Wittering View Spring 2023

Wittering View

The official magazine for RAF Wittering and the A4 Force

MAIN RIDE: SAT 13 MAY 2023

Start & finish: The Petwood Hotel, Lincolnshire, home of the Dambusters

Ride to take a heritage route

VIRTUAL RIDE: SAT 20 – SUN 21 MAY 2023

Start & finish: Wherever you want it to be. The ride can be completed anywhere

Enter individually or as a team

Raise vital funds for the RAF Family Exclusive medal and jersey for all riders

Sign up now: rafbf.org/ride

• It’s our free online platform exclusively for RAF personnel and their partners.

• Covering a range of self-directed topics tailored to life in the RAF.

• The course can be accessed anonymously, either as a couple or separately.

• It aims to equip you with the communication skills and strategies to get the best out of your relationships.

We also provide relationship counselling and mediation support.

Editor

Welcome to the Spring 2023 edition of Wittering View

So, we find ourselves at the start of a new year and with a new Station Commander.

Wing Commander Nikki Duncan introduces herself in her first foreword but, as is tradition, we have also put her In The Hotseat (page 28).

It may seem like a long time ago now, but the Spring edition of Wittering View is the first chance we get to include articles about events that happened at the end of 2022 such as Remembrance Parades (page 6), and of course all the various festive stories from the winner of the RAF Wittering Christmas Card (page 13) through to the delivery of hampers by the Catering Flt (page 10) and the Wittering Royal Air Force Association Branch (page 12).

If you have made a resolution this year to try a new activity, then why not look at sailing? See page 16 to find out more about RAF Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing. Or if you want to help others, read about the RAF Sailing Association Safety Division (also page 16). In other sporting news we also have a report about the success of Wittering personnel in the RAF Cross Country Championships (page 17).

The Station’s Heritage Centre took delivery of a rather large piece of military history at the beginning of the year in the form of a Blue Steel missile. This historic missile has a strong link with Wittering as you will discover on page 20.

You have undoubtedly heard of The RAF Families Federation, but do you know what they do and how they help personnel and their families? Find out more on page 27.

And because it’s nearly Easter we have included a really easy recipe (page 28) where the main ingredient is a chocolate egg…

Emma Stacey Deputy Editor

New year, new Station Commander! And my first foreword in the Wittering View.

Imust begin by first thanking Wg Cdr Jez Case for his support and for welcoming me to RAF Wittering. When I initially arrived as Officer Commanding Support last year, I was afforded the excellent opportunity of being able to learn about the Station and to meet many of you. It provided me with the perfect grounding for my new role as Station Commander. It also meant I was able to receive an extremely comprehensive handover from Wg Cdr Case who I must also thank for his hard work as Station Commander during a period which has seen the Station undergo many challenges and changes.

I am incredibly honoured to have been given this opportunity to command RAF Wittering. It hasn’t escaped my attention that this Station has a rich history. So much has been achieved by those who have worked and lived at RAF Wittering over the decades. And while the Station has undergone different guises and been home to various aircrafts and squadrons, the one thing that has always been at the heart of Wittering is its people. Without a doubt people are the greatest asset we have at RAF Wittering. While our personnel continue to be deployed to operations all around the world, it is my job to ensure that Wittering provides all the support and help our personnel and their families need to maintain a healthy work life balance.

So, it is important to me that the people continue to be at the heart of Wittering. In addition, I

am also excited about meeting and working alongside members of our local communities who continue to provide a great deal of support to the Station.

A couple of things you need to know about me - what you see is what you get, and you can hear me coming from a mile off (which I have been told gives people a chance to hide or disappear before my subsequent arrival). But I also like to think I am approachable, and as such I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my time as Station Commander.

Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan

Wittering Unites With Town And Cities For

Remembrance

The people of Stamford, Peterborough and Leicester welcomed parades from Royal Air Force Wittering as they marked Remembrance Sunday.

Stamford’s Broad Street was filled with the growl of motorbike engines as veteran bikers made their own unique contributions to Remembrance Sunday. The townsfolk of Stamford were welcoming as scores of people and the Town Band arrived for the Act of Remembrance,

which was completed at the war memorial outside the historic Browne’s Hospital.

