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Huntingdon & District Branch: Trafalgar Night Dinner, October 2011

Karl Webb ,

On Saturday 22 October 2011, shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch celebrated Trafalgar Night at the Huntingdon Masonic Lodge, The Priory.

The Priory
Huntingdon Masonic Lodge, The Priory. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011

Shipmates mustered in the bar for a pre-dinner drink before Ben ‘piped’ hands-to-dinner. We all proceeded to the dining hall and took our places at each table. The Padre was then asked to say grace before we sat down to eat.

Graham and Isobel take their place at the table. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Spike does the honours with the wine. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
…meanwhile, Hilary plays mother and plates-up dinner. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Shipmate’s table. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Shipmate’s table. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Shipmate’s table. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Shipmate’s table. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
All suited in my new RNA Blazer (makes a change to be this side of the camera). Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Mother and Daughter looking radiant! Photograph © Karl Webb 2011

Once the meal was finished (and a mighty fine meal it was), Geoff opened the bottle of Pusser’s Rum for the Loyal Toast.

Shipmate Geoff opens the Pusser’s Rum for the Loyal Toast. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Filling our glasses is easy. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011

Geoff went round each table ensuring everyone had a full glass.

…oh dear, Geoff has spilt Nelson’s Blood! Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Ben thinks he could do better – drinking or pouring! Photograph © Karl Webb 2011

Once everyone has their glass filled, we stand for the Loyal Toast…The Queen. Graham reminded us of why we were celebrating tonight, and asked us to stand for the second toast of the evening, The Immortal Memory.

The second Toast of the night – The Immortal Memory. Screen capture from video clip © Karl Webb 2011

The next event for the evening was a presentation by Graham on Stoker 1st Class, William John Eveleigh. William served, and died onboard HMS Invincible on the 31st May, 1916, at the Battle of Jutland. Graham brought William’s medals for all to see, and he used official records to describe the fate of a young sailor – a reminder to all of the dedication to duty of our personnel in the Armed Forces.

Graham describes the life of William John Eveleigh. Screen capture from video clip © Karl Webb 2011

On completion of Graham’s presentation it was time for the raffle.

We all wait for the first number to be drawn! Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
You wouldn’t know that Lady Luck had just smiled upon Ben. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Spike draws his own ticket! Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
The Padre is also a winner…but is then asked not to ‘pull’ his own…mmm vicar! Photograph © Karl Webb 2011

Sadly, all good things come to an end. With the raffle completed, shipmates prepared to go home.

All agree, this has been a great night. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011
Spike can’t resist a last joke with Isobel before heading home. Photograph © Karl Webb 2011

The Huntingdon & District Branch dinner was a great success. Thanks go to all that made it such a great evening, sadly a number of shipmates were unable to attend, but they were with us in spirit. For some of us, this was not the end of the night’s festivities, a small naval party proceeded to the George Hotel for a quick night-cap. I am now eagerly awaiting the next get-together of the branch. Thank you shipmates.