Pirate Plunder November 2021 by ASTAC

NOVEMBER 2021

ISSUE 11

£3 May 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

Pirate Plunder ● May 2019

Volume 4 Number 11 November 2021 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

The next International Pirate Rendez-Vous is scheduled to take place in California, an American state that was claimed for England in 1579 by the acknowledged pirate Sir Francis Drake, who named the land Nova Albion! This will be the third event in the series and I wish it a calmer passage than the recent festival in Germany, which suffered a last-minute change of venue, eventually taking place ten kilometres from Zülpich at Vlatten Castle under the name Pirate Adventure (see page 12). I’m amazed to report that my lovely wench and I celebrated our Golden Wedding in Winchester last month. I chose the hotel because it had a spa with palm trees and thought these might add a Caribbean atmosphere to the occasion, which we shared with sons Feckful Pete and Cap’n James Summer, together with their fiances, Leah and Pirate Rose. A half-century of marriage tells that I’m more sea-dog than cabin boy, but hope to keep Pirate Plunder afloat for many years to come and when I finally cast off for Fiddler’s Green, Cap’n Summer stands ready to take my place the wheel!

PRODUCTION Anthony Wiffen ASTAC Business Publishing Ltd Tel: 01460 261011 Mob: 07557 280769 E: anton_print_1@mac.com

Scuttlebutt

Broadside

News and rumours from The Pirate Brethren of the Seven Seas.

Naval architect Alastair Hunter offers the opportunity to invest in replicas of an 18th century vessel and purchase ‘vouchers’ for future pirate events on board or to spend in his online shoppe.

Whipping up funds in Whitby

In 2004, the Whitby International Pirate Society, known as WHips, was officially launched with a party on board the ‘Grand Turk’ Tall Ship, which raised money for the Whitby lifeboat station of the RNLI.

Gentleman pirate of The Flying Gang

Stede Bonnet, an educated and wealthy plantation owner from Barbados, became known as the ‘gentleman pirate’, but died a broken man.

Captain’s journal Front Cover. Main image: Two members of Sheppey Pirates, Tim Jones and Lisa Bradley, were the happy couple in a mock wedding at the Military Odyssey (picture courtesy of James (Obi Ron) Medhurst). Inset: A pirate with a familiar look about him was spotted in the Rusty Cutlass Tavern during Piraten Abenteuer!

A sombre and reflective mood amongst the crew was remedied by keeping Christmas this year in more elaborate fashion than we ever had before.

‘King of Smugglers’ ran beachside inn

Born in Scotland, John Andrew moved to Saltburn on the coast of North Yorkshire

and became proprietor of The Ship Inn in 1780 from where he ran an extensive and profitable smuggling operation, becoming a legendary rogue in the process.

Festival focus

Shantyman

Trading post

Following a disastrous year for pirate festivals in 2020 due to the plague from Far Cathay, this issue is pleased to report on four events that were able to go ahead.

The presence of pirates at the Harwich International Shanty Festival led to a great deal of skirmishing, both down on the beach and up at the Redoubt Fort, which is such a wonderful venue for this type of action! Weapons, clothing, boots, hats, eye patches, earrings, tankards for grog and all manner of gear for pirates.

How to become a pirate

List of active pirate crews from the coast of South Devon up to the shores of the Forth and Clyde.

Where to see pirate action 22 Calendar of festivals or re-enactment events either organised by pirates or likely to be subject to a pirate attack. November May 2021 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

Scuttlebutt

By Tall Ship to Torbay

particularly important voyage will take place next year when the Tall Ship Atyla embarks from its home port of Bilbao in Northern Spain on 24 April to arrive at Torbay in time for the Brixham Pirate Festival. The 100 foot long, two-masted schooner is operated by the Atyla Ship Foundation, a Spanish charity that

promotes life skills through adventure sailing experiences, but flies the flag of Vanuatu because the Republic allows traditional wooden sailing ships to navigate freely across the world’s oceans. The trip costs between 690-1,050 Euros and those taking part will stay on board Atyla during one of the Tall Ships Races. during the Festival, whilst taking part in all Atyla will then sail returning to her home the shoreside activities. to Plymouth before port in Spain.

Russell’s car will fight cancer

Pirates visit Old Harry A boat party of pirates from the Isle of Purbeck set out on a foray from Swanage Pier to Poole Quay this Summer, but decided to abandon any idea of mayhem as they approached Old Harry Rocks due to the effects of strong drink and equally strong sunlight. The famous landmark is supposed to have gained its name from either Poole-based pirate Harry

Tim Crabb (left), Vicky Horton (AKA Raven Red) and Kevin Haines (AKA Cap’n Teague).

