Excalibur - Summer 2024

What are our Principles and Values?

Thirsk School & Sixth Form College

• The power of education to shape the lives of individuals

• The value of hard work

• Equality of opportunity

• Moral purpose, integrity and compassion

• Accountability to parents, carers and the community

What makes Thirsk School and Sixth Form College unique?

• Our staff and students

• A strong sense of community

• Academic success

• Recognising the whole child with their unique gifts and talents

Our students always strive to Be More Thirsk #bemorethirsk

“A feature of the school is the friendly and warm relationships between the staff and pupils. This ensures that pupils behave well and apply themselves ” - Ofsted 2022

Topcliffe Road, Sowerby, Thirsk, YO7 1RZ T: 01845 522024 E: thirskschool@thirskschool.org Find us on

www.inspired2be.com

Recognising & Releasing potential

Leadership and Management Coaching and Mentoring qualifications Levels 2, 3 & 5 Get 2 Level 5 qualifications for one higher level ELC

Optional bonus week to become a certified NLP Practitioner for only £225 if you do coaching level 3 or 5 with us.

Leadership/Management Level 2 £200, Level 3 £750, Level 5 £950 Coaching/Mentoring Level 2 £250, Level 3 £1500, Level 5 £1750

(£200 discount if you do Coaching and Leadership, £2500 for 2 Level 5 qualifications using only one ELC)

COURSE DATES FOR 2024

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Level 2 23/24 Sept RAF Leeming Level 3 & 5 2-5 Dec Bedale, N.Yorks

ILM COACHING & MENTORING

Level 2 27/28 Nov RAF Leeming Level 3 & 5 28 Oct - 1 Nov Bedale, N.Yorks

For information or to book on a course contact RAF Leeming Learning Centre or Andy Greene at info@inspired2be.com

Station Commander’s Foreword

Prioritizing Agile Combat Excellence and Personnel

Welfare

Wellbeing Fair

Operation AFTERLIGHT

90 SU RAFA V50 Challenge

MRT News

A Snapshot of the Operational Training Centre (OTC)

RAF Leeming’s Polytunnel and Wellness Area

News from the Station Gym

Station News

YUAS News

NUAS News

RAF Leeming Saddle Club News

Dear all at RAF Leeming,

Imust apologise on behalf of the Excalibur Team that the last magazine had some formatting issues. As such, we have decided to re-publish the magazine with some additions because there were some important messages that we wanted to ensure you had the opportunity to read.

I have now been in post for nine months and this time has flown by. For me personally, this period has had some amazing highs, coupled with some tragic lows. I have been really impressed by the way the Station has pulled together as a team, supporting each other during these challenging periods. I also think it’s important that you are aware of some of the excellent work that has been delivered to improve welfare on the Station. As such, 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 also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the whole force for your excellent work over this 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 together as the Station continues to develop.

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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.”

Wellbeing Fair

Wednesday 15 May saw the Community Support Team host a Wellbeing Fair as part of Station’s Health and Wellbeing week. If you didn’t get a chance to pop in, these are the amazing charities and agencies who visited.

Organisation

Citizens Advice Bureau

Mind

Reading Forces

Carers Plus

Samaritans

Fighting with Pride

Hambleton Community Action

Wellbeing in Mind Team

Stronger Together

Recover College

We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.

We provide a wide range of support services including wellbeing and recovery services to help people experiencing emotional and mental health problems.

At Reading Force, we are passionate about using books to bring Forces children and families closer together. Our shared reading initiative encourages families to read, talk, and scrapbook about a book, improving communication and enriching relationships with books and each other –one page at a time.

Carers Plus Yorkshire is the ‘go-to’ organisation offering support to Carers & the wider community. ‘Carers Plus Yorkshire enables those we support to be heard, enhance their resilience, improve their wellbeing & make positive changes in their day-to-day lives’

We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, we’re taking action to prevent the crisis. We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.

We are here to support LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families, particularly those who were affected by the ‘gay ban’, ultimately lifted on 12th January 2000.

Offer a range of practical and supportive services that foster economic, social and community wellbeing. Our focuses include reducing transport and access challenges, building confidence, social connection and

We are a team of NHS staff working in your child’s secondary school or college.  We offer support to students experiencing difficulties with their emotional and mental wellbeing, including low mood and anxiety.

On site Men’s Network and Support Group. Safe space to talk, peer to peer support. JRM 1900 – 2100 Monday evenings.

Providing a range of co-created, online educational courses and resources to people who might be struggling with mental health issues, families, friends, mental health workers and anyone else who might be interested.

Community Works Thirsk  We work with people whose mental health can be poor. Our Food Bank helps to feed hungry individuals and families. Our key worker team work with people and help them through more challenging times. Our shop helps save the planet and provides amazing furniture at very low prices.

North Yorkshire Horizons  To help as many people as possible to be free from drug and alcohol dependency. We work with people from the start of their recovery journey right through to aftercare to help maintain the changes.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Team provide a wide variety of safety information and guidance. You can also book a free home inspection to ensure you have suitable fire prevention and fire safety in place.

Contact

Email: catterick.connection@northyorkslca. org.uk

Tel: 01748 902020

Tel: 01609 780758 / 07895278299

Email: nyteam@darlingtonmind.com

Tel: 07566200299

Email: info@readingforce.org.uk

Tel: 01723 850155 / 01609 780872

Email: admin@carersplus.net

At risk or in an emergency: Tel: 116 123 or 0330 094 5717

General: via website

Via website

Email: reception hambletoncommunityaction. org

Tel: 01609 780458

Email: tewv.wellbeinginmind@nhs.net

Email: alexander.ratcliffe103@mod.gov.uk or andy.mawdsley340@mod.gov.uk

Via website

Tel: 01845 524494

Tel:  08000 14 14 80

Email: info@nyhorizons.org.uk

Via website

North Yorkshire Libraries A wide variety of services available from the Library. Libraries are far from just books, there is an app, ebooks, eaudio books, jigsaw library, make and mend club and even a Lego club.

Papyrus  PAPYRSU Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people up to 35. We believe that no young person should have to struggle alone with thoughts of suicide.

