It came as no surprise that our local community stepped up to the mark yet again in marking the first anniversary of the Shoreham Air Show tragedy. August 22nd was an important day. It was always going to be a very emotional day not only for the families and friends of the eleven men who so cruelly lost their lives, but also for the wider community who made it clear that they continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
As usual, Reverend Ann Waizeneker pitched her comments just right on the Old Toll Bridge which again became the Bridge of Flowers for the short ceremony attended by hundreds of people. Lord Lieutenant Susan Pymer, Chief Constable Giles York and representatives of other emergency services and councils mingled with family members and friends, football players and many others from far around to pay their own tributes. The moment when eleven doves were released and circled the river was a fitting conclusion to a very moving event.
Many other events were held simultaneously across the area including a large gathering outside the Shoreham Centre where Councillor Emma Evans had also organised a display and tribute books inside marking the weekend events. Emma has also led the work on the permanent memorial walk where a number of inspiring designs have been submitted to Adur Council and after further discussion with the families will be published for public consultation shortly.
It was good to see many family members there and brave of those who gave interviews thanking the community for their support. Speaking to a number of them the frustration at the slow progress being made with the investigations was clear and I share their concern. We are now not expecting the final report from the Air Accident Investigation Board until September at the earliest. A police investigation is still underway to determine whether there is any criminal culpability and until that is concluded the Coroner cannot reconvene her formal inquest which looks as if it will be delayed from spring 2017 now.
All this time the families of the victims are being denied some form of closure. Whilst it is essential that all investigations are thorough and scrupulous and get to the bottom of exactly what happened I do think a greater sense of urgency and better cooperation between various public bodies would go a long way to recognise the sensitivity of the situation.
Last Sunday I was delighted again to lay a wreath at the Canadian memorial on the beach opposite Grand Avenue in Worthing for the Canadian Memorial Day Service organised annually by Pam Vowles. Pam does a tremendous job running the Canadian Roots charity of which I am very proud to be a patron and it was good to see such a large turnout there to remember our close war time ties with our Canadian cousins. Many were stationed in and around Shoreham and Worthing in both World Wars, with some 970 losing their lives on D Day alone.
Finally if you have been inspired by the Olympics this weekend you can display your sporting prowess locally with the ‘I Am Team GB’ national event. I will be sampling a bit of boxing in lancing and you can find out what is going on in your area at www.iamteamgb.com/do-your-own-thing. Come and join in.