MAY 2022
ISSUE 12
£3 May 2019 c Pirate Plunder
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Pirate Plunder c May 2019
Volume 5 Number 12 May 2022 Pirate Plunder is an independent title published thrice a year in May, August and November for The Pirate Brethren of the British Isles. It aims to encourage the fundraising activities of pirate crews by promoting pirate festivals and other events where charitable pirates are to be found.
EDITORIAL Cap’n Davy Young Young Editorial Services 52 Rickman Hill, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 3DP Tel: 01737 551687 Mob: 07785 796826 E: youngeditorial1@btinternet.com
PRODUCTION Anthony Wiffen ASTAC Business Publishing Ltd Tel: 01460 261011 Mob: 07557 280769 E: anton_print_1@mac.com
PRINTING Advanced Print 170-172 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2NE Tel: 020 8668 1411 E: info@advanced-print.com www.advanced-print.com ISSN 2516-5607 ©2022 Young Editorial Services
My wench doesn’t usually ask me questions as she generally knows more about most things than I do apart from, of course, pirates and smugglers. “Do you think any other character than Captain Jack Sparrow played by Johnny Depp has had more influence on today’s world?” I gave this some thought and then recalled that in her report on the glorious costumes and kit on display at Brixham Pirate Festival, Alison Kirby had mentioned that there were enough Jack Sparrows to hold a flock meeting. Emboldened by this memory, I replied it was unlikely that any fictional film character had engaged the public imagination to such an extent that no nautical event now seems complete without Jack swaggering into view or that so many reasonably sane people are prepared to go out in public dressed like him! Children love him as he’s the equivalent to the cheeky kid in the class, but I wonder if his anarchic lifestyle also stirs a longing by men and women (yes, I do believe both exist) to spend less time ticking boxes and more searching for treasure chests.
Scuttlebutt
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Broadside
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Split creates new future for Essex crew
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Festival focus
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Piracy is alive and kicking in the Solent
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Currently sitting in the cells below the Governor’s Mansion in Jamaica, Captain Summer confesses that an attempt to access the Governor’s library didn’t exactly go as planned.
Shantyman
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A pariah amongst pirates
Trading post
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How to become a pirate
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Where to see pirate action
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News and rumours from The Pirate Brethren of the Seven Seas.
Used to the custom of grizzled seadogs, the Devon Rum Co’s crew report that it was a pleasure to serve so many youngpeople from their stall at Brixham.
The Blackwater Pirates were formed following a split from the Essex Pirate Society and have been plundering the good people of Essex ever since!
Captain’s journal
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Charles Vane ignored The Pirate Code, treated his own crew with contempt and was capriciously cruel. It was no wonder that so many former accomplices damned him in court. Front Cover. Main Image: Tall ships at Plymouth Pirate Weekend (Picture courtesy of One Plymouth, part of Eddystone Media). Inset: If you’ve found a tankard at the Scala Hall and it looks like this one it’s likely to be the property of Russell Timbrell (AKA Tobaccy Bill), Stage Manager of Brixham Pirate Festival.
Woolgathering on Romney Marsh
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Our fourth visit to a smuggler pub is another called the Ship Inn, this time at Dymchurch on Romney Marsh where its clientele of notorious smugglers were known as ‘owlers’.
The first three weekends in May were a busy time for pirates, with Brixham, Plymouth and Conwy following each other in line astern. All three festivals went well and each event provided welcome opportunities for The Pirate Brethren to meet old shipmates and forge new friendships.
Professional Pirates, which is based on the Isle of Wight where smuggling was once a way of life, is launching a pirate fleet for days out, corporate adventures and general pirate-related shenanigans! Scottish postie Nathan Evans of ‘Wellerman’ fame has signed a major record label deal, but won’t launch an album on a boat as he gets seasick!
Weapons, clothing, boots, hats, eye patches, earrings, tankards for grog and all manner of gear for pirates.
List of active pirate crews from the coast of South Devon up to the shores of the Forth and Clyde. Calendar of festivals or re-enactment events either organised by pirates or likely to be subject to a pirate attack. May May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder
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Scuttlebutt
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Torbay Inn supports local lifeboat
great tale of Devon’s charitable pirates appeared in community newspaper ‘Torbay Weekly’ last year and its Editor, Jim Parker, has agreed to the story being published in ‘Scuttlebutt’. A successful Pirate Day was held at Paignton’s oldest pub, The Torbay Inn, on 14 August to raise funds for the RNLI Torbay Lifeboat. Organised by landlords Dave and Sue Ballinger, the Friday night Pig Race raised some big money and more cash rolled in on Saturday when staff and customers became pirates of Devon if not the Caribbean! Beltane Border Morris, a side that can be more frightening than many pirates, danced up a storm alongside the pub whilst local singer/guitarist Bob Thomson performed inside the bar. A
Landlords Dave and Sue Ballinger hold the giant cheque made out to the RNLI flanked by Stormy Sam and Lynn Spillett.
karaoke session was held in the evening when ‘singers’ paid to perform whilst the audience either paid to remove them from the stage or, in the case of those with any talent, donated to keep them singing. A massive cheque for £1,506.40 was subsequently presented to Lynn Spillett, Chair of Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers, who was accompanied by Stormy Sam, their mascot.
Helen and Heather from Beltane’s side are scary enough, but you should see the men!
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Pirate PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019
Certified pirates
The MIT Pirate Certificate became available from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Autumn, 2011. It is only issued to students who have completed archery, fencing, Pistol (air pistol or rifle) and sailing courses. In 2016, Matt Damon received an MIT Pirate Certificate from the school’s President Rafael Reif. The American actor attended Harvard, but never actually graduated and his certificate was awarded following his keynote speech to the class of 2016 as he had described himself as a space pirate for his role in ‘The Martian’, a hit film released the previous year. The Institute stresses that the MIT Pirate Certificate is for entertainment purposes only and does not give the recipient license to engage in piracy or any pirate activities!
