If you are not an islander then a little explaining needs to be done! Going back to 1965 the very 1st island duck supper was held at the Iron Rails Inn on Marygate. The inn is now sadly closed, but in its heyday the island male fraternity with invited friends from neighbouring Northumberland and border Scottish villages got together for the annual duck supper.
This great island tradition has continued to the present day with the unique celebration traditionally relying upon ducks from the local wild fowlers. Having shot their own duck in the latter part of Winter, the months of February or March is earmarked in the diary for the gathering of local menfolk on the island. The evening dinner then got underway where everybody sat down for supper and was presented with their own duck personally cooked for them. Each duck served with a hearty portion of "tatties" (potatoes) and bagies (turnips) and of course washed down with the obligatory ale and wine.
Now in its' 43rd year, The Ship Inn this year was honoured by hosting this unique event. A welcome speech was given by Andrew, the landlord, followed on by the guest speaker which this year the honour went to Clive Massey. Clive (with his wife Sue) originally owned the Lindisfarne Hotel for over 30 years and is well experienced in hosting many island Duck Suppers and was able to look back at this unique island tradition, with of course, a few hilarious tales thrown in.
This great island tradition has continued to the present day with the unique celebration traditionally relying upon ducks from the local wild fowlers. Having shot their own duck in the latter part of Winter, the months of February or March is earmarked in the diary for the gathering of local menfolk on the island. The evening dinner then got underway where everybody sat down for supper and was presented with their own duck personally cooked for them. Each duck served with a hearty portion of "tatties" (potatoes) and bagies (turnips) and of course washed down with the obligatory ale and wine.
Now in its' 43rd year, The Ship Inn this year was honoured by hosting this unique event. A welcome speech was given by Andrew, the landlord, followed on by the guest speaker which this year the honour went to Clive Massey. Clive (with his wife Sue) originally owned the Lindisfarne Hotel for over 30 years and is well experienced in hosting many island Duck Suppers and was able to look back at this unique island tradition, with of course, a few hilarious tales thrown in.
After Andrew's and Clive's speeches and with dinner over guests drank and reminisced into the early hours with the last revellers leaving around 4.00 am. This was quite early by some accounts! The feedback since was that an excellent time was had by all, in particular the ducks were cooked to perfection, with all and sundry looking forward to returning to The
Ship Inn next year.
Ship Inn next year.Photo top left shows Clive in full swing with photo left showing the "very smart brigade" appologies Robert, Jimmy, and Dick!
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