The Filey Bay Initiative

John Paul Jones and a new Public Information Board

In November 2009, a new public information board was unveiled in Filey in Crescent Gardens close to the Maze overlooking the sweep of Filey Bay.  The board is a further example of the Initiative’s on going commitment to the history and heritage of the town and is the latest in a series of local information publications.

The new information board provides graphic information about Commodore John Paul Jones, the famous Battle of Flamborough Head during the American War for Independence in 1779 and the sinking of his flagship the Bonhomme Richard. 

The Battle is an important part of the Heritage of Filey Bay and is a crucial component of the wider Maritime and Archaeological tapestry of the town.  Filey Town Councillor Aileen Newbury and Chair of the Initiative said “It’s been a long time coming with the delays of the cliff slips and getting copyright permission, but at long last it’s in place and it’s proving very popular. The idea is to get the story out to visitors and local folk and we’ve also delivered books to the schools and had funding for the new leaflet, which is something people can pick up and take away.”  Councillor Newbury is to be congratulated for her hard work that has seen this project through to fruition.

At a cost of about £3,500, this excellent board has been produced by Adrian Bury Associates of Harrogate and has been funded though grants from The North Yorkshire County Council, Filey Town Council, Scarborough Borough Council and others.

The Public Information Board was unveiled by Filey Mayor, Councillor Sam Cross (extreme right)  in the presence of (starting from the left) Catherine Welch (Friends of Filey Bay Initiative), Councillor Aileen Newbury (Chair, The Filey Bay Initiative), Adrian Bury, Lee Norgate (Secretary, The Filey Bay Initiative), Councillor Julie Viles and Janet Deacon (Scarborough Borough Council)

Picture courtesy Filey Bay Initiative

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