We are holding a service at St.David's to mark the 50th anniversary of a tragic accident that occurred in our village back in 1976. This is what happened ;-
On January 19, 1976, two Royal Air Force Harrier GR.3 jets, XV745 and XV754, collided in a mid-air collision over Wettenhall, near Nantwich, Cheshire, during a low-level exercise, killing both pilots, Flight Lieutenant James Edward Downey and Flight Lieutenant John Keith Roberts
. One pilot did not eject, while the other attempted to but failed to survive the impact and subsequent events. The accident resulted in a large ball of fire, wreckage spread over a wide area, and power outages for some local homes.
Details of the Incident
• Date: January 19, 1976
• Aircraft: Two single-seater Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3s
• Location: Wettenhall, near Nantwich, Cheshire, England
• Circumstances: The aircraft were taking part in a four-plane low-level exercise.
• Cause: A misjudgment in timing during a formation maneuver led to the collision between the two aircraft.
• Casualties: Both pilots, Flight Lieutenant James Edward Downey (in XV754) and Flight Lieutenant John Keith Roberts (in XV745), were killed instantly
The commemoration service will be held on Sunday the 18th January and both families of the pilots will be in attendance - some of which will be coming over from Canada. We will also be joined by the 146(Northwich) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Drum Band. We would be most grateful if the whole community can come along and support this event as we mark the ultimate sacrifice ade by two members of our armed forecs.
The service will be followed by refreshments and a meal for thise who would wish to stay - please let members of the church know if you wouls like to join us for hot food so we have an idea of numbers to catter for.
We look forward to commemorating this sad event in our parish.
Come and join us as all four churches in the Cross country parishes combine to celebrate the work of our farmers and the wonderful gifts our Lord God provides for us. There will be members of the current Agricultural College on hand to assist in the service and to provide information on their studdies and the courses they attend, as well as talks from the college principal on the work of this educational centre of excellence.
Preacher: Revd Canon Dr Judy Hunt (Judy has experience of rural life and ministry, both as a Vicar and Archdeacon. Prior to ordination she was a large-animal vet
We are very fortunate to have one of the top agricultural facilities right here in the heart of Cheshire and this service helps in our understanding of its work, but just as importanly, it gives us the oppotunity to thank God for all the Lord provides his flock.
Everyone welcome
Refreshments will be served following the service.