Sustainably built and maintained two and three-bed self-catered getaways; all the delights you'd expect from a stay at The Barnsdale, with the added bonus of a place to call your own!
On the edge of breath-taking Rutland Water, the former hunting lodge has been lovingly reimagined, paying tribute to its history and distinctive local area.
45 individually styled bedrooms meld quirky British sensibility and elegant authentic luxury; the old blends with the new, the refined with the comfortable, and the local with the worldly.
The Barnsdale is open to all for lunch, afternoon tea and supper every day.
Our elegant 1760 Brasserie, sunny Orangery and lush courtyard serve locally-sourced, seasonal food to be enjoyed within view of the Rutland countryside which inspired it.
The late summer months have long been referred to as the ‘Silly Season’ by the British media because there is little in the way of major news stories with most people on holiday. Instead, the newspapers tend to focus on frivolous stories such as spotting the face in a piece of toast or vegetable…
Thankfully this is not a problem for the Wittering View - even though we do have the Station Allotment to fall back on if necessary – and the Autumn issue has many great stories from the award-winning chefs of No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (page 30) through to the success of the inaugural Exercise AUXILIUM FORT (page 8).
Despite the lack of a sunny summer – it was a very definite ‘blink and miss it’ situation - the rain stayed away for RAF Wittering’s Families’ Day. Although it was slightly windy, it proved to be a fantastic day thanks in no small part to WO Maxine Booth and her team. Report and pictures on page 16
Back in 2020, No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron (2MT) celebrated the 80th anniversary of its formation. Unfortunately, the pandemic meant that the planned celebrations was postponed until last year, but then they had to be postponed again following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. So, this summer it was third time lucky, and you will find the pictures on page 9.
And finally, it would be remiss of me not to signpost you to the article on page 6 about the role that Wittering played in the hosting and training of Ukrainian Military Firefighters following the gifting of specialist firefighting vehicles by the UK.
As always, please keep the articles and news flowing in ready for the next edition. And if that does include a story about an oddshaped vegetable then so be it…
Emma StaceyThis is the nature of the job that we do. But for many of us this task is made easier because of the support we received from our loved ones.
This is why occasions such as our Friends and Families’ Day is so important and why the work of our Community Support and Welfare Teams is so vital. It is an opportunity to say thank you to everyone on Station for their hard work, but also to ensure our families also get the thanks and support they deserve.
During the last 12 months, the Community Support Team, which supports service personnel and families, has worked hard to reintroduce a fantastic range of activities and events, previously wiped out
because of the pandemic.
A major misconception is that the deployed activities and support that they provide is solely for families with children. However, this is not the case as it is available to partners, parents, and siblings.
I can say from first-hand experience the positive impact this support provides, as my husband is currently deployed. My daughter and I have spent quality time together, meeting up with other families on trips and activities including a visit to Whipsnade Zoo and the fabulous Pizza Takeaway Nights at the Station’s Community Centre. All the activities are aimed at providing support to the whole family, and even if family members live away from the
Station, the team work hard to ensure all feel supported.
Continuing the support theme, I was delighted that Wittering was able to assist a group of Ukrainian Military Fire Service, after the UK gave 17 specialist firefighting vehicles to their fire and rescue services. The team conducted a week’s training on Station, and it was a real honour to meet and chat with them. I am incredibly proud of the part RAF Wittering personnel were able to play in this significant contribution to the Ukrainian’s capability.
This was one of many notable moments at RAF Wittering during the Summer which also included a visit by the new Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, welcoming neighbours and members of the local civic community to the Station’s Annual Formal Reception, as well as the hundreds of Air Cadets who come to Wittering for their Annual Summer Camps.
In fact, I think the only thing that was absent this summer was the sun…
RAF Wittering is a highly deployable Station, and our personnel are regularly called upon to leave their homes and families for months at a time.Wing Commander Nikki Duncan Station Commander Wing Commander Nikki Duncan being interviewed about the Ukrainian Military Firefighters.
Personnel from RAF Wittering provided training and support to Ukrainan firefighters, after the UK gave 17 specialist firefighting vehicles to their fire and rescue services.
The urgently needed equipment, primarily sourced from the RAF and Defence Fire and Rescue, with one provided by the Welsh Assembly, will help bolster Ukraine’s ability to respond to damage caused by Russia’s continued use of cruise missiles and one-way attack drones against Ukrainian infrastructure.
The specialist vehicles - Rapid Intervention and Major Foam Vehicles - were delivered from
locations around the UK to RAF Wittering to allow RAF personnel to conduct the required preparations before their onward movement to Ukraine.
Personnel from 5001 Squadron inspected and prepared the vehicles to make sure they were ready to conduct their role. Once the preparations were completed, 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron loaded the vehicles ahead of their journey to a designated delivery point.
Corporal Adam Abbott from 5001 Sqn said: “When I was asked if I could inspect these fire trucks for their road safety, I jumped at the chance. These types of vehicles have followed me through my 21-year career and have been interesting to work on. I feel extremely proud to be part of the continued effort to support the people of Ukraine and I hope these vehicles will go on to save lives.”
In preparation of the vehicles’ arrival in Ukraine, members of the Ukrainian Military Fire Service conducted a week’s training on Station. This was designed and delivered by the RAF and Defence Fire and Rescue to familiarise the Ukrainians on the vehicles before they operated them for real.
Defence Chief Fire Officer, Sim Nex, said: “The Defence Fire and Rescue family are extremely proud of the specialist support which we have been able to facilitate.
“We are confident that the equipment provided to date, and associated training, will directly enhance firefighting capability, as we consider further opportunities to support the Ukrainian Military
Fire Service moving forward.”
This equipment is the latest in the UK’s programme of support for Ukraine. The UK committed £2.3 billion funding for military aid to Ukraine in 2022 and the Prime Minister has confirmed that this figure will be matched in 2023.
It follows previous donations to Ukraine of around eight tonnes of personal protective equipment for firefighting, along with other non-lethal aid including medical equipment and more than 100 industrialstrength generators.
Chief of Staff Support Force, Wing Commander Mark Concarr said: “To know what we are gifting and what they may get used for, to help save likes and to help Ukraine, then for all of us it’s a really special moment.”
RAF Wittering Station Commander Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “This is significant for Wittering because it is the first time we have ever done anything like this, it is significant for the RAF because it is our contribution, and it is hugely significant for Ukrainians because it is going to increase their operational capability.”
Thunderstorms and wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of guests at RAF Wittering’s Annual Formal Reception.
The Annual Formal Reception provides the opportunity for meaningful engagement with RAF Wittering’s neighbours and members of the local civic community, with guests hosted by a wide range of personnel from across the Station.
Speaking at the reception, Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, thanked the community, and in particular charitable partners, for their support, while also updating them on what the Station and RAF have been delivering over the last year.
Guest speaker, Lucy Acred, Royal British Legion Community Fundraiser for Cambridgeshire, and Huntingdon, spoke about the support the organisation has received from the Station. She then presented the Station Commander with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the fundraising efforts by personnel at RAF Wittering.