For Wing Commander Jez Case, former Station Commander at RAF Wittering, it was a poignant moment. He said: “The Royal Air Force and RAF Wittering have a long and close relationship with Stamford and its people. As always, the Town came out in large numbers to join together and remember those that have lost their lives in service of their Nation, and it was an impressive sight to see. Many thanks to all those that came to join us to pay our respects.”

The Act of Remembrance not only honours those who have laid down their lives in the two World Wars, but also those who have died in other conflicts. It enables service personnel and civilians to pay their respects to veterans and keeps their service and sacrifice in the minds of younger generations.

504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, RAF Wittering’s reserve logistics unit, marked Remembrance and 30 years of history with Oakham. Nearly 30 reservists took part, which

Wing Commander Jez Case lays the wreath at Stamford’s War Memorial.

The Service of Remembrance in Peterborough Cathedral.

concluded with a parade through the town, and the salute was taken by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the impressive Arch of Remembrance in Leicester’s Victoria Park was the venue for a service which attracted hundreds of people from all faiths and backgrounds. Personnel, veterans and cadets from all three armed forces, and the emergency services, accompanied by pipes and drums, concluded the event with an impressive parade.

In Peterborough, Squadron Leader Mark Hammond

Real Inspiration

Warrant Officer Darren Thomas writes about the honour of assisting veterans who wanted to march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

“ A few years ago, the 5001 RAF Airfield Construction Branch Association received word that a 93-year-old RAF veteran named Jim Stoner had solo circumnavigated Australia in his Ford saloon. After regular chats via Skype, it was clear that he wanted to march at the Royal British Legion Cenotaph.

and reminder that despite our differences, respect is not lost amongst those that serve.

represented the Royal Air Force. Peterborough’s long association with RAF Wittering was clear to see as citizens lined either side of Bridge Street to see wreaths laid at the memorial.

Wing Commander Case concluded: “Stamford, Leicester and Peterborough have been tremendous friends to this Station over the years. Side by side with them, we recognised not only the ultimate sacrifices made by the Royal Air Force, but by personnel from all three armed forces and I am grateful for their continuing heartfelt loyalty.”

“A tour in Al Minhad Air Base (UAE) provided a unique opportunity to meet some other inspirational people who wanted to help. With the help of WO Wayne Newby RAAF, plans were in place, but unfortunately at the eleventh hour ‘Newbs’ needed surgery, so Jim’s son, Colin stepped up to bring his dad over from Oz. The family come from a line of remarkable people; Jim, an RAF Veteran from the Airfield Construction Branch is clearly an amazing character. His son is Colin Stoner who just happens to be the MotoGP trainer of champions and his grandson is Casey Stoner the two-time Moto GP World Champion.

“At the age of 96, Jim Stoner managed an epic 21,000mile round trip to march with veteran mates, became a celebrity with the crowds, and in the middle of the Mall got a drive by and wave from Royalty. After visiting the RAF Club, he was welcomed to a London pub with an impromptu guard of honour by Navy and Army veterans, a totally humbling experience,

“A letter to the BBC ensured Jim and the Association contingent were mentioned by David Dimbleby, much to the elation of families across the globe. Many other veterans were helped on the day, those who had lost their wife’s and others who had been very ill, it was an honour for us to assist them.

“Despite all the remarkable encounters the aspect that surpassed everything was seeing two young cadets pushing Jim at the Cenotaph, an achievement to span the generations and actively inspire future engagement; at 96, Jim had not only achieved a dream but inspired others in the process.

“The Airfield Construction Branch (ACB) was made up of 30,000 people from almost all trades, 5001 Squadron is the last squadron, the Aussies have a sister organisation called the ‘Flying Shovels’. The ACB’s inclusive nature continues today with an association which is open to all.

“So if you know a veteran or civil servant that deserves to march at the RBL Cenotaph or just wants to meet other veterans and serving personnel please contact the Association Secretary on 5001sqnacba@ gmail.com. You too could get involved and help bring our people together or maybe make dreams come true.”

Flying Officer Luke Reynolds and Sergeant Richard Clarke at Peterborough Cathedral.

Broad Street in Stamford on Remembrance Sunday.

"

"

The Act of Remembrance not only honours those who have laid down their lives in the two World Wars, but also those who have died in other conflicts.

The veterans and Association members who marched past the Cenotaph.