Polytunnel  Station Allotments and Polytunnel. Including Basecamp Grow! A new community group meeting weekly at the Station Polytunnel Thursdays 1500 onwards. All welcome.

NDC – NeuroDiverse Community Neurodiverse Community is a community interest group who support neurodivergent adults, children and parent carers. Entirely run by neurodivergent volunteers their ethos is to empower and create an inclusive, safe community.

At risk or in an emergency:

Call: 0800 068 41 41 Text: 88247

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

General Email: englandnorth@papyrus-uk.org

Email: Phoebe.ellis116@mod.gov.uk

Tel: 07895277223

Email: ndccatterick@outlook.com

Operation AFTERLIGHT

Former RAF Officer pays tribute to the wartime Air Force

“March, 1945. Hitler’s fate is sealed. Allied forces have crossed the Rhine and the Red Army is closing in on Berlin. The war is all but over.

But from the darkest depths of the Nazi terror machine, a new danger emerges – the final, awful product of history’s most twisted minds. An ultimate act of bloody defiance against humanity itself.

Four unlikely allies are the only ones who can stop the horror. RAF pilot Andrew Durban, whose medals hide deep scars of battle. Johnny Grant, his terror-stricken navigator. Sarah Lane, brilliant yet ostracised SOE spymaster, haunted by the agents she sent to their deaths. And Jan Stahl, renegade SS assassin who carries his own devastating secrets.

From the deadly skies over Germany to the panic-filled streets of a collapsing Reich, they must find a way to not only uncover a nightmare vision, but to stop it becoming reality.

Failure won’t just end their dreams of peace. It will end everything.”

Former RAF Squadron Leader Rob Smith’s latest novel is in many ways his most personal. Operation Afterlight, a WW2 aviation/ espionage thriller written under his pen name “Robert Lassen”, began life as a love letter to the wartime RAF. Even as it expanded to include the Special Operations Executive, the German resistance and other elements, Smith’s desire to pay some measure of tribute, however small and inadequate, to the aircrew and others who fought the Second World War never changed. His own eighteen years in the RAF saw a lot of changes in the Service, but with each one of those years, his admiration for the men and women who served from 1939 to 1945 only grew.

Smith drew additional inspiration from several real-life figures while he created the four main characters in Operation Afterlight Some of these individuals will be very familiar to service members and the public. Others deserve to be more well-known.

• Wing Commander Andrew Durban is Smith’s tribute to Guy Gibson, particularly when it comes to personal bravery and the hidden costs of combat stress. Durban also contains elements of Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, a later commander of the legendary “Dambusters” of 617 Squadron and perhaps the only other RAF pilot of the war who could compete with Gibson for

fame or decorations.

• Squadron Officer Sarah Lane of SOE’s ‘X’ Section (and Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) is based heavily on the less-known but equally impressive Squadron Officer Vera Atkins WAAF of ‘F’ Section, who ran the network of SOE agents flown and parachuted into France. Even when the war ended, her devotion to her missing agents continued – leading to her crisscrossing the ruins of Germany, hoping to find survivors.

Author, Robert Lassen

Rob Smith, Basra, Iraq 2004.

Guy Penrose Gibson VC

Vera Atkins

• Flying Officer Johnny Grant is an amalgam of several of the roughly five hundred young men from the Caribbean who volunteered to fly in the wartime RAF; more than a third would die in action. The closest direct model for Grant is Flight Lieutenant John Ebanks from Jamaica, a Mosquito navigator, but Smith also included major elements of Flying Officer Errol Barrow, who would later become the first Prime Minister of the independent Barbados. Of the eleven other men who enlisted with Barrow as the “Barbados Second Contingent”, six were killed.

• Of the four point-of-view characters in Operation Afterlight, only the renegade SS assassin Obersturmbannführer Jan Stahl has no historical model. Instead, he represents the brave (if ultimately failed) sacrifice of those who fought against Nazism from the inside, including trying to overthrow Hitler. Their motivations varied, from the moral to the practical, but almost all paid a deadly price for daring to oppose the Führer.

Stahl’s biggest real-life influence appears in his own right in the

book – the doomed Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, head of the Abwehr and secret anti-Hitler conspirator. Smith also included the larger-than-life character of Air Vice Marshal Sir Basil Embry who, believing that he should order no one to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, often disguised himself to fly on the most dangerous missions his aircrew undertook. Finally, Smith pays homage to the legendary Danish SBS officer Anders Lassen. Not content with borrowing Lassen’s name for his author pseudonym, Smith could not resist including the heavilyfictionalised but suitably similar “Major Anders.”

“There is one other character looming large over the whole book,” Smith adds. “And that is the de Havilland Mosquito itself.

What an aircraft! I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with it, but Operation Afterlight is the second novel I’ve written about the “Mossie”, so maybe I’m wrong. The good news is that “The People’s Mosquito” project is currently underway to restore one of these magnificent machines to Britain’s skies before the end of the decade.”

A Mosquito on the BBMF one day? Watch this space…

Operation AFTERLIGHT by Robert Lassen was released on 25 April 2024 by Silvertail Books. More information about Smith/Lassen and his works can be found at: www.robertlassen.com. For more information about The People’s Mosquito and how to support their work, visit: www.peoplesmosquito. org.uk

John Ebanks

Wilhelm Canaris

90 Signals Unit

RAFA V50 CHALLENGE

A team of 10 from 90 Signals Unit, deployed to Romania on a routine NATO Enhanced Air Policing, have raised over £1400 for RAFA by individually rowing/running/cycling 50 miles over a 7 day period, all whilst maintaining their operational output.

Op BILOXI is a routine NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission, whereby NATO allies deploy for a set period, providing a Quick reaction force to help reassure our allies in the region and to strengthen NATO cohesion. The team at 90SU were tasked to provide all the different levels of communication, including NATO secret, UK secret and Official IOT enable and assure C5I mission delivery.

