HMS Grafton, Ipswich’s own Royal Navy warship, has visited the town for the last time.
The captain, Cdr Robert Bellfield brought the frigate into the Orwell on an informal visit and an opportunity to say goodbye and thanks to the people of Suffolk. Cdr Bellfield is himself a “local lad”, going to school at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge and Framlingham College.
Grafton was welcomed to the town by the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Bill Wright. The Mayor informed the captain and crew that the Council is calling its new Head Office in Russell Road “Grafton House” in honour of the town’s links with the ship.
In a poignant ceremony, Grafton presented the town with the ship’s bell. This will hang in the foyer of Grafton House after the Grafton is decommissioned later this year.
“We shall always be proud of Grafton and her captains and crew both past and present. They have been good friends to Ipswich and the bell is a good reminder that they will always be welcome in the town,” said the Mayor.