Out With the Old, In With the New

Celebrations were underway on Sunday 23^rd March as cadets from 422 (Corby) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets celebrated their Squadron’s 50th Anniversary with a very important day in its history as a new Squadron banner was dedicated at St. John the Baptist Church in Corby.

The Squadron marched from their Headquarters on St. Mark’s Road to the Church in Corby Old Village with neighbouring Squadrons 1101 (Kettering & District) Squadron and 1084 (Market Harborough) Squadron, whose band led the parade.

Family and friends then joined them for the service inside the church where the Squadron lodged their old banner after 25 years’ service and a new banner was dedicated and blessed by Wing Chaplain the Reverend Robert Hill.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Betty Wade; the Deputy Mayor of Corby, Councillor Anthony Dady; Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson OBE, Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing and Squadron Leader Matthew Hopton from RAF Wittering.

Officer in Charge at 422 (Corby) Squadron, Pilot Officer Kevin Ritchie RAFVR(T) said “The Squadron are most grateful to the Reverend Paul Frost and the Church for allowing this service to take place today. I would also like to thank our Squadron President, Squadron Leader George Brady RAFVR(T) (Ret’d) and Corby Borough Council for their kind donations towards the new banner.

It is appropriate that we mark such events in this way and the cadets can be very proud of themselves for representing their Squadron to such a high standard today”.