Excalibur - Spring 2024

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BY STATION COMMANDER GROUP CAPTAIN PAUL HAMILTON

Dear all at RAF Leeming,

I have now been in post for six months and this time has flown by. For me personally, the last six months have had some outstanding highs, coupled with some tragic lows. That said, I will keep my foreword short because we have written an extensive article summarising this period - see pages 6/7. I encourage you all to read this excellent article.

I would just like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the whole force for your excellent work over this extremely busy period, I know that you have all given so much to support this outstanding RAF Station and the broader RAF.

RAF Leeming is a place we should all be incredibly proud of, and I sincerely hope that we all continue to work collaboratively, whilst looking after one another as the Station continues to develop.

Straight and True

Prioritizing Agile Combat Excellence and Personnel Welfare

Arriving at the peak of the domestic and international exercise season, showcasing Leeming’s Agile Combat Employment development, leading the Station and supporting the whole force through two tragic losses of life – the first 100 days of Group Captain Paul Hamilton’s tenure at RAF Leeming were testing. Now several months into his tenure and with the dust finally settling, the Station is leading the RAF run-up to an ACE footing, whilst prioritising welfare resources to support personnel resilience.

Within just weeks of Group Captain Hamilton’s September arrival, all military eyes were on North Yorkshire during Exercise Atlantic Trident, when Royal Air Force Typhoons working with French Rafale and US F-35 jets practised responding to an attack on their main operating bases. Informed mid-sortie that their home bases had been denied and they needed to relocate, Leeming personnel, with similar minimal notice, prepared to accept the jets, crews and engineers – ensuring they had sufficient life support to run at operational tempo. Selftasked, RAF Leeming moved to an ACE footing, helping generate some of the most valuable lessons and insights on ACE for the Service.

Deployed force elements, visitors, and members of the SLT – including Air Marshal Harv Smyth and his French and US counterparts – were impressed

by the willingness of all parties to solve problems in a safe and pragmatic manner, reducing red tape without compromising on effectiveness, or safety. A particular ACE highlight was hot pit refuelling UK F-35 aircraft by RAF Leeming personnel after undergoing a one-day training course vice the standard twoweek period. Gp Captain Hamilton said: “This was no easy feat to achieve, both from a governance and cultural mindset perspective but proved that we can achieve much more in a more agile, efficient and safe manner; we will continue to build on this platform in the coming months.”

Ex YORKNITE, Leeming’s annual hosting of the Swiss Air Force F-18s for the greater part of their night flying training was an equal success, with praise from the Swiss SLT and Detachment Commander, Lt Col Pascal Moser for the ‘support, big effort, open communication and flexibility’ and describing the Station as ‘home from home’. This was coupled with the first international Crash TTX between the two nations, chaired by Commander of the Swiss Air Force.

Unfortunately, the end of 2023 also brought great sadness to the Station, and in particular for the 90SU and GEF sides of the family. The unexpected and tragic loss of Cpl ‘Macca’ Mclellan and AS1(T) Seb Kirby two weeks apart,

made mental health and suicide prevention our top priority in the run up to Christmas and into 2024. Undoubtedly events that shocked the Whole Force, the response by Leeming’s welfare team was outstanding, quickly reaching out to military and external organisations, including AMPARO, to provide immediate resources and support to those most affected. The Station has since stood up a regular mental health command panel with a diverse set of independent experts offering advice on how to enhance the work force’s mental health and avoid such tragic events.

Gp Capt Hamilton stated that: “This has been a devastating period for us all and I do not wish for this to happen again to any family or station. Alongside communication, this is now my top priority as it is the foundation that we build our operational success and resilience on.”

ENHANCING THE LIVED EXPERIENCE

All of the aforementioned would not be achieved without our people, and their welfare has been the station’s top priority for the past six months.