Squadron Leader Chris Marshall was the project officer for the event.
He said: “It was a pleasure to coordinate RAF Wittering’s Annual Formal Reception. Despite wet weather, it didn’t dampen the spirits and atmosphere of the guests and hosts. There was excellent engagement and interesting discussion throughout the evening, which was admirably supported by the Officers’ Mess and its staff, who provided excellent food and outstanding service. My thanks go out to all those who assisted in the detailed planning, coordination, and delivery of a highly successful event.”
Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, Station Commander, said: “It was a great honour to be able to meet and thank in person so many members of the local community, civic and charitable organisations that support us in the work
that we do. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements, commitments, and partnerships, while recognising the significant role RAF Wittering and its personnel play in operations and exercises around the world.”
Engineers and logisticians from Royal Air Force Wittering participated with other Force Elements from Global Enablement in the inaugural Exercise AUXILIUM FORT, a Support Force-led exercise specifically designed to train and test technical and war fighting skills.
Under the direction of Commander Support Force, Group Captain Nick Huntley, Aviators from high-readiness engineering and logistics squadrons within 42(ES) and 85(EL) Wings, 1 Air Mobility Wing and Reserves including Wittering’s 504 Sqn RAuxAF had the opportunity to train collectively. They were joined by their Global Enablement colleagues from Tactical Medical Wing, the Combat and Resilience Force, the Air Security Force and 90 Signals Unit.
These Force Elements routinely enable, sustain, and recover RAF operations worldwide, such as conflict and humanitarian disaster extraction, testing their skills through participation in major air exercises. They are professional at what they do and well-practised, but it is very different when those tasks are being performed in the chaos of conflict.
As a high-readiness organisation, it is important that the Support Force prepares its people for all eventualities. Although many of the Aviators have a wealth of experience,
for some in the early stages of their careers they need to be exposed to challenging and difficult situations that stretch them mentally and physically, helping to build their resilience.
The aim is to give them the confidence to know that they will be able to handle any situation they face. AUXILIUM FORT 23 was the inaugural annual exercise designed to put all the diverse squadrons into the field together so that they could learn from each other and together.
The Latin translation of Auxilium is ’help’ and fort is ‘stronghold’; this translation was interpreted as: our enabling forces are the ‘Support Strength’. The exercise mission was to deploy, sustain and re-deploy our Force Elements in support of NATO enhanced Air Policing. Armed with a name and a mission, a core training team from Support Force’s HQ, along with experts from each Force Element created an exercise of technical skills that tested our ability to respond when what
could go wrong, went wrong.
Over the three-week period, the exercise provided many challenges such as fuel spills, broken vehicles, casualties, power outages, broken communications, dropped munitions and insider and outsider threats. Carrying their rifles, wearing body armour and helmet while trying to fix a gasket, cook a meal, or fix a satellite added to the complexity. The exercise offered a platform to identify, correct and practice Force Protection drills within the
daily routine, and lessons were learnt during the exercise activity: better on the training exercise area than on the battle ground.
The exercise culminated in a complex attack on the base; Aviators had reacted to a mortar attack and had to dive to the ground, taking cover. At the sounding of the ‘All Clear’ they then proceeded to conduct Post Attack Recovery drills. However, this attack was not over, and personnel were tested on their challenge procedures and follow up reactions to a direct attack on
transformed for the evening, with food, drinks and a live band to be enjoyed by guests.
The Squadron was originally formed on the 16th July 1940 in Cambridge, arguably making it one of the oldest squadrons in the Royal Air Force. Throughout its history it has proved to be an extremely efficient RAF asset, in addition to providing the freight movement role it has also been involved in operational support to Op GRANBY, Op TELIC, Op HERRICK and Op ELLAMY.
No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron (2MT) welcomed invited guests and Squadron Personnel both past and present to RAF Wittering to celebrate 80 years since the formation of the Squadron. After three years’ postponement the event was held in the No 2 Mechanical Transport hangar which had been
Currently located at RAF Wittering, the Squadron continues to provide specialist tri-service freight movements worldwide for Air Command, and logistics support for exercises throughout the UK and Europe.
Warrant Officer Trev Shippey said: “It was fantastic to gather people together to celebrate 80 years of a highly respected Squadron which has a long history and as Squadron Warrant Officer I feel privileged to be a part of it”.
the main gate from a pickup truck containing local combatant forces. Exercise participants had to deal with this threat as well as provide first aid to various casualties (own and combatant forces).
Not one Aviator walked away without having learnt something, whether it was about themselves, their equipment, or their comrades; everyone found it worthwhile. The final bullet case has been picked up, the tents are down, the exercise is over for this year, but we are not done, this is just the beginning: Operating; Living; Winning.
A drill competition, karting and a fireside chat with RAF Wittering’s Station Commander were just some of the activities enjoyed by Air Cadets from the No3 Welsh Wing during the summer camp.
Hundreds of Air Cadets from across the country visit RAF Wittering each year to take part in the annual summer camps. The annual camps are an opportunity for the cadets to learn more about military life, but it also provides the opportunity to gain and improve key life skills such as confidence, teamwork and leadership.
During this year’s camp, activities ranged from a pizza making session with personnel
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Rich Maddison and Warrant Officer of the RAF Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam
visited RAF Wittering for a town hall chat.
The visit was an opportunity for CAS, who was the Station Commander at RAF Wittering from 2009-2011, to meet and talk to Station personnel.
from 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS), karting, yachting on Rutland Water as well as a visit to the Red Arrows at RAF Waddington. They also had the opportunity to visit different Sections and Squadrons on Station to find out about the work they do.
Deputy Wing Training Officer
Sqn Ldr Kris Butler said: “I’d like to say a massive “thank you” for our annual camp at RAF Wittering. The Cadets and Staff had a fantastic experience, with some activities that really went beyond any previous camps they had been on. The personnel on station were welcoming and engaging to the cadets and this was reflected in the endless questions they asked during section visits.”
RAF Wittering Running Club hosted the second race in the Lincolnshire Road running league which also incorporated the RAF 10km Road Running Championships.
The Lincolnshire Road League mainly consists of RAF Stations around the Lincolnshire area, but also has Stations from Cambridgeshire and Norfolk competing. But as the event included the RAF Champs there were athletes competing from all over the country, including some travelling from RAF Lossiemouth. In total there were 65 personnel competing.
The race started from the Gym and headed up the airfield, looped around the bomb dump and returned to the gym. Weather conditions were good, other than the stiff head wind on the return!!
The event was kindly supported by Bog Dog Running Gear from Stamford who set up a stall within the Gym.
Presentations were made by Sqn Ldr Johnson from RAF athletics, who praised the organisation of the event and hopes Wittering can continue hosting the 10km championships in the future.
