Family and friends of businessman Basil Todd gathered to honour him at a special dedication ceremony.

Eastern Daily Press: The poppy memorial. Picture: THE WELSH FAMILYThe poppy memorial. Picture: THE WELSH FAMILY (Image: Archant)

The event was organised by the Spirit of Coltishall Association (SoCA) at the Wensum Valley Hotel and Country Club owned by Mr Todd which has been SoCA's headquarters since RAF Coltishall closed in 2006.

Mr Todd had served as SoCA's honorary life president until his death last year, aged 73.

The service, led by SoCA's chaplain the Rev Elizabeth Bailey, saw the unveiling and dedication of a family plaque installed in the wall of the newly-extended patio area, and a memorial poppy sculpture mounted in a granite roundel base next to the flagpole. Some 50 SoCA members joined Mr Todd's family at the event.

Dave Welsh, chairman of SoCA, said he had received a lovely card of appreciation from Mr Todd's wife Christine, now an honorary association member. 'The family will continue to support the 'Spirit' that Basil was so passionate about,' he added.

Mr Todd's role with SoCA will be taken on by retired Group Captain Bill Taylor who served in Norfolk at RAF Marham, RAF Swanton Morley and RAF West Raynham.

He has written books on aviation and RAF history and is based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, and in Lincolnshire. He will be meeting SoCA members at their Battle of Britain Ball this Saturday.