'Crumbs in the Mouthpiece' at the RAF Club, Piccadilly, London
Following the production of the wonderful print 'Crumbs in the Mouthpiece', I started negotiations with the RAF Club in London to see if they would accept a copy to display in the Club which is located in Piccadilly.
The Heritage & Donations Committee were pleased to accept the offer remarking that they have very little artwork depicting the Royal Observer Corps. The Club agreed to provide an engraved plaque to attach to the frame.
I was pleased to present the print to Katariina Reissaar, who is the Operations Director of the RAF Club, and the Club have stated it will be hung in the public corridor of the Club for all visitors to admire.
Martin Benson
National Website Editor.
Click on images for full size.
The Heritage & Donations Committee were pleased to accept the offer remarking that they have very little artwork depicting the Royal Observer Corps. The Club agreed to provide an engraved plaque to attach to the frame.
I was pleased to present the print to Katariina Reissaar, who is the Operations Director of the RAF Club, and the Club have stated it will be hung in the public corridor of the Club for all visitors to admire.
Martin Benson
National Website Editor.
Click on images for full size.
National Arboretum 100th Anniversary Commemoration - 17th May 2025
The weather was on our side for this very memorable occasion. Members started arriving from 1000 hrs and the opportunity was taken to catch up with old friends, and, make new ones.
The Parade of Standards and the Service commenced at 1300 hrs with the standards being marched up the grove and the laying of wreaths at both the main memorial and Seaborne memorial.
The service was conducted by the Rev David Simpson and included the Last Post and Reveille.
By the end of the proceedings, the clouds broke and there was blue sky for the arrival of the Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A truly memorable end to a very memorable day.
You can view the video of the whole occasion below and click on images for full size.
Photos by Di Benson and Jenny Morris
The Parade of Standards and the Service commenced at 1300 hrs with the standards being marched up the grove and the laying of wreaths at both the main memorial and Seaborne memorial.
The service was conducted by the Rev David Simpson and included the Last Post and Reveille.
By the end of the proceedings, the clouds broke and there was blue sky for the arrival of the Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A truly memorable end to a very memorable day.
You can view the video of the whole occasion below and click on images for full size.
Photos by Di Benson and Jenny Morris
Updated -Bentley Priory Museum - Special Exhibition from 12th July and extended to 28th February 2026.
The Bentley Priory Museum are putting on a special exhibition at what is considered to be our 'spiritual home'.
The exhibition will run form the 12th July until the 28th February 2026
Thanks go to our National Heritage Officer, Edwina Holden, MBE, and all the Heritage Team for their hard work in facilitating this exhibition.
A special reception was held to mark the occasion of the 100th Anniversary was held on the 24th October
Visit the Bentley Priory Museum website here
Click on images for full size
The video below highlights the work of the Bentley Priory ROC 100 Team and demonstrates the dedication of the Team in telling 'Our story'.
21 Group Preston Beacon Lighting and Bunker Tour
Wednesday 29th October at 1900 hrs
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21 Group Preston have planned a Beacon Lighting and Bunker Tour event at the Bunker in Preston on Wednesday 29th October
This is a 'ticket only' event with entry to the site at 1900 hrs (No admission after 1910 Hrs), Bunker tours will commence at 1915 hrs and the Beacon will be lit at approximately 2030 hrs. This will be followed by Drinks/Nibbles/Snacks and The Loyal Toast to His Majesty the King. The event should conclude by 2130 hrs.
For 21 Group members, this a free event, subsidised by the Group, but members are welcome from other Groups at a cost of £5. Please note that this is not a Public Event.
For further information, please contact the 21 Group Chairman, Elaine Norris at this email address.
Conditions of entry:
This is a private function at a Secure Location - Only those who have booked will be admitted in order to comply with dispensation regarding public liability insurance
Photographs of the display boards and interior will be strictly for personal use only and must not be published/shared on Social Media or distributed in any way.
This is a 'ticket only' event with entry to the site at 1900 hrs (No admission after 1910 Hrs), Bunker tours will commence at 1915 hrs and the Beacon will be lit at approximately 2030 hrs. This will be followed by Drinks/Nibbles/Snacks and The Loyal Toast to His Majesty the King. The event should conclude by 2130 hrs.
For 21 Group members, this a free event, subsidised by the Group, but members are welcome from other Groups at a cost of £5. Please note that this is not a Public Event.
For further information, please contact the 21 Group Chairman, Elaine Norris at this email address.
