Mainpoint - Summer 2022

Mainpoint

The Official Magazine of RAF Halton

Summer 2022

Igniting Passion And Wonder

School life at The Webber Independent is vibrant, fun, enriching , inclusive and academic.

We have created a learning environment that puts innovation at its heart, where the National Curriculum is underpinned with real world le arning and enriching extra -curricular activities, providing an ideal place for your son or daughter to build their future.

Leading Co Educational, Independent School for children aged 6 months to 16 years in Milton Keynes

For more information or to book a personalised tour, simply contact our Admissions Manager on 01908 574740 or email registrar@webberindependentschool.co .uk www.webberindependentschool.com

Part of the bellevue family

We show our young people how to be respectful, kind and considerate of others, teaching behaviours that will help them become the next generation of global citizens and leaders. Together we can

One Team, Training People for Defence Group Captain D Startup RAF

The past 2 years has absolutely flown by. I am now at the end of my Tour and am pleased to be handing over to a capable successor. Group Captain Fergus Garwood is an RAF Regiment Officer with a deep operational, training, planning and programmatic background that is perfect for the current and future challenges of RAF Halton.

The past 2 years has seen so many successes for RAF Halton, for which the RAF and I are eternally grateful. All of the personnel on the Station have been amazing, humbling and inspirational in so many different ways, many of which I am still finding out about. We receive accolades for our output on a daily basis; not just the throughput of personnel across phase 1 and 3 which is challenging enough, but also through our support to sport, charity, first-responders, community events, commercial enterprises, aviation, lodgers and the wider local community. RAF Halton is extremely valued by all of the local towns and villages and also by the whole of Buckinghamshire who recognise the RAF for its excellence, professionalism, pragmatism and bearing.

On behalf of all of the organisations that thank me at all of the events that I attend across the County, I pass on those thanks to you for everything you do. Please give

the new Station Commander the same level of support which will assure me that he will have the best 2 years of his Service career, too.

As always, this edition of Mainpoint offers an insight into the dealing and depths of the Station, its history and the people that surround it. Thanks to the editorial Team for this edition and those over the past 2 years. They and the whole Station has delivered

exceptionally well despite the challenges the Country has faced, and which this Station has contributed to resolving impressively well. As I write, RAF Halton has transformed to be the RAF’s main mounting area for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Parade where once again, our Drill Instructors and staff provide a product to the Nation that is the envy of the world.

Well done to all. Per Ardua Ad Astra.

TO COIN A PHRASE FROM THE MANY TELEVISION AND FILM COMPANIES THAT HAVE USED HALTON AS A BACKDROP OVER MY TENURE, IN TERMS OF MY TIME AS A STATION COMMANDER HERE, ‘IT’S A WRAP’.

EDITOR'S FOREWORD

Welcome to the Summer 22 edition of Mainpoint. At long last signs of summer have now appeared! Also appearing is the start of a Mainpoint team! I am very pleased to welcome Dep Editor, Cpl Leanne Barratt, and the Editorial Team of Flt Lt Ollie Evans and Sophie Rutledge; my thanks to you all for volunteering your time and ideas! Producing this magazine is great fun, but it much more enjoyable being part of a team. If any readers are interested in joining us, please get in touch.

Things have been very busy around Halton and there was no shortage of events to bring to you in this edition, with many articles covering very recent events – my thanks to all involved in some

very quick turnarounds for articles, particularly authors and Stn Photo Section. Personnel have only just left Halton having supported the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London, and we look at the Halton contribution to that. Last weekend we had the Families’ Day at the Nuffield Pavilion area in glorious sunshine. There was also a Falklands Dinner on the anniversary of the event. We have articles covering everything from the Airfield to Weightlifting, and Old Workshops to youngsters celebrating Easter at the TCC.

Please do get in touch if you want your section to appear in the magazine, if you have a charity event occurring or if you take part in a sporting activity.

Ed

HALTON SUPPORTS QPJ PARADE'

RAF Halton was used by over 300 Royal Air Force aviators to prepare for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, which took place at Buckingham Palace on Sunday 5th June 2022, as part of the celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign.

In the weeks preceding the event, the Station prepared for the arrival of the nominated personnel and to provide all the real-life support for the duration of their stay. This included catering provisions, accommodation, tailoring, clothing, medical care and armoury support. Station personnel alongside Babcock and Sodexo, our

The highly experienced Drill Instructors (DIs), who usually provide the drill and ceremonial training to the Basic Recruits Training Course at RAF Halton, were used to teach the requisite drill moves and provide some conditioning training to the selected aviators to ensure the highest of standards were met at the Pageant. A route was configured on Station to replicate what they would be doing in London to provide a training environment as realistic as possible. As part of the training schedule the RAF contingent also took part in an Early Morning Rehearsal on Tuesday 31st May, alongside their sister Services. This rehearsal took place in London, outside Buckingham Palace, and

This was part of a ‘Thank You’ for all their hard work delivering the Royal Air Force’s tribute, on the ground, to our Monarch. RAF Halton’s role was significant and was only realised through the hard work of the Whole Force; from the visible efforts of those parading, to the unseen elements of planning and support. This thoroughly successful event certainly ensured RAF Halton’s mission was achieved: One Team, training people for Defence.

Industry Partners, worked hard to facilitate all the requirements to ensure that the parading troops could focus on perfecting the drill and ceremonial aspects. The Station also ensured that the welfare of the individuals brought onto RAF Halton was provided for, which included special screenings at the Station Cinema (which is now in the Theatre building) of ‘Uncharted’ and ‘The Batman’ and access the gym facilities and coffee shops.

provided the aviators an opportunity to practice on the exact route they would be marching and enable the complex transport plan to be tested.

The RAF Contingent delivered a professional and well executed parade at the Pageant, which was enjoyed by all involved. On return to RAF Halton, the aviators were able to enjoy a lovely meal funded by the RAF Association and RAF Benevolent Fund

Flt Lt Ollie Evans, 2IC SMS

The Stn Cdr welcomes the QJP personnel.

National media filming the practices for news outlets.

Arrivals are onboarded at the Finlay Gym in Receipt Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI).

An incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity. As a DI for the training, everyone was very receptive to help and feedback, which ultimately made the end product the best it could be. A shared experience amongst all ranks and ages in which we worked extremely hard together and left sharing an extreme sense of pride.

A shoutout to the support team throughout the week, from the chefs cooking great food, to the working party sorting logistics and running errands, to the drivers taking us to and from Central London, everyone worked extremely hard so that we on parade could focus solely on rehearsals and we are extremely grateful for that.

The weekend started as a bit of a shock for people, taking some back to their days when they were at RTS; for some that was only a few weeks ago, others were taken back to their days at RAF Swinderby.

Covering 30 thousand steps a day for practices, most of us slept very well most evenings. We managed a night out in London on the Monday to do a run through of the parade; our accommodation for the evening was a carpark, though morale was very high throughout - this may have had something to do with the breakfast baps, I was too tired to be sure.

