Hundreds gather at Liverpool Cathedral for Titanic commemoration service

Apr 16 2012 by Janine Yaqoob, Liverpool Echo

HUNDREDS of people gathered at Liverpool Cathedral to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking.

A special service, led by the Acting Dean of Liverpool, Canon Miles Davies, looked back to the fateful night back in 1912, as well as looking to the future and how the maritime industry has shaped the city.

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, gave a poignant address and ECHO shipping columnist Peter Elson reflected on the port of Liverpool, its past and hopes for the future.

The congregation of over 600 joined in with a series of hymns and during the service a soundscape, put together by the cathedral and the Liverpool Women’s History for Schools Group, played out the events leading up to the Titanic’s sinking.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Frank Prendergast, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Dame Lorna Muirhead and council leader Joe Anderson all gave readings.

Speaking after the service, Canon Miles Davies said: “It was great to see so many people turn out for the service.

“I was very touched by all the nice comments from people afterwards.

“The Titanic tragedy really strikes a chord with people, especially in Liverpool as it has so many links to the liner.

“The service has been in the planning since last October and I must thank everyone involved.“

Bishop James added: “The Titanic was a national disaster that deeply affected the lives of many on Merseyside.

“It was so great to see the young people in the cadet uniforms. They symbolised the passing of the baton and the continuation of our maritime links going into the future.”

Chris Rattigan, from Walton, who attended the service with colleague Hugh Lyons, said: “The service was outstanding.

“My cousin and other family members were seafarers, so the Titanic tragedy means a lot to me.

“Liverpool is steeped in maritime history so it was great to mark the 100th anniversary with such a fitting service.”

Valerie Brandrick, from Wallasey, was so moved by the service that she shed a few tears.

“It was such a beautiful service. When I saw the cadets in their uniforms it reminded me of my dad, who was in the Navy, and the tears started rolling down my cheeks. My dad went away with the Navy and never returned.”

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