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Midnight Vigil
On Friday 31st January 2003 a midnight vigil was held in the grounds
of Langer School in Langer
Road, Felixstowe. The school and its grounds were flooded in 1953.
About
200 people braved the bitterly cold night to remember those who
had died, and survivors spoke of their memories of that night. The
Felixstowe Salvation Army Band accompanied the singing of hymns.
A period of silence took place on the site of the proposed memorial
to the floods, which is being designed by a group of local artists.
St Edmunds Church, which is next to Langer School and was also flooded
in 1953, was open for private prayer during the evening.
Commemorative
Service
On
Sunday 2nd February at 3.00 pm a commemorative service was held
at the Church of St John the Baptist, Orwell Road, Felixstowe. The
service was conducted by the Reverend David Lowe and the preacher
was the Reverend Rod Corke.
As part of the service survivors of the 1953 floods described their
experiences. The names of all those who died in Felixstowe were
included in the service and votive candles were lit in their memory.
The Mayor of Felixstowe, Malcolm Minns, said:
"These commemorative events on 31st January and 2nd February
2003 recognise the great importance of the 1953 floods in Felixstowe.
They will help us to remember both the flood itself and those who
tragically perished on that terrible night in 1953."
United Memorial Service held in 1953
A United Memorial Service was held in 1953 "for those who
lost their lives in the Flood Disaster, February 1st 1953".
It took place at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Felixstowe
and was relayed to St George's Presbyterian Church.
The service was conducted by the Rural Dean, Rev Canon W Cocks,
OBE, Vicar of St John's.
Lessons were read by Rev D Allon Smith Bsc (St George's Presbyterian
Church) and the Chairman of the Urban District Council (Cllr A E
Smith JP).
The sermon was given by the Right Rev the Lord Bishop of St Edmundsbury
and Ipswich.
Hymns (from the Ancient & Modern hymn book) included "God
of our life, to Thee we call", "There is a land of pure
delight" and "Abide with me". Psalm 23 was also sung.
The organist was Mr E Douglas Taylor, ARCO.
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