Three wreaths of remembrance were laid at Mariners' Park in a special Armistice ceremony on 12 November 2018 - including a white rose design made by residents commemorating disabled survivors of global conflict.
The residents' wreath was created as part of a project run for the retired seafarers and their families to commemorate those who return home from war 'broken not only in body but mind'.
They were assisted by artist Faith Bebbington through the Disability and Deaf Arts Festival (DaDaFest) charity and the white roses were chosen as a symbol of 'rebirth and renewal, love, life and light' to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end World War I.
A second traditional red poppy wreath was laid by the longest-serving staff member at Mariners' Park, Karen Jones, on behalf of all the staff at the estate.
A third wreath was laid by ex- submariner and Care Home resident Joe Oliver.
At the annual Park and Care Home service - conducted this year by ex-mariner Alan Leach - the names of former residents who have passed away in the previous 12 months were read out to invited guests, including relatives and friends.
Forever
Sturdy boots rope calloused hands,
home knit ganzies, reek of baccy,
walnut faces gnarled by adversity.
Seafarers,
at ease with each other,
at ease with the sea,
no fear of conflict, no fear of defeat,
these are Britain's hardy sons,
salt in their blood,
modesty second nature,
true descendants of Britannia,
who offered their lives,
that we may stay free.
We shall remember them
… forever.
Roger Cliffe-Thompson
(Nautilus Welfare Fund mens' activity co-ordinator)
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