Cosford Apprentice - Autumn 2023

Cosford Apprentice

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FROM THE FOREWORD

By Group Captain Cameron GW Gibb MBA BENG (HONS) CENG CMGR MIET MCMI RAF EDITOR

Welcome to the Autumn 2023 edition of the Cosford Apprentice.

In this magazine there are some great overviews of what we have been up to over the last 3 months, and it’s fair to say it’s been a busy and exciting time.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it has been an extremely busy 3 months since the last Cosford Apprentice was issued. Since the last magazine, we have held another very successful, sell out Cosford Air Show. We’ve also celebrated the Station’s 85th Anniversary, seen 605 Sqn have their new Standard consecrated and witnessed the reformation of No.2 School of Technical Training. You’ll find a few words and some excellent images that talk about all of these things.

Aside from this there is the usual collection of articles covering off all of the weird and wonderful things that you get involved with across the Station and in the local area and I hope you enjoy reading them all. If you have any articles that you wish to contribute in the future please give me, Sarah, or Heidi a shout and we can tell you what is needed (our contact details are on page 4). You don’t need to write War and Peace and you don’t need to be a wordsmith. The submission deadline for articles in the winter edition (yes – I know, where has 2023 gone?) is 31 October and the magazine will be out just before Chri…(nope, can’t say that word yet, it’s only September).

In June we held the annual RAF Cosford Airshow, a headline event in the RAF calendar. For this special King’s Coronation year our team drew together an exciting line-up of air and ground displays, interactive attractions and an extensive STEM village focussing upon our themes of Aviation, Innovation, and the Next Generation – a look towards the future. There was also an opportunity to see what we are doing across the Station in support of aeronautical engineering, cyber and flying training, alongside stands from across the RAF. It was a pleasure to welcome back, in great numbers, RAF Air Cadets from across the Country. They had an enhanced interactive zone this year.

Following that incredible event, In July the Station celebrated its 85th Anniversary - since its establishment in 1938, RAF Cosford has played a vital role in shaping the rich history of the Royal Air Force. From its early days as a training centre for aircraft apprentices during the Second World War to its present-day prominence as a cutting-edge institution at the vanguard of training and preparing personnel for their front-line roles. Over the 20 and 21 of July the Station held a Parade, Dinner, and a Families BBQ to mark the occasion. The parade also celebrated the role of our Reserves, and the presentation to our own 605 (County of Warwick) RAuxAF Squadron of their new Squadron Standard. The Chief of the Air Staff also presented the reformed No.2 School of Technical Training, who stood up during the formation of the Station on 15 July 1938, their Royal Badge from the College of Arms as they are reinstated to deliver specialist technical training much as they did 85 years ago.

Locally we take strength from our place in our community where we continue to support local good causes, projects, and charitable initiatives wherever we can. Since our last edition No.1 Radio School helped with tidying the outdoor area of The Albrighton Trust, Moat and Gardens which offers educational and recreational activities for people who may be disadvantaged by disability, special needs, or illness. And No.1 School of Technical Training helped with tidying of the outdoor area of St Mary’s Primary School in Albrighton. The area hadn’t been touched since Covid-19. Thanks to all involved.

More widely our personnel also took part in the Nijmegen March - Nijmegen is the biggest road marching event in the world. It covers 100-miles over 4 days across the Netherlands, with

the British Military Contingency also conducting an additional 3-mile victory lap back to Camp Huemensoord where they resided for the duration of the trip. And you will see articles on some fantastic things our Police Flight have done, RAF Model Aircraft Association activity and our regional support to the Windrush 75 celebratory dinner paying homage to the remarkable contributions of those who arrived aboard the Empire Windrush in 1948. Lastly you will also read about the fantastic support we have from the RAF Benevolent Fund and some details of what that support has meant for Station personnel and their families.

I hope you have had an enjoyable summer and for those with school age children, the new term and school year is a good one for them.

How the RAF Benevolent Fund supported RAF Leeming in 2022

The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has released its 2022 Impact Report, highlighting how it has continued to support members of the RAF Family in 2022 through practical, emotional and financial support.

The Fund helped over 40,000 members of the RAF Family in 2022, including over 24,000 serving personnel and their families, and over 16,700 veterans and their families, with a huge 96% of beneficiaries saying the Fund improved their quality of life.

One way the Fund supported the RAF Community was through RAF Station grants, where over 10,000 people were helped, including RAF personnel and their families based in RAF Cosford.