To that end, direct and tangible changes have already been made to improve and enhance the daily lived experience of the whole Leeming family, with a projected £300,000 of Local Improvement

Grants being invested in facilities and upgrades including a Wellness Garden at 90SU, outdoor seating areas, and a refurbished Leeming Sports Pavilion. The satellite gym in Hangar 4 has more than £21,000 worth of new equipment thanks to the Junior Ranks Welfare Fund and the Nuffield Crown Trust, and an additional £50,000 has been spent on the Station Gym, given the direct link between sports, mental health and general wellbeing.

In tandem and noting that welfare comes in different forms, and means different things to every one of us, significant investment has been put into our new dedicated Junior Ranks Welfare Facility, providing a relaxing environment for gaming, a chat or just to hang out, away from the bar or barrack blocks. The Basecamp Grow is a recently launched initiative and

encourages everyone to enjoy the fresh air with a bit of gardening, bee keeping or just chilling with the chickens. For those who do not enjoy gardening and are more technically minded, the weekly Makerspace now offers them the chance to learn coding, robotics and 3D printing. Proudly, barrack stores are on track to spend £167,000 on improvements in accommodation including new bedding, mattresses, furniture and improving office and communal areas.

Our team and family spirit is something to be very proud off; thanks to the great work of the Stirling Committee, youth workers, CDO, SCSO and importantly,

volunteers, we’ve held disco, karaoke and quiz nights in the Barrel and Bean as well as children’s discos and themed events such as Halloween and Christmas parties in the Youth Centre. The fresh, redecorated Bowl reopened, providing affordable entertainment for all ages and continues to be popular with all. Finally, working with contract partners, we are striving to secure affordable items in the station shop and the Station has volunteered for the Improved Catering Experience food trials – to be at the leading edge of improvements to the food offer in all messes.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

Working in such a high tempo environment makes it vital to ensure personnel have the resilience and training for operational challenges and identify excellence across the Whole Force. Focussing on our most junior people, 72 aviators have benefitted from the Station’s Junior Leadership Courses, which the Tedder Academy of Leadership is looking to adopt as best practice, and we can boast having more personnel enrolled on to the RAF Talent Management Scheme than any other unit.

Opportunities are there to be exploited, and line managers are strongly encouraged to release personnel to take part – whether that’s to ski in the French Alps or to walk in the Lake District. During the current financial year, 440 personnel have taken part in Force Development activities, and more than £73,000 has been spent on Adventurous Training expeditions in the UK, France and Malta –directly benefitting 500 personnel.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

Tempo at one of the RAF’s most

diverse Stations will continue unabated throughout 2024. Our Airfield Operating Surface upgrade programme is nearing completion, and the new Hangar 3 and Ejection seat bay are almost complete following the recent opening of the Hawk T-167 Simulator facility. Alongside the uninterrupted operational support to the carrier and the UK N-CASD, exercises such as CHAMELEON, COBRA WARRIOR, HYPOACID and YORKNITE are already committed, and support to 90SU, 11 Sqn, 2 C-UAS, OTC, University Air Squadrons and wider Resident Units remains paramount. Leeming is also determined to continue its leading role and efforts in ACE development with multiple local ACE events planned either side of the ACEVAL centrepiece.

We are also leading defence in innovation both on the ground and in the air. As well as the station being assigned the RAF’s leading green station, RAFX continue their work on carbon capture and 5G communications whilst all eyes are on the role out of concurrent Crewed-Uncrewed air system operations late April, a first across the UK and Europe.

None of this, of course, can happen without personnel who feel invested in, looked after, and prepared for the task, which is why two of the Station’s three priorities are people focussed, with very tangible measures already in place to reinforce this. On this point, the Station Cdr stated: “To ensure operational success and resilience, we must invest in and look after our people first. I am very proud of what everyone on this station does on a daily basis and determined to support them and enhance their resilience in every way we can.”

RAF Benevolent Fund launches new Lived Experience Network

The RAF Benevolent Fund has recently launched a new Lived Experience Network which aims to increase inclusion in the RAF Family.