What seemed like a really long march on Monday night, went very quickly on the day as the crowds roared and waved Union Flags as we marched past. Knowing that as we came down the Mall to pay compliments to HRH Prince Charles, that Her Majesty was watching from the Balcony at Buckingham Palace made the moment that little bit more special.

We arrived back at Wellington Barracks a bit warm and with sore arms, though all of us had a feeling of electricity knowing that we had been a part of history of something that had never happened in over 1000 years of British Monarchy.

After a well-deserved sleep on the coach back to RAF Halton, we were thanked by Air Marshall Simon Edwards for our efforts and professionalism throughout the long week, and we had received positive comments from all arms of the military and shown the service in a great light.

The following testimonials show the value staff placed on the event:

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Drill Instructor - Cpl Symone Bromley

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Drill Instructor - Cpl Graeme Lewin

BIRTHDAY VISITOR

Hanford, Trenchard Museum

On 27 April Mrs Elizabeth Herbert found herself back at RAF Halton, where she had served as 2813018, Cpl Skinner E M, from 1950 to 1954. She had worked in the Records Office Detachment, under the command of Flt Lt Ron Francis, in charge of some 15 personnel, WRAF and National Servicemen. Being part of a lodger unit, she had no station duties to perform and enjoyed life enormously, meeting her future husband, LAC George Herbert, who

was doing his National Service working on the airfield but with much time devoted to representing the RAF at Rugby.

The visit to the Trenchard Museum was a surprise 90th birthday treat, arranged by her daughters, and was a great success. Here, Elizabeth is pictured with the museum's only WRAF uniform; hers was even more historic! As she wrote in our visitors’ book: “Memories of Halton Camp come flooding back of my wonderful life in the WRAF!”

AHalton Apprentice was subject to strict rules and, if caught breaking them, he would appear before his Flight Commander to be disciplined. The most common punishment was Jankers (what we now call restrictions). For the number of days awarded he would perform menial tasks in the evening, parade in the guardroom in best blue and full webbing at 2100 and wear a white arm band to designate his status. Any defect in his appearance on parade might increase his sentence.

A recent visitor to the Trenchard Museum was 93-year-old Michael Sharrod, an ex-apprentice of the 53rd Entry (1946-49). Here he met Min Larkin, our archivist, who had been in the 63rd Entry (194952) and they discussed their Jankers records. Both were impressive; Michael had been awarded his own white arm band and Min had achieved 49 days over his 3-year training. Thus, it seemed fitting to photograph them with the museum’s own Janker Walla.

Francis

Elizabeth reminiscing in the museum.

Francis Hanford, Trenchard Museum

Yesterday I spent some time with Beckett Intake, 2 days away from their graduation. We were having a conversation about how we keep on going in life, particularly in those tough and challenging moments.

I posed the question to them, when you are tired, hungry, wet and cold on exercise at Bramley or halfway up a hill at Crickhowell, what is it that keeps you going? What is the light at the end of the tunnel? When you investigate distance, what is it that you focus on, to keep you on the right path, to achieve your goal, your objective?

Some said ‘Pride’, others said ‘Family’, still others ‘Fear of Failure’. The truth is that we all need a light to help us raise our gaze above the immediate, the present and on to the eternal and the perpetual.

We sometimes call that ‘Spiritual Resilience’, that ‘something’, that is our compass and our destiny, something that cannot be fully measured or defined, that can neither be bought nor sold. So often this quality is not so much ‘taught’ as ‘caught’, from people around us, perhaps family, friends, instructors or mentors.

Last week I spent 4 days in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, walking along St Cuthbert’s Way, from

Melrose to Holy Island on a RAF expedition, Ex CUTHBERT EAGLE. Each day as well as the physical challenge of walking 25 kms, we also set spiritual challenges to consider along the way.

We can develop our ‘Spiritual Resilience’ by exercising our ‘Spiritual Awareness’, ‘reflecting on the past with gratitude’, recognising that whilst ‘movement is good for the body, stillness is good for the soul’, recognising that we are not ‘Human Doings’ but rather ‘Human Beings’ focusing on what we are as much as what we do.

By walking with these thoughts and reflections to mind, we grew in our conscious awareness and therefore develop our spiritual resilience. With this heightened awareness and resilience, we are more able to live and walk through the storms, challenges and waves that we encounter in life.

At the conclusion of Ex Cuthbert Eagle there was a unanimous sense, that the journey had been more than a walk through the countryside of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. There had also been an internal dimension to the journey, with time and space to reflect and observe who we truly were and the priorities that we wish to direct our lives and set the compass of our destiny.

Padre Ashley Mitchell.

Stephen Hearn

TCC NEWS Community and Charity

Easter Eggstravaganza!

On 11 April 2022 at 1400hrs the TCC came alive with 150 members of our community who joined us for an Easter Disco. There was lots of excitement as each of the children joined in lots of games, the limo game got rather competitive, dancing and singing. Everyone bought their own picnic and enjoyed sitting with friends having a snack and a drink. This was just a small event where the children could come along have a disco, have some fun with their friends and enjoy Easter and each child received an Easter Egg from the Community Support Team as they left.

The Breakaway Hall

The bottom hall within the Community Centre, we call The Breakaway Hall and is available to book for meetings. We have IT facilities to enable personnel to plug laptops into the TV screen to do presentations. We also have new tables and chairs as well as sofas and occasional tables to ensure that any style of meeting can held, formal or informal.  Additionally, if the room is not booked for a meeting, any one is able to use this facility to come and relax, get away from their

you time it right, there might actually be homemade cakes or biscuits floating around.

The Breakaway Hall is an adult only space during working hours. We also have patio tables, chairs and parasols out on the patio so if the weather is nice personnel can sit outside in the sunshine; again, this patio and grassed area is an adult only space.

If you would like to book The Breakaway Hall please get in touch with Mrs Jan Holdsworth, SCSC.

ACS LADIES, THOUGHTS FROM INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Today, as I have done every day, for the past four years I walk past Sqn and course photographs adorning the corridor walls of Kermode Hall. The faces looking out at me are, yes, you guessed it, mostly, if not all, men, punctuated with the odd uniformed woman here and there. So what?

Well so what indeed, the RAF is progressing rapidly and on 13 Nov 2019 in his Values and Standards Personal Statement, CAS states:

“A positive attitude to Diversity & Inclusion must be part of our normal business, a fundamental element of everything we do, every action and decision we take. This requires people in every part of our organisation to demonstrate moral courage and the highest personal standards of inclusive behaviour. I expect our leaders to be engaged, authentic and relentless in upholding the exemplary standards of conduct and behaviour that are the foundation of the RAF’s reputation and operational success.”