Conditions of entry:
This is a private function at a Secure Location - Only those who have booked will be admitted in order to comply with dispensation regarding public liability insurance
Photographs of the display boards and interior will be strictly for personal use only and must not be published/shared on Social Media or distributed in any way.
Spa Valley Railway Gala Event 13th, 14th, 15th June 2025
SR Loco 34050 Royal Observer Corps
Thanks to the efforts of WES Area Rep, David 'Boots' Shaw, the Spa Valley Railway in Kent will have a treat for ex Observers at their Cuckoo Line Gala in June.
Re-enacting the Gala 60 years ago will be SR Loco 34050 (actually 34053 in disguise) “Royal Observer Corps”. David has been working behind the scenes for a year to help this happen, so if you’re likely to be in Kent the weekend of 13th to 15th June you may wish to enjoy this extremely rare opportunity.
You can visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/
Great Bedwyn Post - Special 100th Anniversary Flag
Gary and June Crook have supplied this picture of a unique 100th Anniversary Flag which is flying over Great Bedwyn Post 14 Group
31 Group - Centenary Event - Saturday 7th June
Our Centenary Event in Northern Ireland was held on Saturday 7th June 2025 at our former Headquarters building in Lisburn by kind permission of the Ministry of Defence and 38 Battalion with a reception afterwards in HMS Hibernia. We were given secure parking at Lisburn Island Centre free of charge by Lisburn and Castlereagh Council, where Harry Briggs and Victor Lyness saw everyone onto the coach that took us directly up to Thiepval Barracks, where we joined those who had been able to avail of the limited parking on site.
We had a huge turnout of members, local and from the UK, along with some very high-profile dignitaries and representatives from the Army and Army Cadets, the Royal Navy Reserves and the Sea Cadets and the Air Training Corps.
Our Standard was proudly carried by Paddy Malone, there could have been no one more poignant or appropriate to do this on such a special occasion. To witness a gentleman of almost 91 years of age carry out this role on Saturday shows what a credit to 31 Group Paddy is. Our Ensign at HMS Hibernia was handed to 2 Sea Cadets by Colin Woods, who raised it whilst we all watched on.
We then “paraded” behind 2 pipers, John and Rebecca Forbes, grandchildren of our former colleagues John and Margaret Forbes, who filled in at such last minute notice (11pm on Friday night!), with mum Pam getting uniforms ready and shoes polished late into the night. There is no doubt than Granny and Granddad were with us in spirit, looking down on these two young people giving up their time on a Saturday for us. John, Rebecca and Pam, we do not have the words to thank you – you both are a credit to Marlacoo and Clonmacash Pipe Band. On turning left from HMS into Knox Road, a second Ensign was raised by 2 Air Cadets.
A short service of Reflection and Remembrance was conducted by Revd. Alan Cobain CF, the Senior Chaplain of Northern Ireland who spoke in his address of the mainly unknown story of the Royal Observer Corps in Northern Ireland. There are spare copies of the Order of Service if anyone would like one, let me or Alistair know.
A bugler from the Royal Irish sounded the Last Post and a 2-minute silence was observed to remember our colleagues no longer with us. Mercifully, the weather held, and although a bit windy, the rain stayed away. After the National Anthem was sang, Alistair McCann and Roy Coulter commenced the tours of HQ hosting the “VIP” tour first.
This consisted of The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim Col. Stewart Douglas, the newly appointed Mayor of Lisburn on her inaugural visit Alderman Amanda Grehan, Hoin Captain Alastair Adair CBE DL RNR, Deputy Lieutenant Belfast, Lt Cdr Gareth McKinty from HMS Hibernia, Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood, the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little -Pengelly, Lagan Valley MLAs Robbie Butler and David Honeyford, Veterans Champion Alderman James Tinsley, and our local PSNI representatives.
Whilst that tour took place, the heavens opened as we had made our way back to HMS Hibernia for a cup of tea and a sandwich and some of Colin Woods amazing ROC buns. Alistair had linked up his laptop to play a selection of video clips on a large screen, including those that had previously been on television, the infamous “drill squad” one, the late Melvyn Snelgrove and Richard Stuart’s “masterpiece” of HQ in operation in the late 1980s, and incredibly the Royal Review in 1991 from Bentley Priory. Who should pop up on screen too, but our Western Area Rep, David “Boots” Shaw, with a video message for us.
There were also items on display for visitors to look at, John Grace’s wonderful collection of badges had pride of place on its own easel at one end, just behind the freshly painted HQ original sign, and the post instrument donated by Frank McGowan to Portadown Post Museum at the other.