FAM

The Next Step

The Future Accommodation Model (FAM) pilot finishes at the end of March.

Over the past three years, the Station’s FAM Team has helped over 980 Service personnel, their families and partners based at RAF Wittering, to benefit from the widening of accommodation entitlement. Work is now underway on how best to deliver a wider accommodation offer that works for personnel across the whole of Defence.

FAM has widened the accommodation entitlement beyond those who are married or in civil partnerships, allowing Service personnel in LongTerm Relationship (Established) (LTR(E)) assigned to a pilot site, to apply for Service Family Accommodation, receive support towards the private rental sector or buying their own home.

Fg Off Jamie said: “Me and my partner have always had the issue of a long-distance relationship, however FAM gave us the opportunity to live together. Also being able to retain Preserved Rights onto my next duty station is a great relief for me, we will be able to keep the living quality we have now, which is a big bonus.”

During the pilot, financial payments towards home ownership supported many into their first homes using the Maintain Own Home offer.

FAM has also provided personnel with an accommodation subsidy based on their need, rather than rank or relationship status.

The Future of Accommodation

In October 2022, the UK Armed Forces Defence Accommodation Strategy (DAS) was launched, setting out the roadmap to improve the accommodation across Defence.

The DAS focuses on ensuring the quality of accommodation, that it is allocated fairly, and the way the accommodation is used to ensure best value for money while ensuring environmental sustainability.

MOD has announced it will raise the minimum standard of Single Living Accommodation (SLA) as part of a wider promise to improve the lived experience of Serving personnel.

Key things the DAS focuses on include:

• The introduction of a minimum standard for SLA: This will improve the quality of Single Living Accommodation provided to Service personnel to bring it in line with modern living standards

• Needs-based allocation: This will guarantee that future allocation of homes is based on the needs of Serving personnel and their families rather than the rank held by the Service personnel

• Further support for those in long-term relationships: This recognises and treats long-

term relationships in the same way as both marriage and civil partnerships

• Reductions in excess housing: Defence data will be improved to help better understand the Defence Estate to allow the reduction of excess stock and plan where future homes are needed, delivering greater flexibility and value for money for MOD

Time to be aware… Service personnel who have benefited from the FAM offer should check the following information:

• Preserved Rights - Service personnel approved for FAM, remaining at the Pilot site or posted from a Pilot site, may continue to receive their FAM benefits (preserved rights) up to three years after 31 March 2023.

• Policy - To understand what preserved rights could be offered to Service personnel who have benefited from the FAM pilot refer to JSP 464 Vol 4 Chapter 6, JSP 752 Regulations and Expenses and Allowances and BPG IN905025.

• We would strongly advise you to contact the RAF Wittering FAM Cell via email: PeopleFAMCELL-WIT@mod.gov.uk

• Committing to more efficient and sustainable housing: Improvements in the Defence estate will factor in sustainability where possible. Serving Personnel will be encouraged to use their homes in sustainable way.

This ground-breaking strategy demonstrates Defence’s commitment to supporting its personnel with good quality, modern accommodation, and housing.

Read the DAS in full on the GOV.uk page: https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/ defence-accommodation-strategy.

A Fond Farewell

The FAM Cell team would like to thank everyone at RAF Wittering who has engaged and supported them over the last three years. Wittering provided many opportunities for the team to get out and meet Service personnel along with their families, leading to the success in the number of applications received.

Danielle Rigby, FAM Cell Implementation Lead, said: “Those who took part in FAM have been very open and honest in their feedback. The lessons we have learnt from the pilot; including when things haven’t gone well, have been invaluable to shaping the policy and processes that will be rolled out as the new Accommodation Offer in the near future.”

Georgia Corber, Engagement Lead, added: “I have had the privilege of watching how the pilot has truly benefited so many people. Giving them the choice of bigger homes, the excitement of those buying a new home, watching single parents move out of the block into a home where their children can stay and feel a sense of stability, it’s been an immense privilege to be part of the pilot.”

The Wittering FAM Team.

Nicola Hanlon, FAM Cell Co-ord, speaks to personnel at one of the many FAM briefings held on Station.

Saving The

Curlew

RAF Wittering is one of 15 airfields taking part in a project called Head Start to help preserve a critically endangered bird.