It’s a fact It wasn’t all booty, rum and wenches (not necessarily in that order) for pirates and keeping a pet on board ship was not unknown. Despite what you may have seen in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films, keeping a large pet such as a monkey could cause problems and dogs had to be taken for walkies! Cats (particularly black ones), however, were believed to ensure good luck on a voyage. More practically, they killed rodents, which would otherwise despoil victuals and chew on the rigging. Another option was a parrot, which added bright plumage against the monotony of sea and sky and could learn to repeat phrases, often using bad language, for entertainment purposes. Cheap to acquire in the West Indies or Madagascar, they often outlived their owners!
Scuttlebutt
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he Premium and Honey Spiced Rums crafted by the Devon Rum Co have both grabbed gold in the Taste of the West Awards for the second year in a row. On accepting the company’s brace of awards, Managing Director Dave Seear said: “We are thrilled to have been named double Taste of the West Gold Award winners in the wine, spirits and liqueurs category by such a highly regarded organisation”. The latest awards marked yet another milestone for this rising
Devon Rum grabs gold
rum brand, which only recently announced the launch of its second
flavour – an exquisite honey blend made with locally-sourced
wild flower honey from Quince Honey Farm in North Devon. “We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve seen over the last year,” added Seear. “It seems now more than ever there is a true desire to support independent and local businesses, and we can’t wait to entertain the craft rum community with more great products and campaigns in the future.” Accredited Taste of the West Gold Award stickers will be displayed on 70 cl bottles of Premium and Honey Spiced Rums over the coming months.
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Scuttlebutt
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Pirates fight cancer on four wheels
he Plundering Pirates of the North East recently handed over £3,000 to Berwick Cancer Cars. This money had been raised over several events held in the last 12 months, which included a pirate-themed 1980s Disco, an open
air birthday celebration, an online Christmas competition and a memorial send-off for one of the pirate crew, Russell Toward, who passed away last year. His crewmates wish to thank Berwick Cancer Cars for naming one of their cars after Russell – a lovely tribute.
The members also wish to thank local band Not Now Norman for playing at two of the above events and also donating cash, which was included in the recent handover total. The pirates also enjoyed great support from Robbie Reay and the Killer Cats, Luna Nigra Tribal Dancers and Leiper’s Entertainment. The £3,000 takes the Plundering Pirate’s cumulative total raised for the cars to £20,000 over the past ten years and much fun has been had achieving this through a variety of piratical events. A few of the magnificent marauding
pirates met up with a band of Berwick Cancer Cars ‘Yellow Tops’ for a waterside presentation at Carr Rock, Spittal, alongside the very special Mitsubishi named ‘Russell’. A bloodless battle ensued and it was looking like a victory for the brave ‘Yellow Tops’, but they were soon overwhelmed by their fearsome (yet very friendly) foes! The team from Berwick Cancer Cars issued a huge, hearty vote of thanks to Cap’n Edward Teach and his very motley crew for their continuous fundraising and for always making it so much fun.
Two awards for Festival
Privateer and Ships Surgeon 17th & 18th Century Medical Re-enactment Jeff Lippman Tel: 07796 145911 PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019 6 Pirate
Tendring District Council in Essex has awarded the Harwich International Shanty Festival a Pride of Tendring Award, which was accepted by Festival founders Pam and Jon Fitzgerald at a ceremony on 11 February. A second award, the Kate Guilfoyle Memorial Shield, was presented to
Jon & Pam Fitzgerald by local charity group Ramsey and Dovercourt Crusaders. The couple will hold the Shield for one year and both agreed that they were humbled and grateful for this recognition and hope that the Festival may continue to play an important part in the life of Harwich town and its residents.
Broadside
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he Devon Rum Co’s crew had a fantastic time at Brixham Pirate Fest! The entire community of pirates, both men and women, was very welcoming and our range of rums went down a storm. We always attract the custom of grizzled seadogs, but it was also a pleasure to serve so many young people such as the attractive trio shown enjoying a drink at our stall. Our artisan rums from the Caribbean are flavoured with spices and citrus, as well as honey from hives in our county, making them a truly hand-crafted product with an appeal to all ages. A special discount code for buccaneers to place their first order online is included in our advert on the back cover of this issue. Brad Wicks Devon Rum Co, Totnes, Devon
The JollyRoger’s crew boarded the Golden Hind during this year’s Brixham Pirate Festival.
If anyone can help us out by suggesting venues to play at or promoters who are up for a good time with some fun folk-punk pirates, please let us know via our e-mail address: jollyrogerbanduk@gmail.com Kynan Sandles JollyRoger
Plymouth, Devon
Aaarrrggghhh, this just gets better with every issue and I love some of the headlines and captions that top and tail the stories. Vince Maynard
Edenbridge, Kent
JollyRoger (Cornish pirate folk punk band) will be undertaking their first overseas voyage this September to play at the massive Festival-Mediaval in Selb, Germany, between 9-11 September. They are also stopping off in: Cologne (7); Nuremberg (9); Leipzig (13); Dresden (14); Frankfurt (17); Luxembourg (22); Brussels (23); and in both Bruges and Ghent (24). The band is looking for places to play in these locations on those dates, alongside the gigs it is already booked in. May May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder
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Split creates new future for Essex crew By Lucien Lowtide*
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aul Dudley, who was promoted from Captain to Commodore at this year’s Brixham Pirate Festival, formed the Blackwater Pirates following a split from the Essex Pirate Society (Editor: I understand that no bloodshed was involved) as Paul had different goals and visions about the future of the crew. The Blackwater Pirates’ first venture into pillaging as an independent crew took place on 18 April, 2021, and they have been plundering the good people of Essex ever since! The Blackwater Pirates are made up of pirates aged from 16 to 65 with both men and women, including Joshamee Gibbs, Charles Vane, Anne Bonny and a host of original characters. The crew set sail by taking part in various gatherings around different areas in Essex, meeting along the way with the local Jack Sparrow, who introduced them to the Thundersley Superhero Alliance, SouthendOn-Sea Ghostbusters and Essex Cosplayers. Acting together, these warriors raise money for Little Havens, the local children’s hospice and the crew has since helped raise over £5,000 for this worthy cause in 2021. Blackwater Pirates
Standing left to right: Joshamee Gibbs, Captain Arthur Bridge, Charles Vane, and Captain Jack Sparrow. In front are Commodore Clyde Jackdaw and Navy man Bullseye Ty at the Burnham-on-Crouch Carnival.
