Vol. 48 No. 5THE OCTOBER 2005 RARATEPTEPAAYERYER ISSUED FREE OF CHARGEMAGAZINE Circulation 9,000

INSIDE ... HMS PICKLE The White Ensign Hallowe’en Plus the regular features

MIKE ATTRIDGE 'BRICKWORK' The next WDRA meeting WALLS EXTENSIONS 7.30pm on Thursday 6th October PATIOS GARAGES Waterlooville Community Centre Free estimates with no obligation Horndean-Lovedean-Cowplain Clanfield-Waterlooville www.theratepayer.org.uk Tel: (023)92 240240

Published by the Waterlooville and District Residents' Association (Covering the Wards of Cowplain, Stakes, Waterlooville and Hart Plain including part of Lovedean). Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors. The Publishers do not accept any liability for advertisements, statements in articles or letters published. The Association reserves the right to withdraw or refuse an advertisement if, in the opinion of the Association, the actions of the advertiser reflect badly on the Association and/or the Ratepayer Magazine. All articles herein may be reproduced only in their entirety and must acknowledge their source.© 2005 W.& D.R.A.

1 2 3 , 1805 Action commenced at 12 o’clock on 21st October 1805 As Mess President it was Brian’s duty to preside over off Cape Trafalgar, Southwest Spain; a defining moment in the Mess Dinner, generally held on the 21st October. Prior the 1804 – 1815 Napoleonic Wars. Two articles in this edition to the event he researched HMS PICKLE and was even are dedicated to the memory of that decisive time in our able to track down a picture of the ship. And yes, a lot of history. ale and grog is consumed during the evening, so calling Brian Goldacre wrote the first article. Between 1987-88 the celebrations ‘pickle night’ is most appropriate! The he was the Mess President of HMS NELSON Warrant evening is a tradition throughout the . Officer’s and Senior Rates mess. Every year, it is traditional Geoff Lynch wrote the second article, on page 8, after to celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar at a mess dinner, which seeing three different naval ensigns apparently being used is called Pickle Night, in recognition of the ship bearing by the Fleet at the time of Nelson - this confused Geoff! that name. HMS PICKLE AND HER INVOLVEMENT IN THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR

PARTICULARS OF SHIP

Displacement 127 tons Length 73 ft Beam 20 ft Complement 40 Armament Eight 12-pounder carronades

The Motto on the ship’s crest was “Courage Grows Under Difficulty”

