9th October 2010: The Sage Gateshead: The New Scorpion Band: "That Noble Fellow Collingwood"
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“See how that noble fellow Collingwood taked his ship into action. How I envy him.”
With these words, Lord Nelson watched Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood’s Royal Sovereign begin the attack on the French and Spanish fleet at Trafalgar.
THAT NOBLE FELLOW COLLINGWOOD celebrates the life of Northumberland’s naval hero in words and music from the Admiral’s time. It features traditional songs of the sea, dance tunes from Northumbria and other parts of the British Isles, a Mummers’ play enacting the defeat of Bonaparte by the British fleet, and readings from the letters of Collingwood and his contemporaries. he audience will hear about the shipboard life of sailors, the Press Gang, storms, rats, weevils and the horrors of battle, and will have pleasure of meeting Collingwood himself, through his many dry and witty observations about the navy, his colleagues and those who served under him.
The New Scorpion Band will perform with their usual spectacular collection of up to 25 ancient and modern instruments, including Northumbrian and Irish bagpipes, fiddle, concertina, bassoon, oboe, English guitar, mandolin, flute, cornet, accompanied by some lusty harmony singing in a fine collection of nautical songs. This all delivered with the band's renowned hallmark authenticity and historical accuracy.
Undoubtedly a musical highlight of the Collingwood 2010 Festival and a fine addition to the Sage Gatehead's varied Autumn programme, we hope you will join us for this celebration of the great Admiral, a man who enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for both professionalism and humanity, while making a contribution to Britain’s struggle against Napoleon scarcely inferior to Nelson’s own. |
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For ticket details and other information about the Sage Gateshead, please click here or tel 0191-4434661 For the New Scorpion Band website, please click here.
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Wednesday 15th September 2010: Sunderland
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With the possible exception of the “new towns” constructed since the Second World War, it is unusual to find a town or village in the United Kingdom which does not have a memorial to those who lost their lives in conflicts past. It is rare, however, to find a memorial to a group of men who participated, without necessarily losing their lives, in a single battle, and a sea battle at that. Yet this year, in the part of the city of Sunderland known as “old Sunderland”, that is exactly what will happen. A memorial, listing the names of the seamen from that specific area who were at the battle of Trafalgar, will be unveiled. To be fair, the existence of this brave group of men has never been forgotten locally, mainly because of the existence of Trafalgar Square, a set of houses built (and still run today) by a charity called the Sunderland Aged Merchant Seamen’s Homes. These historic and picturesque almshouses were built in 1840 - some five years before the square of the same name was completed in London - in honour of the Sunderland men at the battle. Yet those names have never been on continuing public display. Between them, they were serving on 28 of the English ships at Trafalgar, but a number were on board Collingwood’s ship, HMS Royal Sovereign, and it is therefore quite fitting that that this tribute will take place in 2010 and form part of the Collingwood 2010 Festival. The monument will be unveiled by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Mr. Nigel Sherlock, in a ceremony at the Trafalgar Square Homes, at 11 am on Wednesday 15th September 2010. A service of dedication will be conducted by Canon Stephen Taylor of Sunderland Minster. Although there is an invited audience, provision will be made for the public to witness and be a part of the ceremony. The memorial takes the form of a tablet of blue-grey marble with gold lettering, listing the men, their ages, ranks and the ships on which they served and will be set at an angle, tilted towards the flag-staff that stands in one corner of the Square. It has been commissioned from a local company, Ian Wood Memorials of Sunderland. The youngest of the Old Sunderland contingent was 14-year old Thomas Brown on board HMS Minotaur and the oldest 56-year old Quartermaster John King on board HMS Victory. King was in fact, one of three of this group who were actually killed in action during the battle; a further two were wounded and one died of his injuries shortly after the battle. In addition, William Featherstonehaugh, a 49-year old Quartermaster on the famous HMS (“fighting”) Temeraire, who must have been delighted when he was ordered to transfer to a French prize, the Fougueux, with orders to take her to England, was drowned when the vessel ran aground and broke up on the night of the 23rd October. Just six of the Old Sunderland men received the Naval General Service Medal with Trafalgar Clasp, commonly referred to today as ‘the Trafalgar Medal’. However, as this medal was not made available until 1848, some 43 years after the battle and could only be awarded to a living survivor, or the relatives of those who died after June 1847, and additionally that applications closed in 1851, this low number is of little real surprise. Today, Old Sunderland is just a part of a relatively new City, but there are those who still recognise it as a distinct and defined area and remember when a man would ‘not cross the boundary to drink in an adjacent part of the town’. There are those too, committed to preserving its heritage before it disappears or is swallowed up in a wider archive. Interestingly, Trafalgar Square lies but a stone’s throw from the grave of Jack Crawford, who was reputed to have climbed the mast of HMS Venerable at the Battle of Camperdown to nail Admiral Duncan’s colour to the mast top… but that is another story. The Sunderland Aged Merchant Seamen's Homes are located at Trafalgar Square, Hendon, Sunderland, SR1 2BW
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REPORTS ON COMMEMORATIVE AND CELEBRATION EVENTS:
Collingwood Exhibition at the Discovery Museum
Morpeth Events: 5th / 6th March 2010
Commemorative Events, Tyneside, 6th - 7th March 2010
Menorca, 26th - 31st March 2010
Newcastle Royal Grammar School Open Day (incorporating the Collingwood legacy)
The 1805 Club, 5th and 6th March 2010
Naval parade, Newcastle City Centre, 7th March 2010
Service of Commemoration, the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne, 7th March 2010
Commemorative event, Collingwood Monument, Tynemouth, 7th March 2010
Menorca, 26th - 31st March 2010
'COLLINGWOOD' AROUND THE WORLD:
OTHER ITEMS:
Longhirst Hall's "Collingwood" bar
Wylam Breweries Official Collingwood 2010 Festival Ale
Reports:
Newcastle Royal Grammar School Open Day (incorporating the Collingwood legacy): 3rd July 2010
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The Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School numbers one Cuthbert Collingwood amongst its previous students, albeit at earlier premises within in the City. The Festival was therefore delighted when the Headmaster, Dr. Bernard Trafford announced that the school would be supporting the Festival and recognizing Collingwood's legacy at their 2010 Open Day. Alongside academic displays, sporting events, prize giving ceremonies and the usual stuff of school open day programmes, there was a Junior School art competition, themed on Collingwood, a march past by the school's Combined Cadet Force detachment, with the salute taken by Lt Cdr J. Dando RN of HMS Calliope and an inaugral Collingwood lecture, entitled "The 98-gun Floating Classroom", delivered by Collingwood biographer, Max Adams. The highlight of the Day for many was however a fantastic piece of street theatre on the life of Admiral Lord Collingwood from schoolboy to naval hero, written by Chris Goulding, directed by Trevor Walters, performed by a highly competent and enthusiastic group of 14-17 year old students and with no small musical input from Dr Trafford himself. How apt that, on one side of the hall, the Admiral gazed sternly down on proceedings from his life-size portrait while, on the other, seated within the appreciative audience, was Mrs Susan Collingwood-Cameron, a descendant. The former may have been a bit embarrassed as to the tribute, but Mrs Collingwood-Cameron was impressed and honoured by the work and effort invested in the legacy of her ancestor. The Festival acknowledges the contribution of the Royal Grammar School to this year of remembrance and trust that the legacy will live on within the school. Click here for a gallery of images from the day. |
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Menorca, 26th - 31st March 2010:
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So another few days of commemoration and celebration in the name of Vice Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood, this time on the Mediterranean island of Menorca and close to where, on 7th March 1810, the great man breathed his last.