were pleased to visit the hospice on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, when they regaled the children with swashbuckling stories, hunted for treasure and became involved with
PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019 8 Pirate
sensory play time, as well as being given a guided tour by staff to see how all the money raised is being spent! The crew were honoured to be invited to Lennox Children’s
Cancer Fund ‘meet and greet’ in March, 2022, where they met families and children battling childhood cancer, and gave them the opportunity for a respite day to meet their
Left to right: Lucien Lowtide, Mr Gibbs, the Commodore, Captain Sparrow and Mother Pearl land on the beach at Leigh-on-Sea.
favourite characters. The crew gave away treasure maps, pirate’s gold, gems and jewellery, leaving the families present on the day with smiles on their faces. Throughout the year, The Blackwater Pirates regularly attend carnivals, car shows, hero days and more around Essex and organise charity events such as a ten-mile walk along Southend Seafront for Children in Need. The crew continues to Captain Arthur Bridge, Declan Hands and Charles Vane (AKA the Blackwater grow and has recently Pirates: Bridge Crew) on the look-out for wenches at Brixham. passed the milestone of 1,000 members on its via Facebook (contact gained the respect of events such as Hastings Facebook group! details given on page other longer-established Pirate Day(s), hopefully New members wishing 24). Blackwater Pirates members of The Pirate making plenty of new to sign up are always will be more than Brethren and is always pirate pals in the process. made very welcome, happy to provide future keen to meet other crews Huzzah! so any marooned opportunities to enjoy in the pirate community pirates based in Essex, pillaging for charity. at festivals in Brixham *Quartermaster to the should make contact The crew has also and Conwy, as well as at Blackwater Pirates.
The Pirate Shop in the North Wales town of Conwy is the UK market leader for swords, daggers, guns, clothing, flags and accessories. A global distributor for Red Dragon Armoury, we sell the products of major international manufacturers such as Deepeeka, Windlass, Art Gladius, Medio Evo and
Marshal Historical in the UK. We also stock other wellknown brands such as Hanwei, GDFB and SPES. On-site facilities at our 12,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution centre only five minutes from the centre of town include a trade showroom and a product development studio.
To make an appointment, please call us on: 01492 541300 New British Navy Boarding Cutlass PrirateShop_PP_May_2022.indd 1
www.thepirateshop.co.uk
13/05/2022 16:52 May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder 9 May
Captain’s journal 14th January, 1674
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reetings dear readers, this could well be my final entry. I’m currently languishing, well sitting really, how does one languish? I digress… I’m currently sitting in the cells below the Governor’s Mansion in Jamaica writing with a borrowed quill on parchment begged from my jailer. This is supposed to be my last will and testament, although what use someone would have for sizeable gambling debts and my collection of comedic wigs is anyone’s guess. You can likely deduce from this that my attempt to access the Governor’s library didn’t exactly go as planned. All began well, as instructed I left the ship in brilliant disguise as a member of the clergy (it’s astonishing what you can get away with when people think you have the ear of the Almighty) and made my way to the Mansion. Introducing myself as the
Reverend Summer, I gave the austere-looking head of household the parchment with the disc in it that Mother gave me. Looking at the seal on the parchment, he very quickly went from austerelooking to harassedlooking and finally settled on weary resignation. “If you’re going to impersonate a Minister, you should probably remove your earrings.” This was a fair point. Maybe it wasn’t such a brilliant disguise after all. “Tell Ethan this settles our debt and please be swift. The Governor is in residence.” Ethan being Mum’s male alias, I agreed to pass on the message and followed him through the kitchens then to the library itself and what a library it was. A panoply of volumes stared down at me from every corner, nook and cranny. If the answers to the supernatural puzzle
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plaguing my crew and I weren’t in this splendid collection I can’t imagine where they would be. I had barely started to peruse the shelves when I encountered my first bit of bad luck, the Governor along with a small retinue of servants walked into the library, straight over to me, and started quizzing me on what brought me to his home. Fortunately, I am an accomplished and inventive liar, and have been ever since my youth spent hunting unicorns on the isle of Atlantis. The second bit of bad luck came in the form of his maid-servant, while I was busily inventing Reverend Summers back story in conversation with the Governor, I became aware that she was staring at me. As our eyes met there was a flash of recognition. Kate whose dress I wore… oops (Editor: see letter to Kate in issue 7).
“Captain Burt Lancaster! And he’s wearing a dress again!” Leaping on to the study table before the great double windows, I bowed theatrically as the Governor called for his guards. “This be no dress dearest Kate, it’s a cassock’ and saying so I jumped through the glass window and made good my escape. That was the plan anyway. Instead, I tripped on my cassock and jumped headfirst into the nearest wall. When I awoke, I found myself here. So if this is to be the end of my adventures, please know this of me: “I regret nothing! I’d do it all again twice as hard with a tankard in one hand and a cutlass in the other. Life is for living and boredom the only sin. Well, that and badly thought-out disguises. “Farewell my friends and raise a toast to me when the rum flows.”
