A hearty time was had by all at the first Pirates Day run by Captain Ellie Conway and the Fox and Hounds Pub in South Godstone on Bank Holiday Monday. The event was opened by Sonia Hunt, the Town Crier of the district and one of the main organisers of the event. 

A big thank you to Chris and Nicky Chambers of Another Way Theatre who provided excellent music both inside the pub and in the grounds and to Beth Wood, Susy Payne and Michael Hartigan from Prospero Theatre who ran Pirate Drama sessions for the children in and around the magnificent pirate ship in the grounds of the pub. The pub, with all staff in superb pirate form, provided a wonderful pirate feast with plenty of Henchman’s Hops (a local beer brewed in memory of the pirate John Henchman who died in the pub) to wash it down. There was also stalls and games and a sheet to help you learn to ‘Speak Pirate!’

In attendance were several well known figures, most adorning pirate names and characters  including Rogue Rose (Chairman Rose Thorn) and Private Patch on loan from Tandridge Trust.

The event raised around £300 for East Park Riding for the Disabled, whose patron is Dame Judi Dench. To see the wonderful work they do go online at www.eastparkrda.org.uk

Discussions are already underway to stage the event again next year, with involvement from several schools and local community groups who have expressed an interest in taking part. Do we want to do this all again? Aye Aye Captain Conway!  

To view an interview with Beth Wood, the founder of new Theatre Company, Prospero, visit http://bit.ly/1i1NZrC