Goole Civic Society has unveiled its sixth Blue Plaque, to commemorate Sir Bertram Fox-Hayes, a master mariner and Commodore of the White Star Line, Captain of the SS Olympic, sister ship to the Titanic.
The blue plaque was unveiled by Paul Eeles who sponsored the plaque with his wife June and David Billany who with his wife Kelly own the house were the plaque is sited in Heber Terrace Old Goole. Sir Bertram lived in the house as a child from 1870 to 1880
Also present was Linda Helliwell, who owned the house previously with her husband Andrew.
Civic Society trustee Stephen Walker, carried out the research into Sir Bertram Fox-Hays and organised Sunday 16th June event, along with Rachel Walker.
Afterwards tea and Kathryn Walker’s wonderful cakes were on offer at the Old Goole Social Club to celebrate the occasion.
Sir Bertram was born in Birkenhead in 1867 and moved with his family to Goole when he was four years old.
He lived in Goole from 1870-1880, during which time he was educated and started his career as a clerk with the Goole Steam Shipping Company.
In 1880 he went to sea, the start of a distinguished career that saw him sailing around the world and achieving the rank of Commander for the White Star Line.
He was captain of the SS Olympic, a troop carrier in the first world war and his brave service was marked with a knighthood in 1919. Interestingly he also served on the Board of Inquiry for the Olympics’ sister ship, the Titanic.
The event was well supported helping Goole Civic Societies vision to celebrate the unique heritage of Goole and build on it to create a better future for everyone. Blue Plaques are just one of the many ways we do this.
Civic Society members with Paul Eeles Mr & Mrs Billany and Mrs Helliwell
Goole Civic Society trustee Stephen Walker, Giving a presentation at
Old Goole Social Club about Sir Bertram Fox-Hayes