Good Day Fellow Society members and Friends of the Admiral,
Well, it’s that time of year again… Pickle Night approaches.
Following a successful inaugural event last year, there were calls to repeat it this year, such was the fun had by all. The organising committee have therefore been hard at work. The best features from last year have been retained and some new ideas introduced. The basic concepts and objectives however remain the same – to replicate (with a little creativity and imagination) the ‘gun deck’ of a wooden warship of the Georgian era, to enjoy a ‘square meal’, with gun teams formed into messes (tables) and to deliver our own self-made entertainment. The meal will be similar to last year and simple period costume is again highly encouraged, to add to the atmosphere. The popular Sea Cadets’ hornpipe display will again feature, but individual ‘dits’ after dinner will be on an entirely voluntary basis. This year, ‘Admiral John’ will be on the Quarterdeck and ‘Roger the Boatswain’ will be running the gundeck’s activities for the evening. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of random achievements.
The venue will again be the Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House, the date is Friday 1st November, gangway down at 1900 hours for a 1930 start and pinnaces depart at 2300 hours.
Menu:
Pâté Plymouth-Ho
Trafalgar Beef stew in plundered cob loaf
Gunner’s spotted dick and custard
Cheese platter with ship’s biscuits
Tot of rum
The pâté will be acceptable to vegetarians and a main course option of Quorn chicken stew is available. Gluten Free alternatives are also available.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ARE ON A ‘BRING YOUR OWN’ BASIS (as we cannot adequately cater for the inevitable varied tastes of all participants). Drinking vessels will be provided, although you may wish to bring your own pewter tankards. Cooling facilities will be provided.
Tickets are £21 per head (price held at last year’s rate). Places are on a first-come, first-served basis, but (be warned!) numbers are limited! (in fact, they’ve already started going….) There are no preferential allocations and friends are most welcome.
Payment may be made by BACS, but please also send an e-mail to the Treasurer at ommanney@collingwoodsociety.co.uk listing names of those covered by the payment, along with any dietary requirements.
Please transfer funds to:
Account name: The Collingwood Society
Sort Code: 40-34-18
Account number: 54149572
Use the abbreviation PN19, followed by your surname, as the reference.
You may alternatively send a cheque to The Collingwood Society, c/o The Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House, Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ. Please add a short note, indicating the names of persons covered by your cheque and any dietary requirements.
DEADLINE FOR BERTH RESERVATIONS: 22nd OCTOBER (we have to give numbers to the ship’s cook)
There have been calls for more social events and this is a prime opportunity to meet and enjoy a fun evening in the company of others. We look forward to seeing you. Please do support the efforts of the Society’s trustees and the Pickle Night organising committee.
