- Captain Edward Smith
A very special Titanic Taste Test will take place on Wednesday, 2 November, as work begins to create an annual tribute to Stoke-on-Trent born sea captain, Edward Smith.
The Lord Mayor’s office at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, working with partners including Burslem based Titanic Brewery are planning a Gala dinner to mark 100 years since Captain Smith bravely went down with his ship.
There are hopes that the event could become part of an annual Titanic Festival – a Potteries equivalent of the Scottish Burn’s Night.
The brewery has supplied a copy of the opulent 10 course menu and recipes to local civic catering company, Jenkinsons.
And representatives from the organising group will visit Jenkinsons’ kitchens in Stafford on Wednesday, 2 November, to try out some sample dishes.
Dave Bott, Director of Titanic Brewery, said: “It is well known that the brewery was named as an affectionate tribute to the fact that Captain Smith was born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
“His is a remarkable story. From humble beginnings at 51 Well Street, Hanley, Edward Smith rose to become the most prominent sea captain of his era.
“The story of Titanic’s tragic maiden voyage is familiar to most people. Captain Smith stayed at his post to the end, choosing to go down with his ship after overseeing an evacuation.
“Accounts show that he remained dignified, rallying crew members with the words “Be British” as the ship was lost.”
2012 is the 100th anniversary of the tragedy and a series of commemorative events are being planned.
Titanic hit an iceberg at 11.40pm on 14 April, 1912. The great liner – the pride of the White Star shipping line – eventually sank at 2.20am on 15 April, 2012.
Captain Smith went down with his ship after organising an evacuation which led to 706 lives being saved.
Plans are being finalised to hold tributes in Stoke-on-Trent including a Gala Dinner at the Kings Hall, Stoke, with a menu taken from the 10 course meal enjoyed by first class passengers on the Titanic’s final day.
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For further information contact Dave Bott on 01782 823447
Note to editors:
Captain Smith, born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, went down with his ship after organising an evacuation which led to 706 lives being saved.
He is believed to have uttered the words “Be British” shortly before the Titanic sank at 2.23am on 15 April, 2012.
Titanic’s full range of beer can be seen on the company’s award winning website at www.titanicbrewery.co.uk Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem in 1985 and has grown to produce more than two million pints of fine ale every year. It is owned by Stafford born brothers Keith and Dave Bott. Keith is President of SIBA, the society of independent brewers. The brewery name is in recognition of Stoke-on-Trent as the birthplace of Captain Edward Smith, Master of the ill fated Titanic ocean liner.
Titanic Stout won the most prized best beer in a bottle award at the 2009 Great British Beer Festival and Titanic ales recently picked up a hat trick of awards from West Midlands CAMRA members.