Ready, get set…go!
On Sunday I was finally introduced to the world of tea duelling. My expectations were high, because, as I stepped on board the HMS Trincomalee, one of the first sights to catch my eye was a table full of pistols. I was a little apprehensive as I hadn’t brought a swashbuckling hero to defend me.
The atmosphere below decks was ripe for a little duelling, but first I wanted to meet up with Lynne and Richard Hardy. I knew they were exhibiting and giving lectures in the captains quarters. Normally they like to play their table top game “Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks” in a tea shop. Well, that’s just the kind of people Steampunks are- never too far from cake, or at the very least a biscuit or three.
The captain was obviously a person of taste
Up on deck, the cannon looked primed for action
- The harbour, not surprisingly, was empty of craft
Even the quay seemed bereft of people
Below deck, a curious accumulation of items for the “battle ready”?
Or had I got the wrong idea? Still, that pistol looks tricky.
There seemed to be a little problem of a rifle misfiring, so I was greatly relieved when it was set aside, and tea duelling commenced. The rules were carefully observed. How glad I was to discover that tea duelling was simply a variation on the biscuit dunking that my very own swashbuckling hero was at home, busy practising! In fact, he’s an old hand at it.
All in all, “Tiffin on the Trinc” was another example of the wacky, but harmless, exploits that I’m beginning to associate with Steampunk. I hope nobody minds me poking a little gentle fun. I’m withholding names to protect the innocent.
Lynne wrote a very nice piece on the event in her blog Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks. The snowy picture alone of the Trincomalee, at home in Hartlepool Maritime Experience, is worth a look. Her explanation is one hundred percent clearer than mine.
restlessjo 
What fun Jo! Tiffin on the Trinc sounds like something I would like to try 🙂
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If I could just get a crew together and sail the ship over there, Madhu…. 🙂
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Tea duelling is a stroke of genius, I would love to do it, being both an avid tea drinker and dunker of biscuits and other comestibles. Onboard a ship like this one is the perfect setting for it, too, I think this is utterly marvellous!
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You would fit right in, Lorna- no doubt about it! Welcome aboard 🙂
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Absolutely lovely, Jo!! I would love to go on this tour & go in fancy dress. Slyvia is right, so very British! 😀
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Chin! Chin! (clinks glasses) Strange customs we have, Tahira 🙂
I’ve missed you lately. Will pop over soon.
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That is so cool! Tea dueling….that sounds like a very exciting event. Life is all about making as much fun adventures as we can. Thanks.
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You’re home from your adventures, I see, Island Traveler. Bet you had a wonderful time in Clearwater. I was there with my family about 15 years ago! A golden memory. 🙂
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Tea duelilng – sounds lovely. Very interesting photos, so enjoyable!
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Thanks, Sartenada. I seem to have gone in a “different” direction this week, but it’s been fun. 🙂
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