NEW MEMORIAL UNVEILED TO THE ‘ GENTLEMAN OF THE SEAS ’
FREE WILL ’ S MONTH MARCH 2024 WITH PHOENIX
IN BRIEF
NEW MEMORIAL UNVEILED TO THE ‘ GENTLEMAN OF THE SEAS ’
FREE WILL ’ S MONTH MARCH 2024 WITH PHOENIX
A new memorial has been unveiled on the Birkenhead waterfront dedicated to a Peruvian national hero and his Laird ’ s-built warship .
The Mayor of Wirral , Councillor Jerry Williams , was joined by the Ambassador of Peru in the UK , His Excellency Juan Carlos Gamarra , to unveil the new memorial to Grand Admiral Miguel Grau on Friday ( 23 February ).
The site for the new memorial , close to the Monks Ferry slipway , was chosen as it is just a stones-throw from the dry dock where his vessel , Huascar , was built and launched by Laird Brothers in 1865 .
The Mayor of Wirral , and the borough ’ s Heritage Champion , Councillor Jerry Williams , said : " Our year as Borough of Culture provides a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on and to celebrate Wirral ’ s incredible culture and heritage , so I am delighted that the new memorial is helping to tell the story of a ground-breaking vessel and her iconic master , Miguel Grau .
" It explains the life of an extraordinary man and his formidable Birkenhead-built ship , cementing the link between him , this town , and our magnificent shipyard . The stretch of the promenade where the memorial is located has been renamed Grand Admiral Miguel Grau Walk and the monument joins others along the riverfront dedicated to other legendary figures , including Wallasey-born Spitfire Pilot Jack Potter and the Cockleshell Hero , Corporal Albert Laver of Birkenhead .
" Miguel Grau remains an iconic figure for the people of Peru who , in the year 2000 , recognised him as the ‘ Peruvian of the Millennium ’ in a public vote .
" He remains known as ‘ El Caballero de los Mares ’ - Spanish for ‘ Gentleman of the Seas ‘ - for his kind and chivalrous treatment of defeated enemies . He posthumously received the rank of Gran Almirante del Perú ( Grand Admiral of Peru ) in 1967 by order of the Peruvian Government . Work to restore Huascar began in 1951 and she continues to operate as a floating museum and memorial in the port of Talcahuano in Chile . She remains the only Laird ’ s built vessel from that era that survives today . As well as environmental and drainage impact assessments , a Biodiversity Statement was organised before the project to ensure that all work carried out will result in a biodiversity net gain .".
From 1st – 31st March 2024 Phoenix Solicitors , Wirral , will be taking part in Free Wills Month during which supporters of various charities , aged 55 and over , will be able to get a simple Will done for free .
Participating charities include : British Heart Foundation , Breast Cancer Now , Mind , The Salvation Army , Mencap , Shelter , Marie Curies , RNLI , Guide Dogs , NSPCC , PDSA Diabetes UK , Samaritans , Age UK , Versus Arthritis , Dogs Trust , Royal British Legion , National Trust , Stroke Association and Tenovus Cancer Care .
Most UK charities depend on legacies for up to half of their income , by taking part in a Free Wills Month campaign . Those taking up the offer of a free Will are under no obligation to leave a gift to one of the charities , however , every donation will help the charities , no matter how small .
Making a Will ensures that your wishes are respected when you pass away including who may get a certain piece of jewellery or an amount of cash . Making a Will also avoids difficult decisions for loved ones and avoids any legal complications .
You must enquire about making your Will during March , but the appointment can take place after March . Our Solicitors will help you draw up a Will that accurately reflects your wishes . Couples are eligible also , for free mirror Wills , if one of the couple are 55 or over . If the Will is more complex there may be an added charge . The usual cost is £ 100 + VAT and so you will be asked to pay the difference in cost . However , most people only require a simple will .
Appointments are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis and once all available appointments are booked the campaign will be closed by the Free Wills organisation , and this may be before the end of the campaigning month .
If you would like to book your appointment you should call 0151 306 3694 or email ab @ phoenixlegalsolicitors . co . uk .
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