Marham Matters

Alive Corn Exchange

March - April Highlights

Thu 2 March- Midnight Train To Georgia

Thu 9 March - The Sound of Springsteen

Sat 18 March - The ELO Show

Thu 23 March - Comedy Club

Sat 25 March - Big Girls Don't Cry

Sun 26 March- The Mersey Beatles

Sun 2 April - The Elvis Years

Sat 8 April - Dinosaur Adventure Live

Sun 9 April - Dictionary of Soul

Tue 11 April - Dreamcoat Stars

Wed 12 April - Rapunzel - Easter panto

Sun 16 April - The Drifters

Wed 19 April - Chris McCausland - Speaky Blinder

Fri 21 April - Adam Frost

Sat 29 April - The Searchers

EDITOR: Diane Wilson

Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk

RAF MARHAM WEB PAGE: www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

DESIGNER: Amanda Robinson

Email: amanda@ lancemedia.co.uk

SALES MANAGER:

Jayne Bailey

Tel: (01536) 334219

Email: jayne@ lancemediagroup.co.uk

PRINTER: Micropress

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander. All Images © Crown Copyright 2022, unless otherwise stated.

STOCKISTS:

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From the Editor

So we have come to the beginning of another year – I honestly think that as each year passes someone presses a fast forward button somewhere, the years go by so quickly. It reminds me of the words a friend said to me just as I had my child a few years ago, in parenting the days are long, but the years are short. I think that’s true of just getting older!

In December it was lovely to welcome members of the local community to the Officers’ Mess for a Christmas Lunch. Due to the global pandemic this event hadn’t taken place since 2019. Many new faces had their first opportunity to visit the Station, and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to eat some delicious food

with some friendly company. 2023 looks set to be another busy year, with various deployments for the Squadron’s, the 80th anniversary of the formation of 617 Squadron, the 20th anniversary of Op TELIC and the Coronation of King Charles just some of the big events. We look forward to telling you about some of those in upcoming editions. Thanks to those of you who took part in the recent Community Survey, the results are being processed and we will let you know the outcome in the next few weeks.

Articles for the next edition need to be submitted by 3rd March to diane. wilson704@mod.gov.uk

Deadline for Next Issue: 3rd March

Diane

Please send any articles to me at diane.wilson704@mod.gov.uk

Station Commander’s Foreword

Since the last edition we’ve handled some pretty low temperatures and hard frosts – unfortunately no winter scene over Christmas itself – and we’re still waiting for that big dump of snow, if it comes at all. There have been some hard times with heating failures in a few places around the Station, which have taken time to repair despite our best efforts. As always, our people keep delivering against the odds, especially those who were on duty over Christmas and continue to work on the Border Force.

I saw my first Easter egg in a shop a few days ago. It seems like we’re barely through one season before we’re being encouraged to purchase all the essential accoutrements required for the next! Life is as busy as ever and it takes a special effort to stop and simply be in the present – not

worrying about tomorrow, next week or next month. That said, at this time of year we naturally look ahead to what’s in store for 2023…the answer is a lot.

For my part, I’m focusing my effort on enriching the lived experience at RAF Marham. There’s a lot to do and I’ll need plenty of help, but there’s much to be hopeful for. In the coming weeks we will uncover a plan for 2023 that aims to improve the lived experience for everyone working and living here. We will also make our Station more presentable, which I hope you all notice around Spring!

Meanwhile, we will stay on our front foot ready to deliver decisive air power both at home and overseas. And when it comes to defending the UK, we’ll be true to our Station motto: DETER!

Gp Capt Wigglesworth

Catering Flight visit to Marshland High School

A team of five chefs from RAF Marham travelled to Marshland High School near Wisbech recently to carry out cooking demonstrations with Year 10 students. Split over two classes, the team delivered a fresh pasta and a warm dessert demonstration.

Cpl Mueaybut and AS1 Barrett demonstrated making roasted vegetable ravioli, spinach and ricotta tortellini’s and homemade tagliatelle. Using only a small selection of ingredients they then made a fresh friggione sauce and a courgette, garlic and parsley ragu for the tagliatelle. The students then had one hour to make fresh pasta, and their version of one or all the dishes demonstrated to them using the same ingredients. With a little help and support from the chefs involved they all produced great looking and tasting dishes.

The second session was a warm dessert of a chocolate brownie demonstration with either a vanilla ice cream or raspberry sorbet with optional extras of caramelized bananas, raspberries and yogurt or oranges. Cpl Campbell and AS1 Shaw delivered the brownie demonstration whilst Sgt Barton went through the ice cream and

sorbet making. The students again had one hour to re-create their versions of the brownie using any of the ingredients they had, with either an ice cream or raspberry sorbet and any garnishes they liked.

