2025 Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony

This was my first time attending the flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Day.  Events were taking place all over the country, but I was attending Winchester's, outside the Great Hall at The Castle.

This year it was the RAF who marched up Castle Avenue towards the Great Hall and were inspected by the Lord Lieutenant.

The event was organised and hosted by Hampshire County Council, who kindly invited us and the dignatories back for tea in their offices at Elizabeth II Court.  Outside the meeting room, where the drinks were being served, were a couple of tables.  We rested out standards and slings here, and everyone else, their head dress.  When I came to leave I smiled at the vast display of colour, shiny brass work, and gold braid that adorned the table tops.

Benn Hitchen

Sutton Scotney & District Branch Standard Bearer