2 THE KEDGE ANCHOR Issue 52— Autumn 2019 This joint event took place over the 5-6-7 July 2019 at Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire The 1805 Club joining with The Milford on Sea Historical Record Society (MoSHRS) over the three-day event after 6 years of joint planning and restoration efforts. A question had been asked by member John Bewley at the May 2013 AGM did we the Club know the Cornwallis gravesite; thought to be at Milford, where the Admiral had lived after his retirement. The late Carol Evans, wife of Vice President Keith Evans wrote to the incumbent vicar who did not have any knowledge of the grave or even if it was located at Milford but happily passed the request to the Society. A meeting was arranged by Milford Society member Jim Butterworth at St Mary’s Church, Milford on 26 October 2013. Where Vice Presidents Keith Evans and Kenneth Flemming introduced themselves and the Club and offered assistance to help locate the grave and possible restoration of the memorials. It was recognised at the outset the venture would be an outstanding achievement and event for both groups. This was the start of an exceptional relationship within two professional organisations working in full agreement to restore, safeguard and maintain, sites and memorials; not only important to the people of Milford, including the New Forest National Park but, also to National and Naval History. A further Club consideration is to raise a memorial plaque to Admiral Cornwallis within St Paul’s Cathedral, London. It had been acknowledged at this first meeting that a naval contingent including VIP guests would be highly attractive to support this national and international event. While also providing information within St Mary’s Milford on two other Admirals: Robert Man 17211783 and John Peyton 1752-1809 interned there. After several meetings over the primary 3 years the group had pin pointed the Cornwallis/Whitby gravesite [summarised in issue 40 summer 2014 of, The Kedge Anchor: Two Remarkable People Rediscovered.] and then planned the financial expenditure needed to repair and clean the grave ledger and to restore and re-hang the memorial to Rear Admiral John Peyton RN 1752–1809. Meetings took place with the church authorities and stonemasons to discuss details and joint authorizations for the work to be carried out. All were considered; before Club Council and involvement was sought. A report was passed to council to study the objectives and the shared fiscal implications and conservation responsibilities of the proposed project. Full Club commitment was given by the late Chairman Peter Warwick. Over a further period of 2 years local Club member Stephen Tregidgo took up the formidable challenge of organising and coordinating events while working on the MoSHRS planning committee for the Commemoration Celebrations. Their efforts and Stephen’s stewardship at the official dinner greatly enhanced an outstanding Club achievement. The whole conservation work and events programme came under the combined guidance of Milford Society Chairman Chris Hobby and The 1805 Club. Cornwallis Remembered The Commemoration Celebrations 5-6-7 July 2019 L/R The 1805 Club Revd Lynda Sebbage, and Revd Dominic Furness, St Mary’s. The Rt Revd David Williams , Bishop of Basingstoke, The Rt Revd Debbie Sellin, the Bishop of Southampton hidden. Revd Bernard Clarke RNR. Welcome The Lord Lieutenant. On duty is the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. Rebecca Lee (police cadet)
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