Please send all articles to: ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk
Deadline date for the next issue: 12th May 2025
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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
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STATION COMMANDER’S
FOREWORD
Gp Capt Sarah Moorehead
The last few months seem like they have flown by and this is a reflection of both the pace and volume of activities that have taken place at Odiham and that the Chinook Force have been supporting at home and abroad. Already 2025 looks busy, with demand for Chinook remaining high, but there is lots to remain optimistic about.
We have now kicked off our formal programme of activity to celebrate Odiham 100; 100 years of aviation at this site. A collaborative approach with community at the centre we will seek to celebrate and ensure that there is a lasting legacy. We’ve already launched Odiham in Bloom, we’ve got boxing, box kart race, parade, Promise & Fulfil awards to recognise our people, lots of social media engagement connecting with personnel who have served or have a connection to the base over the last 100 years and lots lots more. Keep your eyes on the social channels and get involved!
During my last introduction I signposted the quality of our personnel, I continue to be impressed and our personnel have been recognised widely whether through the New Years Honours List and State awards or team commendations, success rates at recent promotion boards or those selected to represent the Service in representative sport. Well done to all and a
thank you to our wider family who has supported and enabled our personnel to achieve all that they have.
Finally, we are heading towards a big period of change for the unit. We remain on track to transition back into the RAF on 1 Apr and have seen visits and coordination to support that transition and investment in the unit infrastructure to ensure that we can continue to operate at the highest levels delivering Defence output. Shortly thereafter we will be saying a fond farewell to our Force Commander, Gp Capt Matt Roberts, who has been a stalwart of the Force and RAF Odiham for over 20 years, he and his family have given so much and he has personally worked tirelessly to remove impediments and drive the Force forwards to betterment securing investment along the way. Enjoy reading his reflections of his time at Odiham. We all wish him and his family well on their next adventure and the future ahead.
FORCE COMMANDER’S
FOREWORD
Gp Capt Matt Roberts
Dear All,
It is with a great deal of pride and not a little sadness that I am penning my last Helicon submission as Chinook Force Commander, it has gone by too fast. In April I will be handing over to Gp Capt Hannah Bishop, who is taking command following a tour in 11 Group at HQ Air Command. Prior to that, Hannah commanded 28 Sqn at RAF Benson and has completed multiple tours on the front line here at Odiham.
There are so many reasons why the last 18 months has gone by so swiftly, the main one being the incredible levels of effort from the Force over the entire period. This started way back in 2023 and almost coincided with my arrival when we were sent forward to be ready to assist with the earthquake relief efforts in North Africa. The terrible events of October in Israel then created huge instability in the Middle East, so once again we were on heighted alert – projecting forward to Cyprus for long periods of time to be closer to Lebanon if the need to evacuate British Nationals arose.
Add to this the ongoing commitments of the Chinook Force to UK homeland security and global world-wide readiness and it’s not hard to see just how important a capability this incredible Force and Station is. I deliberately use the words ‘Force & Station’ because it’s not the helicopter itself that makes the capability – its all of you, service people and those at home supporting them. I know from my own family’s experience here that that support is essential, and not always easy – so a massive thank you from me to you for
whatever role you have played in Odiham’s story.
There have also been huge changes. The arrival of a new Stn Cdr as part of the Airbase Airwing model, and by the time this article is published we will be on the cusp of returning the Station to 2 Gp Royal Air Force after nearly 25 years as part of the Army. This is hugely welcomed, uniting as it does the full command of our people with those responsible for its maintenance. In terms of immediate change the spades should be in the ground this summer for a much expanded and revamped Welfare Centre, and of course the new MultiUse Games area paid for by the RAF Central Fund is a reminder of where our future lies. Longer term I know we will be far better off.
They say people either love Odiham or hate it. Whilst at points over the last 22 years it has occasionally frustrated, bewildered and surprised me, I can tell you that I love it. The thought of not working here again is deeply saddening, not for its location, activity or amazing helicopters, but because of you, the incredible people I have met on this journey.
I wish you all the very best and whether Serving or supporting, military or Civil Servant, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have given to a Force that has always been there for our troops – there is no higher calling.