The Eurasian Curlew is a large ground-nesting species which can weigh up to 1kg and has a wingspan of 1m. Their preference for natural open grasslands means they are attracted to military airfields but unfortunately, due to their size they pose a risk to flight safety.

Curlew eggs have normally been destroyed under licence, but the species is red listed as a Bird of Conservation Concern and a Priority Species, under Section 41 of the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006.

In 2019, the RAF and its partners worked with Natural England (NE) and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) to trial the Head Start conservation project which involves removing and

New Station Commander

Wing Commander Nikki Duncan is the new Station Commander at RAF Wittering, taking over from Wing Commander Jez Case.

Under the guidance of Wing Commander Case, RAF Wittering navigated a significant period of change including the Station’s successful emergence from the pandemic while continuing to meet commitments to Defence.

incubating curlew eggs rather than destroying them. In 2021, RAF Wittering was one of nine airfields that managed to collect eggs.

A total of 147 eggs were moved from eight locations to the WWF Pensthorpe and Slimbridge rearing facilities. Nine of these eggs were collected from Wittering. The result was the successful rearing and release of 112 birds.

Michael Tomlin, Environment Project Advisor, RAF Safety Centre, said: “I am so proud we are continuing to try to make a difference to this crucially endangered species. Our ambition is to ensure more of these iconic birds are raised in captivity and ultimately released into the wild.”

To find out more about the Head start Project visit curlewrecoveryproject.co.uk

Wing Commander Case said: “It has been an immense privilege to command RAF Wittering. The Station’s personnel, service and civilian, have risen to every challenge and it has been an honour to work with people who are so committed to supporting the Royal Air Force. Getting to know the people of RAF Wittering and the local communities in Wittering, Stamford, Peterborough, Rutland, and Leicester has also been incredibly rewarding – thank you.”

Wing Commander Duncan arrived at Wittering in July 2022 as Officer Commanding Support.

She joined the Royal Air Force in 1990 and is an experienced People Operations Officer.

She said: “It is an honour and privilege to be made the Station Commander at RAF Wittering which has a long and proud history. It is a challenging role, but the Station has a talented and dedicated team of service, civilian and contractor personnel who will continue to deliver and support our Defence outputs. I am also looking forward to working with our friends and neighbours in the local community.

“My thanks must go to Wg Cdr Case not just for such a comprehensive handover but also for all his hard work during his time as Station Commander.”

Wg Cdr Duncan is married with one daughter and Bo the dog. She is a keen sportsperson and has represented the RAF at snowboarding on several occasions, captaining the Ladies Team for five years and has individually won the Inter Services title three times.

The curlew is a large ground-nesting species.

Recently-hatched wild curlew chicks. Pics © Keith Cowieson, RAF Ornithological Society.

Wing Commander Jez Case hands over to Wing Commander Nikki Duncan.

"

"

The Station’s personnel, service and civilian, have risen to every challenge and it has been an honour to work with people who are so committed to supporting the Royal Air Force.

News In Brief

Teddies Bring a Smile

Families from RAF Wittering who had a serving person deployed at Christmas received a free teddy bear from the charity Little Troopers.

The military children’s charity partnered with the Build-A-Bear Foundation to distribute more than 2,200 free teddy bears to military families across the UK as part of its Christmas Smiles campaign, to bring smiles to the faces of military children over the holidays.

Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, RAF Wittering Station Commander, said: “Many of our personnel are deployed on operations away from their families during the festive season which can be particularly difficult for children. This is a fantastic initiative

by Little Troopers, and it is wonderful to see these teddy bears bring a smile to our children’s faces.”

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said, “It’s always hard for children to have a parent serving away from home but it can be especially hard at Christmas.”

The teddy bears were just one of many things that Little Troopers did to support military children at Christmas. The charity organised free cinema screenings and online events including a Santa show, elf workshops and a Christmas bake-a-long.

The charity has lots of yearround resources that parents, and schools can tap into to help support military children including its All Together deployment club, military teen podcast, Therapy Programme and more. For more information visit www.littletroopers.net

Catering Flight Brings Christmas Cheer

To Residential Home

RAF Wittering’s Catering Flight teamed up with the RAF Benevolent Fund to make a Christmas difference to nearby senior citizens and veterans.