With this being somewhat different to their usual routine the students fully embraced us being at their school asking us general questions about the Royal Air Force and being a chef. Speaking with the class teacher, Mr Goddard, after the sessions he praised the team and thanked us all for our efforts also noting that making fresh pasta scores highly on the school curriculum.

The day itself was fantastic and such a huge opportunity for us chefs to get away from the messes

on unit and showcase our abilities in a different setting. The deputy head and other school staff that were involved including the students all gave positive feedback from the day and the team did a fantastic job delivering clear direction and guidance.

Sgt Barton

I asked all the chefs involved to give their own personal feedback from the day.

“Overall, a very positive experience. The students were engaged in learning and weren’t afraid to ask questions. I especially enjoyed mentoring them with the chocolate brownie and ice cream.”

Cpl Campbell

‘’The experience was very good and one that I thoroughly enjoyed, when the students broke off into their groups, we were able to walk around and assist if they needed some help or direction. Some of the dishes they produced with the time frame they had were outstanding and they really applied themselves and bought into what we wanted them to achieve.’’

AS1 Shaw

‘’The overall experience at Marshland High School was fantastic. The student’s cooperated consistently with the teacher and other students, everyone took responsibility for their learning. I enjoyed teaching my master class that I delivered to the students, teaching them how to make fresh pasta Ravioli, Tortellini and Tagliatelle. I helped to present the chocolate brownie like a talented artist.’’

Cpl Mueaybut

‘’In my opinion I felt the students engaged well, working together as a team they really invested in the task given to them. Students were supported throughout but were given opportunities to showcase their capabilities and organisational skills. Overall, the day was successful and one I would recommend for any future FD.’’

AS1 Barrett

Honours & Awards

The following RAF Marham personnel have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List:

APPOINTMENTS TO AND PROMOTIONS IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST

EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Members (MBE)

Flight Sergeant (now acting Warrant Officer) F.J. Phillips

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF COMMENDATIONS

Air Specialist 1 S. Mueaybut

DEPUTY COMMANDER OPERATIONS COMMENDATIONS

Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) R. Kerr

Chief Petty Officer W. Upton (Royal Navy)

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO 1 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

Flight Lieutenant S.P.W. Iwanek

Chief Technician E.D. Meacham Sergeant D.A. Greene

TEAM COMMENDATIONS

• RAF Marham Grafton Club Committee

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO 22 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

Lieutenant D. Chowdhury (Royal Navy)

207 Squadron Crew Memorial Service

A memorial service to honour a 207 Squadron crew lost during World War II took place in late November in Nottinghamshire.

C for Charlie, a Lancaster Bomber, took off from Langar Airfield at 1504 on 25th November 1942, headed for Operations over Europe. The aircraft was shot down, and the crew were never recovered. They are remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. On the 80th anniversary of their loss, their families came together at Langar Airfield, to see the place where their loved ones had last set foot on British soil.

The crew lost that day were:

Pilot Officer Alfred Joseph Parkyn, aged 27 – Royal Canadian Air Force

Sergeant John James Gallimore, aged 26 – Royal Air Force

Warrant Officer Class II James Louis Guichard, aged 38Royal Canadian Air Force

Warrant Officer Class II William John Vandervoort, aged 26 - Royal Canadian Air Force

Flight Sergeant James McGregor Allan, aged 24Royal Canadian Air Force

Pilot Officer Eugene Edward Chouiniere, aged 19 - Royal Canadian Air Force

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for

Sergeant Jack Slater, aged 21 – Royal Air Force

Sergeant Windsor Francis Richard Webb. Aged 18 – Royal Air Force

Some families made the TransAtlantic journey to join with families and representatives from former schools and workplaces to honour the crew at the service led by RAF Marham Chaplain, Rev (Sqn Ldr) Stewart. During the service the families were presented with the Bomber Command Clasps the crew had qualified for, but had never received.

If you would like to follow the families journey to find the crew you can follow them on Twitter @LancCforCharlie

Family Farm Fun

Open Thurs-Sun

(Open Daily from 9th Feb)

• Lambing from Feb Half Term

• Delicious Coffee, Cakes & Lunches

• Large Indoor Play Area

• Lots of Friendly Animals

Book tickets on our website

Lightnings It's not always that land on our runways

In January CV-22 Osprey aircraft were conducting training sorties which included some short visits to RAF Marham. The CV-22 Osprey are operated by the United States Air Force, based at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk. Their essential training enables their crews to be ready to support their allies and partners in Europe when required.

RAF Marham photographer AS1 Williams captured these stunning sunset images recently.

International Men's Day

International Men’s Day (IMD) on the 19th November celebrated the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. IMD highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men’s wellbeing. The theme for IMD 2022 was “Helping Men and Boys”.

