• As a pupil: she was educated at a premier UK boarding school in the Cotswolds.
• As a mother: her two children attended prep and senior UK boarding schools.
• As the wife of a British Military officer: 27 years with many overseas postings, including extended periods in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
As a mother of two teenage children who have attended boarding school from 8 years old, Claire has very personal experience of the decisions you are currently considering. Having been through the school search and selection process herself from prep school through to sixth form, Claire realised how challenging it can be to narrow down the plethora of school choices. This led to the development of Claire Calder Consultancy which has shaped her work to support families with their own boarding school decisions.
Claire’s clients have included international families wanting a British education for their children, UK Military and FCDO staff and families where a corporate role requires a relocation outside of the UK.
At the heart of Claire’s guidance is a child centred approach that recognises the whole family’s needs. Claire works with clients to understand what is important to them and curate choices tailored to their values and circumstances. Claire understands from first-hand experience, the complexities and importance of these decisions.
“It’s been a real privilege to share my experience and support families with this crucial decision.” Claire Calder
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EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor Ms Anita Jack
Editorial Team
Mrs Stacey Evans
Mrs Bev Masters
Editorial Contact
51⁰ North Magazine
RAF Brize Norton Carterton, Oxfordshire OX18 3LX
Email: bzn-51degreesnorth@mod.gov.uk
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E DITOR’S FOREWORD
As the days grow longer and we notice tulips, daffodils, and snow drops emerging from their winter slumber with a bit of sunshine, we are at last shaking off the colder months, it is safe to say spring has most definitely sprung.
With Easter just around the corner, it only means one thing, chocolate, lots of it!
As winter fades and spring unfolds, even the most fast paced environments feel the subtle shift. On a bustling Station where duty is constant and the tempo rarely slows, spring is not just a shift in seasons but also a reminder that growth is always possible.
In this issue we celebrate and bring to life RAF Brize Norton's stories, successes, recent exercises and so much more; as you turn the pages, I am sure there will be something for everyone. The Station is gearing up for another busy year with the calendar filling up quickly as we continue training and supporting operations
with unwavering dedication. I will endeavour over the coming months to bring you all the latest news from the RAF’s largest Station.
Please remember to share all your news with us, this is your magazine and without your valued input it would not be possible. Together we thrive. You can email on BZN51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk or pop in and speak to one of the team. Should you wish to keep up with all the latest news, visit our website News | RAF Brize Norton | Royal Air Force
Here’s to fresh starts, vibrant colours and the magical feeling the summer is heading our way.
Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North
DEADLINE
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 12TH MAY
Your article should aim to be between 300-500 words in length, with a high resolution picture over 1MB for every 100 words you write. You should ensure that personnel/activities in photos are named and that you provide the author’s details, in case we require any more information. Send your completed articles to BZN-51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every effort to publish as many of them as possible.
International Bomber Command Centre Flypast
An all-female A400M crew from RAF Brize Norton have taken part in a historic flypast over the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) alongside a Prefect T1 and Eurofighter Typhoon to mark the unveiling of the new Women in War exhibition at the Memorial Spire.
Every aircraft in the flypast was flown by an all-female crew, making this the largest flypast performed solely by female aircrew. The Women in War exhibition features nine steel silhouettes of
women during wartime created by the team from Standing with Giants, who were responsible for the D-Day display in Normandy in 2024. The ten women were chosen by the IBCC to represent the contribution, courage and leadership shown by women at all levels during the Second World War.
The Atlas A400M, flown by 206 Test & Evaluation Squadron from RAF Brize Norton, was flown by Squadron Leader Stewart and Major Williams, with Air Loadmaster Sergeant Thornton and Flight Test Engineer, Squadron Leader Dampier completing the crew.
Squadron Leader Stewart, who previously flew an all-female crew over Wembley
Arena for the Lionesses Euro Final said: “Today was really important to me because it gave us a chance to honour the work that women have done before us. One of the that was unveiled today was Joan Curran, who invented, what today we know as, aircraft countermeasures. Being a test pilot on 206 Squadron and working on the future defensive capabilities of the aircraft, it was important to me to commemorate
and celebrate the pioneering work of women in defence that came before. It was a fantastic atmosphere on the flight deck and everyone onboard was really proud to put on a good show for the IBCC”.
The flypast was enjoyed by those attending the unveiling of the silhouettes at the IBCC, with the crews of the A400M and Prefect landing at nearby RAF Waddington to meet the guests on the ground.
