409 Dive Log Australasia December 24

neuve. And who better suited to propose the toast – one delivered in French followed by the English translation – than former Sydney Dive boat skipper, Yves Moulard. Rounding off a perfect afternoon, the surprises continued with the drawing of the Lucky Door prizes: books from the, ‘Dining With Divers’ series, donated by, Simon Pridmore, followed by the main prize of a unique – and, at $2,500.00, expensive - bio-metal ti tanium frame mask, generously donated by, Tim Bonner, Apollo Australia. A prize admired by many, the winning ticket being held by, Troy Deacon, of Mares. No Trafalgar Day lunch would be complete without stirring oratory; and what better way to capture the spirit of the day than a recita tion of that magnificent poem commemorating the action of HMS Temeraire, described by Nelson’s second in command, Vice Ad miral Collingwood, in the following terms: “… the ‘Temeraire’ was boarded by accident or design, by a French Ship on the one side and a Spaniard on the other, the contest was vigorous, but in the end the Combined Ensigns were torn from the poop, and the Brit ish hoisted in their places.” A closing feature of each, ‘Trafalgar Day’ lunch, one that always brings well-deserved and spontaneous applause from everyone present, Kieran Mcgiver’s inimitable rendition of, “The Fighting Temeraire” is – as everyone privileged to hear him will readily at test - guaranteed to bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye as he led the chorus in a final shout of: Téméraire! Téméraire! As with so many social occasions, like a birthday, a wedding, a fu neral, or even a dive show, the event itself is less important than the people it attracts; and the opportunity it presents to enjoy good company, good conversation, good food and drink, and a shared love of diving. This year’s, “Trafalgar Day Lunch” was just such an occasion.

Peter Fields, the first person to dive Tierrra Del Fuego

A bove The Victory Below: 2024 Trafalgar Day Anniversary Lunch organiser . David Strike

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DIVE LOG Australasia #409 - December ‘24