In 2022, RAF Cosford were given a £6,000 grant for BenPlay and BenParenting, and were awarded a further £6,000 in 2023, as well as a £2,000 grant for the Families Day event which was held in May 2023.

Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “The grants the Fund provides RAF bases like Cosford are crucial to ensure RAF families have the mental, financial and practical assistance they need. Some of the initiatives and events we have funded have allowed serving personnel and their families to come together and socialise with others, improving morale and mental health, and reducing isolation. We are thrilled that the Fund is able to make a difference.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more.

NO.1 SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL TRAINING HELP OUT AT ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

On 14 July, No.1 School of Technical Training undertook a community project at St Mary’s Primary School. They cleared raised beds that had been reclaimed by nature since Covid-19. Following the work by staff and apprentices, the school will now be able to access the raised beds to plant flowers and vegetables which was completely cut off by overgrown vegetation.

The work was carried out in appalling weather but the school provided everyone with fresh short bread and mugs of tea and were very grateful for the work carried out.

NO.1 RADIO SCHOOL HELP OUT AT ALBRIGHTON TRUST

Staff and apprentices from No.1 Radio School helped out with some seasonal work, they weeded and dug up an overgrown area whilst sifting a large mountain of soil. A sizeable portion of the day was the moving of compost from one area to another. They were given a guided tour at the start of the day and learnt all about what the Moat Project has

to offer and how it all started. The Albrighton Trust, Moat and Gardens offers educational and recreational activities for people disadvantaged by disability, special needs or illness, and are welcomed and supported whatever their capability. The team were all impressed with the dedication of the staff who worked there and how beautiful and peaceful the gardens were.

NO.1 RADIO SCHOOL

EX GORGE SPARKS

The personnel were given questions to research prior to attending the event. During the walk, they stopped at various locations to answer these questions and engage in group discussions. Neil Cartman, the walk leader is an expert in the history of Ironbridge and enlightened all on the exercise with interesting facts on these topics too.

The history of the area made for a fascinating walk and discussion topics pertinent to the modern day arose through discussing the history of the area. This is an event that No.1 Radio School personnel have done previously, but Mr Cartman took a different route this time covering other areas in the Gorge. Plans are in place to make this a regular event open to all personnel, including whole force.

Congratulations Alun Williams

On 18 Apr 2023, seven personnel from No.1 Radio School undertook Ex Gorge Sparks in Ironbridge, Shropshire. The personnel came from different sections within the school, and this event gave them the opportunity to discuss each other’s roles.

COSFORD 85 CELEBRATIONS

After months of organisation, we marked the station’s anniversary, the consecration of 605 Sqn’s new Standard and the Reformation of No.2 School of Technical Training with a large parade, a formal dinner and a families event.

So many people worked hard behind the scenes to make the two-day anniversary celebrations a huge success, but looking back at these great images, all the hard work was worthwhile.

SPARKS FLY

Team ‘Sparks Fly’ took part in the Odiham Motorcycle Club (OMCC) Mopedathon on May 13, 2023. The competition was straightforward—it was a 6-hour endurance “race” for charity. The team led by AS1(T) Alex Rumball, who also served as the brainchild behind the idea, included AS1(T) David Wrench, Cpl Joel Price, and Mopedathon veteran Sgt George ‘Tommo’ Thompson.

0900 arrived, which meant just one thing: it was race time. All the riders lined up on the outside of the circuit for the event’s start, which was modelled like the traditional “24 hr Le Mans” race. The Isle of Wight Fire Service, riding the “Suzie” the Suzuki FZ50, was our main adversary.

After a sluggish start, the competition got underway. Sparks Fly ran strong laps until Alex had a slight mishap because the centre stand had hit the ground causing him to crash. The guys promptly got to work taking off the faulty centre stand before

getting ‘Lucky Lisa’ back on track, only costing us five minutes after a furious trip back to the pits. Following some minor weight saving, the rest of the morning went ahead smoothly, with team Sparks Fly encountering little to no problems.

It was a different story in the afternoon session. Tommo had significant problems during his

stint and pulled into the pits out of frustration. After giving the moped a quick once-over, we discovered that the rear mudguard had fused to the tyre, reducing our top speed. After a quick fix and aggressive weight saving by removing the rear mudguard and mounts, Alex and Tommo managed to get the moped running again and back on track.

Tommo drove the moped back onto the circuit for around five minutes before returning to the pits, the scooter trailing smoke and the stench of burning wires. The cables that were on fire turned out to be the starter motor, which had been hastily tucked away and melted to the exhaust. But as a fire service mechanic said, “You don’t need a starter motor, just kick start!” With this renewed optimism (and with gaffer tape), ‘Lucky Lisa’ was able to be started again and headed back out on track to close out the race.