The RAFA V50 challenge, currently in its 4th year, has raised over £94,000 for the charity by approximately 1350 participants and is organised by serving personnel every year. The event challenges people to complete 50 miles in a week by any manner, whether that be running, rowing or even hopscotch! This event has been completed by people in Falklands, Iraq and Canada to name a few.

The team decided to complete the challenge in January whilst sat in a comfy Hanger at RAF Leeming, many months away from the reality of sweltering 25oC days in Romania. The plan was for each person to raise £1 per mile for RAFA, so a total of £50 each. The training started then, whilst the team were still preparing and packing up all the

communications equipment for the detachment.

The training went well with everyone getting prepared ready for the 29th of April. Everyone got off to a flying start with some completing over 20 miles within the first day. Unfortunately, the team were geographically separated the week of the

challenge due to an ACE detachment to Jyväskylä, Finland. Undeterred, the team completed their mileage in the glorious views of the country surrounded by towering trees and patches of snow.

By the end of the week the team had all completed the distance with personal bests beaten. Some of the team even doubled their mileage for the week with the best being 51 miles in one day, a mixture of running and cycling. Overall, a total of over £1477 was raised by the team. This money will be used to support the RAF community, providing life changing help and support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. Whatever their need, RAFA ensure that those who have given so much are able to lead the dignified and independent lives they deserve.

Cpl Matthew Wall

MRT News

RAF Leeming MRT were tasked by Cumbria police to search for missing 18 year-old male who had set out to walk up Scafell Pike.

At 2230 the team split into two search parties and were tasked to search the 2 obvious descent routes from the summit of Scafell. The search was hampered by heavy snow fall, high winds and approximately 2ft of snow on the ground. At around 0200, 5 hours into the search, the missing walker was located at the bottom of Piers Gill by 2 Wasdale MRT team members. Both RAF parties made their way to meet the 2 members of Wasdale MRT.

On scene, the LEE MRT duty TL liaised with the Wasdale team members. The casualty was in the bottom of the gill roughly 45 metres below the group. He was confused and semi submerged in the river. 2 RAF team members maintained voice contact with the casualty while the remaining team members discussed the best option for evacuation.

With the weather conditions improving and the likelihood of very serious injuries, a coastguard helicopter was requested. Coastguard Rescue 936 arrived on scene at 0420 and attempted to winch the casualty out of the gill, unfortunately they were unable to safely winch the casualty. Rescue 936 returned to the valley bottom to collect technical rescue equipment and 2 more Wasdale MRT members.

With all the required equipment arriving by 0520, the 2 RAF parties now combined alongside 4 Wasdale MRT members rigged

a technical rescue system and lowered 2 medics into the Gill.

Working together they carried out an initial assessment of the casualty. The casualty was submerged up to his torso and was in and out of consciousness. It was immediately obvious the casualty was in need of immediate evacuation. He had a suspected broken femur and was severely hypothermic.

Due to the difficult position of the casualty 2 more team members were lowered into the gill to assist packaging the casualty. Once loaded into the stretcher the remaining team members carried out a technical and difficult stretcher raise. With the casualty reaching the top of the gill at approximately 0730, rescue 936 returned as it was now able to safely winch the casualty and transfer them to hospital.

With the casualty now evacuated the team had to conduct a further 3 raises to recover the 4

team members from the bottom of the gill, with the last team member reaching the top at 0900.

All equipment was packed away and the teams made their way off the hill, with the final members returning by 1200. In what was a remarkable rescue lasting 16 hours, there is no doubt that the actions of all team members directly saved the life of the 18 year old walker.

of the A Snapshot Operational Training Centre (OTC)

Far, far round the perimeter track, beyond Air Traffic and hidden amidst the compound where 2 CUAS Wing live, is where the Operational Training Centre are situated. Unless you are part of an Expeditionary Air Wing, Op BILOXI or Op AZOTIZE, a NATO Evaluation or involved in Agile Combat Employment, you could be forgiven for not even knowing that the unit exists – after all, who goes that far round the peri track if they don’t have to?

SO, WHAT DO WE DO?

The answer is quite a bit. The overall answer is that we train and evaluate our personnel for success on operations. We are often associated with training EAWs – either those held at Readiness or for those deploying on specific operations. We are also affiliated to NATO with OC OTC serving as the UK NATREP –the National Representative – for Flying Forces where we evaluate units against NATO standards for the RAF to report to SACEUR.

This year, we have trained EAW that deployed to Op BILOXI in April 2024, prepared an EAW

that is now being held at high readiness for both NATO and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, and will shortly be deploying to Romania to visit the EAW as part of assurance of the unit while combining this with a NATO FORCEVAL of IX (B) Squadron.

The OTC team is small in number – 9 military staff and one Civil Servant – but we have a Whole Force approach that mixes Regular and Reserve personnel to conduct our training and evaluation events using the significant experience that can be found in our cadre of Evaluators. The experience we have allows us to not only tailor training, but also to deliver training that is based on the many years of experience we can draw upon. Our mantra is that everyone who leave the OTC, staff or students, are better for being here.

The post-training evaluation phase is so important; it allows us to analyse what we do and get real-time data to evolve our training, which is combined from real world situations emerging from Ukraine in order to ensure that it continues to add value

to those deploying and for individuals held at readiness, while providing the RAF with assurance that elements are capable of executing a NATO mission.

IS THIS ALL WE DO?

Absolutely not, we train, mentor and support our people to prepare for the unthinkable. This often means that there is a certain degree of apprehension amongst our trainees, but at the end of the training events, the response from all trainees is that they feel combat ready and far more equipped to respond to an emerging situation should it arise, often stating how they want to deploy.

Visitors to the OTC are always welcome, here’s a brief breakdown of what we have been up to so far in 2024:

• The OTC prepared and delivered a major exercise to validate 140 EAW for operations on Op BILOXI, taking a team of Individual Augmentees to form a Combat Ready EAW.

• Identified suitable applicants from across the Regular and Reserve to deploy students to attend the Tactical Evaluation (TACEVAL) course at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany which adds to our cadre of Evaluators for training and evaluation events. (We are always on the lookout for volunteers –courses are Jan and September and last one week.