Male
1st – Sgt Lee Athersmith
RAF Leeming 0:33:41
2nd – Flt Lt Harry Barnes
RAF Waddington 0:34:16
3rd – AS1 Steven Sims
RAF Waddington 0:34:31
1st from RAF Wittering
9th – Cpl William Gardner
2MT – 0:36:15
Female
17th – FS Angela Bell
RAF Lossiemouth - 0:40:20
27th – Fg Off Harriet Haywood
RAF Halton - 0:42:15
29th – Flt Lt Kimberly Adams
RAF Brize Norton - 0:42:33
1st from RAF Wittering
45th – Fg Off Rhiannon
Wickham – 0:46:45
Full Results can be see online at https://my.raceresult. com/246698/
The Wittering Running Club regularly meets up for training sessions and also competes at Road and Cross Country events throughout the year. Please contact Chief Tech Dan Lewis (daniel.lewis809@mod.gov.uk) for more info.
RAF Wittering personnel had the chance to say goodbye to the C-130J Hercules when three of the aircraft flew over the Station during a farewell flypast ahead of its retirement on June 30.
RAF Wittering’s Deputy Station Medical Officer was invited to LGS Stoneygate School near Leicester to present prizes to pupils from Reception and Years 1 and 2.
Sqn Ldr Robert White was delighted to represent the RAF and the Station at the event which marked the end of the school year. In addition to talking about the diversity of the RAF, including his own role, he also introduced the pupils
Thousands of residents lined the streets in Leicester as Station Personnel from RAF Wittering marched through the city to mark Armed Forces Day. Organised in conjunction with Leicester City Council, the parade was a commemoration and celebration of the city’s links with the Armed Forces.
RAF Wittering Station
Commander Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan was invited to attend the Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly at Wittering Primary School. She presented each of the children with a special book to mark the special occasion and wished them luck as they head to secondary school in September.
to a teddy bear called NED to help him deliver a positive and motivational message.
He explained: “I gave NED the teddy bear to my son when I deployed a few years ago. NED stands for N-Never give up, E-Encourage others and D-Do your best. The NED message seems to have gone down well, and the children were talking about it with their teachers afterwards. Apparently next school year this will be incorporated into some classroom activities and how thinking NED and working hard can mean that anything is possible for the pupils to achieve.”
Service personnel from all three Armed Forces marched along a route which began in the city centre’s High Street and took in the Clock Tower and Gallowtree Gate before arriving at Green Dragon Square, accompanied by the Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders.
RAF Wittering Station
Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan and Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur took the salute at the parade.
Following the parade, Service Personnel were joined by the public for a traditional drumhead service in Green Dragon Square. The Bishop of Loughborough, Saju Muthalaly, gave the service, followed by a performance by the Cottesmore Military Wives Choir. Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. The day is a chance for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
Headteacher Charlotte Blake said: “We were delighted that the Stn Cdr was able to join us for the assembly. It just made their last day a little more special which is what we want for them.”
Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan said: “It was a privilege to be part of this special moment for the children and parents. We wish them all the best as they embark on their next adventure.”
Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs?
As September 26 is the European Day of Languages we’ve popped a few European languages into the grid. But which of the European languages listed below cannot be found in the grid?
There are plenty of National and International days throughout the year. Here is a small selection of those that take place this autumn.
• September 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day! This started as an inside joke between two friends after a racquetball injury and has ballooned into international recognition. Even large corporations like Google and Facebook have marked this day with a pirate-translated version of their search engine and website.
• The first ITV broadcast was at 7.15pm on September 22, 1955. ITV’s first full day of broadcasting on September 23,1955 also saw the advent of Britain’s first female newsreader, Barbara Mandell.
• National Poetry Day takes place on the first Thursday in October. It’s coordinated by the Forward Arts Foundation to celebrate excellence in poetry and to prove poetry has a place in everyone’s life.
• The first Friday in October is World Smile Day. Established in 1999, the idea is to perform
an act of kindness to help one person smile.
• The first Wednesday in November is National Stress Awareness Day. It was founded to increase public awareness and to help people to recognise, manage and reduce personal and professional stresses.
• The United Nations declared November 21 as World Television Day, recognising that television is a symbol of communication and globalisation that informs, entertains, educates, and influences people’s opinions and decisions. A great opportunity to binge-watch that boxset!
• November 21 is also World Hello Day. The idea is to say “hello” to at least 10 people, especially strangers.
Mark first came to Wittering in August 2004 after being lured away from the CDO role with the army at North Luffenham. He has led the RAF Wittering Community Support Team since 2010.
During his time at RAF Wittering, Mark has organised and been involved in countless Station events, deployed families’ and Airplay trips and activities, as well as responsible for obtaining vital funding for numerous projects in support of Station personnel and their families.
Mark obtained one of the first Armed Forces Covenant bids to get funding for the Wittering Village sign and was also instrumental in obtaining funding to open the village’s Families Centre, working with Wittering Primary School to get additional financial support to keep the centre open. Other major projects during his time have included the development of the Community Learning Centre and The Place at Number 18 – the youth house.
He also turned his expertise to the development of the play park and MUGA on St Georges Road, while on Station, Mark obtained funding for benches and parasols during the covid pandemic to provide the service personnel living on Station with safe outdoor areas. He also received a grant to provide stay at home activities and resources for service personnel and families during this difficult time.
When he wasn’t seeking out funding for projects, Mark assisted with the running of the Airplay summer programme, providing an extra pair of hands and running sessions as required.
Mark at the 15th birthday for Airplay.
He attended most deployed trips with families working one weekend a month during Op Herrick and Op Telic to ensure Service Personnel and their families were supported.
Thanks to Mark, the Station has established and maintained close ties with Wittering Primary School and Wittering Parish Council, along with many other local organisations and groups during the past two decades. And in recognition of his hard work and dedication over the years to youth work, Mark was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2011.
Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “During his time at RAF Wittering Mark has made a significant contribution to families and service personnel, those living on camp as well as in the local community and the wider Parish. The reputation he has built is sublime, and Wittering will very much miss his energy, passion, and unbounded ability to get money where others have
“Certainly, during my tenure, Mark has set high standards in his own area of work and planned and delivered above and beyond, always willing to mentor and support inexperienced and new members of the team. I shall especially miss his cheery disposition, and unwavering and enthusiastic support and his very positive impact on the whole RAF Wittering team.”
Speaking about his retirement, Mark said: “I feel a mixture of sadness and happiness about going. I think above all I am going to miss the people. After are they are the important bit here and this job has very much been about the people. I am definitely going to miss the team and the young people of Airplay.”
The Community Support Team, who will miss the daily search for mislaid keys and phones, would like to wish Mark a very happy retirement.
This year’s event was held at Kendrew Barracks (formerly RAF Cottesmore) in June and participants had the option of completing a bike ride of 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles! The challenge could also be completed virtually.
RAF Wittering Cycling Club put together a team - The Golden Lions - for the event.
BBC One Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt also took part in the challenge and Wing Commander Colin Green couldn’t resist snapping a quick selfie with him.
Following on from the successful RAFA Rides 23 live event, the Golden Lions Team held a “Spinathon” in the Station Gymnasium to raise awareness for the annual event and raise a few more pounds for the total.
