Station Commander’s Foreword

HONINGTON

Note from the Editor: This edition of the Honington Herald was already in publication before the sad news of the death of Her Majesty. We include this message in our digital version:

The Commanding Officer and all personnel at Royal Air Force Honington were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty. Our absolute respect for her countless years of selfless devotion to our nation and service as Head of the Armed Forces will never waiver.

Royal Air Force Honington had the honour of hosting Her Majesty in years past and those that had the privilege of meeting her will forever remember that moment with pride.

We reflect on this irreplaceable loss and share our heartfelt condolences with His Majesty The King and all members of the Royal Family.

Station Commander’s Foreword

Group Captain Piers 'Dutch' Holland MBE MA RAF

Hello! As you read this the summer heat will be a fast fading memory and Autumn awaits, the new school term begins and we are all back to work in earnest from (I hope!) some well deserved summer leave. Yes – we are on the sprint to Christmas - via Battle of Britain, Remembrance and a plethora of other events both known and unknown to us. I guess that this is the challenge and reward of Service life or being the partner to a Service-person!

Isee and understand the considerable demands on you all, whatever part you play in the life and work of RAF Honington, and particularly when Service personnel are deployed away at short-notice – challenging for those deploying and those left behind. This is why developments like wrap-around child care and our strengthening social and community bonds are so important. I’m delighted that you will soon be able to grow your own food at our Station Allotment, and then perhaps cook, eat and enjoy it at one of our communal BBQ areas, before taking a walk around our airfield nature trail, ending up at our Social Club to rehydrate and rest tired feet! Support and opportunity are here on this Stn for everyone, and I urge you all to be active in our community - give when you can and take when you need. I thank you all for your selfless service to the Station, to the Royal Air Force and to this country, and whenever I speak with our Senior Leadership, they always ask me to pass on their gratitude to you all for your amazing contribution – so thank you all on their behalf!!

See you all soon and please: Stop; Think; and Act in all you do!