New memorial to Northumberland seafarers - made from anchors and chains - planned for Amble
and live on Freeview channel 276
Many of Amble’s men and women served in the various branches of the naval services during the world wars, while many local men were merchant seamen who helped to keep the country supplied with fuel, food and goods during those troubled times.
The town council has given permission to place it in the Memorial Gardens, close to the Clock Tower war memorial, and is now seeking planning clearance from Northumberland County Council.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt would comprise the bollard from the original quayside, along with two anchors and interlinked chains.
They would all be painted with a rust preventative and black metal paint.
Cllr Helen Lewis of Amble Town Council said: “Following conversations with members of the community, it became apparent that many hold the belief that the town memorials are primarily dedicated to the armed forces and aircrew rather than seafarers and, of course, Amble is a port.
“It seems appropriate therefore that Amble should have a seafarers memorial dedicated to all of those who help everyone in times of conflict, hardship and danger despite the perils they face and the ultimate sacrifice they may be called to make.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"Last year we set in motion plans to have this seafarers memorial and we’ve been very fortunate that organisations and individuals in the town have all covered what will be the completed memorial.
"As it’s going in the Memorial Gardens we thought we would need planning permission for it and have spent three or four months negotiating with the planning department.
"It’s now gone on the planning portal and will hopefully will get the go ahead.
"The idea had been to get it in place for Merchant Navy Day last September but obviously that went out of the window.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"We don’t know when it will get installed yet but we have all the constitutional parts but they still have to be sand blasted and painted and set in place.
"Hopefully once we get planning permission and some of the Covid restrictions are lifted we’ll get there.”