3 minute read
Station Commander’s Foreword
Gp Capt Donal McGurk
Hello and a Merry Christmas to everybody involved in the enormous and amazing enterprise that is Royal Air Force Odiham. I can’t quite believe that I am here writing a foreword to the final edition of Helicon of 2022 – and what a year it has been. We have seen changes of Prime Minister, war between Russia and Ukraine, with the ensuing tensions across Europe, the ending of our Chinook operations in Mali, in support of the French military and the continuance of many other commitments and responsibilities - as I write this our National Standby Chinook has just returned from transporting specialist Urban Search and Rescue teams to Jersey following a major incident; it doesn’t stop and never will!
This issue covers some really important aspects of life at Royal Air Force Odiham. Firstly it touches on Adventurous Training and Force Development – highlighting the Engineering and Logistics Wing visit to the Tower of London. These are a vital part of life in the MOD, combining professional military education and team building, plus they are usually great fun and well worth the small investment in time and effort to make them happen. Secondly the operational deployment to Estonia highlights how much impact we, as a Station, have on the international stage, particularly in a time of heightened tensions – we can self-deploy a long way away from home, and bring really meaningful capability. Finally I want to mention Artfulness, which I am a huge fan of. Although at best a ‘stick person painter’ myself I really love the idea of self-expression as a way of addressing the stresses of life on a demanding frontline unit – and being a social outlet too. Brilliant.
Many of our Royal Air Force Odiham people are deployed, working or holding standby duties over the festive season and my thoughts are with you and your families – I hope that you all have as peaceful and restful time as you can.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Editor’s FOREWORD
Flt Lt Kerry Rapson
Hello and welcome to the third and final issue of the Helicon Magazine for 2022. This issue continues the sporting theme of the previous with a look at the sporting activities and achievements of the Chinook Force and the wider activities that we have been involved with so far this year. Once again, I have enjoyed bringing together the articles for this edition, showcasing what our personnel have doing in support of the Nation, both at home and abroad. We have been further demonstrating our interoperability with international partners, whilst deployed on Operation Peleda since the publication of the last issue. Our personnel have also been enjoying some well-earned down time, taking part in some Artfulness activities and Force Development trips.
We do hope that you enjoy this edition, thank you to all who have contributed and please do contact the team if you have any submissions that you would like included in future editions!
Local Distillery Saving Gorillas One Drink at a Time
Gorilla Spirits are based in Upton Grey, just a few miles from RAF Odiham, and produce a range of award-winning spirits, both under their own brand and on behalf of several other brands and charities.
Founder Andy Daniels and the team at Gorilla Spirits Co. believe strongly that businesses should make a positive contribution to the world and their local communities. £1 from each bottle of their core range of spirits sold is donated to The Gorilla Organization to fund gorilla conservation projects. Alongside this, they partner with Kula Project, so 10% of the profits from every bottle of Maraba Coffee Liqueur sold are donated to help eradicate poverty through the development of female entrepreneurs in Rwanda’s coffee communities. Want to get a behind the scenes look at a working distillery, or looking for a unique team building activity? They host regular distillery experiences or can help create an event specially for you. Book a tour, enjoy a cocktail masterclass, or for the ultimate gin making experience come to Gin School to distil a creation of your own!
SAVING GORILLAS
One Drink at a Time - Cheers to that!