The Schooner Pickle was built in Plymouth and originally HMS PICKLE set sail for England with a crew of 32. It named “STING”. She was bought by the royal Navy in included 17 English, 9 Irish, 2 American, 1 Scot, 1 Welsh, 1 1800 and re-named HMS PICKLE in 1802 - the first ship to Norwegian and 1 Channel Islander. After an eventful and bear that name. hazardous journey. The ship was impeded by gales and From December 1804, Lieutenant John Richards flooded when the ship was holed. During lack of wind her Lapenotiere, aged 24, commanded her. His family, of crew rowed to keep her on course at a steady speed of 2 French origin, originally called itself La Penotiere. John knots. She arrived off Falmouth at 9.45am on the 4th was the son of an RN Lieutenant. He came from Ilfracombe, November. A jolly boat conveyed the Captain ashore and Devon and joined the Navy in 1780 at the age of 10. a postchaise took him onward to London, a journey of 266 HMS PICKLE joined Nelson’s fleet on Tuesday 1st miles. October 1805, 50 miles off Cadiz, after a fast passage Whilst HMS PICKLE was underway, from Cadiz to from Plymouth, covering approximately 1000 miles in 8 Falmouth a sail was noticed on the horizon. (It was later days. On the 4th October, Nelson sent HMS PICKLE to identified as HMS NAUTILUS, commanded by Captain help HMS EURYALUS and HMS HYDRA keeping vigil on Sykes) The two ships hove too and the news of the victory the combined French and Spanish fleet at anchor in Cadiz and tragedy imparted. Sykes decided to warn the British harbour. Ambassador in Lisbon, after which he set sail for England The combined fleet put to sea from Cadiz on the 20th as he considered that the conveyance of the news should October and set a course for the Strait of Gibraltar. In the not be left to HMS PICKLE alone in case of her misfortune. Bay of Trafalgar, on the 21st October, the fleets engaged HMS NAUTILUS arrived in Plymouth 12 hours after Lt in battle. During the ensuing battle, HMS PICKLE acted as Lapenotiere had departed from Falmouth. HMS PICKLE an attendant picking up survivors and prisoners as ordered. left the Falmouth anchorage for Plymouth, captained by Lt After the battle, Vice Admiral Collingwood, onboard Kingdom - the second in command. HMS EURYALUS and now in command of the fleet, November fog on the outskirts of London slowed decided to send his despatches home in the second Lapenotiere’s postchaise from a gallop to a crawl. At smallest ship - HMS PICKLE. Lapenotiere was a particular approximately one o’clock am (37 hours after setting out) favourite of Collingwood. on the 6th November, the despatches were handed to On the 26th October, Lapenotiere was instructed to William Marsden in the Boardroom of the Admiralty at take despatches to England for which he would receive Whitehall. £500 and his Commander's commission. The despatches, Captain Sykes arrived later that same day. News of the dated 22nd October, were addressed to William Marsden, victory and the sad loss was printed in The Times on the the Secretary to the Board of Admiralty. They referred to 6th November but it had already been reported in the the victorious battle, the death of Nelson and the “highly Gibraltar Chronicle on the 24th October. meritorious conduct” of every man of the fleet. They HMS PICKLE came to grief in 1808 when she was included news of the damage wrought on the prizes wrecked entering Cadiz harbour - just three years after because of the ensuing gales. It included the scuttling of the Battle of Trafalgar. the 130-gun Santissima Trinidad, flagship of the Spanish Brian Goldacre fleet - The greatest warship ever built.

