May 14, 2015 11.47 am This story is over 105 months old

Red Arrows scoop Lincoln Civic Award with flying colours

Civic Award: the RAF Red Arrows returned home from their pre-season training in Greece to a prestigious award ceremony, honouring them for their contribution to Lincoln.

Scampton-based aerobatic team the RAF Red Arrows returned home from their pre-season training in Greece to a prestigious award ceremony, honouring them for their contribution to Lincoln.

The county’s high-flying ambassadors were chosen as the winners of the 2015 Lincoln Civic Award, receiving the striking silver accolade at the Guildhall on May 13.

The presentation by Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Brent Charlesworth rewarded the team and its crew for putting the city on the map, with hundreds a year visiting the area to marvel at their amazing aerial manoeuvres.

The highly-coveted Lincoln Civic Award is made in silver and was crafted in the style of an eight-sided obelisk by the late Lincoln silversmith Derek Birch.  Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The highly-coveted Lincoln Civic Award is made in silver and was crafted in the style of an eight-sided obelisk by the late Lincoln silversmith Derek Birch. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force and represent the United Kingdom.

Flying distinctive red-liveried Hawk T Mark 1 aircraft, the team is made up of nine display pilots and more than 100 engineers and essential support staff.

Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite

The Red Arrows had completed 4,660 displays, in 56 countries, by the end of 2014 – which was the Squadron’s 50th season.

The Red Arrows returning to their RAF Scampton base. Photo: RAF Red Arrows

The Red Arrows returning to their RAF Scampton base. Photo: RAF Red Arrows

The Lincoln Civic Award Trustees said now, in what is expected to be a milestone year for Lincoln, is a key moment in time to honour the world famous team and what it stands for.

Trustees Chairman Henry Ruddock said: “The purpose of the award is to recognise excellence and particularly for those who benefit the people of Lincoln in some way.

“The Red Arrows bring so much to the area, Lincoln is their home town and they really put it on the map as well as bringing in a lot of visitors

“Around half of the team attended the ceremony in order to receive the award including some of the ground crew.

“We’ll absolutely be continuing with the award in future, we’re very committed to doing this every year because Lincoln and its people and organisations are great. It’s the perfect opportunity to recognise them for their hard work and achievements.”

The highly-coveted Lincoln Civic Award is made in silver and was crafted in the style of an eight-sided obelisk by the late Lincoln silversmith Derek Birch. It stands 19 inches high and celebrates the very best of traditional values and contemporary design.

Previous winners, who have been presented with the award since 1967, include individuals, organisations and businesses, such as Running Imp International, Lincoln City Football Club and Lincoln Street Pastors.

The presentation of the Lincoln Civic Award was followed by the handing out of the Mayoral Medals. The Mayoral Medal Winners were:

  • Julie Cooke – For her work on the Lincoln Tank Memorial project
  • Ivy Battersby – Excellent work within the community
  • Eileen Sheriff – Excellent work within the community