Royal Air Force Regiment
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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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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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27th August 2023 Memorial Service for Commandant Squadron Leader René Mouchotte DFC
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You can view the service ...........click here →
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On Saturday 26th August, Jan Leeming, well known to many TV viewers, gave a very interesting talk and presentation about how she researched the pilot of the Free French Airforce, Commandant René Mouchotte DFC on having agreed to sponsor his name on the Foxley-Norris Wall at Capel Le Ferne. She shined as the professional she is and was, as a newsreporter with the BBC. Everyone was listening to every word, you could have heard a pin drop. It was because of her enthusiasm that René's diary has been reprinted in a book titled 'Free French Spitfire Hero'. His diary is very personal and fascinating to read. It draws the reader in to his world, wanting to find out what happens next. While many wrote accounts of their wartime experience after the war, he wrote during it.
On Sunday, the next day, there was a Memorial Service held for René, 80 years to the day he died.
It was lead by the Chaplain to the Chapel, Reverend Alison Newman who explained how René and others were the inspiration for the original Memorial Chapel created in 1943. The organist Eric Johnstone played superbly, on the organ and the piano. There were hymns and finally a rousing rendition of the Marseillaise sung by all in French. The French Air Attaché Colonel Xavier Rival and a colleague, Colonel Raphael Deflaux (both looking resplendent in their French Air Force uniforms), attended. Colonel Rival gave a eulogy. The London Borough of Bromley Mayor Mike Botting and Mayoress Kim Botting added gravitas to the special occasion and service.
Cadets from 2427( Biggin Hill) Squadron Air Training Corps formed a welcome party at the Chapel entrance and paraded their banner in the service. Wing Commander Andy Simpson RAFVR (Ret'd), a previous Commanding Officer of Biggin Hill Squadron and present Trustee at Capel Le Ferne Memorial, also attended.
Most people took their copy of the service away, which doesn't usually happen! There are just a few remaining so if you would like a copy of this unique booklet, please send your request and postal address to [email protected] and pay £5 to the The Friends of St George's Chapel : Acc. 43927353, Sort code 23-05-80 . This will go to funding more special services.
After the Memorial Service
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Colonel Rival and Jan Leeming
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Col Xavier Rival Jan Leeming Col Raphael Deflaux
Len Alfiere RAF Regiment Veteran, Col Rival, J Leeming
Cols Deflaux, Rival, Jan, Air Cdre Bell and Mayor Botting
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Wg Cdr Andy Simpson and Colonel Rival pointing to
René's name on the reredos. 
After the presentation in the Chapel
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Veterans' Service on Armed Forces Day - Saturday 24th June 2023.
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
Museum Director, Katie Edwards 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 |
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70th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Chapel
The Chapel was full on Sunday 25th July 2021 for a commemoration service of the dedication of the Chapel in 1951.
Chaplain Reverend Diana Coutts-Pauling lead the service and gave a very interesting and thoughtful sermon. A quartet sang several pieces including an anthem, 'Christ is our Cornerstone' composed by David Thorne, our brilliant organist. Although the masked congregation was allowed to sing the hymns, Reverend Diana suggested listening to the quartet. That was definitely an excellent idea.
If you would like to read the service, you can download it below.
Chaplain Reverend Diana Coutts-Pauling lead the service and gave a very interesting and thoughtful sermon. A quartet sang several pieces including an anthem, 'Christ is our Cornerstone' composed by David Thorne, our brilliant organist. Although the masked congregation was allowed to sing the hymns, Reverend Diana suggested listening to the quartet. That was definitely an excellent idea.
If you would like to read the service, you can download it below.
David Thorne and The Quartet
Left to right are Will Kendal, Ben James,
Donna Burrows Mackley and Claire Jones.
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Congregation and Staff with Cadets of 2427 Squadron ( Biggin Hill) Air Training Corps
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