80th Anniversary of the founding of the original Chapel
We are intending to make everything possible to do with and in the Chapel, repaired or new, for this 80th year since the founding of the original Chapel. The altar and Remembrance Book hangings, both showing signs of wear, are being repaired. Cabinets are being sought for lantern "George" and Remembrance Book 2. Book 2 will show the names of aircrew who were inadvertently missed from the Reredos in the tumultuous years of World Warll. The rain splash edgings on the outside doors are being replaced. Outside, the benches in the Remembrance Garden and those in the close area are being cleaned and re-coated with preservative.
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Royal Air Force Regiment
The Standard of the Royal Air Force Regiment Comrades Association of London South East and North Kent was given to hang in the Chapel. The ceremony and service took place on 11 July 2023 led by the Chapel Chaplain, Reverend Alison Newman. The Standard belonged to Richard (Dickey) Moon who died recently and a new Standard has been purchased. Neil Athron was the Standard Bearer.
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Veterans' Service on Armed Forces Day - Saturday 24th June.
The service was lead by Reverend Alison Newman and the Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley, Councillor Mike Botting and his wife Kim were present. Ex Service personnel were invited. The three most senior in age, Harry Winters, Ann Galley (100) Peter Lemon (102) told their story of aspects of their life in the Second World War. All in the Chapel were spellbound. The Museum site was closed for the day and veterans and all attendees were invited to stay for a light lunch in the cafe, prepared by Dominic the Chef. The London Taxi Charity for Military Veterans kindly helped with transport.
Seated are Ann Galley, Peter Lemon and Harry Winters
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Museum Director, Katie with Ann Galley. Peter Lemon and Harry Winters.
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Peter Lemon laying flowers on the Remembrance Garden with assistance from the Verger and Taxi Driver
Dutch Remembrance Day 4th May 2023
Dutch Remembrance Day 4th May 2023
A small service lead by Reverend Alison Newman took place at the Maastricht Stone at 11am and 12 people attended. Tilly Wade, a Dutch lady resident in Biggin Hill read the names of the 7 Aircrew who died flying in the Biggin Hill Sector during World War ll. The Chapel bell tolled 7 times at the end of the service.
GEORGE our Lantern played his part by shining a light over the Maastricht Stone.
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Friends' Service on St George's Day 23 April 2023
The Chapel was full Chapel for The Friends of St George's Chapel Service which was held this year on England's Patron Saint's Feast Day. The RAF Regiment paraded their standard and the banner of 2427 Biggin Hill Squadron Air Training Corps was paraded. An Eccles miner's lamp was named George and blessed by the Officiating Minister Reverend Diana Coutts-Pauling. George is a light in the darkness remembering those who have died in conflict in the Royal Air Force and will be on permanent display soon in the Chapel. Read about The Shornecliffe Trust and the Remembrance Lanterns https://shorncliffe-trust.org.uk
Click below to see the Order of Service
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Changing Themes - Displays in the Chapel arranged by the Friends.
The doll is from the 1940s and is beautifully dressed by Jacky Lane, in the Land Girls attire. She is carrying a 'wad' bag which would have contained a sandwich.
The Farmers Market in March.
It was unfortunately a very cold day which will have discouraged people from coming along.
Farmers Markets are held each month and provide some interest produce. See Museum website for details. on www.bhmm.org.uk
Despite the very cold and blowy weather Megan and Jean ran a stall for the Friends of the Chapel and did extremely well selling gifts and craft items made by the Craft Group for the FSGC. We are very greatful for their enthusiasm.
Their next stall will be on 13th May 10.00am-2.00pm
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A surprise fall of snow on 8 th March 2023 (taken by the Museum Director)
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More changing themes on display in the Chapel
Call to Worship.
A sign was recently hung on the railings to encourage more people to attend the Sunday service. It has been said that some thought only RAF members could attend, which is more than surprising considering the Royal Air Force left Biggin Hill in 1992.
Could you bring another person once in a while?
The Museum.
The Museum was closed over a long Christmas break and had a complete make over and what a transformation!!
A group of Friends went to the Museum on Wednesday 8th February and really enjoyed their visit. The displays show the history of Biggin Hill Aerodrome in 3 stages, from its beginning, World War ll, and post war activity.
So much of interest has completely replaced all the previous displays. Two examples of note - A Morrison shelter shows the conditions under which Londoners lived for protection against bombs. A copy of the famous black board originally in the White Hart Pub Brasted has been reproduced, and is accompanied by an electronic screen which shows pilots' histories as a spotlight picks out the pilot's signature on the board.
We were all very impressed with what has been achieved by Katie Edwards, the Museum Director, and her team of volunteers. One person was heard to say that they could have spent hours longer in there.
A group of Friends went to the Museum on Wednesday 8th February and really enjoyed their visit. The displays show the history of Biggin Hill Aerodrome in 3 stages, from its beginning, World War ll, and post war activity.
So much of interest has completely replaced all the previous displays. Two examples of note - A Morrison shelter shows the conditions under which Londoners lived for protection against bombs. A copy of the famous black board originally in the White Hart Pub Brasted has been reproduced, and is accompanied by an electronic screen which shows pilots' histories as a spotlight picks out the pilot's signature on the board.
We were all very impressed with what has been achieved by Katie Edwards, the Museum Director, and her team of volunteers. One person was heard to say that they could have spent hours longer in there.
A visit is recommended.
Chapel Notice Board
David Wilmot, the Friends’ Treasurer, has refurbished the Chapel notice board for the second time. A gap had opened between the wooden sections and with the help of his grandson, Lewie, the board has been reinstalled looking very smart again.
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St George's Christmas Tree
Friends of the Chapel have been preparing for next Christmas!! The opportunity was taken to buy a half price tree in a pot from nearby Coolings Garden Centre. It has now been established in a half barrel planter and placed near the Garden of Remembrance. Next Christmas, it will be moved to the front of St George's Room, outside the Chapel and dressed with lights.
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Changing themes
Very attractive displays are set up in the Chapel by two members of the Friends Committee. The displays reflect interesting news and events of the past. Here below are a Christmas display with articles from the 1940s and Remembrance.
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The Strongest Link
Now that the garden at Biggin Hill airport is finally open and the public are visiting,
PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE
that garden with the Garden at the Chapel which been in place for many years at
The Strongest Link, RAF Biggin Hill.
The Garden sits alongside the the RAF Chapel of Remembrance, has always been open for visitors.
RAF Biggin Hill has always been known as The Strongest Link and is definitely NOT part of the airport.
The statue at the airport garden is indeed stunning and well worth a visit BUT, take a journey a further half mile down the road and visit the place that is The Strongest Link; you will know you have arrived when you pass through the gate pillars with their blue plaques that declare this place as The Strongest Link and walk or drive between the two Gate Guardians. Come and read some of the personal stories that have been shared
over the years by those who served at RAF Biggin Hill, The Strongest Link.