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In many ways, the events were similar to those that had taken place in Morpeth and on Tyneside a few weeks before - the Royal Navy were there, there were civic receptions, commemorative events and celebrations - but these all had a clear Menorcan flavour about them. The programme was superbly organised by a small team from the Asociación Menorca Britannia, who did a marvellous job of coordinating with the Royal Navy, local authorities and officials, sponsoring companies and other organisations on the island. As its name suggests, the Association exists to promote understanding and relations between the British community on the island and the local Menorcan population. Indeed, the degree of interest in the Collingwood event amongst the Menorcans was evident in the numbers who turned up to the various public events and in no small measure due to the excellent promotional work done in the last few months by the small and dedicated organising committee within the Asociación Menorca Britannia. |
The waterfront at Port Mahón. |
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In the same way that Tyneside had welcomed HMS Cumberland, Menorca welcomed HMS Monmouth, this ship returning home after a tour of anti-piracy duty off East Africa. The short stop-over in Port Mahón allowed the officers and crew to enjoy some much deserved R&R, as well as providing a significant and greatly appreciated presence in the official ceremonies to mark the anniversary of Collingwood's death in local waters just over 200 years ago. There was considerable local interest in the ship and a series of both private and public tours of the ship were arranged, with an estimated 2,000 visitors given the opportunity to see around the ship, a high percentage of them being local Menorcans - in fact a very high number, given the fact that the ship's open day coincided with Palm Sunday. HMS Monmouth alongside at Port Mahón. |
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On Saturday 27th March, the Island Council (Consell Insular) hosted an official reception, bringing together visiting VIP's, Officers from HMS Monmouth, representatives from the British Community on Menorca and local officials.
Bryce Lyons, of the Asociación Menorca Britannia, reads a translation of a letter from Collingwood to his wife and daughters to the reception held by the Consell Insular. |
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The magnificant organ in the Church of Santa Maria.
Later that same evening, an organ recital took place in the Church of Santa Maria by Tomé Olives - the particular significance here being that the organ has historical links with Collingwood. The new organ for the church was commissioned by a local merchant in 1809 and an impressive wooden housing was ordered from Austria. This housing was transported overland to the Italian coast, but no merchant ship could be found that was prepared to take its chances with the French fleet lying in Toulon. Collingwood heard of the story and despatched a frigate to collect the housing and likewise ensured that the organ itself was escorted to the island. The installation of the huge and magnificant instrument (it has four keyboards and 3006 pipes) was completed and it was first played in 1810 - which also makes this year the 200th anniversary of the organ. A team from HMS Monmouth also took on the local (mainly ex-pat) rugby club, soundly thrashing them by 27-0. |
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Sunday's activities commenced with a craft market on the quayside near the ship. A demonstration of the famous Raca Menorquin horses by the Equimar team then took place bringing out a sizeable and appreciative crowd.
The magnificant Raca Menorquin horses entertain. |
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The official unveilling of a bronze bust of Collingwood, specially created by English sculptor Helen Ridehalgh, then took place. As the final location of the bust was to be on King's Island (Isla del Rey) in Mahón harbour, it had been arranged to display it at a larger public ceremony first on Mahón quayside. HMS Monmouth provided an extremely smart honour guard and the unveiling was performed by Captain Frederick Price MBE, PhD, the Defence Attache at the British Embassy in Madrid, who addressed the crowd in both Spanish and English, greatly impressing the locals!
Sculptor Helen Ridehalgh stands besides her bronze bust of Admiral Collingwood at the official unveilling ceremony. |
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Another colourful demonstration then took place, this time by the local music and folk dancing group Es Rebost, who featured within their line-up some real youngsters!
Es Rebost. |
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This was followed by the debut performance of a short play, performed by the Charity Players, a local amateur English theatre group. It was written by Bryce Lyons of the Asociación Menorca Britannia and set on the Ville de Paris as it carried the recently deceased Admiral's body towards Gibraltar.
The Charity Players pose beside the Collingwood statuette. |
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For a very fortunate and specially invited few, there then followed a real treat - a private tour of 'El Fonduco' - the Hotel del Almirante (Collingwood House), courtesy of the family Mantonari. Although not yet open for the season, the House oozed charm and history, brought alive by the practised rhetoric of its owner and guide. The hotel will have a new feature for this year - guests will be able to look across the narrows to the Isla del Rey and see the House's one-time resident (or at least the bronze bust of him) looking back. The staff told us they have always had binoculars on hand for looking at the ships, but are now considering installing a telescope, permanently angled towards the island. Sr. Francisco Pons Mantonari telling two young officers from HMS Monmouth about the Collingwood House ghost. |
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Up at the local Son Parc golf club, a team from HMS Monmouth were losing to a member's team, levelling up the sporting challenges, while on the ship, the remaining officers and crew were again preparing to welcome people on board, this time for a 'Capability Demonstration', with areas of the ship's operational equipment on display.