Flying Officer Caroline Turner, Wittering’s Contract Support Officer, asked for assistance from the RAF Benevolent Fund to help the Station provide some festive cheer to local senior citizens and veterans.

The Fund was happy to help with the project and provided money for Christmas hampers which were delivered to residents of Kingfisher Court in Peterborough. Kingfisher Court has a high proportion of Service veterans as residents and operates a high-quality extra care system.

Flying Officer Turner was assisted by AS1 Charlotte Bailey who helped put together the hampers. Caroline said: “AS1 Bailey is a Chef at RAF Wittering and used her skills to bake brownies for the residents which they said was a nice break from mince pies!”

The hampers also contained many items the Kingfisher Court

Staff noted would be suitable for residents including soaps, hand creams, games, tea and coffee along with a copy of the latest Station Magazine – Wittering View. Fg Off Turner and AS1 Bailey were joined by Fg Off Sarah Gunn to deliver the hampers and chat with the residents. Among the residents was Veteran Gerald Dexter who served as an aircraft technician, working on Canberra aircraft and was also a member of 504 Squadron, a reserve squadron now based at RAF Wittering.

Teddies from the Little Troopers charity helped raise a smile at Wittering.

Personnel from RAF Wittering delivered the Christmas hampers to residents of Kingfisher Court.

RAF veteran Gerald Dexter shows his RAF Memories Book to Flying Officer Caroline Turner.

Flying Officer Caroline Turner chatting with the residents of Kingfisher Court.

Check

Mate!

The 2023 UK Armed Forces Chess Championships are being held at RAF Wittering next month (April 2023).

The tournament is taking place in the Community Centre from 14-17 April. Held annually at different military bases, the tournament is open to all members of the regular Armed Forces, Reserves, MOD Civil Service and Veterans with

chess players of all abilities welcome.

Several titles are up for grabs including the overall Armed Forces Champion, single Service Champions, MOD Civil Service Champion, and Veterans Champion. The tournament is also used to select the British team who will compete the Annual NATO Chess Championship, taking place this September in Slovenia.

If you are interested in competing or have any questions, please contact Sgt Jimmy Blair, tel. 07966 717825 or email: james.blair663@ mod.gov.uk.

EX VALIANT DUCK

RAF Wittering’s 5001 Squadron took part in Exercise VALIANT DUCK at RAF St Mawgan.

The Squadron’s assistance was requested by JARTS on the exercise to test Support Vehicle Recovery (SVR) capabilities and feasibility of using RAF Recovery Crews to attend future downed aircraft.

Once the aircraft was made safe by external agencies, the Recovery Crew assess aircraft and draw up recovery plans with assistance of JARTS to ensure no further damage to aircraft and preservation of evidence.

Seniors Exchange Drinks Football Match

The annual Officers versus Seniors Exchange Drinks Football match took place in December.

Always keenly contested, the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess team was looking to retain the famous ‘Bone of Contention’

Trophy. Rumours of Officers’ Mess secret behind closed doors training sessions were buzzing around the Unit. A large crowd turned up to watch the game.

Within 15 minutes of kick-off, the enormity of the challenge facing the commissioned cadre

became clear. Over the next 90 minutes, the WOSM scored seven goals with Flight Sergeant Dave Beddells scoring a hat-trick after controversially stealing a penalty from the designated penalty specialist.

A physical encounter, the usually exceptionally polite Warrant Officer Steve Deasley had clearly eaten raw meat for breakfast with one tackle close to GBH. The goalkeeper for the WOSM only had to move

Utilising 5001 Sqn’s unique capability, the aircraft was slowly and safely rolled with the aid of the SVR main winch and crane, before being lifted onto a flatbed truck for recovery to aircraft crash investigators.

This task not only demonstrated 5001 Sqn’s diversity of skill and professionalism, but also their ability to provide a service to a customer regardless of task. 5001 Squadron provides almost all, non-aircraft engineering required for deployed air operations.

The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess football team and The Officers’ Mess football team.

occasionally, the most effort was removing Wg Cdr Matt Smith’s studs from his shin.

The result was 7-0 with bragging rights firmly remaining with the WOSM. The game was played in the correct spirit which continued in the bar later. Special thanks must go out to Corporal Hannah Calton for officiating, 3 Mobile Catering Squadron for providing hot beverages and the Photo Section for the excellent images.

