea room.

 

Unfortunately, Birmingham City Council has doubled the fee for hiring the room at Soho House; therefore we will have to charge a minimum of £5.00 per head to attendees to cover this cost. We hope this will not deter you from attending. Please pay us in the Goodison Room on the day.

 

Our chairman, Dr Nick Slope, will be giving an illustrated talk entitled ‘Nelson, Bligh and Copenhagen’, Part 1 and 2. Captain Bligh is renowned for ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ but in fact he was involved in no less than three mutinies as well as four major battles. He served alongside Nelson, sailed with Captain Cook and was known as a consummate seaman. This illustrated talk will follow this seaman’s remarkable career and exploits and focus on the epic Battle of Copenhagen where both Nelson and Bligh patched up their faltering reputations.

For those of you who don’t know Nick, he is a naval historian and archaeologist who has excavated widely in the UK, Israel/Palestine, Greece and Egypt. Nick has been historical consultant and contributor on a number of recent BBC TV history/archaeology programmes, has published and broadcast widely and has recently featured on a History Channel programme on the Battle of the Nile. He is Chairman of The Nelson Society and is Hon Secretary of the Anglo Israel Archaeological Society. His most recent excavation (2002-present) has been rescuing the remains of some of Nelson’s sailors from Nelson’s Island, Aboukir Bay, Egypt. Nick’s PhD thesis is a social study of Nelson’s Navy.

Nick is regularly employed to give talks on board cruise liners. Remember, to get this kind of talk you would normally have to sign up for a cruise, so £5.00 per head is a bargain…

All are welcome from any area; if you have friends or family who are interested in attending do bring them along. If you need travel directions or any further information contact: Eileen Skidmore, 87 Bromyard Road, Birmingham B11 3AY.
Telephone  0121 624 6770.  Email mayqueen@blueyonder.co.uk

 

Nelson Society Visit to Scilly Islands weekend April 14th -18th 2011

We are planning a visit to the Scilly Islands at the suggestion of Louise Graham her parents Joyce and Roy were on the Arion cruise in 2005 with us.

Sadly Roy has died but Louise suggested we should still visit as many of her Father’s diving friends would be happy to talk about Wrecks and Diving in the Scilly Islands. Louise lives on St Marys and she is happy to arrange talks, tours and visits for us to such as Tresco Abbey with its world famous gardens by boat. We hope that this will be a very relaxed break in a wonderful setting with a connection Lord Nelson through HMS Colussus and many more to the Royal Navy especially Cloudesley Shovell.

Members interested need to register their interest by completing the attached form with a cheque payable to the Nelson Society for £125.00 to cover the cost of travel in the Islands by boats and coach, entrance fees, speakers costs etc. The trip will be limited to 30 Nelson Society Members and spouses as Louise and I think this is a very manageable number. The trip is many ways will be similar to The Is of Man Visit in having someone local there with local connections and knowledge to arrange talks, visits and events that we would not be able to. Frank Cowin our Nelson Society member in the Is of Man made our visit to the Is of Man the very unique experience that it was.

We have a 4 day package offer from St Mary’s Hall Hotel in Hughtown, which is lovely for 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast return and including the return helicopter from Penzance for £ 494.00 which is a very good deal as the Scilly Is can very expensive.

There are regular train services to Penzance. One suggestion is to travel to Penzance on April 14th stay in one of the to be to be recommended B & B’s there and fly early Friday morning returning on Monday at a time suitable to your plans. We have details of safe parking in Penzance for members should they drive to Penzance. Members will have to make their own bookings for the hotel and B & B in in Penzance from the information we forward. We very much hope this appeal to SW members who will not have far to travel. After a very hard winter escape and have a Spring break in a very different setting in very good company Nelson Society friends. I am sorry that this has taken time to arrange and is sadly limited to 30 Nelson Society members and family so please book quickly. For more details my phone number is 02027 515 8173 and email stgisland@hotmail.com

Please return the attached booking form by email and post the cheque to me. Thanks

Genevieve St George

Flat 13 John Tucker House

40 Mellish St

London E14 8NS

NB : The Hotel has been featured in a National paper this weekend and so we have been able to reserve only 16 rooms for us.

Scilly Islands Booking Form

I am interested in the proposed Nelson Society Visit to the Scilly Islands from Thursday April 14th 2011 to Monday April 18th 2011 and enclose a cheque payable to The Nelson Society for £125.00 . The £125.00 is to cover group tours and outings, boat trip and entrance to Tresco Gardens, Museum entrance, talks, guided walks, speakers and room hire. We expect that this amount will be more than sufficient to cover the visit expenses. The hotel, travel expenses to the Scilly Islands and personal expenses are to be paid by the Members directly. The trip is limited to 30 members.

Members Name or Names —————————————————-

Address —————————————————–

—————————————————–

—————————————————–

Postcode —————————————————–

Phone No —————————————————–

Mobile No —————————————————–

Email —————————————————–

The Nelson Society is not liable for personal expenses, hotel bills or accidents and recommends personal Holiday Insurance Cover. I accept the terms and conditions. We hope if a member has to cancel that we will be able to return the deposit

Name ———————————————————

Signed ———————————————————-

Date ———————————————————-

Please mail to Genevieve St George, TNS, Flat 13 John Tucker House, 40 Mellish St,

London E14 8NS. Bookings will be accepted in date order if too many we will keep a waiting list in case of a cancellation. Acknowledgement and all details will be sent by return mail. Ph no is 0207 515 8173 and email stgisland@hotmail.com

Very best wishes Genevieve