• Op VENTUS preparedness and contingency operations exercise, the exercise was a command and staff trainer construct run in the Northern HAS Site. It incorporated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Air Policing (AP) to give a more optimal and challenging scenario for 38 EAW

Team OTC celebrating their mid-way point during the Push-Up Challenge

HQ staff allowing them to take up readiness and be prepared for NATO missions in Eastern Europe.

• Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is gathering pace in the RAF, and this means that the OTC is a key part of the ACE Evaluation (ACE-EVAL). The team is devoting a considerable amount of time in planning the evaluation element of upcoming exercises.

• As UK NATREP, the OC has to attend both the NATO HQ AIRCOM TACEVAL Planning Conference (TPC) and the Tactical Scheduling Conference (TSC) with key OTC staff twice a year, in Ramstein, Germany. The TPC in April 2024, was followed this year by the NATO Allied Commander Operations (ACO) course. This course is aimed primarily at Evaluation Team Chiefs/Leaders, who are responsible for leading TACEVALs. The course resulted in the OC qualifying as a NATO TACEVAL Team Chief and 4 other OTC staff qualifying as Area Chiefs, one of which was a Reservist.

The OTC has been able to conduct a Force Development

event to Leeds Royal Armouries, with briefs delivered by those attending on Battle of Waterloo and the siege of Malta during World War 2.

• Finally, the OTC chose to undertake the Macmillan 100 Push-Ups a Day Challenge in April 2024, in order to support an organisation that is currently supporting one of the OTC staff and their family as they cope with the challenges of cancer. Over £700 was raised for a worthy cause.

• The year isn’t over yet and we have many tasks that will see us kept busy.

It’s important to remember that we can’t do what we do without the support of RAF Leeming and 90 SU and there is always the opportunity to become part of our augmentees who train and evaluate.

The OTC is at the heart of the RAF’s desire to embrace the warfighter ethos and if you would like to learn more about the OTC and what we do, please get in touch.

3MCS IN ACTION – Providing first class catering during Ex AGILE GUARDIAN

Director People – Capturing the true flavour of Exercise Delivery.

Director People – Sitting in on briefs during Op Ventus.

Exercise Director also known as OC OTC.

A Hub for Gardening, Livestock, and Wellbeing RAF Leeming’s Polytunnel and Wellness Area

Here at RAF Leeming we are incredibly privileged to have access to the station polytunnel and wellness area which is home to 45 chickens, 3 bee hives and a plethora of opportunities.

There is so much to take advantage of; you can rent a plot to grow produce or flowers which brings a huge sense of achievement and helps to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

Personnel who don’t wish to have their own plot but want to enjoy gardening can attend Base Camp

Grow, where we cover a range of topics, with our latest experiment being hydroponics and the no dig method.

For those who don’t have a green finger, we have a range of building projects to get involved with. No matter your skill set the team will get you involved and teach you what you want to learn. There’s always a maintenance job on the to-do list.

Finally, for anyone wanting to get to understand livestock better, you have the opportunity to learn new skills, from looking after the chickens and raising baby chicks to beekeeping and making your own honey. You could even have a crack at making mead.

There are so many benefits to being outside and gardening

has been shown to have major benefits to people’s health and wellbeing. If you just want somebody to talk to or a quiet sanctuary to enjoy, please feel welcome to use the polytunnel facilities that we have on site.

The polytunnel really is for everyone, if you think it’s not for you, why don’t you come along to Base Camp Grow on a Wednesday and try it? I bet you’ll catch the gardening bug!

If you would like to get involved or have an idea you would like to put across to the committee do not hesitate to contact us; you’ll find our details on the Leeming sharepoint page. Or simply turn up - you’re bound to bump into one of us there.

Article

by Phoebe Ellis

Photos by Sgt Peter George

GARDENING AND WELLBEING

Stress Reduction: Gardening can significantly reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that spending time in a garden can lower cortisol levels.

Mood Improvement: Engaging in gardening activities can improve mood and promote feelings of happiness. The act of nurturing plants and being surrounded by nature can increase the production of serotonin.

Physical Exercise: Gardening involves physical activities like digging, planting, weeding, and watering, which can help reduce anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Gardening requires focus and attention, which can promote mindfulness and relaxation.

Sense of Achievement:

Growing plants and seeing them flourish can provide a great sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Social Interaction: Community gardening projects can provide social interaction and support, which are crucial for mental health. Sharing gardening tips, plants, and produce can create a sense of community and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Connection to Nature:

Spending time in nature has been linked to a decrease in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Gardening allows individuals to connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.

Therapeutic Benefits:

Horticultural therapy, which uses gardening as a therapeutic intervention, has been shown to help with the rehabilitation of individuals with mental health conditions, PTSD, and other psychological issues.

Vitamin D: Spending time outdoors gardening can increase exposure to sunlight, which boosts vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is important for mood regulation and overall mental health.

News from the Station Gym

With a huge focus on the welfare of our people at RAF Leeming, Station Commander Group Captain Paul Hamilton has been the driving force for supporting our people both physically and mentally, with the gymnasium being at the forefront.

In recent months the gymnasium has seen some major improvements driven by Sgt Luke Toner and his proactive PEd team. Improvements are looking great from PEd signage, renovations, paint work, new layout, air con, kit and equipment have all been positively commented on, receiving laudatory feedback.

£50,000 has been invested including the installation of the ‘First Competitive Crossfit Rig in the MOD’ putting Leeming on the map to become set for the ‘Home of Crossfit/Resilience’. Having the opportunity to hold training camps, resilience competitions and increase capacity for Leeming Crossfit regulars is a huge positive for the provision of welfare at Leeming. The rig comes fully equipped with 10 dip bars, 10 squat stations inclusive of 2 x rope climbs, 2 x gymnastic rings and 4 x landmines further enhancing opportunity to increase robustness and resilience via functional fitness. This money also included 2 x assault bike pro’s, 2 ski ergs, new 4 man cables machine, hamstring prone leg curl, olympic bumper plate sets x 2, olympic bars x 5 and benches x 8, prowler sledge inclusive of numbered astro-turf track.

