THE KEDGE ANCHOR Issue 63 2 Greetings to all fellow members of The 1805 Club! We are experiencing a significant increase in activity now that we are in the throes of Spring Break here in Florida; college students crowding Cocoa Beach and immediate environs; visiting teenagers in our neighbourhood are fishing in the surrounding lakes and canals (I am sure they are aware of the signs along the shoreline warning of gators and snakes); the same teenagers are blithely cruising around the neighbourhood driving their grandparents’ golf carts. While the two bald eaglets sitting in their nest across the street can sense the change as they screech away and test their wings. They will soon leave the nest. No, I am not being an old codger, as I am looking forward to hosting my teenage grandson on his Spring Break in April. I echo the Club’s esteemed editor of The Kedge Anchor, whose opinion is that some members have said that sometimes there is too much mention of Nelson in this publication. But, it is unavoidable in this edition’. As I mentioned in the latest edition of The 1805 Dispatches, two major Nelson-oriented projects that The Club has been working for a decade came to fruition in March — the return of the conserved St John’s Figtree Church Parish Register (17291825), which has the names of Captain Horatio Nelson and Frances Nisbet, confirming their marriage on 11 March 1787. The second is the presentation to the Nevis Maritime Museum of a historically accurate replica of Nelson’s captain’s uniform and tricorn hat. In February, beside The House of Lord’s Tea honouring our former Chairman Bill White, (see the previous 1805 Dispatches and pages 16-19 in this publication), the Club conducted/ participated in two perennial events — The Battle of Cape St Vincent Luncheon in Alexandria, Virginia and The Midshipman Dale Commemorative ceremony in Bermuda. From these events, two further opportunities for the Club were discussed. The first of these was that during the St Vincent Luncheon, Cdr Alex McMahon, USN gave the gathering a run down on the Navy’s plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the USN throughout 2025, and the US Navy’s organising a massive naval review in New York Harbour on 4 July 2026. This week-long celebration will include two dozen or so tall ships from around the world. Cdr McMahon encouraged our membership to participate. Specifics to follow. The second was after the Dale ceremony, when I and fellow members Cdr Nathan Bein and Dr Judy Pearson introduced ourselves to Bermuda’s recently appointed Governor General, His Excellency Andrew Murdoch. The GC is a retired Commander, Royal Navy, and we had been informed that he would like to see a Trafalgar Dinner during his time in office. We discussed the possibility of a Pickle Night type event; an event that would showcase the two Bermuda-built Pickles as the embodiment of Bermuda’s rich maritime heritage. It can be a potential fundraising avenue. We also mentioned the idea to the Friends of St Peter’s Church and the St George’s Historical Society (SGHS). Additionally, we discussed with the SGHS erecting an information board that would highlight the action between HMS Endymion and USS President. It would tell visitors about the action and Midshipman Dale. Further discussions to follow. These events were quickly followed by the two events on Nevis during the weekend of 8/9 March. This edition of TheKedge Anchor has more information (see pages 7-15). I personally feel the events exceeded expectations, despite last minute adjustments that required flexibility from all concerned. However, I am over the moon to report the conserved St John’s Figtree Parish Register was returned and Nelson’s captain’s uniform is now inside the environmental cabinet in the soon-to-beopened Nevis Maritime Museum. As a follow-up to Nevis, Judy Pearson and I were invited aboard HMS Medway on Saturday 15 March. Medway is presently undergoing an engineering overhaul in Tampa, Florida. Cdr Tibbitts invited us for lunch and a walk about the ship. He apologised for not having the ship present at Nevis. We thanked him on behalf of the Club and all Nevisians for Medway sending an honour guard contingent to Nevis in lieu of the ship having to alter her plans. A change in the membership of the Club’s trustees has occurred. Our treasurer, Nicholas Ridge has resigned and has headed off on a different course. We thank him for his service as one of our stalwart volunteers. He has done much to place us on our present course. We wish him fair winds and following seas. That said, we are looking for a treasurer. On another note, I am happy to report that one of our members, Ms Natacha Abriat has agreed to become the Club’s virtual museum and library curator, full details of this very exciting role will be announced in due course. Living in the south of France, Natacha brings considerable experience as a museum curator. We are looking forward to seeing her at our upcoming AGM in May. Also, one of our newest members to the Trustees, Mr Russ Strict, has created an 1805 Club Members’ only facebook page. Do check it out. During the period, fellow Club member, Dr Evan Wilson, US Naval War College, submitted to the US Naval Academy’s McMullen Naval History Symposium Committee an 1805 Club sponsored proposal for a three person panel to present their papers during this year’s McMullen (September). The theme is …From the Sea: British Expeditionary and Combined Operations, 1775-1815. Also, Evan has started a blog titled Re-Reading Patrick O’Brien’s Aubrey and Maturin series. He is doing this with his father. I think it is worth your time. evanmwilson@substack.com Continued on page 4 THE VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Captain John Rodgaard, USN (Ret) Chairman, The 1805 Club
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