18 Squadron Engineers Visit the Imperial War Museum London
Engineers from 18 Squadron recently visited the Imperial War Museum London, taking time to explore its extensive exhibits on military history. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on past conflicts and the sacrifices made by those who served.
One of the most poignant sections was the Afghanistan exhibit. Some of the personnel had been deployed to Afghanistan, and seeing the artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts from the conflict was an emotional experience. The exhibit highlighted the challenges faced during the campaign and served as a reminder of the dedication and bravery of those who took part. For some, it was a deeply personal moment, bringing back memories of deployments and the realities of service in a warzone.
Equally hard-hitting was the Holocaust exhibit. The collection of survivor testimonies, historical footage, and personal belongings of victims provided a powerful and unsettling insight into one of history’s darkest periods. Walking through the exhibit, the scale of human suffering was overwhelming, reinforcing the importance of remembering these atrocities to ensure they are never repeated. The exhibit left a lasting impression on us, who found it a sobering but necessary experience.
The visit to the museum was both educational and deeply moving. It not only reinforced the importance of history in understanding modern conflicts but also served as a moment of reflection on the impact of war. For us, it was a day that we will remember for years to come. I would highly recommend an FD day to the IWM.
Sgt Nathan Nichols-Elton
MBE for the Community Development Officer
Mrs Neal has been committed to delivering Community Support Services for over 17 years, providing support to RAF Odiham personnel as the Community Development Officer in her current role. Throughout, the Chinook Force has sustained a high tempo of operations, this, combined with the inevitable challenges of the Service families’ estate, have made her role critical to the welfare and cohesion of the RAF Odiham family..
Dedicated to integrating families into the community, forging strong links with local organisations, nurseries and schools, ensuring childcare solutions for families and assisting children into their first choice of school. Covering
additional positions within the Station’s welfare team to ensure support to families has not been affected by workforce challenges, she fulfilled the role of Housing Officer for an extended period, working tirelessly to achieve resolutions to complex housing issues. She has supported Service personnel and their families through more than 3,000 deployments, selflessly working long hours and into the weekends to provide family welfare packages, deployment dinners, and countless family activities. Key to initiating changes to funding policy, affording families greater flexibility in spending time together for deployment days out.
Providing community support for the 1700 RAF
Odiham Service personnel, Mrs Neal has led on numerous community projects from Jubilee and Coronation competitions and celebrations, to ‘Camouflage Days’ for schools, benefiting thousands of local children, including those of serving personnel. Mrs Neal has ensured continuity for children when parents are deployed through the youth setting. She secured considerable funds for community and welfare provision at RAF Odiham, through establishing and maintaining close links with Service charities, improving the lived experience across the community.
Her contribution is more remarkable for the fact she is
herself married to a member of the Chinook Force’s aircrew fraternity; her indefatigable support has often been against the backdrop of her family’s own deployment separation. A truly outstanding commitment to supporting the families of our Service personnel.
Bastille Festival Reading 2025
Historia Normannis Reading Reenactment Group
• Baroque Music • French Can-Can • French Artists • French Produce • Wine Tasting • Great Food • Family Activities • and More...
Bastille Day remembers the storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789, to release political prisoners who had been locked up under the rule of King Louis XVI. Bastille Day marks the beginning of the French Revolution.
will be arranging an
Bastille Festival Reading 2025
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July from 11am at the Forbury Gardens Free &Activities MarketFrench
Join us for a weekend of fun, relaxation and Forbury Gardens, Reading for the Bastille Day Festival!
Bring the whole family on a cultural journey, with music , food and historical reenactments
at www.bastilledayreading.co.uk
An award-winning, co-educational day and boarding school set within 220 acres outside York. Its four schools, welcomes children aged 3 months to 19 years.
facilities & trips
We support RAF Odiham
Bastille Festival Organiser, Vincent Valère
Easter Market in April. Find out more
Applications Now Open for BFBS Academy’s Fully Funded Production Managers Course: Supporting Veterans and Service Leavers in Career Transition
BFBS Academy is excited to launch the application process for its prestigious Production Managers Course, now in its fourth year of empowering service leavers and veterans with new career opportunities.
This fully funded programme equips participants with the skills needed to thrive in one of the media industry’s key roles. Graduates will earn a UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries.
