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Welcome to the first edition of Aries 2025.
Once again, RAF Shawbury had a very busy end of 2024 and, in particular, with our Christmas community events. It was a privilege to be able to give Santa Claus a special ride in one of our Juno helicopters and to land into the Princess Royal Hospital Telford for him to visit the Shropshire Children’s Ward. The excitement on the children’s faces was fantastic to see and it was a wonderful way to mark our gratitude to all of the NHS staff who provide such an important year-round
service for Shropshire families when they most need it. You can see a round-up of all of the events we held in the run up to Christmas in this edition.
You will also see that RAF Shawbury has accelerated into 2025; we have a new Commandant at the helm of No. 1 Flying Training School and the Defence College of Air and Space Operations, and a new Station Commander. We extend the traditional warm RAF Shawbury welcome to them and their families and we look forward to hearing their Forewords over this and our second edition.
We hope you continue to enjoy reading the Aries magazine in 2025.
by Wing Commander Paddy Durnin RAF – Station Commander
It gives me great pleasure to write the foreword to the first Aries magazine of 2025.
I’m very aware that I have big shoes to fill in taking over from Wing Commander Al Jones, who has been a part of the RAF Shawbury furniture for many years. I’d like to thank him for handing over such a great station and to wish him the best for his retirement after over 40 years of service.
My initial observations from my first two weeks in the seat are that Shawbury is a very friendly and happy station and everyone that I’ve met so far seems to be happy to be here. The fact that I’ve met personnel who have been here since before I was born is testament to how people clearly feel they belong here at RAF Shawbury.
I’ve arrived at a time of significant change at Shawbury as we are still learning how things work under the Wittering command and control model and we are in the midst of the airfield operating surfaces refurbishment programme. I’ve been impressed by how everyone across the station and the resident units are working together to ensure that all of this change is managed appropriately and safely.
Another change is that the new Commandant No. 1 Flying Training School and the Defence College of Air and Space Operations, Group Captain Mike Jordan, took command only a few weeks prior to my arrival. I’m sure we will enjoy a great working partnership
over the next two years, and I’ll benefit from his raft of experience from multiple tours at Shawbury. I hope he won’t mind me volunteering him to write the foreword of the next edition! Finally, I’d like to thank you all for the
warm welcome that my family and I have received. We are very happy to be here and we are looking forward to making the most of everything that Shawbury and Shropshire have to offer.
Station Commander Handover
RAF Shawbury bid a very fond farewell to Wing Commander Al Jones as Station Commander on Friday 31 January.
Wing Commander Jones ran the Station’s Base Support Wing from June 2018, before being appointed as Station Commander in December 2023. As well as leading all aspects of the life-support and welfare of the Station throughout COVID, he transformed many of the
facilities and opportunities which RAF Shawbury personnel and their families now benefit from. The impact he has had and the legacy he leaves behind are truly impressive. We wish him and his family all the very best for his future plans.
Wing Commander Jones leaves the Station for one last time
The Station Commander’s departure wheels
Wing Commander Jones is presented with a leaving gift
The official handover handshake with Wing Commander Paddy Durnin
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STATION NEWS
Community Christmas Round-Up
Here’s a selection of photographs capturing our Christmas 2024 activities across Shropshire.
On 3 December, we were joined by nearly 800 guests at our Christmas Carol Concert in St Chad’s Church Shrewsbury, to be treated to stand-out performances from the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, Shawbury’s St Mary’s School Choir and our very own soloist, Squadron Leader Smailes. Mr Robert Adams, a Korean War veteran, who joined up as a national serviceman at Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury, provided a fascinating picture of what it was like serving on the front line in Korea, Christmas 1952.
On 11 December, 84 senior citizens and veterans enjoyed a Christmas Lunch in the Officers’ Mess at RAF Shawbury. Multiple veteran groups
The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment at the Christmas Carol Concert
Guests packed out St Chad’s Church for the event
Korean Veterans joined our Senior Citizens Christmas lunch
Veterans from all three Services were there too.
and associations were represented, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Legion, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Logistics Corps, Korean War and War Widows. Many of the senior citizens joining us from Shawbury village and surrounds have long-standing connections to the Station.