IMD is a global event that is celebrated annually to recognise and celebrate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of men, an occasion to celebrate boys' and men's lives, achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to nation, union, society, community, family, marriage, and childcare. The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic awareness towards men's issues and tackle mental health stigmas.

On our social media channels we shared some images of a small selection of the men who work at RAF Marham.

Air Specialist (1) Mayfield. Usually to be found at the opposite side of the lens AS(1) Mayfield is one of the small team responsible for all of the official imagery you see from RAF Marham. He leads the development of the 3D printing capability at RAF Marham and is introducing 3D scanning to his profession across the Royal Air Force.

Corporal Ben, a 15 Squadron RAF Regiment Ground Gunner. As a field squadron of the RAF Regiment in the Royal Air Force, 15 Squadron's mission is protection of RAF bases from ground attack, whilst they are also capable of delivering the full spectrum of Force Protection effects including Dismounted Close Combat, Ground Extraction, Close Quarter Battle and operating in a Chemical, Biological, Radioactive or Nuclear environment.

Group Captain Fred Wigglesworth is the Station

Commander at RAF Marham. Group Captain Wigglesworth took over command of the station in September after completing a tour at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada where he led the disbandment of 39 Squadron. He first served as a Tornado F3 pilot on 43(F) Sqn at RAF Leuchars before moving to RAF Valley as a Hawk T1 flying instructor. As both the Tornado F3 and Hawk T1 neared the end of their service Group Captain Wigglesworth converted to the MQ-9 Reaper where he served his first tour with 39 Sqn in Nevada. Group Captain Wigglesworth enjoys photography, golf, music and fitness, especially walking with his German Shorthaired Pointer dog.

Lance Corporal Stephens of 15 Squadron, RAF Regiment, pilots both the two-man and the four-man sled for Jamaica. L/Cpl Stephens was born in Jamaica and moved to the United Kingdom 20 years ago. He started Bobsleigh in 2015 after seeing a poster in the corridor at work. In 2017 he had the opportunity to trial with the Jamaican team and competed for them at the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.

Cpl Dunn is a Logistician at RAF Marham, working within supply at the Maintenance and Finishing Facility supporting F-35B Lightning maintenance and modifications. He is a founder member of Ice Hockey team, the RAF Vulcans, representing the Royal Air Force.

Air Specialist (1) Wreford, is an RAF Firefighter. RAF Firefighters provide a deployable Aerodrome and Rescue Firefighting

capability to Defence in the UK and overseas. They are trained to respond to any emergency to fight fires and rescue from military aircraft using highly specialised equipment and vehicles. Firefighters work as part of a close-knit team and can be deployed at short notice to any location world-wide to be available to resolve incidents involving aircraft, buildings, hazardous substances and incidents caused by hostile activities.

Corporal Murphy, RAF Police, and his Military Working Dog (MWD), Ginny from 6 RAF Police (Lightning) Squadron at RAF Marham. The Squadron is responsible for providing and assuring a controlled operating environment for the F-35B Lightning jets both at RAF Marham and when deployed overseas. MWDs are employed to detect, deter, disrupt and deny our adversaries from accessing our information, assets and personnel. The RAF utilises a range of MWD capabilities to achieve these aims, depending on the threats and the environments that we are required to operate within. Whether the task is guarding or searching, MWDs provide an efficient and effective solution.

Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Ibrahim is a Junior Engineering Officer (Aerosystems) from 207 Squadron based at RAF Marham. As an Engineering Officer, Flt Lt Ibrahim is responsible for ensuring that the F-35B Lightning aircraft are ready to fly assuring their airworthiness and integrity. Flt Lt Ibrahim oversees a team of both RAF and RN personnel conducting maintenance work on the jet.

Walking 2022 miles in 2022

In November Sergeant Cob O’Broin completed his challenge of walking 2022 miles during 2022 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

At the beginning of 2022 Cob set himself the challenge which he estimated would require him to walk approximately 5 miles a day, every day during 2022. There were a few reasons that he decided to this, to get fitter, shed a few pounds after the Christmas festivities and most importantly to raise money for a charity that was close to his heart, Cancer Research UK. Cob said “I have too many friends and family that are fighting, or have fought cancer, so I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing”.

Cob walked every day, with some days only completing a few miles but other days walking much further. He finished his

challenge on Monday 8th November and was joined for the last mile by friends and family and also his dog Homer who had accompanied him on a number of the walks throughout the year! The challenge finished at the RAF Marham Aviation Heritage Centre, where Cob is a volunteer. He was cheered over the finish line by friends and colleagues just as the rain started. Inside the Heritage Centre Cob, was presented with a glass trophy in recognition of the challenge that he had completed.