Team Sparks Fly finished the race after six hours, countless laps, and several fuel stops. Joel, a novice motorbike rider, managed to finish his stints flawlessly, as did the other three drivers (almost, bar the minor crash Alex had). In total, our team spent roughly 30 minutes in the pits during the entire competition, allowing us to complete 200+ laps of the circuit. Overall, out of the 17 teams taking part, 11 crossed the finish line, raising a massive £1700 for RAF Odiham station charities. 3 Awards were presented to teams; Best Dressed, Best Endeavour and Interservice Champions. Following a gruelling day, Sparks Fly came home with the Interservice Champion Trophy, officially crowning us victors of the May 2023 Mopedathon. Team Sparks Fly are aiming to take part in the October 2023 Mopedathon as well as lining up May 2024, with the possibility of a second and even third team entering the fray from “Sparks Fly”.

NIJMEGEN TEAM

Since February 2023, RAF Cosford’s Nijmegen Team have been working hard almost every weekend, training their feet to take them extra miles every session, in preparation for the 100-miles they had signed up to undertake in July 2023.

Nijmegen is the biggest Road Marching Event in the world. It covers 100-miles over 4 days across the Netherlands, with the British Military Contingency also conducting an additional 3-mile victory lap back to Camp Huemensoord where they resided for the duration of the trip. It is a fantastic event, with over 40,000 people taking part, made up of numerous different nations, militaries, and organisations. Crowds of supporters line the route to support those taking part, and play music, join in with the marching chants, hand out fruit, sweets and beverages and make this event a truly memorable experience.

To take part in Nijmegen, you must complete a 50-mile qualifying march, which was held at RAF Cosford, known as RAF WARMA. RAF Cosford’s Team not only completed the full 50 miles and crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces, but they were awarded Best RAF Team. The organisers emphasised how well RAF Cosford worked as a team and praised their exceptional morale, during such a physically demanding task.

Despite the busy period with the Coronation, Cosford Airshow and

At the start line Day 1

Medals at the finish line

Block Leave, RAF Cosford’s Team remained dedicated to training, and before they knew it, they were on the ferry to France, across to Holland, and driving through the gates to Camp Huemensoord. After a couple days of sightseeing amongst the Nijmegen Beer Festival, the march began. The next 4 days pushed RAF Cosford’s Team to their physical and mental limits, but they powered through, interacting with the crowds and other participants: relishing in the experience. 100-miles later, they crossed the finish line and proudly wore their medals for the victory march back to camp.

It was a fantastic trip that the whole team thoroughly enjoyed and will look forward to Nijmegen 2024.

Medals at the finish line

Rest stop

Crowds - pink day

Day 3 - Hills!

Start of day 3

COSFORD AIR SHOW

Another year. Another sell out!

This year’s air

In a year where the British summer has been at times, quite frankly, a bit rubbish, the air show delivered. In the days running up to the event the weather forecast changed several times and depending on which app you used, the threat

on

of biblical thunderstorms was real. So much so in fact that many members of the public contacted the air show team via social media about what the cancellation policy was. In the end it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year and hats, sunscreen and thousands of gallons of drinking water were the order of the day.

The Royal Air Force’s last selforganised air show attracted approximately 50,000 people to the Station’s airfield to see some excellent displays, both in the air and on the ground. This year’s event was slightly unusual in that there were two parachute display teams rather than one and three multi-aircraft national display teams rather one. We also saw the final air show attendance by an RAF C-130 for the RAF Falcons parachute jump to the Air Show with an additional C-130 on the ground that proved to be extremely popular for the whole day.

Planning is already underway for next year’s event, which will be held on Sunday 9 June 2024.

show, held

Sunday 11 June, was another stunning success.

Next year’s event will be held on Sunday 9 June 2024

COSFORD AIR SHOW

Pictured above: At the start of his aerobatics display, RAF Cosford’s Ian Gallacher takes a front seat view of the crowd at the 2023 RAF Cosford Air Show.

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ROYAL AIR FORCE POLICE ESCORT TO THE PROM

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So, with kind permission of Gp Capt Gibb, and the assistance of MT, FS Steve O’Neill and Cpl Stuart Tyler, RAF Police Flt, RAF Cosford, had the honour of escorting Kyron to his Prom.