Despite widespread advertisement, it turned out to be the quietest day in the history of RAF Wittering! With the help of the Gym Staff, a select band set up two Spin Bikes, a Watt Bike and Silky’s Turbo Trainer in one corner of the gym and began trying to drum up business, hoping the Station Execs might turn out and create a rush of OJAR & SJAR moments or at least
a lunchtime rush – but sadly not!
In the end the team managed to set up a few challenges between those that did turn up to “have a go” – including the legend that is Padre Andrew Turner. RAFA’s Head of Community Fundraising, Jenn Shepard turned up to give moral support and brought a whole host of gizzits! Even though it is for Charity, everyone that turned up got a ‘prize’ and that included the Students visiting RAF Wittering from Ruskin Academy!
Challenges included Fastest 1Km, Highest Power (in Watts), Furthest Distance in 5mins and, a very special challenge – Beat the Falcons. Most are self-explanatory, but the Beat the Falcons is based on the Fastest Time to 2,100m, which is the same distance that the Falcons Parachute Team normally jump from for their displays; the Falcons had a fundraising session at RAF Brize Norton back in May, and their fastest member, Sergeant Doug McAll, completed 2,100m in just 2 minutes 58.74 seconds.
Overall, with Colin’s Virtual Ride, The Golden Lions’ live ride (including FS Cheryl Slater) and the Spinathon, RAF Wittering managed to raise a respectable
£946 (with Gift Aid to be added). Not too shabby!! Thank you to all that donated and took part!
Next year’s Ride will be bigger and better, and is already in the calendar for June 15, 2024 – sign
up is already open at https:// rides.rafa.org.uk or just search RAF Rides 2024. The Golden Lions will be out again and looking to better their 2020 fundraising total of £1,927.
Fast 1Km: Male – James Silk (1min 9sec)
Highest Power: Male – James Silk (1361W)
Furthest in 5min: Male – Sam Clark (3.32km)
Beat the Falcon: James Silk – 2min 48sec
Female – Lauren Boston (1min 26sec)
Female – Lauren Boston (911W)
Female – Lauren Boston (2.2km)
Colin Green – 2min 55sec
(Ed’s Note: Silky was being far too serious and was riding in his cycling shoes with cleats to give better performance – so, cheating really!)
Aircraft displays, fairground rides, an animal petting zoo and a vintage car display were among the attractions at RAF Wittering’s Families’ Day.
Families' Day is an opportunity for personnel to relax and enjoy themselves with their families, spouses and partners.
Despite the weather being a bit chilly and windy, personnel and their families came out in force to take part in the fun.
Other attractions included an It’s A Knockout Time Trial, go-karting, STEM activities and motorcycle stunts. There were also flypasts by the Typhoon Display Team, a spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF Tutor Display Team, a Mustang and a Chipmonk.
The event Project Officer was Warrant Officer Maxine Booth who brought together a team
of volunteers to make the day a great success.
Station Commander Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “Families’ Day is a way the
Station can say thank you to not only the personnel but also to their families and loved ones. A huge well done to the team for organising such a fantastic day.”
Personnel from Wittering’s 504 Squadron are celebrating the award of three commendations published in the Kings’ Birthday Honours List.
Flight Lieutenant Jill Harrison MBE who has served on 504 Squadron since 2014 was awarded a personal commendation from Air Officer 2 Group for her outstanding contribution to the RAF Reserves and her Squadron across her nine-year tenure.
Reservist Chef Air Specialist (Class 1) Pete Wootton received a commendation from Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for his exceptional performance throughout numerous mobilisations with 3 Mobile Catering Squadron.
Members of 504 Squadron’s Supply Flight were awarded a Team Commendation from the Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for their role in supporting the relocation of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and logistics support to the Typhoon Force at RAF Coningsby.
In addition to these 2* awards, in recognition of his commitment, agility and exemplary culinary ability while deployed on a number of recent overseas mobilisations, Reserve Chef Air Specialist (Class 1) Martin Triner was awarded a commendation from Air Officer Global Enablement. Martin received this commendation just before he deployed to Australia in support of Exercise TALISMAN SABRE after which he retired from the RAF Reserves at the end of August having served with 504 Squadron since March 2018.
Corporal Craig Jones, one of 504’s Chef Instructors was presented with a Station Commander’s Award for his diligent and meticulous management of compound infrastructure and associated fire safety equipment.
OC 504 Squadron, Squadron Leader Slater said “The collective achievements of these outstanding Officers and Aviators demonstrates the calibre and commitment of our amazing Reservists. The critical output they have delivered in support of Operations and Exercises at RAF Wittering and across the globe highlights the breadth and quality of the RAF Reserves’ contribution to Defence. Many congratulations to you all!”
• As a Reserve you’ll get to live your normal life and use your spare-time to challenge and improve yourself. You can join the RAF Reserves if you are aged 18-54. We deliver all the training you need so don’t worry if you don’t have any specialist skills or experience, most of our Reservists don’t when they join us. For more information about joining the RAF Reserves as a Part-Time Volunteer Reserve email WIT-504AUX-Enquiries@ mod.gov.uk.
Charles III and Queen Camilla? With three extremely high-profile engagements, according to Sgt Tom Ringrose.
In May, the Band of the Royal Air Force College performed in Lincoln Cathedral at the ‘Dambusters’ themed concert which was a tribute to No 617 Squadron and marked the 80th anniversary of Operation CHASTISE – the successful attack on German dams using Sir Barnes Wallis’s ‘bouncing bomb’.
Sir Karl Jenkins, the renowned multi-instrumentalist and composer conducted his own composition For the Fallen, where Organist Jeffrey Makinson and the Lincoln Cathedral Choristers joined the Band of the RAF College in a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in World War II, including Sir Karl’s uncle, a bomber pilot.
The concert was a huge success, with more than 1,000 people filling the Cathedral and raising funds for the RAF Music Charitable Trust. Since the Trust was established in 2004, it has donated over £95,000 in welfare support and associated funding to more than 20 different charities and organisations. A cheque for £5,000 was presented to the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial.
The Band travelled to Cleethorpes to march hundreds of Soldiers, Sailors and Aviators down the seafront in front of over 180,000 people for Armed Forces Day. When the musicians arrived at 0930hrs, the town was alive with a carnival atmosphere – the
parade wasn’t due to step off for another two hours!
After the parade finished, the Band performed music from Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi and music from Top Gun. The thousands of people who came along to listen sang along with gusto.
Armed Forces Day is always a fantastic occasion for RAF Music, and the people of Cleethorpes were out in force. With the RAF being so prominent in Lincolnshire, it is always a proud moment to be able to perform for such an enthusiastic audience.
In July, the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the RAF College were on the TV again! This time, live on the BBC from St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh as part of Operation SCEPTRE, where His Majesty King Charles III was presented with the Honours of Scotland – the oldest crown jewels in Britain.
The people’s procession was escorted to the Cathedral while a royal procession travelled from the Palace of Holyrood House.
During the Service, the Trumpeters performed the Gordon Jacob Fanfare to the National Anthem, and the Recessional, March: The Call of Lochnagar by Paul Mealor, in the Honours of Scotland Service for Their Majesties.
