The Deputy Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Councillor Mrs. Mary Dalton, attended the War Memorial outside St. Clare’s Church on Monday 3rd September to raise the Red Ensign flag on behalf of the Town to mark Merchant Navy Day.
With local Councillors and veteran Merchant Navy personnel alongside, the Deputy Mayor read out a message on behalf of HRH The Earl of Wessex, President of Seafarers UK and Rev. Elizabeth Bland followed with a blessing which was very moving and poignant for those who attended.
The Red Ensign flag is the official flag of the British Merchant Navy and those men and women on whom we depend to keep our island nation supplied with food, fuel and other imports.
