Turnstone - Twinning idea among proposals to strengthen bond to the 67th
There have been various suggestions made in recent weeks as to how the bond between Hunstanton and the 67th Special Operations Squadron might be strengthened.
The ideas have emerged since the sign naming the footpath through the Esplanade Gardens Reis Leming Way was unveiled.
The debt owed to Reis Leming for his heroism on the night of the floods on January 31 1953 has never been forgotten .
But when Reis received the George Medal for his single-handed rescue of 27 people, he modestly said he was accepting the award on behalf of all members of the 67th who had volunteered to take part in the rescue operation.
The fact that other members of the 67th did put their own lives at risk was highlighted at the civic reception in the Community Centre, when flood survivor Neil Quincey recalled how the crew of a weasel – an amphibious vessel – had taken him to the property where his wife and children were trapped.
Unfortunately, on reaching the house the craft capsized in the hurricane force wind, but he and the crew members managed to climb from the raging sea onto the balcony, where they were eventually rescued along with Neill’s family by Reis.
For nearly 60 years it would seem that the part played by other members of what was then the 67th Air Rescue Squadron, has been overlooked by the people of Hunstanton.
But the Parade on November 10 has inspired many of us to take steps to ensure the special relationship is commemorated in perpetuity.
The ‘Reis Leming Way’ sign, with its 67th Squadron Crests, is one way of keeping memories alive.
This was the brainchild of Mark Service, the RAF Flight Sergeant who happens to be the historian of the 67th from its inception in 1952 as the Air Rescue Squadron to its current role as the 67th Special Operations Squadron.
In response to the friendly welcome given to both current and past members of the 67th on November 10 Mark has come up with the idea of granting the Freedom of Hunstanton to the Squadron.
If this event took place in the spring there might be a better chance of a sunny day and crowds of people on The Green.
In addition to this possibility, it has also been suggested that Hunstanton should be permanently twinned with the 67th.
This idea might be unique, but if there are other examples of similar twinning initiatives anywhere else in the world which you are aware of then please let the Lynn News know about them…
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Weather for King's Lynn
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