As part of BFBS (British Forces
Broadcasting Service), a military charity and media organisation, BFBS Academy is dedicated to helping veterans and service leavers transition into creative media careers by offering practical training, valuable experience, and recognised qualifications.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Running for eight months from September 2025, the course is hosted at BFBS’s headquarters in Chalfont St Peter. Designed for individuals with an interest in media, it offers an opportunity
to apply their existing skills to a dynamic new field.
No prior experience in the media industry is required for this course, which combines valuable practical knowledge with placements to connect participants directly to the media sector. Starting at entry-level, students will gain hands-on expertise and develop the skills needed to progress through various production roles, ultimately preparing them for positions such as Production Coordinator and Production Manager.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
To ease the transition, BFBS covers all course fees and provides a £10,400 tax-free bursary over eight months to support living costs and accommodation.
WORK PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Participants gain invaluable industry experience through a minimum of four weeks of work placements with leading media companies. Over the years, BFBS has provided placements within its own organisation, as well as with renowned industry leaders such as Fremantle UK and All3Media.
EXPERT-LED INSTRUCTION AND COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES
The programme is delivered by experienced professionals specialising in areas such as production management, scripting, postproduction, TV production, radio, and audio technologies.
BFBS Academy welcomes everyone. Our facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and we support students with injuries or disabilities in all learning spaces. All equipment, including laptops and broadcast-standard tools, is supplied.
KEY APPLICATION DETAILS
• Applications open: January 20th, 2025
• Deadline: Friday 11th April, 2025
• Spaces are limited
• No age restrictions
• Applicants need GCSE English and Maths (A*–C or equivalent)
• A personal statement and CV are required
• To apply, visit: academy.bfbs. com/pmcourse
Holding aircrew and flight operations personnel from RAF Odiham visit HMS Prince of Wales
In early February, a small contingent of holding aircrew and flight operations personnel from RAF Odiham organised a visit to HMNB Portsmouth to see the HMS Prince of Wales. This is prior to its deployment in April on Ex Talisman Sabre, the first time a Queen Elizabeth Class ship will dock in Australia. Personnel were given a tour of the ship and spoke to members of the crew about its various capabilities. Highlights were visits to the hangar, bridge, control tower and the operations room. This gave a valuable insight into what the carrier is capable of, how it and its sister ship contribute to defence, and how the RAF and the chinook fit into its mission when deployed on board. One of the challenges discussed was balancing daily air operations and the overall objective of sailing to the next destination. Tours of flight planning and the facilities available to squadrons when embarked, gave a greater understanding as to what personnel can expect when working with and on board the ship.
The sheer size of the ship and crew was evident, and the various aspects and challenges of deploying and living onboard were discussed throughout the day. From emergency handling and the additional responsibilities each crewmember holds, to working and living in such proximity to other people. Lunch was had at one of the three messes onboard, and the visitors enjoyed the hospitality provided before the visit was concluded with a tour of the accommodation. The ship becomes home for the crew throughout their time onboard, even when alongside in port. The visit was a great opportunity and insight for those who may end up spending time on board later in their careers.
RAF Festival of Sea Angling 2025 12th - 16th May at RAF Valley. This is open to all levels and abilities that would like to experience competitive Sea Angling. Duty Status and kit available.
Anyone interested please contact your Station Clubs or Sgt Lee Brackenbury – RAF Cosford Lee.brackenbury100@mod.gov.uk
WE OFFER ALL RAF PERSONNEL A FREE SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP AND DISCOUNTED PLAYING MEMBERSHIPS. JOIN US NOW!
JUST SCAN THE QR CODE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Under The Disc
A newly formed group led by RAF Odiham to unite serving and ex-serving personnel who have worked closely with the Chinook Force.
Under The Disc aims to bring together current and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces who are working or have previously worked closely with the Chinook Force. The aim is to reconnect, socialise, and most importantly remain part of the Chinook family!
Upcoming events for Veterans include Odiham 100 Parade 27 Jun, here Veterans will march in a dedicated Flight alongside current serving members from RAF Odiham. There will also be the opportunity to attend Odiham Families Day on 25 Jul. Watch this space and the Under The Disc FB page for further details and other upcoming events.
