Mumsnet Talk

Either raising or lowering?
If you are walking past on your way home or to somewhere, or driving past?

If I happened to be walking past, I used to pause and wait until it was over. I didn't drive when we last lived on a patch, so I'm not sure what I would have done.

if driving, stop the car well away from the ceremony (there's usually a whistle) and don't drive again until it's over.

same with walking. when you hear the whistle, stop dead and stand still. walk on when you hear the second whistle.

i assume it's the same everywhere.

i have accidentally happened upon mid-ceremony when not paying attention, so it's worth noting what time it happens and keeping a look out.

So even being a civilian you still have to stop.<baffled>

it's just a mark of respect. and it's over in, what, a minute?

bit like the two minutes silence at remembrance - no-one is going to lock you up if you don't stand still and hush the kids, but they'll look at you a bit oddly if you carry on regardless during an established ceremonial event.

Would agree - stop and stand and wait until over. At the bases I served on all the civilian staff would do this if they were in the vicinity.