The community of Moelfre commemorated the Royal Charter’s 150th anniversary of the Royal Charter disaster and the 50th anniversary of the ‘Hindlea’ rescue through a variety of activities and events held with dignity and respect on the week-end of 23rd-25th October 2009, arranged by Moelfre Partnership
FRIDAY: 23RD October 2009 – Moelfre Community School Hall
Two dramatic performances with pupils from Moelfre Community School, TIM
Theatr Ieuenctid Mon (Anglesey Youth Theatre) and ‘Loose Cannons’ a drama group from Holyhead.
The School Hall was full with an audience of 130 appreciating two dramatic performances on the tragedy of the Royal Charter on its fateful journey as it steamed out of Hobson’s Bay Melbourne Australia on 26th August 1859 ....
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SATURDAY: 24th October 2009 – Seawatch Moelfre
John Payne and Derlwyn Hughes welcomed all and introduced invited guests to the ceremony of unveiling Sam Holland’s curved bronze panels located within the grounds of the Seawatch Centre Moelfre.
Sam Holland created at the request of Moelfre Partnership two fantastic curved bronze panels - one of the Maltese Seaman Joseph Rodgers (Guiseppe Ruggier), the other of the Royal Charter which will be inspirational and a legacy to all those brave people involved in saving lives at sea.
Sam Holland was invited to speak about her experience following strong local connections with Moelfre in creating the panels, whilst Michael Vlasto OBE (RNLI Operational Director) from Poole Kent unveiled the panels to the delight of the 250 crowd present.
Also present was Chair of Isle of Anglesey County Council Councillor Glyn Jones Aberffraw, Albert Owen Anglesey Member of Parliament who was accompanied by Carwyn Jones Assembly Member for Bridgend.
Entertainment was provided by Menai Bridge Band.
A direct descendant of Joseph Rodgers – Professor Raymond Agius of Manchester who was present at all activities over the week-end, and was invited to name the Moelfre Rowing Club – Celtic longboat Joseph Rodgers.
He wished all who rowed or sailed in her well – Davey Arbonne Owens President of Moelfre Rowing Club had arranged this aspect of events.
In the afternoon a Royal Charter film, a guided walk and an opportunity to meet local characters was enjoyed by all.
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SUNDAY: 25TH October 2009 Carmel Chapel Moelfre
Two Royal Charter concerts were held due to the high demand of tickets at 4.30pm and 7.00pm at Carmel Chapel with the following performers taking part:
Cor y Traeth (Male Voice Choir) Aelwyd yr Ynys (Youth Choir) and vocalists Llio Evans and Elin Fflur.
J.O. Roberts was the narrator and the presenter was Bedwyr Rees.
The concerts received commendable reviews from all who witnessed J. O. Roberts as the narrator of the Royal Charter story, and the skills of Bedwyr Rees as the presenter.
The array of talent, maturity, professionalism and apt choice of songs for the occasion appealed to both audiences in the fantastic performances by the two choirs, two vocalists and the narrator.
Refreshments were arranged by Gwenda Parry Pantri Bach assisted by members of Carmel.
SUNDAY: 25th October 2009 Llanallgo Church
A Commemorative Service was held at Llanallgo Church, Moelfre at 1.00pm on Sunday 25th October 2009 with Bishop Andrew of Bangor in memory of the Royal Charter disaster of 1859, and all those individuals who played their part in the tragedy.
The rector of Llanallgo Church at the time, the Reverend Stephen Roose who played such a prominent part in retrieving, identifying and burying bodies of survivors is buried in the old cemetery at Llanallgo.
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