PIRATE WALL-DECOR
The Mermaid Inn Hotel c Restaurant c Bar
One-Eyed Jack’s Tavern is from a set of three wall-decor pub signs ideal for decorating any Pirate-themed venue. This painted advertising sign is made of wood with a low relief model of a Pirate in resin and can be matched with other nautical wall-decors. It measures 60 cm high x 40 cm wide and is 2.5 cm thick. Contact The JollyRoger Ltd on 01626 833646 or 07860 680181 to discuss this and other products in the Pirate Series of props, décor features and lifesize figures.
info@lifesize-models.co.uk www.lifesize-models.co.uk
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A warm welcome awaits pirates and smugglers at this 600-year-old inn 01797 223065 info@mermaidinn.com www.mermaidinn.com
18/05/2022 08:08 Mermaid_Inn_PP_November_2021.indd 1
12/11/2021 12:07
Penzance Harbour
Captain and crew are visiting as many pirate events as they can with their stall, not the boat, unfortunately! We shall have all you will need to bring out ‘yer inner pirate’ from shirts, hats, trousers and flags to piratical accessories beyond count. We stock 17th & 18th Century weaponry, as well as Celtic, Gothic, Steam-punk shirts and T-shirts plus a range of jewellery and accessories. So we hope to see you at one of the events this year, but if you cannot make it, we can be found in Penzance Harbour, Cornwall.
www.bagorags.co.uk
Facebook@pirateBagORags
@bagorags1 May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder May
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A pariah amongst pirates
hen even other pirates wince when they spot your sails on the horizon, you must be a bad lot and that was certainly the case with Charles Vane (16801720). He is thought to have arrived in the Caribbean around 1716 during the War of the Spanish Succession and sailed under British privateer Henry Jennings. The Spanish Treasure Fleet had sunk off Florida the previous year and when the Spanish set up camp to try and salvage the treasure, Henry Jennings turned pirate and robbed them of 350,000 pieces of eight. On the way back to Jamaica, he relieved another Spanish ship of 60,000 more. Vane’s share of the plunder allowed him to fit out his own ship, which he named ‘Ranger’. Adopting Nassau in the Bahamas as his home port Vane plundered merchant shipping for two years in collaboration with other famous pirates, who were collectively known as The Flying Gang. Each time he captured a better ship, he took it for himself, but always changed the name to ‘Ranger’. In July, 1718, a new Governor, Woodes Rogers, arrived with ten ships, including two Royal Navy warships,
100 soldiers and the firm intention to stamp our piracy! Whilst other pirate captains surrendered and accepted the King’s Pardon, Vane himself first stalled Rogers and then escaped by setting fire to the largest of his own ships, a 20-gun vessel called ‘Lark’ and sending it
was holding 90 slaves from West Africa and Vane ordered that they should all be transferred to Yeats’ sloop despite complaints about overcrowding. By now, Yeats had finally lost patience and one evening, he sailed away to Charleston, escaping Vane’s pursuit, where
towards the British fleet. As anchors were cut to avoid the fire ship, Vane escaped to the open sea in a six-gun sloop, firing his cannons as he went, He quickly captured another sloop and appointed Yeats, his quartermaster, to captain her. In August, 1718, the two ships attacked a large brigantine heading for Charleston. She
he and his crew were granted the King’s Pardon from the Governor of South Carolina. In November that year, Vane’s luck finally ran out when, eager for new plunder, he hoisted his pirate flag and was surprised that his intended prey fired a broadside and identified herself as a
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French warship with considerably more guns. Despite the advice from his new quartermaster, Jack Rackham, that they should rush in and board the Frenchie, Vane insisted on flight. Ranger escaped, but the following day, the crew accused Vane of cowardice and voted for Rackham as their new captain. Relegated to a small sloop, with the few men still loyal to him, Vane upgraded the vessel in Honduras and began taking ships again. After some initial success, disaster struck in February, 1719, when he lost his ship and most of his crew in a violent storm and became stranded on an island off Honduras. Rescued by a ship, he then had the bad luck to be taken captive when his rescuer met up with a ship captained by a pirate acquaintance called Holford. Now an honest seafarer, he recognised Vane, who was taken in irons to Port Royal, Jamaica, where he was tried and hung. Vane frequently ignored The Pirate Code, treated his own crew with contempt and was capriciously cruel, promising those aboard captured ships they would be well-treated and then murdering them all. It was no surprise that so many former accomplices damned him in court.
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Woolgathering on Romney Marsh
term from the 16th century, ‘woolgathering’ referred to the trade of collecting loose tufts of wool caught on thorns and fences for spinning into yarn, but has now come to mean daydreaming. However, wool from flocks of sheep raised on Romney Marsh was acknowledged to be the finest in Europe and much coveted by Flemish and French weavers, who were prepared to pay a high price for fleeces. Their English competitors, however, wanted exports restricted to keep costs down. As a result of their protestations, high taxes were imposed on the export of wool and as night follows day, the producers of wool turned to smuggling. The Ship Inn first enters the historical record of Dymchurch in 1530 at a time when smuggling was rife along the South-East coast of Kent and likely that it was named because of its longrunning connection to its
clientele of fishermen and notorious smugglers, who were known as ‘owlers’, perhaps due their use of hoots as a warning signal. Since being acquired by new owners in 2017, the building has been totally restored to a high standard and now provides facilities expected in the 21st century. The original accommodation area has been totally refurbished to provide five en-suite rooms and the bar areas rebuilt to offer two main dining areas, one of which can be used for functions, and a bar area where dogs are welcome. A good selection of local cask ales are on tap and the food, often seasonal,
is mainly from local sources. The Ship Inn is lowbeamed pub with an attractive staircase, open fires and one room in the hotel has an iron ceiling from when the Wealden ironworks that were still working in the eighteenth century.