Sgt O’Broin had originally set himself a target of raising £1000 for Cancer Research UK. This amount was reached within the first 3 months of his challenge so he set a new target of £1500. This target has also been exceeded and his current total stands at a little over £2000.

Friends of Marham Christmas Lunch

RAF Marham hosted a Christmas lunch in December for local residents from our neighbouring parishes. The annual Friends of Marham Christmas Lunch hasn’t been held for the last few years due to the global pandemic so it was fantastic to be able to welcome the guests back to the Station again.

Local residents, who were nominated by their Parish Councils, were treated to a three course Christmas lunch in the Officers’ Mess. Children from Cherry Tree Academy Marham entertained the guests with some beautiful singing and hand chime playing before inviting the guests to join them in an interactive rendition of The Twelve Days

of Christmas. During the song the snow started to fall outside making the atmosphere even more Christmassy. This was followed by some rousing Christmas songs sung by the Station hosts along with a Christmas Quiz with some very interesting answers!

All the guests and Station hosts had a fantastic day.

Turkey Trot

Station

personnel kicked off the festive season with the annual ‘Turkey Trot’ organised by staff from the Station gymnasium.

The ‘turkey’ set off from the gymnasium on a 1-mile route around the Station followed a few minutes later by personnel in various Christmas costumes. The turkey was too quick this year to be caught and finished just ahead of the following pack.

‘Deliver Battle Winning Air Power for

Remembrance 2022

Personnel from RAF Marham attended a number of Remembrance Services across Norfolk, and beyond, to remember those members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives for their country.

RAF Marham’s Station Commander, Group Captain Fred Wigglesworth, attended the service at Norwich where he laid a wreath at the War Memorial opposite City Hall.

RAF Marham personnel formed part of the parade that marched from City Hall through the winding streets of Norwich to Norwich Cathedral where they attended a

Service of Remembrance.

The traditional Station service was held outside Station Headquarters, attended by members of the Whole Force from across the Station.

Our personnel also took part in Services across the country in the towns and villages they grew up in.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SUPPORT - OC

VACANT

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 or 95951 6136

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

ADVISOR

Maydie Smith

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136

Email: maydie.smith594@ mod.gov.uk

HIVE INFORMATION

OFFICERS

Zara Murfitt

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 or 95951 6136

Email: zara.murfitt515@ mod.gov.uk

STATION YOUTH WORKER

Ian Savage

Mobile: 07850 973228

Email: ian.savage@ actionforchildren.org.uk

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Jocelyne Newman

Tel: 0300 1635 185

Email: jocelyne.newman395@ mod.gov.uk

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD

TEAM, WATLINGTON

Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101

RAFP COMMUNITY OFFICER

Ext: 7214

Tel: 0777 395 8067

(this phone is manned 24hrs 7 days)

HOUSING

SCSO

FS Chris Daykin

Tel: 01760 446052

Mob: 07747 472048

Twitter: scsomarham

PINNACLE SERVICE FAMILIES

National Service Centre

0800 031 8628

Option 1 - Repairs open 24/7 365 days a year

Option 2 – Applications and Allocations

Option 3 – Planned Maintenance

Option 4 – Complaints

Website www. pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk

WELFARE

SSAFA

ADMIN SUPPORT & APPOINTMENTS

Teresa Smyth

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6578

WELFARE WORKERS

Carol Bullas

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext 6501

Adele Berryman

Tel: 01760 446378

Helen Layfield

Tel: 01760446199 Ext: 6199 Out of hours

03000111723

SSAFA VOLUNTEER

CO-ORDINATOR

Tel: 07984 908622

WO PERSONNEL SUPPORT

VACANT

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7231

PADRES

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext 7550 07876 395920

mrm-chaplaincycentregroup@ mod.gov.uk

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Telephone 01366 659545 or email bookings@bellevue-denver.co.uk

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Fee-Free Mortgage Advice

Whether you’re looking for your first home or want to remortgage, you can get the advice you need by calling the Fee-Free Mortgage Advice Service - provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited.

It’s as easy as this You’ll be asked a few simple questions, incomings, outgoings, that kind of thing. Then it’s an appointment with one of their impartial mortgage advisors. They take the time to understand what you’re looking for, before coming back with the most suitable option for you. They will then guide you through your mortgage journey.

A Mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

One call could put you on your way to a better deal

01543 221 214

Lines are open: Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm Or scan QR code

Important things you should know: PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual acts as an intermediary for the purposes of introducing its customers to Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, part of Tenet. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual. Such services will be provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited who will provide Forces Mutual with information about the services you have received. Forces Mutual will receive 24.8% of any lender procuration fee from Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited in connection with the provision of mortgage broking services.

number:

any may be monitored.

and whose

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