THE FRAMING STUDIO

We frame your photographs, prints, watercolours, oils, certificates, medals and needlework.

Opening Times

Monday: closed Tuesday: 9.00 - 17:00

126b Broadway Didcot OX11 8AB 01235 815934 www.framingstudiodidcot.co.uk framingstudiodidcot@aol.co.uk Facebook: The Framing Studio Didcot forces discount offered on production of valid ID card or in uniform.

Foreword

from the Station Commander...

Hello and welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of the Lion’s Roar.

The Station remains as busy as ever with the Puma detachments of 230 Squadron and 84 Squadron now well established in Brunei and Cyprus and working towards declaration of full operating capability. The recent announcement of Defence’s intent to extend Puma until 2028 was welcome news for all concerned. Whilst further work is required to understand how we sustain the platform, the announcement of this decision gives certainty to Service People and families alike.

The Station celebrated the King’s Coronation with the style and energy for which we are known. The Station Historian Mick Prendergast, created an excellent exhibition for us, that covered King Charles’ time at Benson whilst he was undergoing flying training and his broader involvement with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

At the All Ranks Dining in Night we were honoured to host Group Captain Pinney who previously served as Prince Charles’ primary flying instructor. He gave the audience a privileged insight into the flying career of our Monarch. On the Saturday our Station, aircraft and crews played a key role in the Royal flypast and on the Sunday, we marked the event with an excellent street party outside the Officers Mess. My thanks go out to Squadron Leader Matt Morley, Flight Lieutenant Chris Northcote, the President of the Mess Committee, Mess staff and all the others who made this truly special occasion so remarkable for all of us.

Going forward one of my personal focuses for the next two years is to work with the industry partners to ensure that Service people and families at RAF Benson are afforded the lived experience that you so richly deserve. This includes a drive to improve the quality of Service Family Accommodation and Single Living Accommodation, enhance the quality of the service provided across the three messes and Common Room, and ensure that opportunities available on Station such as sports and health and well-being activities are maximised for all.

The Civilian/Military Air Safety Day that took place in April was hugely successful. We were privileged to have Commander Joint Helicopter Command join us and give the opening address and we had over 120 civilian pilots join us which was the catalyst to better understand how we operate, how we might reduce risk, and how we can enhance the safety for all air users.

The support given to Exercise WESSEX STORM demonstrated that Benson maintains an Operational focus. A tremendous effort from the Station at short notice over the May Bank Holiday to ensure it went as planned. Focus now switches to the Annual Air Cadet Muster to be held in June, supporting the RAF Cadet Association, 2500 Air Cadets will learn more about the RAF and have opportunity for a short flight in a Chinook.

Lion’s Roar

Editorial Team

OIC/EDITOR

Sgt Rachael Williams

606 Sqn

DEPUTY EDITOR

Flt Lt Amy Dent

28 Sqn

33 SQN REP

Flt Lt Thomas Mullins

28 SQN REP

AS1 O'Brien

Ext: 7722

LS REP

Fg Off Becky Bull

Ext: 7428

EXPEDITION

AND SPORTS REP

Post vacant

BSW REP

Plt Off James Liddell

SEO, Ext: 7245

OPS WG REP

Flt Lt Tom Barber

Ext: 8139

606 SQN REP

Flt Lt Fern Gwinnett

606 Sqn Media, Ext: 7238

JHSS REP

Flt Lt Matty Snape

Ext: 7549

PHOTO AND IMAGERY REP

AS1 Iain Curlett

Ext: 7265

CARTOONIST

FS Dave McCrindle 28 Sqn

28 Sqn Ext: 8072

As we look forward to the summer months, I am hopeful that life at Benson will continue to get better for all. I would like to see a greater focus on work life balance, I hope to see greater opportunities for our families, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this a reality.