Armed Forces badge presentation

More than 100 guests stood shoulder to shoulder with veterans at an evening to celebrate the contribution that they and current Armed Forces service personnel make to the community of North Kesteven.
In its tenth year, the annual presentation of Veterans Badges saw pin badges awarded to twelve people in recognition of the service they have given to the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force over the years. These included a ninety-two-year-old Normandy veteran who received a standing ovation, and a Falklands War veteran.

In making the formal presentation of the Veterans Badges, RAF Cranwell’s Station Commander Air Commodore Chris Luck MBE said it was “right and fitting” that all veterans’ service was recognised on Armed Forces Day.

Among the twelve recipients, there was representation of service in almost every year spanning sixty-two years from 1942 to 2004.

Also rewarded for their efforts in bringing colour to make Armed Forces Week were Ryan Leigh (11) from Church Lane Primary School in Sleaford, whose poster design was the overall winner from 108 entries.

The evening – which included music from RAF Cranwell’s Spitfire Choir, the Billinghay Ruffs and Tennyson Collective – was compered by Sqn Ldr Howard Leader, an RAF reservist with 7644 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, who has a Sunday evening show on BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

VETERANS BADGE RECIPIENTS:
Mark Bamford of Sleaford, who served with the RAF from 1980 to 1996 and is now Vice-Principal at St George’s Academy in Sleaford.
Steve Evans of South Rauceby, NKDC’s own Facilities Officer, who served with the RAF from 1975 to 2004.
Noel Anthony Garner, of Lincoln, known in the RAF Police as Tony from 1974 to 1996 – apparently his Sgt didn’t like the name Noel.
Trevor Glenn of Billinghay, indeed of the Billinghay Ruffs, who served with the Navy, PT branch from 1974 to 1989 including the Falklands conflict.
Alan James Kennedy of Ruskington, who served with the RAF as an Electronic Technician between 1967 and 1979.
Cyril William Prior of Sleaford who served in the Royal Navy from 1944 to 1947, including service on the Arctic Convoys. Mr Prior’s wife collected the badge on his behalf.
Philip Richards of Sleaford, who served with the RAF Music Services between 1988 and 2000. His badge was collected by fellow Sleaford Concert Band member Mike Lock.
James Robert Spencer of Peterborough, who served with the Army RASC from 1942 to 1947 and is a Normandy Veteran. Mr Spencer is our oldest veteran this year at ninety-two.
Bruce Pinder of North Kyme, who served with the Royal Navy from 1950 to 1962.
Mrs Susan Waring from Leasingham, an NKDC Councillor, who served in the Army Intelligence Unit from 1962 to 1966.
Chris Evans of Ruskington, who served with the RAF 1986 to 1999 as an MT Driver.
Mrs Judith Guerin of Cranwell Village.

BADGES WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO:
Dr Jack Walker of Leasingham, who served with the Army RAMC from 1955 to 1962.
Eran Bauer of Ashby de la Launde, who served with the Army Parachute Regiment from 1972 to 1978.
Stephen Anderson, from North Leverton, who served in the RAF from 1971 to 1996.
Kenneth Frederick Norton of Scredington, who had various roles in the RAF between 1953 and 1968, including being a Halton Apprentice 1953 to 1956 and an RAF Engine Fitter from 1956 to 1968.

IF YOU WISH TO ORDER A COPY OF A PHOTOGRAPH WHICH HAS APPEARED IN OUR SOCIAL LIFE PAGES PLEASE CALL CLARE HARDWICK ON 01522 527127

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