No 1 Flying Training School had a very special passenger on board one of their Juno helicopters on 18 December. Santa flew over the top of 15 Shropshire Primary Schools
waving at the children gathered in the playgrounds below, before dropping into the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. Santa was greeted by excited children, parents and staff before taking the opportunity to visit the Shropshire Children’s Centre to hand out presents to all, including a special large present for the Centre’s play area.
Finally, 18 December was also the annual Santa Run held on Station, with runners braving the early morning cold to raise money for the Royal Air Forces Association.
Santa arriving by Juno helicopter
Santa giving out a large communal present
Santa giving out presents to all the children on the Ward
Santas getting ready to run for RAFA
All Change at the Top
On 6 December 2024, Group Captain Andy Baron formally handed over as Commandant of No1 Flying Training School and the Defence College of Air and Space Operations to Group Captain Mike Jordan.
Group Captain Baron was also Station Commander RAF Shawbury between December 2022 and December 2023, before the RAF changed the structures of all of its Stations with the introduction of the Wittering Model. In both roles, he had a really positive, memorable and lasting effect on all areas of Station life. We wish Group Captain Baron all the very best for his future appointments and equally extend a very warm welcome to Group Captain Jordan and his family.
Recent Graduation
No.1 Flying Training School held a graduation for helicopter pilots and rearcrew on 29 November 2024.
The Reviewing Officer was Air ViceMarshal (Retired) Warren James CB CBE DL, Deputy Lord Lieutenant and a previous Station Commander at RAF Shawbury.
Group Captain Baron hands over as Commandant to Group Captain Jordan
Pictured right: Graduates from the German Forces.
Pictured below: RAF and Royal Navy Graduates with the Reviewing Officer.
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DCASO Dits
AEROSPACE BATTLE MANAGEMENT TRAINING SQUADRON (ABMTS)
ABMTS, on the whole, have been very busy over the last few months with many personnel arrivals, departures, courses and exercises. Surveillance Training Flight (STF) and Mission Support Flight (MSF)
Sgt Bland and AS1 Gisborn hosted an event with the Mental Health Network in the Aries club. This event allowed everyone to socialise and raise awareness for mental health. The event was attended by the Station Commander and Warrant Officer RAF WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam.
ABMTS staff participated in a variety of sport such as hockey, volleyball and football. Fg Off Carr is currently representing the RAF in the world cup of United Kingdom Armed Forces Hockey. Fg Off Carr also represents the RAF in numerous football events and matches where she is a regular starter for the RAF Women’s Team. MSF’s Cpl Parkin has taken up volleyball and now takes part in volleyball camp. Cpl Lally and AS1 McGeachy participated in the trade football competition where personnel from all over the country come together and compete at a high level. They also represented RAF Shawbury in regular competitive games against the local community and other RAF bases in the league. These sports will encourage team building and the ability to step out of their comfort zones.
A few deployments have been assigned with MSF’s AS1 Hilton Jones deploying to the Falkland Islands for 4 months. This will be a great experience for him and make him a more adaptive
aviator. Controller Training Flight's (CTF) Flt Lt Bantges has been given the opportunity to participate in operations overseas for 6 months. This will allow him to gain valuable experience which he can pass on to his future trainees. There is an ongoing change to the way CTF, STF and MSF will provide training in the future. This is the new course re-write where all three sections are working together to share experiences and knowledge, making the course more fulfilling and worthwhile.
AS2 Durner has recently joined the MSF team and section. MSF are busy getting him spun up and ready to go with simulator training. There has also been a change in management within MSF with Flt Lt Hillier taking over as OC MSF. CTF and MSF have unfortunately had to say goodbye to Flt Lt Davis whose time was sadly up at RAF Shawbury. Flt Lt Davis is posted to RAF Cranwell where he can use his experience and knowledge to pass onto the new recruits. Flt Lt Guthrie returned to STF from her 4-month operational deployment in Cyprus.
In December 2024, Corporal Lally and Air Specialist 1 Crisp visited RAF Valley as part of a professional development initiative aimed at broadening their understanding of Trade Group 7 and the wider Royal Air Force. Their visit was hosted by Corporal Hall from Valley Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Sergeant Bromley and included engagements with multiple sections across the unit.
