On Thursday 20 October members sat down to enjoy a delicious Trafalgar lunch in celebration of Horatio Lord Nelson’s famous victory at Cape Trafalgar in 1805. Don Baines introduced the proceedings and following the Trafalgar Grace by the Commodore, diners enjoyed crowned steak and ale pie, monarch’s mashed potato, carolingian carrots, cheesy leeks and roasted vegetables. This was followed by patriotic sticky toffee pudding with Trafalgar toffee sauce and cream.

Don then gave an entertaining talk “The Admiral Requests” which detailed the complexity of moving from one ship to another in an open rowing boat to allow face-to-face meetings between the admiral and his captains. We also learnt about the niceties of heaving-to in a ship of the line like HMS Agamemnon or HMS Bellona. At the end of the talk the Commodore gave the loyal toast to the King for the first time in 70 years! The Rear Commodore then read Nelson’s prayer before battle and then former Commodore, Anthony Sinclair, proposed the toast to the Immortal memory of Horatio Lord Nelson, and to all those who fell with him. Guests then “Spliced the Mainbrace!” with Lady Hamilton’s nip – a tot of spiced rum. Tea, coffee and pieces of eight followed to round off what was a most enjoyable occasion. Many thanks to Don for organising and to Marilyn Sinclair and her team for continuing to provide these popular lunches at the club.

Photos © Nigel Butler