£8,500 has been purchased for a biometric hand scanner which is soon to be installed. This will ensure that personnel, facilities and equipment are secured, safe and accounted for.

£2,500 has seen new furniture arrive in the pavilion via local improvement grant.

All gym equipment including that at 3 x satellite gyms have

£50,000 has been invested including the installation of the ‘First Competitive Crossfit Rig in the MOD’ putting Leeming on the map to become set for the ‘Home of Crossfit/Resilience’.

been fully serviced by contractor Pulse worth £15,000.

Gym refurbishments have been noticed by our members such as upholstery of gym kit, standard of cleanliness and equipment management.

Air condition is now usable in the weights room upstairs to improve much needed ventilation in the summer months.

Additionally, in the short term future, a further £10,000 is being provided from BAE in the form of WATT bikes that will not only enhance fitness testing for MPGS with the A3 Army WATT Bike test but to support future participation and opportunity in RAFA bike rides such as 100miles in Jun 24.

PED DRIVING WELFARE FOR OUR PEOPLE - DATES AND AWARENESS:

PEd has further supported mental health awareness with a Rugby Union game Versus Unicorns Charity.

Sports Day proved to be a real success in April. PEd and OIC Sports show cased what sports are available to participate in at RAF Leeming, including promotion of the new food strategy being driven across the MOD, healthier in mind and body.

The Golf Tag Scheme is now active for Apr – Oct 24. Gym members are encouraged to get involved by visiting the PEd Flt to purchase golf tags at £10 only per person, for a round of golf at Bedale.

CO’s Cup events last Thurs of every month May – Dec excluding August.

Lord Wakefield’s RAF Boxing in Oct, dates (TBC).

3G Football Pitch is ongoing date (TBC) but expectations are to be managed during a time were money is having to be utilised in priority order regarding welfare provisions. Execs are eager to support plans in the long term.

RAF Leeming New Food Offer

On 1 May 24, RAF Leeming Catering Team, made up of serving personnel and Aramark staff, launched the new dining offer.

Following the Haythornwaite Review, Vice Admiral Phil Hally, Chief of Defence People released a statement for both the new dining offer and what the aim is for the future. His intent is to make “specific recommendations on enhancing food quality and providing a better value customer experience” with “the next step in providing a ‘consumer grade experience’ will be to extend opening hours so that you can eat when it is convenient to you.  Commands will work with suppliers throughout 2024 to identify where opening times might best be extended”. What does that mean for you though?

The core and retail options no longer exist, all food is charged at cost price plus VAT, sometimes you may pay a bit more, but this is because the quality of the food, specifically proteins has improved. Other items will have reduced in price for example the cost of a cheese, onion, and pepper 3 egg omelette is now £1.24. Another positive is that you are only paying for what you put on your plate as opposed to a set price for core, so you’re not paying for a 3-course dinner when you don’t want one. The changes also benefit civil servants and contractors, no-one will pay an entitled or non-entitled rate anymore, meaning it is affordable for all. Mr Steve Wallace, Aramark

Catering Manager said, “I am very proud of the team who have worked side by side to deliver the new food offer and I am looking forward to delivering good quality and nutritious food to our customers”.

Aramark have produced new menus, following the recommended dietary information from DIO and the Defence Nutrition Advisory Service, creating a balanced menu, with themes and variety to suit all diners. The revamped baguette and bagel bar has been a great success, new fillings will be rotated in line with cyclic menus as well as cheesecakes, fresh fruit pots and smoothies. One satisfied customer said, “great to see the introduction of the fresh Bagels and Baguettes” with another saying, “my dining experience has been a positive change, I’m pleasantly surprised with the prices”.

Your feedback is important and very welcome, please utilise the comment book and cards located in the messes. If the food is good, please tell us and if you have had a negative experience, please tell us why and how we could improve. I’m sure the usual comments of, “it’s good now, but how long will it last” are making their way round the dining rooms, however, continue supporting the catering team and engage with us and you never know, we may even surprise you!

grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad, authentic Beef Masala, daily Omelette bar and hearty soups available at both lunch and dinner. They have been well

also enjoyed creating the new dishes. Cpl Ryan Green said, “I feel that the new menus and dishes offer a wider selection of food as well as promoting healthier options”.

RAF Leeming Flight Lieutenant is First in Service to receive 3rd Clasp to Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Army)

Marking an incredible 45 years and 191 days of serving his country with the Army and Royal Air Force, it was only fitting that Flight Lieutenant Andy Cornes was presented with the first in service third clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Army), by the Chief of the Air Staff.

The remarkable achievement – ironically by an RAF officer – is believed by the Medals Office to be the first achieved through service and the third ever presented. Previous awards were presented on an Honorary basis to Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In a career dating back to basic infantry training with the Royal Irish Rangers in 1978, Andy served as a jungle training instructor in

Belize before rebadging to the Army Air Corps as an airgunner. Gaining his pilot wings in 1988, he was the first student ever to claim the hat trick of Bob Bowls trophy for best student, Smithson Trophy for the best fixed wing student

and Blackwood Trophy for best exam results.

Divided almost equally between the Army and RAF, Flt Lt Cornes’s career included operational tours of Northern Ireland, the Balkans, the Falklands, Irag and Afghanistan. He has ferried personnel to and from Baghdad’s green zone under cover of dark, flown politicians and royalty in aircraft including lynx, defender and puma. To say he has a tale or two would be an understatement.

Andy’s final decade of Full Time Reserve service has been as a key member of the Flight Safety Team, putting his vast knowledge and experience to good use in developing RAF Leeming’s error management system.

He said: “I’ve absolutely loved my life in the military. I’ve loved everything about it – it has provided my family with everything we have, and I’m very proud of that. From charity events to my last operational tour in Afghanistan, I was doing what I trained to do, and I loved that. It’s been great to see how the UK have worked with other countries, and I’ve met some great people.”

Life at a slightly slower pace now beckons, although Andy and his wife Valerie are kept busy with their three grandchildren, and he’s very partial to a round of golf.

He said: “I couldn’t have met anyone better. It was never easy to say goodbye when I went away, but she’s a very special lady.”

