Barnet celebrates Armed Forces Week at the RAF Museum

A curry reception was held at the former Hendon aerodrome writes Leïla Davaud

A large group of people standing in front of an aeroplane — Credit – Barnet Council

Barnet celebrated Armed Forces Week last week with an event at the RAF Museum in Colindale.

A curry reception was held at the former Hendon aerodrome on Wednesday, 24th June to pay tribute to armed forces, reservists, cadets forces, veterans and their families in the borough.

The event took place under the iconic Lancaster Bomber in the Historic Hangars at the museum, where Mayor of Barnet, Zahra Beg, paid tribute to active soldiers and veterans.

She said: “We are forever grateful to our armed forces for their continued dedication in serving and protecting our nation. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to celebrate them in partnership with the RAF Museum during this wonderful reception. Barnet has always had a very close connection to the armed forces, and we were delighted to pay tribute to and thank them for their bravery and continued service.”

The armed forces flag was raised on Monday, 22nd June at Hendon Town Hall by the mayor, together with armed forces veterans and cadet force adult volunteers who work at Barnet Council. The flag was also raised at the council’s Colindale offices.

Deputy Lieutenant, Martin Russell MBE, presented high-level awards to outstanding cadets while the Barnet Band provided music during the reception.

CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, Maggie Appleton MBE, said: “At the RAF Museum, we are proud to celebrate and honour the remarkable service, dedication and sacrifice of our armed forces community. Armed Forces Week provides an important opportunity to recognise not only those currently serving, but also veterans, reservists, cadets and the families who support them.”

She added: “We are proud to be an Armed Forces Gold Employer and delighted to partner with the London Borough of Barnet to host this special reception beneath our iconic Lancaster Bomber, a powerful symbol of the courage and commitment that continues to inspire future generations. We extend our sincere thanks to all members of the armed forces community for their service to our nation.”

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