Junior Ranks and Officers Pilot Scholarship Scheme
Several aviators and officers from RAF Brize Norton in non-flying roles have been selected to take part in the Junior Ranks and Officers Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JROPSS) and Introductory Flight Scholarship (IFS).
The JROPSS winners are:
Flying Officer Tully
AS1 Cannon
AS1 Dodwell
AS1 Glynn
The IFS winners are: Flying Officer Roos Air Recruit Jackson Corporal Cook
AS1 Dodwell said:
“I was absolutely thrilled to hear from the Station Commander that I’d been awarded the 15-hour scholarship. This was my fourth time applying for the scheme as it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do, so kept persevering and was finally selected. I’m determined to achieve the goal of flying solo at the end of my 15 hours and take my flying even further with the hopes of achieving my Private Pilots License.”
Both schemes are funded by the RAF Charitable Trust, who donate to this cause to give personnel in non-flying roles exposure to flight and the ability to follow their passion for aviation. The JROPSS is a 15-hour flying scholarship with the aim of them being able to fly a light aircraft, solo. The IFS is a 1-hour introductory flight, giving the individuals initial experience in learning to fly.
This year’s scheme had over 450 applicants, with 7 winners selected from RAF Brize Norton who were informed by the Station Commander, Group Captain Henton.
Group Captain Henton said: “I had the privilege today of informing a handful of our personnel that they’d been selected for this scheme, which was a closely kept secret and a complete surprise for them. The team have done incredibly well to have been selected from such a large group of applicants and it’s fantastic that they now get to go and experience flying, utilising our very own flying club facility here at RAF Brize Norton.”
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The Air Combat Power Visit
The Air Combat Power Visit 2025 (ACPV 25) took place at RAF Brize Norton over a two-day period.
The ACPV 25 demonstrated RAF capabilities to Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) students from the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) allowing Air and Space to conduct strategic engagement with key stakeholder groups.
Capabilities from 5 theme areas: Combat Air, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Air Mobility, Air Enablers and Space, with briefing stands outlining their contribution to operations in-line with this year’s overarching theme, Current Capabilities and Future Plans. The briefings emphasised the ‘specialist first’ nature of the RAF, with Whole Force briefing teams reflecting the diversity of the Service across a broad range of ranks.
The visit also incorporated individuals from other government departments, who don’t work in Defence, but are decision and policy makers across government, industry partners and several Defence attaché and Air attaché from some of our closest allies.
Attending the ACPV25, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (ACAS), Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall said:
“The Air Combat Power Visit was an opportunity to bring to life the capabilities we have in the RAF. Over the two days, we were able to show people who aren’t in the Air Force how we fly and fight, including the brilliant personnel who deliver world class air and space power.
We also showcased what we’re planning to do in the future with new technology to adapt at pace in a volatile and everchanging world. It is an opportunity to explain more about how Air Power operates so that we can increase understanding and integrate better together to deliver war fighting capabilities for Defence; that’s what makes us stronger.”
Exercise Cobra Warrior
Voyager Force Keep Fighters in the Fight.
Voyager Force at RAF Brize Norton have been taking part in Exercise Cobra Warrior 2025 alongside aircraft from across the RAF and around the world.
Exercise Cobra Warrior runs twice a year and is the largest UK multinational air exercise of the year. The aim is to develop joint mission planning, integration, and tactical skills of participating aircrew and supporting elements within an operational environment, training in complex scenarios against a capable adversary.
Voyager, flown by 10 & 101 Squadron, are a key enabler of the exercise, refuelling fast-jet aircraft in a simulated operational environment. Voyager plays a significant part in the tactical planning of the exercise as a high value asset. The aircraft must be kept safe and accessible to the fighter aircraft requiring fuel during operations.
Flight Lieutenant Levin, Voyager Captain said:
“We’ve been issuing fuel to multinational partners during this exercise. It’s different from our day-to-day training and is the largest exercise we take part in here in the UK. Air-toair refuelling is a niche skill that the RAF and some of our international partners are capable of. We extend the range of both fast jet and air mobility aircraft which allows us to keep those aircraft in the air for extended periods for them to carry out the mission. It’s a well-choreographed procedure that we, as the tanker, lead during the formation. It’s a real team effort, and a significant number of people on the ground are involved in getting us in the air to support the fighters”.
ATC CADET VISIT
Twenty-two Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets experience a familiarisation visit at RAF Brize Norton on Wednesday 5th March 2025.
