Latest news with #LordNelson
Fashion United
01-08-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Sailmaker Ratsey & Lapthorn launches handcrafted accessories
British brand Ratsey & Lapthorn, the world's oldest sailmaker, is expanding into the lifestyle sector with a line of handcrafted leather and canvas bags inspired by its unique heritage. The expansion is described as a 'bold new chapter' for the heritage brand, which has made sails for some of the world's most iconic vessels, including Lord Nelson's HMS Victory, John F Kennedy's Manitou, the Gucci family's Creole and British and American challengers for the America's Cup. Under the stewardship of former seasoned fund manager Simon Brazier (chairman) and sailing industry veteran Jim Hartley (chief executive), the new premium accessories collection comprises styles that echo functional pieces from its archive, celebrating both the spirit of classic sailing and the beauty of its craftsmanship honed over nearly 250 years of continuous operation. The collection has been designed to highlight the brand's 'deep but lesser-known history as a maker of bags,' with Ratsey & Lapthorn producing some of the earliest precursors of the modern tote, dating back to the late 19th century. Originally fashioned from decommissioned sails and surplus cloth, these were used to transport coal and ice to ships in harbour. Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn The newly designed range, in collaboration with UK-based artisans, including Ratsey and Lapthorn's own sailmakers on the Isle of Wight, is described as a 'natural extension' of the brand's legacy in both form and function, with each style inspired by authentic and utilitarian pieces in the brand's archive. The launch collection comprises of eight styles, made in small, numbered editions, which have been handmade in England and Italy. Each of the bags draws inspiration from the world of sailing and utilises the same heritage techniques and materials, such as hand-woven cord and individually tied knots, to hand-sewn brass eyelets and intricate rats' tails. Selected styles are customisable with bespoke sailors' knot charms, and all include embedded NFC technology enabling traceability. Ratsey & Lapthorn expands into luxury lifestyle sector with bag collection Commenting on the collection launch, Hartley said in a statement: "For over 200 years, Ratsey & Lapthorn have been custodians of a living craft, passed down meticulously from master to apprentice. 'We believe in a quality and soul that comes only from the human hand, and we are resolute in our commitment to keeping these skills alive for the future. Breathing new life into our long heritage in bags is a critical part of this effort.' Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn Highlights include the 'Ditty,' a bucket silhouette, priced at 2,000 pounds, which has a structured leather base, drawstring rope closure, and linen canvas outer. The bag is constructed by hand in Somerset by British craftswoman Katie Robarts-Arnold before heading to Ratsey's sailmakers to insert eight brass eyelets and refine the leather base, before being finished by Sue Pennison, a member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, who hand-makes the cord, ties the lanyard handle and fastens the ropework to the bag. Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn Other key looks include the 'Ratsey' structured canvas tote with leather handles, a sturdy Italian leather base and diamond stitching reinforcement, the 'Ratpack' a versatile duffel shape bag inspired by the stackable bags used by crew members in the mid-20th century, and the 'Rat' clutch, which offers a playful style that celebrates the brand's unique red crescent sail marque in two sizes. The debut collection is available direct-to-consumer via the brand's website. Prices range from 300 to 2,000 pounds. Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn Ratsey & Lapthorn bag collection Credits: Ratsey & Lapthorn
Western Telegraph
28-07-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
That Reminds Me: R.E. Porter's visit to Milford Docks
And being a Milfordian, most of these flashbacks are concentrated on my home town's history. Today's offering is about people. Well-known names from Milford's wonderful old fishland days, and comes from an article originally written in The Fish Traders Gazette of October 1938 by R.E. Porter who'd visited the town and, under the heading of "MEN WHO MADE MILFORD HAVEN" wrote this about the docks and fishing fraternity. I found it an interesting insight into some of the people whose names I recognised, but never knew. Here's how R.E. Porter described his visit: "What memories I carried away from Milford. You have to spend an evening in the Merchants' Club, or the Lord Nelson, or preferably both, and Milford, and its men, and its history, are unfolded to you bit by bit in the most clubbable, the most friendly atmosphere. And Mine Host of the Nelson, who looks like an all-in wrestler and talks like Stentor himself, can show you relics of Nelson days, hold you spell bound with a song, and converse on almost anything. "FIRST, 74 year old Thomas Jenkerson, non-smoker, teetotaller, is one of the most remarkable men who have helped to produce Milford. The Sybil (Image: Jeff Dunn) "Before you enter his office you are confronted with notices galore concerning all sorts of matters from the handling of carbide of of calcium, to the Milford Haven Fishing Industry Hospital Fund. "And TJ's personality immediately impresses itself upon you and makes you feel as if you have none. "When he recalls the yesteryears he unfolds a thrilling trade romance, but it is because of his modesty you have to get the facts about himself from someone else. "It was 50 years ago (1888) that TJ came to the West. He came from Yarmouth with some smacks and his principles; his business acumen and his perseverance were to put him among the Milford leaders. "Today he is chairman of the Ice Co., chairman of the Trawler Supply