4 5 6 7 NAVAL ENSIGNS AT TRAFALGAR EDITORIAL NOTICES This year, many of us have seen postage stamps, posters, Old Ratepayer magazines, photos and news cuttings oil paintings and photographs of paintings of Admiral Lord I am always willing to give a good home to any of these Nelson. On many of them he is shown in the foreground and can promise they will be well looked after. Tel: 9224 with a in the background. These ships are 0653. invariably flying an ensign. Age Concern Cowplain - will be holding Coffee Confusingly, I have noticed that three different naval Mornings on Friday the 7th October and Friday 4th ensigns have been used - red, blue and white. Research November from 10am to 11.45am at the Borrow Day has revealed that, up to and beyond the battle of Trafalgar, Centre, Padnell Road, Cowplain (Opposite Co-op). Stalls, there were indeed three different coloured ensigns used to raffles, etc. All welcome to attend. identify which squadron of the Fleet a ship belonged to. St. Wilfrid's Church will be holding a Cakes Bakes In the chaos of a sea battle it must have been extremely with TRAIDCRAFT on Saturday 29th October from difficult to identify whether a ship was flying an English 10am to 12 noon at the Age Concern Hall, Padnell naval ensign or a foreign flag because three quarters of the Road, Cowplain. naval ensign could be one of three possible colours. SNAP (Say No And Phone) disco will take place on Before the battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Lord Nelson, who Saturday 29th October from 7pm to 11pm at the was the Vice Admiral of the white squadron, directed that Havant Leisure Centre. These events enable 11 - 17 all ships were to fly the white ensign. Whether its use during year olds to enjoy a good night out in a drug and the battle assisted in identifying friend from foe is unclear, alcohol free environment. Entry is by ticket, £4 in but it was not until 1864 when all Royal Navy ships were advance. Tel: 9247 6026 or visit Havant or Waterlooville officially ordered to wear the White Ensign. Leisure Centres. Supported by Neighbourhood Watch The present design dates from 1801. It was further and the Local Police. decreed that ships in the public service would fly the blue Watelooville And District Philatelic Society will meet ensign and the red ensign would be used by all other on Friday 21st October at the Westbrook Hall, Tempest British ships. I consulted: Avenue, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Subject: Members 'Signal!' by Captain Barrie Kent, Royal Navy; Interests - Any material. 'Nelson - An Illustrated History' by the National Maritime Museum St George's Church, Waterlooville holds Coffee www.royal-navy.mod.uk Mornings every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to in order to compile this article. 12 noon in St George's Hall. All proceeds to charity. Geoff Lynch Waterlooville Town Market - each Friday in the Precinct. EVENTS WITH A MARITIME FLAVOUR St. George's Market is held every Thursday in St. Royal Navy Treasures at Explosion, Gosport. Rare George's Church Hall, Waterlooville, 9.30am - 11.30am. opportunity to see some of the Royal Navy treasures that Home made cakes, produce, cards, crafts, eggs, plants, have been collected over the centuries. Tel: 9250 5600 or etc. Coffee and tea also available. visit www.explosion.org.uk. RE-ACTION (Tools for self-reliance) - If you have any tools Watercolour Exhibition at Uppark, near Petersfield from suitable for refurbishment then contact Bob Ginger Tel: 9226 6th September to 20th October. A collection of 8762. contemporary watercolours by Captain James Cottell RM, Ark Angels are holding Table-Top Sales with refreshments a veteran of the Trafalgar campaign. (Not open on Fridays on Saturday 1st October at St George's Hall, Waterlooville or Saturdays). Tel: 01730 825415 or visit from 10.30am to 3.30pm and on Saturday 15th October at www.nationtrust.org.uk/places/uppark. Lovedean Village Hall from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. All proceeds Trafalgar 200 Celebration Concert at The Chapel, Royal to support Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter. Tel: 9278 7233 Victoria Country Park Netley on 15th October. Songs, band, for more details. poetry and dance with a Trafalgar and Lord Nelson theme. Charity Sale - will take place on Saturday 15th October at Tel: 8064 1882 or visit www.hants.gov/rvcp. Age Concern, Padnell Road, Cowplain from 10am to 12 Trafalgar Gun Firing and Firework Spectacular at noon. Various stalls, crafts, raffle, refreshments, etc. All Explosion! Gosport on 21st October. Cannons will be fired proceeds to Rowans' Hospice. to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, followed by a firework spectacular. Tel: 9250 5600 or visit Lovedean Village Hall is holding a Car Boot and Table www.explosion.org.uk. Top Sale on Sunday 2nd October from 2pm. Tel: 9259 Guns From the Sea at the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson, 3904 or 9259 6636 for details. Fareham on the 22nd and 23rd October. To commemorate Horndean Hoppers Pre school - Nearly New Sale of Trafalgar Day, watch seaborne weapons in action from children’s clothing, equipment and toys. Saturday 8th Tudor times to the present day. Tel: 01329 233734 or visit October 2005 at Lovedean Village Hall, 2pm to 4pm. Sellers www.royalarmouries.org.uk/visit/fortnelson. must have a sellers number and sellers pack. For terms and For further details of these and other events Tel: 0800 conditions contact Tel: 9279 9670. 028 0888 or visit www.hants.gov.uk/SeaBritain2005. ROWANS HOSPICE COWPLAIN SCHOOL - 75th ANNIVERSARY Voices for Hospices - The Rowans celebrates World 3rd to 8th OCTOBER 2005 Hospice Day on Friday 7th October with a Musical We will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary with a Extravaganza at St Thomas’s Cathedral, Portsmouth programme of events held during week commencing 3rd commencing at 7pm. On Sunday 30th October, the Annual October. Memorial and Thanksgiving Service will take place at St If you were a past pupil or member of staff, we hope Thomas’s Cathedral, Portsmouth commencing at 3pm. that you will be able to join us. Details for the above Tel: 9225 0001. A Trafalgar Night For further information or tickets, please see the school’s Dinner will take place at Denmead Community Centre on website www.cowplain.hants.sch.uk or Tel: 9236 5571. 21st October Tel: 9226 4012 for details.

