Annual Trafalgar Service
Exeter Cathedral
Each year, the Exeter Flotilla holds a Trafalgar Day Service
in Exeter Cathedral.
This year the Service was taken by the Dean, The Very
Reverend Jonathan Meyrick with the address being given by the Chaplain of the
Fleet and Archdeacon for the Royal Navy, the Venerable John Green QHC.
Official guests included the Lord Lieutenant, the Lord Mayor of Exeter and the Deputy Lord Mayor, the Flag Officer Training, Rear Admiral Ibbotson, Commodore John Keegan from HMS Raleigh.
The Flotilla’s Patron, Commodore Phil Jones read the First Lesson with Captain Ian Brannam from the Flotilla reading the Second Lesson. Prayer Readers came from the Royal Marine Band, HMS Raleigh and HMS Vivid with our Chairman reading Lord Nelson’s Prayer.
Music was provided by the Band of HM Royal Marines from the CTCRM Lympstone but sadly the Royal Naval Guild of Bellringers were unable to ring the Bells of the Cathedral as the repairs to the Bells had taken longer than anticipated and were still out of action.
Because this was the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands, the Service had a strong Falklands flavour with the Falklands Prayer being read by Flotilla member Commander David Lingard who was serving in a Type 21 Frigate during the Conflict.
The Ship’s Company of HMS Exeter should have been exercising their right of Freedom of the City prior to the Service but sadly were redeployed to the Mediterranean at short notice and were unable to attend the Service. However the large congregation included members from the Exeter White Ensign Club, the Association of Wrens, HMS Ganges Association, HMS Vivid, HMS Raleigh,the LST and Landing Craft Association and Devon Sea Cadet and CCF units.
Next year’s Service, which is open to the public, will be at 1130 on Sunday 19th October 2008.