Paye, a local smuggler also called Harry or the Devil – the top of the nearby cliff is known as Old Nick’s Ground. It was once linked to The Needles on the Isle of Wight by a line of chalk hills that eroded away during the last ice age.

Pirate Plunder Plunder ● November ● May 2019 2021 4 Pirate

A group of like-minded people, who gather to raise cash for charities and good causes, Plundering Pirates of the North East (PPOTNE) have been around for a few years and are particularly effective in raising money for Berwick’s Cancer Cars, which provides free transport for cancerrelated hospital appointments. The crew’s latest event was an all-ticket 80s Disco, which completely sold out.

A car recently purchased for patients fighting cancer, a Mitsubishi, was named Russell in honour of much-loved PPOTNE pirate Russell David Toward (1960-2021), who gave a great deal of his time and was especially active in support of this worthwhile charity.

Scuttlebutt

It’s a fact

Dial up Darkblade

common belief in the reason why pirates wear gold earrings is that when they died by accident or in a fight (rarely of old age!), the value of the gold could be used to pay for their burial. Historians claim that the pirate’s home town engraved on some earrings indicated where they wished to be laid to rest. It has also been suggested that pirates dangled a wad of wax from the hoops to act as ear-plugs during cannon fire. A more likely

explanation, however, is that pirates needed to protect any wealth they had acquired and as it was easy to snatch a purse, they wore their gold as accessories.

In fact, much of their jewellery consisted of coins. These had holes drilled through them, so they could be worn around their neck or as bracelets.

Customers of Darkblade, which has specialised in the creation of belts, baldricks and accessories made from the finest leather for over 20 years, now has a new contact number: 07986 335478. Based on the edge of Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District National Park, it also offers a quality range of clothing and weapons (see advert on page 19). A new heavy leather pirate captain’s belt is introduced by Darkblade on page 18.

November May 2021 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

Broadside

here are plans by Professional Pirates Ltd to build a matched pair of replica cutters based on the design of an 18th century vessel named ‘Endeavour’. Although unproven, it is most likely that the original ship was built for illicit purposes such as smuggling. At a little over 12 metres long on deck, she was a comfortable size for the crew to easily man the four three-pounder cannons without falling over each other! She was seized by the Government in 1763 and ‘taken into service’ by

the Admiralty, eventually being converted into a revenue cutter by raising the height of her bulwarks to enable gun ports to be added, whilst the hold was fitted with sleeping ‘boxes’ for the crew of 24. Finally, her rig was changed to improve performance, allowing her to catch more illegal freebooters. The Cowes-based yard is offering 64 shares in each cutter, with investment secured through registered ownership of the vessel. In addition to the opportunity of experiencing life on the high seas, investors will also receive a bareboat charter fee.

For investment queries, please contact: info@ professionalpirates.co.uk Donations in the form of Professional Pirates’ £50 and £20 ‘vouchers’ can also be purchased now and then either redeemed to reserve tickets for one of the pirate events to be held on board a cutter once it has been launched or against items in the fabulous online shoppe. Please be aware that if the project cannot be realised, the money used to purchase vouchers against future events would be at risk. Alastair Hunter Cowes, Isle of Wight

Despite the dismal forecast, we saw no rain at this year’s Matlock Bath Pirate Mutiny. Instead, the sun shone on Saturday, with a brisk wind that pulled hard at times on the rig of Sea Dragon 7, a large unmanned model towed by a rowing boat. However, she maintained her stability on the water all day, being afloat for several hours. My crew, The Sea Dragons, had swelled from four pirates to 12 to attend the event and much appreciated the entertainment, which included a firebreather! We also took a hire boat out on the River

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Broadside Derwent and exchanged pistol shots across the water with another craft. Sunday was the longawaited ‘big day’ as the crew launched Sea Dragon 8 with me at the helm. I had concerns over a possible capsize or sinking as a previous test on still water cannot compare with the currents of a flowing river, but my worries proved to be unfounded as the boat, powered by its silent electric motor, performed well all day. My fellow Captain, Master Luke W. Hardy, also took a turn at the helm and the attractive ladies of The Sea

Dragons joined me on the boat one at a time. I felt that my navigation skills were satisfactory, although a tall-masted craft needs a sharp-eyed lookout for overhanging trees along the bank and I caught Sea Dragon 8s rigging on branches twice. On the second occasion, a stuffed parrot perched aloft was left marooned in the tree tops! All in all, the event gave us an enjoyable and brilliantly funny weekend and no-one fell in the water. Cap’n Frank Sharman Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts

The Pirate Plunder magazine looks as good as ever and seems to go from strength-to-strength, so well done. As for the new Madder Mill Molly side you’ve joined, the picture you sent me should be posted in every police station if you ask me! (Editor: ye just have no grasp of English culture.) Ian Marriott, Southampton, Hampshire

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 well-known 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 arrange an appointment, please see our ‘Visit Us’ page at: www.thepirateshop.co.uk

www.thepirateshop.co.uk PrirateShop_PP_Nov_2021.indd 1

15/11/2021 November May 2019 2021 ● Pirate Plunder

10:28

Whipping up funds in Whitby

By Elaine Horton (AKA Purple Polly)*

he Whitby International Pirate Society, known as WHips, came into being when two of its founding members, Rosie Buttox and Nora Barnacles, met at Rosie’s birthday party in a local pub. They didn’t, of course, answer to their pirate names until after the Society was formed. Nora had received a pair of boots from a nameless admirer, so the footwear was considered to be of magical origin even though they were the wrong size. She decided to take them to the party and – like Prince Charming

the opening of Mutiny Bay at Alton Towers. The crew has given a sword salute for the Olympic torch and been asked to provide sword arches for various Purple Polly (left) and Nora Barnacles, who was a weddings. Nevertheless, founding member of WHips, are seen here collecting support for the RNLI for the RNLI at the Whitby Pirate Festival. has been the charity that in panto – challenged so became her property WHips has supported on guests try them on. The and as far as we know are a continuous basis, with boots were passed around still working their magic the crew out collecting and when they reached because WHips has since vital funds in all weathers. Rosie, she declared them gone from strength to Fund-raising for the to be a perfect fit! No-one strength. RNLI has always been an challenged this claim or In 2004, the Society important task at Whitby’s perhaps they didn’t dare, was officially launched own Pirate Festival in with a party on board September, which was the ‘Grand Turk’ Tall sadly cancelled this year Ship, which raised money due to the Covid-19 for the Whitby lifeboat pandemic. The Festival is station of the RNLI. A run entirely by volunteers further five well-attended and features live bands ‘Rock The Boat’ events and stalls manned by were organised by WHips, pirates. Once it is able to including an exciting be held again, all proceeds sponsored rig climb. will be donated directly The Society has to Whitby’s branch of the supported many other RNLI. charities such as Children The lifeboat crew do In Need at Hartlepool a fantastic job saving Marina, Marie Curie, lives at sea and WHips which provides care and is proud to support support through terminal them with fund-raising illness, at the Lidl store in wherever possible, so join Whitby and the Staithes the Society and help out and Runswick Bay rescue whilst having a great deal boats. of fun on the voyage! When Whitby’s Pannett Park opened a pirate*Elaine is proprietor of themed play park, who’re Pandemonium in Whitby, a are you going to call – it store that supplies clothing, had to be WHips! Crew accessories and jewellery to 7 Golden Lion Bank, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3BS members in full pirate steampunk pirates, as well as garb were also present at the Goth community. www.whitbypandemonium.co.uk

Alternative Market for STEAMPUNK PIRATES

Pirate Plunder ● May 2019

Gentleman pirate of The Flying Gang

s the War of the Spanish Succession came to an end at the Peace of Utrecht in 1713, many privateers, who had enjoyed rich pickings by preying on Spain’s New World treasure ships, found themselves at a loose end and turned to full-blown piracy. A group of these men and women were based in the Caribbean where they formed an organisation called ‘The Flying Gang’, which included several of history’s best-known pirates. One of their number was Stede Bonnet (born 1688 and hung in 1718), an educated and wealthy plantation owner from Barbados, who became known as the ‘gentleman pirate’. Following a number of disagreements with his wife, he left her and their three children, and instead of going ‘down the pub’ like today’s husbands, he purchased a sloop named ‘Revenge’, added to his fashionable wardrobe and

set out to become a pirate! Although lacking in the necessary seamanship skills, he was able to pay well and his generosity gained him the loyalty of his more competent crew. Following a bruising encounter with a Spanish vessel in 1717, which damaged ‘Revenge’ and injured Bonnet, he reached Nassau in the Bahamas where he met another member of ‘The Flying Gang’, Edward Teach (Blackbeard), who made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. This involved a virtual takeover of Bonnet’s ship, which was then captained by one of the famous pirate’s men, whilst Bonnet joined Blackbeard’s ship as a kind of pirate tourist whilst continuing to convalesce. This unusual collaboration was highly successful, with many ships being looted over several months during which time Blackbeard captured the French slave ship ’La Concorde’ that became his legendary flagship, ‘Queen Anne’s Revenge’. Deciding at last to part company, Bonnet went down to the hold of ‘Revenge’ to check on his treasure only to find nothing there. The wily Blackbeard had emptied it before sailing away. The next time the two men met, Blackbeard offered him a berth on his flagship if he