The new initiative will bring together a group of serving and former RAF personnel, and partners and spouses, from across the UK to share their lived experiences of the air force to help shape the Fund’s service offering and drive innovation at the charity. The Fund is currently recruiting volunteers to take part in the Network.

Volunteers who join the Network can help the Fund in a variety of ways, from completing surveys, joining focus groups, or participating in long-term working groups for internal projects. All volunteering opportunities will be remote roles and can be done from home.

Volunteer Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, Zoe Oliver, said: “We are extremely excited to work with current serving or former RAF personnel, who would be happy to share their experiences for the Fund’s new Lived Experience Network. We believe this will provide invaluable insight into the challenges and nuances of life

in the RAF and will ensure we are putting the voices of the RAF Family at the centre of our decision making.”

Zoe continued: “We, at the Fund, would love to hear the views of those who are currently serving or have served as well as partners and spouses. Whether you can spare 10 minutes or an hour every so often, sharing your perspective can make a real difference.”

“The RAF Benevolent Fund’s new volunteering initiative is a fantastic opportunity to hear individual experiences from current and former members of the RAF and will help not only the Fund but the wider RAF community in providing the best support possible. I encourage those at Leeming to get in touch with the Fund if interested in taking part.”

If you are a current or former member of the RAF, or a partner

of spouse you can sign up to the Network here and find out more about all volunteering opportunities available as they arise.

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, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more.

Write What You Know

Former RAF Officer takes lessons learned to the world of fiction

For Sqn Ldr Rob Smith (Retd), aka the author Robert Lassen, writing for a living was a childhood dream. Serving in the military soon became another, and for eighteen years of service, the RAF won out. But throughout his career and through multiple tours of Iraq and other fun destinations, he never forgot that original dream – nor where it started.

“When I was 11, I came across a copy of the first 633 Squadron sequel, Operation Rhine Maiden, at my school’s book fair. I paid 10p for it, read it, loved it. I still have that same copy and reread it every year or two. It’s falling apart now, but somehow clinging on to life. It would be fair to say that book was a big inspiration. It made me want to become a writer and put the idea in my head of joining the RAF. Given that both my first and most recent novels are about De Havilland Mosquito aircrew, I think it’s also fair to say that Operation Rhine Maiden left me with a lifelong obsession with the greatest aircraft of all time. With the Spitfire a close second, of course.”

Smith began writing at a very young age and completed his first full-length novel at age twentytwo (“mercifully unpublished, on account of being terrible”). It was another decade before his first

published novel, Night Fighters, was released under his real name while he was a Flight Lieutenant at RAF Brampton. A further two editions and a stint as a tie-in fiction writer for Sony Online Entertainment’s MMORPG video game Everquest Next kept his writing career bubbling away in the background, but the RAF very much took precedence until his retirement as a Squadron Leader in 2020.

Smith is a hybrid author – one who is traditionally published but also independently publishes their own books (in Smith’s case, the “K Department” series of WW2 military thrillers, where a secret British Government organization uses borderline supernatural methods to fight the Nazis). He plans to write at least two novels a year – one for his publisher, one for himself. This model is,

‘‘

Most of my RAF career was spent trying to be convincing using the written word – so becoming an author is not as big a transition as you might think.”

he explains, becoming more popular, and it’s all down to recent changes in the publishing industry. Well into this century, there was really only one option for authors, which was to write a book, search through the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook (the Bible of wannabe authors) to find an agent, catch the eye of that agent and then a publisher, and then write more books according to that publisher’s timescales and needs. That all changed with the advent of e-books, and especially the Amazon Kindle. Now anyone could write and publish a book, but that suddenly meant the market was flooded with books of variable (to put it politely) quality.

Mainstream, traditional publishing is harder than ever to break into. It is still considered the gold standard for credibility, but it has its drawbacks – and an increasing number of established authors are jumping ship to independent/selfpublishing. The reason is simple. “If Waterstones sells an e-book by a traditionally-published author for £9.99, the author will be lucky to see more than a quid of it. If an independent author sells an e-book for £3.99, they will probably pocket £2.50 or more for that sale. Add to that the fact that traditional publishers will want at most one book a year, while some independents are pushing out 12 or more, the options to control your workload and earnings are vastly better.”