HMS Monmouth's Merlin helicopter. |
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As the sun went down, HMS Monmouth again turned out a sports team, this time to take on a team from the local league side, San Lluis F.C. Battling both a cool, blustery night and a physically taxing artificial pitch, they lost by 6-0. The football game and golf tournament were each played for a special "Collingwood Trophy". The golf club actually insisted the ship hold that trophy even though they had lost on the day, with the provision that they come back and challenge for it again, while San Lluis F.C. kept theirs, to be played for again by the next Royal Navy vessel to call in at Menorca. Developing friendships seemed to be a feature of many of the commemorative activities and the prospect of future meetings for ongoing sporting challenges were just one example. The San Lluis FC and HMS Monmouth teams after the game. |
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By Tuesday, the bronze bust of the Admiral had been properly installed on a fine white pedestal on the Isla del Rey, known to the British as Bloody Island on account of the military hospital that had been built there. HMS Monmouth departed mid-morning and, as she swept majestically through the narrow channel between the island and the south-western bank of Mahón harbour, her crew lined the ship's side and were called to attention as they passed the headland. A sizeable crowd of both British and Menorcans had made the short journey across to the island for the ship's departure and gave her a fitting send-off as she headed out to sea. The officers and crew of HMS Monmouth wave goodbye as the ship departs. |
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Helen Ridehalgh has actually modelled the Admiral looking slightly to his right and the bust has been so positioned that he is looking across the channel directly towards the Hotel Almirante - Collingwood House - the building he used as his shore quarters when in Port Mahón.
The Admiral gazes on his one-time home. |
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One official duty remained in the Menorca programme and this took place on the Wednesday. Trees Please Limited, a nursery in Corbridge, Northumberland, had kindly donated three local oak tree saplings to the Collingwood 2010 Festival and the City of Newcastle, the Borough of North Tyneside and the Town of Morpeth had between them paid for the three trees to be transported down to Menorca. They were to be planted in the names of the three places as a gesture of international goodwill from the people of the north-east of England to the people of Menorca and in recognition of Admiral Collingwood's well-documented practise of sowing acorns to grow oak trees that would provide timber for future naval vessels. The idea was extremely well received by the Menorcan community in particular and the story was extensively covered in the local press. The three saplings were planted in a semi-circle around the Collingwood bust, such that (with luck and good care) in perhaps 50 years, the Admiral will rest in the shade of good English oaks. Captain Stephen Healy, representing the Collingwood 2010 Festival Committee performed the short official "planting" ceremony, marking the conclusion of Menorca's commemorations. It is planned to landscape the area around the bust and the trees, laying down a formal path and creating an attractive memorial garden. An information board will also be installed, giving details (in both Spanish and English) about the Admiral, the bust and the oak trees. What a year Collingwood is having.... |
Capt Stephen Healy tips a ceremonial spade of Menorcan soil onto the roots of one of the newly-planted English Oaks (Collingwood bust in the background). |
PRESS COVERAGE OF THE COMMEMORATION EVENTS ON MENORCA
(Click on the links)
| BBC News |
| The Journal Live |
| Menorca Info |
| Menorca Info (Spanish) |
| Menorca Diario (Spanish) |
| Ultima Hora Menorca (Spanish) |
| Menorca the Guide |
| Thomas Cook on line |
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Commemorative Events, Tyneside 6th - 7th March 2010:
Sunday 7th March 2010 dawned clear and dry in the north-east and quickly blossomed into the best morning of the year yet, promising a fine day of celebrations and exciting events on Tyneside.
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The Band of the Royal Marines (Plymouth) leads the parade towards the Cathedral (image (c) Neil Wasp, i2i Photography) Those gathered outside the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas in Newcastle upon Tyne heard the approaching naval parade well before they saw it. Led by the Band of the Royal Marines (Plymouth) and containing contingents from HMS Cumberland, HMS Collingwood, HMS Calliope, HM RMR Tyne, the Combined Cadet Force Unit of the Royal Grammar School Newcastle and local Sea Cadets, it had formed up at the Civic Centre and marched through the City Centre before sweeping down Grey Street and swinging into Mosley Street, cresting the hill outside the Cathedral where the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear. Mr. Nigel Sherlock, DL FRSA, the First Sea Lord, Sir Mark Stanhope, KCB, OBE, ADC and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Mike Cookson were waiting on the saluting dais. |
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It was then the turn of the Cathedral Church itself and the 1805 Club to host the major Service of Commemoration. In his opening remarks, the Dean of Newcastle, the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston created immediate interest by explaining that the thoughts and prayers in the service were being shared at this time with the Anglican churches in Collingwood, New Zealand; Collingwood, Ontario and Port Mahon, Menorca. He then went on to list Collingwood's attributes as a family man, as a diplomat, as a peace-keeper and as a compassionate humanitarian, giving them equal billing to his historical reputation as a naval officer and battle commander, thereby striking a number of chords in today's times. Several of these attributes were illustrated in extracts from letters both written by and about Collingwood, read by members of the Collingwood family. Sir Mark Stanhope, in his address, spoke of the significance of the legacy left by Collingwood to today's Royal Navy. Both the Cathedral choir and that of the Royal Grammar School contributed to the service. The service ended with a wreath laying ceremony at the bust of the Admiral in the Cathedral. Although it was the Lord Lieutenant, the First Sea Lord and the Lord Mayor who jointly laid the tribute, a young Sea Cadet had been chosen to bear the wreath through the congregation to the ceremony, thereby mirroring the age at which Collingwood himself had been sent to sea. Click here to see and download the full Order of Service from the Newcastle Commemoration. |
 Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope in his address to the congregation (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography) |
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The Royal Sovereign cannon around the Collingwood Monument, |
Then it was a dash out to Tynemouth and the turn of North Tyneside to stage an event at Admiral Collingwood's statue on the high ground overlooking the entrance to the river Tyne. Promptly at 3.00pm and catching both onlookers and seabirds by surprise, pyrotechnics laid directly under the four Royal Sovereign cannons exploded into life, signalling the start of proceeedings here. A shorter service was conducted by the Reverend Geoff Lowson of Tynemouth Priory, Holy Savior to an assembled congregation in a large marquee adjacent to the monument and this was relayed through loud-speakers to a crowd of several thousand who had gathered to witness proceedings. Children from Collingwood Primary School, North Shields, contributed this time and the Wallsend Salvation Army Band added instrumental support. Reverend Lowson was under strict orders to not exceed 22 minutes for his service and, to his credit, the wreath laying party for this service moved to the memorial exactly on time, where tributes were laid by the Lord Lieutenant as representative of her Majesty the Queen, The First Sea Lord for the Royal Navy, Mr Nicholas du Sautoy for the Collingwood family and Linda Arkley, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside for the Borough. |
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At this point, the reason for the strict timescale became evident as HMS Cumberland, which had been making her way steadily down river, her outline masking the low Winter sun, was by now abeam of North Shields Fish Quay and commenced firing her 19-gun salute in recognition of the presence of the Navy's most senior officer. This was returned by guns from 101 (Northumbrian) Regt Royal Artillery (V), positioned directly adjacent to Collingwood's monument, the steps of which had been dressed for the occasion by a contingent of naval ratings.