It lies across the road from the church of St Peter and Paul and is just two minutes’ walk from the sea. It is also the headquarters of author Russell Thorndike’s fictional Dr Syn, whose festival takes place every August. The smuggling history of the Ship Inn through the centuries is literally engrained into the fabric of the building – hidden passageways and voids were discovered during renovation in recent years, so drop in to enjoy its hospitality and don’t forget to wear your tricorn hat! More information from www.shipinndymchurch.co.uk
The Red Lion
63 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LY Dorset Hospitality in a Family-Run C17th Traditional Inn
Great Selection of 6 Cask Ales & over 50 Ciders
Occasional Live Music
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Heated Smoking Area
Friday Night Steak & Wednesday Night Curry Deals
3 Star Accommodation ~ All Ensuite Rooms,
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Large Beer Garden with Children’s Play Area
Car Park with Reserved Parking for Residents
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May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder 13 May 09/07/2019 06:47
Festival focus
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Welcome return for Brixham Pirate Festival on 12th Anniversary
irates from around the British Isles welcomed the return of Brixham Pirate Festival over the first May Bank Holiday weekend. This was its pandemic-delayed 12th Anniversary, as both the 2020 and 2021 festivals had to be cancelled. The organisers knew the 2022 festival was eagerly awaited, but they were surprised by quite how many were there as pirates and fans turned out in their thousands! Because so many had joined the Saturday Pirate Parade through town, there was no room for them all on The Quay. Crowds were packed solidly around the harbours for hours, from the Main Stage on one side to the South Quay trader areas on the other and along the outer harbour to the pontoons. That’s where this year’s special attractions, Atyla Ship Foundation and the Trafalgar Gun Company, were based. The tall ship Atyla, always crewed by passengers, who learn to sail a tall ship during their voyage, sailed to Brixham from Bilbao, bringing some festivalgoers with her. During the festival people could tour her and learn about her charitable mission, go to an evening concert
Brixham appeals to pirates of all ages.
on board with Reivers Gallows and watch as she took part in the morning skirmishes over the weekend. She set sail on Monday evening for the next leg of her journey, taking working passengers around the Bay of Biscay to arrive eventually at the Plymouth Pirates Weekend on Friday. The Trafalgar Gun Company, with a crew in early 19th century naval and sailors’ kit, brought their gun ship and gun deck to the festival. Both also joined in the skirmishes over the weekend, firing cannon and sailing up to the ships during the morning and afternoon skirmishes on Atyla and The Golden Hind. Cannon were also fired from Middle Quay, the gig club carried marauders up to the ships, close enough to fire, and
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other pirates fought their way on board to seize the ships. Outside skirmish times, festival-goers could visit the re-enactment area and gazebos on South Quay to talk to re-enactors or watch demonstrations. One special difference this year was two minutes’ silence and the firing of cannon from Middle Quay on Saturday lunchtime. This was to mark all the people who have been lost due to Covid-19 and the ongoing losses in Ukraine. It was also to say a final goodbye to an avid fan of Brixham Pirate Festival, Clive Mencarini, who died in 2019 and whose ashes were to have been fired off by cannon at the cancelled 2020 festival by special request of his family. As usual at this festival there were some glorious
costumes and kit on display, with people going above and beyond – not only pirates this year, but also sea, cartoon and maritime-themed characters. These included: enough Jack Sparrows to hold a flock meeting; an incredible Ursula from The Little Mermaid; a superb Davy Jones; real parrots on pirate shoulders and life-sized parrots walking or floating; officers, gentlemen and militia; and some 18th century folk in superb, authentic finery. The three days of live music from 13 bands and musicians got off to a grand start with local Torquay favourites Queen Anne’s Revenge, who were greeted with roars of enthusiasm by the crowd and from then on there was a glorious
Festival focus outpouring of sea shanties, folk songs, rock, Celticthemed and traditional music on stage and from musicians busking around the site. This year also saw many traders pleased to return for the festival, selling
everything from unique foods and alcohol to pirate gear, costumes, bric-a-brac, jewellery and pocket-money items such as pirate treasure maps and airbrush tattoos. Unlike 2019, the weather was kind, sunny
without too much wind, adding to the cheerful atmosphere. From those who were happy to meet old friends, listen to great music and relax at the first pirate event of the year, to those who arrived by ferry looking for a good
day out on a Bank Holiday and were surprised to discover the festival, all were welcome in the historic heart of Brixham and many newcomers were heard to say, “We’ll be back next year, we didn’t realise this is such good fun!”
Magnificent parade of pirates at Conwy Held the weekend before Pirate Plunder was due to be printed, organisers of The Original Conwy Pirate Festival on 14-15 May must have had a quiet word with Father Neptune as the sun shone brightly and the wind was a mild zephyr of warm air. After the lay-off, pirates and their wenches were
delighted to meet old shipmates and forge new friendships. The Pirate Parade was magnificently led by a piper from the Anglesey Hussars and the accompanying militia was followed by a motley band of pirates singing nautical ditties. As in previous years, Three pirates meet below the walls of Conwy Castle.
Pirates aboard the schooner ‘Vilma’ attack the quay.
Last weekend seems a long way away now, but looking at the comments on Facebook everyone seems to have had a great time at this very special event. We are very fortunate to have a great team to put this event together with many new members this year who have had a big impact. I have made it a policy over the years
there was much cannon and musket fire, and waving of cutlasses against a background of sea shanties and the laughter of children watching the grown-ups make fools of themselves in the barrel rolling competition! There was also a market
selling pirate gear and souvenirs, which was well-supported by both pirates and visitors to the event. Repeated in various ways over the weekend was the sentiment, “Aye, we all had a great time and can’t wait for next year!”
A well-deserved tribute to Jon Servaes not to single people out for praise, but this year I am going to make an exception. One member of the team has spent the last three weeks in addition to many, many hours over the last two years, preparing items for the weekend. He has designed and made all the games, he has made the gun carriages
for our new cannon (these were praised by the Proof Master from the Birmingham Proof House as being of museum quality), he has transported all the kit from his house to the event, he spent all weekend being on hand to maintain all the kit and was always there with a smile on his face
to fire a musket, load a cannon, etc. Check out the products of Glipso – Custom Re-Enactment Woodwork. His name is Jon Servaes and I would like to thank him on behalf of you all for his major contribution and dedication to The Original Conwy Pirate Festival. Toby Tunstall, The Pirate Shop, Conwy
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Piracy is alive and kicking in the Solent!
