Having been honoured with the Freedom of the Borough in October 2014, 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) exercised that Freedom for the first time on Saturday 18th July with a parade.
Preceded earlier by the civic regalia the Squadron marched from near King’s Lynn Town Hall, along the South Quay to King’s Staithe Square where they were inspected by the Borough Mayor, Councillor Colin Manning, before an assembly of numerous civic dignitaries and several hundred members of public.
Following his formal inspection of the cadets, at which time he was accompanied by Wing Commander David Miller the Officer Commanding Norfolk & Suffolk Wing ATC, the Mayor addressed the parade. During his speech he told the cadets that the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough had “put them in the company of the late Queen Mother, Royal Air Force Marham and the Royal Anglian Regiment”. He continued “Since becoming Mayor I have seen you tremendous efforts at first hand, supporting many civic events and local charities. You have always worn your uniform with pride. You are a credit to the community you represent”.
Following on, Wing Commander Miller told the cadets and the assembled crowd “This is a fantastic honour for the Squadron and the entire Norfolk & Suffolk Wing of the Air Cadet organisation.
Mayor’s Cadet Elliot Simpson had the honour, of carrying the Squadrons Freedom Scroll throughout the lengthy proceedings, a task he said he was proud to have accomplished.
To coincide with the parade the public were presented with flypasts by a Spitfire and a Dakota, singing by RAF Marham’s ‘Bluebirds’ Military choir and music by Springwood High School Concert Band.
Following the formal events the Squadron was given a civic reception at which time the cadets met many of the military and civic dignitaries present.
When asked by one of the squadron’s civilian committee “How do you think it went Ma’am?”
The Squadrons Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch replied “It was just fantastic, We should be so proud of our cadets!”