Even Bigger Crowds for Tall ShipsSpectacle
Spectacle THE Tall Ships Races 2010 in Hartlepool hit new heights yesterday (Sunday August 8) as an estimated 350,000 visitors flocked to the site. The figure, up 100,000 on Saturday’s 250,000 total, took visitor numbers for the first two days of the event beyond the half a million mark. The highlight of the day was the impressive Crew Parade, a vibrant pageant of music and costume. Mayor Stuart Drummond said: “We have had some fabulous feedback from people. The highlight of Sunday was undoubtedly the Crew Parade, a fabulous display involving all of the crews which was enjoyed by everyone. “We are delighted with the way the whole event is going, and the question I am already being asked is when can we have the Tall Ships Races again!” There are 57 vessels in port and the event is well on course to attract up to one million visitors over the course of four days. As well as the Tall Ships, there is a busy programme of live music throughout the four days of the event. Tonight (Monday) will see Echo and the Bunnymen and Doves take to the main stage. Other highlights include a World Market, celebrity chefs, street theatre, a folk festival and the BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory. The last of three fireworks displays will take place this evening at 9.45pm. Hartlepool is the only UK host port for the Tall Ships Races 2010, with the vessels having sailed from Kristiansand in Norway in the second and final race. |
Showing posts with label seafarers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seafarers. Show all posts
Monday, August 09, 2010
Tall Ships
Scarborough citizens travel north by road, rail, and sea....
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Glorious lst June
THE GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE 1794
A Grenadier officer of the Regiment, congratulating a Naval officer on the victory.
The Queen’s (Second) Royal Regiment of Foot began service on board the Fleet in 1793, shortly after Revolutionary France declared war on Great Britain. Detachments of the Queen’s were serving in Lord “Black Dick” Howe’s flagship, HMS Queen Charlotte and also on board HMS Russell, Defence, Royal George and Majestic. The total battalion strength was fifteen officers and four hundred other ranks.
The Battle of the Glorious First of June took place in the North Atlantic, four hundred miles west of Ushant, off the Irish coast. It was the first decisive meeting between the fleets of Britain and the French Republic. Its main effect was on the Nation’s morale, as the victory removed any fear of French invasion. The French did, however, manage to slip a vital grain convoy from America into France, whilst the fleets were engaged.
On the morning of the Battle, the enemy fleet was seen about six miles off on the starboard bow steering in line of battle on the port tack. The British fleet formed in line abreast and at 9 30am, the French opened fire. It was said that there could never have been such a noble sight than seeing twenty-five British line of battle ships intending to pass through the French line of twenty-six. An hour later, close action began in the centre, as Lord Howe in HMS Queen Charlotte engaged the French Admiral Villaret in the Montagne. Most of the French shot was high, but the British fire raked the French through the stern and then engaged the enemy on the leeward side before her guns could properly be brought to bear. The battle went on until one o’clock in the afternoon; seven enemy ships were captured and the French suffered 3000 killed and wounded. British losses were 1000.
 |
| A representation of the death of Lieutenant Neville on HMS Queen Charlotte. |
The detachments fought well, though six private soldiers and Lieutenant Neville were killed. The Regiment was later allowed the unusual distinction of wearing the Naval Crown superscribed 1 JUNE 1794 on its Colours; a distinction which continued and remains with its successors. A strong link was also forged with the Royal Navy, continuing today with the Portsmouth base, HMS Excellent, which inherited the traditions of the Queen Charlotte.
Artist Frederic Leighton Type Oil on poplar Dimensions 120 cm × 120 cm (47 in × 47 in) Location Ponce Museum of Art, Ponce,Puerto Rico
.jpg)
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Seafarers Saint
Today is the Feast Day of St Nicholas. I wrote last year about his links with Santa Claus. This year a few words about him as Patron of Seafarers written in a seafarers town.
There are countless stories of St. Nicholas intervening to help sailors in times of distress. The most famous is told of a time when Nicholas went across the sea on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A frightful storm came up, and the sailors feared they all were about to die. They came to the holy bishop and pleaded for his help. Nicholas prayed fervently, and the seas became miraculously calm. The sailors were amazed and gave praise to God.
