Published at 15:49, Wednesday, 24 March 2010

SIR – I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to our mayor, Henry Wormstrup, for organising the celebration on March 19 in recognition of the contribution the Danish fishing fleet made to Whitehaven.

fond memories: Fisherman Svend Axelsen (right), known locally as Big Fenne, and friends

If it wasn’t for Henry’s determination to make this happen, I’m sure a part of Whitehaven’s history would have been lost forever. I would also like to thank Margaret Crosby for her excellent article ‘Great Danes’ in last week’s Whitehaven News.

My father, Karl Zebitz, was one of the Danish fishermen who chose to settle in Whitehaven and marry my mother Lillian Zebitz (nee Atkinson). My mother and I very much enjoyed the plaque unveiling ceremony and speeches. My mother is one of only two known living women who were married to the Danes and was the only one to attend the ceremony. The Danish Ambassador Birger Rils-Jorgensen was introduced to her and talked at length about her husband.

This event has given my mother, sister Anne, brother Ricky and myself so much pride in our Danish heritage. The day brought us together with so many old friends we had not seen for years and indeed discovered new ones, people who we had seen in town on many occasions but didn’t realise that we had a common bond. I’m sure all the descendants of Danish fishermen who attended the celebration would have been equally moved.

Thanks again to our mayor without whom it would not have happened.

Sandra OWENS (nee Zebitz)

Ruskin Drive

Whitehaven

See news story, page 9

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk