Split creates new future for Essex crew By Lucien Lowtide*
P
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
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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.