5001 Sqn took part on Exercise VALIANT DUCK.

UK Armed Forces Chess Championship coming to Wittering.

New Manager at Spring Nursery

Personnel Spread

Christmas Cheer To Local Veterans

A team of volunteers from RAF Wittering hand-built and delivered more than 80 hampers to vulnerable RAF Veterans in Stamford, Rutland and Bourne for Christmas.

Members of the Royal Air Force Association Wittering & District Branch, many of whom are personnel on 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS), were joined by former Station Commander Wing Commander Jez Case, Station Warrant Officer Darren Rose and Officer Commanding 3MCS Squadron Leader Sara Jones, in putting together the Christmas hampers. Sqn Ldr Jones is also the RAFA Wittering & District Branch Chair.

The contents of the Christmas hampers were purchased thanks to a generous donation of over £2,000 from the RAFA Wittering & District Branch. The team then used their own vehicles and time to distribute the hampers.

RAFA Wittering & District Branch deputy chair and membership secretary, Flight Sergeant Reece Holt of 3MCS, said: “This could not have been possible without the generous donation from the RAFA Wittering & District branch. It has been a privilege and an absolute honour to be able to provide some festive cheer to our veterans in this way.”

Wg Cdr Jez Case said: “This is a wonderful example of the Christmas spirit in action. It is an opportunity for us to look after the wider RAF family, in particular our vulnerable members, offering a lifeline to many at what can be a difficult time of the year. The team have done an excellent job and should be incredibly proud of the support they have provided.”

Wittering Spring Nursery has welcomed new manager Charlotte Reynolds. Charlotte, who joined the nursery in January, has worked in childcare, nursery, and education for more than 25 years, working in both the private and public sectors.

Wittering Spring is a full day care nursery and Out of School Club based on St Michael’s Road. Open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year, it offers childcare, and nursery funded places for all families in the local and wider community, as well as supporting our Military Families and Blue Light card holders through its discount scheme.

She said: “At Spring, it is our mission to give children a healthy start in life, equipping them with the support, knowledge and nurturing they need to thrive, while leaving a lasting positive impact. We believe in providing high quality childcare services and opportunities for children that are accessible to all. We do this by ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to health and wellbeing for children and families.”

If you would like to arrange a visit or find out more about Wittering Spring Nursery please email us springwittering@ actionforchildren.org.uk or visit the Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ springWittering

Wg Cdr Jez Case and OC 3MCS & RAFA Wittering & District Branch Chair Sqn Ldr Sara Jones help with the Christmas hampers.

From Left: Wg Cdr Jez Case, OC 3MCS & RAFA Wittering & District Branch Chair Sqn Ldr Sara Jones, Station Warrant Officer WO Darren Rose and AS1 Annie Nicol putting the Christmas hampers together for local veterans.

From Left: OC 3MCS & RAFA Wittering & District Branch Chair Sqn Ldr Sara Jones, Wg Cdr Jez Case, AS1 Annie Nicol and Station Warrant Officer WO Darren Rose.

New manager at Spring Nursery Charlotte Reynolds.

Christmas Card Competition

A Year Six pupil from Wittering Primary School won RAF Wittering’s Christmas Card Competition.

Every year pupils from Wittering Primary School design the Station’s official Christmas card. The card is sent to deployed RAF personnel, friends of Royal Air Force Wittering and even members of the Royal Family.

The identity of the winning pupil is kept a closely guarded secret and is only announced at a school assembly. The winner of the 2022 competition was 10-year-old Saffron Rigby-Faux.

The theme was ‘wellbeing’ and Saffron’s design shows a ‘chilled’ reindeer relaxing in a hot tub with the message ‘Rest your hooves after a very merry wellbeing Christmas!’ underneath.

Charlotte Blake, Headteacher at Wittering Primary School, said: “The Christmas card design competition makes me immensely proud every year. We have such a wealth of talent across our school and for the Station to value this and give it such purpose is wonderful. Across the community the wellbeing of children and

adults has been an important consideration which made the message of festive wellbeing even more pertinent.”

Former RAF Wittering Station Commander, Wing Commander Jez Case, said: “The wellbeing of all our personnel and families is always of great importance but especially over the festive period. This theme clearly inspired the pupils of Wittering Primary as they came up with some excellent designs, but Saffron’s reindeer really stood out.”