In true RAF Police style, his arrival at the Prom was spectacular even upstaging another student arriving in a Ferrari. Kyron was also over the moon to receive a personal letter of congratulations and a CO’s Coin from FS O’Neill on behalf of Gp Capt Gibb.

Cpl McCarthy.

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RAF MODEL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (RAFMAA) CHAMPIONSHIPS

Words: Sgt Gaz Hughes

Pictures: Sgt Alex Woods

RAF Cosford’s Sgt Alex Woods and Sgt Gaz Hughes competed at the annual RAF Model Aircraft Association (RAFMAA) Championships at RAF Honington from 24-28 July 2023, and for the first time in the Association’s 74-year history, brought home the Interstation Cup for Cosford.

RAFMAA was created in 1949 with the aim of promoting and supporting all aspects of model building and flying. From the gliders, control line and free-flight models available at its beginnings, technological advances have seen RAFMAA add radio-controlled models such as jet turbines, multi-rotor drones, helicopters and scale models to its list of disciplines. Whilst model flying is a now somewhat of a niche activity compared with days-gone-by, it is still classed as a recognised RAF Sport and has a dedicated following within the Service.

Every year, aeromodellers from all over the RAF attend the RAFMAA Championships to test their skills in a variety of model aircraft disciplines including gliding, scale flying, aerobatics, and pylon racing. Competition is always intense, often with only a handful of points separating the top positions. Points from individual disciplines count towards the coveted interstation trophy which, until now, RAF Cosford had never won! With favourable wind speeds and direction, and despite the odd rain shower, the event saw some great flying over all five days.

PREPARATION

Safety is vital to operating model aircraft so competitors must ensure that their models are airworthy before undertaking any flight. This includes checking control linkages, hinges, motors, propellers, radio equipment etc. Much like performing a flight servicing in miniature. Competitors must be safe to fly and are encouraged to develop their flying competence by taking part in the British Model Flying Associations Achievement scheme and by law are also required register with the Civil Aviation Authority and take an online test.

SCALE

The scale competition consists of a series of manoeuvres intended to reflect how the full-scale

versions of the aircraft fly. The choice of manoeuvres is left up to the competitor to create their own individual routine to suit the type of model flown. Each pilot has a caller who announces the manoeuvres to the keeneyed judges so they know what to expect next. Marks are awarded for scale-realism and the smoothness of the flight. Sgt

Above: The Bob Vian Memorial Trophy awarded to the RAFMAA Interstation Winner..

Left: Sgt Woods (left) and Sgt Hughes with their models and the Interstation Trophy

Turbine powered L-39 Albatross.

The increasingly popular drone racing competition.

Fokker D7 during the scale event.

Xtra 330.

Hughes piloted his 1600 mm wingspan Mk9 Spitfire through Immelmann’s, loops, victory rolls and simulated overshoots (aborted landings) to win points for RAF Cosford.

FUN FLY

Always a favourite, the fun fly competition is not for the fainthearted and often results in a crash or two……. but that’s half the fun! It consists of several challenges including limbo, spot landings and take-offs, as many loops and rolls as can be managed in 2 minutes, and the longest glide after a 60 second motor run. Owing to the frantic, low-level nature of the event, mishaps are common and no fewer than 3 models met their demise this year as they crashed into limbo poles or snapped propellers on the asphalt of Honington’s main runway. In feats of model flying that qualify as minor miracles, Sgts Hughes’ model managed to survive the ordeal relatively unscathed whilst Sgt Woods crashed out but still accrued points toward the allimportant interstation trophy.

AEROBATICS

Performing aerobatics with a model aircraft requires a great deal of preparation and concentration. Schedules must be developed, practiced, and memorised to make the performance smooth and allow the model to flow from one manoeuvre to the next. Judges will dock points for rushed manoeuvres, lopsided loops and wonky wingovers! Points are scored for the accuracy of the manoeuvres and the symmetry of the ‘shapes’ that the model tracks through the air during flight. Using a 1600mm wingspan Extra 300S for his aerobatic routine, Sgt Hughes placed a very respectable 2nd out of 5 competitors.

PYLON RACE

A race between an Avro Vulcan and a Waco WMF-5C biplane isn’t something you see every day. Yet this is exactly what happened over the 150-metre triangular circuit during the pylon race. Both models were powered by electric motors and despite their design differences, were quite evenly matched. However, during the 10 lap race, Sgt Hughes’ Waco managed to gain a slight advantage over RAF Staxton Wold’s pilot’s Vulcan to win first place, accruing yet more overall points for Cosford.

OVERALL RESULTS

At the end of the five-day competition, after all the results has been totalled up, RAF Cosford emerged in the lead, having beaten off strong competition from RAF Wittering, RAF Staxton Wold and RAF Waddington. For the first time in its History, RAF Cosford was awarded the RAFMAA Interstation Trophy. It had been a great event with plenty of camaraderie and laughs. Competitors of all skill levels and backgrounds developed their technical abilities through competition flying. Hopefully, attendees left having had their eyes opened to new model flying disciplines, shared new and innovative building techniques and were inspired to continue flying model aircraft at their home unit flying club throughout the next 12 months, helping to promote model flying safety and the responsible use of UAV’s as an activity of value within the Service.

Sgt Hughes’ Waco winning the pylon race. Faster than a Vulcan apparently!

Chipmunk take off.

Piper Cub on a slow pass.

Above: Sgt Hughes readying his Extra 300S for a round of aerobatics.

P-47 Thunderbolt during the scale competition.

Pilot, caller and judge for the aerobatics competition.

Spitfire Mk 9 on final approach

GALA DINNER CELEBRATES WINDRUSH 75TH ANNIVERSARY IN GRAND STYLE

In a spectacular tribute to the rich history of the Windrush generation, a gala dinner was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush. The event, held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, welcomed esteemed guests from all walks of life and the RAF, paying homage to the remarkable contributions of those who arrived aboard the Empire Windrush in 1948.

Amidst an atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia, the gala dinner resonated with the spirit of unity and resilience that has characterised both the Windrush generation and the RAF. The event underscored the remarkable link between these two forces, highlighting the bravery and commitment of 6000 Caribbean immigrants who served valiantly in the RAF during and after World War II.

Among the guests was 98-year-old Mr Prince Albert Jacob, a World War II RAF veteran, and Air

Commodore Veronica Pickering, Honorary Air Commodore of 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron and High Sheriff of Nottingham, forging a connection between the event’s celebration and the service of those who had paved the way.

Air Commodore Pickering said: “The cultural landscape of Britain is unimaginable without the Windrush Generation. Their commitment to the UK, in every area of life, is something everyone can be proud to celebrate. This was a wonderful event, which honoured the RAF. Aside from their extraordinary military service, the veterans of the Windrush Generation were pioneers, their voices and

experiences are important to our understanding of their journeys from the Caribbean and their contributions to the UK.”

Guests were treated to captivating performances that transcended time and culture, ranging from soulful singers delivering classics from the Windrush era to passionate poets who eloquently expressed the journey and legacy of the Windrush generation.

The gala dinner served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the Windrush generation and their determination to create a brighter future in a new land. It also celebrated their indomitable spirit and resilience, which closely mirrors the values upheld by the RAF.

As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush, this gala dinner underscored the deep-rooted connection between the Windrush generation and the RAF, showcasing the power of solidarity and the lasting impact of their contributions. The event left guests inspired, reflecting on the enduring legacy of those who charted new horizons and also made history, both in the skies and on the ground.

The Windrush 75 dinner recognised veterans from all three Armed Forces.

Spitfire pilots Flt Sgt Colin A. Joseph of Trinidad and Pilot Officer Arthur O’Brien Weeks.

Pictured left: RAF personnel at the Windrush 75 dinner with Air Commodore Pickering and Mr Prince Albert Jacob standing centre.

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On Wednesday 6th September 2023 the station came together to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event was well supported by trainees and permanent staff, The Station Warrant Officer even popped in and as you can see didn’t leave much behind.

Together we raised a grand total of £333.02

Thank you for helping to make a difference!!

Mrs Ailidh ‘Toots’ Leather

RAF POLICE & SECURITY FLT SUPPORT THE RAF POLICE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PARADE

On Friday 23 June 2023 the RAF Police and Security Flight, RAF Cosford, paraded at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas in Staffordshire.

Annually the RAFP Association gathers at the NMA to hold a short ceremony of remembrance and thanks at the RAFP memorial. This allows serving and retired personnel and their families to reflect on the RAFP branch and trade and to commemorate friends and loved ones who have

passed and were once a part of the RAFP family.

The Police Flt, along with volunteers from across 8 RAFP Sqn, gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum before forming up to march from the visitor centre to the

RAFP memorial. Fg Off Vawer, OC Police, lead the parade comprising of serving RAFP and RAFP Association veterans, through the NMA - paying respects to Wg Cdr Card, OC 1 Police & Security Wg and Deputy Provost Marshall for Investigations, who took the Reviewing salute.

