ONE of the stalwarts at Purfleet-on-Thames Heritage Museum and Military Centre has paid tribute to Thurrock Yacht Club for giving them a view from the Thames of the centre's new memorial.

The new memorial featuring the silhouettes of 26 soldiers to represent the men of Purfleet who fell in two world wars was officially unveiled earlier this month.

Following the unveiling Sue Gosling, a volunteer at the centre which was founded by her husband Alan, was interviewed by the BBC and told how the silhouettes came to be placed by the river.

That set in place a string of events that led to a special trip for Sue, Alan and their granddaughter Erin.

Sue takes up the story: "During the interview I was telling the BBC how people feel and how wonderful they look. Well, me and my big mouth, I then said that I would like to see how they looked from the river!

"Lis Wright who began the fundraising and had also given an interview a little before me, heard what I had said and set the ball rolling for said sight to be seen.

"She contacted Thurrock Yacht Club asking if they could help. The answer came back, yes, they could. .

"Lisa came along to the centre and asked how I felt about a boat trip, very apprehensive was I as I am a coward when it comes to being on the water but, I said yes OK. I will do my best. I could take a couple of people along with me.

"The trip was arranged for Saturday, 20 November. From the yacht club in Grays up to Purfleet.

A friend drove myself, Alan and our nine year old granddaughter Erin along there. We were made very welcome at the yacht club clubhouse by Murrya James.

"We were told a yacht would being going ahead of us as it would take much longer and that we would travel in a small motor boat. Everyone there took great care of us and especially with Alan because he needs an oxygen cylinder with him. We were loaded into the boat then lowered down the slipway and off we went.

"It was cold and windy but, not too choppy thankfully. Murray sat up front while Tom was in charge of steering and speed. Erin kept asking him to go faster - we have discovered she is a speed freak on water! It only took us around 15 minutes took get along there.

"The silhouettes do look terrific from the river as suspected. If we were on a bigger craft we would have had a little better view of them but, anyway they do look great. What made a finishing touch the yacht that accompanies us carried the 'LEST WE FORGET' flag. It was perfect.

"Needless to say that even though we were wet and freezing cold, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and, achieved something special.

"I can't praise everyone at Thurrock Yacht Club enough for what they have done and how friendly they were. A great group of people there. So many thanks to all and , of course Lisa for getting it all started."