Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
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BBC News
31-05-2025
- BBC News
Historic Norwegian ship to visit to Newcastle's River Tyne
The visit of a historic Norwegian cargo ship to the River Tyne has a special significance for one local S/S Hestmanden, which served as a convoy vessel during World War Two, will be berthed in Newcastle until Thursday as part of a UK tour marking the 80th anniversary of VE Chris Flanighan, its arrival is a poignant reminder of his grandfather, Karluf Thorsen, who fled Nazi-occupied Norway and served throughout the war in the merchant navy. He said: "This ship symbolises the life he lived, and the risks he took". Built in 1911, S/S Hestmanden played a vital role in transporting medicine, food, fuel, ammunition, and weapons during the also formed part of a covert flotilla of fishing boats used to smuggle soldiers, agents and freedom fighters between Norway and Shetland, and on return trips helped to evacuate refugees and Allied a national treasure in Norway, it serves as a floating war sailors' museum, preserving the legacy of those who kept the supply lines open. Mr Flanighan, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, has spent years uncovering the legacy of his grandfather."He left Norway around the age of 17 or 18 and didn't return home until he was 22," he said."Germany had occupied Norway, and he was part of the convoys supplying the Allied effort from Britain."This ship symbolises the life he lived, and the risks he took". 'Coming home' In a tribute to his grandfather's legacy, Mr Flanighan has been invited to join the Maritime Volunteer Service on one of their vessels as part of a ceremonial escort up the river."When I heard the ship was coming to Newcastle - the last stop on her UK tour - I was over the moon," he said."It's not just a ship visit. For me and my family, it's like she's coming home." During the visit, people have a chance to go on board the floating museum until Wednesday and explore its interactive will also be events including a wreath-laying ceremony at Norwegian war graves in Stephen C. Healy of Trinity House, Newcastle, said: "This historic visit reaffirms the deep maritime bonds between Norway and the north-east of England. "It is a tremendous privilege to help honour the legacy of the war sailors." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Evening Standard
31-05-2025
- Evening Standard
Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
BBC News
26-05-2025
- BBC News
Brackley and Montabaur celebrate 50 years of town twinning
Two communities have celebrated 50 years of friendship with a ceremony marking their town twinning partnership from the in Northamptonshire and Montabaur in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, were officially twinned in 50th anniversary was commemorated in the English town last week, with cultural events, gift exchanges, and a five-course Phipps, 77, who attended both the original twinning and the milestone event, said the occasion was "very enjoyable". "We've made so many friends over the years. It's become an international friendship," he said. Brackley has also been twinned with Pavillons-sous-Bois in France since 1972. Each year, members of the Brackley European Association (BEA) either visit their partner towns or host incoming guests in year's exchange saw Montabaur present Brackley with a slate stand made from local return, Brackley gifted a wooden plaque that will hang in Montabaur Town Phipps, who has attended "at least 20" of these events, recalled his favourite moment - Montabaur's 1,000-year carnival celebration. "It's so different to England… the bands were so professional even though it's a small town," he said. Delegates began their visit by laying a wreath at Brackley's war memorial to mark VE were later treated to a performance by a local woodwind band during the celebratory the weekend, guests also visited the Silverstone Circuit Museum and Stoke Robbins, 80, chairwoman of the BEA, said: "You learn things about [German] culture you wouldn't learn on holiday. It's extremely enjoyable." 'Unfailing goodwill' German-born Elizabeth Flikschuh, 97, played a key role in the twinning, taking part in official visits and former Montabaur local said: "Every visit had its moments, but my main memory is of the unfailing goodwill and even affection which colours every visit."One of my dearest memories is of the first tentative meeting of the small delegation from Brackley with the members of the Montabaur Statdrat. "It ended with a very hearty evening in the wood cabin in the forest near the town and a walk back in the dark!" Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