W
ho doesn’t fancy a day out dressed as a pirate, hunting for treasure and battling on the high seas? Professional Pirates, which is based on the Isle of Wight where smuggling was once a way of life, is launching a pirate fleet for days out, corporate adventures
and general pirate-related shenanigans! The organisation will start by building two small vessels, 19 ft Yawles, which are open, pulling sailing boats. These will ultimately form part of a fleet, but will initially assist the enterprise to begin operating quite quickly and enjoy all the fun and games. It will begin its
operations in the Solent where there are many opportunities for adventures in the various creeks and inlets that make the shoreline so interesting. There is, of course, a long history of The unspoilt waters of King’s Quay Creek between Wootton Creek and Osborne Bay on the Isle of Wight. piracy in this area and a
Pirate Plunder Plunder c May c May 2022 2019 16 Pirate
number of the revenue cutters that Professional Pirates ultimately expects to build were based in the Solent in the 18th Century, following the Seven Years’ War. Shares in these beautiful vessels can be obtained for £500 and there will be 64 shares per boat. As well as the benefits that come with a secured investment, shareholders will have special ‘Pirate Privileges’, including ship’s articles and annual adventure days when they can meet other pirates, hunt for treasure, recreate battles and go on pirate quests. Bookings are expected to be taken for Spring, 2023, so potential pirates should make haste to contact professionalpiratesltd@ gmail.com More information from www.professionalpirates. co.uk
Festival focus
Tall ships at Plymouth Pirates Weekend
T
he beloved family event, Plymouth Pirates Weekend, took place for the first time since 2019 on 7-8 May, the two previous festivals having been held virtually. This year, with tall ships, a treasure trail and live music, family members of all ages enjoyed a rip-roaring weekend on The Barbican and Sutton Harbour. The event, run by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District (PWP BID), offered an impressive line-up of free entertainment, including pirate puppet
A fine crew line-up at Plymouth (picture courtesy of Dave Batten).
shows and storytelling, demonstrations of cannon and musket firing, mermaid encounters, stilt walkers, arts and crafts activities, face-painting and appearances from that lovable rogue, Captain Jack Sparrow.
Two tall ships, the three-masted Grayhound and the topsail schooner Johanna Lucretia, docked alongside Quay Square and visitors were welcome to jump aboard and explore the ships for free. This year, ten talented local shanty bands
performed at different locations throughout the weekend to entertain the crowds. On Saturday, a number of the bands also played in nearby pubs after the main events had finished for the day. On Sunday, awardwinning circus company, Pirates of the Carabina, and Barbican Theatre presented a familyfriendly circus show called ‘Pirate Taxi’ on Commercial Wharf. This took place in, on and around an old-school London taxi and featured extraordinary aerial performances, plus hulahooping, acrobatics and juggling.
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Shantyman
H
Harwich on course for October
aving returned in 2021 after a year’s absence due to the plague from Far Cathay, Harwich International Shanty Festival is now on course to provide a great event from 7-9 October, with a nautical flavour befitting the town’s maritime heritage. There will be the usual programme of concerts, boat cruises, street theatre, maritime crafts, workshops and the celebrated Shanty Train. Much of the entertainment is free of charge and where possible
Popular regulars Swinging the Lead will be performing at Harwich this year.
is accessible to all. In addition to lawabiding shanty fans, the event also has a tendency to attract bands of pirates, who roam through the town
and have been known to board the Shanty Train and even attack the Redoubt Fort! The organisers point out that the Festival would not exist without
the support of the event’s various sponsors, venue owners, hardworking committee and the local community, all of whom deserve their thanks.
Harwich International Shanty Festival 7-9 October 2022
The UK’s Premier Shanty Festival Concerts, Workshops, Maritime Crafts, Pub Music Sessions, Pirates! Thames Barge Trips & Shanties Throughout the Town
www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk Tweet: @harwichshanty E-mail: info@harwichshantyfestival.co.uk 18Harwich_ISF_PP_May_2022_II.indd Pirate PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 12019
Harwich
International
Shanty
Festival
07921640772 07786212748 05/05/2022 17:58
Shantyman
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No boats for ‘Wellerman’ singer
ince signing a major label record deal with Universal Music, Scottish postie Nathan Evans from Airdrie has taken his music career full time and his debut track ‘Wellerman’ and the ‘Wellerman 220Kid & Killen Ted Remix’ continue to make waves across the music charts. He first gained fame in 2020, when he posted videos of himself singing sea shanties on social media service TikTok. Last year, he released a cover and dance-remix of the 19th-century shanty ‘Wellerman’, which peaked at the top of the UK Singles Chart and also charted in several other countries. A Wellerman was an employee of Weller Brothers’ shipping company, which from 1833 was the major supplier of provisions – such as the “sugar and tea and rum” from the shanty – to whaling stations based on the shores of New Zealand. The whalers’ wistful eye on a future date “One day, when the tonguin’
is done/We’ll take our leave and go” refers to the practice of stripping blubber from beached whales. The Weller Brothers were originally from Folkestone in Kent, but built their shipping empire in Sydney, Australia. A billy was a
Untitled-3 1
metal can used to boil water for a cuppa, but there is, however, no evidence of a ship ever being named ‘Billy of Tea’. Once asked if he would launch an album on a boat, he admitted, “I actually get seasick, so maybe I’ll skip that!”
