Battle of Britain celebrations are soaring success (From Ledbury Reporter)

Battle of Britain celebrations are soaring success

10:00am Sunday 23rd September 2012 in News By Gary Bills-Geddes

LEDBURY’S first ever celebration of Battle of Britain Day took place on Sunday, with hundreds of people enjoying a grand parade through the town centre.

The event was organised by Ledbury residents John McQuaid and Derek Durham to raise money for the RAF’s Benevolent Fund and the children’s charity Kidsout.

The parade, led by the St Andrew’s Pipe Band and RAF Band, set off from the station shortly before 11.30am, and despite a few ominous clouds the weather behaved itself.

Also in the parade was a gathering of town criers and their consorts organised by Ledbury town crier Bill “the bell” Turberfield, in his new attire of black and gold.

Waiting in the town centre were Ledbury mayor Phill Bettington, the town’s MP Bill Wiggin and many high-ranking RAF officers, who took the salute by the War Memorial.

This was followed by a service led by local vicar, the Rev Howard Mayell.

Mr McQuaid said the parade was so successful that it would become an annual event.

He said: “About 700 people turned out. Everyone’s asking if it be the same time next year.”

Proceeds for the charities are still being totalled.