I WOULD like to thank all the people who took part in Saturday’s unveiling of La Bastiaise War Memorial in Smith’s Dock Park, Normanby (Echo, Nov 11). It was a glorious morning and Canon John Lumley put together a wonderful Order of Service, in both French and English.

Thank you to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Kerfoot, the Mayor of Redcar Cllr Karen King, Honorary Consul of France Eric Donjon, the chief executive of PD Ports Frans Calje, deacon Peter Barrigan and the Middlesbrough Sea Cadets.

The booklet on La Bastiaise was well received and credit to Paul Stephenson for his research and to County Print for the publishing.

Thanks to Roy Morris, who managed the project, Brian Noble, the contractor, and Peel Engravers.

Trevor Wray had a model of La Bastiaise in the bowling club for everyone to see and thank you to the ladies who provided an excellent refreshment service.

Ron Starling provided the PA and the memorial itself was funded by Impetus – a massive thank you to Nicky Graves and her patrons.

The day was cold but many ex-Smith Dock workers and their families made the event and a lot travelled a long way. South Park Rangers Football Club was, as ever, well represented.

Lastly, thank you to the committee for standing by me and keeping me going all these years, and thank you also to the media for helping us to get this event out to the public and staying with the story all these years.

Liz Chambers, Friends of Smith’s Dock Park, Normanby