The village of Madron, near Penzance, celebrated one of Britain’s most famous wartime victories with a parade on Sunday, 18th October. Sailors from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose marched through the streets to remember the Battle of Trafalgar, fought in 1805 against the combined French and Spanish fleets, and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson.
The parade, led by the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band, included Royal Navy Ratings, members of the Royal Naval Association, and the Royal British Legion. It proceeded to St Maddern’s Church, the same parish church that hosted the first thanksgiving service shortly after the historic sea battle over 200 years ago.
Organised annually by Madron Parish Council, the event takes place on the Sunday closest to 21st October, the date in 1805 when an outnumbered British fleet achieved victory under Lord Admiral Nelson, who was mortally wounded in the battle. The tradition honours his ‘Immortal Memory’.
The event commemorates the story of the HMS Pickle setting sail for Falmouth with news of the victory and Nelson's death, passing the information to fishermen in Mount’s Bay. They reportedly alerted the then Mayor of Penzance, Thomas Giddy, who led a procession to Madron Parish Church where the Nelson Banner was paraded for the first time. A replica of this banner is now kept in the church and paraded each year.
Mayor of Penzance Cllr Andy Law commented on the event: “It is a privilege to have been invited to be a part of the wonderful celebrations for Trafalgar Day. It is an honour to be continuing such an old and established tradition that began with Thomas Giddy, the Mayor of Penzance in 1805.”
He added: “What makes this event particularly exciting and meaningful though, is not just the historical tradition, but the present-day meaning, where the residents of Madron come together to celebrate their local community and to pay their respects to current serving armed forces personnel from RNAS Culdrose, Veterans and Sea Cadets.”
Chairman of Madron Parish Council, Hugh Eddy, noted the strong community turnout and the spectacle of the parade, stating: “It’s actually really good community relations, I think, and gives the residents of Madron the opportunity to see the Royal Navy parade through our village.”
Following the service, the parade passed Landithy Hall, where the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose executive officer, Commander Andrew ‘Scooby’ Plenty, took the salute. Councillors Stephen Reynolds and Penny Young also represented Penzance Council at the event.