It was then onto what was supposed to be a few short words of welcome, as the Mayor’s office had been promised the Mayor did not have to make a speech! It was my pleasure to speak on behalf of you, to say thank you for the incredible support to our dignitaries, invited guests and to our military family. At the Cenotaph last year, hearing what groups on the mainland were planning for the Centenary, we felt it was important that 31 Group did something to. And so, an email was sent off, randomly to the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall to ask could our details be passed on to the Army in Northern Ireland, to see if perhaps a few of us could lay a wreath at our door in Thiepval to commemorate our colleagues and organisation. A few months later, an email was received inviting us to a meeting, which Alistair and I attended, which led to the event we have just had. There are not enough words in the dictionary to express our gratitude and thanks to John McCullagh, Head of Policy and Legacy and Mark from the MoD for that meeting. We turned into Knox Road that morning and it felt like coming home. Nothing could have prepared us for the generosity and support. Having been so used to fighting our cause for our members, when John suggested getting into HQ for tours, a reception, a service, a parade, it was astounding. We were introduced to Alex and Soapy (yes, Soapy), from HMS Hibernia and Kevin SO1 Engagement at 38 (Irish) Brigade, Sam from Classic Coaches, and subsequently Alan the Chaplain. We are truly indebted to them all. Their only request was that the event was about the people, not about rank or profession.
Alistair had wanted to make a special presentation to Colin Woods, who for the past 10 years has been his wingman with 45 Post Portadown. He had a specially commissioned print framed, the original being in the Imperial War Museum and presented it to Colin as a token of appreciation for all that he does.
A thank you of a book documenting the history of the Royal Observer Corps and a desk gadget (having seen lots on his desk!) was presented to John, who has done so much for us and with good humour and grace. An ROC plaque was presented to Lt Cdr Gareth McKinty to hang proudly with all of the others in HMS Hibernia as a small gesture of our thanks to all of the wonderful people there who went above and beyond for us.
Alistair kept talking, well over the 5 minutes John had allocated, saying it had occurred to him that 31 Group was the only group without a trophy, so he’d got one. Then he’d consulted with a few colleagues as to who to name it after. I had no idea what was coming, it has been named “The Pat Malcolm” Trophy. It’s not too often I’m lost for words. To be presented with it as the first person it was awarded to floored me. How this was kept secret I do not know. It’s truly humbling and my honour and privilege to represent the ROC and ROCA and to be your voice. Paddy then took centre stage to say thank you to everyone for attending.
This time last year we were celebrating his surprise 90th birthday party at UAS. This was followed by our Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly who gave credit to all of those within the Royal Observer Corps for our largely unknown and unrecognised service.
It was then our own veterans time to go back into HQ and have a tour around with Alistair and Roy. Lots said it was like just going back in time, the echoing sounds, the smell all very familiar. Others said it had changed so much as for both security and health and safety reasons, some of the doors were locked, others had been bricked up. There even was a re-enactment of the night 2 Crew 2 members, now of a vintage status, decided to be “The Red Arrows” in the car park, which had them whizzing around almost 40 years ago, with their arms out, making the noise of the aircraft… this was at a much gentler pace thankfully this time! I will protect their dignity by not naming them….
All too soon, the coach arrived to take those folks parked in Lisburn back to their vehicles. It is a credit to 31 Group how our friendships and camaraderie continues so many years after stand-down. I had spoken last week to our last Group Commandant, Ray McDonald who was unable to join us, but was with us in spirit, along with his lovely wife Hazel, he wanted me to pass on his good wishes to everyone. The emails have continued to come in from everywhere, from the staff at Bentley Priory to our National Secretary and our Heritage Team, the wonderful Poyntzpass RBL and the fabulous team at the UAS.
I personally have to say a huge thank you to Alistair, who I have no doubt dreaded seeing my name appear on his phone for the past few months. From my “voice notes” of instruction to my frequent texts when something had come into my head, the meetings where we came out and looked at each other saying “did that just happen or are we imaging all of this” to the laughter, Al, I am proud to call you a friend.
Finally, to all of us in 31 Group Royal Observer Corps Association, as we carry the beacon forward, and share our stories with future generations, I salute each and every one of you.
