A local RAF Squadron wants to use the city crest as part of their own Squadron crest. Does being awarded Freedom of the City in 1999 automatically give them permission to do this? I doubt any Council records from the event/ceremony (should we still have any) would stipulate this. Are there any issues we should be aware of?
Hi Melanie,
Firstly, does your constitution state any specifics about what is extended to the recipients of FotC? Secondly, does the RAF Squadron have permission from the College of Arms and the MOD to undertake the change? It may be worth considering the implications of the squadron using the city crest and what it means for other recipients and the way it can be utilised. HMS Sheffield uses part of the city crest for its ship’s crest and a discussion would need to take place should there be a desire for the future SHEFFIELDs crest to utilise both parts of the city crest. This might be slightly different to your situation as previous SHEFFIELDs have held affiliations with the city as well as the last SHEFFIELD (F98) holding FotC. The other question to ask is, is there an appetite for the council to agree to the use of the city crest by the squadron?
Yours,
Steve
Thank you Steve. Having checked our Constitution on your advice, it makes no reference at all to the awarding of the Freedom or any T&C relating to it. In the past we have given permission for the crest to be used in published material. The appetite is there for sure as we have a long-standing historical connection with the squadron. It looks as though I will just have to check with the requester that he’s been thorough before granting the request - ensuring I save all correspondence. Thank you.