Post by Administrator on Aug 31, 2013 13:58:56 GMT
FAMILIES of sailors past and present as well as serving seafarers are being invited to attend an annual Merchant Navy Day service on Sunday.
Organised by the Merchant Navy Association Solent Branch, the commemoration to those lost at sea will be held in the ruins of the Holy Rood Church in High Street, Southampton.
It is being held ahead of Merchant Navy Day which recognises how seafarers in the Merchant Navy – the collective name for the list of British shipping industry – have given their lives through exploration, trade, war and conflict.
Solent branch secretary Doug Piper said: “There are a lot of folks from Southampton who have lost their lives at sea.
“Families and shipmates who have lost friends and relatives at sea in war and peace can have the opportunity to join us at our service.”
The service will be conducted by chaplain Andrew Hucket. Those taking part will include the Southampton and Netley Royal British Legion, the Southampton Sea Cadets, The Royal Navy Association, the Master Mariners and other branches of the Merchant Navy Association.
Mr Piper added: “We hope that the weather will be kind to us because the church has no roof, but whatever the circumstances the service will go ahead – sailors have to endure all weathers at sea.”
The event takes place on September 1 at noon.
Organised by the Merchant Navy Association Solent Branch, the commemoration to those lost at sea will be held in the ruins of the Holy Rood Church in High Street, Southampton.
It is being held ahead of Merchant Navy Day which recognises how seafarers in the Merchant Navy – the collective name for the list of British shipping industry – have given their lives through exploration, trade, war and conflict.
Solent branch secretary Doug Piper said: “There are a lot of folks from Southampton who have lost their lives at sea.
“Families and shipmates who have lost friends and relatives at sea in war and peace can have the opportunity to join us at our service.”
The service will be conducted by chaplain Andrew Hucket. Those taking part will include the Southampton and Netley Royal British Legion, the Southampton Sea Cadets, The Royal Navy Association, the Master Mariners and other branches of the Merchant Navy Association.
Mr Piper added: “We hope that the weather will be kind to us because the church has no roof, but whatever the circumstances the service will go ahead – sailors have to endure all weathers at sea.”
The event takes place on September 1 at noon.
