Barry's Merchant Navy memorial set to be rededicated (From Barry And District News)

Barry's Merchant Navy memorial set to be rededicated

11:20am Friday 28th September 2012 in News

THE extensively refurbished Merchant Navy Monument in Barry will be re-dedicated on Saturday (September 29).

The 15-year-old, 23ft high Portland stone structure was dismantled and removed for repair work, funded by the council, in December, and returned in May.

The Memorial has been cleaned and reworked to stop rainwater pooling on the stone and causing damage. The brass remembrance plaques have been replaced with stainless steel plaques, and the lists of Merchant Seamen from the Vale who lost their lives during the World Wars have been updated to include those that were missed off the original plaques.

The rededication ceremony, conducted by Rev Malcolm Davies and including the laying of wreaths, will be held on the Civic Office forecourt at 10am.

Following on, the 15th annual Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry Branch Seafarers’ Service will take place at the Memorial Hall at 11am.

Rev Davies, honorary chaplain to the Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry Branch, will officiate, and Barry Ladies Choir will provide the musical/vocal accompaniment. The Seafarers’ Service acknowledges the vital role played by the Royal Navy and the RAF in Convoy duties, and also recognises all those who follow the calling of the sea, including deep sea fishermen and the RNLI.

The presence of Branch Standards will be appreciated at the service, the order of parade being The Merchant Navy Association, The Royal Navy, The Royal Air Force, The Royal British Legion, and all other Standards.

A spokesman said: “The service is open to all organisations and members of the general public. It is especially hoped that family members of serving and former members of the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will attend.”

A branch wreath will be laid prior to the service at the Merchant Navy Monument re-dedication at 10am with a blessing. All other organisations are welcome to lay wreaths at this event.

Jim Greenway, chairman of the Barry branch of the Merchant Navy Association Wales, said: “We’re delighted that the council has kept their promise to refurbish the memorial; in other areas of Wales the local Merchant Navy Association have had to raise funds for similar memorials.

“We appreciate the council’s support and the fact that we were kept fully informed during the refurbishment.”

Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale council, said: “Barry’s history as a port is illustrious, during peace and war, and it was the hard work and heroism of its merchant seamen that made its name. It is fitting that they are honoured in our town.”