Raising the flag for Merchant Navy Day

A special flag is flying from the top of the Council House in Malvern to raise awareness of the UK’s on-going dependence on the Merchant Navy.
 
Malvern Hills District Council responded to a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official Red Ensign flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.
 
Cllr Chris O’Donnell, Vice Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, raised the flag to say ‘thank you seafarers’, and also read out a message from the charity's president, HRH The Earl of Wessex. Malvern Town Mayor, Cllr Cynthia Palmer, also joined the ceremony.
 
Cllr Chris O’Donnell, Vice Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council said: “It was an honour to be a part of this significant ceremony, and great to have the support from Cllr Cynthia Palmer. It is important we recognise the contribution made by the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy during both World Wars as well as the dependence we have on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK’s imports, including half the food we eat.
 
“The ceremony is a great opportunity for all local councils and authorities throughout the UK to participate together in a show of support and appreciation for Navy seafarers everywhere.”