Fast forward to today, ACS is currently staffed 41% by serving females. There is total parity in the selection process and women are performing as well as their male counterparts. A group of very talented women who alongside male colleagues are delivering training in leadership and management to all ranks from Cpl to WO. In terms of the influence they have, it equates to approx. 1589 trained personnel between Apr 21 to Mar 22.

Why does this even matter? Well leadership requires many different skills, ours, underpinned by AP 7001, containing the doctrine of Royal Air Force Leadership,

discusses, amongst many things, the concept of team synergy and how the differences between team members allow greater options for creativity in solving problems and defining opportunity for improvement. To return to CAS’ statement for a minute, he mentions authentic leadership. There is no longer a need to display the type of toxic leadership/masculinity that promotes aggression; the loudest voice belongs to the best leader; to be ‘one of the boys’ to gain credibility. Authenticity allows space for Leaders to be created, where they can develop their skills and retain their sense of self.

Offering neurodiversity, a different perspective, asking the questions that allow students to explore a point of view they may not have considered before; we as women help to create an environment to encourage a culture shift to provide psychological safety. I don’t think I have attended a course before where the Defence Trainer was able to or even had the psychological safety to respond to questions about the signs and symptoms of menopause, for example, and how it can benefit leaders to understand and support a team member dealing with or experiencing it. Student feedback is reflecting positive responses from course attendees who are enjoying the open mindedness and discourse from a range of perspectives.

The RAF is very different now to the one I joined many years ago. We still have a way to go although we are definitely moving in the right direction and it is only within the last 5 years that I decided, when my daughter talks to me about her future career options and if she is interested, I will happily recommend the RAF to her and her generation.

FS Nancy Southey, ACS

Back: Sgt Meecham, FS Jenkins, Sgt Noble Middle: FS Southey, Sgt Morgan, Sgt Lewis, WO Gibbons Front: FS Johnstone, FS Good, Sgt Dye, FS Chrisp, Sgt Martini Absent - Sgt Hale, FS Burns, FS Mackness, FS Berrecloth, Sgt Rayner, Miss Mulhall

FS Johnstonedelivering ‘Lead Self’ to IMLC (Sgts)

FS Southey facilitating Emotional Intelligence discussion with HMLC (WOs)

Sgt Lewis briefing JMLC (Cpls) on Command Leadership Tasks.

Station History

REMEMBERING THE FALKLANDS CONFLICT

FALKLANDS MEMORIAL

Sqn Ldr Dean Gibson, HQ Air Cmd

Summer 2021, RAF Halton received an enquiry about plans to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War, at the Memorial at the Officers’ Mess. Unfortunately, with the rotation of personnel, the location of the Memorial had become a bit of a mystery. The Dep Gardens’ Member, Mrs Ali Gibson and her ‘assistant’, her husband, Sqn Ldr Dean ‘Gibbo’ Gibson, volunteered to search the

grounds; after an hour one evening the Memorial was found in ‘plain sight’. The Memorial is a small ‘copse’ located near the Officers’ Mess Dining room, and after searching the ‘undergrowth’ the Memorial Plaque was discovered.

Sqn Ldr and Mrs Gibson removed the Memorial

Plaque and had it restored by Station Workshops personnel, who did a marvellous job, thank you. In April, a group of SATTS worked with ‘the Gibbos’ to trim and tidy the Copse and clear the area immediately around where the Plaque would be returned to. In recognition of the SATTS hard work, they were treated to a tour of the Mess, led by

the Mess Archivist, Mrs Trixie Brabner. In early June, the Gibbos purchased plants, that, with a little ‘poetic licence’ resembled the ‘Joint’ BFSAI flag. These were planted over the Jubilee weekend and visited several times to ensure the rabbits had not taken a fancy to them!

Before the Falklands 40 Dining In Night, held 9 Jun, a short service of remembrance was held, with Padre Ashley Mitchell leading the Service and the Stn Cdr taking the salute for the Last Post.

Thank you to Sqn Ldr Gibson for the photos of the restoration project, and Sgt Thapa, JIAG, for the photos of the service and flypast.

FALKLANDS MEMORIAL DINNER

Halton House Officers’ Mess hosted military personnel and veterans from all over Buckinghamshire and the South of England for a dinner to remember the 40th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Falklands Conflict (OP CORPORATE). Unlike previous remembrance dinners, all three Services of the Armed Forces and civilian support from the broader MOD were represented by veteran speakers from the conflict.

Mr Stephen Balmond, Assistant Supply and Transport Officer Navy (ASTON(N)) from the Royal Navy Supply and Transport Service (RNSTS) on RFA

Stromness represented the RFA, merchant and civilian navy and the importance of the supply chain and UK air power to successful operations at range. Flt Lt Andrew Rigsby (Cadets), formerly Royal Marine Rigsby from 40 Commando during the conflict, spoke on the initial landings at San Carlos, early reconnaissance of Argentine positions and the impact of Argentine air power on the landings. Lt Col (Rtd) Sulle Alhaji spoke of his frontline role in the assault on Mount Longdon as a paratrooper of 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, and of the horrors, chaos and realities of close engagements with hostile forces. The three speeches were neatly interwoven by

Lt Cdr Samuel Balmond, JIAG

Sqn Ldr Gibson with the SATTs who helped to restore the Memorial area.

Falklands Memorial Copse, before restoration.

Falklands Memorial Copse, part finished.

Falklands Memorial Plaque, before restoration.

Falklands Memorial Plaque – restored.

Director Joint Warfare, Rear Admiral Andrew Betton OBE, from UK Strategic Command. Representing the Royal Navy, RAdm Betton emphasised the importance of crossgovernment communication and alignment of strategic intent and will on the ability to maintain a large fighting force in theatre for a protracted period of time.

The dinner was preceded by an act of remembrance from RAF Halton’s own Rev (Wg Cdr) Ashley Mitchell at the HHOM Falklands Memorial Gardens and a flypast from a Chinook from 18(B) Sqn (unfortunately not the venerable callsign ‘BN’, which survived the conflict

and was only recently retired from service). Dinner Project Coordinator Lt Cdr Sam Balmond (SO2 IO from the Joint Information Activities Group based at RAF Halton), said ‘Operation Corporate is still in the living memory of a great number of UK veterans and their families, and it is only fitting that we were able to invite a broad representation of these veterans to share their experiences and knowledge with the current generation of Service personnel and to partake in an important act of remembrance. It was pleasing to see members of all Services at all ranks and rate pull together to deliver this event without issue’.”

EX DRILL INSTRUCTOR KEEPING UP THE PACE AT 90

On 6 May, one of our instructors from Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) was fortunate enough to travel to Durham to celebrate an ex-serviceman’s 90th birthday. Mr William Bassett served in the Royal Air Force in the early 1950’s as a Drill Instructor at RAF Hednesford.

Mr Bassett is a regular at the Silksworth Sports Centre where he plays tennis with his friend, Chris Clark, every fortnight to keep himself fit. Mr Clark decided to surprise Bill with a party and a blast from his military past.

