The Trafalgar Way - The People

Bill White

Chairman of The New Trafalgar Dispatch and former Chairman of the 1805 Club

Bill's Dispatch:

"The New Trafalgar Dispatch in 2005 established The Trafalgar Way along the old coaching route from Falmouth to the Admiralty in London. Its key aim was to counter the 'Sea Blindness' manifest in the public mind, especially about the myriad historical achievements of the Royal Navy, our Senior Service. This was aggravated by the fact that Naval facilities are shore-based and in consequence, the Royal Navy has a much lower inland presence than the other Services.

Therefore, we needed to generate greater awareness inland of the Navy's achievements. Driving a post-chaise along the old 271 mile coaching route taken by Lt Lapenotiere from Falmouth to London in 1805, now known as The Trafalgar Way, achieved this aim because most of the route is remote from the coast.

The drive in 2005 proved a great success. Thousands of people turned out to see the events staged at the 21 locations where Lt Lapenotiere changed horses on his epic journey, marker plaques being unveiled in commemoration. It was clear from the enthusiasm of those attending that they possessed an underlying pride in the Royal Navy that merely needed a focus of expression.

In 2018 and into the future, we intend to build on the 2005 foundation and establish a wide range of activities that will permanently consolidate the relationship between the Royal Navy and The Trafalgar Way."

The late Peter Warwick (1949-2019)

Former Chairman of The 1805 Club and Vice-Chairman of The Official Nelson Commemorations Committee for 2005

Peter's Dispatch:

"During the build-up to the bicentenary of Trafalgar in 2005, it was recognised that distinctive events would be the best way to reach out to the country and indeed the world. Four of them succeeded admirably: The International Fleet Review and Son et Lumière both held in Portsmouth, the reconstruction of Lord Nelson's river-borne funeral procession on the River Thames and The New Trafalgar Dispatch.

Unlike the others, The Trafalgar Way enabled the New Trafalgar Dispatch to create a legacy as well as memories. More than a decade later, it continues to stir the imagination and reaches out to future generations with the fascinating story of Lieutenant Lapenotiere's delivery of Admiral Lord Collingwood's Dispatch in 1805. This in turn helps to highlight the continuing role of today's Royal Navy and the importance of sea power, both of which are too often hidden from public view.

The Trafalgar Way is being re-invigorated with imaginative, accessible and fun ideas, which, in turn, will attract and involve a fresh and wide-ranging throng of people, families and interests. With your participation, we shall make The Trafalgar Way as well-known and enjoyable as any other national trail or route."

Kathy Brown

Director, The Trafalgar Way

Born in Malta to naval parents, and a former pupil of The Royal Naval School in Surrey, Kathy trained in French, Business and Computer Science before embarking on an interesting career in IT, leisure and tourism. She was appointed to the role of Director of The Trafalgar Way in January 2018, bringing her full circle to her earlier Royal Navy connections. Her background in building business partnerships, creating and running her own business and her love of games, fun and storytelling are elements she draws upon in developing The Trafalgar Way for future generations to enjoy.

Kathy's Dispatch:

"For me, the most compelling thing about The Trafalgar Way is the story itself. Yes, it's a historic coaching route from Falmouth to London. Yes, it's a trail of plaques along a fabulous, winding course which spans several beautiful counties and yes, it's a tremendous charitable initiative which will boost our national heritage quotient. It's all those things. However, if you ask me, 'What is The Trafalgar Way?' my first response will always be: 'It's an amazing story!' It's a story with context, characters, intrigue and loss. There's a beginning, a middle and the story continues with all of us. I feel hugely privileged to be playing my own role in developing the plot.

My focus is on delivering a range of initiatives which will help people from many communities to engage with and learn about the story behind The Trafalgar Way and to build their own adventures. Please join us for the ride!"

Peter Hore

Author of "News of Nelson" and "HMS Pickle, the Swiftest Ship in Nelson's Trafalgar Fleet"

Peter's research in the run-up to the 2005 bicentenary celebrations and the years since then has provided the historical foundation for the retelling of Lapenotiere's epic mission. His published works and his ongoing advice in forming The Trafalgar Way story have been invaluable to the team.

Adam Preston

Campaign Consultant

Adam Preston is a screenwriter and novelist who has written extensively about Lord Nelson, Emma Hamilton and the Georgian Navy. Adam has written scripts for Working Title Television and Trinamite Productions amongst others as well as journalism for Sight and Sound, The Times, The Financial Times and The Times Literary Supplement. He has written and directed a series of short films which have been shown at festivals all over the world. His most recent short, The Last Post, was also broadcast on television across the U.S. and Europe. His cartoons have been published in Private Eye and The Economist and his novel The Peppered Moth is available on Amazon.

Adam's Dispatch:

"My interest in Lord Nelson was ignited as a child when I met my great aunt Alice whose familial relationship to Nelson was identical to my familial relationship to her! Later I got the chance to research his life in great detail and I became fascinated by the many colourful characters associated with him and the wider story of those times - particularly that of the British Navy in the Georgian era. I see the Trafalgar Way as a unique piece of memorabilia - an artery that once carried the world-changing news of the Battle of Trafalgar. It is an artery which still lives and works today, providing a startling connection to the past. The more I delve into the tale of Lapenotiere and his message the more I realise how much the story of The Trafalgar Way can enlighten us about the past and enrich the present. It is a story I am really excited to be a part of."

Kate Jamieson

Social Media and Content Contributor, Council member for The 1805 Club and Society for Nautical Research

Kate cycled The Trafalgar Way in 2017 and, as a keen naval historian with a background in marketing and logistics, has been a great source of help with social media and content creation for The Trafalgar Way. Kate now works in maritime security and continues to further her naval history research, while sharing her love and deep knowledge of the subject in broadcasts, podcasts and on social media.

Kate's Dispatch:

"My love of naval history began with a visit to HMS Victory aged 8. My parents bought me a book on Horatio Nelson and it spiralled from there. In fact, in 2012 he was my specialist subject on Mastermind! Now, I'm studying for an MA in History, focusing on the Royal Navy in the eighteenth century.

In 2005, as a Sea Cadet, I was part of some of The Trafalgar Way plaque unveilings and in 2017 I cycled the Way, so now know its history (and hills!) like the back of my hand. I was amazed whilst cycling how many people had never heard of The Trafalgar Way, or even seen the plaques in their town, and so I spent a lot of time chatting to everyone I could about the history behind it, both in person and online.

Lapenotiere's journey really is an incredible story and I feel very privileged to be a part of this project!"

Alison Reijman

Former Hon. Press Officer and Council Member of The 1805 Club

Alison was once the Public Relations Officer at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where she became fascinated with the story of Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. Later, she worked for the National Trust and there, she got involved with the New Trafalgar Dispatch and provided some of the text on the Ordnance Survey's official Trafalgar Way map.

Alison's Dispatch:

"This revival of the Trafalgar Way is like becoming re-acquainted with an old friend. It offers another fantastic chance to talk about, celebrate and engage with this compelling, timeless story, which would be front page international news if it happened today. It also throws much light on the never-ending source of fantastic, little-told stories embedded in our naval and maritime history."

2005 New Trafalgar Dispatch

In addition to those named above, we pay tribute to the team who worked so hard in the run-up to the 2005 celebrations to bring about The Trafalgar Way. Their idea, research, organisational skills and successful delivery mean that today we have a new national story to tell.

There were a great many people involved, but special mention goes to:

Commander Robin Whiteside RN

The late Commander Pongo Blanchford RN

Richard James, carriage driving expert

Liz Jarman and her husband, the late Steve Jarman, carriage driving experts

The People