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HMS Cumberland fires her salute as she steams downriver (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography) |
The guns of 101 Regt RA (V) return the salute (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography) |
PRESS COVERAGE OF THE COMMEMORATION WEEKEND ON TYNESIDE
(Click on the links)
| BBC News |
| BBC Tyne Gallery |
| The Journal Live |
| The Journal Live Gallery |
| The Evening Chronicle |
| The Northern Echo |
| The Journal Live (2) |
| The Royal Navy website |
The cannons at the Collingwood Monument in Tynemouth saw action at the historic Battle of Trafalgar and this 'firing' was the first time they had been used in more than 100 years. The four huge guns were on board Collingwood’s ship the Royal Sovereign when it led the British fleet into action at the battle in 1805.
This form of salute dates back to the days of sail and muzzle-loading cannon, when visiting ships would ‘empty’ their guns as an indication of their peaceful intentions. Shore batteries would return the ‘salute’ thereby indicating an assurance of safe passage for the ship.
The presence of HMS Cumberland and exchange of gun-salute on the Tyne in the shadow of the Collingwood Monument formed a moving and spectacular event to commemorate Collingwood’s death at sea 200 years ago.
It is not known exactly when the Royal Sovereign’s cannons were last fired, but it is certainly not in living memory. Today's ceremony presented a unique opportunity to hear how they might have sounded at Trafalgar and to experience at close hand the exchange of gun salutes with HMS Cumberland as it left the Tyne.
The Royal Sovereign cannons weigh almost three tons each and originally fired 32-pound cannonballs. They were brought to the Tyne in July 1848 as an ornamental addition to the monument and also to form part of coastal defences. The Newcastle Journal reported at the time: “They were conveyed to this port by Her Majesty’s ship Myrmidon, from Woolwich, and were landed at the Duke of Northumberland’s Quay...amidst the cheers of the vast multitude assembled.”
HMS Cumberland, at 5,300 tonnes and 148 metres in length, belongs to the highly-successful Type 22 Broadsword class of frigates which now rank as some of the most powerful surface combatants in Royal Navy service today.
The 6.00pm service at Christ Church, Preston Road, North Shields also remembered their connection with the Collingwood family and marked the anniversary of the Admiral's death with a special ringing of their church bells from 5.30pm. (Christ Church has a number of connections with the Collingwood family: one of their residences, Chirton House, lay close by and they would have attended the Church. Lady Sarah Collingwood lived with her daughters Sarah and Mary at Chirton after the Admiral's death. The Revd. Christopher Reed, vicar of Christ Church for 38 years, married Admiral Collingwood's neice, Ann. A number of family members, including the Admiral's brother John, are buried in the family vault).
An evening of traditional and sea songs in the "Collingwood Arms", Brandling Village, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, featuring regular musicians "Strings Attached" closed a very full day on Tyneside where the name of Collingwood was on many a Geordie's and many a visitor's lips.....
Click here for the gallery of images of the naval parade through Newcastle upon Tyne:
Click herefor the gallery of images of the commemorative service at the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne:
Click here for the gallery of images of the Tynemouth event:
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Morpeth's Opening Events: 5th and 6th March 2010:
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The Town of Morpeth seized on the bi-centennial of the death of its one-time resident, Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood, as the opportunity to both reflect their rightful pride in him and to enjoy celebrating his memory.· Their festivities commenced on the evening of 5th March with a sell-out concert in the ballroom at Morpeth Town Hall, which acted both as a Collingwood 2010 Festival event and as a fund-raiser for this year's Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering, which takes place next month.·· And did Morpeth do it in style!! |
MC Alex Swailes draws the raffle with Sea Cadet assistant. |
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The programme included:
MC Alex Swailes, using frequent references to the words of Collingwood and with the assistance of 'Bounce', officiated.
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The Sailor's Hornpipe! |
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In particular to those members of the 1805 Club visiting the region for the first time (and who had, intially perhaps wondered what they had let themselves in for!) this was an opportunity to experience local hospitality and enjoy traditional Northumbrian music, in some cases played on instruments which they would not have seen before.
What they also found was an obvious and justified pride in the man whose memory is very much alive and dearly held by the residents of Morpeth. |
Alistair Anderson on the Pipes |
Ashington Sea Cadets helped to steward the event and drew many admiring comments on their smart turn out.
Saturday 6th saw Sedayne, a leading exponent of traditional storytelling of his native North-East, entrance listeners of all ages with Stories of the Sea. The afternoon featured a real treat for all fans of Captain Jack Aubrey and the novels of Patrick O'Brian - a free showing of the film 'Master and Commander'.
Click here to see press coverage of Morpeth's events of 5th and 6th March.
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The start of the Collingwood 2010 Festival was marked by the opening of an exhibition at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.
Collingwood – A Northumbrian Abroad
Vice Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood died at sea on the March 7 1810 on board his flagship, Ville de Paris. He was many miles from his native Northumberland, but he had done his duty to the very end.
This exhibition marked the 200th anniversary of Collingwood’s death using an interesting mix of items from Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums collections together with loans from descendants of Admiral Collingwood and others to commemorate his life and extraordinary naval service. A full length portrait of Collingwood from the Laing Art Gallery painted in 1806 by James Lonsdale was too big to fit the exhibition space so it took pride of place alongside Turbinia in the Discovery entrance.
(Collingwood is best known for taking command and completing the victory after the death of his friend, Admiral Horatio Nelson, at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. But he first went to sea in 1761 and died on active service five years after Trafalgar.)
One of the items on loan from the Collingwood family was a log book he kept when he was a midshipman aboard the 28 gun frigate Liverpool on a voyage to the Mediterranean in 1770-71. Although still a midshipman he was rated master’s mate, with special responsibility for navigation, and the book includes drawings of distinctive coastlines and a plan of Port Mahon in Menorca.
