Councillors attend HMS Blyth Commemorative Ceremony

Earlier this month the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Councillors Alison Sutherland and Fiona Rowley attended a commemorative event, with other dignitaries, to witness the Royal Navy handing over the Bell from HMS Blyth to Blyth Town Council.
Speaking of the event, Cllr Sutherland said, “We were delighted to be invited, it was a great night. We were greeted in the foyer by Blyth Tall Ship Shanty singers. We spoke to some submariners who were based in Liverpool. There was a fantastic display by the Royal Marine Corps of drums. Commodore Tom Knowles, Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and The Isle of Man presented the bell to Mayor of Blyth Warren Taylor, it will at some point be on public display. Refreshments were served with music played by pupils of Bede Academy. Congratulations to all involved in organising this event.”

The Royal Navy officially handed over the ship’s bell and other historic artifacts from HMS Blyth to Blyth Town Council in a commemorative ceremony. HMS Blyth was a regular visitor to its adopted town of Blyth, but the vessel was recently sold to Romania in 2023. As per tradition, the ship’s bell, battle honours board, and nameplate were transferred to the town council for safekeeping until a new HMS Blyth enters service.

The ceremony was held at Blyth Bede Academy and featured performances by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums, displays by Navy units and military charities, and speeches by naval officers and local dignitaries. Mayor Warren Taylor expressed pride in Blyth’s naval heritage and commitment to preserving the artifacts for public viewing. The event involved participation from local community groups, cadets, musicians, and 240 guests overall. It marked a significant moment in maritime history while honouring the town’s special relationship with HMS Blyth.

Images by Blyth Town Council and Cllr Fiona Rowley.

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