8 WATERLOOVILLE AND DISTRICT EDUCATION AND YOUTH SERVICES RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Area Education Officer (Area 3), Havant Local (Covering the Wards of Cowplain, Stakes, Waterlooville Education Office, River Way, Havant, Tel: 9249 8200. and Hart Plain including part of Lovedean) PRE-SCHOOL Affiliated to the Hants. Fed. of Residents’ Associations For information please contact the Pre-School Learning Alliance, Mill Hill Early Years Centre, Mill President: Mr. D. Foyle I.S.M., Tel: 9225 7467 Road, Waterlooville. Tel: 9223 3994. Vice President: Mrs. J. Rea, Tel: 9225 8261 INFANT, PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS Chairman: Mrs. L. Bowden Hart Plain Infant School, Hart Plain Avenue. Tel: 9226 Vice Chairman: Mr. D. Pink, Tel: 9224 0653. 2511 Hon. Treasurer: Mr. N. Chedzey, 103 Sutton Road, Hart Plain Junior School. Hart Plain Avenue. Tel: 9226 Cowplain, Waterlooville, PO8 8PT, Tel: 9242 6575 3200 Hon. Secretary & Minutes Secretary: Miss Kim Horndean C.E. (Cont.) Junior School, Five Heads Readman Road. Tel: 9259 2236 Horndean Infant School, Merchistoun Road. Tel: 9259 Distribution Manager: Mrs Walker, Tel: 9225 7305 3453 The WDRA welcomes Gemma Puntis to the editorial team. Hulbert Junior School, Springwood Avenue. Tel: 9225 ADVERTISING 8011 Meadowlands Infant School, 35 Woodcroft Lane, There is no advertising space currently available. Lovedean. Tel: 9259 3939 For other enquiries contact the Business Manager Meadowlands Junior School, 37 Woodcroft Lane. Tel: at 11 Ruskin Way, Waterlooville, PO8 8JX. 9259 1616 or email [email protected] Padnell Infant School, Padnell Avenue. Tel: 9226 3784 NEXT BLOOD DONATION SESSIONS Padnell Junior School, Padnell Road. Tel: 9225 2752 Friday October 7th 1:30pm to 3:25pm and 4:30pm to Purbrook Infant School, Aldermoor Road East, 7:15pm at St Wilfrid's Church, Padnell Road, Cowplain. Purbrook. Tel: 9261 0761 Purbrook Junior School, Address as above. Tel: 9225 Tuesday October 11th 1:30pm to 3:25pm and 4:30pm 4577 to 7:15pm and Tuesday November 1st 1:30pm to 3:25pm Queens Inclosure Primary School, Corneilius Drive, and 4:30pm to 7:15pm at WACA (Behind ASDA). Cowplain. Tel: 9226 8067 St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Stakes Hill Rd, USEFUL INFORMATION Waterlooville. Tel: 9226 2599 Waterlooville Police Station: Swiss Road Waterlooville, Stakes Hill Infant School, Springwood Avenue. Tel: Hants. PO7 7FX. Tel: 999 in emergencies or 0845 045 9226 2078 4545 for non-emergency calls, giving your details, your Waite End Primary School, Mill Road. Tel: 9225 6955 address or location, and the information or assistance you SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND POST 16 COLLEGES require. The switchboard should then put you through to * Cowplain Community School, Hart Plain Avenue. the relevant department to assist you. Most incidents will be Tel: 9261 2020 