On Sunday 15 February, The Mayor, Cllr Anjana Patel led the civic party for the ‘Freedom parade’ in Harrow Town Centre.
- Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel leads Freedom parade service
- 1454 Harrow Squadron and The Roxeth & Harrow Company Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade process to Harrow Town Centre
The two much loved local organisations, who received the Freedom of the Borough in 1993 and 2014, The Roxeth & Harrow Company Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade and 1454 Harrow Squadron Air Training Corps, exercised and celebrated their historical right to march from Greenhill Way to the war memorial in Harrow Town Centre.
1454 Harrow Squadron Air Training Corps is celebrating 85 years of service to young people in the borough. Generations of cadets have benefited from the dedication and commitment of volunteers who continue to provide valuable opportunities and life skills.
The Roxeth & Harrow Company Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade has a proud tradition spanning more than 130 years, supporting young people through faith, character development and service to the community
This is the first parade since 2014, where the 1454 (Harrow) Squadron Air Training Corps were granted their ‘Freedom of Entry. The Mayor inspected the parade and the new 1454 Squadron standard was presented with a blessing from Reverend Michael Child, Chaplain of Essex Wing Air Training Corps.
Both organisations proudly bear the Harrow crest on their colours as a special recognition as recipients of the Freedom.
The service concluded with the Middlesex Wing Band ATC playing the national anthem and a ceremonial march past.
The Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel said:
“The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour the London Borough of Harrow can bestow and a powerful reminder of our community’s pride and spirit. The parade is a visible reminder of the strong bond between Harrow and 1454 (Harrow) Squadron Air Training Corps and the Roxeth & Harrow Company, Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade. It is a powerful symbol of service, commitment and community spirit.
I thank all Cadets, Members, Officers, Leaders, Volunteers and Families for your dedication over the years.
I wish you every success for the future and extend my best wishes on this memorable and celebratory occasion.”
Flight Lieutenant Jordy Black, Officer Commanding 1454 (Harrow) Squadron, said:
“This parade is an enormous honour for the squadron and recognises the commitment and achievements of generations of cadets and volunteers. For 85 years, the squadron has provided opportunities that develop confidence, leadership and teamwork in young people across Harrow.
To exercise the Freedom of the Borough is a proud and historic moment for everyone connected with 1454 Squadron, and we are grateful for the continued support from the community and our partner organisations.”
Captain Terry Hissey, Commanding Officer Roxeth & Harrow Company, Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade said:
“It is a matter of great pride to the Company that it is belatedly celebrating our 130th Anniversary with this Freedom Parade. From Gaslit Victorian Roxeth to the online South Harrow of today, the Brigade has never ceased to bring good news to young people. As the first civilian recipients of the Freedom of the Borough in 1994, it is very satisfying that the same recognition has been bestowed upon our neighbours”.