HMS Monmouth, the town’s adopted warship, has been refurbished and is ready to be relaunched, but could well hit a sandbank before leaving dock.

The rededication ceremony being held for 550 guests is going to cost in the region of £20,000 and the captain has asked organisations that have a special interest in the ship to help fund the cost as budget cuts mean the ship cannot fund it themselves.

The ‘Black Duke’ as she is known, holds a special place in the hearts of Monmouth residents and every few years, the crew march up Monnow Street with bayonets fixed having been given the Freedom of the Town some years ago.

Councillors at Monday night’s (14th August) town council meeting discussed how much, if anything should be given to allow the ship to hold the ceremony.

Cllr Graham Pritchard suggested that part of the civic budget of £5,000 could be used to fund this, although he was reminded by Cllr Christopher that the ship’s contingent may well request a Freedom Parade next year; the cost of £3,000 for road closures was borne by the town council

Everyone agreed that something should be given, however councillors were split as to how much to donate.

One suggestion from Councillor Owens, supported by Cllr Were was £80, the cost per head for the Mayor and Consort if the amount was split equally between the 550 guests.

£500 was proposed and Cllr Jeana Hall then proposed £1,000.

A vote was taken and both amount received seven votes. It then fell to the chairman to use his casting vote. £1,000 will be sent to the ship towards the cost of the ceremony.