Tracey Malcolm
Photo Credits: Sorcha Eastwood MP, Emma Little Pengelly MLA, DFM,, Robbie Butler MLA, David Honeyford MLA, Alistair McCann, Gavin Saxby, Pam Forbes, John McCullagh
CLICK ON IMAGES FOR FULL SIZE
We had a huge turnout of members, local and from the UK, along with some very high-profile dignitaries and representatives from the Army and Army Cadets, the Royal Navy Reserves and the Sea Cadets and the Air Training Corps.
Our Standard was proudly carried by Paddy Malone, there could have been no one more poignant or appropriate to do this on such a special occasion. To witness a gentleman of almost 91 years of age carry out this role on Saturday shows what a credit to 31 Group Paddy is. Our Ensign at HMS Hibernia was handed to 2 Sea Cadets by Colin Woods, who raised it whilst we all watched on.
We then “paraded” behind 2 pipers, John and Rebecca Forbes, grandchildren of our former colleagues John and Margaret Forbes, who filled in at such last minute notice (11pm on Friday night!), with mum Pam getting uniforms ready and shoes polished late into the night. There is no doubt than Granny and Granddad were with us in spirit, looking down on these two young people giving up their time on a Saturday for us. John, Rebecca and Pam, we do not have the words to thank you – you both are a credit to Marlacoo and Clonmacash Pipe Band. On turning left from HMS into Knox Road, a second Ensign was raised by 2 Air Cadets.
A short service of Reflection and Remembrance was conducted by Revd. Alan Cobain CF, the Senior Chaplain of Northern Ireland who spoke in his address of the mainly unknown story of the Royal Observer Corps in Northern Ireland. There are spare copies of the Order of Service if anyone would like one, let me or Alistair know.
A bugler from the Royal Irish sounded the Last Post and a 2-minute silence was observed to remember our colleagues no longer with us. Mercifully, the weather held, and although a bit windy, the rain stayed away. After the National Anthem was sang, Alistair McCann and Roy Coulter commenced the tours of HQ hosting the “VIP” tour first.
This consisted of The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim Col. Stewart Douglas, the newly appointed Mayor of Lisburn on her inaugural visit Alderman Amanda Grehan, Hoin Captain Alastair Adair CBE DL RNR, Deputy Lieutenant Belfast, Lt Cdr Gareth McKinty from HMS Hibernia, Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood, the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little -Pengelly, Lagan Valley MLAs Robbie Butler and David Honeyford, Veterans Champion Alderman James Tinsley, and our local PSNI representatives.
Whilst that tour took place, the heavens opened as we had made our way back to HMS Hibernia for a cup of tea and a sandwich and some of Colin Woods amazing ROC buns. Alistair had linked up his laptop to play a selection of video clips on a large screen, including those that had previously been on television, the infamous “drill squad” one, the late Melvyn Snelgrove and Richard Stuart’s “masterpiece” of HQ in operation in the late 1980s, and incredibly the Royal Review in 1991 from Bentley Priory. Who should pop up on screen too, but our Western Area Rep, David “Boots” Shaw, with a video message for us.
There were also items on display for visitors to look at, John Grace’s wonderful collection of badges had pride of place on its own easel at one end, just behind the freshly painted HQ original sign, and the post instrument donated by Frank McGowan to Portadown Post Museum at the other.
It was then onto what was supposed to be a few short words of welcome, as the Mayor’s office had been promised the Mayor did not have to make a speech! It was my pleasure to speak on behalf of you, to say thank you for the incredible support to our dignitaries, invited guests and to our military family. At the Cenotaph last year, hearing what groups on the mainland were planning for the Centenary, we felt it was important that 31 Group did something to. And so, an email was sent off, randomly to the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall to ask could our details be passed on to the Army in Northern Ireland, to see if perhaps a few of us could lay a wreath at our door in Thiepval to commemorate our colleagues and organisation. A few months later, an email was received inviting us to a meeting, which Alistair and I attended, which led to the event we have just had. There are not enough words in the dictionary to express our gratitude and thanks to John McCullagh, Head of Policy and Legacy and Mark from the MoD for that meeting. We turned into Knox Road that morning and it felt like coming home. Nothing could have prepared us for the generosity and support. Having been so used to fighting our cause for our members, when John suggested getting into HQ for tours, a reception, a service, a parade, it was astounding. We were introduced to Alex and Soapy (yes, Soapy), from HMS Hibernia and Kevin SO1 Engagement at 38 (Irish) Brigade, Sam from Classic Coaches, and subsequently Alan the Chaplain. We are truly indebted to them all. Their only request was that the event was about the people, not about rank or profession.