On Wednesday, 11 December, they began their visit at Valley ATC, where
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING SQUADRON (ATCTS)
ATCTS have seen the final ‘old’ JATCC come to a close, marking the start of delivery of the newly revised course. The first course is already underway and being closely monitored by many. It is early days, but feedback so far is positive by both trainers and the newest batch of trainees. With such a big undertaking there was bound to be some teething problems – to
the credit of the Implementation Team these are small tweaks rather than full re-writes. The next few months will be key for ATCTS to iron out any of these gremlins as the full course continues to be delivered so that future variations will be of the best quality to deliver to future controllers that will pass through. In amongst the upskilling, the ATCTS trainers continue with their
they received a comprehensive tour of the control tower. This included an overview of key operational areas such as the Visual Control Room, switchboard, and radar facilities. They also had the opportunity to visit the runway caravan, where they observed a three-ship departure of Hawk aircraft. Following their time at ATC, they visited Station Operations to gain insight into its critical role in coordinating daily taskings to ensure effective training for trainee pilots and aircrew.
On Thursday, 12 December, they were hosted by 202 Squadron, where they were given a guided tour of one of the unit’s Jupiter helicopters. This provided a valuable opportunity to understand the aircraft’s operational role and its capabilities. The squadron personnel explained how operational duties are now managed by contractors, in contrast to the Hawk squadrons, where service personnel continue to fulfil these responsibilities.
Later, they visited 4 Squadron, where they were introduced to the roles and responsibilities of Junior NonCommissioned Officers and Air Specialists within the squadron. The visit concluded with a hands-on session in the state-of-the-art Hawk simulators, providing a first-hand experience of the training environment for trainee pilots.
The visit provided Corporal Lally and AS1 Crisp with a valuable opportunity to enhance their understanding of TG7 operations within RAF Valley, reinforcing their knowledge of air traffic control, squadron operations, and pilot training.
professional development with a myriad of courses from Coaching and Mentoring to journaling to give a more rounded training team to facilitate higher quality training. The turnover of staff continues with both departures and arrivals, including a current and upcoming deployment to the Falkland Islands to maintain those real-world skills.
by The DCASO Diarists
AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS TRAINING SQUADRON (ASOTS)
Spring has not sprung quite yet, however hopefully we are over the worst of the winter weather (although the Beast from the East was in March last year….). We have welcomed two new arrivals since the last edition, firstly Cpl Dearden from RAF Coningsby – Cpl Dearden has settled in very well to life at RAF Shawbury and ASOTS, despite him supporting Liverpool.
Cpl Ratcliffe has also just arrived from RAF Valley and is enjoying life at RAF Shawbury, unfortunately he is also a Liverpool fan meaning we are slowly but surely being taken over by the red side of Liverpool, thankfully there are no Evertonians over at ASOTS currently.
We have only had one departure since the last edition; however, it is a great loss and one from which ASOTS may never recover fully.
Cpl ‘Chappers’ Chapman has left on promotion to RAF Halton to teach even newer recruits as a Phase 1 Sgt, so if any recruits mess up, they will have to feel the wrath of Sgt Chapman – either that or he will spend half an hour talking to them about cricket or hedgehogs. Many will also know his wife who worked in the Aries most evenings with occasional day shifts, she will also be a great loss, but we wish them both well at RAF Halton and no doubt they will enjoy their tour there as it is a cracking part of the world.
In terms of courses in house we have had the usual comings and goings of various courses. Things are particularly busy at the minute on the ASOSC, with ASOSC 21 in house with a total of 21 trainees on the course. I’d unfortunately be lying if I said everyone has memorised each person’s name, given most of us probably forget our own names on occasion. But the extra
ASSURANCE SQUADRON
The theme of this term has been innovation within the squadron, with plenty of change afoot to ensure the team is enabling the best quality training at DCASO.
The Training Design Team have been busy modernising training material used across the College, utilising the newly adopted Aquila Learning and Resource Management System to ensure trainers can access all the material they need to deliver lessons and assessments from a single source.
FS Dale and Sgt Beagley developed the Quality Improvement Action Plan, an excellent tool which allows the tracking of feedback
and performance throughout DCASO, ensuring we are continuously improving at every opportunity.
The Learning, Technology & Innovation Centre within the squadron have been hard at work to make sure all digital learning content is at an excellent standard, as well as investigating exciting ways in which AI can be used within the College, such as helping to produce content and allow trainees to personalise their training in ways that best suit them.
There was also sporting success within the Sqn this term, with Flt Lt Bell representing RAF Shawbury in the RAF Mountain Bike Championships. This was a three-day event
numbers do add a certain challenge, which thus far everyone seems to be rising to and enjoying the complexities.