Agroup of twenty-two cadets from a number of ATC Squadrons visited RAF Brize Norton. During the visit, the cadets were given the opportunity to tour the multi-role military transport aircraft, the Atlas C Mk.1 (A400M) aircraft. The Atlas has been a game-changer for UK military operations worldwide, from natural disaster relief to pandemic response and in 2024; the aircraft celebrated the 10th anniversary of service to RAF Brize Norton since 2014.
Air Cadet Sgt Surkov, aged 17, from 2204 (Chesham & Amersham) Squadron ATC said: "It’s an amazing opportunity to see a snippet of life in the Royal Air Force."
Air Cadet Czajkowski, aged 15 from 211 (Newbury) Squadron ATC said: "I am really excited to see how things work around a large air base. My interests in the RAF are varied and I would be keen to specialise in either photography, cyberspace, or even as a pilot."
Cadet Sgt Baxter, aged 18, from 2370 (Denham) Squadron ATC, said: "This is
great for ATC Cadets, a chance to gain experiences for their future careers in the RAF or armed forces. I am definitely joining up."
Hosting Combined Cadet Force & Air Training Corps cadet visits, forms a regular part of the Station’s community engagement.
To fly a drone in RAF Brize Norton’s Flight Restricted Zone you will need permission.
Flying without permission is illegal and unsafe and may lead to prosecution. Permission can be sought by contacting the RAF Brize Norton Duty Operations Controller on
RAF Police visit to RAFA Kidz Pre-school
Children at the RAF Association (RAFA) Kidz pre-school were treated to a visit from the Royal Air Force Police (RAFP) of Number 7 RAFP Squadron, as part of the children’s learning on the importance of emergency services.
The visit aimed to give the children an interactive and fun experience while teaching them about the role of policing in their community.
Excited faces greeted the RAF Police as they arrived in their patrol vehicle, with the children eagerly gathering around to see the flashing lights and hear the sirens in action. A particularly popular moment was when the children had the chance to try out a pair of handcuffs – with one of the RAFP Non-Commissioned Officers volunteering to be “arrested”.
Community engagement is an important part of the RAF Police’s role,
and when Number 7 RAFP Squadron are not delivering vital police and security services across RAF Brize Norton and Northolt, they actively seek opportunities to support local initiatives. Their visit to RAFA Kidz was not only a highlight for the children but also a meaningful way for the Squadron to give back.
Officer Commanding Number 7 RAFP Squadron, Squadron Leader Crawford, expressed the importance of this connection, said: “The RAF Association does a lot for serving parents, such as myself, in terms of providing a setting for our children to learn and grow – all at a reduced cost thanks to the subsidy from RAFA, and it is a pleasure to give them something back.”
The visit reinforced the valuable role that emergency services play in keeping communities safe, while also fostering a positive relationship between young children and those in uniform. By making learning engaging and interactive, the RAF Police helped inspire the next generation’s understanding of law enforcement, leaving the children with an unforgettable experience.
This event is just one example of how the RAF Police go beyond their core duties to engage with and support the wider RAF community. Their willingness to volunteer and visit local children highlights their commitment not just to security, but also to the people they serve.
International Women's Day
RAF Brize Norton celebrates International Women’s Day.
On the 8th March, RAF Brize Norton proudly celebrated International Women’s Day, honouring the incredible women who inspire, lead, and break barriers every day.
To mark this important occasion, RAF Brize Norton hosted a special event featuring guest speakers who shared their experiences, insights, and wisdom. These speakers, from across Defence and beyond, reflected on this year’s theme of Accelerate Action, highlighting the vital role women play in shaping the future.
This event served as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in the Armed Forces, aviation, and wider society, while also encouraging conversations on the challenges that remain. By sharing stories of perseverance and success, RAF Brize Norton aims to inspire and empower personnel at all levels.
Warrant Officer Crook , event organiser, said: “On Thursday 6th March RAF Brize Norton celebrated International Women’s Day 2025; with the powerful theme of gender equity and #acceleratingaction. We focussed on the importance of creating an inclusive environment recognising that true equality comes from ensuring everyone has
the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. A huge thank you to our incredible speakers for their insightful and inspiring presentations, which throughout the day sparked important conversations and moving forward, provided motivation to drive positive change. We are also delighted to share that, thanks to your generosity, we raised over £300 for the Carterton Women’s Institute, supporting their valuable work within the community.”
RAF Brize Norton remains committed to promoting diversity, equality, and mentorship, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
The event is a reminder that when we lift women, we lift everyone—creating a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
Gateway to Women’s Health Event
On the 11th March, an event was held to launch an initiative to provide the RAF Brize Norton Service Women with the tools to empower them to prioritise their wellbeing, mental health, and resilience.
