80th ANNIVESARY OF THE D DAY LANDINGS
The Days Events
Gorleston Golf Club received an Invitation from the Royal Pageant master, Bruno Peek, to take part in the National Remembrance of the 80 Anniversary of the D Day Landings. This was to include the lighting of Beacons around the coast and the Lantern of Peace Procession.
It was envisaged by Malcolm Lake, our Celebration Committee Chairman, to make it a reverential event the like of which has possibly never been exceeded here at Gorleston Golf Club.
Representatives attending and taking part included: Cadets, Local Scouts, Girl Guides, Great Yarmouth Brass Band, the RNLI and the Deputy Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councilor Carl Annison with 3 Borough Councilor’s, along with a display of army vehicles.
At 6.15 there was a fly over by a Piper Cub 1944 war plane. Several hundred people attended with 120 staying for a pie and mash supper followed by entertainment from the Dragon’s Theatre Group. At 9.15 we all gathered outside for the lighting of the Beacons, the Last Post, prayers led by Rev Derek Mclean from Cliff Park Community Church and an excellent firework display.
Once inside again as a tribute of remembrance members processed with red roses, a Book of Remembrance was added to the centre table ahead of the Lanterns of Peace Procession all of which was very moving. Following this two gentlemen wowed us with their haunting refrains played on the bag pipes, we were in awe when Hannah Long sang the aria Nella Fantasia in Italian followed by the Wind Beneath My Wings, Louis from East Norfolk Sixth Form gave a beautiful rendition of the Michael Boulton song Go The Distance and the Norwich Singers led us in a Last Night of the Proms Sing-a-long.
This spectacular event came to a close at 11.30 and I cannot finish this article without a note of eternal gratitude and indebtedness to our troops and others who took part in the D Landings from all who attended.
A huge thank you is also due to Malcolm Lake for his foresight in envisaging this epic event, for his tireless work to make it the success it undoubtedly was and to all those who played their part.
Throughout the day over 120 golfers played in the D-Day mixed Roll up with the winners being Kevin Carter with a huge 46 points in Division 1 and Club Captain, Howard Kellett with 41 points in Division 2. The best lady on the day was Paula Ledger with 37 points. All 3 will receive a commemorative 80th Anniversary D-Day lapel pin badge.

Reports by Penny Platten and Stuart Pearce