Westminster Abbey London
A Service to Dedicate a Memorial to
Admiral Arthur Phillip RN
9th July 2014
|
It was very emotional to see
the Australian Flag flying proudly atop this great Abbey
and to hear this Congregation singing Advance Australia Fair.
A day Kevin & I will never forget.
|
It was a privilege to be invited to attend this historic
event and to represent the Fellowship of First Fleeters
South Coast Chapter.
There were approx. 700 present with many others from
Australia FFF, Pioneer and Historic Groups.
The Britain-Australia Society , Her Excellency Professor
The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO
Governor of NSW, His Excellency The High Commissioner of
Australia to the Court of St James
Alexander Downer AC and many high ranking Naval Personnel
and Naval Students, The Lord Mayor of
Westminster and representatives from the House of Commons
& the Prime Minister along with The
Westminster Abbey Dean, Canon and staff joined together
with His Royal Highness The Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh to honour and celebrate work of Admiral
Arthur Phillip.
The Memorial Stone is laid in the Nave alongside
memorials to the Unknown Soldiers, David Livingstone and Isaac Newton.
It is a block of beautifully engraved Sydney Sandstone, a permanent
memorial to this modest, world class seaman whose selfless service laid
the secure foundations on which the Commonwealth of Australia was
developed.
The Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir and the Organ
leading the Congregation in hymns, prayers,
Bible readings, wreath laying & reflections made this a
very special Service.
Fae and Kevin McGregor
|
Arthur Phillip Plaque in Lymington
A letter to NSW Governor, Marie Bashir
Dear Governor
It was great to be in Lymington when you kindly unveiled
the plaque in memory of Arthur Phillip. We had long hoped for a plaque
in his memory at that very spot but had never dreamed it would be
unveiled by the Governor of New South Wales.
Your visit to the New Forest left many local people with
happy memories. It would seem a pity if this warmth of feeling between
New South Wales and the New Forest was allowed to fade. Perhaps it would
be possible to consider or foster a friendship link or twinning between
NSW and the New Forest, Arthur Phillip’s home territory. We are hoping
that Australia Day will be marked each year throughout the Forest by the
Parish and Town Councils in addition to the service held each
year at Boldre Church.
Thank you once again for everything you did to make the
visit such a success.
Regards,
Bev Major,
Arthur Phillip Awareness Society
|