The Station Commander, Group Captain Henton opened the event with a welcome address to all attendees, endorsing this project. The opening event focussed on resilience, as this is a key tenet of daily life and how having the tools and support to improve resilience will have an impact on all areas of women’s lives both professionally and personally.
Through this initiative, users will gain access to:
Exclusive Health & Wellness App:
A digital platform offering tailored resources, self-help tools, and information signposting.
Holistic Support Options:
Covering a wide variety of topics, from mental health and emotional resilience to physical wellness and personal development.
Confidential Therapy Services:
Professional support including counselling and therapy to promote emotional well-being.
Sgt Clarke, event organiser said: “We are delighted to announce the success of our inaugural event for Brize Norton’s Gateway to Women’s Health along with our partnership company Happiness for All. This project is fully funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (AFCT) through the Service Women: Seen and Heard programme and this week we have officially launched the project across Station. The project is exclusively for the Service Women at Brize Norton offering them a unique opportunity to shape the programme of events as we move forward.”
STEM Science Week
RAF Brize Norton Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Team inspires local students during British Science Week.
The RAF Brize Norton STEM Team was proud to host an exciting event for British Science Week, welcoming Carterton Primary School to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) through hands-on activities and an exclusive aircraft tour.
The event aims to inspire young minds by showcasing how STEM is applied in real-world aviation. Students took part in engaging challenges, including “Draw an Atlas” where they put their aircraft knowledge and their engineering skills to the test, for the ‘Spaghetti Tower’ and ‘Eggtronaut’ challenges, which encouraged teamwork and problemsolving under pressure.
A highlight of the day was the tour of the Atlas C.1 aircraft; offering students a rare opportunity to step inside one of the RAF’s most versatile transport aircraft and learn about the cutting-edge technology that supports global air mobility operations.
Flight Lieutenant Simpson-Davies, STEM Ambassador at RAF Brize Norton, said: “British Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the next generation of engineers, pilots, and innovators. By making STEM fun and interactive, we hope to spark curiosity and encourage students to explore careers in science and aviation.”
Miss Southouse, Carterton Primary School teacher said: “The morning activity with the plane tour was absolutely amazing, many children have never been on a aeroplane so it's a brilliant opportunity and overall this is an fantastic site and the team have organised fantastic activities. Today has been so useful and we can link today's activities to national curriculum subjects and do follow on lessons at school. It is so valuable for the children to be able to speak to engineers and pilots about their work which will encourage them to consider their future careers.”
Oliver, age 11, said: “My favourite part of today was going in the cockpit of the A400 and the egg parachute challenge. I really enjoyed today because it isn’t often I get to come to the RAF base.”
Fran, age 10, said: “I really enjoyed the ‘eggtronaut’ challenge where you had to make something to keep an egg safe so we could drop it and it didn’t break. Today has been really fun.”
Ruby, age 9, said: “ Kris and the RAF team have been really great and have been so helpful when we were doing the activities.”
The RAF Brize Norton STEM Team is committed to supporting education and inspiring young people by demonstrating the real-world applications of STEM subjects. Through events like this, the team aims to highlight the importance of problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork—key skills for future careers in aerospace, engineering, and beyond.
TRAF Skiing
Royal Air Force Alpine Ski Championships showcase elite talent in the French Alps.
he Royal Air Force Alpine Ski Championships have once again brought together the RAF's top skiing talent for an intense competition on the slopes of Saalbach, Austria. This prestigious annual event, held as part of the wider RAF Winter Sports Association calendar, sees personnel from across the Service battle it out in a series of demanding alpine skiing disciplines, including slalom and giant slalom.
AS1 Davis, RAF Brize Norton Logistics Squadron, took part in both the slalom and giant slalom events.
Slalom is one of the more technical disciplines, requiring fast feet, changes through a range of different combinations and rhythmical sections.
AS1 Davis said: "It was great that all participants (team, Dev squad and the wider RAF participants) got to race, and it gave a great showcase for our sport. My podiums at the RAF Champs led to me being selected for the Inter Service team in Meribel where I won overall Inter Service Ladies Champion. Since then, I have been selected for the UKAF team to compete at the British Champs in Italy 29th March – 6th April which I am really looking forward to."
RAF Champs AS1 Davis' Results
Giant Slalom (GS) – 2nd Slalom – 3rd
Inter Services AS1 Davis' Results
First Place over all Inter Service Ladies Champion.
