On Wednesday 27th July it was raining as 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron’s Air Cadets started their annual mammoth task of neatly parking the thousands of cars of the visitors to the Sandringham Flower Show. Fortunately the clouds dispersed, and by the time the show’s Royal patrons, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived the sun was shining and the cadets were probably wishing the day was slightly cooler! Assisting at the show now for many years, the Squadron has now been entrusted with further duties that see it in the ‘Royal Warrant Holders’ Marquee overseeing the signing in of its guests, and also assisting during the Royal’s ‘walkabout’ by taking charge of some of the gifts given to the Royal Couple.
With the vast majority of the visitors having arrived by lunch time, a number of the cadets were able to be released from their car parking duties. Quickly changing into parade uniform they took up position between the Royal Warrant Holders tent and the Army Air Corps where they formed their regular Honour Guard for the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles always shows a keen interest in the Squadron and its activities and again this year found time to shake the hand and speak with all of the cadets in the Honour Guard.
Sandringham is today, as it has always been, a favourite private retreat for the Royal Family. Although it now attracts thousands of visitors, the show still has the feel of the friendly country flower show of 135 years ago that was held for the enjoyment of the estate workers. King George V, once wrote, “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.” It is also a place that 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron is both proud and honoured to be able to serve.
Dear Old Sandringham