would cede command of ‘Revenge’. Bonnet had little option but to accept and sailed with Blackbeard for North Carolina where the Governor of the colony enabled him to secure a Letter of Marque to act as a privateer. However, on returning to ‘Revenge’, he found that Blackbeard had stripped her of supplies and marooned the crew. In one last attempt to make his fortune, Bonnet re-equipped the ship at his own expense, changed her name to ‘Royal James’ and sailed out to try his luck. In August, 1718, he was anchored on an estuary of the Cape Fear

River for careening when a naval expedition led by Colonel William Rhett arrived and after combat had raged for some hours, the outnumbered pirates surrendered and were brought to Charles Town for trial. In one final act of defiance, Bonnet escaped on 24 October, but was recaptured, charged with two acts of piracy and hung on 10 December by then a broken man.

The Mermaid Inn Hotel ● Restaurant ● Bar

A warm welcome awaits pirates and smugglers at this 600-year-old inn 01797 223065 info@mermaidinn.com www.mermaidinn.com November 2021 ● Pirate Plunder May 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

Captain’s journal 25

December, 1673

atthew’s passing had prompted a sombre and reflective mood amongst the crew. After 15 years, there were precious few left who had sailed under him, but all had heard the stories and he was as real a crew member to many of them as the men they worked beside. The panacea for these ills would have been the activity and urgency of our planned infiltration of the Governor’s Mansion in Jamaica. As cruel fortune would have it, my Mother’s contact to gain access to the building would now be away ‘till beyond St Stephens Day. So, with nothing to distract us we listlessly worked our daily routes, keeping the ship clean, chasing down merchant ships. Rolling Sisyphus’ boulder. It was, in part, as remedy to these doldrums that our quartermaster suggested keeping Christmas this year in more elaborate fashion than we ever had before. Last year’s feast was a paltry affair as we’d not put to port for several weeks due to a bad case of recognisability and were waiting ‘till our infamy had died down. Consequently, our Christmas feast consisted of pickled beef, biscuit and some extremely questionable cheese. This was a situation Davy abhorred, having been whelped in a household where Cromwell’s Christmas censure was adhered to with joyless efficiency. So, sailing sailin to markets the mar on the mainland, mainlan took Chalky to three men barrow and a barr to buy geese, gee brawn, hens, bra fruit to make

10 Pirate Plunder ● May 2019 10

It is not unknown for pirates to enjoy drinking alcohol at Christmas or at any other time of year (picture courtesy of Jeff Penfold).

pudding and other Christmas husbandly fare. Holly can be found in the Caribbean, but for Ivy and mistletoe we were left wanting. In spite of this lack, the crew gaily decorated the ship with garlands and sprigs, and a candle in every sconce, although not, of course, in the powder magazine! This only leaves the alcohol to account for, which was left to Davy’s Christmas punch, a concoction that whilst warming to the spirit was utterly devastating to sense! Strong mountain Malaga wine, brandy, rum, sugar, lemons and nutmeg combined to create a drink with an effect worthy of the name ‘punch’. We caroused through the day with food and wine, many of the men played cards, always of course ensuring that if Chalky played, they let him win as much as he lost (as mentioned before, the man for all his virtues is a spectacularly ungracious loser). Robert took

up his fiddle as the evening wore on, so we had music and all were replete with mirth and good spirits. Towards the end of the day, I sat with Davy (who by this point had drunk enough punch to drown a whale). Being something of a tavern philosopher, he opined that keeping Christmas well was the best thing a man could do. It’s a way of showing that whatever has happened to us we’re still here, unbowed and enjoying ourselves. Whether we suffer a distant monarch seeking to take our freedom, puritanical Cromwell trying to ruin a good time or simply the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, celebrating Christmas bites our collective thumb to all of them. I’m obviously paraphrasing as he slurred most of it, cursed repeatedly then fell out of his seat, but that was the general sense of it. However, as mazed as he is, I cannot disagree, so a very merry Christmas to you all and a happy and prosperous New Year.

