Garden honours RAF centenary

THE Botanic Gardens at Churchtown has created a special garden for the 100 year anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force in WWI.

The RAF Association of Formby, which covers Sefton area as well, arranged a dedication service and plaque, with the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Dave Robinson, doing the unveiling.

The event was supported by Royal British Legion standard bearers with others from the Air Cadets Southport 611 and RAF Woodvale 281.

An air cadet also carried the Polish Standard to honour the Polish squadrons which operated at RAF Woodvale during WWII.

Michelle Miller was the parade marshall.

Southport MP Damien Moore and Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson were both in attendance.

A short service was con- ducted by Rev Chris Gregory from St Johns Church at Crossens.

It was well supported by senior ranks from RAF Woodvale, and RAFA vice chairman Alan Smith and David McGregor, chairman, thanked the large number of public who also supported this very special anniversary and honoured the memory of those who had sacrificed their lives in the service of their country over the years.

RAF Woodvale representatives Sgt Stephen Field, Warrant Officer Neil Blair, Sqn Ldr Lee Rimmer, executive officer, and Cpl Jez Ambrose in the garden and, right, the plaque The RAF 100 special garden

Standards are lowered for the two-minute silence