As I type, I can hear the Central Band of the RAF and the Band of the RAF Regiment marching up and down the parade square, rehearsing for the Royal Edinburgh
accompanied by
who will be in the stage band. By the time you read this, the iconic event will have been viewed live at Edinburgh Castle by 220,000 during August, and a further 100 million people globally through television broadcasts.
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Armed Forces Day is always a fantastic occasion for RAF Music
Personnel from RAF Wittering’s 504 Squadron attended a special renaming ceremony of a Steam Locomotive at Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough.
The event, led by Air Vice Marshal Ranald Munro, Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, was attended by special guests and reservist personnel from across the RAF including 504 Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore, Veronica Pickering who unveiled the name plate. The Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) provided a musical backdrop and there was a flypast by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Chefs from 504 Sqn’s Catering Flight also made a commemorate cake featuring an image of the Steam Locomotive which was enjoyed by over 100 guests.
The RAuxAF is marking 100 years of volunteer reserve service in the RAF in 2024, and to mark the occasion the Battle of Britain Class locomotive No:34081 has temporarily changed its name from “92 Squadron” to “Royal Auxiliary Air Force”.
The Battle of Britain Locomotive Society was keen to support the Royal Auxiliary Air Force with a temporary name change after learning that 41,000 RAF Volunteer Reserves were killed in action while serving with
the RAF in World War II.
The Battle of Britain locomotives were introduced to serve on the railways from 1945 with some 47 locomotives carrying names commemorating individuals, RAF stations and operational RAF Squadrons which took part in the Battle of Britain. Today there are just nine of these locomotives left, being carefully preserved by heritage railway groups with” 92 Squadron” residing at the Nene Valley Railway.
In addition to new name plates, the engine’s cab now carries the medal ribbon of the
attended the dedication
Queen’s (now King’s) Volunteer Reserve Medal, beneath its temporary new number 34111. The QVRM/KVRM is a state honour awarded to Reservists who have given exemplary service to the country.
The locomotive “Royal Auxiliary Air Force” will now go into a maintenance programme to prepare it to pull passenger services next season to commemorate the RAuxAF 100th anniversary. At the end of the season, the locomotive will resume its name “92 Squadron” and the “Royal Auxiliary Air
Force” brass name plates will be auctioned to raise funds for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation which works to maintain the various memorials to the Service and its personnel and curate the history of this unique and valued component of the Royal Air Force.
Speaking at the event, Air Vice Marshal Ranald Munro, Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, said: “I must thank sincerely the Battle of Britain Locomotion Society for allowing us to re-name this locomotive for the duration of our 100th anniversary and the RAuxAF Foundation and Sqn Ldr Alfred Hall for coming up with the idea. I must also thank the Nene Valley Railway for their hard work to make this event happen.”
Squadron Leader Kaye Slater, Officer Commanding 504 Squadron, said: “As 504 Squadron enters its 95th year since its formation, it was a privilege for our serving personnel and Association members to attend this historic event to commemorate the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s century of meritorious, dedicated service.”
504 Reserve Squadron welcomed business leaders and employers from across East Midlands and East Anglia to their inaugural Employers’ Reception at RAF Wittering.
The evening was hosted in 3 Mobile Catering Squadron’s hangar with Support Force’ Reservists of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Band providing superb musical accompaniment.
504 Squadron Honorary Air Commodore Veronica Pickering officially opened the reception, and guests enjoyed a range of capability demonstrations showcasing the plethora of Logistics and Engineering activities 504 Squadron Reservists undertake. There was also a tour of the RAF Wittering Heritage Centre hangar and delicious food served by Reservist Chefs.
Phillip Goddard-BrooksStephenson from Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award holder, KuKu Connect, provided an inspiring talk on the benefits and considerations of business partnerships with the
Armed Forces, while Regional Employer Engagement Director, Bruce Spencer outlined the importance of businesses and organisations’ supporting the Armed Forces Covenant.
He said: “The training benefit RAF Reservists receive has an annual value to the employer of around £10,000. These transferrable skills and the inherent confidence that comes with military training brings enormous benefit to the workplace.”
504 Squadron aims to strengthen partnerships with
civilian employers to promote awareness of RAF Reserves’ contribution to Defence, optimise collaborative support to serving Reservists and promote RAF Reserve opportunities among employees. The team is launching a series of virtual Employers’ Coffee Mornings culminating in a collaborative event with Nottingham University.
Visitors were shown a range of logistics and engineering capability demonstrations showcasing the activities 504 Squadron Reservists undertake.
Dean of Nottingham University Business School, Professor David Park said: “This was an excellent event at RAF Wittering with an amazing group of colleagues. Lots to inspire!”
Squadron Leader Kaye Slater, Officer Commanding 504 Squadron, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate the support of our Reservists’ employers and build new partnerships with local business leaders. The understanding, support and encouragement of civilian employers makes all the difference to those who volunteer to train and serve with 504 Squadron.”
Local businesses are welcome to join 504’s Virtual Coffee Mornings, to find out more, please email WIT-504AUXEnquiries@mod.gov.uk.
You can find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme at https:// eastmidlandsrfca.co.uk/employerengagement-supportingreservists/employer-recognitionscheme/
Fish and chips supper, seaside games, trips to the beach and a visit to the zoo –the Community Support Team has been busy organising events and activities for personnel and deployed families over the summer.
The team took a coach of families and personnel from across the Station to Hunstanton Beach in North Norfolk for the day. They visited the Sea Life Centre as well as took the opportunity to go for a paddle in the sea.
The seaside theme continued back at RAF Wittering when families of deployed personnel were able to enjoy a fish and chip supper and an evening of beach games at the Community Centre.
In July the team also took a group of families to visit Whipsnade Zoo, the largest zoo in the UK. Whipsnade has over 10,000 different animals including lions, zebras, tigers, penguins, and giraffes to name a few.
HIVE Information Officer Vicki Maylor said: “Our Deployed Family Evenings have proved very popular as it is a great opportunity for families to meet up with other deployed families from the Station.
Our trip to Whipsnade was fully booked and everyone who came said how much they enjoyed the day. The lions were a big hit.”
The team has a range of different activities and events planned over the next few months so they would encourage personnel who are due to be deployed to contact the HIVE to find out about the support available to them and their families, whether it is a partner, children, or parents.
For more information about the deployed families’ programme and to find out about deployment support please contact Vicki Maylor at Victoria.maylor100@mod.gov.uk or pop into the HIVE.
As one of the engagement champions on Station we have put together an action plan of activities for the year. Working together as a team we have promoted and run a couple of events.
Station History Walk
In April we arranged a Station History Walk. Clues and work sheets were given to each group which lead to different areas on base. FS Hayley Sinclair wrote the questions /clues and planned the walk during Covid to socialise during covid safely by those left on unit. On the afternoon 16 people joined us for the walk, including one dog. The walk takes about an hour and half and took us around the
The Wittering Charities Committee put a plan together to raise awareness and money for several Charities throughout 2023.
