2071 (Stamford) Squadron have been included in the King’s Birthday Honours and will receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The prestigious award is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is the equivalent to an MBE. The unit was nominated by the town’s former Mayor Gloria Johnson for “enriching the lives of young people and supporting the local community/charities.”
Councillor Johnson said: “This is the most well-deserved award as they put so much effort into everything they do; they are like one big family, supporting one another and the community. I am proud to have been part of the journey to them getting it and I wish them every success in the future - they are amazing.”
Flt Lt Richard Gatward-Clarke, the Officer Commanding at the Squadron said:
“We were delighted to win the award, we had to provide lots of figures during the assessment stage of this process, so we were surprised to win especially given we were nominated while the Queen was alive. It now means we are amongst the first recipients in the country to be awarded the King's award for voluntary service, so we feel very honoured.
We go above and beyond to ensure that we create a great environment for all. We have made sure that we that anyone feels safe and comfortable in the area and any member of the community can call on us for a talk or a cup of tea when needed. we can be relied upon to be there for all."
Flt Lt Richard Gatward-Clarke
Officer Commanding 2071 (Stamford) Squadron
Last year the squadron raised over £130,000 and were the top squadron across the whole of the UK and they hope to surpass the total over the coming year. They supported The RAF Benevolent Fund, race for life, The Royal Air Force Association, and a number of other worthy causes.
The squadron will receive their award crystal and certificate in an official ceremony led by the King’s local representative, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, later this year. They are also looking forward to going to the official ceremony at Buckingham Palace next year.