Town Mayor Jeanee Hutchinson gives her speech at the unveiliing of Fred Birk's Blue Plaque"

Garden Cottage, Buckley

8 May 2013

SPEECH TEXT

Lord and Lady Jones,

Good Morning

Since his death for gallantry during the First World War, 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Birks, V.C., M.M., late of the Royal Australian Forces, has rightly had all the accolades bestowed upon him for his bravery in the face of the enemy.

His proud record and ultimate sacrifice are without exception so I think today, some 96 years later, marks the final chapter in his life. We are here today to recognise and pay tribute to the place where he was born and spent his formative years as a child and young man.

Garden Cottage here in Lane End is an important place in Buckley's historical past, and I am very grateful to the present owner Mr Sirrell and his family for giving their most kind consent in allowing the town council to place this plaque where Lieutenant Birks was born.

Many Thanks to you.

I would like to invite Lord Barry Jones to say a few words.

***************

Lord Barry Jones gave a speech, the text of which was not available. He praised the bravery of Fred Birks and said it was a great honour to be present at the unveiling of a blue plaque in his memory.

Author: Hutchinson, Jeanee

Town Mayor Jeanee Hutchinson gives her speech at the unveiliing of Fred Birk's Blue Plaque"

Garden Cottage, Buckley

Tags