Giant Slalom – 1st
Slalom – 2nd
Super Combined – 2nd
Super Giant Slalom (Super - G) – 2nd
Down Hill - 6th
RAF Logistics Officer awarded Carmen Cup
Flight Lieutenant Smith from RAF Brize Norton has been awarded the Carmen’s Royal Air Force Cup for 2024.
Flight Lieutenant Smith said:
“I can’t believe I was even considered for an award, let alone win it! My team and I have worked incredibly hard over the past year to create something truly special; my thanks go out to them all. It means so much to me to have the honour of accepting this award on behalf of the teams I’ve had the pleasure to work with. The evening of the award ceremony itself was surreal. Having dinner on a top table, in London, with the Princess Royal is something I’ll certainly remember for a long time after I have retired from Service”.
The Carmen’s Royal Air Force Cup, founded by the Worshipful Company of Carmen in 2001 recognises the greatest contribution by any officer to operational logistics during the previous year.
Flight Lieutenant Smith was invited to attend the Worshipful Company of Carmen’s annual Defence Awards Dinner, held at Plaisterers’ Hall, London, in February and was presented the Cup by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
Working in multiple high tempo operational roles, Flight Lieutenant Smith handled several high-priority tasks whilst continuing to balance day-to-day running of Passenger Planning at RAF Brize Norton, working extended hours, and showing exemplary dedication to the success of operations. In her current role as Officer Commanding Air Cargo, Flight Lieutenant Smith improved working procedures and oversaw large projects, enhancing the working lives of her team.
YOUR FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS
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TSmall Adventures, Big Memories
A year of single-day expeditions led by Sgt Boothby.
hroughout the year the AT cell has facilitated single day adventurous training expeditions enabling
personnel from RAF Brize Norton to take part in mountaineering, mountain biking and indoor climbing with the aim to increase the abilities of the
participants, develop team spirit, leadership and confidence in a new and challenging environment.
Biking
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
Mountaineering – Departing for the Brecon Beacons, roughly a 2 hour drive to the start location in Taf Fechan Forest. The group navigated a circular route shown below. Throughout the day the instructor would teach navigation skills and allow individuals to lead the group to set points.
Mountain Biking – On the day of the Exped all members would meet at the AT store to be issued with essential safety kit.
Once all members were kitted-out, the group would depart for the Forest of Dean, roughly 1hr 30min drive from Brize Norton. On arrival the group would collect the mountain bikes and the instructor would then go through a safety brief followed by a skills and drills session. The Forest of Dean has plenty of trails for all abilities, most groups would complete the Verderers trail and a short section of the Freeminers trail.
Indoor Climbing – This activity would take place in the main hall at RAF Brize
Norton Gymnasium roughly for a 3hr period. Participants would be issued a harness and climbing shoes and given a safety brief for the wall. The instructor would teach how to tie in and belay techniques before allowing anyone to climb. Groups would work in teams of 3 with the following positions. 1. Climber 2. Belay 3. Back up. Throughout the session participants would go through climbing techniques and different climbs would be set up to challenge the group.
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MORE THAN JUST A JOB
Do you want a job that makes a real difference? Do you want to find out more about service overseas? Are you ready to embark on a life-changing adventure? Well, you’ve turned to the right page…
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To find out more and apply, scan the QR code or visit www.maf-uk.org/trainee2
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Directory of Boarding Schools for service parents
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SPITFIRE GIRLS FLIES INTO THE THEATRE CHIPPING NORTON THIS MAY
Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of female pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope.
The play opens on New Year’s Eve 1959, at The Spitfire pub, decades after the war. Two women, Bett and Dotty, who served as ATA pilots during the war, reunite. As they reminisce, the play transports the audience back to 1943, when they decided to escape their lives and answer the call to join the war effort.
‘It is about them flying aeroplanes, but more than that, it’s about their relationship.’ - Katherine Senior, writer
Whilst Spitfire Girls is fictional, it is inspired by significant research into the real lives of several women like Bett & Dotty who genuinely experienced the life changing adrenaline of flying spitfires in service to their country.
“I suppose it has been rather a long process… I met the daughter of one of the pilots and then I met Mary Ellis on the Isle of Wight, almost 9 years ago.” - Katherine Senior
Years of research and interviews have shaped the writer’s understanding of these women and the challenges and triumphs they faced. All of these stories have heavily influenced the portrayal of the two central characters Bett & Dotty, because it was important to her that the play does justice to the real women who served Britain during the war.
BOOKING INFO:
Spitfire Girls plays The Theatre Chipping Norton Wed 14 – Sat 17 May. Spitfire Girls is presented by Tilted Wig Productions and Mayflower Southampton.
