Rigby 250th Anniversary Celebrations Itinerary
15th – 16th May 2025
Dear honoured guest,
It is a privilege to welcome you to the United Kingdom to celebrate the 250th
anniversary of John Rigby & Co., Britain’s oldest gunmaker. We have several very
exciting events arranged throughout the week and many esteemed guests who are
visiting from around the world to celebrate with us.
To manage your expectations, there will be some travel time throughout the event
as locations aren’t immediately adjacent to each other. However, we have arranged
to make these journeys as fun and comfortable as possible, with the aim
of incorporating the spirit of the celebrations we have planned for you.
Three cheers for Rigby!
My very best regards,
Marc Newton
Managing Director, Rigby
Your Itinerary
A Rigby host has been allocated to your group to look after you throughout your visit.
A final version of this itinerary will be available in the welcome pack in your room on arrival.
Thursday – 15th May 2025
Dinner aboard the HMS Victory
Evening Dress code: Black tie
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 4.00pm: | Meet for drinks followed by transport from Goodwood Hound Lodge, Pook Lane, PO18 0PN to the Great Cabin Supper, HMS Victory, Portsmouth |
| 5.30pm: | Arrive at HMS Victory, Portsmouth for a behind the scenes tour of the Big Repair |
| 7.00pm: | Cocktail & Canapé reception |
| 8.00pm: | Supper served in the Great Cabin |
| 10.30pm: | Carriages, transport to return to Goodwood Hound Lodge |
Your Itinerary
Friday – 16th May 2025
Morning Shoot followed by
250th Celebrations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Morning Dress code: Range suitable
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Morning: | Simulated game shoot with Goodwood Estate |
Evening Dress code: Black tie
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5.00pm: | Transport arranged from Goodwood Hound Lodge to the 250th celebrations |
| 6.00pm: | Arrival at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Cocktails and canapés at the Rigby Safari Tent |
| 6.30pm: | Welcome by Marc Newton, Managing Director, Rigby |
| 6.30pm: | Tours of HMS Victory |
| 7.15pm: | Parade to lead guests to HMS Warrior |
| 8.05pm: | Speech by Marc Newton, Managing Director, Rigby |
| 8.15pm: | Spitfire flypast |
| 8.30pm: | Dinner is announced |
| 10.30pm: | Military band & fireworks, upper deck |
| 11.30pm: | Carriages Transport arranged to return you to Goodwood Hound Lodge |
Locations
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard showcases iconic Royal Navy ships like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, alongside interactive exhibits that bring over 800 years of British maritime history to life.
Victory Gate, HM Naval Base
Portsmouth PO1 3LJ
Accommodation
Goodwood Hound Lodge
Pook Lane,
Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PN
The Hound Lodge Butler team will be ready for your arrival with tea and cake from 3:00pm.
Packing Essentials
In addition to your regular travel essentials, please note that you will need:
Black tie for dinner
Contact Information
Tony Sinnett
PA to Marc Newton
tony@johnrigbyandco.com
Sophie Charlesworth
Event Planner
sophie@johnrigbyandco.com