Prince Charles visited Royal Air Force College Cranwell for a graduation event on Thursday, which ended with a spectacular flypast from the Red Arrows.
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, arrived on the College Parade Square as the Reviewing Officer for the Sovereign’s Review at the Lincolnshire base.
He was escorted by the Commandant of the Royal Air Force College to take the Royal Salute whilst one Typhoon, from 41 Squadron, RAF Coningsby, provided a flypast overhead.
HRH, The Prince of Wales, taking the salute. Photo: RAF Cranwell
After reviewing the graduating officers, he presented the course prizes to the top performing cadets from each course.
The Queen’s Medal was also presented to the top performing cadet from all Initial Officer Training courses this year.
HRH, The Prince of Wales meeting Graduating Officers. Photo: RAF Cranwell
The graduating officers were configured on the College Parade Square in accordance with government guidelines. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Band of the Royal Air Force College, under the direction of Flt Lt Chris I’Anson, Director of Music.
In keeping with tradition, Prince Charles was invited to plant a lime tree beside the College Parade Square. After the parade, he met with the graduating officers on the Orange.
HRH, The Prince of Wales meeting Graduating Officers. Photo: RAF Cranwell
Air Commodore Suraya Marshall, Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, said: “We are immensely proud to have His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as our Sovereign’s Parade Reviewing Officer.
“This day is all the more special as we celebrate the joint graduation of Initial Officer Training Courses Number 63, 64 and Specialist Officer Initial Training Course Number 3.
“The graduates have endured the most challenging of training periods, this is a truly unique occasion of which all participants can be justifiably proud.”
HRH, The Prince of Wales meeting Graduating Officers. Photo: RAF Cranwell
Flying Officer Deonte Jam said: “Today, is a truly special day not just for me but my family and friends. My cohort and I have worked very hard to attain such a great achievement.
“I am eager to excel and excited to see what new experiences my role will provide. I am truly honoured and grateful for such a great opportunity. Congratulations to my fellow cadets”.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: