Each year, on 7 June and on 1 July, the City of Barrie’s flag is flown in Harrogate, and the Harrogate flag is flown in Barrie, Ontario. Two places, around 3,500 miles apart, sharing friendship.

These dates are significant, as 7 June is Sir Robert Barrie Day, while 1 July is Canada Day – the national day of Canada. The ceremonies mark the close twinning arrangement between Barrie and Harrogate – but how did this come about?

===========================================

The exchange of flags

It all started as recently as 2023, marking 10 years after the twinning relationship with Barrie was signed.

The flag from the City of Barrie in Ontario Canada was presented by Mayor Alex Nuttall to Harrogate’s then Charter Mayor Michael Harrison in April 2023 during Mayor Nuttall’s visit to Harrogate. Shortly afterwards, Harrogate’s flag was taken and presented to the City of Barrie on Sir Robert Barrie Day by Michael Newby of Harrogate International Partnerships, and flown there.

Michael Newby was Mayor when the twinning was established, and it was he who signed the agreement for Harrogate on 7 June 2013 at Ripley Castle, along with Mark Sachkiw, Chair of Barrie’s International Relations Committee, in the presence of Sir Thomas Ingilby.

Flying the flags has now become an annual event.

Sir Robert Barrie Day

The City of Barrie is named after Admiral Sir Robert Barrie, who played a significant role in the creation of modern Canada. He married into the Ingilby family of Ripley Castle and is buried in the Ingilby family vault in Ripley Parish Church. Sir Robert died on 7 June 1841, with 7 June becoming Sir Robert Day many years later.

Charter Mayor Michael Harrison and HIP Trustee Mary Andronowski with the Barrie flag outside the Civic Centre offices in Harrogate – 7 June 2023

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall oversees the raising of Harrogate’s flag near the waterfront in Barrie to commemorate Sir Robert Barrie Day and the tenth anniversary of the signing of the twinning agreement – 7 June 2023