Annual Gallipoli Lunch, held at King’s Lynn, Town Hall, Norfolk

Annual Gallipoli Lunch, held at King’s Lynn, Town Hall, Norfolk Friday 11th October 2024

Before the arrival of diners a delegation from Turkey arrived led by the Mayor of Gelibolu Dr Ali Kamil Soyuak, our Patron.

They were welcomed into the Mayor’s Parlour by Councillor Andy Buller, the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

Over tea and coffee, presentations were exchanged between the two Mayors and the long history of the ancient Town Hall explained, with great interest of all involved.

Following this thirty members and friends arrived in the Stone Hall and were welcomed by the Mayor and President. All enjoyed liquid refreshment and exchange of stories, especially with our Turkish friends.

Before moving into the impressive Assembly Room, a group photograph was taken.

The President John Crowe, welcomed all, and thanked them for helping to maintain the memory of the tragic events of 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsular in Turkey. Most had travelled long distances to attend. From Stoke-on-Trent, Normanton-on-Soar, Hertfordshire, Dudley, Northants, Peterborough, and London. And of course our distinguished guests from Turkey, led by our Patron, the Mayor of Gelibolu.

He went on to explain that a group had just returned from Turkey after the annual visit there by G&DI. During that visit they had received a very warm welcome from the Head Man and villagers of Kucukanafata, and work continues on fostering the friendship between them and the nearby village of Snettisham, in Norfolk.

Also a very important, and historic occasion took place in the Community Centre, hosted by the Mayor of Gelibolu, where descendants of soldiers and sailors who took part from France, Australia, Uk and Turkey exchanged their respective stories, in remembrance and friendship.

Then the President together with the President of Gelibolu and Dernegi and of the French Association, together with others laid wreaths in remembrance.

The Mayor Councillor Andy Bullen after welcoming all, especially our Turkish visitors, explained that his grandfather had also gone to Suvla Bay with the Norfolks, fortunately he survived and served with the Home Guard in the Second World War.

The Mayor of Gelibolu, expressed his desire for peace and friendship, and the importance of the words of peace and conciliation expressed by the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kewmal Ataturk.

Grace was then said by Father Adrian Ling, Chaplain to the Mayor, and Rector of All Saints Church, King’s Lynn.

After an excellent lunch, The Mayor proposed the Loyal Toast, Committee Member David Ellis proposed a toast to G&DI. The President then proposed a toast to our good friends, ‘Gelibolu Dernegi’ (Gallipoli Association of Turkey).

The President then introduced the speaker, Mrs Anne Brown, who is Australian living in the UK, and a Committee Member of G&DI.

Her talk was entitled ‘There is no difference between the Jonnies and the Mehmets’ a story of war and friendship.

This was a wonderful conclusion to a great lunch. Especially having our Turkish friends with us. All parted company in good spirits, and good fellowship.

Lest we forget.