Alistair had wanted to make a special presentation to Colin Woods, who for the past 10 years has been his wingman with 45 Post Portadown. He had a specially commissioned print framed, the original being in the Imperial War Museum and presented it to Colin as a token of appreciation for all that he does.
A thank you of a book documenting the history of the Royal Observer Corps and a desk gadget (having seen lots on his desk!) was presented to John, who has done so much for us and with good humour and grace. An ROC plaque was presented to Lt Cdr Gareth McKinty to hang proudly with all of the others in HMS Hibernia as a small gesture of our thanks to all of the wonderful people there who went above and beyond for us.
Alistair kept talking, well over the 5 minutes John had allocated, saying it had occurred to him that 31 Group was the only group without a trophy, so he’d got one. Then he’d consulted with a few colleagues as to who to name it after. I had no idea what was coming, it has been named “The Pat Malcolm” Trophy. It’s not too often I’m lost for words. To be presented with it as the first person it was awarded to floored me. How this was kept secret I do not know. It’s truly humbling and my honour and privilege to represent the ROC and ROCA and to be your voice. Paddy then took centre stage to say thank you to everyone for attending.
This time last year we were celebrating his surprise 90th birthday party at UAS. This was followed by our Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly who gave credit to all of those within the Royal Observer Corps for our largely unknown and unrecognised service.
It was then our own veterans time to go back into HQ and have a tour around with Alistair and Roy. Lots said it was like just going back in time, the echoing sounds, the smell all very familiar. Others said it had changed so much as for both security and health and safety reasons, some of the doors were locked, others had been bricked up. There even was a re-enactment of the night 2 Crew 2 members, now of a vintage status, decided to be “The Red Arrows” in the car park, which had them whizzing around almost 40 years ago, with their arms out, making the noise of the aircraft… this was at a much gentler pace thankfully this time! I will protect their dignity by not naming them….
All too soon, the coach arrived to take those folks parked in Lisburn back to their vehicles. It is a credit to 31 Group how our friendships and camaraderie continues so many years after stand-down. I had spoken last week to our last Group Commandant, Ray McDonald who was unable to join us, but was with us in spirit, along with his lovely wife Hazel, he wanted me to pass on his good wishes to everyone. The emails have continued to come in from everywhere, from the staff at Bentley Priory to our National Secretary and our Heritage Team, the wonderful Poyntzpass RBL and the fabulous team at the UAS.
I personally have to say a huge thank you to Alistair, who I have no doubt dreaded seeing my name appear on his phone for the past few months. From my “voice notes” of instruction to my frequent texts when something had come into my head, the meetings where we came out and looked at each other saying “did that just happen or are we imaging all of this” to the laughter, Al, I am proud to call you a friend.
Finally, to all of us in 31 Group Royal Observer Corps Association, as we carry the beacon forward, and share our stories with future generations, I salute each and every one of you.
Tracey Malcolm
Photo Credits: Sorcha Eastwood MP, Emma Little Pengelly MLA, DFM,, Robbie Butler MLA, David Honeyford MLA, Alistair McCann, Gavin Saxby, Pam Forbes, John McCullagh
CLICK ON IMAGES FOR FULL SIZE
Veryan Bunker ROC Centenary Plaque Unveiling 8 July 2025
The Unveiling of the Centenary Plaque took place at 67 Nuclear Post Veryan, Nare Head, Cornwall on Tuesday 8 July 2025. The event was organised by the National Trust and the Truro Branch ROCA. The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO, OBE and Mr Ian Marsh National Trust unveiled the plaque. 24 people were present.
Lawrence Holmes
CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE
Lawrence Holmes
CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE
“FLYING THE FLAG FOR FORMATION" - 10 Group Exeter & Truro
In Exeter
In 2024, as part of the 10 Group ROC Centenary events planning, the Exeter Branch explored the possibility of flying the ROC Flag over the Guildhall. Exeter Guildhall, located on the High Street of Exeter, Devon, has been the centre of civic government for the city for at least 600 years. Much of the fabric of the building is medieval, though the elaborate frontage was added in the 1590s and the interior was extensively restored in the 19th century.
Fortunately, Exeter member Rose Mason had good liaison with the Clerk to the Exeter City Council and permission was fairly quickly obtained and the Branch purchased a new ROC Flag for the occasion. In the summer of 2025 the Exeter City Council confirmed the ROC flag would be flown from 24 to 27 October to celebrate the Centenary of the ROC. Just before 24/10/25 Rose took the flag to the Clerk and the flag was flown on the dates specified. Just before the flag flying, the event was put on Facebook, explaining why the ROC flag was flying and the dates when the flag could be seen. Photos were taken of the ROC Flag side by side with the Union Flag.
