MN Day

[dave moore]

Here in little old Teesdale the council decided to commerate MN Day in Barnard Castle and a great success it turned to be it was held at the Memorial Garden,a lovely short service ,including our anthem Eternal Father followed by the Last Post etc .The Red Ensign was flown and afterwards the good turnout was invited to the Council Offices to buffet and the crack was really great the few ex MN men there had the rest absolutely in stitches telling stories about the experiences at sea .Its a crying shame that the great efforts and lives lost during the world wars has gone relatively in the background ,as they are known as the forgotten service .I would to think that if a small market town like Barney can commerate the day it will take off throughout the UK.To conclude I laid a wreath on behalf of the Vindi Boys .

[Keith at Tregenna]

Intended to raise public awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on seafarers, this campaign invited local authorities to fly the Red Ensign – the official flag of the UK Merchant Navy – atop public buildings and on prominent flagpoles on 3 September.

This year every community, parish and town council was asked to take part, in addition to all borough, county and district councils plus unitary authorities throughout the UK. Members of the Nautilus International union were encouraged to lobby their home local authorities.*Owners and custodians of historic and landmark buildings with flagpoles were also invited to get involved, including English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Historic Houses Association, National Trust and Welsh Government Cadw.
Many flag-hoisting ceremonies were attended by local Merchant Navy Association and Royal British Legion members, who welcomed being part of our nationally co-ordinated promotion.

The Red Ensign this year was flown ashore at more than 650 locations