Stores, and chairman of the Milford Haven Engineering and Ship Repairing Co., as well as being chief of the firm that bears his name. TJ remembers the 'Sybil' steaming into the newly constructed docks in 1888, remembers fondly, too, the 7 smacks he owned before the war. Then he changed to steam and his fleet of 16 today is among the most modern afloat, every boat Marconi equipped with wireless, automatic depth finders, direction finders and so forth. "TJ can let you have it straight from the shoulder when he feels that way, but ask his staff about him. "They say he's the best boss going. And, is punctuality one of his strong points? I should say it is. He is in the office at 7:30am every morning and rarely leaves before 5 in the afternoon. When he used to live at a house named 'Marble Hall,' he was nicknamed locally as 'The Marble Hall Clock' because people could set their clocks by his regular departure. "They still talk in Milford of the fortunes that have been won and lost there, especially the fortunes won and lost by the Belgian skippers in the Great War, when "bubbly" flowed like water at the Lord Nelson. "Such times Horace Fiddy recalled, using the word 'paralytic' more than somewhat. Horace is a partner in the firm John Pettit. I openly doubted his word when he told me he was a grandfather, for he looked a mere 40. "Across an outsize table in his office he told me about Milford pioneer John Pettit, who died four year's last May (1934) and deprived the port, and the fishing industry of a precious character. Yet John Pettit, one of the original Barking Creek men, was self educated. He ran away from home to go to the into the fishing industry, and he left it the richer. Horace Fiddy (Fiddy is an East Coast name) talks little about himself, but I gathered he'd been in Milford for 33 years. He started when he was 15. That gives his age away. But what a young grandfather, anyway. "I had to tip-toe to shake hands with James C. Ward, 6' 3" general manager of the Milford Haven Docks Co.. notable son of a notable father, James represents the spirit of youth, the spirit of enterprise, and though I am bound not to give any secrets away, I can say that he is hot on the tracks of a scheme or two calculated benefit Milford Haven. In short, James is upholding the honoured traditions of the Dock Co. For hobbies he sails, hunts and takes affectionate interest in his two quite valuable Australian terriers which are worth more than I am!" The days of the smacks (Image: Jeff Dunn) I'll probably return to R.E. Porter's docks memories at a later date, and there were a few ads in the Fish Traders Gazette which enthralled me: "New Season's Hungarian Chickens. Packed 12 in a box.1-3lbs." For some reason it reminded me of Manuel's "Siberian hamster" in Fawlty Towers! Another ad which intrigued my warped mind was: "Reg. Cook, The Frier's Merchant, Skate and Dogs a speciality." Here are two pics relating to Thomas Jenkerson's memories, the Sybil, the first trawler to enter the new docks, and one from the days of the smacks. That's me done for this week. Here's a few words of wisdom from Helen Keller: "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Take care, please stay safe.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shocking moment Antiques Roadshow expert is BOOED by BBC crowd after 'low blow' joke fails to impress
An expert on Antiques Roadshow failed to impress the crowd with a 'low blow' joke. Matthew Haley was presented with an intriguing letter written by Lord Nelson about a sheep during an episode of the BBC show which first aired back in 2015 and was recently repeated. The guest explained it was given to her step-father's great-great-great grandfather who 'was given the sheep by Captain Bainton'. She added: 'He was the captain of HMS Leviathan at the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson gave Captain Bainton a sheep.' The honourable sheep lived through the Battle of Trafalgar 'and then when Captain Bainton came back to the UK, he then gave the sheep and the letter to William Raymond and this is the letter,' the guest revealed. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Matthew Haley was presented with an intriguing letter written by Lord Nelson about a sheep during an episode of the BBC show which aired back in 2015 The guest (pictured) explained it was given to her step-father's great-great-great grandfather who 'was given the sheep by Captain Bainton' Matthew was taken aback by the letter and commented: 'Absolutely bizarre. It certainly is the first Nelson that I've ever come across that talks about sheep. 'Here he is, writing from HMS Victory in June 1805, a few months before the Battle of Trafalgar,' he commented. The expert added: 'He's gone to the West Indies and he says 'I don't know how you're doing for stock but all I got in the West Indies was one sheep which I can give you'. 'And the sheep went on board and it went to the Battle of Trafalgar.' Matthew explained how the Royal Navy would have farm animals on their boats to help feed the sailors. He said: 'It looks like the sheep was given some sort of award for its duty in Trafalgar.' The guest replied: 'Well somehow it survived, came back and William Raymond the farmer who was given the sheep, crossed it with some south Devon sheep and said it had really good progeny, was well known for its beauty and fleece.' 'So the sheep won a medal, really, really fantastic,' Matthew commented. A 'boo' sound appeared to come from the surrounding crowd as well as a few laughs and the guest chuckled as she commented: 'Low blow.' He went on to reveal it was a written by Nelson with his left hand and was 'very collectable'. 'At auction, I would really see it making certainly in excess of £5,000,' Matthew said. The guest looked surprised and said: 'Wowzers.' Matthew then attempted to make a sheep joke and quipped: 'Not much of a baa-gain.' A 'boo' sound appeared to come from the surrounding crowd as well as a few laughs and the guest chuckled as she commented: 'Low blow.'