There are flipsides to this, of course. An author might make more money per book as an independent, but with no publisher support it’s all on them to get readers to find their books in the first place; that is getting harder than ever, because self-publishing has become so easy that the market is flooded with noise. As Smith points out wistfully, you also can’t just publish whatever you like online with a homemade cover and expect it to sell hundreds or even thousands of copies, unlike during the “Golden Age of Kindle” (around 2008-2012). An independentlypublished book needs to be visually indistinguishable from something HarperCollins might put out - which means paying for editing, proofreading, a cover

designer, and so on. Then you need to invest in advertising, a website and a mailing list to have any real chance of standing out. You’ll even need to find someone to take the almost obligatory moody and pretentious black and white author photo. Bottom line, if you were to decide to self-publish your novel, you would ideally have £1000 or more to put behind it before it went on sale - which means needing to sell a fair few e-books (and self-publishing is still heavily based around e-books, for various commercial reasons) just to break even. You can technically do it all for free (make your own cover, trust your own proofreading, ask friends to suggest edits, etc.) and hope to gain traction via other means, but it will be a struggle. Over the last few years, an entire industry has sprung up to support independent authors, so everything you need is out there –but you must use it right.

In 2023, Smith took the step to reclaim all rights to Night Fighters and republish it in a final edition, this time independently under his own imprint. He is halfway through writing a sequel and has another “K Department” novel (set in the modern day) going through final edits. First up, though, is his new WW2 thriller Operation AFTERLIGHT, to be released in April. Described by the author as a “love letter to the wartime RAF”, it sees an elite Mosquito squadron teaming up with an SOE spymaster and a renegade SS assassin to foil a final Nazi effort to wreak horrific vengeance on the

Mainstream, traditional publishing is harder than ever to break into. It is still considered the gold standard for credibility, but it has its drawbacks – and an increasing number of established authors are jumping ship to independent/self-publishing.‘‘ ‘‘

world. Unlike his K Department series, Operation AFTERLIGHT is a pure historical novel in the style of Robert Harris or Bernard Cornwell, one which has allowed him to take his knowledge of service life and history and craft a narrative around it. Write what you know, indeed.

Of course, that still leaves one question. Why the pseudonym?

“Partly it’s a tribute to Anders Lassen, a Dane who fought for the British SBS in World War Two and ultimately died winning the

VC in Italy only weeks before the war ended. I always thought he needed to be better known, and he probably soon will be – the upcoming Guy Ritchie movie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, has Anders Lassen as a character, played by Alan Ritchson from Reacher. That’s the reason I chose that pseudonym in particular. As for needing one in the first place, have you ever tried typing Robert Smith into Google? I’m going to need to sell a lot of books to become the most famous Robert Smith out there, but I’m already in the top three

or so Robert Lassens on any web search. You need more than a stroke of fortune to be a famous writer, so sometimes it pays to make your own luck!”

Operation AFTERLIGHT by Robert Lassen will be released on 25 April 2024 by Silvertail Books. More information about Smith and his works can be found at www.robertlassen.com

609 (West Riding) Squadron

6

09 Sqn have continued to play an integral part of No.2 Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Wing, training squadron members in Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) ready for operational deployment alongside 34 Sqn and King’s Colour Squadron RAF Regiment.

With Ex OMEGA and Further Training (FT) 1-3 taking place in the near future, as well as further weapons training and ranges approaching, 2024 looks set to be another busy year in support of our regular counterparts.

There are still Full Time Reserve Service roles for RAF Police and MT JNCOs available, please get in touch with the Squadron’s admin cell if these are of interest. Similarly, there are several Part Time Volunteer Positions open for RAF Regt. C-UAS operators, we want to recruit people from civilians with no experience to experienced Gunners leaving the Service so if you have an interest please get in touch.