To become a member, please send your name, email address and details of your affiliation with the Chinook Force to the team. Contact email: ODI-UnderThe Disc@mod.gov.uk
Veterans’ Lunch 2024
On Tuesday 3rd December 2024, RAF Odiham hosted 85 veterans from across the local area for the annual Christmas Lunch.
Serving personnel and Civil servants volunteered their services in the OM to serve those who came before us.
Group Sarah Moorehead opened the afternoon of festivities by welcoming our guests, followed by grace from Sqn Leader Philip Rea.
With many stories and memories to chat about, members of the whole force joined the veterans to enjoy an exceptional three course meal provided by the catering flight at Station.
Inspiring Young Minds:
Robert May’s School Students take on RAF Odiham with the Jon Egging Trust
The Jon Egging Trust (JET), established in memory of Red Arrows pilot Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, is dedicated to supporting young people in overcoming adversity and achieving their full potential.
Through accredited learning programmes, the Trust aims to develop young people’s work and life skills by providing positive role models and engaging experiences linked to aviation, engineering, and science. The programme is a three-year commitment from school year 8 to year 10. In the first year, Blue Skies 1, students focus on teamwork, communication, and confidence-building, Blue Skies 2 develops leadership skills and resilience through more challenging activities and Blue Skies 3 emphasises employability skills, preparing students for future careers and further education. Each stage builds on the previous one, helping students develop essential life and workplace skills.
As part of the ongoing collaboration between The John Egging trust and RAF Odiham, Blue Skies 1 students from Robert May’s school recently took part in a fun and engaging day of team building activities on
station. The event was designed to build teamwork, resilience, and critical thinking skills among the youngsters.
The day kicked off with an ice-breaking exercise, helping the students get to know each other and build trust, an essential skill for what was to come. The rest of the morning was spent on the Low Ropes course at TDF. This challenging, yet fun activity encouraged them to support and communicate with one another as they navigated tricky obstacles close to the ground promoting trust and communication as they worked together to overcome each hurdle.
Adding a creative twist to the day’s events, the students also engaged in a LEGO SPIKE robot building session, supported by the station STEM team. This handson activity combined the fun of LEGO construction with elements of robotics and programming, encouraging students to think critically and collaboratively. The LEGO SPIKE Prime set is known for
its educational value, blending the familiar aspects of LEGO building with the introduction of coding principles, thereby enhancing students understanding of STEM concepts.
This visit follows another inspiring JET event at RAF Odiham, where students from Trafalgar School in Portsmouth took on a bridge-building challenge using just straws. The Blue Skies 2 students in this case, had to
design and build structures strong enough to hold various weighted balls, and with other criteria, with points awarded for creativity and design, proving that big ideas can come from even the simplest materials. These students were then hosted by RAF Odiham Fire Section where they had the opportunity to look around the firefighting equipment and play with the various equipment, before competing in a “dummy drag” relay race.
This collaboration with local schools and RAF Odiham exemplifies the Trust’s commitment to inspiring the next generation. By immersing students in dynamic and educational activities, the partnership not only honours Jon Egging’s legacy but also equips young individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate their futures successfully.
For more information on supporting RAF Odiham’s commitment to the JET please contact either Flt Lt Lucas Baldwin (lucas. baldwin162@mod.gov. uk) or FS Al Huish (alan. huish969@mod.gov.uk).
TO SIGN UP TO ANY OF THE ABOVE EVENTS, GO TO: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/JETchallengeevents2025
SIGN UP Reading: https://www.endure24.co.uk/ endure24-2025/reading/
SIGN UP Leeds: https://www.endure24.co.uk/ endure24-2025/leeds/ www.joneggingtrust.org.uk/donate/
Ranked in the top 5% of schools nationally, students make outstanding progress at GCSE - over two-thirds a grade above national average. 95% of students progressed to university - 40% of which were Oxbridge and Russell Group. Students benefit from excellent teaching, a comprehensive curriculum, and a vast breadth of opportunities beyond the classroom. The boarding school, open to 11-18-year-olds, prides itself on offering outstanding pastoral care, ensuring students feel relaxed and happy in their home away from home. www.doyrms.com
Fleet & District CARNIVAL
Saturday 5th July 2025
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs National Park, The Three Horseshoes is a dog-friendly, charming country pub offering relaxed drinking and delicious dining to guests of all ages. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, it serves hearty favourites and comforting classics made from the finest locally sourced British produce. The ever-changing Specials board keeps things fresh, featuring popular offers like “Kids Eat Free”, while the generously portioned Sunday lunches are in high demand.
