2022 marks 70 years since the night in 1952 when Lynmouth was devastated by water and rocks cascading down off the moor following torrential rain. 34 residents lost their lives and buildings were either washed away or left uninhabitable. This year, residents of Lynmouth have been remembering those lost, some of whom had been members of their family.

A service of Remembrance was held in St John the Baptist church. On the following day, over 100 residents made a memorial walk along beside the river, unveiling a memorial plaque and finally gathering on the Manor Green where names of the lost were read out and a bell was tolled for each person lost. It was followed by local folk music, which celebrated the life of the community, both past and present. .“Walking the river together was a profound act of holding together the pain of the past and the beauty and hope of this place and our communities now." said Rev'd Samantha Stayte.

Reverend Samantha was interviewed about the events on BBC Radio Devon. You can listen to the interview at this link. Move the slider to 1.36 to hear the interview from the start.