attended by an officer from one of the shifts, with the The Crookhorn Community School, Stakes Hill Rd. community beat officer concentrating on long term Tel: 9225 1120 problems. You can also leave information-only messages, Horndean Technical College, Barton Cross, dealt with in strict confidence, on the Crimestoppers Tel: Horndean. Tel: 9259 4325 0800 555 111. † Oaklands R.C. School, Stakes Hill Road. Tel: 9225 Registrar of Births and Deaths: “Fernglen” Town Hall 9214 Road, Havant. Tel: 9248 2533. Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm. Purbrook Park, Park Avenue, Purbrook. Tel: 9237 0351 Mon and Tue 2pm - 3.30pm. Havant College, New Road, Havant. Tel: 9248 3856 The Southdowns College, College Road, Havant. Tel: Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Swiss Cottage, 9 St. Georges 9279 7979 Walk (Hambledon Road) Waterlooville. Tel: 9271 7700 ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION (Answer phone out of hours). Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu and All enquiries Tel: 9279 7988 Fri 10am – 3pm. Telephone advice available 1pm to 3pm SPECIAL SCHOOLS on Wed and 10am to 3pm on Thu on Tel: 08701 264 858. Sunridge Unit, Silvester Road, Cowplain. Tel: 9226 Age Concern Day Centres 1234 Cowplain: Borrow Day Centre, London Road. Tel: 9226 Havant Education Support Centre (PRU), Hart Plain Avenue, Cowplain. Tel: 9226 5386 6423. Waterloo Special School, Warfield Avenue, Disabled Information and Advice Line (DIAL) Tel: 9282 Waterlooville. Tel: 9225 5956 4853 (answer phone when closed). Rachel Madocks School, Eagle Avenue, Cowplain. Tel: Good Neighbours Schemes: Cowplain Tel: 9225 4090. 9224 1818 Waterlooville Tel: 9226 6005. (Help line 9am - 6 pm. Mon Woodlands Education Centre, 18 Hemlock Road, to Fri. For assistance with collecting prescriptions, lifts, Cowplain. Tel: 9226 5042 YOUTH PROVISION AND COUNSELLING small odd jobs and errands.) T.A.S.K. After School Club is open to anyone in the Community Centres and Halls: Waterlooville/Cowplain Area. Tel: 9249 8377 for details. Westbrook Hall Tel:9243 2828, Wecock Tel: 9225 8423, Cowplain Youth Centre, Cowplain School, Hart Plain Waterlooville Tel: 9225 6823, Cowplain Tel: 9226 7029, Avenue, Cowplain. Tel: 9223 1042 Stakes Tel: 9224 0166, Merchistoun Hall Tel: 9259 7114, Off The Record, Youth Counselling and Advice. Tel: Lovedean Village Hall Tel: 9259 6636. Deverell Hall 9247 4724 Purbrook Tel: 9243 0217. KUMON MATHS An after school club takes place on Tuesdays and Havant and District MENCAP, Anders House, Milton Fridays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm at Waterlooville Community Road. Available for hire. Tel: 9225 7636. Centre. Tel: 01730 231287 for details. Street Lighting Defects These should be reported on * Main Stream Schools with special provision. Tel: 0800 50 60 60 quoting the number on the lamp post. † Schools with Post 16 provision.