Cpl Dodd, and more recently Cpl Arkle, have both completed the Force Development Facilitators’ Course at Crickhowell. This is a fantastic week-long course for anyone interested in Force Development, and some of the skills picked up on this course will undoubtedly be useful in application to our courses here at RAF Shawbury. I would highly recommend this course as it is open to anyone and runs monthly at Crickhowell. It is open to any rank and trade and it is a great week of finessing Force Development skills with some Adventurous Training thrown into the mix as well. For anyone interested, more information is available on their SharePoint page.
that covered Enduro and Downhill disciplines, with RAF personnel braving the Scottish autumnal conditions at Golfie bike area around Innerleithen. Flt Lt Bell representing not only Shawbury but the ‘middle aged’ riders in the vets class, won the non-team races in both Enduro and Downhill, subsequently being selected for the RAF Gravity Mountain Bike Development Team for 2025 season.
Flt Lt Bell in action at the Mountain Bike Championships
Flt Lt Bell celebrating his wins
Recent Graduations
The Defence College of Air and Space Operations has recently graduated several courses.
ASOSC 19
Air and Space Operations Specialist Course 19 graduated on 06 December 24. The Reviewing Officer was Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam. The Salesian Trophy was won by Air Specialist 2 Gray. The Daren Hucknall Trophy was won by Air Specialist Bassett.
The Weapons Foundation Course (WFC) graduated on 1 November. The Reviewing Officer was Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam.
Surveillance Foundation Course 24-4 graduated on 17 January 25. The Reviewing Officer was Group Captain Mike Jordan MA BSc (Hons) cfs tp RAF. Commandant No 1 Flying Training School and Defence College of Air and Space Operations.
SFC 24-4
ASOSC 19 with Reviewing Officer WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam
The Salesian Trophy winner presented with the trophy by WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam
The Daren Hucknall Trophy winner presented with the trophy by WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam
WFC 24-3
WFC 24 - the with Reviewing Officer WO Murugesvaran Subramaniam
SFC 24-4 with the Reviewing Officer Group Captain Mike Jordan
ASOSC 20
Air and Space Operations Specialist Course 20 graduated on 07 February 25. The Reviewing Officer was Group Captain Mike Jordan MA BSc (Hons) cfs tp RAF. Commandant No 1 Flying Training School and Defence College of Air and Space Operations. The Salesian Trophy was won by Air Specialist 2 Barnett. The Darren Hucknall Trophy was won by Air Specialist 2 Cooper.
FOTC 6
Flight Operations Training Course graduated on 07 February 25. The Reviewing Officer was Group Captain Mike Jordan MA BSc (Hons) cfs tp RAF. Commandant No 1 Flying Training School and Defence College of Air and Space Operations. The Morley Trophy was won by Flt Lt Perkins. The Mulvihill Trophy was won by Flt Lt Perkins.
ASOSC 20 with Reviewing Officer Group Captain Mike Jordan
The Salesian Trophy winner presented with the trophy by Group Captain Mike Jordan
The Daren Hucknall Trophy winner presented with the trophy Group Captain Mike Jordan
FOTC 6 with the Reviewing Officer Group Captain Mike Jordan
The Mulvihill Trophy winner with the Reviewing Officer Group Captain Mike Jordan
The Morley Trophy winner with Reviewing Officer Group Captain Mike Jordan
Success at the ASTRA Awards for CFS
The Central Flying School (CFS) Development and Delivery Wing, including CFS (Helicopters) at RAF Shawbury, were the recent recipients of an ASTRA Innovation Award, following their ongoing project developing virtual reality technology to support training. The ASTRA Awards “recognise some of the most inspirational people, ingenious ideas, and the incredible impact they’ve had on our operational output”.