‘King of Smugglers’ ran beachside inn

single row of what were once the homes of local fishermen and a pub beside the beach are all that remains of the original hamlet of Saltburn on the coast of North Yorkshire – its name was derived from Saxon words for a local brook, which translates as ‘salty stream’. There used to be several licensed premises in what is now known as Old Saltburn, but only The Ship Inn, which was built in the late 1500s, still survives. Once the centre of the smuggling trade in the area, it has been enlarged over the centuries, but still retains many features that would be familiar to old-time freebooters. In fact, although electricity arrived at the pub in 1900, hurricane lamps

were routinely used during World War II and these polished relics from a bygone age still hang in the bar to this day. In the days when pirates were most active in the 17th century, smuggling became a way of life for poor coastal villages along the North Sea Coast, particularly on the lonely high cliffs from the mouth of the River Tees to Whitby. At this time, England had become involved in a series of expensive wars in the colonies, as well as Europe, and imposed heavy taxes on imported goods such as alcoholic drinks and tobacco (no change there then). Smuggling was elevated to a fine art at Saltburn, with nearly the entire local population involved in the receipt of contraband deposited on

the sandy shore in the lee of Hunt Cliff. John Andrew was named by his GrandDaughter as the ‘King of Smugglers’ for his skilled and resourceful activities. Born in Scotland, he moved to Saltburn and became proprietor of The Ship Inn in 1780 from where he ran an extensive and profitable smuggling operation, becoming a legendary rogue in the process. It is believed there was a tunnel under the pub used to store

illicit cargoes and move goods on to willing customers without the smugglers being seen leaving the building. He was also Master of the local hunt known as the Cleveland Nimrods, so his pub became a meeting place for hunters to gather and arrange outings for the pack or perhaps there was more to discuss than just sport! In 1827, John was finally arrested at The Ship Inn and duly presented with a large fine at his trial, which he was unable to pay, so prison beckoned and he eventually died in 1835. The present landlady, Lisa Burton, welcomes locals, visitors from the adjacent Victorian resort of Saltburn-by-theSea and tourists to her friendly and atmospheric hostelry at any time of year to enjoy tasty, wholesome food in the bar or at tables in the garden where customers can enjoy a drink of cracking Yorkshire ale whilst watching waves roll up the beach. More information from www.shipsaltburn.com

November May 2021 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

11 11

Festival focus

Success for first Pirate Day on Eastbou

rganised by Drop In The Ocean (Pub On The Pier) in Eastbourne, a successful Pirate Day took place on 14 August in aid of St Wilfred’s Hospice, an independent charity providing palliative care to local people. Also benefitting from the event’s piratical activities was the town’s Bonfire Society. Eastbourne falls between Bognor Regis and Hastings as the sunniest town in England and the Pirate Day didn’t disappoint, with good weather for visitors,

who had dressed up to enjoy a variety of free entertainment and down a drink or two in the open air at the Rum Bar (Pimms Bar for the wenches). During the morning, lusty buccaneers were treated to a performance by Cherry Dance Studio, which holds dance and fitness classes at its premises in Wish Road, Eastbourne, and they were followed by an earnumbing broadside from the Pentacle Drummers. At noon, The Shamolies, a fun-focussed festival band, struck up the music, followed by The Jackals, who play

Pirates were on hand to save performers from the Cherry grave under Eastbourne Pier (picture courtesy of Rob She

blues with bite, but the evening belonged to The Captain’s Beard, who played to a packed pub

until the sun went down beyond Beachy Head. Those who attended Pirate Day on Eastbourne

A ‘marriage’ on the fie

The Military Odyssey held at the Kent Event Centre in Detling spans a vast period of global conflict from the marching legions of Rome to the battle tanks of modern warfare. The 200acre site is promoted as ‘the most flexible and versatile event space in Kent’, with over 7,000 square metres under cover, but it almost never hosts weddings. As mentioned in the feature on Sheppey Pirates in the previous issue, the

crew would be returning to camp at the Military Odyssey at the end of August and decided that two of their members deserved to be wed on the battlefield. Tim Jones and Lisa Bradley have been attempting to tie the knot for three years, but have been constantly scuppered by the plague from Far Cathay and Lisa’s Father becoming seriously ill before passing away. So, it was planned to hold

New venue for Germa

Following a successful pirate festival at Zülpich in 2019, Winterhoffs, the German organiser of Pirate Rendez-Vous, was forced to postpone in 2020 due to the 12 12 1 2 Pirate Plunder ● May 2019

effects of the plague from Far Cathay. Then, following protracted negotiations, had to cancel its participation with Seepark Zülpich GmbH this year.

Festival focus

urne Pier

Dance Studio from a watery earing).