Cpl Chris Kendall drove to the sports centre to represent the Sqn and was privileged to present Mr Bassett with an RTS pace stick and mount in recognition of his service as an RAF instructor. Cpl Kendall commented that “It was a huge privilege to celebrate

Bill’s 90th Birthday and discuss the differences in the delivery of phase one recruit training between then and now.” On behalf of RTS, Cpl Kendall also offered Bill the chance to see how it is done these days, with an invitation to attend No. 702 Arnold Intake Graduation parade in August as special guest.

Bill was blown away by the surprise party, even if he wasn’t happy about admitting his age: “I still feel young,” he said, "I don’t like to think about being an old man”.

Bill’s sons Philip and Gavin were in on the secret and Gavin said it was no surprise his dad was still going strong as he entered his 10th decade. "He worked until he was 70 but even after that he was still fitting bathrooms and doing plumbing jobs until he was 80,” he said.

The Memorial Service, lead by Padre Ashley Mitchell.

Cpl Chris Kendall, RTS

EXERCISE ICY SATT

SATTs, RTS

On 26 Mar at 0240, 27 members of RAF Halton embarked on a week-long skiing expedition to Val Thorens, a ski town in the Tarentaise valley, French alps. The aim of this APDT was to develop ourselves as individuals, become a more productive and competent leader and encourage teamwork.

The group arrived at the resort early Saturday afternoon, welcomed by a clear blue sky, snow draped mountains and the gorgeous alpine sun. The mood throughout the group was consistent, high spirited and excited to start the skiing journey but also eager to settle into the accommodation. Everyone was ready to get sized up for our skis, it was getting real now! After everyone had been kitted out, the first night was about settling in and rubbing shoulders with our newfound roommates.

0800, Sunday morning. Everybody appeared fresh faced, wide eyed and hungry

to start the first day of skiing. Mustering up just outside the hotel we split into our own respective skill groups high, medium and low. As the low and medium groups focused on the bare necessities of skiing the top group caught their first lift of the trip. Whilst all of us had skied before, the morning was more about re-finding our ski legs and stopping at an alpine cafe for lunch, which we did everyday throughout the week. After lunch we concentrated on our form with the instructor introducing us to some new methods and techniques. Day 2 was much of the same with perfect weather conditions and a full day’s skiing to match.

By day 3 our legs began to feel tired and we were stood down for the morning allowing us to rest and recover, but that did not slow any of us down. In the afternoon the team were back out on the slopes, continued skiing without hesitation and started taking on more advanced training exercises and harder runs.

On Thursday, the weather had changed completely, and snow and fog surrounded us. However, we continued skiing and learned more about weather conditions and their variability in the mountains, the different snow conditions and how to orientate yourself in adverse weather. We skied all day, adjusting to the weather and putting in to practice all that we have learned in the previous days. Later that night we had a group expedition meal at a restaurant in town where we enjoyed the local cuisine and reflected on the ups and downs of the exped!

Our final skiing day was challenging due to bad weather conditions. A thick fog and snow blizzard made skiing conditions tough, however we went out and

LEADING AT RECRUIT TRAINING SQUADRON

Cpl

Stevens, TDF RTS

In terms of leadership, Recruit Training Squadron (RTS) offers opportunities like no other across the Royal Air Force. The responsibility that the JNCO cadre has is paramount in influencing and instilling our core values and standards within the next generation RAF. A challenging role for any leader with discipline, welfare and medical matters that are to be dealt with on an hourly basis.

Have you ever been thrown into a position that you do not feel prepared for, potentially saying something you didn’t mean to? Why did that happen? Karl Rohnke’s Comfort, Stretch and Panic model comes to mind. Out of character moments that you instantly regret, completely because you did not know what to do or say. Now put that in our environment. Acting Corporals who are selected as having great potential through a robust

system may have never experienced leading any team, let alone up to 120 recruits. What could be the impact if a trainer is in panic?

This gap clearly needed to be bridged…

In December 2021, Tedder Academy of Leadership recognised the course, Leading at RTS, aimed at SACs and A/Cpls and delivered by experienced JNCO phase one trainers. The week is

had a few attempts to see if it was possible to ski in these sorts of conditions with the hope that the sun would shine, but after a few runs the weather got worse. By midday we decided that it would be safer to stop for the day and start handing our equipment back in at the rental shop.

0400 we were all packed and ready to return to RAF Halton. While at the airport, we were debriefed, and we were informed if we had qualified for our “Ski Foundation level 1”. We then embarked on the final leg of our journey home.

specifically designed to safely expose this cadre in leading small teams through a range of diverse tasks, preparing them for their new primary role. It delivers an awareness of the RAF’s key leadership principles and enables

Jamie

FREEDOM OF BOROUGH PARADE

Within Air Officer Northern Ireland’s (AONI) Engagement Strategy, No. 502 (Ulster) Sqn, RAuxAF was tasked to co-ordinate, prepare and deliver a Parade to accept the Freedom of the Causeway Coast and Glens, on behalf of the RAF, from the Mayor and members of the Borough Council at Limavady on Fri, 8 Apr 22. The event, delayed by the COVID pandemic, recognized the RAF’s service in providing vital air and ground security for Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is the highest honour a local council can grant. The event (parade, flypast and supporting history display at the local arts centre in Limavady) is the key engagement opportunity delivered by AONI, AM Sean Reynolds this year.

While the Sqn is the largest RAF unit in NI, as a RAF Reserve unit, they are reliant upon the ability

of their PTVR cadre to be released from their civilian employment to support such activities. Although the Sqn were able to generate much of what was needed for the Parade contingent from within internal strength, with only a small Regular RAF component in Province, numbers fell short of what was required.  Faced with that dilemma a request was made for Serviceperson Awaiting Trade Trading (SATT) support to augment; a request was approved and 27 x SATT under the supervision of Sgt Russell were nominated to the task.

The SATT team arrived at Aldergrove on 5 Apr and proceeded to undertake an intensive period of drill practice and rehearsal with the RAF Central Band over the next 2 days. Throughout, the SATTs were well disciplined, enthusiastically engaged with the process and integrated seamlessly with the Sqn. Sgt Russell also assisted the Unit SNCOs as they finalized

and refined the Parade format and movements. Thrillingly, the Parade was successfully delivered, with AVM Mayhew, DCom Ops, reviewing the Parade with the Mayor and taking the salute as the contingent marched through the Limavady.

The event was extremely well supported by the local community and the performance on the ground was enhanced by a flypast by a Poseidon MPA from 120 Sqn as the Parade completed a

short ceremony at the Town’s War Memorial with local RAF veterans. At the end of the ceremony, the full Parade contingent was hosted by the Council at a reception lunch where gifts were exchanged. The event also received wide (and positive) coverage by local television, radio and newspapers, alongside the RAF News.

personnel to find and better understand themselves when in a leadership role.

