IN THIS YEAR OF THE CONVOY 2013:

[Administrator]

IN THIS YEAR OF THE CONVOY 2013, much has been achieved in Merchant Navy Commemoration and Awareness, the MNA Barry Branch has been much involved and were much involved with yesterday’s MN Stamp of Approval and the GPO - MN stamp launch. It has been a busy year with the year of the convoy seeing National tributes in London, Derry, Liverpool and Loch Ewe for both the Atlantic and Arctic Convoy Veterans.


A trio of medals fought for and finally achieved: Though many still wait for receipt: The Arctic Star, Ushakov bravery award and a new Merchant Navy Medal.

The Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry Branch has been involved to a great degree and the red ensign of the Merchant Navy has been flown often from both the Vale Council offices / Merchant Navy Monument and at the Memorial Hall.

Full Details will be added:.

The local MN Branch will liaise further with Barry at War / Heritage Centre to ensure a local YOC / BOAC(70) etc 2013 further remembrance and review of the year.

Thanks to Ade Pitman and crew that have given every support and help and look forward to the First Anniversary event to near round up a successful year for both Barry History and the MN.

RE: Annual Seafarers’ Service at the Memorial Hall Barry Dock.

We are now able to confirm that the date of our Annual Service will be Saturday 21st September 2013. This is our Sixteenth Service and will again be held in the Memorial Hall, Barry at 11.00 AM. The provisional date for next year’s service is Saturday 20th September 2014.

The Reverend M. Davies, honorary chaplain to the Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry Branch, will officiate, whilst the Barry Ladies Choir will provide the musical and vocal accompaniment.

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 also attend. A collection will be taken during the service towards the cost of the Service and in aid of seafarers’ charities.
In holding a Seafarers’ Service, we acknowledge the vital role played by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in convoy duties, also all those who follow the calling of the sea, deep sea fishermen, the life boat service etc.

The presence of Branch Standards will be greatly appreciated at the service. The order of parade being:

The Merchant Navy Associations, The Royal Navy, The Royal Air Force, The Royal British Legion and all other standards.

A branch wreath will be laid prior to the service at the Merchant Navy Monument at 10.20 am with a blessing. All other organizations are welcome to lay wreaths at this event.

After the main service the Barry Ladies and Men’s choirs and the RAF Voluntary band will provide entertainment for an hour or so.

We hope that you will continue to support and assist us in helping us to ensure that this is once again, a successful event.

Yours Sincerely

J. T. Greenway