THE WAITING IS OVER - THE BIG DAY IS HERE!
On Friday October 23rd 2015 three hundred and sixty six former members of the Royal Observer Corps, including their families, friends and many VIP Guests, gathered together to witness the Laying Up of their Sovereigns Banner in the RAF Church of St Clement Danes in London.
Travelling from all four corners of the UK they felt the emotion of the moment, as the last chapter in the unique history of the Royal Observer Corps was written. Many had travelled up to London on the day before.
From the north south east and west they came to witness the final act of our unique and proud history, stretching back 90 years. Our Guests were:-
On Friday October 23rd 2015 three hundred and sixty six former members of the Royal Observer Corps, including their families, friends and many VIP Guests, gathered together to witness the Laying Up of their Sovereigns Banner in the RAF Church of St Clement Danes in London.
Travelling from all four corners of the UK they felt the emotion of the moment, as the last chapter in the unique history of the Royal Observer Corps was written. Many had travelled up to London on the day before.
From the north south east and west they came to witness the final act of our unique and proud history, stretching back 90 years. Our Guests were:-
VIP’s
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and Lady Pulford
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon
Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge
Air Vice Marshal George Black - former ROC Commandant
Air Vice Marshal Martin Clark
Air Vice Marshal Michael Jackson
Air Commodore Jack Broughton - former ROC Commandant
Wing Commander Stuart Talton - representing RAF College Cranwell CO
Mr John and Mrs Crisford - TRBL National Chairman
Wing Commander D L Keighley RAF Fylingdales
Mrs Didy Grahame - Civil Defence Association Vice President
Mr Christopher Howard - ROC Benevolent Fund Chairman
ROCA VIP’s
Air Marshal Cliff Spink and Mrs Spink – ROCA President
Mrs Joyce Shrubbs – ROCA Vice President
Mr Hilary Daniel – ROCA Vice President & Honorary Chaplain
Mr Terry Giles ROCA Vice President
Mr John Sharpe – ROCA National Chairman
Miss Jenny Morris – ROCA National Secretary
Area Reps also on the organising committee:-
Mrs Diana Mothersole & Mr Michael Marks
There were 16 Group Standards on parade together with the National Standard:-
Standard Bearers:-
ROCA National Standard – Tim Kitching
1 Group – Jacqui Giles
2 Group – Ian Burrows
3 Group - Rosemary Ward
4 Group - Angus Bain
7 Group - Mike Quincey
9 Group - Roger Wilsdon
10 Group - Edward Baker
12 Group - Chris Shire
14 Group - Colin John
15 Group - Bill Warwick
16 Group - John Keeping
20 Group - Gordon Johnson
22 Group - Dane Murdoch
23 Group - George Armatage
28 Group - Peter Blockley
31 Group - Steve George
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and Lady Pulford
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon
Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge
Air Vice Marshal George Black - former ROC Commandant
Air Vice Marshal Martin Clark
Air Vice Marshal Michael Jackson
Air Commodore Jack Broughton - former ROC Commandant
Wing Commander Stuart Talton - representing RAF College Cranwell CO
Mr John and Mrs Crisford - TRBL National Chairman
Wing Commander D L Keighley RAF Fylingdales
Mrs Didy Grahame - Civil Defence Association Vice President
Mr Christopher Howard - ROC Benevolent Fund Chairman
ROCA VIP’s
Air Marshal Cliff Spink and Mrs Spink – ROCA President
Mrs Joyce Shrubbs – ROCA Vice President
Mr Hilary Daniel – ROCA Vice President & Honorary Chaplain
Mr Terry Giles ROCA Vice President
Mr John Sharpe – ROCA National Chairman
Miss Jenny Morris – ROCA National Secretary
Area Reps also on the organising committee:-
Mrs Diana Mothersole & Mr Michael Marks
There were 16 Group Standards on parade together with the National Standard:-
Standard Bearers:-
ROCA National Standard – Tim Kitching
1 Group – Jacqui Giles
2 Group – Ian Burrows
3 Group - Rosemary Ward
4 Group - Angus Bain
7 Group - Mike Quincey
9 Group - Roger Wilsdon
10 Group - Edward Baker
12 Group - Chris Shire
14 Group - Colin John
15 Group - Bill Warwick
16 Group - John Keeping
20 Group - Gordon Johnson
22 Group - Dane Murdoch
23 Group - George Armatage
28 Group - Peter Blockley
31 Group - Steve George
The Photo Galleries - Please note:
As agreed with St Clement Danes Church Office - (in accordance with copyright law) - we were allowed to appoint just ONE OFFICIAL photographer to take pictures inside the Church and during the Service. Accordingly A & D Photographic of Northampton were appointed.
They did this free of charge and have passed their copyright for these pictures over to the National Committee to be used as they see fit.
The overall costs of putting together the Service and Reception have taken a considerable amount out of National Funds and the Committee are asking for your support in using these images as a means of boosting National funds.
The images displayed here are of a low resolution and watermarked so please bear that in mind when viewing them.
Full sized, high resolution, images are available on a commemorative CD that can be purchased for £15.
Please respect the Committees copyright when purchasing.
To order please send a 5 1/4" X 5 1/4" SAE (min size) with standard 1st or 2nd class postage to Mr. M. Marks 24 Pytchley Way New Duston Northampton NN5 6RN. Please make cheques payable to 'The ROC Association'.
For queries please e-mail the Website Editor [email protected]
Here are the Official pictures
As agreed with St Clement Danes Church Office - (in accordance with copyright law) - we were allowed to appoint just ONE OFFICIAL photographer to take pictures inside the Church and during the Service. Accordingly A & D Photographic of Northampton were appointed.
They did this free of charge and have passed their copyright for these pictures over to the National Committee to be used as they see fit.
The overall costs of putting together the Service and Reception have taken a considerable amount out of National Funds and the Committee are asking for your support in using these images as a means of boosting National funds.
The images displayed here are of a low resolution and watermarked so please bear that in mind when viewing them.
Full sized, high resolution, images are available on a commemorative CD that can be purchased for £15.
Please respect the Committees copyright when purchasing.
To order please send a 5 1/4" X 5 1/4" SAE (min size) with standard 1st or 2nd class postage to Mr. M. Marks 24 Pytchley Way New Duston Northampton NN5 6RN. Please make cheques payable to 'The ROC Association'.
For queries please e-mail the Website Editor [email protected]
Here are the Official pictures
In addition there were a number of pictures taken by National Secretary Jenny Morris these are in this second gallery.
These images are not part of the official group shown above. Any queries please refer to Jenny.
These images are not part of the official group shown above. Any queries please refer to Jenny.