It is said that on the return voyage a sailor fell to his death from a high mast. Nicholas prayed over the man and he came back to life. Nicholas never took credit for any of his deeds. He always instructed the people to turn their hearts to God and repent from sin.
Greeks are especially devoted to Nicholas because he is the patron of seafarers, and Greece is a seafaring country. Every boat in Greece has an icon of Nicholas. In fact, there are more churches named after St. Nicholas than any other saint, according to some sources, with the possible exception of the Blessed Mother.
There are countless stories of St. Nicholas intervening to help sailors in times of distress. The most famous is told of a time when Nicholas went across the sea on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A frightful storm came up, and the sailors feared they all were about to die. They came to the holy bishop and pleaded for his help. Nicholas prayed fervently, and the seas became miraculously calm. The sailors were amazed and gave praise to God.
It is said that on the return voyage a sailor fell to his death from a high mast. Nicholas prayed over the man and he came back to life. Nicholas never took credit for any of his deeds. He always instructed the people to turn their hearts to God and repent from sin.
Greeks are especially devoted to Nicholas because he is the patron of seafarers, and Greece is a seafaring country. Every boat in Greece has an icon of Nicholas. In fact, there are more churches named after St. Nicholas than any other saint, according to some sources, with the possible exception of the Blessed Mother.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Sea Sunday
The Gospel in B.C.P.
St. Luke v. 1ff
IT came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: and so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Seafarers are our lifeline
Please remember them on Sea Sunday – July 8
On Sea Sunday we are asked to remember and pray for the seafarers who bring so many essentials for our daily lives to our shores. Over 90 per cent of our imports are brought to this country by sea, including much of our food, clothes, oil, toys and electrical goods.
Even though seafarers play such a vital role in our lives, they are easy to disregard as they are mostly out of sight. They spend little time ashore as ships can load and unload in a matter of hours, and many ports are situated far from towns and cities.
For seafarers, this means that they are not only isolated when they are at sea, but also when they are alongside in port. If you add to this the fact that they spend many months away from their homes and families and that ships can be dangerous places, it is clear that earning a living at sea can be lonely and hard.
This is why the practical and spiritual support offered to them by The Mission to Seafarers, the international mission agency of the Anglican Church, makes such a difference to their lives.
In some 230 ports worldwide, its chaplains, staff and volunteers visit seafarers on their ships and offer a welcome and whatever help they need. This can range from enabling them to telephone or email home, to offering comfort to the bereaved and assisting in cases of injustice.
While most seafarers are well treated, some are still abandoned in ports far from their homes, or remain unpaid or forced to work in unsafe or unacceptable conditions. In such situations, the Mission plays a vital role in providing practical care and moral support.
In over 100 major ports the Mission runs centres where seafarers can relax briefly away from their ships. In addition to offering leisure facilities and shops, they all have chapels or quiet rooms for meditation and prayer, and Bibles and other Christian literature in different languages.
The Mission has recently developed a new way of supporting Christian seafarers through a partnership with the Diocese of Oxford’s internet church, i-church. A Mission web pastor has been appointed and a seafarers’ section set up to enable them to become members of a church community which is not limited by geography and time zones.
Other new work includes re-establishing a full-time ministry in Colombo, Sri Lanka; appointing a second chaplain to the United Arab Emirates; and building a support boat in Dubai to visit crews of the hundreds of ships at anchor off the coast.
This work is only possible with prayers and support. So, on Sea Sunday, please remember seafarers and The Mission to Seafarers’ care for them.
St. Luke v. 1ff
IT came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: and so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Seafarers are our lifeline
Please remember them on Sea Sunday – July 8
On Sea Sunday we are asked to remember and pray for the seafarers who bring so many essentials for our daily lives to our shores. Over 90 per cent of our imports are brought to this country by sea, including much of our food, clothes, oil, toys and electrical goods.
Even though seafarers play such a vital role in our lives, they are easy to disregard as they are mostly out of sight. They spend little time ashore as ships can load and unload in a matter of hours, and many ports are situated far from towns and cities.
For seafarers, this means that they are not only isolated when they are at sea, but also when they are alongside in port. If you add to this the fact that they spend many months away from their homes and families and that ships can be dangerous places, it is clear that earning a living at sea can be lonely and hard.