In 2024, as part of the 10 Group ROC Centenary events planning, the Exeter Branch explored the possibility of flying the ROC Flag over the Guildhall. Exeter Guildhall, located on the High Street of Exeter, Devon, has been the centre of civic government for the city for at least 600 years. Much of the fabric of the building is medieval, though the elaborate frontage was added in the 1590s and the interior was extensively restored in the 19th century.
Fortunately, Exeter member Rose Mason had good liaison with the Clerk to the Exeter City Council and permission was fairly quickly obtained and the Branch purchased a new ROC Flag for the occasion. In the summer of 2025 the Exeter City Council confirmed the ROC flag would be flown from 24 to 27 October to celebrate the Centenary of the ROC. Just before 24/10/25 Rose took the flag to the Clerk and the flag was flown on the dates specified. Just before the flag flying, the event was put on Facebook, explaining why the ROC flag was flying and the dates when the flag could be seen. Photos were taken of the ROC Flag side by side with the Union Flag.
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In Truro
When Lawrence Holmes saw the Mayor of Truro on 6 August 2024 she said the City Council would be willing to fly the ROC flag from the roof of City Hall, Truro around ROC Centenary Day 29/10/2025. After going through various committees formal agreement was given in May 2025. Lawrence Holmes then met current Mayor Chris Wells on 27/9/25 to discuss the flag flying further. First Lawrence passed the flag to Chris for testing/fitting to the flagstaff etc.
On Tuesday 28/10/25 Lawrence and a few members of Truro ROCA met the Mayor, Town Crier and Consort and several other Council staff in the Mayor’s Parlour. Lawrence gave an Address about the Corps and the meaning of the ROC Centenary. He then passed the Flag officially to the Mayor for flying. A Secretary recorded events and took photos for any publicity which may be gained.
On Wednesday 29/10/2025, ROC Centenary Day, Lawrence and Chris went into a very busy Truro City and observed the ROC Flag proudly flying on top of City Hall. But it was cloudy with some rain so a return trip was made just before teatime and photos were taken in blue sky and sunshine. The flag was flown from 0900 to 1700hrs. Lawrence retrieved the flag for safe storage on Friday 31/10/25.
(Note – The ROC flag used in Truro was the original ROC flag issued to No 11 Group Truro. It was last flown in March 1973 when 11 Group ROC HQ closed.
Also Mayor Chris Wells showed Lawrence the ROC Plaque which had been presented to Truro City in 1994 celebrating 54 years ROC presence in the City. To their credit Truro City Council still keep the plaque safely in the Mayor’s Parlour. And the plaque looked in pristine condition).
When Lawrence Holmes saw the Mayor of Truro on 6 August 2024 she said the City Council would be willing to fly the ROC flag from the roof of City Hall, Truro around ROC Centenary Day 29/10/2025. After going through various committees formal agreement was given in May 2025. Lawrence Holmes then met current Mayor Chris Wells on 27/9/25 to discuss the flag flying further. First Lawrence passed the flag to Chris for testing/fitting to the flagstaff etc.
On Tuesday 28/10/25 Lawrence and a few members of Truro ROCA met the Mayor, Town Crier and Consort and several other Council staff in the Mayor’s Parlour. Lawrence gave an Address about the Corps and the meaning of the ROC Centenary. He then passed the Flag officially to the Mayor for flying. A Secretary recorded events and took photos for any publicity which may be gained.
On Wednesday 29/10/2025, ROC Centenary Day, Lawrence and Chris went into a very busy Truro City and observed the ROC Flag proudly flying on top of City Hall. But it was cloudy with some rain so a return trip was made just before teatime and photos were taken in blue sky and sunshine. The flag was flown from 0900 to 1700hrs. Lawrence retrieved the flag for safe storage on Friday 31/10/25.
(Note – The ROC flag used in Truro was the original ROC flag issued to No 11 Group Truro. It was last flown in March 1973 when 11 Group ROC HQ closed.
Also Mayor Chris Wells showed Lawrence the ROC Plaque which had been presented to Truro City in 1994 celebrating 54 years ROC presence in the City. To their credit Truro City Council still keep the plaque safely in the Mayor’s Parlour. And the plaque looked in pristine condition).
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