A BLUSTERY wind on Sunday brought home the phrase "For those in peril on the sea" familiar in hymn and prayer for those with maritime links.

In Queenborough, on the Isle of Sheppey, that particular fear for sailors and seafarers is remembered every year with the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony.

The united service of thanksgiving and prayer for seafarers is an historic service which discharges the obligation on the parish priest of Queenborough made in 1690 by two shipwrecked gentlemen whose identities have been lost in the passing of time.

On Sunday seamen, fishermen, ferrymen, members of organisations and individuals involved with the sea either as a living or an association gathered at Crundalls Wharf, to take part in the age-old ceremony.

Following a procession from Queenborough's Holy Trinity Church the service, conducted by the Vicar of Minster and priest in charge of Queenborough, Canon Gilbert Spencer, fulfilled that tradition.

The procession was led by girls and boys from the Boy's Brigade from the Bethel Congregational Church at Minster, and included clergy and church members from across the Island.