Another star loan item was the sword Collingwood received to signify the surrender of Santa Anna, the Spanish flagship at Trafalgar. He was told it belonged to Vice-Admiral d’Alava and that d’Alava was not expected to live. Collingwood allowed the ‘dying’ man to stay aboard Santa Anna which drifted into Cadiz and d’Alava recovered from his wounds. He later denied he had surrendered because it wasn’t his sword that was handed over! Collingwood had cause to regret his humane treatment of the Spanish admiral since he had lost a valuable prize.
The exhibition looked at Collingwood’s naval service but also tried to show how he used letters to maintain ties with family and friends back in Northumberland. Extracts from these letters were used throughout.
Collingwood was happiest at home in Morpeth, enjoying family life and pursuing his hobby of gardening. The tragic irony is that once he joined the navy he was able to spend only seven of the remaining forty-nine years of his life in his beloved Northumberland.
Ian Whitehead, Tyne and Wear Museums
| Discovery Museum
Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA Tel: 0191 2326789
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm Admission is free |
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Galleries:
Please note that many of the images in the following galleries have been generously supplied by professional photographers and are subject to strict copyright regulations. If you would like to reproduce or obtain high resolution copies of those images indicated to have come from such a source, please contact the respective photographer directly. Contact details may be found on the "links" page of this website.
The 1805 Club, 5th and 6th March:
(All images in this gallery are courtesy of Stephen Howarth, The 1805 Club).
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1805 Club members and other invited guests at the reception aboard HMS Cumberland.
Pilgrimage to Collingwood House, Morpeth. |
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Ceremonial Sunset on HMS Cumberland. |
Ian Whitehead (Tyne & Wear Museums), Mark Thorburn (The 1805 Club) and Peter Warwick (Chairman, The 1805 Club). |
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The Admiral's night glass.. |
The double-headed shot, fired from the Santissima Trinidadat the battle of Cape St. Vincent on February 14th 1797, which narrowly missed Collingwood and struck instead the base of HMS Excellent's mainmast. |
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Cllr. Tim King, Deputy Mayor of Tasman District and representing both Collingwood and Nelson, New Zealand, stands next to Collingwood's bust in the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas.
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The bust in the wall of Milburn House, on the Side, just off Newcastle's Quayside, which marks the spot where the house in which Collingwood was born once stood. |
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Contender for the photo caption opportunity of the weekend: Capt. Collingwood (left) and Capt. Nelson snapped during the 1805 Club's visit to the Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House. |
Cdr Ed McNaught welcomes the 1805 Club party to HMS Calliope. |
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Max Adams warms to his theme of the friendship between Collingwood and Nelson. |
Cllr. Mike Cookson, Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne, addresses guests at the Civic Dinner in honour of Admiral Lord Collingwood.
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The Lord Mayor's Official Harpist, Janet Bennett, entertains. |
The First Sea Lord, Sir Mark Stanhope. |
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Naval Parade through Newcastle City Centre, 7th March 2010:
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The HMS Collingwood contingent outside Civic Centre (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Last minute adjustments! (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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Right Dress! (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
The Colour Party takes up position (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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The Sea Cadet Corps await instructions to join the parade (image courtesy of Vic Spong). |
HM Band of the Royal Marines (Plymouth) wait for the off (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography) |
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Under the watchful eye of the Drum Major (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
The parade makes its way down Northumberland Street (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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The parade passes Grey's Monument (image courtesy of Vic Spong).
(image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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The parade sweeps down majestic Grey Street (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear and the First Sea Lord share a joke. (image courtesy of Stephen Howarth, The 1805 Club) |
Up Mosley Street towards the Cathedral (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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(image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Parade approaching (image courtesy of Vic Spong). |
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HM Band of the Royal Marines (Plymouth) passes the saluting dais. (image courtesy of Stephen Howarth, The 1805 Club). |
The Colour Party and Escort from HMS Collingwood.
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(image courtesy of Vic Spong).
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The HMS Cumberlandcontingent (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Local lads - the HMS Calliope contingent (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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More smart locals - the detachment from RMR Tyne. |
The CCF unit of the Royal Grammar School (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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Service of Commemoration, the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne, 7th March 2010:
(All images in this gallery (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography).
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The Dean of Newcastle, the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston welcomes the congregation to the bi-centennial commemoration service. |
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr. Mike Cookson, reads the lesson. |
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Max Adams introduces the family tributes. |
Nicholas Du Sautoy reads from a letter from Collingwood to J.E. Blackett, October 1800. |
Judy Collingwood reads from a letter from the Marques de la Solana to Collingwood immediately after the Battle of Trafalgar. |
Christopher Cowin reads from a letter from Collingwood to his wife and daughters, February 1806. |
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The choir of the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas. |
The choir of the Royal Grammar School. |
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The First Sea Lord delivers his address. |
The wreath-laying party moves to the Cathedral's memorial to Collingwood. |
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The wreath is laid jointly by the Lord Lieutenant (right), the Lord Mayor and the First Sea Lord (left). |
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Commemorative event, Collingwood Monument, Tynemouth, 7th March 2010:
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Crowds gather early in the fine Winter sunshine (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Many determined to capture images of this unique event (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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Children from Collingwood Primary School, North Shields, entertain as guests arrive (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography) |
...and the monument is manned by sailors from HMS Collingwood (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography) |
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Cannon "fire" signals the start of the commemoration (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Wallsend Salvation Army Band provide music for the service (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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The wreath-laying party mounts the steps of the monument (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography).
The First Sea Lord, the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Linda Arkley and the Lord Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear wait to lay their tributes (image (c) Steve Brock Photography). |
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Nicholas Du Sautoy lays his wreath on behalf of the family (image (c) Steve Brock Photography). |
The party turn to await the arrival of HMS Cumberland(image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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More crowds line the steep bank below the monument as HMS Cumberland commences firing her 19-gun salute (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Drawing closer (image (c) Steve Brock Photography). |
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Mid-salute... (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
19th and final round from the ship. |
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Ready on shore... (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
Commence firing... (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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The return of the salute continues.. (image (c) Steve Brock Photography). |
The now infamous smoke ring from the 16th round. |
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And the final round from shore (image (c) Steve Brock Photography). |
A fitting final operation - the pilot boat Collingwood moves in to collect the Pilot from HMS Cumberland (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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Proud of how Tyneside has honoured their local hero (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
The floral tributes on the monument (image (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography). |
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(Image (c) Steve Brock Photography). |
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Menorca 26th - 31st March 2010:
HMS Monmouth
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Culture on the quayside beneath the Pigtail Steps.