In January the committee raised money for the Samaritans by holding a coffee morning on Brew Monday following WIGO. The day on which it was held is renowned for being the most depressing Monday of the year as it is when the credit cards statements usually arrive following Christmas. The Officers’ Mess catered the event with pastries and refreshments, and the Welfare Team was also in attendance to chat with.
In March, the committee held a Smart Clothes Collection around station. This was for a charity that provides smart clothes to women looking for work and attending interviews. The clothing collection began on World Women’s Day and ran for a month with collection boxes placed in high footfall areas. In the end a total of five boxes of good quality
smart clothes including shoes and handbags, was sent to the charity. For more information visit: https://smartworks.org.uk/ support-us/make-a-donation/ donate-your-clothes/
On Thursday, September 28, the committee is holding a coffee morning at the Station Heritage
Centre on behalf of the 5131 Squadron’s Memorial fund. All funds raised at the event will go towards the memorial which is being designed and placed at the National Memorial Arboretum. The Heritage Centre has a special room dedicated to the history of 5131 Sqn with many fantastic
majority of the domestic site. If you would like to do this as a group, please get in touch.
Events and Activities
As part of an ongoing programme, we are planning to hold bimonthly events and activities. In TDF we have access to an Escape Room, and we are offering to run these sessions for groups of civil servants either as sections or as individual. We are also running the bi-monthly Elevenses. This is a session where civil servants can come together to have coffee, catch up and learning session which has previously been on the Civilians in Air site as a catch-up session. We will be looking to change the subjects on a regular basis and try and find topics of interest.
items on display. There will be refreshments available for a donation on the day so please come along to support this great cause. For more information visit: www.thenma.org.uk/visit-us/ what's-here/the-memorials
The Community Support Team is available during normal working hours should you or your family have any specific enquiries. The team’s contact details are below.
This is a season of Remembrance.
In September we remember those who fought and died in the Battle of Britain, a key moment in the survival of our nation against the enemy forces of Nazi Germany, whose plan was to invade and rule our country.
Who can say what course history would have taken had not our gallant men and women given their all on the ground and in the air to hold back those forces, often at the cost of their lives.
In November we Remember all those who have died in the service of His Majesty’s Armed Forces for the cause of freedom and justice across the globe.
Come and meet the team in the Community Centre (next to the med centre), along with other deployed families. This is a chance to enjoy a chat over (free) coffee and cake!
The next coffee mornings will be held at 10-12am on October 12, November 9 and December 14.
After listening to our families about how some were unable to attend coffee mornings because of work commitments, we now also hold Deployed Evenings in the Community Centre. So far we have had Pizza nights, a Chinese Takeaway evening and a Fish ‘n’ Chip supper. These have not only been a big hit (who can resist pizza!), they are also an excellent opportunity to meet with other deployed families as well as the Community Support Team.
The team is continually working on a programme of trips and activities throughout the year. We have some exciting trips lined up right up to Christmas, but if you have any suggestions or ideas for the team, then please let us know.
We now offer deployed families a Station Cinema Pass. The pass will allow families to be able to watch an unlimited number of movies at the Station
cinema for the duration of the Service Personnel’s deployment. A huge thank you to the Station Cinema Team which has made this possible. The movie schedule can be found on the RAF Wittering Station Cinema or Wittering View Facebook pages.
If your son/daughter/partner is currently deployed or is going to be deployed to a qualifying location, and you would like more information about the support we provide along with upcoming activities, please contact Vicki Maylor (contact details below).
Wittering has two Personal and Family Support Workers.
If you need their help please contact Paula Finch, tel. 07825 016 853 or email paula.finch@ssafa. org.uk; Maddie Edgar, tel. 07584 230805 or email Maddie.edgar@ ssafa.org.uk
There is also a 24-hour number that you can call, tel. 03000 111 723 or visit their website https://www. ssafa.org.uk/
Buckles Solicitors offers free 30-minute appointments on family law matters. Alex Hartnoll is visiting the Station every second and fourth Tuesday. Make an appointment directly with Alex via email alex.hartnoll@buckles-law. co.uk or phone tel. 01780 484538.
We do not have access to a Citizens Advice Rutland adviser anymore, but the local office is more than happy to receive calls
It is important to uphold the tradition of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. Firstly, it means that we learn to appreciate what we have. The freedom we enjoy didn’t just happen. It was won for us, and at great cost.
Secondly, it reminds us that if such powerful forces existed then, that sought to invade us, destroy us, and control us, then they can exist now. Indeed, we need only
look eastwards to Ukraine to see the ruthless and barbaric forces of the Russian military that has brought misery and death to so many in that nation, both serving military personnel and innocent civilians. How important it has been to support the people of that country. And what a privilege it has been to have members of their forces receiving training here in this nation (and for their firefighters here at Wittering) before they return to the front line.
Thirdly, by remembering the sacrifice of those who have gone before us, we are inspired to continue in the work we are doing as part of His Majesty’s Royal Air Force, because despite the pressures and frustrations that undoubtedly exist for many, we know that we serve a cause greater than ourselves, and are part of an organisation that directly contribute to the first duty of every government, which is to keep its citizens safe and the country secure.
The Bible looks forward to a time when God will bring wars to an end and destroy forever the power of evil. But it also acknowledges that until that time comes, we must be ready, with the strength that He gives, to fight for that which is good, as those who have gone before us have done.
Padre Andrew Tuckerand queries from Wittering residents should you need support. Visit www.rutlandcab. org.uk or tel. 01572 723494.
For all the latest information, the team is regularly posting on the Wittering View and Wittering HIVE Facebook pages.
Useful Wittering
telephone numbers
Service Community Support Officer - WO Neil Paylor - tel. 07976 206569 or email neil. paylor660@mod.gov.uk
HIVE Information Officer –Vicki Maylor – tel. 01780 417541
or email Victoria.maylor100@ mod.gov.uk
Useful Websites
www.rafbf.org – Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
https://rafa.org.uk – Royal Air Forces Association
www.raf-ff.org.uk – RAF Families Federation
Please note this information was correct at the time of going to press. Please visit the Wittering View Facebook Page for all the up to minute news and information.
Don’t forget that SSAFA is here to lend a helping hand to service personnel and their families.
As we say farewell to the Summer and head into the Autumn months, it is worth reminding people that support is available on Station for service personnel and their families through the local Personal and Family Support Workers based at RAF Wittering.
The SSAFA office, located in the same building as the Coffee Shop, is open from 08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday – the office is reachable by telephone, email or feel free to pop in for a chat face to face.
Whatever the issue SSAFA will always aim to help you directly with your problem but can signpost to a range of services that can help you achieve your support goals. Whether you are struggling with your mental health and settling into the Wittering community or struggling with the cost of living, SSAFA is here to help you through it all. No problem is too big or small and we encourage you to reach out as soon as you can, so you don’t have to go through it alone.
Within the wider community
SSAFA is recruiting for new committee members and Community volunteers to help support service personnel and
Fun activities at RAF Wittering Families’ Day included Design a T-shirt, the Community Support’s Bear Hunt and the Guess the Name of the Bear Competition.
their families within the Wittering Community.