With addition to foundation leadership, this course offers key lessons to grow new leaders in areas such as Astra, Welfare, Emotional Intelligence and Appraisal Management.

Leading at RTS is not only a course aimed at new phase one trainers but an opportunity for Station SACs

and A/Cpls who would like to start their journey within the leadership pathway, with courses planned on a quarterly basis. The following testimonials show the value of the course:

OC Arnold Intake - “This JNCO-led course provides invaluable peer to peer leadership feedback. It allows the individual to focus on knowing themselves as a person and trainer before being placed in the high-

pressure environment with phase one recruits.”

Acting Corporal, RTS Trainer - “Both a beneficial and enjoyable course, the trainers consistently put us in stretch with tailor-made challenges that tested our individual leadership styles in a safe environment away from phase one recruits. I look forward to using this experience within my first Basic Recruit Training Course.”

SAC, HR - “This course gave me an opportunity to learn and apply leadership skills, we were supported throughout to help achieve our personal goals. Since the course I feel more confident when leading tasks in my role whilst having a greater awareness in how to manage my personal development.”

Advertised through RAF Halton Station Announcements, you can also get more information via HALRTSTDFTrgSup@mod.gov.uk.

Flt Lt Steven Andor, RTS

Graduation

Round Up

All Images: UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED 2020 Station Photography Section.

AIRFIELD ACTION

As we move from Spring into Summer, activities at the airfield always increase rapidly. We had the usual winter months with little flying due to waterlogging and bad weather, but ops are increasing now, especially with the re-commencing of Air Experience Flights (AEF) for Servicepersons Awaiting Trade Training (SATTs) and the arrival of the first of this year’s scholars learning to fly with Halton Aero Club using the Junior Ranks’ Pilot Scheme; Chiltern Gliding Club also has pilots learning to fly through a Junior Ranks’ Scholarship Scheme. All Flying Clubs can be contacted through Ops Flt, Ext 6367/6666.

SATTS AEF RECOMMENCES

On 25 Apr 22, after a gap of more than 2 years, Halton Microlight Club (HMC) recommenced AEF for SATTs, being contracted to fly the SATTs on 30-minute flights which vary in nature but often fly near the Henderson site or route around Aylesbury. These flights are extremely popular, and the club are incredibly excited to be able to offer this opportunity once again. HMC CFI Dave Seath explains:

“It’s been an absolute delight to return to the skies with RAF Recruits at RAF Halton Microlight Club under the Air Experience Contract. It’s such a pleasure to see how they react, from the moment they arrive mostly shy and retiring, to the moment they leave with wide beaming smiles on their faces and waxing lyrical about what they have just experienced. For most, their only previous experience of flight has been on an airliner going abroad on holiday. For some it’s the very first time they’ve even

been in an aeroplane! But for all it’s an eye-opening experience, which promotes air mindedness and offers an early insight into what the RAF exists to deliver.”

FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR

In February 2014 Gp Capt Mark Manwaring, OIC Halton

Aero Club, started building an RV7 aircraft with an intent to set a World Speed Record for Circumnavigation of the Earth! The build started in his garden shed and has progressed to the hangar at Halton. Some 8 ½ years and 3500 hours of work later, the first engine ground runs

successfully took place at RAF Halton Airfield. Once the inevitable (and complex) paperwork is complete, the first flight and the start of a lengthy test schedule will follow. For full details of this aviation challenge go to www.raffton.org.uk/

HALTON MODEL

AIRCRAFT SOCIETY

Model aircraft flying at Halton probably began as early as 1917 when RFC technicians arrived; however, it went on to become a keen Aircraft Apprentice past-time in the 1920s. The Halton Model Aircraft Society (HMAS) inspired many that went on to work at the forefront of aviation technology. The earliest known reference to HMAS is in 1925, making the HMAS 97 years old and the oldest model flying club in the RAF Model Aircraft Association (RAFMAA).

Following storm damage a couple of years ago, the HMAS building has now been re-roofed and refurbished and the club is about to start operating again. Club members will be flying all types of models, fixed-

wing and rotary-wing as well as drones. As Halton, like all MOD property, is a ‘No Drone Zone’, the only

Training and its Aircraft Apprentices, and these specially selected individuals needed to train on the very

way to fly a drone legally in the RAF Halton area is to become a member of HMAS. Anyone interested in joining HMAS should contact the club through Ops Flt.

60th ANNIVERSARY OF VULCAN LANDING AT HALTON

The legendary landing of three Vulcan V-bombers at Halton Airfield is one of the more amazing stories of our airfield. The following is taken from ‘100 Years of Flying at RAF Halton’ by Wg Cdr Gary Coleman. RAF Halton was the home to No 1 School of Technical

latest aircraft. In the 1960s, this was the V-force, and the apprentices needed a Vulcan to work on to ensure they had the skills and knowledge needed for the sharpest end of the RAF’s front line.

The Vulcan was a 4-engine delta-wing nuclear bomber designed to deter the growing menace of the Soviet Union. With a wingspan just shy of 100’, an approach speed of 130kts and an empty weight of 85000lbs, landing a Vulcan on RAF Halton’s grass runways was not going to be easy! However, it was deemed worth the effort and risk to

fly one in compared to transporting one to Halton by road, especially as a Comet had successfully landed here previously.

Following preparation which included closing the public road and cutting the grass, XA892 flew into Halton on 21 June 1962, with all

non-essential equipment stripped out and arriving with the absolute minimum of fuel to divert to Benson, Brize or Bovingdon. A flavour of the undertaking can be gained from the captain of a later Vulcan landing at Halton who wrote an article entitled ‘Landing a Vulcan on 3000ft of grass’!

HALTON HOLDIES DAY

Some of the Halton Holding Students have been flying at the airfield recently, as part of a Flying Day, with a varied programme including a briefing by Gp Capt Manwaring about his forthcoming Round the World flight in his self-built RV7 aircraft. The Holdies then ‘flew’ the Halton Microlight Club’s simulator before taking to the skies with Chiltern Gliding Club for actual flying. The two airfield Holding Students also managed to hop on a Chinook flight on another occasion, where Fg Off Soar took this late-evening shot of a Chinook interior!

Anyone wishing to book a Section FD Gliding Day should contact the club through Ops Flt.

An RAF Halton Apprentice launches his model in a competition, 1927

Vulcan landing at RAF Halton Airfield, 21 June 1962

A later Vulcan landing on Halton’s grass runway, 26 August 1964.

Chinook Sunset, by Fg Off Soar.

HIDDEN HALTON - OLD WORKSHOPS

Sophie Rutledge, PA to OC Spt Wg

For over a century, RAF Halton has been the home of some extraordinary historical buildings. Vast aircraft hangars and extensive training grounds have facilitated the essential output of the station and some structures have proven particularly versatile in their uses. Perhaps most notably, the old station workshops which impressively sprawl across twelve 50 x 500foot structures and were functional from 1917-2018.

training to grow and aircraft to be built. By the end of the war there were 10,000 in training (6,000 men, 2,000 women and 2,000 boys) with a staff of some 1,700.