360-degree video of pre-recorded airborne exercise
The project utilises immersive 360-degree videos of pre-recorded airborne exercises, helping enrich instructional delivery to students training to become Qualified Helicopter Instructors (QHIs) and Qualified Helicopter Crew Instructors (QHCIs). The videos, played through high-definition Virtual Reality headsets, help add a level of realism and understanding to the classroom-based training, by allowing students to visualise manoeuvres and practise the instructional patter numerous times before completing the lesson for real in the aircraft. Errors can also be introduced to see if the trainee instructors can recognise the mistakes, as well as practise their debriefs in advance. The headsets have helped modernise classroom-based teaching significantly, where the previous method of practising would have been to sit in a ‘cardboard cockpit’ and imagine how the lesson would run. Whilst not a replacement for live or synthetic flying hours, the technology ultimately helps reduce sortie failure rates by creating a realistic environment to practise in, therefore reducing costs of re-flying the sorties in the real aircraft. After a successful trial, the headsets are now issued to students on the first day of their instructor course and are pre-loaded with a library of instructional videos. Despite being a relatively new concept, the technology is already proving to be an invaluable tool for classroom learning.
Training with the Virtual Reality headset
Shifnal
FORCE DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Beat the
Hacker
The Cyber Confident Escape Room experience visited RAF Shawbury in December 2024. This provided the whole force with an opportunity to look at cyber security in a different, more interactive way. A total of eight teams took part, made up of uniformed services, contractors, and civil servants.
The feedback from the sessions was overwhelmingly positive.
After an initial briefing from the Cyber Confident team to set the scene, participants entered the escape room to be faced by a set of unrelated objects. Only by efficiently solving puzzles, discovering hidden information, making connections, were
Through this enjoyable, fun experience, participants learned about some essential cyber security skills that will help them stay safe online at home and in the workplace. These included:
- Maintaining need to know principles in the handling of sensitive information.
- Practising good password hygiene,
ensuring that personal and work materials are kept separate.
- Avoiding single points of failure in work processes.
- Being conscious of the insider threat and the important of security vetting. It is important for individuals to understand that they are the first line of defence against cyber-attacks.
Cyber Confident provide Cyber Security guidance, resources, and cyber awareness campaigns for all MOD personnel. They breakdown the complicated World of cyber security into fun, understandable, bitesize pieces to help personnel stay as cyber secure as possible.
More information can be found on The Cyber Confident SharePoint pages on the MODNET platform.
Ready to take on the escape room
Taking on the challenge
St. Chad’s Christmas Tree Festival
The young people from the Airplay Youth Project felt very privileged to be asked to take part in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury on behalf of RAF Shawbury.
The young people did some workshops around the theme of their choice ‘Friendship’. This is especially important to them as moving around can be difficult making new friends. The tree was decorated with friendship bracelets they had made, also drawings, paper chains and Christmas Cards. The ‘star’ at the top of the tree was made from handprints signifying ‘the hand of friendship’. Small handmade cards were left too for the public to write messages to their friends and hang on the tree – these were all read by the young people after the tree was taken down and some of the messages were very poignant.
If any young people aged between 8 –18 years would like to join us, please log onto www.airplayconnect.com for further details and to register, or email: Cheryl.Foster@oneymca.org
Our sessions are Tuesdays (Juniors 8 – 11 years) and Thursdays (Inters/Seniors 11 – 18 years) in the Youth Activity Centre on Dawsons Rough.
Decorating the Christmas tree
Friendship bracelets
Christmas cards ready to leave a message of friendship
Colouring in
The hands of friendship
The finished Christmas tree
RAF Shawbury Personnel Donate Coats to The Ark Shrewsbury Amidst Cold, Wet Weather
In a heartwarming initiative, Whole Force personnel and their families from RAF Shawbury have rallied together to support Shrewsbury’s homeless and vulnerable population during a period of severe cold and wet weather.
The donation drive, led by the station’s community team, involved collecting and delivering warm coats and winter essentials to The Ark in Shrewsbury, a charity that provides vital services for those in need. The drive underscores RAF Shawbury’s commitment to community support beyond the base. Known for fostering a strong community spirit through its youth and welfare programmes, Shawbury personnel extended their outreach to ensure vulnerable individuals in the wider community stay warm and protected during challenging weather conditions.
Ark Shrewsbury, which offers essential services like hot meals, clothing, showers, and access to support networks, expressed deep gratitude for RAF Shawbury’s contributions. This initiative reflects the strong bond between the military and local
communities, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can make a significant difference during adverse times. Both the Ark and RAF Shawbury are hopeful that their partnership will inspire further support and awareness for those facing hardships.
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Recipients of donations
Staff enjoying a hot drink
Kitchen staff prepping meals and hot drinks
DCASO in Shawbury Village
Either side of the Christmas Break DCASO trainees were busy in the Shawbury village supporting the Parish Council and School with Community Projects.