Recognized for excellence in beer-keeping with Fuller’s Master Cellarman’s Certificate, the bar is stocked with some of the UK’s best ales, alongside Guinness, lagers, and an extensive selection of wines and spirits. All can be enjoyed in the charming, walled secret garden or in front of a crackling log fire.
Conveniently located between London and Southampton, The Three Horseshoes is in East Worldham, just five minutes outside the historic market town of Alton and a mile from the Worldham Golf and Padel Tennis Club. With its warm, welcoming, friendly atmosphere, well stocked bar and excellent, unpretentious, homecooked food, this is the type of pub you’ll struggle to leave.
Mark, Alison, and the team team look forward to giving you a warm Worldham welcome soon!
Calthorpe Park Playing fields, GU51 4AB
Farnborough is the Birthplace of British Aviation
The FAST Museum, adjacent to Farnborough airfield, holds a collection of aircraft (actual and model), satellites, simulators and other priceless material related to Farnborough’s world-famous Royal Aircraft Establishment. Visit us to see displays of unique once top-secret aviation technology, innovations that were world-leading in the 20th century. Try your hand at our flight simulators – be a Top Gun or a Concorde pilot for the day. See a range of aircraft and cockpits – you may get a chance to sit in one. Marvel at the full scale replica of British Army Aircraft No 1A, the first man-carrying powered aircraft to fly in the UK in 1908.
Visit the historic wind tunnels that were crucial to Britain’s world lead in aerodynamic research in the mid 20th century. Examine close up the human centrifuge, used to train RAF fighter pilots, and a unique and impressive example of 1950’s British Engineering. Tours of both attractions can be prebooked through FAST.
See www.airsciences.org.uk for more information
The FAST Museum is open every weekend and bank holiday Mondays | Opening times 10.00am-4.00pm MUSEUM ENTRANCE FREE • Donations welcome • Wind tunnel and centrifuge tours subject to charge. FAST MUSEUM, Trenchard House, 85 Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 6TF www.airsciences.org.uk | enquiries: secretary@airsciences.org.uk | Tel: 01252 375050
The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST), a registered charity, was founded in 1993 to preserve and promote Farnborough’s priceless aeronautical heritage – an important educational resource and an internationally significant part of Britain’s scientific progress. Apart from preserving priceless artefacts related to Farnborough’s illustrious aviation history, some of which are on display in the FAST Museum, FAST also campaigns to preserve and promote various aviation-related historic buildings at Farnborough.
The FAST Museum, opened in 2003, is located in the former Royal Engineers’ Balloon School, built in 1907, where the Royal Flying Corps was formed in 1912. It is one of the country’s most historic aviation buildings.
The wind tunnels at Farnborough are some of the few remaining buildings from the world famous Royal Aircraft Establishment. Saved from demolition by FAST and given listed status, these magnificent buildings were at the forefront of aerodynamic research and development from the early 1930s until 1994.
The RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine human centrifuge, almost unchanged from when it was first commissioned in 1955, played a central role in aviation medicine research during its 64-year life (1955-2019). It was used to gain a better understanding of how G affects the human body and to develop the countermeasures
required to equip RAF fast jet pilots with essential life-support systems.
The wind tunnels and centrifuge are not open to the general public and tours of both are operated exclusively by FAST volunteers with the kind permission of the owners (Farnborough Business Park and Raintree Developments Ltd respectively). Both tours provide a close look at the facilities and give visitors an opportunity to learn about the varied history, the impressive construction, the purpose of the testing and the critical research work undertaken there.
FAST offers STEM Accredited educational tours of the Museum for all student ages and youth groups, presenting a unique insight into Farnborough’s rich aviation heritage and the fascinating artefacts of our collection. We can also offer educational tours of the wind tunnels and centrifuge. Pre-booked Museum tours by adult groups are also available.
FAST is run entirely by volunteers and is the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. New volunteers are always welcomed - particularly to act as museum guides and to help with the shop and coffee shop during our public opening days. No aviation, technical or engineering knowledge is required for these roles which are a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and interesting visitors from all over the world.
