Talented knotters honoured
Shelley Lipke, Staff writer
CPO2 David Lowther, Base Regulating Chief at CFB Esquimalt, stands proudly beside his winning Navy Centennial bell rope as he accepts a cheque for $500 from prize sponsor Capt(N) (ret'd) Hal Davies.
Photo by Shelley Lipke, Lookout
The Naval Centennial Bell Rope competition officially came to a close last Wednesday when finalists gathered on board HMCS Protecteur for an award ceremony.
The oldest ship in the Canadian Navy was a fitting venue to host this event as the Centennial Bell, and chosen winning bell rope, will mark the next 100 years of the Canadian Navy and be showcased in Ottawa's Parliament Hill on May 4.
The finalists came from as far as CFB Halifax to receive their certificates, and while not all could attend it was a momentous occasion for the crafty and creative competitors.
Fleet Commander, Commodore Ron Lloyd spoke of the historical significance of bells throughout the navy's history, and with a hearty smile and handshake congratulated each of the four competitors who were able to attend.
"I want to thank the sailors who contributed entries to the bell rope competition. The high standard of skill and artistry demonstrated in the entries challenged the judges to make their choice," he said. "We are extremely proud of your efforts and the skill you have demonstrated."
Centennial Bell rope winner CPO2 David Lowther, Base Regulating Chief at CFB Esquimalt, spent 75 hours on his winning bell rope, which features a blue and white navy colour scheme, King Edward's crown and the navy anchor.
"It is really nice to see that this rope work is something that is not forgotten. Many Leading Seamen have taken a chance to learn something new and it's nice to see that it's been passed on," he said.
Back in 1986 he learned knot tying in his boatswain trade when he joined the navy.
"I'm proud to be a part of the Naval Centennial with this contribution," he said.
Fifteen entries from across Canada were judged in two stages to determine a winner, and the entries came from regular, retired and reserve members ranging in age from 23 to 96.
Second World War veteran, 3 Badge LS G. Merill Rumson was unable to attend, but passed on a message that before he worked on his bell rope submission each day, he had a tot of rum in honour of the navy.
One by one the competitors were called up to receive their certificates. CPO2 Lowther was also awarded a $500 cheque from bell rope prize sponsor Capt(N) (ret'd) Hal Davies.
Capt(N) (ret'd) Davies proposed having this competition and was delighted when they agreed it was a good idea.
"This kind of naval heritage will continue into the next 100 years of the navy," he said.
Those competitors who weren't able to attend the ceremony will be awarded their certificates at divisions.
On May 4, the Centennial Bell with the winning bell rope will be presented to Parliament Hill in Ottawa where it will rededicate the Canadian Navy to the next 100 years of service to Canada.
It will hang in Ottawa for one year and then begin touring various Canadian military museums for Canadians to see.