When the Royal Flying Corps commenced training on station in 1917, they were urgently in need of somewhere to train mechanics to meet the needs of their rapidly growing aircraft fleet. Construction began immediately with the building foundations laid by a German Prisoner-ofWar labour force, supervised by Colonel Sadler of the Royal Engineers. Once the supporting walls were in place, the wooden lattice trusses, constructed by local contractor Francis Irvine were installed to support the roof and skylights. This was to house some £250,000 worth of instructional machinery.

By 1918, urgency for the facilities grew with the rising tensions in Europe and the growing need for military aircraft, machinery and trained personnel. As each bay was completed it was immediately put into use, allowing numbers in

Following the Armistice, the Air Ministry purchased the estate and the new Chief of the Air Staff Sir Hugh Trenchard was able to develop his plans for an apprentice school to provide the infant service with a bedrock of highly trained engineers. Permanent barracks were built around Henderson Square and in 1922 the first entry of No 1 School of Technical Training moved in. Trenchard believed

that the only way to recruit high quality mechanics for the Service was to train them internally. His vision was the recruitment of well-educated boys aged 15 and 16 who could absorb the technical training. The first Entry of 500 boys arrived in January 1922, they were all trained in the workshops buildings and went on to form 40% of the RAF’s ground crew and 60% of its skilled tradesmen.

From then onwards, RAF Halton became (and remains) one of the largest RAF bases in the UK and the first stop for RAF recruits as they begin their career in the force. The immensity of the workshop buildings saw engineers educated, mechanics trained and pilots enrolled. Not only were the facilities used for educational purposes, but in 1924, machinery production lines were moved out and a swimming pool was installed

to aid physical training of recruits. In another of the empty bays, a Chapel of Worship was installed as part of a nationwide military initiative to provide pastoral, spiritual and moral support for recruits whist away from home. Throughout WW2 the chapel acted as a sanctuary for many station personnel hastily awaiting the return of serving friends or family. Sadly, in 1959 the chapel burnt down in a small fire that broke out on a Lincoln Aircraft. The chapel was not re-built in the workshop buildings, but in 1963

The St George’s Church was instead constructed elsewhere on Camp and remains in place today.

Following WW2, the foundations of the workshops were improved to allow for the housing of several aircraft including Hawker Hunters, Jaguars, Spitfires and Hurricanes.

With the turn of the century, expansion of the workshops continued as it housed even more departments. A carpentry workshop, welding bay, weapon stores, electrical equipment testing area, clothing stores and logistics training environments were just a handful of areas operating on the site. The size of the bays allowed for hundreds of metres of shelving to store inventory and uniforms and the wide corner rooms of the building

even had spray bays installed for military vehicles to drive in and out for painting. The workshops remained one of the primary training spaces for recruits, with education continuing in classrooms, physical training in the workshop’s new gym and practical training running all under the same roof. Trainees gained practice managing inventory, maintaining equipment, and learning the intricacies of several Airforce professions in real-life operational environments. Fascinatingly, there was even a life-like simulation of WW2 front-line trenches

constructed within the building, with papier-mâché walls, sandbags and wooden trellises. Their design was to offer an insight into living history, depicting life in the trenches and giving personnel a taste of military past.

Unfortunately, in 2018 after 100 years of use, the Workshops were closed and all departments were relocated elsewhere on camp. Now, the old structures lie dormant, awaiting development with the closure of site. But the rich and colourful history of the old workshops remain undeniably memorable by the tens of thousands that trained and worked there. The versatility of the buildings and their multitude of uses reminds us of the sheer extent of RAF output and gives us an insight into the array of departments and practices that operate on military bases. The old workshops may no longer be in use but the people and services at the heart of them live on throughout Halton and the wider service.

FA M I L I E S ' F E T E 22

On Saturday 11th June, RAF Halton whole force station personnel and their families came together for a fabulous day and enjoyed a wide variety of entertainment and activities at the Nuffield Pavillion!

PACING4PAT350

Achance meeting in Oct 21 with the CEO of a local suicide prevention and mental health awareness charity Hectors House, led to my wife, Cindy, & I discussing ways in which we could raise awareness and funds to support the amazing work they do in the community. Hectors House came to be after 18-year old Hector Stringer took his own life in 2011. The coincidental meeting with Lotte Stringer was even more poignant, as my own brother Pat had also taken his own life in 2020 aged just 25 years old.

What was born with the support of the charity is Pacing4Pat350, an epic 350 mile walk from Pat’s birthplace in Glasgow to his resting place in St Neots, Cambs, over 14 days, covering roughly 25 miles per day starting on Sun 24 Jul 22 & finishing on Sat 6 Aug 22.

What ensued on New Year’s day 2022 was the implementation of a training plan to enable us to achieve the physical and mental endurance of completing a marathon a day for a full 2 weeks. Having completed the bucket list London Marathon together in Oct 21, we asked ourselves, “how hard can it be to train, stay motivated and injury free for the next 7 months?” What an open question in such uncertain times.

Jan flew by and we bagged 100km between walking, running and building our strength. Feb was much the same and we were off out of the blocks and coasting to our main goal of Jul 22. What could go wrong? Mar – I decided to complete the Goggin’s challenge of running 12 x 4-mile loops of Wendover every 4hrs for 48hrs. Lap 7, mile 21, I felt a ping in my lower right

leg, despite this setback, I completed all 48 miles and once the swelling had subsided, discovered I had a tear in the Achilles. Training was derailed and weekly visits to the physio were the new norm. Fast forward Apr and after avoiding Covid for over 2 years, both Cindy and I felt the full force of it within a week of each other over Easter. Great prep for the fatigue we will endure on the 350 miles south.

May has been slow and steady in building towards full fitness and the final push to get ready to step off in Glasgow. A local walking group organised a 7-mile effort across the Chiltern Ridge on 29 May from Whiteleaf Cross to Wendover High Street and raised some funds with a raffle of prizes kindly donated by local businesses in Wendover. My shoulders felt the workout carrying my 3-year old daughter on my back for 2 straight hours across uneven terrain.

Why am I writing this article? It is so important to raise awareness of suicide and back in Feb, Cindy and I teamed up with Lotte to deliver a presentation to RAF Halton personnel including SLT on “Time to Talk” day. A request from me as we ready ourselves for this challenge, is please take 5 mins out of your day to read our story on the Just Giving link and follow our journey on the social media links below. We have a few events between now and the big one, if you’d like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in touch and if you find yourself near one of our 14 legs over the summer, feel free to pop along and say hello, we’d love to see you. You can follow #Pacing4Pat350 on social media across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. George & Cindy.

Sgt George Downey ACS

Pat – George’s brother.

Cindy & George with Hectors House T-Shirts on during the colder months.

Daisy, George, Cindy, Skye, Caleb – Family training walk May 22.

