Royal Air Force Lyneham’s Annual Reception
4th June 2010
Royal Air Force Lyneham
Royal Air Force Lyneham hosted its Annual Reception and Sunset Ceremony on Friday 4th June 2010, opening the gates to welcome some of the local community, business partners and civil dignitaries. The event, hosted by the Station Commander, Group Captain John Gladston and other Station personnel, was held to thank those that have supported Royal Air Force Lyneham, and to maintain and foster relations with the local communities.

A stunningly warm day encouraged the hosts and guests to enjoy refreshments in the grounds of the Officers’ Mess, whilst watching the renowned Central Band of The Royal Air Force, the remarkable Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota display and the Military Sunset Ceremony.

The note perfect Central Band of the Royal Air Force kept everyone riveted whilst they played a melody of tunes, including The Great Escape – a special request for 70 Squadron, as they will sadly be drawn down by the end of 2010, before standing up as the first A400M sqn in 2011. The sunset ceremony saw the Station Commander proudly salute the ensign as it was lowered at precisely 8pm, with the Dakota flying over low level to mark the occasion. 

The Station Commander went on to publicly thank everyone at the Ceremony, and those that they represent, for all of their support to RAF Lyneham over the last 12 months.  He said “The evening was about RAF Lyneham thanking its supporters: the local community, schools, local government, the emergency services and our brothers in arms, as it is they that have enabled the Station to function as far back as 1938”. 

He paid particular tribute to the local community, especially for all they do in support of the repatriation of our fallen.  He went on to say that next year would be the final opportunity to thank them as the flying squadrons would leave RAF Lyneham for RAF Brize Norton in July 2011, but that in the meantime the evening was about celebrating the astonishing support the Station’s supporters gave the Servicemen, women and families from RAF Lyneham.

The evening was a resounding success, finished off with a spectacular display by the Dakota and thoroughly enjoyed by all that attended.