Sunday 7th February was ATC Sunday, the nearest Sunday to 4th February, the day in 1941 that the Air Training Corps was established, and this year had a special significance. 2016 is its 75th anniversary and to celebrate in West Norfolk (as in other sectors) seven of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing’s units came together for a Parade and Church Service in Swaffham.
42F (King’s Lynn), 864DF (Marham), 864 (Watton), 1018 (Downham Market), 1109 (Thetford), 1894 (Swaffham) and 2534 (Fakenham) Squadrons marched from Swaffham’s HQ in Sporle Road to the Market Place. There the salute was taken by Group Captain Rich Davies, the Officer Commanding RAF Marham, accompanied on the saluting dais by Wing Commander David Miller, Officer Commanding Norfolk & Suffolk Wing ATC and Swaffham’s Mayor Councillor Anne Thorp.
The parade then continued on to the Parish Church for the Parade Service which was conducted by the Rev’d Tim Laws, the vicar and Honorary Chaplain to Swaffham Squadron. The service included readings by cadets of the host squadron and the prayers were led by RAF Marham’s Rev’d (Sqn Ldr) Firth.