'Fly the Red Duster'

Updated: 04-Sept-17

Downham Market Town Council proudly flew the Red Ensign over the Town Hall for Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September 2017 to show the towns support for the seafarers on which the UK depends. The Red Ensign was raised on Friday 1st September by the Mayor, Cllr Frank Daymond in a small ceremony and flew to the 4th September.

 The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mrs Yvonne Thompson placed a wreath at the town memorial on Sunday 3rd September.

The Importance of the Merchant Navy

Downham Market Mayor Cllr Frank Daymond receives the Red Ensign from Cllr Mike Howland RNA. 
The Red Ensign or 'Red Duster' has been the recognised flag of the Merchant Navy since 1854, and is therefore inextricably linked with the world-wide trade of the United Kingdom. While today there are fewer ships on the home register thousands of British seafarers still work the worlds oceans. In recent years the UK's dependence on the Merchant Navy has increased, with more than 90% of our imports carried by ships, including much of the food we eat, and fuel we use. With more sea ports and harbours than any other European Country, we also depend on the Merchant Navy for more than 75% of our exports. Therefore in remembering the Merchant Navy by 'flying the Red Duster' not only do we remember the Merchant Navy lost in conflict, but identify the huge impact the Merchant Navy continues to have on the contribution to the way of life on the British Isles.

Why the 3rd September?

The 3rd September may be remembered by many as the date of the outbreak of World War II. But this date also remembers the first major British maritime casualty of this global conflict, within hours of the declaration of hostilities the SS Athenia was torpedoed in the Western Approaches with a loss of 112-128 passengers and crew (sources vary). Though many thousands of seafarers would meet a similar fate in the years to come, the date of the loss of the SS Athenia is now remembered in honour of the brave men and women who kept and continue to keep our island afloat faced with the perils of the seas.

Royal Support

The Merchant Navy day campaign is supported by HRH The Earl of Wessex KG, GCVO who sent the offers this message of support;

'On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign by Seafarers UK to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of the Merchant Navy. Too often they are the forgotten or invisible service, by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure that at least on this day they are remembered. Your act will mean so much to their families and to the retired, but especially those at sea.'

More Information 

For More Information on Merchant Navy Day go to www.merchantnavyday.uk


Event Images






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gold goes to....Downham Market

Image
Hooray!! Downham Market received a GOLD award from “Anglia In Bloom” at the Awards Event in Gorleston on the 14 th September.  The Live and Let Live or as it's known locally “The Livvy” Public House received a SILVER award on its first time of entry, so huge congratulations. “Downham In Bloom” activities carry on throughout the year, which runs from July to July, and affects varied aspects of the town.      The Willows Nature Reserve Firstly there is the floral aspect, which is very visual and noticeable. This includes the work carried out by our Borough Council in the parks and open spaces and also the beautiful displays created by many of Downham's commercial premises including The Crown and The Castle and also Barker Bros. this year amongst others. Go and enjoy a peaceful time in the Willows Nature Reserve, some say our best kept secret. The boat over the Hythe Bridge is kept looking great year round. And Travis Perkins make an annual...
Read more

Riots, Beer and Pillaging - A story from the history of Downham Market

Image
The Crown Inn, a Grade II listed building off Bridge Street in the centre of Downham Market has had a long history as a coaching inn with records of licencees dating back to at least 1758. Though while unlike the older Swan Inn it doesn't seem to have the links to royalty (The Swan Inn is reputed to have been patronised by King John in 1216 and Charles 1 in 1646), the Crown Inn has been the centre of other historical events in Downham Market. On the 20th May 1816 The Crown Inn was the centre for the Downham Market Riots, one of the bread riots that took place in East Anglia as a result of increased commodity prices and a number of other causal factors. Prior to the Downham Market riots, others had occurred on 16th May 1816 occurred in Bury St Edmunds, Brandon, Hockwold, Feltwell and Norwich. Between 7AM and 8AM on the morning of the 20th May 1816 a group of around 60 congregated in Southery, as this group marched towards Denver farm workers were pressed into joining...
Read more

What's on..........the High Street?

Image
In the first of a series on the retail centre of Downham Market, this article looks at the High Street. High Street? The name High Street is the most common street name in the United Kingdom, with 5,410 being identified by a statistical analysis in 2009. An the USA and parts of Canada the name Main Street is similarly used. But what does the name High Street mean?  The name High Street is the metonym for the focal point in a town or city that is the primary focal point businesses, shops and stalls, and Downham Market is no different. Situated to the east of the town hall, our High Street runs north-south, split by Bridge Street at the Town Clock the one way system forks along to Lynn Road to the north and Priory Road to the south. And access is additionally gained from Paradise Road, Wales Court and Rampant Horse Lane. A historic street the high street contains a some historic 'Gingerbread' buildings, an historic coaching inn where Charles I is reputed to have hidde...
Read more