Pier hope that that Drop In The Ocean will repeat this enjoyable event next year.

eld of battle

a mock wedding without the bride knowing and on the fateful day, the two were ‘married’ in front of 100-150 re-enactors as witnesses and celebrated with a swig or two of rum, followed by a run between the crossed swords of fellow pirates as a cannon was fired to substitute for a peal of church bells! One of the witnesses later remarked that it was a very odd day, but filled with lots of love and a great deal of fun!

an event

Renamed Piraten Abenteuer (Pirate Adventure), the festival moved just 10 km away to Vlatten Castle situated in a large park at the

Mutiny at Matlock Bath The Pirate Mutiny (number seven in the series) returned to Matlock Bath from 31 July-1 August to celebrate all things piratey. The organisers’ mission is to create a community event, which will attract visitors and locals to the land-locked Derbyshire town for a festival of re-enactment displays, music, market stalls selling pirate gear and gifts for all the family and, of course, face painting for young buccaneers. This year, there were also a number of new attractions, including a fully-rigged ship’s mast, two of Frank Sharman’s Sea Dragon pirate ships afloat on the River Derwent and Wayne Truman’s customised pirate truck. Although the event was a slightly scaleddown version of previous Mutinies and the weekend was lacking in sunshine, it was well-supported by members of The Pirate Brethren from all over the British Isles. Until the pandemic, Matlock Bath Pirate Mutiny was beginning to establish an

Every man keeps a hand on his weapon at Matlock Bath’s Pirate Mutiny (no sniggering at the back).

international reputation amongst cosplay pirates from across Europe and as far as the USA, so

the festival is looking forward to better weather next year in every sense of the words.

picturesque village of Heimbach-Vlatten. A major advantage for thirsty pirates was quick access to a rustic drinking den in the vicinity known as the Rusty Cutlass Tavern! May 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

13 3

Shantyman

Return of Harwich Festival

rganisers of the Harwich International Shanty Festival were pleased and excited to be up and running again from 8-10 October after a year’s absence due to the pandemic. They were also very happy to welcome back that trusty piratical band, the fearsome River Rogues, and, of course, the King’s German Artillery, who showed great bravery in their attempts to protect the town from the marauding gang! The presence of pirates, which also included crews from Cambridge and the Isle of Sheppey, led to a great deal of skirmishing, both down on the beach and up at the Redoubt Fort, which is such a wonderful venue for this type of action, with the Queen’s Own Buffs helping to defend it from the pirates! The skirmishing was wellattended and much appreciated by a large contingent of enthusiastic spectators, who were also entertained by musket drills and sword-fighting, whilst the King’s German Artillery demonstrated their firepower with a series of earsplitting cannon shots. It was, of course, a shanty festival rather than a pirate festival and this year’s theme was the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower to the New World, which took place in 2020. Great acts included the

John Dacombe of the Sea Fencibles won a bottle of Sailor Jerry spiced rum in the Shanty Competition on Friday night.

renowned Kimber’s Men, with their melodious voices and great arrangements, Sound Tradition singing in glorious four-part harmony, Swinging the Lead – popular festival regulars and the resident band on the Cutty Sark, the Silver Darlings – a lively allfemale crew from Southend and Capstan Full Strength, with their broad repertoire of harmonious maritime songs. Credit must go to the Festival’s only international performers this year, Act of Mutiny from Leiden in The Netherlands, whose lively singing was accompanied by a versatile

‘Virtual’ no more in 2022 The Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, founded by organiser John Warren, will return to its traditional format next year (see calendar on page 22). This follows two years as a ‘virtual’ event presented from the Cornwall Channel Studios in aid of the RNLI, as

November 2019 2021 14 Pirate Plunder ● May 14

well as raising money for future festivals. In 2019, when it last took place, Falmouth’s population was boosted by an estimated 65,000 visitors, who came to enjoy performances by shantymen (and woman) at 25 venues around the town.

range of instruments. In addition, there were many returning festival favourites and home-grown local crews: The Harwich Shanty Crew; the Naze Shanty Crew; the Golden Rivets; and the Rattlin’ Winches. Shanty singers were present at various Harwich hostelries in the evening and there were some memorable ticketed concerts, although much of the entertainment was free! The Shanty Competition, always held on Friday night, was won by John Dacombe of the Sea Fencibles. His victory may have been somewhat aided by the judges, who were selected from some off-duty pirates drinking incognito at the bar! Other events during the weekend included sessions and singarounds, talks, guided tours, maritime crafts, street theatre, trips on Sailing Barge Victor and a shanty train with entertainment on board running between Harwich and Manningtree. Debbie Jones, Press Officer for Harwich International Shanty Festival, concluded: “All in all, it was a hugely successful weekend with wonderful weather and fantastic feedback from everyone who attended! If you missed it this year, please put the dates for next year into your diary (7-9 October). More information from: www. harwichshantyfestival.co.uk

