Sunday January 27th 2008 will long be remembered in the Village as the dedication of the new Coffey Crew Gates was such a happy occasion.  The sun shone from a blue sky, the Rackheath church was packed and it was a joy to see so many of the old friends of the 467th there as well as David and Pearl Neale, the Chairman of the Friends of the Memorial.  We all felt very humbled that three of the Coffey family, Jim's son Mark and his wife Jean, together with Jim's daughter Carolyn, had flown over specially just for the weekend, to pay a  tribute to the Coffey Crew and the 467th Bomb Group. We were also deeply touched by the two really beautiful plaques that had been sent by Andy DeBiasse and Albert Muller for the Church to tell the story of the gates and the crew.  The idea of the Church Council to combine the dedication of the gates with a Confirmation and Communion Service was wonderful and we were privileged to have Bishop David, the Bishop of Thetford take the service.  The Norfolk Military Vehicle Group also paid us a great honour by having three wartime jeeps and a US Staff Car parked in the front of the church which really added to the atmosphere of the occasion. Our vicar, Richard Sutton welcomed everyone to the Church and we then enjoyed the very moving service, including prayers for Geoff Gregory.  Mark Coffey made a most inspiring tribute to the Crew and the 467th and then Andy DeBiasse had asked me to read out his message on the plaque which touched everyone deeply.  On behalf of the Memorial Trust and the 467th BG I also expressed our thanks to everyone involved, especially Len Wells our Church Warden and to those who had donated funds for the new gates. The two wonderful laminated plaques sent by Andy were displayed in front of the altar during the service being greatly admired and reminding us all once again, especially those of us who knew you in the war, of the bravery, sacrifice and friendship of the 467th Bomb Group. Our vicar then read out another very wonderful letter from President, Ralph Davis. Nearing the end of the service we moved outside to witness Bishop David dedicate the new gates in a most moving address.

With thanks to David Hastings (Trust Governor, Base Contact & Honorary Member) for the above report.