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shocking moment Antiques Roadshow expert is BOOED by BBC crowd after ‘low blow' joke fails to impress
An expert on Antiques Roadshow failed to impress the crowd with a 'low blow' joke. Matthew Haley was presented with an intriguing letter written by Lord Nelson about a sheep during an episode of the BBC show which first aired back in 2015 and was recently repeated. The guest explained it was given to her step-father's great-great-great grandfather who 'was given the sheep by Captain Bainton'. She added: 'He was the captain of HMS Leviathan at the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson gave Captain Bainton a sheep.' The honourable sheep lived through the Battle of Trafalgar 'and then when Captain Bainton came back to the UK, he then gave the sheep and the letter to William Raymond and this is the letter,' the guest revealed. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Matthew Haley was presented with an intriguing letter written by Lord Nelson about a sheep during an episode of the BBC show which aired back in 2015 Matthew was taken aback by the letter and commented: 'Absolutely bizarre. It certainly is the first Nelson that I've ever come across that talks about sheep. 'Here he is, writing from HMS Victory in June 1805, a few months before the Battle of Trafalgar,' he commented. The expert added: 'He's gone to the West Indies and he says 'I don't know how you're doing for stock but all I got in the West Indies was one sheep which I can give you'. 'And the sheep went on board and it went to the Battle of Trafalgar.' Matthew explained how the Royal Navy would have farm animals on their boats to help feed the sailors. He said: 'It looks like the sheep was given some sort of award for its duty in Trafalgar.' The guest replied: 'Well somehow it survived, came back and William Raymond the farmer who was given the sheep, crossed it with some south Devon sheep and said it had really good progeny, was well known for its beauty and fleece.' 'So the sheep won a medal, really, really fantastic,' Matthew commented. A 'boo' sound appeared to come from the surrounding crowd as well as a few laughs and the guest chuckled as she commented: 'Low blow.' He went on to reveal it was a written by Nelson with his left hand and was 'very collectable'. 'At auction, I would really see it making certainly in excess of £5,000,' Matthew said. The guest looked surprised and said: 'Wowzers.' Matthew then attempted to make a sheep joke and quipped: 'Not much of a baa-gain.' A 'boo' sound appeared to come from the surrounding crowd as well as a few laughs and the guest chuckled as she commented: 'Low blow.'
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Permission sought to retain Lord Nelson statue in Chichester
Permission is being sought to keep a statue featuring Lord Nelson in place in a West Sussex city for another statue of the famous naval commander alongside his friend Sir George Murray was erected in 2020 outside Murray's former home in North Street in Chichester. Planning permission was given for five years and an extension is being sought from Chichester District Council while "allowing time to decide on, and arrange, a permanent placement for it".The statue, by sculptor Vincent Gray, was awarded a Public and Community Award by Sussex Heritage Trust in 2022. George Murray was born in Chichester in 1759 and joined the Royal Navy when he was 11, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. A plaque next to the sculpture reads: "He rose swiftly through the ranks and first served under Admiral Nelson in 1801 when the two men became close friends. Murray was Nelson's Captain of the Fleet but had to miss the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 as he was sorting out the estate of his late father-in-law."Had he been there, it was likely that he would have been at Nelson's side when he died, rather than Hardy," the plaque reads. George Murray became Mayor of Chichester in 1815, the year he was knighted, and died in the city in Nelson led the Royal Navy to one of its most famous victories at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October was killed during the battle aged 47 after being shot by a French sniper.
