Branch has another good two weeks.

The Branch has had another successful couple of weeks to mark Merchant Navy Day.

Starting on August 26th. We held a ‘Flag day’ in Redcar High St. that realised a record £1,295.15 beating our previous best by almost £200. Again as shown by the total, the British public remembered what the Merchant Navy did and stood for in this country’s time of need.

This money goes into our ‘Welfare Fund’ that covers the cost of remembering our lost Shipmates with our ‘Acts of Remembrance’. We also include in this fund, keeping in touch with the widows of Branch Members who have ‘Crossed the Bar.’ (Passed away). We know that these widows are thankful at Christmas time when that Christmas card drops through the letter box with something inside to make Christmas that little bit more special and knowing that they have not been forgotten like their husbands. This is something the branch has done since 1994.

September 3rd National Merchant Navy day. The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland along with many members of the public and members of other associations, the national council of the Merchant Navy Association was represented by Mr. David Dade, who attended the ‘Garden of Remembrance’ for a small service of Remembrance conducted by the Chaplin of the Mission of Seafarers, Teesport, Mr. Colin Worswick who spoke so well of the sacrifices Merchant Seamen made in war time and some of the horrors that they had to live through and the part they played for their country. This service took place at the Merchant Navy Memorial, followed by a buffet at the local Royal Air Force Association Club.

On September 10th.  the Branch held its annual Merchant Navy parade. The parade started off from the RAFA club, led by two fine mounted police horses, and the Cleveland Police band. There were 12 Standards from supporting Associations and an American Colour party and escort from the US Navy. The marchers were proudly led for the second year running by local celebrity Norman Evens MBE. Amongst the marchers were a party from the Immingham branch of the MNA with National Secretary Mr. Tim Brant. Also taking part in the parade, for the first time  Sea Cadets from the newly formed TS Zetland who had four of its ranks standing guard at the Anchor, also involved were the local RAF Cadets. Red Ensigns were flown from the very high mast on the  The Zetland lifeboat museum and the Redcar Coast Watch tower.

The service of remembrance with wreath laying was held at the ‘Birger’ anchor. The service was conducted by the Rev. Bruce Harrison of Coatham Parish Church. Many members of the public had gathered and mingled with many veterans who could not march.

In lovely bright sunshine wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Cllr Mrs. Mary Ovens, Dr. Igledew President of the Royal Navy Association, Mr. John Knight for the Chamber of Shipping, branch Vice Chairman Terry Carr laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch, Secretary Dave Buckworth laid a wreath on behalf of Cllr. Mrs Vilman Collins for the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Tim Brant laid his wreath on behalf of the MNA and a further wreath laid by member Ian Barnes in respect of Lifeboat Men and Fishermen  from the local ‘Citz’ club. At this part of the Service was being carried out a piper played laments from high up at the look out Tower, and the Redcar lifeboat scattered poppies upon the water. Following the Service the Parade was dismissed and reformed for the march back to the RAFA Club and on route the salute was taken by the Worshipful Mayor and the RNA President Dr. Ingledew and Branch Vice Chairman Mr, T. Carr.

Back at the RAFA club a buffet was laid on for all hands to enjoy and a free drink for the Standard Bearers and Cadets. (Soft drink only)

On the evening time the Branch laid on a social evening and buffet as well as an artiste at the Dormanstown Social Club the HQ of the Dormanstown/Redcar MNA.

Dave Buckworth

Branch Secretary.