Melton marks 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day

The event is normally marked with a colourful parade through the town centre, with a service at St Mary’s Church preceeding the laying of wreaths in the Memorial Gardens outside Egerton Lodge.

This year’s occasion involved just the wreath-laying and a short ceremony attended by a small number of people representing the armed forces and local organisations.

It was warm and sunny on Sunday as a cerenony was led by the RAF 1279 Squadron (Melton Mowbray) Air Training Corps padre, Rev John Hewer, with Melton Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) branch chairman, Paul Davies, reading the dedication.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Defence Animal Training Regiment (RAF section) by Cpl Sarah Holmes, the Royal Air Forces Association by Brian Lewis and the town air cadets by Flying Officer McHale.

Reveille and the Last Post was sounded by bugler Mick Veasey and the RAFA Melton Mowbray Branch standard was carried by Phil Taylor.

Rob Gardiner was parade marshall on the day and Heather Taylor acted as first aider.

Following the commemoration, a second dedication, followed by a toast to ‘The Few’ - the phrase used to describe Allied pilots in the battle by the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill - was carried out at the RAFA branch headquarters on Asfordby Road.

Collections for the Wings Appeal - to support serving and former members of the RAF and their families - are usually made on parade day.

Other fundraising activities have been held in the run-up to Battle of Britain Day and more than £3,500 has nbow been collected this year.

Funds are needed more than ever this year, as the charity continues to give emergency help to those who have been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Since the beginning of the national lockdown, it has provided friendship and essential supplies to thousands of veterans and their dependants.

A final total will not be known until later this year as there still is time to donate to this worthwhile cause.

To donate, go online to a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rafameltonmowbraywingsappeal or drop donations off at the Melton RAFA branch at 24 Asfordby Road.

A ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day was also held by senior members of Melton Mowbray Town Estate on Monday morning.

The laying of a wreath was also carried out at the town’s Memorial Gardens.

Senior townwarden, Ian Wilkinson, junior townwarden, Tim Webster, and town bailiff, Billy Boulding, took part in the ceremony.

It was held on a different day from the RAFA event because of the need to observe social distancing and limit the spread of Covid-19.