SQUADRON TRAINING AND LFTT

Starting the new year at pace, the Sqn put on a training week covering a plethora of mandatory training qualifications as well as LFTT for those deploying imminently. The gunners covered IRT MOD training, weapons training, CBRN drills and were put through their paces with the RAFT-R in a very cold start to January 2024.

The training culminated in live ranges at a very cold and wet Feldom range complex. Here the Sqn conducted some zero shoots and moved into live Fire Team Attack ranges both day and night. Manoeuvring across difficult terrain during daylight as well as night-time really tests the gunners

in their basic fighting skills as well as communication and their ability to work as a small team in

the face of the enemy in tough conditions; training and qualifying robust and resilient gunners.

With FT 1-3 being held at RAF Honington in March, members of the Squadron are attending as students as well as staff. For students it is a chance to have their leadership qualities tested in challenging environments and scenarios. These lessons and exercises give the students the opportunity to demonstrate their situational awareness as commanders as well

AWARDS

as their command and control of the gunners in their unit.

Aiding in the staffing of these courses means the Sqn actively helps deliver this training but also is able to stay current in the doctrine covered in training a commander, and is better equipped to ensure Sqn gunners are trained to the right level prior to attending their promotional courses.

88TH ANNIVERSARY

This year 609 (WR) Sqn celebrated 88 years since its formation. The Sqn has changed somewhat since it was formed at Yeadon as a bomber squadron in 1938. With a rich history, the Sqn moved from bomber to fighter sqn and saw active service in WW2 where notably it was the first Spitfire sqn to achieve 100 air-to-air ‘kills’ with the Sqn also pioneering the use of the Hawker Typhoon in the groundattack role. With many Battle Honours to boast including Dunkirk, Battle of Britain and Dieppe amongst others, all members past and present are proud to have served on the unit.

The Sqn is now formed as a Force Protection unit with both RAF Regiment and RAF Police roles. It also has a relatively new role as a CUAS unit under

2 CUAS Wg. This has seen the gunners training in not only the traditional Dismounted Close Combat skills but also being trained to be proficient in C-UAS kit and equipment and the skills and awareness necessary to fulfil this demanding role.

To celebrate the rich history on the 88th year, past and present members attended a formal Sqn dinner in Harrogate. The event saw all ranks in attendance including HAC Air Cdre Corner, where they were given presentations covering the Sqn’s history, its present role and the positive impact and effect its personnel have on current operations and some departing members were also given due mention and toasted for their part in continuing the Sqn’s legacy. A thoroughly enjoyable evening for all and here’s to many more! Tally Ho!

Personnel on the Sqn have been recipients of prestigious awards in the last few months.

LCpl Ogol has received his Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM). It is awarded to Volunteer Reserve Service personnel of all ranks, in recognition of ten

continuous years of efficient service in the Reserve Forces.

AS1 Vinand has been out of area as part of 2 CUAS Wg on deployment. He received his Op SHADER Medal as well as the prestigious Lord Lieutenants Award. HM Lord Lieutenants are appointed by The King and the honours the confer are among the highest any individual can receive. AS1 Vinand received his award from North Yorkshire Lord Lieutenant Mrs Johanna Ropner for his outstanding service to the RAF Reserves.

Congratulations to both Ogol and Vinand, who are big characters on the Sqn and should be rightfully

proud of their awards and their contribution to the Sqn and the Reserves as a whole.

Elm Tree Farm, Leeming Lane, Leeming Bar DL7 9AT T: 01677 632360

E: theroostleemingbar@gmail.com

W: https://www.theroostretreat.co.uk

THE LEEMING SHOW 25 July 2024

Yorkshire UAS News

Exploring Boundless Horizons: Highlights from the Recent Endeavours at YUAS

The past few months at Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron have seen a number of exciting events, visits, courses and challenges. From introducing the new 55 course to the Squadron to Skiing the slopes of the Pyrenees, YUAS has been exploring the extensive opportunities provided within the Royal Air Force.