In November ASOSC 19 were busy tidying the grounds in the Churchyard and around the Moat. Despite the chilly weather the course cheerfully completed their tasks to the delight of the Chair of the Parish Council who said, “It has made a tremendous difference and allowed us to move on to our future plans more quickly than we had hoped.”
In January, on another cold day, the equally cheerful ASOSC 21 spent the day at St Mary’s School tidying the school grounds and helping to prepare the gardens for Spring. Their hard work was much appreciated by the Head Teacher and all of the staff.
ASOSC 19 chilly but cheerful!
Spreading bark chippings
Let’s clear this path
Shawbury Military Wives Choir
The choir were due to perform in Oswestry in December to a sold-out audience in aid of ‘The Movement Centre’. However, Storm Darragh had other ideas and so it was delayed and became a Spring Concert. The Fron Male Voice Choir and Os Rocks also took part, and together we finished the evening concert with a rousing rendition of the rugby world cup song ‘World in Union’. A splendid evening which raised over £7000 for this local organisation providing life changing children’s physiotherapy.
In January the choir travelled south to Middle Wallop where we were honoured to perform some well know songs at a wedding celebration held within the Officers’ Mess. But this was not a random wedding. One of our own choir members Liz was marrying Jonny in front of all their friends and family. Covid restrictions had sadly severely limited their original wedding and so this was to be a proper celebration.
A wonderful day with the service being led by our own Shawbury Station Chaplain.
NEW MEMBERS
Our choir is open to all women with a military connection whether that be through work, marriage, or some other connection. We have a group of around 20 women who attend regularly
and have a wonderful friendly Musical Director in Catherine who has been with us for several years. Most members live locally, some work on the base. We would love you to come along for a taster session and see what we do. There are no auditions, you simply get in touch, come along, have a listen, have a chat if you’d like, and decide if it’s for you. We will make you feel very welcome and can meet up beforehand if preferred as we understand it could feel very daunting.
It’s a brand new year, so why not give a brand new hobby a go? Message us at: shawbury@militarywiveschoirs.org
The happy couple with the Military Wives Choir
Football Appeal celebrates another successful year
The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal operates from RAF Shawbury and collects donations of football shirts and kit for re-distribution to less privileged adults and children across the globe. In 2024 the appeal distributed close to 8,500 football shirts and over 21,500 other items of kit and clothing (approx. 30,000 items altogether) to countries across the world. This included some countries receiving their first donations, such as Antigua & Barbuda, Georgia, Cambodia, Somaliland, Moldova and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The appeal began in 2006 and continues to grow, delivering kit to 68 different countries to date, with full totals now at 401,238 items, including 113,067 shirts. Professional and grassroots clubs, schools and individuals from across the United Kingdom continue to assist in ensuring the success of the appeal by donating their unwanted kit, often in large amounts. Major donations in 2024 included Colchester United, Aston Villa, The FA (England), Leicester City, Rawmarsh St Joseph’s JFC, Wolverhampton Wanderers, QPR, Arsenal, Essex FA, Hampshire FA, Huntingdonshire FA, Worcestershire FA and many others.
The appeal, run by Squadron Leader Mark Smales and Wing Commander (Retd) Neil Hope MBE relies on the goodwill and help of many people in the UK and across the world, especially in Kenya (BATUK and Braeburn Garden Estate School) and Nepal (The Gurkha Welfare Trust) where a significant amount of the kit is donated.
In January 2024, the appeal assisted in the creation of Lottie’s Way – The Charlotte Hope Foundation. The
The team and volunteers in Kenya
Young Kenyans proudly wearing their new football kit
Happy volunteers and recipients of donated football kit
Foundation, in memory of Neil’s 19-year-old daughter aims to raise funds in Lottie’s name that will be allocated to organisations assisting in ensuring the provision of education and feeding of less privileged children worldwide. Whilst the shirts appeal will always be inherently linked to Lottie’s Way it continues to operate in a purely nonfinanced model.
Neil said, “I am extremely proud to see the success of the appeal over so many years. Our links to Lottie’s Way allow us to celebrate Charlotte’s short life, which was cruelly taken from us, and her tireless efforts to volunteering in Kenya. Hopefully the continued efforts of both the Appeal and the Charity will help so many others. Appeal wise, due to my recent retirement from the RAF after 42 years, the lead has been handed to Mark, with whom I will continue to work. We were so pleased to pass many milestones this year including a very successful Kenya delivery trip and passing the incredible 400,000 items.”
