Service to honour those who have served at sea to become annual Barnard Castle event

A SERVICE to honour those who have worked in the Merchant Navy is to become an annual event.

Barnard Castle Town Council organised the commemoration event in September as part of a nationwide campaign by Seafarers UK to give people the chance to remembers the sacrifices and salute the courage of those who have served at sea.

A service led by Revd John Moore was held at the Remembrance Gardens, in Galgate, and attracted a small congregation which included ex-seamen from across the region. Cllr Ian Kirkbride told the town council’s partnership committee the event had been well received by those who had come along. Cllr Roger Peat said: “It might grow for next year. Those from the Merchant Navy who were there will tell others.”

Cllr Mark Wilkes added: “It is something that doesn't happen in a lot of places.” Agreeing that Merchant Navy Day should become an annual fixture in the town’s calender, members asked for £150 of council funds to be set aside to cover the costs of staging the event next year.

Members also asked for letters of thanks to be sent to Revd Moore and musician Andrew Nicholson, who attended and played the Last Post.