'Es Rebost'
'Equimar' |
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The Honour Guard, HMS Monmouth |
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Sr. Joan Torres, President Asociación Menorca Britannia |
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Cdr. AD Long, HMS Monmouth, Capt. Price, defence Attache, British Vice Consul Deborah Hellyer and Capt. López, Commandante de Base Naval de Mahón. |
The official unveiling ceremony of the Helen Ridehalgh bust of Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood.
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Capt. Frederick Price, MBE, PhD, Defence Attache, British Embassy, Madrid. |
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The famous drive down to the hotel. |
Sr. Mantonari welcomes guests to the hotel and the "Collingwood tour". |
The view from the hotel across to Isla del Rey. |
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The hotel sign. |
Hotel del Almirante (Collingwood House)
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The hotel's portrait of the Admiral. |
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Approaching the island. |
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The old British hospital block, under renovation. |
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Revd. Michael Bunce officiates at the dedication. |
The transfer of the Collingwood bust to Isla del Rey (King's Island, previously Bloody Island), Menorca harbour.
Sculptor Helen Ridehaugh stands next to the bust. |
The view over the Admiral's shoulder, looking across the narrows to Collingwood House. |
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Official planting of the three oak saplings: Capt. Stephen Healy and Bryce Lyons of the Asociación Menorca Britannia. |
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Give them a few years and Collingwood will once again rest in the shade of good English oaks. |
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Newcastle Royal Grammar School Open Day (incorporating the Collingwood Legacy): 3rd July 2010:
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Winning entries in the Junior School "Collingwood" art competition.
The Admiral watches over. |
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I wonder if they realised he was watching?!! |
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Young Nelson and Young Collingwood |
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Cuthbert and Sarah. |
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A sly shot of Headmaster Trafford leading the musicians. |
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The innaugral Collingwood lecture. |
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'Collingwood' around the world:
Port Mahón in Menorca, Spain also has historical ties with Vice-Admiral Collingwood and staged its own commemorative event at the end of March 2010. The following article explains those links...
COLLINGWOOD 2010 MENORCA - LORD COLLINGWOOD’S LINKS WITH THE ISLAND
One of Menorca’s foremost groups, the Asociación Menorca Britannia actively encourages and promotes a better understanding of the historic and cultural links between the Menorquin people and the British community. Since 1708 and the arrival of the British during the reign of Queen Anne, subsequently to become a British Crown Colony on the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, there has been a unique and deep rooted British influence (and mutual friendship) which can be clearly seen by today’s visitors. Although Great Britain voluntarily handed Menorca back to the Spanish crown at the Treaty of Amiens in 1802 that friendship continues to the present day.
Cuthbert Collingwood’s outstanding career is known to most with an interest in naval history and is only overshadowed, perhaps mistakenly, by that of his great friend Admiral Lord Nelson. It was after the unfortunate and premature death of Nelson early during the Battle of Trafalgar that the true courage, humanity and dedication to his country were shown by the great man we are, this year, commemorating and when his connection with Spain and in particular Menorca begins.
Bravely leading the battle from the front until it’s final conclusion, Collingwood showed his great humanity during the storm that followed by sending out boats to rescue hundreds of Spanish and French seamen from stricken or sinking ships. He arranged the safe landing of these “prisoners” in Cadiz and into the hands of the Governor of Andalucia, the Condé de Solana. A friendship was cemented with the gift of barrels of wine being sent to the British ships. Reportedly in return, a return gift of a keg of British beer and some cheddar cheese was given by Collingwood. Many letters between the two men display their mutual respect and friendship thereafter.
Following the Battle of Trafalgar Collingwood expected to retire after a lifetime at sea, however this wasn’t to be. The Admiralty being short of senior commanders refused his letter of resignation and ordered him to Port Mahón, Menorca to take charge of the British Mediterranean Fleet. Britain and Spain having an agreement to jointly use the port facilities of the world’s second largest, deep water natural harbour. As always his King and Country again came first.
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During the last five years of his life Collingwood dutifully carried out his orders, his fleet blockading the French south coast ports, patrolling the Gulf of Leon and assisting the Spanish in defending their mainland coastline and the Balearic Islands. As his shore base, Collingwood took residence in a splendid colonial style house “Fonduco” overlooking the harbour above where his flag ship was anchored. This is now a charming privately run hotel retaining all the features and alterations carried out during his time here |
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During his last year Collingwood was ailing and in pain spending many periods bedridden – it is now believed that he was suffering from stomach cancer - but he stoically “soldiered on” until being obviously very ill and dying he was carried to his ship to make his way to England. Unfortunately he died on board still within Menorcan waters.
The Asociación Menorca Britannia is proud to have arranged the 200th anniversary commemoration in Menorca of the life of Lord Collingwood, completing the full circle, so to speak, from his place of birth to his last honourable post and eventual place of death.
| For further information and enquiries e-mail menorcabritannia@msn.com
or see http://www.menorca.es/ or http://www.menorcabritannia.org/ |
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Collingwood, Ontario:
Regardless of origin, the pride that Collingwood’s citizens hold for our namesake remains strikingly clear given the number of buildings that boast the Admiral’s name. These include local eateries, schools and lavish residential developments. Additionally, a Collingwood resident commissioned a large oil painting of Admiral Collingwood by a local artist to decorate the council chambers in Town Hall. This impressive painting was officially unveiled in the presence of two of Admiral Collingwood’s descendents and continues to oversee all town council proceedings.
In recognition of Trafalgar 2005, the Town of Collingwood installed an exhibit of facts, photos and folklore in Town Hall for public viewing. The exhibit was then transferred to The Collingwood Museum where it remained for three years. Similarly, a memorial exhibit will be installed in The Collingwood Museum to honour the Admiral’s bi-centennial.
Over the past decades the Town of Collingwood has experienced numerous changes when considering its humble establishment as an industrial centre. The arrival of the railway in 1855 created unparalleled opportunities for local industries, the largest of which was shipbuilding. For approximately 103 years, Collingwood’s harbour was a hive of shipbuilding activity. The closure of the shipyard in 1986 had a drastic effect on the community and in many ways the community is still recovering. Collingwood now relies on its idyllic location on Georgian Bay and its close proximity to Blue Mountain, one of Ontario’s largest ski resorts, as a tourist destination. Collingwood’s permanent population currently rests at 17,500; however, it is not uncommon to find second or third homeowners who travel to Collingwood for weekend escapes.