9 10 11 12 HALLOWE’EN: WHAT AND WHY?

Many children will be shouting “trick or treat!” on HOW DID IT ALL START? neighbours’ doorsteps, dressed as vampires and witches The festival of ‘Samhain’ was celebrated by the Celts. It (or perhaps Batman and Robin); some will head off to marked the end of summer and the time when the real and parties for a night of nibbles and apple bobbing; others the supernatural worlds temporarily collided. This would will carve funny or spooky faces out of giant orange pieces mean strange ‘creatures’ walking the Earth. With winter of fruit – but where did Hallowe’en come from? Is it merely came the New Year (1st November then). Fires were lit in fun and games, or does it have more sinister roots? the hopes of reawakening the sun and banishing all evil. WHAT’S IN A NAME? Witches and their notorious black cats were burnt because The name derives from ‘All Saints’ Day’/ ‘Holy Day’/ of their apparent evil magic. Though spirits, witches and ‘Hallowed Day’, and because, many centuries ago, Jews ghosts are no longer considered such troublesome threats, and Christians seemingly began each new day at dusk, we still see pranks and mischief today. the ‘Hallowed Day’ actually began with ‘Hallowed On the other hand, Christians on this day remembered Even(ing)’. We still celebrate on the so-called night before, the Saints and their martyrdom. Ironically, with two that is, 31st October. celebrations merging, holy people were honoured at the WHAT GOES ON AND WHY? same time evil spirits were being remembered. The theme of Hallowe’en is all things spooky, particularly SO… in the colours black and orange. Elements of autumn, The Celts marked the end of summer and the meeting including scarecrows and pumpkins, are also involved. of the two worlds; the Christians celebrated ‘All Saints’ ‘Jack-o-Lantern’ is the real term for the carved pumpkin. Eve’; the Romans, who invaded and incorporated their It’s spooky, glowing face was once intended to ward off own ideas, honoured the dead, as well as the harvest, and evil spirits. Other vegetables, e.g. turnips, are sometimes nowadays, we just want to enjoy ourselves! So, is used in Europe today. Champions inHallowe’en first justseason! a fun holiday where families can be creative Wearing a scary costume is ironically all part of the fun with pumpkins and costumes? This is arguable. Hallowe’en during this holiday, yet historically, the ancient Celtic people is not strictly identified with one particular nation or group did so to protect themselves against evil spirits – if you of people. A mixture of beliefs concerning the supernatural were dressed as a demon you would not be bothered by world comprises the (much commercialised) holiday we one. celebrate today. Trick or treating is the main event. A treat offered to In spite of many discussions, little is actually known those dressed up at your front door is favourable to an concerning Hallowe’en – a hybrid of facts and theories unexpected prank! This idea allegedly originates from the exist. What is understood is that many customs have Celts, who believed the spirits would try to return to a transcended the ages, perhaps being reinterpreted along house they once lived in. So, in an attempt to appease the way, rendering Hallowe’en a combination of various them, the people left nice food treats on their doorsteps. historical ceremonies. However, the angry ghosts would choose to vandalise farms Gemma Puntis and spook the animals. REFERENCES CBBC Newsround website; Celebrations, the Complete Book of American Holidays p258; Hallowe’en Through Twenty Centuries, Ralph Linton; Spooky Hallowe’en Entertainments, Circa 1920; Wikipedia; Year of Festivals p76; www.theherald.org Oct 1999.

HAVANT AREA BUS NEWS IS YOUR ELECTRIC BLANKET SAFE? Stagecoach Service 39, Havant - Waterlooville - Wecock Recent checks in Hampshire have found only 45% of Farm circular. Owing to increased pressure on its bus electric blankets to be safe to use. This year Hampshire subsidy budget, the County Council has withdrawn funding County Council Trading Standards Officers have teamed for three lightly used, late evening journeys on Sundays. up with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Havant From 2nd October, the last round trip from Havant will Borough Council to provide more opportunities to get commence at 7.20pm. The Monday - Saturday timetable is your blanket tested. The test is free but space is limited unaffected by this change. and you do need to book an appointment on Tel: 01329 Timetables for Stagecoach services are available on: 316183. The date for testing is Thursday 13th October www.stagecoachbus.com. and the venue is Havant Fire Station, Park Way, Havant. First Service X40, Southsea - Catherington Lane, Monday Be a bright spark and get your blanket tested! to Friday. Owing to increased pressure on its bus subsidy CHRISTMAS 2005 budget, the County Council has withdrawn funding for two Yes, I know you are probably still trying to recover from lightly-used journeys on route X40. After the end of service the excesses of your summer holiday but the next bank on 30th September, the 5.30pm journey from Southsea to account draining episode, Christmas, is not too far away. Catherington and the 6.05pm journey from Commercial If you are planning an event during the festive period Road to Wecock Farm will no longer run. Alternative journeys then I need to know by the end of September. are available on Service 40. Please submit your material to the Business Manager – The Plusbus scheme has been introduced into contact details on Page 9. Portsmouth. Plusbus offers unlimited bus travel for between £1.50 and £3 a day when you buy a rail day-return ticket – Help in Bereavement - Trained visitors to stand for details see www.plusbus.info. by you when you need a friend. Tel: 9266 8884.

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