At the RAFP memorial there was a service of dedication and remembrance for RAFP Veterans where Wg Cdr Card laid a wreath on behalf of all serving RAFP. Around 130 Veterans and family members were in attendance.

A/Cpl Allman said, “Honouring the fallen means that I am forever part of a wider family which I feel lucky and immensely proud to include myself within.”

Fg Off Vawer stated that it was a privilege to lead the parade as OC Police in 2023, having been an A/Cpl making up the contingent in 2016.

Once the ceremony was complete, the RAFP contingent attended the Royal British Legion, Alrewas, to spend time socialising with Veterans and families.

ARCHERY CLUB

Club of the Year - RAF Cosford - Presented by CT Jason RAF Archery Chair

As one of the RAF Archery Associations

newest clubs, we have achieved a great deal during our first year. Starting out with just 4 enthusiastic archers (Cpl Shuker, FS Metcalfe, AS1 Pilsworth and Mr Vaughen) who were all looking for a place to shoot, we decided to set up a new club at Cosford. Building it from the ground up, the club was able to secure funding from the Central Fund for over £3000 of kit and with help from the local AGB development officer,

we began shooting 3 times a week. Offering ‘Have-A-Go’s to station personnel and their dependants, we delivered multiple beginner courses and the club membership started to grow.

Introducing the sport of Archery to trainees, some have gone on to represent the RAF at InterService competitions and then join clubs at their new camps on posting. Making the Cosford club a vital step on the growth of other camps.

Non-Serving Archer of the year Nick “Frankie” Vaughan - RAF Cosford (Club Treasurer) Presented by Hannah Booth RAFCF

As one of RAF Cosford’s first members, Frankie volunteered to take on the role of the club’s treasurer which has kept him very busy as the club has grown. He has also taken on the role of membership and record keeper. As an archer he is always the first to arrive and the last to leave on club nights, arranging the set-up/ take-down of the range and is always smiling and joking with members new and old. Over the past year he has improved as an archer immensely, having now competed at his first RAF

Indoor Champs as part of a team from Cosford and coming 4th in his category. He was also Dep Project Officer of the team that delivered the RAF Archery stand at this year’s Cosford Air Show. Outside of the club he has been volunteering for AGB, most recently as part of the field crew for the European Grand Prix competition.

The club has also been very active within the local community over the past few months with Have-a-Go stands at both the COS 85 and RAF Shawbury family days.

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Bike4Life 2023 Event Raises Record Funds for Lifesaving Missions

Thousands of bikers have helped raise more than £116,000, funding more than 72 future lifesaving missions for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

The 2023 Bike4Life Ride Out saw a total of 3,500 motorbikes ride in convoy for 23 miles between Meole Brace, Shrewsbury to one of the charity’s three operational airbases at RAF Cosford. Thousands of bikers and pillions took part and attended the Bike4Life Festival.

The event, which took place late April, was the most successful yet, helping to raise the six-figure sum for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. This means that 36 air ambulance and an additional 36 critical care cars missions have been made possible.

• Carl Fogarty MBE – one of the most successful world superbike racers who holds second highest number of race wins at 59.

• Steve Parrish – British former professional motorcycle and truck racer, and television commentator who was a teammate to Barry Sheene in the 1977 500cc world championship.

• Allen Millyard – An engineer and custom motorcycle builder having created specials like one of the world’s largest, his Flying Millyard. Well known for appearing on television alongside Henry Cole.

• Ollie Ollerton – A former UK Special Forces Soldier and directing staff (DS) from Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

• RubyRides – A motorbiking social media influencer with a big following on Instagram and YouTube.

crew attended in 2021, and sadly a great number of these involve motorcyclists in time critical need of rapid, advanced clinical intervention. We are truly grateful for the support shown by the biker community at Bike4Life and are truly amazed by their kindness and generosity, which has helped fund future missions for our rapid response, prehospital service”

To follow updates on the next Bike4Life event visit bike4lifefest.com and search ‘Bike4LifeFest’ on Facebook and Twitter.

The event, which was officially sponsored by The Bike Insurer, was supported by several famed VIPs including:

• TV’s Emergency Bikers’ Mark Hayes and Steve Harris Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Since its humble beginnings in 2010 as a small ride out, Bike4Life has grown in popularity and support, and we have now reached a record number of riders, festival goers and lifesaving missions funded by the event.

“Road traffic collisions made up a third of the incidents our clinical

To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the organisation on social media.

To find out more about this year’s Bike4Life sponsor, The Bike Insurer, visit www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk.

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