May May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder 19 19/04/2022 18:31
Trading post Boarding Cutlass
S
uitable for use at ‘Living History’ events as it has a blunt edge, the 1804 pattern of British Royal Navy boarding cutlass just added to the range of swords available from The Pirate Shop was introduced during the Napoleonic Wars and saw service at the famous Battle of Trafalgar. Previous cutlasses shared a similar figure eight hilt design, but featured horn or leather grips that deteriorated quickly when exposed to sea water and changes in temperature. The introduction of an
iron grip greatly extended the serviceable life of this sword and the hilts were traditionally painted or japanned to stop them from rusting. The blade has been forged from AISI 1065 High Carbon Steel and has been well-tempered. It is housed in a black hardened buff leather scabbard. The total length of the cutlass is 89 cm, with a blade of 74.5 cm and a grip of 12 cm. It weighs 1.458 kg. More information from www.thepirateshop.co.uk
Discount for pirates Jeff Lippman of Metal and Stone, who designs and crafts nautical jewellery of distinction, has recently created a set of modern ‘Memento Mori’ cufflinks. These exclusive items, which can also be supplied in either gold or platinum on request, are the latest production from his workshop in Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire, and are normally priced at £185. However, if you are interested in a set and consider yourself to be a member of The Pirate Brethren, contact Jeff and he will be able to offer you a handsome discount of £35. More information from www.facebook.com/ bespoke.goldsmith
PIRATES
When buying any of the
fine products featured In these pages, I’d be much obliged if ye’d mention Pirate Plunder
OLD HARRY’S LOCKER Alternative Market for STEAMPUNK PIRATES 7 Golden Lion Bank, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3BS
www.whitbypandemonium.co.uk PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019 20 Pirate
in Swanage, Dorset, for Nautical Curios Antiques and Collectables
Tel: 07961 572032 E-mail: cw1@gmx.co.uk
Trading post
A
Baldrick based on a French frog pattern
baldrick introduced by Darkblade is loosely based on a French frog pattern from the 17th century and features a
massive three inch wide black leather baldrick intended for right-hand draw. It has a solid brass buckle and a loop to hang a cutlass, which can be adjusted to
hold weapons between four and six inches in circumference. The baldrick is supplied from 46-54 inches long, but if required Darkblade is able to meet a
customer’s specific requirements. Fashioned from medium weight leather, it is two millimetres thick. More information from www.darkbladeuk.co.uk
Bigger, Better & Even More
Luluna Clothing
Pirate Stuff
Bespoke tailors of men’s, ladies’ and kids’ clothing
Frock coats Waistcoats Shirts
Corsets Tailored Bustles Jackets Blouses Tricorn Hats Visit our online shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LulunaClothing Or contact us for a custom-made garment: luluna.clothing@gmail.com www.lulunaclothing.wixsite.com/upcycle
Tel: 07986 335478 E-mail: larp@darkbladeuk.co.uk
www.darkbladeuk.co.uk May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder May
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Trading post Fit for the head of a Pirate Queen
A
new line of extravagant headdresses fit to be worn by a Pirate Queen has been created by Luluna Clothing and were displayed for the first time at this year’s Brixham Pirate Festival. Known to break the mould when it comes to conventional piratical garb, Luluna has upcycled some
Elegant pirate shirt A cotton pirate shirt in the classic Renaissance style is offered by Southern Swords. This is a truly elegant collarless design available in either black or white. It features a cord tie and lace front and sleeves. The shirt is available
in sizes S/M (34-40 inches) and L/XL (42-48 inches). The supplier warns buccaneers who wish to continue looking their best that the shirt should only be drycleaned. More information from www.southernswords.co.uk
pirate ships and skulls by incorporating them into what are, in fact, pieces of wearable art. Two examples are shown here. If you want your pirate outfit to sail above the rest, then top it off with one of the new designs and stand out from the crowd. More information from www.lulunaclothing.wixsite. com/upcycle
Pirate pub signs Three pirate-inspired pub signs are manufactured from wood with high quality, durable, cold cast polyresin and fibre-glass low relief models of a pirate by The JollyRoger Ltd. These include signs for the One-Eyed Jacks Tavern (see picture in advert on page 11), the Pirates Pub, which boasts strong ales and PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019 22 Pirate
loose wenches, and the Pirate Rum pub sign that carries the message, “Time flies when ye arrr havin’ rum”. These 2 ft high piratethemed replica pub signs are just a small part of the company’s range of pirate walldécor, lifelike pirate heads and skulls. More information from www.lifesize-models.co.uk
Swanage & Purbeck Pirate Festival Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th June, 2022 Free to attend – SatNav: BH19 1PX
Local pirate impersonator Jax Parrow
Two encampments – Pirates v Militia Displays of sword-fighting Musket and cannon drills (warning: noise and gunfire) Stalls selling pirate gear Proceeds support the RNLI and help to fund next year’s Festival
www.facebook.com/purbeckpiratefestival Swanage&PurbeckPirateFestival_PP_May_2022.indd 1
HESKIN HALL PIRATE DAY 16/05/2022 14:12 Matlock_Bath_PP_November_2021.indd 1
12/11/2021 11:16
An adventure into all things pirate
7th August – 11am to 4pm 32ft inflatable pirate ship assault course Stalls selling pirate gear Dancing and musical entertainment Cafe, bar and beer garden Appearance by Finn, the Human Ship’s Monkey Heskin Hall, Wood Lane, Chorley, Lancashire, PP7 5PA 01257 452044 heskinhall@btconnect.com www.heskinhall.com HeskinHall_PP_May_2022.indd 1