RAF personnel celebrate WO Tom Carter’s 100th Birthday

On Sat 30 March Sgt Al Waring SNCO Ceremonial, Flt Sgt Anthony Rothery (90 SU), Cpl Israyal Johnson (RAF Stafford), AS1(T) Daniella Parziale, and AS1(T) James Burford (90 SU) attended the 100th Birthday celebration of WO Thomas “Tom” Carter in Lytham St Annes.

WO Carter entered teacher training college in St Mary’s Twickenham in 1941. But when he turned 18 he was eligible to join up with the RAF full-time and applied to be a Navigator.

WO Carter had been in the Air Auxiliary before that. WO Carter sailed over to the US for training on the Queen Elizabeth ship after she had been converted as a troop ship during the war, and he later came back on the Queen Mary. He arrived in New York and went up to the Great Lakes (in Canada) to learn to fly

on the Lancaster’s. He used to say he wondered if any of the bullets they fired at the frozen lakes ricocheted and caused damage (to person or property!)?!

Anyway, after training he then went back to the UK and was stationed in various bases in east Anglia. WO Carter spent a lot of time in RAF North Luffenham and he was also at RAF Lakenheath). WO Carter and his generation do not talk a lot about their experiences during the War however one of the most interesting story he told is that the Lancaster’s had four engines and sometimes one might fail

(or be damaged after being shot at, etc.) – this meant the other engines would have to work harder to support the plane. And then if another one failed, then the remaining two would struggle to keep going, and may overheat and or even catch fire and potentially explode the plane. On one trip, his good friend, with a last name of Carper (close to his of Carter) was flying on another plane. Each were selected for their planes based on their last names; coming back from a mission his friend’s plane suddenly caught fire and exploded, over England. If his last name had a P in it instead of

Joe Gresty Receives BAE Safety Award

Joe Gresty from the Met Office received a safety award from BAE that was presented by the RAF Leeming acting Stn Cdr, Wg Cdr Abdallah.

CITATION:

Joe notified the Executive Flying Supervisor of deteriorating met conditions. His prompt action enabled the supervisor to stop an instructor with a white instrument rating launching in conditions that had become too bad for him to recover to the airfield. Joe’s

knowledge of the customer’s operating limits allowed him to take swift action which prevented an aircraft diverting with the associated extra engineering work and impact on the flying programme just before the Squadron was due to deploy to RAF Leuchars. Well done Joe!

the T, he felt he would have been on that plane!

WO Carter also served in the Middle East at RAF Sharjah in the UAE flying Dakotas as well as India during the troubles related to independence and even saw Ghandi on one occasion. He also contracted dysentery in India, was very sick for a while and told to eat simple food afterwards. WO Carter also made it to the far east serving in Malaya and Singapore.

WO Carter left the RAF in 1946 and returned to his teacher training, where he graduated in 1948.

Yorkshire UAS News

YUAS has been incredibly busy lately. The squadron has attended various events throughout the year, including the 55 Course induction in Windermere, the 740-year-old Ceremony of the Keys in London, visiting Arnhem to study Operation Market Garden and Easter Camp. YUAS throughout this time has engaged with our wider RAF community and made the most of the wide variety of trips and experiences offered by the Royal Air Force.

Induction took place in late February of this year. It was an opportunity for the students to engage with the breadth of activities and experiences that the squadron offers.

Students continually pushed their boundaries. Broken into three groups, they explored the sweeping valleys, peaks, fells and contours of Windermere and Ullswater on foot, by bike and on the rock face. They were also provided with an opportunity to abseil the cathedral cave (an awe-inspiring 120 ft!). One of the

main goals of the camp was to educate the students on military life. As such, the morning Met briefs were a significant part of the camp. In these briefs the students learnt about weather conditions in the mountainous terrain and how best to prepare for any eventuality, should the worst happen.

More recently, YUAS members have attended the 740-year-old Ceremony of the Keys in London. This is a private event at the Tower of London, held by the Chief Yeoman Warder, that involves the locking of the main castle gates. This was a privilege for all students attending. Along the

way, students appeared at the RAF club located at 128 Piccadilly, a prestige club for Officers and their families, and the Imperial War Museum. Both visits provided invaluable insights into military history, tradition and values.

At the start of April YUAS students visited the Netherlands and Belgium. This included a trip to Arnhem. Of interest to the squadron was the World War II Operation Market Garden. Despite the 1st Airborne Division’s show of fealty and courage, all but one British battalion reached Arnhem. In the end operation Market Garden was thwarted and the students analysed the specific reasons for its failure. The students followed the steps of the brave servicemen, tracing the operation’s 65-mile route and stopping at key locations along the way. Their research was then presented on-site in twentyminute stands, allowing the students to develop their public speaking, with the opportunity to debate the most important factor for the operations failure afterwards.

Finally, Easter Camp was the pinnacle of YUAS’ ability to

introduce students into RAF lifestyle and training. The week mirrored elements of Officer training with OASCstyle tasks such as leaderless exercises, aptitude tests, leadership exercises and interviews. The students woke up early, cleaned, polished and ironed. OC Shuttleworth was quoted as saying “The week was an insightful experience, allowing us to learn about our strengths and weaknesses, it was a massive help in preparation for OASC and phase 1 training”.

Elsewhere staff have been taken away to support Ops and coupled

with establishment challenges across the unit, YUAS are proud that we are able to offer the breadth of perspective, personal and professional development to the students that we currently do. The Sqn looks forward to its major annual leadership in Jun and continual engagement across the RAF and station and appreciates the support given by all at Leeming.

NUAS News

The barriers of our recent runway closure and unlucky weather hasn’t stopped the determination of our students! It has been great to see so many regular flyers continue working their way through the syllabus, along with the new freshers starting their flying journey by completing their FAMIL sortie. Of course, flying is not the only thing that happens on NUAS and students have found many ways to keep themselves busy during this exam period – perhaps a good break from revision?

