Unexpected £150 Boost for Merchant Navy Association
The Weymouth, Portland and District branch of the Merchant Navy Association received an unexpected gift this Christmas when fundraisers presented them with £150 for their memorial fund.
Tony Barrett from Portland and his sister Patsy Hosie raised the money with their 10 brothers and sisters in memory of their father, Bertie Barrett. Bertie joined the Merchant Navy in 1936 and during his career at sea served as chief engineer on the Sealink Ferries between the Channel Islands and Weymouth.
His son Tony, who lives on Portland and works in Weymouth, watched with interest as the memorial to the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets was built and unveiled on Weymouth seafront in November. He said: “We were all born and brought up on Guernsey, but over the years we have spread out across England, Scotland and even Cyprus, with some remaining in Guernsey. I told my family about the memorial and they have all been on the Echo website to see the pictures of the unveiling. Together we all agreed to make the donation in our father’s memory.”
Captain Paul Compton, Chairman of the Weymouth, Portland and District branch of the Merchant Navy Association explains just how important the donation is for the branch: “We are still funding the memorial, which was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell on 9th November 2016. Tony and Patsy and their family have kindly made this donation in memory of their father who served in the Merchant Navy for 34 years.
Thanks to them and countless others who have supported the memorial, Weymouth and Portland now has its own tribute to all those who lost their lives in the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, providing a comfort for families for generations to come.”
If you would like to find out more about the Merchant Navy Association including finding out how to make a donation, or join the branch, please contact Paul Compton by emailing merchantnavywpd@uwclub.net or calling 07594 671664.
- Notes for editors:
· The Weymouth, Portland and District branch of the Merchant Navy Association was founded in 2010 to promote comradeship and welfare of both retired and serving members of the Merchant Navy.
· The branch meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, Custom House Quay, at 7.30pm. They are always keen to hear from new members.
· David Cameron recognised Merchant Navy as the fourth service earlier this year and HM The Queen has officially put her name to a Merchant Navy medal to recognise meritorious service and bravery for both retired and serving Merchant seafarers.
For more information/photographs please contact Paul Compton by calling 07569 671664.