23 May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder13:27 May 13/05/2022
Unless ye intends to steal a ship or become a mutineer if ye are already on one, then the best course of action is to sign on with one of the active pirate crews listed on these two pages. If retired from a life of piracy, then ye’ve a duty to keep faith with The Brethren by celebrating ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’ on 19th September every year! Appledore Pirates
www.facebook.com/app.pirates/ Blackwater Pirates www.facebook.com/groups/2968567940086465/ Brixham Buccaneers
www.brixhambuccaneers.co.uk Brixham Pirate Festival
www.brixhampirates.com Brotherhood of the Black
www.brotherhood-of-the-black.co.uk Cambridge Skeleton Crew
www.facebook.com/Cambridge-Skeleton-Pirate-Crew-21145581 05283991/?ref=py_c Coastal Union of Pirates Privateers Aviators & Steampunks
Brixham Pirate Festival
www.facebook.com/groups/564365187654696 Cutthroats, Pirates, Thieves an Fun Lovers
www.facebook.com/groups/626925014509041/permalink/986442898557249 Drumskullz
www.facebook.com/drumskullz East Coast Pirates (Whitby)
www.facebook.com/groups/187485482170319 Essex Pirate Society
www.facebook.com/groups/245074562902068
Brotherhood of the Black
Greyhounds of St Edmund
www.facebook.com/groups/156887281148110/members Gunpowder Pirates
www.gunpowderpirates.wordpress.com Hastings and Eastbourne Pyrates
www.facebook.com/groups/192667164601226/?fref=nf Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society
www.hgbs.org.uk Heart of the South West
CUPPAS
www.brotherhood-of-the-black.co.uk/fullscreen-page/ comp-jb2kqfu4/d3247830-2479-4c4c-9b37-75d6cc43dd1e/9/%3Fi%3D9%26p%3Df1lx9%26s%3Dstyle-jf9xgtpi International Talk Like a Pirate Day
www.talklikeapirate.com Peninsular Pyrates
www.discoverlandguard.org.uk Pirates and Smugglers of the UK
www.facebook.com/groups/1503592149898698/permalink/2941689819422250 Pirates of Poole,
www.piratesofpoole.co.uk Piratical Union of Buccaneers, Corsairs and Associated Trades
www.pubcat.org.uk PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019 24 Pirate
East Coast Pirates
Plundering Pirates of the North East
www.facebook.com/plunderingpiratesnortheast Purbeck Pirates
www.facebook.com/groups/1224784210899407 River Rogues (Pirate living history re-enactment, Oxford)
Heart of the South West
www.facebook.com/groups/riverrogues Sheppey Pirates
www.sheppeypirates.co.uk Suffolk Free Company: Pirates
www.suffolkfreecompany.org.uk/piratesuffolks Sully Smugglers
www.sullysmugglers.webs.com The Jolly Rogers Dorset
www.jollyrogersdorset.co.uk The Pirate Castle
www.thepiratecastle.org The Pirate Society (University of Sussex)
www.facebook.com/sussexpirates The Pirate’s Rum Bible
www.facebook.com/groups/3461839360611139
PUBCAT
The Sea Dragons
www.facebook.com/frank.sharman.79 Vectis Buccaneers Re-Enactment Society
www.facebook.com/Vectis-Buccaneers-Re-enactment-society-499770177437687/?modal=admin_todo_tour Whitby International Pirate Society
www.whitbypirates.co.uk
The Sea Dragons
Vectis Buccaneers May May2019 2022c cPirate PiratePlunder Plunder
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Where to see pirate action
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calendar, but like the weather, dates may be subject to change, so you are advised to check the forecast with the organiser’s website afore setting sail. The Editor of Pirate Plunder would also be much obliged if those arranging festivals would let him know of any changes to location, duration or even cancellation of their events due to battles with bureaucrats, plagues from Far Cathay or other circumstances beyond their control. Purbeck Pirate Festival Swanage, Dorset 3-4 June, 2022
Pirate Mutiny Matlock Bath, Derbyshire 6-7 August, 2022
www.facebook.com/purbeckpiratefestival
www.thefishpondmatlockbath.co.uk
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Falmouth, Cornwall, 17-19 June, 2022
Pirate Day, The Torbay Inn, Paignton, Devon 13 August, 2022
www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk
Whitby Pirate Festival Whitby, North Yorkshire 2-4 September, 2022 www.facebook.com/whitbypiratefestival
International Talk Like a Pirate Day All around the Globe 19 September, 2022 www.talklikeapirate.com
Harwich International Shanty Festival Harwich, Essex 7-9 October, 2022
www.facebook.com/torbayinn
Harry Paye Day Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset 18 June, 2022
Grain d’Pirate Binic-Étables-sur-Mer, France 20-21 August, 2022
www.piratesofpoole,co.uk
Hastings Pirate Day(s) East Beach Street, Hastings, East Sussex 16-17 July, 2022
www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk
www.graindpirate.fr
www.hastingspirateday.org
Pirates on the Pier Eastbourne, East Sussex 6 August, 2022 www.facebook.com/dropintheoceaneastbourne
The Day of Syn Dymchurch Under The Wall, Kent 27-29 August, 2022
The RumFest ILEC Conference Centre, Earls Court, London 15-16 October, 2022
www.dayofsyn.co.uk
www.rumfest.co.uk
Military Odyssey Detling, Kent 27-29 August, 2022
St Ives Shanty Shout St Ives, Cornwall 25-26 November, 2022
www.military-odyssey.com
www.facebook.com/stivesshout
List of Advertisers
Old Harry’s Locker
20
Pandemonium
20
2
Jefferson Blood
6
Pirate Shop
9
Devon Rum Co
28
JollyRoger Ltd
11
Professional Pirates
7
Harry Paye Day
27
Luluna Clothing
21
Red Lion
13
Harwich Int’l Shanty Festival
18
Matlock Bath Pirate Mutiny
23
Rogues’ Armada
25
Heskin Hall Pirate Day
23
Mermaid Inn
11
Swanage & Purbeck Pirate Festival
23
Int’l Pirate Rendez-Vous
17
Nauticalia Ltd
5
Torbay Inn
19
Bag O’ Rags
11
DarkBlade (UK) Ltd
21
Day of Syn
PiratePlunder Plunderc cMay May2022 2019 26 Pirate
May 2019 c Pirate Plunder
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28 Pirate Plunder c May 2019
