6 of 7 June 2024 The 1805 Dispatches #24.03 Member Andy Field, who lives in Suffolk, UK, recently made an interesting discovery, as he describes thus: “I was having a wander around the Food Museum in Stowmarket today and spotted this former Ixworth fire engine, dating from 1845 an decorated with Nelson’s (and The 1805 Club’s) crest. I thought members may be interested in this unusual ‘naval’ curiosity. Ixworth, near Bury St Edmund’s, is a good 40 miles from the coast, so it suggests something about the enduring fame and popularity of Nelson that the people of the village decided to have the crest on their fire engine. The museum thinks it may have been called “Lord Nelson”. It has the words “Trafalgar” across it and “England Expects ...” underneath.” From the Food Museum website Ed. found this: This was made in 1845 and used from that year by Ixworth Fire Brigade. To operate it the sidebars were extended and manned by teams of eight or ten men a side. The suction pipe can be fitted with a strainer. It has shafts for one, two or more horses and a draw-bar for manual propulsion. On the front appears a shield with the inscription 'TRAFALGAR' and figures of sailors, etc, and a scroll bearing the words: "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DO HIS DUTY". It was probably named the Lord Nelson. An oval plate bears the Royal Patent and the manufacturer's name - Merryweather, Long Acre, London. On the side are painted the words IXWORTH FIRE BRIGADE. The main hose box forms a seat for the men and has a bar as a backrest or hand-hold. On the centre piece of each of the hubs, which are brass, is engraved MERRYWEATHER LONDON, and the date, 1845. (https://foodmuseum.org.uk/ehive/55451/) NELSON, THE FIRE ENGINE You all know how difficult it is to resist the blandishments of Stephen Howarth, who has sent Ed. a couple of cartoons with the suggestion that they be used in this TD. I only agreed because they are fun! The old Punch cartoon has been offered as a recruitment poster for The 1805 Club, though I am not sure that it is entirely appropriate, so will not be suggested to the Trustees. The other cartoon is from the American cartoon series PICKLES, by Brian Crane. starring Earl, Opal, and their grandson Nelson. A bit of fun — and also quite thought-provoking! How much of winning or losing was a matter of sheer confidence? The attitude before battle could be vital. Admiral: “AND WHAT MADE YOU WISH TO BECOME A SAILOR, MY BOY?” Navy Candidate (in perfect good faith): “BECAUSE HE’S GOT A WIFE IN EVERY PORT, SIR!” F H Townsend, May 22nd, 1907
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