PICTURE SPECIAL - Red Ensign raised in Evesham for Merchant Navy Day

A SPECIAL event was held in Evesham to celebrate Merchant Navy Day last Thursday. The Red Ensign was hoisted at the town's Flag Garden to remember and pay tribute to Merchant Navy personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in time of conflict. The event also recognised the continuing contribution of merchant seafarers to the nations prosperity and security. David Spencer, Secretery of the Evesham Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) which organised the event, addressed those who assembled. Among those who attended were the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham, Councillors Bill and Celia Kimberley, along with Coun John Clatworthy and Coun Robert Raphael, Chris Ponting Chairman of the Evesham RBL and veterans of the Army and Royal Air Force. The Merchant Navy was represented by Merchant Navy veteran, Robert Hall, who raised the Red Ensign during the event. Evesham Sea Cadets were represented by Lt (SCC) Andy Marlborough (RNR). Stephen Lane played the last post and reveille and, at the end of the ceremony, was presented with a plaque by David Spencer on behalf of the the RBL.