On Friday 29 January 2021, Cllr Sharon Harkin laid a wreath to commemorate the 1953 North Sea Floods, which claimed 41 lives locally and over 300 people across English coastal towns and villages.

The Deputy Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Sharon Harkin said, "At this tough and emotional time as we reflect on over 100,000 deaths due to the Covid pandemic, it is still incredibly important to mark the anniversary of another tragedy, 68 years ago on Sunday 31st January 1953, when 41 lives were lost in Felixstowe, including several children.

"The North Sea floods changed the lives of families forever. As we lay this wreath, we remember those lives lost, those left behind and pay tribute to those who put others before themselves."

The Deputy Mayor was joined at the Flood Memorial, Langer Road, Felixstowe, by Reverend Andrew Dotchin, Vicar of Felixstowe Town and Rural Dean of the Colneys, who delivered a poignant service of remembrance.