As 2023 wound down, YUAS welcomed 55 course to the fold. Over a number of town nights in Leeming and Leeds, new attestees got their first experience of life on Squadron. As well as socialising at the bar, 55 course learned about life in the armed forces and other uniformed services. Guest speakers ranging from members of the police to mountain climbers provided invaluable lessons and OASC style activities helped advance leadership qualities. As well as town nights, students from 55 course and the rest of the squadron undertook an induction course at RAF Cranwell. Here, the foundations for life in the air force were laid with initual militarisation training covering weapons handling, first aid and drill instruction.

In November, six students travelled to Scotland for a station visit to RAF Lossiemouth. With a goal of gaining an insight into day to day operations, they toured both Typhoon and P-8 poseidon squadrons as well as observing the work of RAF police dog units and air traffic controllers. Following this, students took the opportunity to adventure into the Cairngorms with a three day mountaineering experience. Facing harsh winter conditions, they pulled together to plan and undertake an overnight expedition. This speaks to the mission of YUAS; developing character, advancing leadership qualities and building problem

solving skills that will last a lifetime.

A major aspect of life in YUAS is raising support for charities. In January 2024, the squadron took part an interflight competition to run or hike the furthest. This was all in aid of Bear Force, a charity that helps children and young people express their feelings and receive emotional support. Meteor flight managed to scrape a victory with 231 points to Hunter’s 224.77 and Javelin’s 201. Highlights of the competition include OC Kelly’s 37.26km run and OC Stoll’s summit of Scafell Pike, as well as a group run up the Revelin Valley in Sheffield.

Also in January, nine students had the chance to visit RAF Cranwell’s centrifuge to observe high G training. Looking to find out more about pilot and aircrew training, YUAS were able to talk to a number of engineers selected to fly as ‘blues’ in the Red Arrows. They were able to learn about the Anti G Strain Manouvre and other methods aircrew use to remain effective in combat. This allowed for a facinating look into the work of those involved in aviation medicine. Students were able to see how high G forces impact the body and induce the loss of consciousness. They were taught that muscle tensing and strained breathing is key to staying awake. Excitingly, two students were able to go for a spin after a tense game of rock paper scissors. Accelerating to 4.5gs, they were able to test their individual g tolerance and gain an appreciation for the physical difficulty of operating in fast jets. As a medical student, APO Bylina found the experience captivating. “Expert coaching in the anti-G straining manouvre (AGSM) made a significant difference in our ability to resist GLOC. Understanding how one can take advantage of one’s anatomy and

physiology for acute real world benefits was fascinating”.

More recently, YUAS members have been seen in London and Andorra, making the most out of squadron trips. In London, students were invited to observe the Ceremony of The Keys at the Tower of London. This private event sees the locking of the main castle gates and is widely reported to be the oldest military ceremony in the world. Stops at the RAF Club and the Imperial War Museum along the way also helped in giving the students a deeper appreciation of military history and tradition. Meanwhile in Andorra, 12 students took to the slopes to improve their skiing abilities. Alongside Northumbria UAS, students learnt the principles of Ski Foundation 1. This is an introduction to the sport that covers how each piece of equipment is used and the different methods employed to increase profiency and confidence. Going further, four members of YUAS obtained Ski Foundation 2. This introduced ski touring and more advanced techniques which were thoroughly enjoyed. The possibility of working towards being a military ski instructor was a major motivator helping the students push their abilities to the next level.

Finally, personal development is a key aspect of a student’s time on YUAS. The past few months have seen a number of individual achievements that show drive, initiative and dedication. Firstly,  OC Handley challenged her sailing abilities at the Joint Services Adventure Training Centre (JSASTC). Located at Gosport on the south coast, JSASTC’s purpose is to “develop the character and leadership of qualities essential to Armed Forces personnel, through offshore sailing in a service environment”. OC Handley took part in the day skipper course with responsibility for an entire crew over the span of a week. Commanding a group made up of different ranks and levels of experience increased OC Handley’s confidence in herself and her ability to lead. She explained how completing the day skipper course was the first time she “truly experienced being a leader” and that she was pushed into the deep end, through adverse conditions to achieve her qualification.