In times of change, the name “Collingwood” has effectively united the stories of our town’s past with its present realities. This said, the inherent link between Collingwood’s role as an important shipping port and Admiral Collingwood’s seafaring history will continue to highlight the Town of Collingwood’s formative years in periods of transformation.
Melissa Shaw, Museum Assistant
The Collingwood Museum
45 St. Paul Street, Collingwood, ON Canada
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Collingwood Town Hall, c.1890 |
Collingwood today |
The Station, home of the Collingwood Museum |
Collingwood Channel, British Columbia:
A good friend of the Festival website, known to us as "ShipRat", has kindly sent this wonderfully atmospheric photograph of Collingwood Channel in British Columbia, north-west Canada. Even better, a legend has been provided and further historical information is promised on the names of surrounding features.
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Collingwood, New Zealand is located at the north-west corner of the South island of New Zealand, in the Golden Bay area of the Tasman Region.
It was originally a small Maori settlement called Aorere, to which the English name of Gibbstown was given. The gold boom of the mid 19th century led to a rapid rise in population and in 1857 the provincial government, anticipating substantial development in the area, had plans drawn up for a new town, to which the name of Collingwood was assigned in honour of Admiral Lord Collingwood. The town was even proposed as the capital of New Zealand at one stage but, in the event, the boom was short lived and this never happened. The name however, survived.
Fire anyway destroyed the settlement in 1859. Another fire in 1904 destroyed the rebuilt village and as recently as 1967 fire struck again, burning down the hall, hotel and two shops.
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Today's Collingwood is a mixture of old and new. Modern buildings include the general store, hotel and memorial hall, while reminders of the past are found in St. Cuthbert's Church (1873), the courthouse (1901) and post office buildings. The crumbling grave-markers in the Old Collingwood cemetery bear testimony to a difficult past involving the fires, floods, epidemics, shipwrecks and other trials of early colonial life. Golden Bay today is however rightly recognised is an area of natural beauty and Collingwood is often used as a base for visitors to explore the nearby nature reserves, bird sanctuaries and quiet, unspoilt countryside In 2005, to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a series of commemorative and community events were organised in Collingwood (and indeed in Nelson, some 77 miles [200 km] to the south) and it is hoped that 2010 will be marked in similar style. |
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The Deputy Mayor of the Tasman District, Cllr. Tim King, made the long journey to Newcastle for the north-east's March commemorations. He in fact formally represented both Collingwood and Nelson, New Zealand and also brought a gift from the Royal New Zealand Navy - a crest that has gone on display in the Tyneside RNR establishment HMS Calliope. This is particularly significant, given the actions involving the original British warship of that name in the waters of the Southern Ocean. This 'Calypso' class cruiser, which served with the Royal Navy from 1887 until 1951, became famous when she was the only ship to avoid being sunk or stranded in the tropical cyclone which struck Samoa in 1889. The New Zealand Naval base in Devonport, on Auckland's north shore, is also named for Calliope Point, out of which it had been hewn by hand over three years. And coincidentally, one of the two first ships to enter it, following her brush with the cyclone, was none other than HMS Calliope.
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Longhirst Hall's Collingwood Bar
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When Stephen Cowell, the Chief Executive of the Longhirst Group, was considering a theme for Longhirst Hall's new bar, he didn't have to look far. With the beautiful Hall located close to Morpeth and Stephen being a self-confessed enthusiast of the Admiral, Collingwood was the natural choice.
Stephen approached the Festival Committee and asked if we would like to get involved in the launch of the new premises, something we were only too pleased to do. Together with his managers, he was planning two events: First of all, there was a quiet inaugural ceremony and the raising of a glass in tribute to Collingwood. On 7th April 2010, Susan Collingwood-Cameron, the Admiral's great-great-great niece performed the ribbon-cutting in front of a small group of management staff, Tom and Irene Lawson-Paris (Tom is a descendent of the original owner), Captain Stephen Healy of the Collingwood 2010 Festival Committee and four Sea Cadets from the local (Ashington) unit.
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Susan Collingwood-Cameron officially opens the new bar watched by Stephen Cowell and Ashington sea cadets Anna-Lise and Jamie Erskine.
All images (c) Neil Wasp i2i Photography
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Longhirst Group Chief Executive Stephen Cowell with guests Susan Collingwood-Cameron, Tom and Irene Lawson-Paris, Captain Steve Healy, Chairman of the Collingwood 2010 Festival Committee and Ashington Sea Cadets Adam Storey, Connor Hindhaugh, and Jamie and Anna-Lise Erskine
Stephen Cowell and Susan Collingwood-Cameron with the portrait of Admiral Lord Collingwood. |
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This was followed on 29th April by a grand official opening day, when guests were able to see the full range of conference, sporting, hotel and dining facilities offered at the Hall, culminating in a sumptuous dinner in the restaurant.
Longhirst Hall was built between 1824-8 for local landowner, William Lawson, and it is considered to be one of architect John Dobson’s finest buildings. The impressive mansion, with its extensive grounds, was bought by self-made coal mining magnate James Joicey in 1887 and it remained in Joicey hands until 1936. Used in various roles over the next 40 years, including a Remand Home, it stood empty for several years before it was bought, restored and converted into a country house hotel and conference centre. A popular wedding venue, Longhirst’s many sporting facilities include cricket grounds, a golf course and all-weather, floodlit tennis courts, football and hockey pitches.
The 200 seat bar is part of an impressive £2m development at the Hall. Appropriately, the bar serves two recently launched drinks, the Official Collingwood Festival Ale from Wylam Brewery and the Royal Sovereign Rum from the Northumbria Spirit Company and it offers the best of British bar meals prepared by hotel head chef, Graeme Toms. These include a tempting Northumbrian Steak and Collingwood Cask Ale Pie, alongside other locally-sourced dishes. And if you do go to Longhirst Hall, be sure to find the magnificent full-length portrait of the Admiral.
A letter recently appeared in the "Newcastle Chronicle", (rightly) bemoaning the lack of pubs on Tyneside and in Northumberland named after our local hero Collingwood. At least Longhirst Hall has done something about that....