Cindy, George, Lotte – Time to Talk day Feb 22.

George – Goggins Challenge Mar 22.

Community and Charity

DARKEST HOUR – IS CHURCHILLIAN THINKING STILL RELEVANT TODAY?

Personnel from Central Training School (CTS) embarked on a journey through time to gain insight into Sir Winston Churchill’s mindset with a visit to the Churchill War Rooms in London.

This Force Development opportunity allowed us to look at how Sir Winston Churchill’s career developed through the years, from his time in the military all the way through to becoming one of the most well-known and memorable politicians in the Western world.

We learnt about how he used the power of speech and the English language to capture the emotions and hearts of the British people whilst leading them to victory.

the increased protection had enabled the Cabinet War Rooms to expand to three times their original size. While the usage of many of the War Rooms' individual rooms changed over the course of the war, the facility also included dormitories for staff, private bedrooms for military officers and senior ministers, and rooms for typists or telephone switchboard operators. During its operational life two of the Cabinet War

Personnel conducted research whilst exploring the War Rooms and delivered stands on Churchill’s famous speeches, his impact and influence in the Middle East and his likely views on modern conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

We learnt many interesting facts, such as the development of the Cabinet War Rooms by the installation of a massive layer of concrete known as 'the Slab'. Up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) thick, the Slab was progressively extended and by spring 1941

Rooms were of particular importance. Once operational, the facility's Map Room was in constant use and staffed around the clock by officers of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. These officers were responsible for producing a daily intelligence summary for the King, Prime Minister, and the military Chiefs of Staff.

The other key room was the Cabinet Room. Until the opening of the Battle

which I will direct the war'. In total 115 Cabinet meetings were held at the Cabinet War Rooms, the last on 28 March 1945, when the German V-weapon bombing campaign came to an end.

Overall, we had an educational and enjoyable day. If you haven’t booked an FD Day for your section, we highly recommend engaging

with

and Training Flight or following the step-by-step guide on the left-hand side of their SharePoint page.

of France, which began on 10 May 1940, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's war cabinet met at the War Rooms only once, in October 1939. Following Winston

Churchill's appointment as Prime Minister, Churchill visited the Cabinet Room in May 1940 and declared: 'This is the room from

Force Development

Sgt Nikki Briscoe, CTS

A memorable quote from the Museum.

CTS personnel outside the War Rooms.

Flt Lt Skilling.

Map Room.

Sgt Iliesa caught off guard.

Wg Cdr Poole.

THE FREEDOM OF THAME PARADE

WO Andrea Culley, SWO

On Sunday 15th May, the Queen’s Colour of Royal Air Force Halton and Escort Sqn paraded through the town of Thame. The town’s Mayor conducted a review of the parade alongside the Station Commander, Gp Capt Startup, before granting RAF Halton the Freedom of Thame by marching through the town with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and the Queen’s Colour flying. The parade was led by the Parade Commander, Wg Cdr Toothill and supported by the superb musical accompaniment of The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment.

Gp Cap Startup stated: It was an honour and a privilege to exercise the Freedom of Thame. The Freedom of a Town is the highest accolade that can be awarded to a military unit and recognises the close cooperation and historical connections of the Royal Air Force and the community. I am proud of not just those historical links that have their roots in the Second World War, but also the close community ties between Thame and RAF Halton.

The Project Officer for the Parade was Station Warrant Officer Culley, who stated: It has been an absolute honour to have been a part of such an amazing event;

I am extremely proud of all who have been involved, from the parade personnel to support staff and our friends on Thame Town Council, in ensuring the day was a great success.

RAF HALTON HIT THE SLOPES

Fg Off Morgan Rees

Despite the initial Ex Alpine Challenge being cancelled, 2022 saw the relaxation of a lot of Covid rules around Europe. RAF Wintersports representatives were quick off the blocks to reorganise Ex Alpine Challenge ‘2.0’ and even though it was on a much smaller scale, around 6 personnel from RAF Halton took to the slopes at Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria. The champs were pushed back 2 months to March and the weather couldn’t have been any better. The sun was shining every day and fresh snow blanketed the pistes each morning thanks to the snow-cannons on the mountains. The conditions were perfect for all abilities. RAF Ski and Snowboard instructors provide lessons for complete beginners all the way through to

off-piste specialists. So, whether you are a veteran skier or have never touched a snowboard before, the champs cater for all abilities. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and provided enjoyable lessons. Days on the slopes were broken up nicely with pit stops in the mountain restaurants. A Currywurst, Strudel and Skiwasser usually recharges you for an afternoon of shredding!

After a hard day of grafting on the runs, hitting the deck and nursing the hangover from the night before, it was time to hit the bar again. The peach snaps begin to flow in either the Goaßstall or Umbrella bar and despite the Europop/trash blasting from the speakers you admire the views and remember that this trip was just one of the bonuses of being in the RAF.

NEVER TOO LATE TO TRY A NEW SPORT!

Sgt Sakeasi Iliesa

At the age of 41 I would never have pictured myself learning how to snowboard in Austria. But I am lucky to work with Chf Tech Chris Edgar, OIC RAF Halton Wintersports, who introduced me to snowboarding. I started by trying out indoor snowboarding at Hemel Hempstead, enjoying it straight away and taking weekly lessons. The opportunity then arose to attend Exercise Alpine Challenge in Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria. I

felt confident as I had a few lessons under my belt, so I jumped at the opportunity to attend.

On the first day in Austria we were placed into groups dependant on experience. Our instructors then talked us through the plan for the week. Starting on the nursery slope it didn’t take long to discover that indoor snowboarding was very different to being on a mountain! This threw me off a little, but I soon adapted to the different conditions.

UKAF CONQUER RONIN

On 1 May 2022, WIT Fitness London hosted an invitational competition between UK Armed Forces and Ronin Strength. Several RAF personnel were selected to represent the UKAF, one of the athletes being Corporal Lucy Spy from the RAF Special Investigation Branch based at RAF Halton, who secured a 155kg total by achieving a 71kg Snatch and an 84kg Clean and Jerk, earning her a Sinclair score of 201.60.

This was the UK Armed Forces 2nd competition and after an exciting lifting battle against Ronin Strength, UKAF took the win, with hugely successful lifts from

everyone and plenty of PB’s. It was an amazing effort from all the team and they look forward to competing again and hopefully achieving another win.

The RAF Champs is being held on 6 Jul 22 at RAF Cosford. For more information please email: Mike.Cutler809@mod.gov.uk

Also keep an eye out for future workshops on the RAF Weightlifting Instagram or if you think your sports team could benefit from an RAF Weightlifting workshop please get in touch.

Snowboarding on the mountains felt much faster and at times can be very crowded making manoeuvres tricky.

Throughout the week we visited several slopes at the resort, taking in the amazing scenery, learning new skills and enjoying the great food at the mountain restaurants… the food was well earned each day!