Secondly, YUAS’ resident aviation illustrator OC Hammond revealed a striking oil painting of a Hawker Hunter F.6. Dubbed “Nautical Sprinter”, OC Hammond’s work is testement to his passion for aircraft and his skills as an artist. The piece was unveiled at a presentation in the Officer’s Mess and was honoured with a place on the wall. Explaining his motivations and thoughts about the experience, OC Hammond

remarks that: ‘The Hunter was Britain’s most successful postwar aircraft, flying with nearly two dozen Air Forces worldwide. Inspired by Hawker Hunter Aviation’s move to Leeming, I painted the aircraft to represent the record-breaking Hunter Mk.3 flown by Neville Duke. It was a privilege to present this in front of my squadron to the PMC, and I hope it brings an artistic touch to a beautiful platform we are lucky to see over Leeming frequently.’ It’s hard to capture the scope of

activities and events happening at YUAS. The past few months have been packed with tales of leadership, perserverence, teamwork and determination. Looking forward, YUAS  is expecting an adventurous training course in late February and Easter Camp in March. As well as this, the possibilites of gliding, bushcraft and skydiving are ever present in the Squadron conversation. As a member of the nascent 55 Course, i’m excited to see what’s in store for the next few months and what time on the Squadron will bring.

RAF Leeming Saddle Club

AREA WINTER SHOW JUMPING

SEP 2023

FS Polgreen is also a very active member of the Northallerton Riding Club, where she was asked to be a member of the Show Jumping Team in the Area Winter Show Jumping Qualifier. The team were on fire that day and ended up winning with FS Ange Polgreen and Colin getting 2nd individual, qualifying for the National championship in Apr 24, (FS Polgreen has arranged for her R&R so that she is home for an intense week of SJ training followed by the competition at Lincolnshire Show Ground).

RIDING LESSONS NOV 2023

In November we contacted a new riding school to try and organise some lessons for our members without access to their own horse or loan. Cherry Tree had been recommended by some of our members, and we approached them about a regular slot for our club. They were happy to oblige, especially given some of the owner’s family are RAF!

Since then, we have been running weekly lessons for beginner to intermediate riders and have seen an improvement in peoples riding skills already.

Christmas lessons involved tinsel and some jumping, and we look forward to more lessons throughout the year. FS Ange Polgreen OIC Saddle Club (currently deployed), was determined to up finish the year on a high prior to handing over the Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett.  To that end she undertook a number of activities which tested her nerve, in particular entering the British Eventing Arena Eventing 90cm competition,

in addition, she entered Richmond Equestrian centre Christmas Show Jumping competition with Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett, where she and Katie did the pairs comp, gaining a rosette and prize for the fancy dress outfits.  Following the pairs and 80cm, FS Polgreen had

entered the accumulator where the jumps started off at 70cm and finishing with the last few at 1m a lot higher than she was used to.  Whilst not coming away with any rosettes the feeling of achieving this accomplishment along with the fire and determination to continue where she left off on her return in July.

A pixelated image, a grainy video of playful leaps, was all Denise had when she bought Foxhill Brandi, a ten-month-old palomino filly from across the Irish sea.  It was a leap of faith, and Tuesday dawned with the promise of the new arrival. Brandi nudged her nose seeking connection as the miles melted away and was replaced by the warmth of a new bond forming.

The days that followed have been about learning the rhythm of her whinnies, the flick of her talk, the nuzzle against the palm of her hand, and the silent pleas for affection.