A Bright Future for NUAS Firstly, congratulations to all those who have been awarded an extension of service, we’re thrilled to continue into next year with so many skilled and determined students! We also send out commemorations to Officer Cadets Will “Fridge” Garner (senior student), Archie Robinson, Zak Travers, and Harvey “Scrabble” Varazinskis for being selected as NUAS’ team of APO’s for next academic year, well done all!

BERLIN

WINDSURFING

Was it cold? Yes. Was it fun? Absolutely! Officer Cadet Jake Smith, a qualified windsurfing instructor, organised a day of windsurfing for other students. The day was comprised of lessons aimed to teach beginners how to get on and into the safe position,

the windsurfing position, downwind turns, and upwind turns. A very windy morning took our students by surprise, but by the afternoon many were doing 360° spins with the sail! Since the day was aimed at all skill levels, it gave our students with no

by Off Cdt Adam Rogers

Our annual continental Europe Force Development trip saw 10 of our students visiting the city of Berlin from 18th to the 22nd of March. Visits to museums and historical locations gave the students a deeper understanding of how Berlin changed throughout the 20th century. Focal points included WW2 and

previous experience an amazing opportunity to learn the starting skills needed to progress further. The next lesson has already been arranged for the 29th of May, allowing even more novice and experienced windsurfers to get in on the action.

the Cold War. One student who attended described the trip in the following way:

“The aim of the trip was to learn about the major political events surrounding the rise and fall of the Nazi party in Germany and look at life in Berlin during the Cold War with a particular focus on the Berlin Airlift. Students learned about these events in great detail and were able to demonstrate skills in public speaking and leadership through completing the exercise.” A fantastic and character developing opportunity for all of those involved!

Officer Cadet Will Garner travelled to Sicily in March as the NUAS nominee for the Canadian led International Forum for Peace, Security, and Prosperity Symposium. He joined nominees from the other university air squadrons in workshops, discussion panels, and engaging lectures featuring academics from world institutions. Every moment was a chance to learn and grow, giving students a unique perspective of the maintenance of peace, the importance of international law, and how world institutions play their part. They were also offered unique opportunities to weave connections and foster international relations with

Officer Cadets from around the globe, including but not limited to the United States, Kosovo, Ukraine, South Africa, Germany, Canada, Romania, Poland, and Hungary. We express our gratitude to all the event organizers for being welcoming to our arrival and taking a student from each UAS onboard.

Some of our students took a right beating on the 28th of April in the Adrenaline Shock race! We would like to congratulate all those who took part as they opted to race in the 10km course. Trenching through mud, vaulting over obstacles, climbing up ropes and crawling in confined spaces; all whilst racing and pacing yourself over a 10km

distance is not an easy task. It proved a challenging test for grit and determination.

Amongst a very competitive field, we would especially like to congratulate Officer Cadet Rhys Page for making the incredible achievement of coming in first place, winning the race in under one hour!

On the very same day as the Adrenaline Shock race, the other half of NUAS attended the annual ANZAC ceremony and parade. This service commemorates the members of the Australia and New Zealand Army Air Corps buried in a quiet corner of Northumberland whilst they served for the United Kingdom. It is important to remember all who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, especially those who

fought and died a long distance from home, so far away from their friends, family, and loved ones.

We thanked all those who served by joining in their remembrance: laying wreaths, saying a reading, and doing drill. We and the organisers are thankful for the large number of volunteers from NUAS for attending and showing their respects during such a ceremony.

ANZAC CEREMONY

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The Rise of State Boarding Schools: A Solution Amidst the VAT Debate

As the UK faces debates over potential VAT imposition on private school fees, the independent education sector anticipates significant impacts. Removal of the VAT exemption could burden families with increased costs, potentially limiting access to private education. Amidst these concerns, state boarding schools emerge as a viable alternative for forces families.

State boarding schools offer comparable education to independent counterparts at a fraction of the cost. With government subsidies, they provide academic excellence in a supportive boarding environment, appealing to families seeking quality education without hefty fees.

As Director of Boarding at The Thomas Adams School in Shropshire, Lee Irwin knows that the landscape is changing “One of the primary benefits of state boarding schools is their affordability. With tuition fees subsidised by the government, state boarding schools offer an excellent education at significantly lower costs than private schools. This affordability opens up access to boarding education to a wider range of students, irrespective of their financial background. With the CEF, boarding for forces families, can be as little as £10 per day. Our reputation of being the ‘Biggest Family in Shropshire’, is one we are justifiably proud of. Forces parents who entrust us to deliver outstanding pastoral care in their absence are never disappointed”

In conclusion, while VAT on school fees poses challenges, state boarding schools offer a solution by providing affordable, inclusive, and academically excellent education. As debates unfold, it’s vital to prioritise equal opportunities for all students, regardless of financial background.

For more information about the benefits of state boarding, please visit our website: www.thomasadams.net

RAF Leeming Saddle Club

Passion, perseverance, with a dash of determination!

Since as far back as I can remember, horses have held a special place in my heart. There’s something about these magnificent creatures that draws me in; a world of intricate communication in two languages, commitment, empathy, and hard graft! Through this, a bond is formed, grounded in trust and understanding, allowing us to work together seamlessly as one unit. Horses, much like people, each have their own unique personalities. The individuals you surround yourself with can greatly impact your day and shape your experiences. Engaging in a sport with like-minded individuals is rewarding, but doing so with fellow service members who share the same mindset is truly something special! Each one of us brings a unique quality to the team, whether it’s our military camaraderie, our quirky sense of humour, or our drive for self-improvement - we always encourage and support each other.

Enter dressage, a relatively young addition to the military sports scene. This art form involves training a horse to be obedient, flexible, and balanced, essentially turning them into a

graceful gymnast with just the subtlest cues from the rider’s body. Easy, right? On the 11th of March, a group of RAF personnel from various locations across the country (three of us from Leeming) gathered at Western Lawns Equestrian Centre for the RAF Dressage team selection for 2024 season. We were all there with one goal in mind - to secure a spot on the prestigious team.

