Trafalgar Day
Sunday 23 October 2005

Rolleston on Dove Special Events Committee (RODSEC) celebrated Trafalgar Day in a rather unconventional way in Rolleston Club. After the raising of the Colour by the St. Modwen Sea Cadets on an indoor flagpole, the first item in an evening of entertainment was the revival of the old Rolleston Guisers' Play (last performed in 1908). The cast this time was provided by the Rolleston Mummers: Peter Williams as Presenter, John Phillips as the Black Prince, Val Keeling as the Queen Mother, Delia Wyers as the Doctor and Arnold Burston as Beelzebub with his club and dripping pan. The Guisers wore the traditional costumes of paper streamers and ribbons.

Two local singers, Kate and Vanessa, presented a popular programme of music-hall songs in which the large audience joined with enthusiasm. 

John Cartwright and John Phillips read touching and sometimes amusing extracts from letters written by seamen on board His Majesty's ships during and immediately after the battle of Trafalgar.  After a copious and delicious buffet provided by RODSEC member Beryl Toon, the Barton Fiddle Folk played an exciting selection of folk songs.

The two Churchwardens, Arnold Burston (Hardy) and Deryck Barker (Nelson), acted a sketch, set on board the Victory, based on the Health and Safety aspects of the coming battle and the effects of EU Regulations. Home made puddings were served, after which the audience joined in rousing sea shanties. At the end of the evening, Rev. Ian Whitehead read the prayer written by Lord Nelson on the eve of the battle and Trevor Bunce proposed the toast to "The Immortal Memory".

Last updated: 11 March 2006