I would like to explain the position regarding a fly-past as part of the RAF Freedom Parade.

During early discussions our colleagues at RAF High Wycombe advised that they had secured a Lancaster Bomber to fly over the parade. Indeed, the timing for the whole event was based on the news that the Lancaster would fly over the Guildhall at 11am. We included this information in our promotion of the event.

On the day before the parade, during a walk through of the route, I was advised that the Lancaster was stranded in Normandy awaiting a spare part, having been over there for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

I immediately contacted the BFP and asked them to include a note on their website stating that the fly-past would not take place.

On the day of the Freedom Parade I was told that the senior staff at RAF High Wycombe had been able to secure a Hurricane to take part in the parade, but too late to make anyone aware of the change.

I am sure all the members of the community who joined us for the event were impressed with the Hurricane which made three passes over the parade at low level and was a highlight of the day.

Bill Reid, Town Clerk