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Huntingdon & District Branch: Sea Sunday service, 10 July 2016

Karl Webb , ,

On Sunday 10th July 2016, shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch attended a small service to commemorate Sea Sunday, the annual day to remember seafarers throughout the world.

The Royal Naval and Merchant Navy ensigns are flown from the Town Hall
The Royal Naval and Merchant Navy ensigns are flown from the Town Hall

Representing the Branch was shipmate Karl Webb, parading the Branch Standard, shipmate Graham Murry, duty photographer, and shipmate Pete Aston, assistant wreath layer (Pete’s daughter, Hollie, would lay the wreath on behalf of the Branch).

Colonel Derek Bristow OBE DL, led the service with the guests of honour being the Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Daryl Brown, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jay Dyne, and members representing the Merchant Navy and Fisheries Protection crews.

Colonel Derek Bristow welcomes the Mayor, seafarers and guests
Colonel Derek Bristow welcomes the Mayor, seafarers and guests

Colonel Bristow began the service by welcoming everyone and giving an insight into life at sea.

Shipmate Karl Webb parades the Branch Standard as the service gets underway
Shipmate Karl Webb parades the Branch Standard as the service gets underway

When the initial speech was complete, shipmate Karl Webb lowered the Branch Standard as the Mayor stepped forward to lay the first wreath on behalf of the people of Huntingdon Town.

The Mayor of Huntingdon lays a wreath on behalf of Huntingdon Town
The Mayor of Huntingdon lays a wreath on behalf of Huntingdon Town

Then it was the turn of the Royal Naval Association, shipmate Pete Aston stepped forward with his daughter, Hollie, (who had been practicing laying the Wreath all morning), Hollie placed the Wreath at the base of the War Memorial – well done Hollie.

Shipmate Pete Aston escorts his daughter, Maisie, as she lays a wreath on behalf of the Royal Naval Association
Shipmate Pete Aston escorts his daughter, Hollie, as she lays a wreath on behalf of the Royal Naval Association

Finally, the Merchant Navy (and fisheries Protection crews) Wreath was also placed at the base of the War Memorial.

The final wreath represents those who have served in the Merchant Navy and fishery protection duties
The final wreath represents those who have served in the Merchant Navy and fishery protection duties

As the Standard was brought back to the Carry, Colonel Bristow read out a poem of the sea and gave time for all to reflect on what the day means to seafarers around the world.

Wreaths at the base of the War Memorial as Derek Bristow thanks those who have attended the service
Wreaths at the base of the War Memorial as Derek Bristow thanks those who have attended the service

A short and simple service, but one that marks the dangers of life as a seafarer, we will remember all those who have served, are serving, or will serve at sea.