Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
2 September 2008
07:365561#1
As of last night the new Statue dedicated to the Merchant Navy is now there for all to see. They loaded the striking figure onto its plinth yesterday, so late in the day it all became visible in its new form. The plinth part of the assembly had been there for some weeks. It looks great and is of course a very welcome addition to the seafront.
I did ponder the option of getting an early picture but decided best to leave it for the official opening ceremony which takes place tomorrow wednesday the 3rd Sept. All are welcome to the seafront service.
The road along the seafront will be closed between 9am and 1pm.
As I understand it the main drive for this came from one individual called Don Hunter, so a well done to him as its quite an achievement. But also congratulations to all involved.
I look forward to getting some pictures tomorrow of the assembled throng and indeed pictures of the statue itself tomorrow...all being well.
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
2 September 2008
08:495581#2
Overheard a couple of official chaps on Friday suggesting that it could possibly face the other way, i.e. peering into Gateway residents bedrooms! Oh, we did laugh!
Anyway I've got my umbrella.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
2 September 2008
08:505582#3
The statue will be covered in glory hunting photo opportunists councillors and big wigs so I hope you manage to get a clear shot of the Memorial and Mr Don Hunter who deserves our thanks and praise.
Any idea how long it will remain on the seafront before a campaign is launched to have it moved and erected somewhere in the North Sea or Atlantic...
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
2 September 2008
09:445584#4
I trust some merchant seamen, veterans and old boys from the cross-Channel services and WW2 associations will be centre stage for the photos, and won't be muscled out by the usual grinning time-servers in bling and ermine.
Terry Nunn- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
2 September 2008
10:065587#5
Apart from the ermine brigade, this is a list of the wreath layers:-
Merchant Navy Association, National
Merchant Navy Association, Kent Branch
Merchant Navy Association, Medway Branch
Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association
Independent Vindicatrix of East Kent (M.N.)
The Honourable Company of Master Mariners
Trinity House, Hull (if laying a wreath)
The Sailors' Society
Prince of Wales Sea Training School, Dover
Dover Royal Naval & Royal Marine Club
HMS Ganges Association
Green Beret & Royal Marine Association
Normandy Veterans Association, Folkestone & Dover
Royal Air Force Association, Dover & District
Royal British Legion, Downs Branch
Royal British Legion, Deal & Walmer
Royal British Legion, Folkestone Branch
Royal British Legion, St Margarets Branch
Royal British Legion Women's Section, St Margaret's Branch
Mr Howard Holt, Dover Harbour Board
I'm told the official guest list number over 300. The rank and file outnumber higher ups.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
2 September 2008
10:545588#6
That's great news, Terry. Just as it should be - proper and correct.
Regards,
Andy
Terry Nunn- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
2 September 2008
11:005589#7
Forgot to mention that the first wreath will be laid by Don Hunter.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
2 September 2008
11:395590#8
What time is the actual ceremony please? I might pop down, weather permitting.
Terry Nunn- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
2 September 2008
13:245593#9
Assemble at 10.45, standard bearers and Gurka band to march along seafront and unveiling promptly at 11.00.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 663- Registered: 20 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,136
2 September 2008
17:275597#10
Its true as councillors we have been invited but make no mistake this is for Don Hunter, and all the hard work he has put in to have this memorial erected for the merchant seamen.
It starts at 11 as said there will be wreath laying an address from don hunter one from the chairman of district so well done to all who were invovled.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
3 September 2008
05:475609#11
I hope the weather stays dry today for the Memorial.I hope to attend minus an umbrella which Natascha cut up to design and make a new dress for her Barbie...the thing is that she cut it,stitched it and it fits the doll.Oh well I'll just have to get an umbrella from the pound shop that or get wet.
I hope everything goes well.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
3 September 2008
07:135613#12
I will be there. where abouts on sea front anyone know wheres it near?
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
3 September 2008
07:265615#13
Keith its centrally in front of The Gateway in the gardens and right next to the road...more or less opposite the seafront shelter. Should be very easy to find. The statue itself is very interesting, looks from here like a military figure holding binoculors but havent seen it up close yet.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
3 September 2008
07:335616#14
OK if i get lost send out a search party for me
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
3 September 2008
23:045638#15
so you did not get lost I saw you lurking somewhere in the back row .Were you the chap who caught my hat .It was Terry Sutton who came to my rescue of hat .I also you hobnobbing at the Premeir Lodge .I did not see Paul Boland with his camera where was he lurking I wonder .If it was Nigel he was searching for I was sat not far from him.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
3 September 2008
23:335639#16
Where at the pictures ? Unfortunately a lot of people have to work so coudn't see the unveiling.
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 673- Registered: 16 Jun 2008
- Posts: 1,388
4 September 2008
00:075640#17
The Meridian news item was rather short but the BBC Southeast report was quite extensive and is available at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7596223.stm
I have put a load of photos on my fotopic site at:
http://shipsintheportofdover.fotopic.net/Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
4 September 2008
06:475641#18
Ah I was there photographing you Sue, you didnt see me, I was hidden under my cap...now see the frontpage as some pics now loaded. Ah Im a wee bit slower nowadays Paul but still getting there...lol!!
Yes Meridian showed no real interest but yes the BBC did a good job.
Back to the frontpage....
Terry Nunn- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
4 September 2008
07:175642#19
Can't quite agree with you on the Beeb coverage Paul. It was mostly nodding heads with very little coverage of the event itself apart from the parade. The comedy that was the unveiling would have made a good feature.
BTW Some Germas who were near to me muttered loudly when WSC made reference the the Nazis.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 650- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 542
4 September 2008
10:095644#20
This was a brilliant day, and a very proud one. Congratulations indeed to Don Hunter, and all who stood by him. This is a memorial long overdue, and I felt it a privilege to be there for the unveiling.
Marek- thank you very much for your comment some time ago, about the Merchant Navy. My dad only a few times spoke of being on the Atlantic during WWII, but it was more than enough to make me appreciate how very brave they were (even if they would never claim this for themselves). Don Hunter also has told me of the Straits - knowingly to go into such fearful danger is courage beyond belief.
By the way, when the rain came, did you get wet? Did you have Barbie-shaped raindrops coming through, if you tried to take it?? I was privileged to be offered by a veteran a share in the shelter of his umbrella - and very welcome it was too!
(Nice to see your pics also, Ed - and finally to meet you!)