Volunteers act as a vital role in providing localised support and undertaking key roles such as fundraising so that our service families can thrive. Whether you have a lot of time or a little, SSAFA would be grateful for your support.
Volunteers with a particular interest in gardening would be a bonus as we have plans to begin using the SSAFA allotment to provide well needed respite and a relaxing activity for service users who are struggling at the moment. The local produce and flowers can then be donated to the people in our community who need it the most.
If you feel it is your turn to give back, please contact us to sign up for our volunteering roles.
Maddie and Paula SSAFA Team, RAF Wittering Maddie.edgar@ssafa.org.uk Tel 07584230805
Paula.finch@ssafa.org.uk Tel 07825016853
SSAFA Support (24-hours a day including weekends and BH) Tel. 03000 111 723 or email: psswsRAF@ssafa.org.uk
Children of all ages could have a go at designing and decorating a t-shirt. There were some great designs which really impressed the team.
For the Bear Hunt, participants had to search for several bears which had been hidden on different stands around the event. Each bear had a special letter which formed a word associated with Wittering (Harrier of course!) All the youngsters had to do was to track down all the letters and work out what the word was, with every winning entry receiving a sweet prize.
Meanwhile visitors to the stand also had the chance to enter the Guess the Name of the Bear Competition with two teddies up for grabs.
The winning names were Flip Flop and Nutty, and they were guessed by Noah Humphries and Rowan Wilson-Jones.
The first week saw RAF Wittering Airplay join up with RAF Wyton Airplay for a residential sleepover at Great Yarmouth Sealife Centre.
While there, young people completed a litter pick on the beach to go towards their conservation, John Muir awards. The sun came out and some even managed a dip in the sea.
We slept under the aquarium tunnel and in front of the huge tanks watched over by sharks, giant eels and even a massive sea turtle.
The group was lucky enough to have a private after-hours tour and the staff at the Sealife centre were brilliant as were our young people too!
Later in the holidays, Wittering Airplay staff and 20 young people packed their bags and headed over to Condover Hall in Shropshire. We joined up with over 180 others from 20 RAF Stations to participate in the Airbreak residential.
Station Youth Worker Sharon Pollard said: “We were lucky with the weather and young people took part in kayaking, ariel trek, archery, raft building and much more. They made new connections and rekindled friendships with those who had moved Stations. An amazing time was had by all!
“Our thanks must go to the RAF Benevolent Fund for making this residential possible and to colleagues from RAF Community Support and the YMCA network for all their support in facilitating this fantastic event. We would also like to express our gratitude to RAF Wittering and RAF Wyton MT for providing us with transport to and from both events.”
For more information about Wittering Airplay, their activities and youth sessions, please contact Sharon Pollard via email: Sharon.pollard@ymcatrinity.org.uk
Role: DCOS/Stn HQ Holding Officer
1. What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Exposure to a variety of different things within the RAF, from dealing with external commercial companies and formal visits to trawling through MOD policy with Lisa “The Legend” Doyle in the office.
2. And the least? Holding! And the delays that come with it.
3. What is the best advice you have ever received? Why not apply for it? You never know.
4. Describe yourself in six words?
Enthusiastic, approachable, nerdy, quiet, curious, persistent.
5. What career would you have followed if you had not pursued your current profession?
I would have stayed as a civilian design/development engineer aiming to work in F1.
6. Is there one piece of criticism that sticks in your mind? Too quiet.
7. What would be your first act as world leader? A four-day working week.
8. Name your desert island essentials?
Swiss army knife, para cord, and a water carrier (full of gin).
9. How would you change the MOD? Fix the training pipelines.
10. What food would you choose for your last supper? Chicken katsu, sticky white rice, seaweed, and steamed carrots/fine beans in sesame sauce. Washed down with some Japanese iced tea.
11. Who do you most admire in the world? My parents.
12. Name four people you would like as a dinner guest – and why? Lewis Hamilton – I’d like to ask him how he motivated himself to consistently deliver at the top with high performing teammates and an incredibly high performing team. Chris Froome – so I can ask him how he manages to get up and motivate yourself to compete every day of the Tour de France.
Ben Rich – I would like to know what it was like working for Lockheed on Skunkworks programs such as SR71 and F-117, and finally the Mission Commander on Apollo 13 Jim Lovell to ask him what space is like and what goes through
Casserole
your head when dealing with some of the situations he found himself in.
13. What one piece of music would you like played at your funeral?
Starman – David Bowie
14. How would you like to be remembered? Average at my job, therefore an above average ‘holdy’.
Ingredients
8 pork sausages
50ml vegetable oil
400g baked beans
1 tbsp English mustard
1 vegetable stock cube
1litre cold water
1 large carrot
1 large white onion
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Pinch of salt
Method
1. Cut carrots and onions into 2cm dice. Bring water to boil and pour over stock cube and stir until dissolved. Heat oil in pan then brown the sausages.
2. Add the vegetables to pan and fry for four minutes until browned off. Add stock, mustard, bay leaf and two tbsp of parsley and bring to the boil.
3. Add baked beans and reduce the heat.
4. Place a lid on the pan and leave to simmer for one hour.
5. Season if required and serve in bowls with crusty bread.
A MAGICAL PLACETOGROW
admissions@orwellpark.org OrwellParkSchool,NactonIP100ER
10% DISCOUNT FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL (ID REQUIRED)
We Are Open All Year Round For You And Your Family To Explore Our Tracks And Fields In The Fresh Air With Plenty To Do For All The Family
Events on the farm
• 16th September - Car boot sale (Pitch booking required tel 01572 722122)
• 1st October - Grandparents Day reduced entry for grandparents
• 19th – 29th October
Halloween fun on the farm
• Dress up in your best spooky outfits on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th and join in the spooky fun.
Rutland Farm Park is a small 18 acre working farm in the market town of Oakham, the county town of Rutand, Englands smallest county. Phone: 01572 722122
Email: admin@rutlandfarm.co.uk
AMPLE FREE PARKING
ADMISSION: Adult 13+ £9.50 Child 3-12 £8.50 under 3 Free Family ticket £33.00 Visitor with additional needs and carer £14.00
• 26th October
Childrens Halloween party in the pigsty 3.00p.m – 5.00p.m. An adult required to stay with child
Book online www.rutlandfarmpark.co.uk (Thursday)
• 23rd November
Advent Calander workshop 2.00p.m – 5.00p.m
Book online www.rutlandfarmpark.co.uk (Thursday)
OPENING TIMES ARE TUESDAY - SUNDAY 10.00AM - 5.00PM (LAST ADMISSION 3PM) TEAROOM OPEN TILL 4.00PM
This year has seen Cpl Mike Salmon from No. 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS), RAF Wittering achieve numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding work.
Cpl Salmon was most notably recognised for his impact for delivering deployed catering training to all personnel entering the Logistic Catering Profession personnel. A position where he imparts expertise not only to a junior cohort, but also a broad range of experienced personnel on Unit Annual Refresher Training; directly influencing standards and practices to ensure operational delivery.
