In the gloriously warm and sunny evening of Monday 30th June 2008, 140 invited guests joined the cadets and staff of 340 Squadron at a service of dedication for the new squadron banner (flag) at St Andrew's Church in Limpsfield Chart.

The old banner still bore the name "340 (Weald of Kent) Squadron", as the unit used to be known. It had not been replaced because until 12 months previously, there was a real possibility that the Squadron may have disbanded due to staff shortages and low cadet numbers. However, the Squadron has gone from strength to strength since and is now thriving, active and successful once more. The new banner bears the name "340 (Edenbridge) Squadron".

At 1930 hours to the hymn "O God Our Help in Ages Past", the old and new banners were slow marched into the church and presented at the altar to the Kent Wing ATC Honorary Chaplain, The Reverend Clifford Goble, who was conducting the service.

The Squadron was honoured to be joined in the congregation by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Simon Bland KCVO and his wife Lady Olivia, Wing Commander Alison Atkins (Officer Commanding Kent Wing ATC) and members of the Oxted and Limpsfield Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, including the President, Mr Don Maybey, and Vice-President, Mr Vic Farmer.

During the service, all enrolled cadets renewed their Cadet's Promise and six new cadets were formally enrolled into the ATC, reciting their promise for the first time, led by the Wing Commander. They were:

Belén Daly
David Crowe
Matthew Johnson
Harry Nichol
Kyle Shipwright
Alex Watts

After reciting their promise, they were welcomed into the organisation and presented with the 3822 identification and record of service books.

As the service concluded, the new banner was quick marched out of the church to the music of the RAF March Past, before everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet in the adjacent church hall.

The Squadron Banner is a solemn symbol of our service in the ATC and of our loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen. It carries the same significance to us as a Regimental Colour does to an army regiment. Its formal dedication and the laying-up of our old banner starts a new chaper for the Squadron and the future looks very bright indeed!

The Squadron would like to thank the following groups and individuals for their help:

The Reverends Catherine Wood and Ruth Rainbird for allowing the banners to be laid-up and dedicated in their church.

The Reverend Clifford Goble, Honorary Chaplain of Kent Wing ATC, for conducting the service.

The members of the Oxted and Limpsfield Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association and ex-cadet Mr Jim Henri, for their generous donations towards the purchase of the banner.

Mr David Pocock and the Edenbridge Town Band for their excellent musical services.

Warrant Officer (ATC) Howard Hollamby, Wing Warrant Officer, Kent Wing ATC, for his assistance with drill and ceremonial preparation.

Mrs Sally Johnson for providing a delicious buffet.

Mr Jon Windover for his photographic services.


Pictures are in the gallery...