MOFFAT’S 2023 Dowding memorial service has been cancelled, just weeks before it was due to take place.
The annual commemorative service to honour Lord Hugh Dowding, his contribution to the Royal Air Force and his leadership during the Battle of Britain is both a highly regarded and well attended event in the town’s calendar with residents, current and retired service personnel attending the service and spitfire flypast in Station Park.
It was scheduled for early September.
However, this year the event’s organising committee have experienced ‘unprecedented organisational and support issues’ and therefore have decided to cancel it.
In a statement, committee chairman Air Commodore Bryan Collins said: “Over the years we have received fantastic support from the local community, local authorities, and national organisations.
“This year, we have experienced unprecedented organisational and support issues that have made it impossible to produce an event that befits the occasion and caters to the requirements of the day. Therefore, the committee have reluctantly decided to cancel the 2023 service.”
In place of the full service, a small wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Dowding Memorial in Station Park on Sunday September 3 at 2.30 pm and will be officiated by the Reverend Elsie Macrae. Wreaths will be laid by the Dowding committee, the Royal British Legion, and a representative of the Dowding House residents.
In addition, a fly past has also been provisionally programmed for the following Sunday on September 10 at 1.20 pm weather permitting.