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Trading post

‘Overproof’ rum and a tumbler to drink it

usser’s Select Aged 151 Navy rum is the ‘Green Label’ Pusser’s - bottled at ‘cask strength’, as it was shipped to the Royal Navy victualling yards in Deptford, Gosport and Devonport for blending and dilution ‘to Proof’. Sold in 70 cl bottles by Nauticalia, it is still produced in accordance with Admiralty Regulations for Rum in effect at the time of the custom’s termination in 1970. The blend is aged a minimum of three years in once-used ex-Bourbon casks and chill-filtered to further enhance its flavour and smoothness. Full-

bodied, with notes of syrupy spice and fruit, leather, dried sultanas and soft oak, the aroma is a burst of classic Demerara with marmalade, marzipan, cinnamon and tobacco. This ‘overproof’ rum is very strong at 75.5% abv, so try it with a few drops of water or an ice cube, which will help open up the aromas and flavours. If you are brave, drink it neat, but take care! Another Nauticalia product for drinkers is an elegant, hand-made tumbler mounted in a hallmarked, lead-free pewter base, which gives it a substantial weighty feel. They are still produced in Sheffield, the home

of British pewter craftsmanship, and deorated with a choice of an intricately-detailed stag, salmon, yacht or fouled anchor pewter emblem. Packed in a luxury presentation box, the tumbler is 9 cm tall and has a capacity of 285 ml. More information from www.nauticalia.com

Display plaque with two pistols A perfect way to display flintlock pistols or historical firearms, wooden plaques made in Italy, with a varnished finish, are now available from The Pirate Shop in Conwy. These high quality plaques feature a small brass plate with the legend ‘SEC XVIII’, which means 18th Century, the same period as the pistols they are designed to display. Those shown are an 18th century flintlock pistol and a 17th century duelling pistol. Pirate Plunder Plunder ● November ● May 20192021 16 Pirate 16

Antique-style brass hooks are supplied with fixing pins, which can be positioned anywhere on the plaque to allow for weapons

in a multitude of different shapes and sizes to be displayed correctly. Two small pins are also used to mount the plaque in place, allowing it be easily removed if necessary. The plaques measure 45 cm wide by 25 cm deep, but as a handcrafted product, The Pirate Shop advises that these dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece. More information from www.theknightshop.com

Trading post

Leather tricorn for men and women

new pirate tricorn that has already received a number of enthusiastic customer reviews recommending the hat for its quality and value for money is now being sold by Southern Swords. This top-of-the-line hat is made from supple, high quality leather and would suit any pirate of the high seas. It features elaborate trimmings and makes an impressive addition to a buccaneer’s costume, inspiring admiration from their crew. Suitable for both

men and women, it is available in two shades (black and brown), and

three sizes: small (55-57 cm); medium/large (5761 cm); and extra-large

(61-63 cm). More information from www.southernswords.co.uk

Derbyshire Arms Ltd has been making muskets and pistols since 2005. We specialise in hand-made weaponry, including cannons, snaphaunce, migulet and wheellocks, just to name a few. Muskets, Carbines and Pistols are supplied either Inert, Live or as Blank firers. We also sell top quality gun cleaning products and accessories. History is our source of inspiration and we have satisfied customers from all over the world, including re-enactors, heritage groups, centres and museums – we are also able to refurbish and maintain exhibits – and private collectors. We can provide historically accurate weapons for films, TV and stage productions that are safe for actors to handle. Recent invitations to take part in more Piratical Enterprises has allowed us to extend our range even further with cannon balls, chain shot, bar shot and our much-admired swivel gun. Our dedicated business mobile is: 07486 058911 and we can take calls between 9.30 am-1.00 pm on weekdays. Saturday is reserved for collection/drop off by appointment only. To place an order, please visit our website: www.derbyshirearms.com and use the ‘contact us’ page. We also have a presence on Facebook. DerbyshireArms_PP_November_21.indd 1

November May 2019 2021 ● Pirate Plunder 12/11/2021

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15:05

Trading post

Miniature rum gift sets

ulti-awardwinning boutique rum brand Pirates Grog is specialising in unique gifting options designed for the rum devotee this Christmas. The product range has grown to include seven aged rum expressions and three of these

