The 1805 Dispatches #22.04 August 2022 7 of 9 Dana and Randy’s company was light and easy, I recall a typical small event: we were getting ready to eat when the cat wandered in and kept on complaining she should be served first. “Now look here”, I rebuked “you’re just the cat so when it comes to a battle of wills there can only be one winner.” “That’s right”, agreed Dana, “so give her what she wants then we can get on”. On another occasion we met the Mafits in San Francisco and after seeing the sights went on to Hawaii for a dream holiday. Late one evening in Downtown Honolulu, and after a few Margaritas, we met a group of Japanese tourists. There were flashes and bangs in the sky from a firework display somewhere around. “What going on?”, one of them asked. “I reckon it’s the Japs bombing Pearl Harbour”, I replied. They looked aghast, but Randy got me out of trouble by saying it was a typical English joke and they happily joined us in some banter. At the House of Lords dinner given in Randy’s honour in 2014 one of the tributes was naming him a Knight Commander of Trafalgar (see text box, right). I explained to Dana that made her a Lady, she was thrilled but Randy, being a very modest man, groaned in despair. Since then whenever she answered the phone, and it was always her, the first thing I said was “Is that the Lady Mafit” much to her delight. As members of the 1805 Club will know, Randy was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable collector of Nelson antiques. During his searches he often found items relating to my interest in the seventeenth century Navy and if he knew it was something I would like, often bought it as a gift. As I say in the Foreword of my recent book, Master Shipwright’s Secrets “Another longstanding friend to whom I will always be in debt is Randy Mafit, I thank him for his expertise in finding and often giving collectable source material”. With his help the book won the Society for Nautical Research’s Anderson medal for best maritime book of the year. During this last year a package unexpectantly arrived from Randy containing a beautifully framed print of a seventeenth century ship. My son visited the Mafits in Oregon when he was working his way round the world. Randy noticed he was rather ill-clothed for the northern States and with typical generosity took him out and bought him a proper jacket. I owe so much to Randy, a big guy in heart and spirit. These words are just a few recollections of Randy and Dana, who herself is now very ill. They are at such a distance but will remain forever close.” From Michael Nash: “I was saddened to learn of the death of Randy. I have known both him and Dana since the mid-1980s. They both arrived unannounced at my door (in Hoylake) one evening, and they became regular visitors, thereafter, even joining us c.1987 on our boat on the Thames for a champagne picnic. One enduring memory occurred during a trip into North Wales to show them the countryside. We had stopped in Conway to view the famous castle, and Randy had wandered off into town. My wife, Dana and I drove around looking for him, and when Dana spotted him, she leaned out of the window and in a loud voice shouted “RANDY !” About half of the startled shoppers turned around in response, which perhaps tells you something about the good folk of Conway!!” From Jack Satterfield, LTCDR, USNR (Ret.): “I was distressed to hear about the sudden passing of my longtime friend and fellow North American1805 Club member, Randy Mafit. Randy was the North American Secretary when I joined the club, a responsibility he fulfilled with energy, enthusiasm and generosity. Living on opposite coasts, we never met face to face, but early on, we corresponded frequently, and Randy, a proficient public librarian, provided wonderful guidance about Nelson books and publications, as well as the folkways of the Club. He encouraged me to contribute articles to the Club, which I have done happily from time to time. Randy set a robust standard for Club members outside the U.K., and helped make the Club a truly global organization of substance and merit. He richly deserved, and I am sure immensely enjoyed, the Club's recognition on his retirement as North American Secretary. I'll rely on Joseph Conrad to provide an appropriate The Knights of Trafalgar The Order originated in 1806 expressly to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. It was formed by those who had served with Nelson but because of sea duties the Order was not ratified until 1809 when the lodge, being formed on lines of a masonic lodge, became a naval dining club. Members could meet in mutual harmony to discuss their interests. In 1826 The Knights opened a book for subscriptions in aid of the distressed and poor of London. In 1832 the Spitalfields Benevolent Society received the patronage of The Knights of Trafalgar who continued to provide additional funds to the Society for the distribution of bread and coal to the poor. During the time from 1806 to 1889 they continued with their original ‘Raison d’être’ to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar and honour the memory of Lord Nelson and those who fought with him and discuss naval affairs past and present. After 1889 they no longer carried out direct distribution of funds but continued to support the charitable work of the Spitalfields Society. Evidence is shown in 1905 when three members, Admirals; Kew, Seymore and Bridge advertised in the London papers for donations towards the relief fund now run by the Spitalfields Benevolent Society. Many distinguished names are found on the list of the Society’s patrons and bene- factors who were asked to send their donations to the Shoreditch Branch of the London County Bank. From 1806 to the present day members have carried on the remembrance of Lord Nelson and his continuing legacy in order to promote the knowledge and understanding of the need for a continuing naval power for the protection of the country. Donations are made to a charity or cause of a member’s choice and not necessarily to one with a naval connection. (Original text in The Kedge Anchor Issue 39, 2014) ▻
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