Pickle Night - 18 October

Published 13:00 on 22 Sep 2025

Pickle Night is a fun, naval-themed social occasion. It has nothing whatsoever to do with gherkins, onions or vinegar, and everything to do with the fastest little ship at Trafalgar. HMS Pickle was one of the superyachts of her day. Carefully maintained by the Admiralty her officers and crew were handpicked and her fore-and-aft rig and her copper bottom which was cleaned and repaired at least once a year gave her a speed advantage over other ships. Pickle Night celebrates the arrival in Falmouth on 4 November 1805 of Lieutenant John Lapenotiere on HMS Pickle. After arriving in Falmouth, Lapenotière took a chaise to London, stopping 21 times to change horses, to carry Admiral Sir Cuthbert Collingwood's immortal despatch to their Lordships of the Admiralty about the victory over the French and Spanish fleet at Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson. The route that Lapenotière travelled is now known as The Trafalgar Way.

Join the crew on HMS Pickle for a night to remember! Dress in the style of the occasion if you want to.

Enjoy delicious food suitable for the crew of HMS Pickle. There will be a welcome drink, then a tasty starter with shared dips etc. - followed by a good selection of pies (choice is made during the booking-in process) served with mash, vegetables and gravy (we don't want any scurvy on our ship!!! ) - and then a mouth-watering dessert to finish. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available for the main course. A gluten free option may well be available if required.

Starts at 6 bells, Last Dog Watch. (19:00)

For full details including menu and to book, go to WebCollect. Tickets cost £15.00.

Bookings close at midnight on Sunday 12 October.

If anyone requires any further information, please contact Viv, our Social Secretary

Numbers are limited to 40.

Last updated 16:41 on 6 October 2025