This is why the practical and spiritual support offered to them by The Mission to Seafarers, the international mission agency of the Anglican Church, makes such a difference to their lives.
In some 230 ports worldwide, its chaplains, staff and volunteers visit seafarers on their ships and offer a welcome and whatever help they need. This can range from enabling them to telephone or email home, to offering comfort to the bereaved and assisting in cases of injustice.
While most seafarers are well treated, some are still abandoned in ports far from their homes, or remain unpaid or forced to work in unsafe or unacceptable conditions. In such situations, the Mission plays a vital role in providing practical care and moral support.
In over 100 major ports the Mission runs centres where seafarers can relax briefly away from their ships. In addition to offering leisure facilities and shops, they all have chapels or quiet rooms for meditation and prayer, and Bibles and other Christian literature in different languages.
The Mission has recently developed a new way of supporting Christian seafarers through a partnership with the Diocese of Oxford’s internet church, i-church. A Mission web pastor has been appointed and a seafarers’ section set up to enable them to become members of a church community which is not limited by geography and time zones.
Other new work includes re-establishing a full-time ministry in Colombo, Sri Lanka; appointing a second chaplain to the United Arab Emirates; and building a support boat in Dubai to visit crews of the hundreds of ships at anchor off the coast.
This work is only possible with prayers and support. So, on Sea Sunday, please remember seafarers and The Mission to Seafarers’ care for them.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Woolly Hat Week
KNITTERS UNITE!
We are asking people to knit woolly hats for the world’s seafarers. Many arrive on our shores ill-prepared for the cold and chilly climate we have here. Fresh from the warmer countries of Indonesia, India and the Philippines, seafarers readily take advantage of the woolly hats offered to them by the BISS Port Chaplains around the country.
We are delighted to welcome PATONS WOOLS as our partner for 2006 as we work together to knit enough hats for our seafarers.
If you are interested in knitting a hat please download the pattern here or email us at – woollyhats@biss.org.uk – giving us your name and address and we will send you a free knitting pattern and information pack.
You can help by:
Encouraging your friends to knit
If you are a member of a craft or knitting group ask them to help too.
You could set up a sponsored knit-a-thon.
When you have knitted your hats, please return them to:
Mrs Jan Webber
Head of Fundraising
British & International Sailors’ Society
350 Shirley Road
Southampton
SO15 3HY
If you have any questions please call Rebecca Young: 023 80 51 59 58 or email ryoung@biss.org.uk
Did you know that...
seafaring is one of the most dangerous occupations
95% of the world's trade is transported by sea?
seafarers can spend weeks if not months at a time at sea?
loneliness is common amongst seafarers.
The British & International Sailors' Society cannot make the sea less dangerous but it can 'bridge the gap between ship and shore'.
The British & International Sailors' Society provides practical help and Christian care to seafarers and their families throughout the world, without regard to nationality, background or faith.
Remember to have fun and start knitting!!
A little bit about why Woolly Hat Week is important!
A Woolly Hat is a basic and essential item of clothing for seafarers. BISS Port Chaplains give out 10,000 hats each year, 6,000 of which are given in Christmas parcels, so that the seafarers have something to open on Christmas Day. The remaining hats are given out on a regular basis to seafarers, particularly those from warmer climates, as they are ill-prepared for our changeable weather when they arrive here in the UK.
What can you do?
We are asking people to pay £1 and wear their woolly hats to work for this week and we are also encouraging people to knit hats for seafarers during this week!
You can find out how to knit hats and where to send them here
Fundraising
We are asking people to wear their woolly hats to work and at work during this week and raise funds for BISS. Here are some hints as to how you can raise funds for us:
Encourage your work colleagues to wear their woolly hats and ask them to pay £1 for the privilege. We can supply you with branded button badges so that you know who has paid their £1.
Sponsor the boss to wear his woolly hat in an important meeting.
Have a competition for the silliest, best decorated or most colourful hat.
Have an inter-departmental competition with prizes for the winners. Pay £1 to enter the competition.
Ask other departments to take part or sponsor you for doing so.
