New memorial to Northumberland seafarers - made from anchors and chains - planned for Amble

A new memorial dedicated to seafarers who helped in times of conflict is being planned in Amble.
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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.

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It would comprise the bollard from the original quayside, along with two anchors and interlinked chains.

Two anchors and a quayside bollard would form part of a proposed new memorial in Amble. Picture: Amble Town CouncilTwo anchors and a quayside bollard would form part of a proposed new memorial in Amble. Picture: Amble Town Council
Two anchors and a quayside bollard would form part of a proposed new memorial in Amble. Picture: Amble Town Council

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.

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"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.

The proposed location of a seafarers memorial in Amble. Picture: Amble Town CouncilThe proposed location of a seafarers memorial in Amble. Picture: Amble Town Council
The proposed location of a seafarers memorial in Amble. Picture: Amble Town Council

"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.

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"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.”

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