After taking over the lead Mark said, “I am extremely honoured and humbled that Neil has entrusted me with continuing the amazing work that has been achieved so far. Having visited Kenya several times I’ve witnessed firsthand the joy and hope that something as simple as a football shirt can bring, and so I appreciate the importance of what the appeal does. Luckily I have Neil’s experience and support to rely on as we seek to go from strength to strength and achieve even more success.”
CHARITY
Charlotte was tragically killed, aged just 19, on 9th April 2022 near Shawbury, Shropshire, whilst driving her mum home. Charlotte was passionate about volunteering, having helped with the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal her whole short life.
She loved Kenya and had volunteered at the amazing Restart Centre in Gilgil, a home for rescued street children, when just 16. Charlotte was a student at Edgehill University training to be a primary school teacher with the intent to eventually teach in Kenya to continue her volunteering at Restart.
In memory of Charlotte, funds were raised for Restart, making an incredible £56,000. As a result, Charlotte’s brother, Chris, decided to set up Lottie’s Way – The Charlotte Hope Foundation, with the aim of raising funds for the
underprivileged young adults and children across the globe to assist in education and feeding initiatives.
January 2024 saw Lottie’s Way created. Extensive work from Christopher Hope (and others) ensured Charity status, Just Giving for charities, Gift Aid and Bank Accounts were created. And we were off. We had no idea how much we would raise or how many people we would be able to help.
Throughout the year a host of events were held from through fundraising pages on Just Giving, through raffles, walking, running, pool competitions/ leagues, shirt sales, mud runs, to being accepted as a Station Charity for RAF Shawbury. Lottie’s Way owes a huge debt of thanks to a multitude of people who have assisted, fundraised or, purely ‘been there for us’ in 2024.
Lottie’s Way – The Charlotte Hope Foundation was created in memory of Charlotte Hope.
Lottie doing what she loved
Get in the Air
with RAF Shawbury Gliding Club (RSGC)
If they are on a Phase 2 training course at RAF Shawbury then students can get in the air with RSGC, and that despite the current runway refurbishment project.
Our RAF Central Fund sponsored Mechanics Endowment Fund (MEF) Gliding Bursary Programme includes nine training flights to 2,000ft, an aerobatics flight to 4,000ft that allows students to experience the g-forces on the body and airframe, and 60 minutes of flying training in a motor glider – and all for a £30 membership fee. And the sky really is the limit to 10,000ft over Shawbury, the ceiling without oxygen in a glider. Further details and an application form are on the club website at https://www. rafshawburygc.co.uk/mef-bursary
Members of the local community, and the wider service family and their dependants have also flown with the club, with membership open to Service Personnel and their families, MOD Civilians and Defence partners. Contact us at https://www.rafshawburygc.co.uk/ contact-us or walk over to see us on a flying day, or contact CFI Ian Gallacher: ian.gallacher375@mod.gov.uk for a chat, also available on ModNET Skype or Teams.
RAF Shawbury’s PO Shingler is briefed prior to his first flight in a single seat glider by RSGC instructor Geoff Matthews
RSGC’s Sqn Ldr Alan Swan is at 4,000ft over Clive Barracks, Ternhill
https://www.rafshawburygc.co.uk/
GLIDING CLUB NEWS
Harnessing nature’s energy, RSGC’s single seat Astir glider has climbed to 10,000ft overhead Shawbury and looking toward Shrewsbury
Inverted over the airfield in RSGC’s 2-seat ASK 21 at the end of your 4,000ft aerobatics sortie.
Shawbury’s Sgt Riley is in RSGC’s ASK21 on an RAFGA exped flying in the
RAF
Southern French Alps
Vultures Training Camp
The RAF Rugby Union Masters team better known as the ‘Vultures’, recently held a training camp at RAF Shawbury in preparation for their fixture against Shropshire Men at Shrewsbury RFC.
The team now use RAF Shawbury as their ‘home’ and have been delighted with the support they have received as they prepare to take on the Royal Navy Mariners and Army Masters in April and May as part of the Inter Services Rugby Championship.