He was a key component during the delivery of training during the pandemic, like most training units during the pandemic all training stopped. It was Salmon’s hard work and initiative that allowed training to commence under the Covid 19 guidelines.
Cpl Salmon was also the 3MCS lead on the 3* directed Human Performance Optimisation Project, where he single-
Personnel from 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) deployed on a two-day notice tasking to Cyprus on Op POLARBEAR – the UKled effort to extract British nationals amidst the recent conflict in Sudan.
The team from 3MCS was ready to move and deployed with several pre-prepared augmentee chefs from the Logistics (Catering) profession.
3MCS personnel worked within existing Tri-service facilities feeding a variety of customers; notably at Larnaca Airport where evacuees were flown directly from Sudan. Also providing catering to the increased number of personnel from across Defence that had deployed to support the mission, those additional personnel were dispersed across many established areas of Cyprus.
3MCS also provided personnel to augment the Junior Ranks Diner at RAF Akrotiri. The speed of their deployment across
multiple facilities was a sterling effort applied by all those who contributed to the catering output.
The 3MCS Det Commander, Sgt Scott Jamieson, had the responsibility of monitoring his staff at all dispersed sites from his base in Akrotiri.
He said: “I was extremely proud of the team’s contribution to Op Polar Bear. To deploy overseas at short notice is a big ask but to be separated into small teams at unknown locations, and still produce the goods, is simply outstanding. 3MCS has maintained that it is ready to be deployed anywhere, at any time”.
Over the course of 14 days and across six sites on the island, 3MCS chefs contributed to the overall provision of approximately 60,000 individual meals.
The already outstanding reputation of 3MCS was undoubtedly enhanced by the professionalism and determination displayed by the team, even though a few T-shirt suntans were picked up on the way!
handedly developed a healthy, nutritional training package for service personnel to follow to optimize their own performance across a wide range of functional tasks and within their personal lives. He delivered daily cooking demos while providing healthy/ nutritional budget friendly menus for participant to learn from.
His exceptional culinary skills made him a standout candidate to take on the 3 MCS Team Captain role at Exercise Joint Caterer 22. He guided a team of personnel and dealt with enforced changes. He supported his team developing menus and advising them to ensure they thought about seasonality of produce, nutritionally balanced and most importantly flavour and presentation.
As a result of Cpl Salmon’s exceptional work, he was awarded the Royal Air Force Chef of the Year and the Royal Air force Caterer of the Year. Winning these outstanding awards naturally made him the ideal nomination for Armed Forces Chef of the Year at the Public Sector Catering awards.
Cpl Salmon was nominated for Craft Guild of Chef Award which pitted him against other industry chefs. Rounding off a successful year, he attended the Logs Profession Awards which recognises outstanding achievements within Logs Professions.
Wittering-based No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) sent a detachment of military chefs to support RAFAC Muster 23 at RAF Benson this summer. The aim of the muster was to allow cadets to experience what the future of the RAF has to offer and for this 3MCS provided full catering support for 2,200 cadets.
This included a hot lunch consisting of four hot choices one of which was a vegan option, on top of this 3MCS also provided every cadet with a pack meal for the journey home.
The Squadron provides Defence with a deployable field
catering capability and can offer immediate support to emerging situations including catering for those involved with post-crash incidents; therefore, to support the future of the RAF was of the upmost importance.
Commandant RAF Air Cadets, Air Cdre Tony Keeling OBE said: “A special thank you must go to 3MCS, those magicians of the field kitchen who did an amazing job feeding so many people in awful weather conditions – heat and humidity combined to make for very unpleasant conditions inside the kitchens. Irrespective, they cracked on as we have all come to know and respect”.
Personnel from No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) joined other high-readiness teams from the RAF’s Global Enablement Organisation to take part in Exercise Auxilium Fort at RAF Wittering.
A team from 3MCS was deployed to Vigo woods training area, not only to provide muchneeded morale in the form of three hot meals a day for over 200 personnel, but also to provide an extra force protection (FP) element.
The exercise scenario had the Force Elements deploying overseas in support of enhanced Air Policing in a friendly country but with the potential threat of attack. Alongside preparing an airfield for aircraft operations, transporting and processing people and their equipment, and establishing medical and communication links, exercise personnel had to deal with local unrest, broken equipment, a fuel spill and attacks on their convoys and base.
No 3 Mobile Catering Sqn (3MCS) were invited to compete in the Exercise-Army Sustainer - a British Army annual culinary competition held at Prince William Gloucester Barracks.
Cpl Yau was selected to enter in the newly created Open Street Food class. The brief was 60 minutes to prepare, cook and serve their dishes, which included a non-alcoholic beverage.
The menu was designed in line with the famous ‘finger-licking good’ box meal. It consisted of a lamb and aubergine filled bao bun, a peanut noodle salad, seitan goujon, mango chilli dip and a ‘Yau Yau’ tonic cold brew.
The competition was against another Army team and was deemed the Battle of the RAF v Army. During the competition, the judges were fascinated with the elements of the menu. Especially the simple three ingredient Bao Bun mix, they were also interested with the seitan goujon, which is a high protein meat alternative that was turned into a goujon with all the southern fried flavour and texture.
After a last minute adjustment to the ‘Yau Yau’ tonic brew due to the hot weather it was served cold over ice instead of hot. The cold and refreshing drink was the perfect
accompaniment for the dish. With his confidence flowing throughout the competition, Cpl Yau executed every element of his dishes to an extremely high standard. His outstanding effort was confirmed when he was announced the winner of the Open Street Food Class, receiving some incredible feedback.
As well as the external challenges 3MCS faced they also had scenarios based around their primary role of providing meals and accommodation. These included water shortages, fire evacuation drills and waste disposal issues, all of these were overcome with ease and the service continued.
A thoroughly enjoyable and fast-paced environment that was enjoyed by the whole 3MCS team. It was an excellent opportunity to put into practise all the skills held within the Squadron.
A team from 3MCS provided three hot meals a day for over 200 personnel.
Domestic abuse can include: mocking, humiliation, insults and criticism, being checked up on, stalked or followed, pressure, threats, intimidation or violence, destruction of possessions, isolation from family and friends, having money taken or controlled or not being allowed to work lying, blame and denial of the abuse being forced into sex
If you are worried about a friend or family member who may be experiencing domestic abuse, there are organisations that can offer help and support
For more information on the signs of domestic abuse please visit www.cambsdasv.org.uk
Local support
DASS Domestic Abuse Support Service 0300 373 1073 / email DASSreferrals@impakt.org.uk
Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre 01223 245888
Peterborough Rape Crisis Centre 01733 511250 www.caprcp.org.uk
The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre 0800 193 5434 www.theelmssarc.org
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Victim and Witness Hub 0800 781 6818
National support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
Galop (LGBT+ support) 0800 999 5428 www.galop.org.uk
Karma Nirvana (forced marriage and HBV) 0800 5999 247 www.karmanirvana.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Hourglass (older people) 0808 808 8141 wearehourglass.org
If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999