March 26, 2005
Burnham’s new commemorative Trafalgar gates opened
Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar 200 years ago has been remembered in a special ceremony on the seafront at Burnham-On-Sea.
Two wrought iron gates, complete with the initial ‘N’ in honour of the legendary Admiral, were installed at Marine Cove gardens.
Town and district councillor Neville Jones said: “It is appropriate we should connect with Horatio Nelson.”
“Nelson was born in Burnham, albeit Burnham Thorpe, not Burnham-On-Sea, and anyone who lives by the sea knows only too well how much our history and character has been shaped by it.”
He added: “The cost of the gates has not come out of the town’s budget and, as well as aiding the gradual restoration of the formal gardens, will have a part to play in combating vandalism.”
The gates, which have replaced those which went for scrap iron to help the war effort 65 years ago, were formally erected and opened for the first time on Easter Saturday, March 26.
The gates, specially crafted by Black Bull Engineering company from Bridgwater, have wavy railings, depicting the sea, and encompassing the capital letter N for Nelson, while the first two words of his famous signal ‘England Expects’ are shown in flag form.
Pictured at the opening ceremony are Cllr Neville Jones, Lady Elspeth Laird, Cllr Louise Parkin, Cllr Mike Facey (County Counciller) and Admiral Sir Michaeel Laird KBE CBE. Above right is Alan Miller, chairman of BARB, with Admiral Sir Michaeel Laird KBE CBE.
Shown right are reps from Burnham-On-Sea RNLI, the Hovercraft and Coastguard with Mayor Louise Parkin.
Throughout the country over the next six months events and celebrations in Portsmouth, Norfolk and London will be staged to honour Nelson’s victory over the French off Cape Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.