Grooming sessions become rituals of trust, each stoke building understanding. Brandi’s eagerness and willingness to learn new routines quickly has amazed her new owner, as she has become

Dressage Selection and Training

The RAF’s support of sport allows the RAF Equitation Association to put forward riders in either the Developmental or Senior squad to work to promote the RAF in the wider community. Starting her dressage journey 2 years ago, Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett and her horse Ash, set off for the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray for three days of lessons, instruction and dressage tests, to try out for the Development team.

Thirteen riders attended and were put through their paces by instructor Sam Whyley. Remarkably he managed to balance the needs of multiple

playful as she trots around the paddock.

There were setbacks of course, the unfamiliar can be daunting, but with each hurdle overcome, the bond between owner and horse deepens. This wasn’t just a purchase, it was the start of a journey, and now blooming into beautiful reality.

Upcoming Tea & Tack Meet Up, Club Forest Hack.

riders and horses, many of whom he had never met before, to offer extremely beneficial tuition to the groups of riders. He understood the challenges of different horses and gave great advice to help riders get the best of their steeds.

In all it was a great trip for Katie and Ash, who managed to perform extremely well in their test, scoring 77% and ultimately learning lots to put into practice in the future. It may be another few weeks before we hear how the rider and horse pairings have done but whatever the outcome it was an amazing place to visit and a great experience was had by all.

Denise Baynton and her new palomino filly

queen ethelburga’s collegiate

Excellent rated school set in 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Welcoming day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from Year 3. Call our admissions team to arrange a visit.

email admissions@qe.org to book a tour or call 01423 333330

WHERE CADETS HAS TAKEN ME

Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Enthusiast, Hannah W of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), discusses all the adventures and opportunities being a cadet has provided her with.

Through the CCF programme at QE, I gained new experiences, improved my social skills and developed my ability to read an environment better through meeting so many people on trips and events. I spent nights in the forest tucked into a sleeping bag with my closet friends, cooking my ration packs and trading muesli for an all-day breakfast and I completed days on the ranges and learnt the importance of responsibilities. In 2022, I was part of QE’s outdoor Remembrance Service with the City of York’s Pipe Band.

Serving as Cadet Sergeant in the QE CCF Regiment provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience. It led me to becoming the first CCF representative appointed to

Serving as Cadet Sergeant in the QE CCF Regiment provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience.

the role of Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire, which meant I could represent our school at events and support the Lord Lieutenant in his duties. Through this role, I was selected to attend events such as the King’s Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, which was a great opportunity to socialise with other Lord Lieutenant Cadets. At an outing to York Minster, I met Their Majesty’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort.

Being in the CCF allowed me to enrol on a CVQO Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development. I was then nominated by QE staff for the CVQO Westminster Award 2022 where I reached the third round and travelled to Somerset for the national selection event where I was recognised among approximately 40 cadets from across the UK.

Being a Cadet Volunteer encouraged me to make contributions to the school, local community and beyond. I worked with Physionet, who provide equipment for disabled people overseas and volunteered at a local nursing home, both arranged through school initiatives. I then spent my summer holidays restoring O’Hara’s Battery in Gibraltar, which was very rewarding.

QE are a CEA-accredited day and boarding school with a long-standing relationship with the forces community that offers discounts alongside CEA. The school has approximately 350 forces students onsite and provides a 15% discount to non-CEA and ex-forces families. To find out more, visit our website www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org.

FANCY A HOLIDAY ON YORKSHIRE’S EAST COAST?

Our welfare break gave us the quality time we needed as a family.”

- Al Dyer

Our holiday home is available for breaks all year round.

Why not apply to stay in our holiday home for serving RAF personnel and RAF veterans? Situated only a 15-minute walk from the traditional seaside town of Bridlington.

It’s the ideal destination to visit for a holiday with kids or for some peace and quiet.

The four-bedroom chalet bungalow is wheelchair accessible, with a disabledfriendly bathroom. A real home from home, with everything you need for a memorable holiday.

To find out more and apply, visit: rafbf.org/thefolly

CALL 0300 102 1919