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March 2010. What a night! Jitterbugs, Kir Royale and delicious canapés on a fine spring night on the Thames on board HMS Belfast.
The first guests were piped on board and welcomed onto the Quarterdeck, with its spectacular views across London, where they were entertained by Jitterbug dancers and welcomed by Sales Manager, 'Captain' Kerry Mutter and General Manager, 'Admiral' Seamus Curran.
Guests included Marilyn Ambrose, KPMG; Nancy Duffy, Ernst & Young, Deborah, EDF Energy as well as Chloe Couchman and Mike Fletcher of Visit London.
On moving to the Ships Company Dining Hall, guests were treated to Kir Royale and a selection of canapés including classic beef Wellington with wild mushroom parfait; seared scallop, black pudding and peas puree and potato rosti, goats cheese and confit vine cherry tomatoes. For entertainment, a band played favourites spanning the life of HMS Belfast from 1940s to today while veterans mingled with guests telling stories of their time onboard HMS Belfast.
The piper introduced the speeches which were led by Seamus Curran. Brad King, the ship's Director said "It has been a great evening and demonstrates the power of a wonderful partnership between a museum and a catering and hospitality company like Sodexo Prestige. HMS Belfast, set within walking distance of central London, is surrounded by 2,000 years of British history and is a place where great events happen. The restoration has been meticulously researched from the original plans, historic photos and even the archaeology found as work progressed. The Wardroom bar for instance, much of which was hidden behind panelling, has emerged to take its place once again on public view."
Tours of the ship took place after the speeches and guests were shown the newly refurbished Admiral’s Quarter, the Ward and Ante Room as well as the Gun Room.
The Restorations of HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is celebrating the completion of a £250,000 restoration and refurbishment programme. The Admiral's Quarters, consisting of his private dining room and sitting room, along with the Ward & Ante Room have been carefully restored and refurbished bringing back the original character and atmosphere that would have been found in 1959. The Gun Room and The Ship's Company Dining Room have also been updated and modernised. Every effort has been taken to ensure the authenticity of the refurbishment. Archivists at Sanderson have matched new material to the original curtains as closely as possible, while the material and stitching on the lampshades have been painstakingly copied to perfection. The window casing and door framework have been stripped back to expose the original wood and the bar has been recreated complete with upward folding shutters and mounted glass holders. The flooring in the Wardroom matches the original red colour as it was transformed from the officers’ meeting area to a Ward where the injured were treated during battle and then back to the officers’ area in time of peace. The new floor, although it keeps the authentic red colour is now a carpet to add to the luxurious feel of the Wardroom and Anteroom.
Summer Parties on Board HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is the perfect summer party venue with outdoor space, incredible 360 degree views across London, iced drinks and superb catering. Guests can enjoy stunning views towards the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London from the deck of HMS Belfast while London shines at night.
From £54.00 per person, plus VAT, The Deck Party includes hire of the Boat Deck, Pimm’s reception, summer finger buffet with wine and beer and a jazz duo. The Sailors’ Summer Party costs from £63.00 per person, plus VAT and includes hire of the Quarterdeck and additional function room, Pimm’s reception, Quoits, summer finger buffet with house wine or beer, jazz duo and live band until the end of the evening.
For those who wish to indulge further, and revel in the historical surroundings of HMS Belfast there are private tours by HMS Belfast veterans, or being piped on board just like the Admiral would have been! To add vibrancy and excitement to the evening, bring in professional dancers who can present a lively and entertaining demonstration in how to jitterbug. Or why not have our period actors recreate a new recruit’s introduction onboard the Ship – with you and your guests as the recruits! Comedy and a little education in one well dressed package.
History of HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast was launched in on 17th March in 1938 and served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading role in the Battle of North Cape and in the Normandy Landings. She later supported UN forces in Korea and remained in service until 1965. In 1971 she was saved for the nation as a unique reminder of Britain's Naval Heritage and is the only surviving example of the great fleets of big gun armoured warships built for the Royal Navy in the first half of the twentieth century.
HMS Belfast, Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, London SE1 2JH
For more information or to arrange a visit please call 020 7403 6246, email hms.belfast@sodexo.com or visit www.prestigemeetings.co.uk for information on booking your meeting, conference or event on HMS Belfast.
For images or more information contact Milly Hutchinson on 07810204071 or by email on milly@millyhutchinson.co.uk