Farewell to proud Certificates for young helpers ambassador John
NORTH NORFOLK VIKINGS
Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of John Lee - a former crab fisherman and Cromer councillor, who made an immense contribution to the town and area he loved. The funeral procession stopped outside the family crab stall in New Street which John’s father first opened in 1957, before arriving at Cromer’s St Peter and St Paul Church in Church Street. The Rev Jennie Hodgkinson, who opened the service, said Mr Lee’s passing had left a hole in the lives of all who knew him - but said he leaves behind “memories to treasure.” Mr Lee was an eighth-generation fisherman, selling his catch at the crab stall and later his and his wife Donna’s Hot Rocks restaurant in Garden Street. He was a Cromer town councillor and represented Suffield Park as a Conservative on North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) from 2011 to 2019. He served as chairman of the district council from 2016 to 2017, and its leader in 2018. North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker, who
Cromer
read his eulogy at the service, described him as a “straight talker”, with a “formidable reputation”. He was the “most decent, honourable man”, who was “above everything else a family man”. Following Mr Lee’s death in August aged 60, after a battle with cancer, many tributes were paid. “He understood the nature of local communities and would work with anyone and everyone to deliver – for Cromer and also the wider district,” said NNDC chief executive Steve Blatch. Council leader Tim Adams said he “made an immense contribution to Cromer and was a proud ambassador for the town – and for its fishing and business communities.” A man of integrity, well-respected across the political spectrum was recalled by Conservative Group Leader, Christopher Cushing. He said John served not only his council but the whole of North Norfolk. “Whenever you spoke to John, his pride and passion for Cromer shone through.”
North Norfolk Vikings swimmers Amy-Rose Thomas and Isaac Buchan have been awarded aquatic helpers certificates for their efforts and application following a set programme by the National Swimming Awarding Bodies. The two 14-year-olds have been assisting the current qualified coaches with the development sections of the club. A Vikings spokesman said: “Participation at development level has been very encouraging at the moment, and the club has a waiting list to join this section. With the shortage of coaches and teachers nationally, we thought about trying to give some of our squad members an introduction to the craft.” John Holden
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