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Dear GEMmers,
You may remember my getting in touch regarding a potential 1815 anniversary project earlier this year and some of you already expressed interest. At the time, this looked to be more of an exhibition-based project, but it is now developing in a more exciting and original direction.
When Napoleon surrendered, he was held aboard HMS Bellerophon (whose crew members referred to themselves endearingly as ‘Billy Ruffians’, and whose Captain was from Fife) where he was royally entertained by the ship’s midshipmen, among others, who performed witty plays. Quite what he made of them history does not relate, but the scripts still exist. These look set to be performed in Dundee next year and could perhaps also be performed elsewhere, at appropriate venues where there was sufficient interest.
The anniversary will also be celebrated with the arrival in Scotland from the USA of a period pinnace during the spring, which will be fully restored in north-east Scotland and then sailed around the coast in July, arriving in Dundee (start point possibly Aberdeen, possibly somewhere further west). It will probably be crewed by naval personnel, but my client wishes to explore the potential for the pinnace being escorted (or possibly crewed for certain legs of the journey) by enthusiastic and experienced local sailors too. I can forward further details as required.
I would be interested in hearing from any museum or heritage site which would like to be associated with this unusual project in any way and who might have appropriate era buildings or artefacts within their collections. and would particularly value the contact details for any local rowing/sailing/canoeing clubs around the coast between Inverness and Dundee.
2015 and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo risks being forgotten within the commemorations of the more recent First World War, so I very much hope you will get in touch to find out more. Please head all e-mails in reply ‘1815 anniversary’ and I will get in touch.
With many thanks,
Verity
Verity Walker
Director
Interpretaction
Specialist consulting in heritage interpretation and community engagement
T:@walker_verity
6 Greengates Place
Fortrose
IV10 8RY
LL: +44 (0)1381 620575
Mo: +44 (0)77789 22407