(Five Year, No. 13 and Spiced) are available in

Pirate captain’s belt The perfect accessory for the captain of a pirate ship, this heavy leather belt from Darkblade is available in either black or brown and has a solid brass buckle. A riveted section and end decoration makes it stand out from other belts and matches the design of the company’s pirate baldric. The manufacturer reminds customers that

the sizes listed are the actual measurements that the belts will fit and advises them to check the length they need over their pirate costumes and not just landlubber clothes as there can be a significant difference! Lengths are 40, 44 and 48 inches and the belt is 3 inches wide. More information from www.darkbladeuk.co.uk

the company’s Original Miniatures Gift Set

Two sizes of grenado

Grenadoes consist of a round cast iron hollow ball filled with gunpowder and topped with a fuse. They could be thrown like modern grenades or shot out of hand mortars. An inert replica of the grenadoes found aboard the ‘Whydah’ and the ‘Queen Anne’s’ Revenge are offered by Letters of Marque in a choice of two 18 PiratePlunder Plunder● ●November May 20192021 18 Pirate

secured in a hand-crafted wooden treasure chest. Another welcome sight under the tree this Christmas would be a chest of miniatures from the Pirates Grog Rum Tropical Horizons range (Honey Spiced, Pineapple Spiced and Smokey Ginger Spiced). More information from www.piratesgrogrum.com

sizes, with diameters of either 63 mm or 70 mm (illustrated). The smaller version would fit the majority of hand mortars from the period. They are supplied with either a ‘slowmatch’ fuse or a powder fuse (a wooden plug filled with an inert substitute for gunpowder). More information from www.lettersofmarque.co.uk

Bigger, Better & Even More

Pirate Stuff

Luluna Clothing 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

Luluna_qtr_PP_May21.indd 1

Tel: 07986 335478 E-mail: larp@darkbladeuk.co.uk

www.darkbladeuk.co.uk

23/03/2021 10:09 Darkblade_PP_November_2020.indd 1

04/08/2021 09:07

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

November May 2021 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

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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 May 2019 2021 20 0 Pirate Plunder ● November

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 November May 2021 2019 ● Pirate 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. International Mermaid Day All around the Seven Seas 29 March, 2022

Harry Paye Day Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset 2 July, 2022

www.daysoftheyear.com/days/mermaid-day/

www.piratesofpoole,co.uk

Brixham Pirate Festival Brixham, Devon 30 April- 2 May, 2022

Hastings Pirate Day(s) East Beach Street, Hastings, East Sussex 16-17 July, 2022 www.hastingspirateday.org

www.brixhampirates.com

International Scurvy Awareness Day All around the Globe 2 May, 2022

Pirate Mutiny Matlock Bath, Derbyshire 6-7 August, 2022 www.thefishpondmatlockbath.co.uk

Next year’s North American International Pirate RendezVous (2022 NA IPR-V) will take place in Long Beach, California, but at time of going to press the dates had not yet been confirmed.

www.conwypirates.com

www.graindpirate.fr

The Day of Syn Dymchurch Under The Wall, Kent 27-29 August, 2022 www.dayofsyn.co.uk

www.scurvyday.com

The Original Conwy Pirate Festival The Quay, Conwy, North Wales 14-15 May, 2022

Grain d’Pirate Binic-Étables-sur-Mer, France 20-21 August, 2022

Military Odyssey Detling, Kent 27-29 August, 2022 www.military-odyssey.com

International Talk Like a Pirate Day All around the Globe 19 September, 2022 www.talklikeapirate.com

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival Falmouth, Cornwall, 17-19 June, 2022

Harwich International Shanty Festival Harwich, Essex 7-9 October, 2022

www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk

www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk

OLD HARRY’S LOCKER in Swanage, Dorset, for Nautical Curios Antiques and Collectables

Tel: 07961 572032 E-mail: cw1@gmx.co.uk November 2019 2021 22 2 2 Pirate Plunder ● May

Bag O’ Rags

Pirate Plunder Pens

Brixham Pirate Festival

Professional Pirates

DarkBlade (UK) Ltd

Rogues’ Armada

Day of Syn

Matlock Bath Pirate Mutiny 13

Derbyshire Arms Ltd

Old Harry’s Locker

Jefferson Blood

Luluna Clothing

Pandemonium

Metal and Stone

The Mermaid Inn

The Pirate Shop

Nauticalia Ltd

Original Conwy Pirate Festival 2

May 2019 ● Pirate Plunder

24 Pirate Plunder ● May 2019

Pirate Plunder November 2021

Articles inside

Broadside

Trading post

Shantyman

Captain’s journal

Festival focus

Scuttlebutt