I would 100% recommend attending Exercise Alpine Challenge to anyone, no matter your skillset. The RAF instructors are there to help and will take the time to guide you through the lessons at your own pace. It is also a great opportunity to

network with similar minded people in the RAF as the event attracts about 800 participants from the whole force (including civil servants / family members and friends). If you are interested in Wintersports and want to give snowboarding or skiing a try, please email Chf Tech Chris Edgar (Chris. Edgar984@mod.gov.uk).

Photography provided by RAF Halton ACSSU photographer – SAC Ryan Murray

Cpl Lucy Spy, SIB

Cat A Ski Group.

IT’S

Cooling down after riding down the mountain..

RAF HALTON HOSTS UK ARMED FORCES BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS

RAF Halton was selected to host the 2022 Inter Services Boxing Championships on 16 Mar 22, an event that provides opportunity for boxers from all three services to compete in a single boxing event with boxers competing for individual trophies and an overall service winner.

The RAF Boxing club committee overcame a myriad of challenges in order to deliver what has been commented upon as a first-class event and resounding success, raising the profile of the Stn across the Tri-service community and in the public domain.

Despite the RAF’s best result in over three decades, the Army came away with overall victory, with the RAF in a close second.

A fantastic result given the gulf that has existed in previous years. Boxers from the RAF now eagerly anticipate the next Triservice event later in the year to improve upon this result.

The event took place in the Initial Force Protection Training hangar, hosted approx. 400 guests and was lived streamed on BFBS. The event received praise from Major General Hamilton (Army) and Brigadier Tanner (RM) via the Stn Cdr in a formal letter of recognition of the success of the event.

Cpl Baxter-Leggett, WaSP, RTS

ROLE SUMMARY

OC Police, I deal with all things police, security and MPGSrelated for RAF Halton.

MEET THE NEW...

ABOUT YOU HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE MILITARY?

15 years

WHAT IS THE BEST JOB YOU’VE DONE?

Instructor for basic training. WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE MILITARY? A civvie.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? Impatient, stubborn and adaptable. HOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER DESCRIBE YOU IN THREE WORDS?

Attentive, ambitious and diligent.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND PASTIMES?

Surfing, climbing and festivals WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Sailing across the Atlantic.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE…

FILM: Man on Fire

MUSICIAN OR BAND: Mumford & Sons

FOOD: Mince and Yorkshires PLACE: Anywhere near the sea

QUICK QUESTIONS…

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Spend the rest of my life traveling the world.

IF YOU COULD TIME-TRAVEL, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

Far too many places to list, but I would probably start with the dinosaurs.

WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR TEA LAST NIGHT? Wagamamas WHAT ONE SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU HAVE? The ability to freeze and travel through time.

WHAT IS YOUR WORST FASHION FAUX PAS?

I had curtains, but it was the 90s.

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? My first motorbike. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? To commission.

WHAT’S THE NAUGHTIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO ADMIT TO? No comment.

RTS ADJ/OC TRENCHARD FLT, FG OFF VICTORIA

YOUNG.

WHAT IS THE BEST OR WORST JOB YOU’VE DONE?

I was recently deployed for 6 months to Tampa, Florida as the J1 JNCO for CENTCOM; great job and even better location WHAT WOULD YOU BE IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE MILITARY? Probably in corporate HR, dying of boredom!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? Happy go lucky HOW WOULD YOUR PARTNER DESCRIBE YOU IN THREE WORDS?

Thoughtful, lovable, unique. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND PASTIMES?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE…

FILM: Muriel’s Wedding BOOK: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

MUSICIAN OR BAND: Can’t choose! Anything indie, punk, rock with a bit of soul, funk, Elton John, Kayne West and Tom Odell thrown in there. FOOD: Cake PLACE: Marske-by-the-Sea beach (my hometown).

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? My engagement ring

WHAT IS YOUR WORST FASHION FAUX PAS? Bright, red hair with a mega side fringe

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Tighty righty, lefty loosey

ROLE SUMMARY

I manage Trenchard Flt, which is the invaluable support flight to RTS. As RTS Adj, I prepare and coordinate the working parts of fortnightly RTS graduations, undertake a plethora of random RTS support tasks and most importantly, make sure everyone knows where and when the socials are.

ABOUT

YOU

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE MILITARY?

Almost 9 years

Travelling, reading, socialising, long walks with the dog, enjoying a glass of red and eating lots of cake.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Co-founding the RAFA Virtual 50 event which has raised £70k for RAFA.

2 TRUTHS AND A LIE ABOUT YOURSELF…

I once drove onto a ferry in Germany by mistake.

A pigeon once nestled into my head in Prague.

I’ve fallen into the River Seine in Paris.

QUICK QUESTIONS… WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Travel for a while then start up a company with my partner IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL WHERE WOULD YOU GO? The 60s, to live life as a free-spirited hippie WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR TEA LAST NIGHT? Thai Yellow Curry from the George and Dragon WHO WOULD ATTEND YOUR IDEAL PARTY? REAL OR FICTIONAL ALL OK… Family, friends and a few great bands we could dance the night away to WHAT ONE SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU HAVE? Go anywhere, anytime in an instant

SSYO, FLT LT SEAN FERGUSON.

Legal Affairs?

it time for a review of your Legal Affairs?

Coming from an army background, I strongly recommend that serving and retired military personnel consider having a professionally drawn up Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney prepared, and carry out planning for their, and their family’s future. Due to my background, I understand many of the issues that you and your family may be going through, with the various factors and demands of military life.

Coming from an army background, I strongly recommend that serving and retired military personnel consider having a professionally drawn up Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney prepared, and carry out planning for their, and their family’s future. Due to my background, I understand many of the issues that you your family may be going through, with the various factors and demands of military life.

I offer friendly, specialist legal advice on Wills, Estate & Later Life Planning, Succession Planning and Powers of Attorney

offer friendly, specialist legal advice on Wills, Estate & Later Life Planning, Succession Planning and Powers of Attorney.

I am offering FREE ½ hour Consultations currently in person (such as at your home), or via a video call, to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding Wills, Powers of Attorney, and related matters.

am offering FREE ½ hour Consultations currently in person (such at your home), or via a video call, to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding Wills, Powers of Attorney, and related matters.

If you would like to discuss matters with me at any time, or have any questions, please contact me on iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk or 01296 415700 or visit my website www.wanstallconsulting.co.uk

If you would like to discuss matters with me at any time, or have any questions, please contact me on iain@wanstallconsulting.co.uk or 01296 415700 or visit my website www.wanstallconsulting.co.uk

Is it time for a review of your

I am pleased to hold a Registered Armed Forces Covenant and provide a 10% discount for any legal advice I provide to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or retired, and all non-military staff working at RAF Halton.

I am pleased to hold a Registered Armed Forces Covenant and provide a

10% discount for any legal advice I provide to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or retired, and all non-military staff working at RAF Halton.