Gina Bingham, who has worked for us for 8 years, has been serving as a reservist for 2 years with the 2503 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire.
She spends one full weekend a month training with her squadron and has further training and RAF duties throughout the year.
While most of her training is carried out at weekends and by using her annual leave, Gina is granted 2 weeks special leave per year to fulfil her RAF duties, as part of our commitment to supporting the armed forces.
Mum-of-two Gina, who has the rank AS1, Air Specialist (Class1), was selected to be part of the 2503 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron contingent to travel to London to assist in the Coronation on 6 May 2023.
Gina took part in intensive training and rehearsals for the event, as well as travelling down to London for the overnight rehearsal involving members of the armed forces from across the country in the run-up to the Coronation itself.
On Coronation Day, the squadron met at 3.30am to ensure everything was in order including kit, catching a coach at 5am and then a train to London. During the day the squadron marched more than 9 miles, eventually finishing in the Buckingham Palace gardens before finally marching back to Waterloo to catch the train home.
Gina has won praise for her role from her Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader Robert Davies of the 2503 Royal Auxiliary Air Force, who has written to County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis.
In an extract from the letter, Squadron Leader Davies said:
“I am immensely proud of how AS1 Bingham acquitted themselves and feel it only right to inform you, their civilian employers, of their impeccable deportment throughout. They are an asset to this Squadron, and indeed excellent ambassadors for the wider Royal Auxiliary Air Force and I am certain they are as much a credit to you as they are to us.”
Gina said:
“It was an absolute honour to take part in such an historic occasion and well worth the extra training that went in to ensuring we all carried out our roles perfectly, and everything went smoothly. I get so much out of my reservist role and very much enjoy it."
Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said:
“It was a pleasure to receive such a letter from Squadron Leader Davies, heaping such high praise on one of our employees.
“As a council we fully support the armed forces and do what we can to assist our employees in reservist roles. We’re very proud of Gina and she should be very proud of herself.”