Arrange a sponsored knit, get sponsorship for the number of hours spent knitting or the number of hats knitted.
Think of fundraising ideas and ideas that can be FUN!
Feed back your ideas to us, so that we can share them with others.
If your company is taking part, let us know, we will add you to a special page of participants.
Remember that 95% of the world’s trade is moved by sea. As an island we depend heavily on seafarers to deliver our Christmas goodies to the shops. Spare a thought for those less fortunate who will be spending Christmas away from home.
We hope that you will embrace this fundraising idea and help us to help seafarers throughout the world.
Facts about BISS
We are asking people to knit woolly hats for the world’s seafarers. Many arrive on our shores ill-prepared for the cold and chilly climate we have here. Fresh from the warmer countries of Indonesia, India and the Philippines, seafarers readily take advantage of the woolly hats offered to them by the BISS Port Chaplains around the country.
We are delighted to welcome PATONS WOOLS as our partner for 2006 as we work together to knit enough hats for our seafarers.
If you are interested in knitting a hat please download the pattern here or email us at – woollyhats@biss.org.uk – giving us your name and address and we will send you a free knitting pattern and information pack.
You can help by:
Encouraging your friends to knit
If you are a member of a craft or knitting group ask them to help too.
You could set up a sponsored knit-a-thon.
When you have knitted your hats, please return them to:
Mrs Jan Webber
Head of Fundraising
British & International Sailors’ Society
350 Shirley Road
Southampton
SO15 3HY
If you have any questions please call Rebecca Young: 023 80 51 59 58 or email ryoung@biss.org.uk
Did you know that...
seafaring is one of the most dangerous occupations
95% of the world's trade is transported by sea?
seafarers can spend weeks if not months at a time at sea?
loneliness is common amongst seafarers.
The British & International Sailors' Society cannot make the sea less dangerous but it can 'bridge the gap between ship and shore'.
The British & International Sailors' Society provides practical help and Christian care to seafarers and their families throughout the world, without regard to nationality, background or faith.
Remember to have fun and start knitting!!
A little bit about why Woolly Hat Week is important!
A Woolly Hat is a basic and essential item of clothing for seafarers. BISS Port Chaplains give out 10,000 hats each year, 6,000 of which are given in Christmas parcels, so that the seafarers have something to open on Christmas Day. The remaining hats are given out on a regular basis to seafarers, particularly those from warmer climates, as they are ill-prepared for our changeable weather when they arrive here in the UK.
What can you do?
We are asking people to pay £1 and wear their woolly hats to work for this week and we are also encouraging people to knit hats for seafarers during this week!
You can find out how to knit hats and where to send them here
Fundraising
We are asking people to wear their woolly hats to work and at work during this week and raise funds for BISS. Here are some hints as to how you can raise funds for us:
Encourage your work colleagues to wear their woolly hats and ask them to pay £1 for the privilege. We can supply you with branded button badges so that you know who has paid their £1.
Sponsor the boss to wear his woolly hat in an important meeting.
Have a competition for the silliest, best decorated or most colourful hat.
Have an inter-departmental competition with prizes for the winners. Pay £1 to enter the competition.
Ask other departments to take part or sponsor you for doing so.
Arrange a sponsored knit, get sponsorship for the number of hours spent knitting or the number of hats knitted.
Think of fundraising ideas and ideas that can be FUN!
Feed back your ideas to us, so that we can share them with others.
If your company is taking part, let us know, we will add you to a special page of participants.
Remember that 95% of the world’s trade is moved by sea. As an island we depend heavily on seafarers to deliver our Christmas goodies to the shops. Spare a thought for those less fortunate who will be spending Christmas away from home.
We hope that you will embrace this fundraising idea and help us to help seafarers throughout the world.
Facts about BISS
- The oldest Christian maritime charity, dating back to 1818
- Operates in the UK and overseas, covering 90 ports in 28 different countries
- Provides communication, shelter, social welfare, financial aid and spiritual support to seafarers irrespective of their religious faith, nationality or background.
Why am I reporting all this on my daily blog ? Quite simply because my town lives by the sea, its life and history are the story of seafarers. We are an island people, a proud maritime nation.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Facebook Badge