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Another historical link was built between the north-east of England, the Royal Navy and Vice-Admiral Collingwood at the end of April 2010. The Navy's latest destroyer HMS Dauntless made her first visit to the Tyne in her capacity as adopted ship of the City of Newcastle. The City’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Mike Cookson, presented the ship's commanding officer with a bottle of 'Royal Sovereign' Rum, named after Collingwood’s flagship which played a crucial role at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The rum has been specially produced for the Collingwood 2010 Festival by the Northumbria Spirit Limited, based at Wylam Brewery near Heddon on the Wall and complements the already hugely successful Festival Ale. Northumbria Spirit director John Boyle said: “Prior to Trafalgar, Collingwood spent a number of years in the West Indies, so what could be more appropriate as a base spirit than rum from St Lucia, an island he could well have been acquainted with?" He explained further: “A good many spice infusions were tried and tested on our expert tasters and resulted in a unanimous thumbs up for our recipe, with hints of vanilla, ginger and chilli.”
The specific local connection in the drink is the balance of base gold rum at 80 per cent proof cut with Northumberland Spring Water to the UK spirit strength of 40 per cent. For more information contact Jim Golightly on 01661 853377 or info@jackcains.co.uk |
The Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Cookson and Lady Mayoress Mrs Dorrie Cookson, with directors of Northumbria Spirit directors, John Boyle (left) and Jim Golightly at Wylam Brewery.
HMS Dauntless (image © Crown Copyright www.defenceimages.mod.uk) |
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Wylam Breweries Official Collingwood 2010 Festival Ale:
Tyne valley based Wylam Breweries willingly joined forces with the Collingwood 2010 Festival in celebrating the life of our North East's hero. They produced a special 'Official Festival Ale' which, because of its immediate and widespread popularity, went straight into the portfolio from this award-winning real ale company.
When launched, John Boyle, managing director of the Tyne Valley-based brewery, recorded: “The Festival Ale is going down very well indeed. In fact demand was so strong that we sold most of the first 3,200 litre batch in a couple of days. We had a report from the Central Bar in Gateshead that their first 72-pint cask sold out in two or three hours, when a popular cask ale would normally last two or three days. We were very proud to be asked to create a special brew for the Festival and now it looks like it's going to become a regular in our portfolio”
Captain Stephen Healy, Chairman of the Collingwood 2010 Festival Committee, was equally pleased to have Wylam Brewery 'on board' and noted that this was the latest of a series of 'local causes' that the brewery had supported.
The 4.1% ABV Festival pale ale is described as “honey-soaked in colour with a sweet tangerine aroma from the finishing hop, light and soft bodied with a citrus zest/fresh pinewood flavour and an appetisingly dry and bitter finish”. It is available on draught and in bottles and may be found at real-ale pubs, selected restaurants and retail outlets around the region.
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Captain Stephen Healy, Chairman of the Collingwood 2010 Festival Committee (left) and Matt Boyle, of Wylam Breweries, toast the launch of the new ale at the
Collingwood Monument, Tynemouth, on a rainy day in February 2010.
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Pushing The Boat Out
(The following article was released by the Port of Tyne in August 2008)
On 5th August 2008 in a Champagne Reception at Newcastle Quayside the Port of Tyne officially launched their brand new pilot boat. The new boat was christened Collingwood by Mrs Susan Collingwood-Cameron, a direct descendent of Lord Admiral Collingwood who expressed her delight at having been asked to launch the Collingwood. It is a special honour.
Naming a new boat is always a tricky project with everyone having their own preferred names so the Port of Tyne decided to invite local school children as well as children of port employees to name the boat. There was a fantastic response to the children’s competition with over 250 entries and some really imaginative suggestions, here is just a few of them…
Triton – Millie age 6 “He is God of the water”.
The Zooming Cutter Rules – Hannah age 10, “Because it will go fast and rule all the other boats”.
James Cramman – Rachel age 7 “After my Great Granda, who built ships on the Tyne”
Little Neptune – Erin age 8 “Even if he is a little boat he is still King of the Tyne”.
In spite of the judging being extremely difficult, Brian Reeve, the Port’s Chief Technical Officer said “There was one name that struck a cord and all the judges felt that Collingwood, after Admiral Lord Collingwood, was a great name, not only was he born in Newcastle but he led the command and victory in the Battle of Trafalgar”.
Twelve entries submitted Collingwoodincluding Sophie age 6 from South Ridge First School who said “He was a very important man”. Other winning entrants came from East Boldon Juniors, Riverside Primary and St James Primary.
The Port of Tyne is the principal port of refuge on the east coast and the port’s pilot launches are essential in maintaining the prosperity of the river. They need to be all-weather boats capable of going to sea and boarding and landing Pilots in any conditions. Reliability of the port’s two pilot launches and survey/pilot boat is paramount and our maintenance engineers are all involved in the upkeep and repair.
The Collingwood’s revolutionary aluminium hull is the first example of its kind in the UK was designed and built by Pembroke Dock-based Mustang Marine. However around the world there are a large number of port authorities that have been operating Camarc-designed aluminium pilot boats for a great number of years including the Dutch Pilots and New York Pilots.
All Camarc pilot boats share the same general type of hull form whether constructed of steel, aluminium or glass reinforced plastic, GRP. The sharply angled hull gives a finer entry than conventional hulls whilst retaining the roll stability and the combined result is a fast vessel with an excellent ability to manoeuvre at sea.
The Port of Tyne’s investment of over £750k means that the new 16 metre vessel has been designed with durability in mind. The hull, deck and superstructure are fabricated throughout using marine grade aluminium alloy, the central helm position is arranged with all controls, instrumentation and navcomms ergonomically close to hand. The coxswain and boatman both enjoy suspension seats, three of which are also fitted for pilots. Collingwood is also fitted with radar, satellite compass, GPS sensor, AIS (automated identification system) a digital network echosounder and two sailor 5022 VHF DSC radios. Powered by Scania engines, the boat has a top speed at sea of 22 knots.
Mrs Collingwood-Cameron ‘pushed the boat out’ in the time-honoured manner of smashing champagne against the bow followed by a prayer from Paul Shone, the Superintendent of the Fisherman’s Mission, who has since retired, to protect all that sail in her. Afterwards, there was a reception at the Pitcher & Piano at Newcastle quayside for all who work closely with the pilot cutters and marine department.
Mike Nicholson, Harbour Master, stated that the Collingwood would complement the Port’s existing pilot boat and survey launch to become the preferred all weather vessel.
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Jennifer Dunn Marketing and Communications Manager Port of Tyne Tel: 0191 440 7445 Email: jennifer.dunn@portoftyne.co.uk |
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