Head Coach, Warrant Officer Ritchie Craig commented, “The support we get from Shawbury and in particular from the Physical Education Flight and Officers’ Mess is outstanding, we feel like we have been welcomed by the whole Station. It is hugely important for us to feel like we have a ’home’ and enables us to train hard but also rest and recover and build that team ethos and camaraderie. We feel like we can do all of this and more at RAF Shawbury, and hope that we can continue this close relationship in the future”. It definitely seems to be working as the Vultures produced
Enjoying their rugby
an excellent performance against a spirited Shropshire team made up mostly of players under 35 who play locally for Newport, Shrewsbury, Telford and Whitchurch. The Vultures built an impressive early lead to go in at half time 29-5 in the lead. The second half saw Warrant Officer Craig make some changes which always impacts the flow of the game. Shropshire also brought on fresh legs which happened
to be rather quick. They rallied and closed the gap on the Vultures. The Vultures showed spirited defence and determination towards the end of the game and eventually were victorious with a final score of 29-24.
RAF Shawbury looks forward to the next time we can host the Vultures and hope to help them win the InterServices title in May.
Fully engaged in the tackle
RAF Shawbury in RAF Cup Football Quarter Finals
RAF Shawbury Men’s Football team reached the Quarter Finals of the RAF Cup ahead of many teams from larger stations.
Shawbury frustrated their opponents RAF Boulmer by leading for much of the match. However, RAF Boulmer, who were runners-up in the Cup last year, tenaciously ground out the game to eventually win 4-6.
FREE delivery of fresh Fruit, Veg, Salad & more.
Shrewsbury Handy Veg has traded since 2014. In November 2023 sisters, Lisa and Samantha, purchased the business which they run with their families. Over the last year we have increased our dairy produce offering. We are now working with local butchers to supply meat and pies.
All orders are hand-picked by us to ensure they meet our high standards.
Choose a set box, or pick your own from Facebook or our website.
To place an order visit our website, send us an email or find us on Facebook.
Call: 01743 461307
Website: www.shrewsburyhandyveg.co.uk
Email: orders@shrewsburyhandyveg.co.uk
Find us on Facebook @Shrewsbury Handy-Veg
Shawbury win a header
www.hazlesfarmchildcare.com
At Hazles Farm we are extremely lucky to have an extensive outdoor area and a wonderful Forest School on site. Our Vision is to enable each child attending Forest School sessions to have the opportunity to develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world. Increasing confidence, self-esteem and respect, and for every child to have the opportunity to achieve their holistic, full potential.
• Childcare and Education for Children aged 3 months - 11 years.
• Open All Year Round 7am-6pm
• Well established Nursery setting in beautiful countryside
• On-Site Tennis Court
• On Site Soft play Jungle Gym
• On site Forest School and fully trained Forest School Teacher
• Funded places available
• Ofsted Rated GOOD in all areas March 2023 Jungle Gym available for Party Hire
Once a week on a Tuesday morning, we hold a family and friends’ session where Parents/ Carers can come along and enjoy the forest environment with us! This is held 10am-11.30, we have lots of fun each week and a campfire snack too which is always a big hit with the children. To book a place please call 01939 250234. This is open to everyone, and you do not have to be enrolled in the Nursery to attend this but booking is essential.
wace-morgan.co.uk
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Our Shropshire based team stand with all those who serve. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Telford 01952 445 625 Shrewsbury 01743 280 100 ■
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In November 2024 we celebrated our 25th Anniversary of opening our rural settingHazles Farm Childcare Ltd just outside Shawbury. We celebrated in style by throwing a Farm themed party for the children and families that use our wonderful service. We had games such as pin the tail on the cow, farm themed tuff trays with a variety of sensorial items to explore. We even managed to get a tractor visit from one of our lovely families. As you can imagine the children were so excited and all had a wonderful time celebrating.
Happy 25th Birthday HAZLES FARM CHILDCARE LTD
Hazles Farm Childcare is set in a beautiful rural location with fantastic on-site facilities. We have our very own Tennis Court, Forest School with a fully trained Forest School Teacher as well as our new outdoor purpose-built outdoor classroom which is amazing and such an asset to us especially in the colder/wetter months. Additionally, we also have our very own soft play Jungle Gym which all children have access to at varying times of the day. The old barns have been converted into classrooms and we have a baby room, Toddler room and Pre-School. We have also recently converted an additional barn to extend our thriving Baby Room.
If you would like to come and have a look for yourself, we would love to show you around.
