'Great honour' for cadets at King's Lynn Freedom of the Borough parade
Cadets from 42F Squadron Air Training Corps exercised their Freedom of the Borough with a parade through Lynn on Sunday.
This was the third time that 42F Lynn ATC have exercised their right to march through the town, since being granted the Freedom of the Borough in 2014.
Around 57 personnel, including six from the Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Band, paraded from the town hall to the Tuesday Market Place, where an inspection and a march took place at midday.
The cadets were inspected by West Norfolk mayor Geoff Hipperson and Wing Commander David Miller RAFAC, Officer Commanding of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing ATC.
The squadron’s Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pauline Petch said: “It was a fantastic day, it was good to see so many parents and members of the public watching and supporting the cadets.”
“The parade went very well, the cadets and staff had used Springwood High School to practice on Monday nights so the planning made it easier on the day,” she added.
“Being presented the Freedom Scroll for 42F King’s Lynn five years ago was a real privilege and it has again been a great honour for the cadets and staff to march through the town exercising their Freedom of the Borough.”
The cadets, whose ages range from 12 to 18, were fortunate in missing the day’s poor weather, as they had marched back to the town hall for a reception by the time the rain had started.
Flt Lt Petch added: “The cadets have done us all proud – their parents, the town and of course themselves.
“In addition thanks must go to the cadets and staff from Norwich who very kindly supported this event with the band and not to forget the mayor and the civic office who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure it went off without any problems.”
The aims of the Royal Air Force cadets are:
- To promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the RAF among young people
- To provide training, which will be useful in the services and civilian life
- To encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
Flt Lt Petch said the squadron "keeps to these aims as closely as possible".
She said the last one, of 'good citizenship', will "always be at the forefront of our life in King's Lynn".
"The support for the cadets and squadron is very much appreciated and I hope the relationship between the youth of the squadron continues and grows," she added.
"Cadets, staff and myself will endeavour to do our utmost to continue to be worthy of this prestigious honour."