The day kicked off bright and early for me and my dancing partner, Betty. It was our first time away from home overnight as a partnership, and I was determined to make it a smooth and stress-free experience for her. Betty, a former racehorse, has been quite the project to retrain. She’s got her quirks, and I’ve had to learn to navigate them with patience and imagination. Slowly but surely, we’ve been working on reshaping her mindset from speed demon to graceful performer. Betty thrives on kindness and patience, and did I mention patience?

As competition day loomed, I had no illusions of a working partnership with Betty, and the thought of competing seemed like a far-fetched dream. Despite my initial doubts, a pep talk from our coach and the unwavering support from my team members gave me the courage to give it a shot.

Today was a small victory as Betty willingly boarded the horsebox, unaware of the hard work that awaited her in the coming days. We arrived at Western Lawns in the afternoon, giving us time to settle in, find our groove, and unwind before the chaos descends. Betty relished in meeting her fellow equine companions and soaking in the tranquil surroundings. That was until Our team Coach Sam Whyley arrived and our training began at 1600!

The next day dawned, and I did my best to stick to Betty’s usual routine minus her usual turnout. She seemed content munching on her haynet, unfazed by the change in scenery. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, with heavy rain pounding down on the outdoor arena at Western Lawns. The team at the centre were understanding of our predicament, and our coach, sensing our disappointment, graciously pushed back our start times to later in the day. With a few hours to spare, we embarked on a shopping trip to the local tack shop, stocking up on essentials before heading back to WL.

’’

Upon our return, we dove straight into the tightly scheduled training sessions set by the Dressage Coordinators FS Mel Day and Sgt Kerry Norgate for the day. Before I knew it, it was our turn to step into the arena. My group included Squadron Leader Katie Blackett and Corporal Aly Gainsford, both seasoned riders. However, Betty seemed less than thrilled about the proceedings. The unfamiliar surroundings, the hum of machinery nearby as they resurface the adjoining arena, and the presence of other horses seemed to overwhelm her. And so, the tantrums began.

Despite Betty’s initial resistance, we persevered through a series of training exercises throughout the day, under the patient guidance of our coach. At times, we had to step out of the arena to focus on groundwork and allow Betty to release her excess energy. However, despite our efforts, Betty continued to exhibit inconsistent behaviour, showing little calmness or willingness to listen. I had been struggling with Betty for some time, and I found myself feeling disheartened and hopeless. I began to fear that our partnership had reached its end,

Lou & Betty

The team, Left to right AS1 Alison Gainsford, Sgt Alison Spencer, Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett, FS Mel Day (Coord), Mounted on Grand Prix steed TREMADOC Coach Sam Whyley, Sgt Kerry Norgate, AS1 (T) Holly Brown, Cpl Louise Charlton, Sqn Ldr Rosie Whitwham. Missing WO Soul Vine.

and our story was coming to a close.

Day 4 was set to feature an actual affiliated competition, and with our current state, the idea of riding down centreline in just three days seemed impossible. The support and encouragement from those around me were unwavering, with everyone offering help and enthusiasm. As competition day loomed, I had no illusions of a working partnership with Betty, and the thought of competing seemed like a far-fetched dream. Despite my initial doubts, a pep talk from our coach and the unwavering support from my team members gave me the courage to give it a shot.

On the morning of the competition, I took Betty for a calming walk before the bustling activity at Western Lawns began. With nerves churning in my stomach, I saddled up Betty and headed to the warm-up arena. As we began our warm-up routine, Betty initially resisted, but with firm encouragement, she started to respond. The team coach stood by, guiding us through the warm-up process. When the steward called my name, we made our way to the competition arena. As Betty tensed beneath me, I kept her focused by manoeuvring her along the edge of the arena.

As the bell rang, we entered the arena, and I held my breath throughout the entire fourminute test. Despite a few rough moments, we managed to complete the test. As I saluted and dropped the reins, the cheers and applause from my team filled the air. We had finally found our rhythm as a partnership, not because I believed in us, but out of sheer determination not to let my team down. We received a respectable qualifying score of 60% and secured a 3rd place finish - a testament to the support and camaraderie that carried us through.

Cpl Louise Charlton Logs Supply Sqn RAF Leeming

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ENRICHING THE EXPERIENCE OF MILITARY CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in York is home to approximately 340 Forces students on a campus of around 1300 students. As Principal, Dan Machin, states, “As military children represent a quarter of the student population onsite, it is incredibly important that our school offers enriching experiences and supportive services that help our campus to feel like a home away from home, one that truly benefits our Forces students as a whole.”

This is why, the school offer various initiatives and clubs to ensure the military students feel both part of the community and fully supported throughout their time here. For our younger Forces students, we have our Forces Club, which is run by veteran, Danny Abdy, who draws on his experience of serving in the army for 25 years and in working with organisations including SSAFA, Barnardo’s, and the Army Cadet Force. As he describes, “Our Forces Club is about being able to share the experiences of being connected to the military community and allowing the military children to have an identity and support network whilst having fun. Each week, our activities use the military values of courage, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment to support the development of transferable life skills. We always take time to ‘check in’ on how the children are doing before beginning the teambuilding challenges and always finish by ‘checking out’ and reflecting on how the games went, as a way of empowering our members.”

“Our Forces Club is about being able to share the experiences of being connected to the military community and allowing the military children to have an identity and support network whilst having fun”

To find out more about Forces support at QE, visit www.qe.org.

From Year 8 onwards, all students can join our Combined Cadet Force, which enriches the students through opportunities that develop leadership and team-building skills through challenging training activities including drills, parades, marksmanship, orienteering, command tasks, flying, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and adventure training. As former QE CCF Regiment Sergeant and Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire, Hannah, says, ““Through the CCF programme, I gained new experiences which I would not have been able to participate in otherwise. I spent nights in the forest tucked into a sleeping bag whilst my closest friends were next to me, and owls were howling above, cooking my ration packs in the morning and trading an all-day breakfast for a bowl of muesli. I attended amazing events like the King’s Coronation concert and met Their Majesty’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort. I also had the opportunity to enrol on a CVQO Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development and was nominated for the CVQO Westminster Award. I would definitely encourage others to get involved with all the opportunities in CCF.”