Pictured: Titanic Brewery Directors Dave and Keith
Bott
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.