This Christmas 1Air Mobility Wing (1 AMW) were on a mission to ensure every child had a happy holiday.

In support of the children and young people’s charity ‘Cash for Kids’, 1 AMW, based at RAF Brize Norton, collected toys for disadvantaged children, encouraging personnel to donate a new and unwrapped toy.

Cash for Kids is a national charity that helps children live life to the full and realise their individual potential. In the UK, one in four children live in poverty which means that Christmas is a luxury that some can't afford.

1 AMW has been actively involved in several charitable endeavours as well as the professional and expert delivery of humanitarian relief all over the world. To be able to contribute to a worthy cause that would directly support families within the UK was a mission they gratefully accepted.

Flt Lt Beccy Baxter, OC Pax Plans, who organised the collection said: “I recall experiencing similarly hard times from my own childhood when charities such as Cash For Kids didn’t exist or were less accessible.

The pressure on my mum to keep Christmas a happy time for my brother and I during such hardship will have been extremely tough for her. Now, as a mum myself, I understand how important it is for parents to give their children the best Christmas memories that they can, that is why I brought this endeavour to 1AMW.”

Personnel collected and donated over 50 new and unused toys to Cash for Kids. Contributions were also generously gifted by Air Terminal counterparts, Serco, and the RAF Southern Angling League whose Deputy League Chairman is 1AMW’s WO Cargo Mark Firth.

WO Firth said: “The RAF Southern Angling League holds an annual charity fishing match every Christmas and they were keen to help. Every angler brought along at least one gift, which was great to see and have said they would love to support this mission again next year. It is a great idea, and it is always good to give something at Christmas, especially to children of families in need.”

For more information about The Cash for Kids charity visit: https://cashforkids.org.uk

Wing Commander Jez Case and Saffron Rigby-Faux.

"

"

The Christmas card design competition makes me immensely proud every year. We have such a wealth of talent across our school...

Flt Lt Beccy Baxter with some of the donated gifts for Cash for Kids.

Think Smart

RAF Wittering’s Charities Committee will be marking International Women’s Day by running a clothes collection in support of the Smart Works Women’s Charity.

The collection is part of a programme of events planned by the Station’s charities committee in 2023.

Smart Works (https:// smartworks.org.uk/) is a UK charity that aims to give women the confidence they need to fulfil their potential, secure employment and gain financial independence which can change the trajectory of their lives and, in turn, the lives of their families and communities. They do this by helping their clients find smart clothes for

interviews as well as providing one to one coaching.

From March 8 –International Women’s Day – collection boxes will be located in the foyers of Station Headquarters, Support Force Headquarters, the HIVE, the Station Costa Coffee Shop and the Costcutter shop, St George’s Road. The committee is asking for donations of smart clothes, shoes and bags which could be used by ladies attending interviews. A list of accepted clothing will be display on each box.

The charities committee will be holding a coffee morning on the March 29 in the Community Learning Centre where anyone local who is job hunting can come along and take a look through the clothes and maybe choose some smart clothes for

Turkey Trot

The Grinch, a few Santas, and reindeers took part in RAF Wittering’s Turkey Trot. About 25 people participated in the fancy dress run which also attracted a crowd of supporters from across the Station.

Organised by Cpl Haydon Rush of

IT Rollout

RAF Wittering finally received a long-awaited delivery containing all new laptops, desktops and docking stations. Over a two-week period, the Field Service Team, and Airfield Support Team (pictured) successfully withdrew 1,200 old Windows 7 devices from across station while simultaneously installing around 700 docking stations, over 100 desktops and 500 laptops. The new equipment is now able to efficiently keep up with the Station’s IT demands to provide RAF Wittering’s core output.

potential interviews. Following this event, the rest of the collected donations will be sent to Smart Works.

For more information contact Sophie West – sophie. west102@mod.gov.uk or Diane Coates – Diane. coates517@mod.gov.uk

Prison Visit

Members from 115 Sqn paid a visit to HMP Whitemoor, near March, Cambridgeshire. After a talk by the prison’s Governor, Ruth Stephens, about the demographic of the prisoners and the work that goes into maintaining the security of a Cat A prison, they were given a tour around the prison. There were also demonstrations by the Prison Officer Security Training Unit and the Dog Section.

To round off the day, 115 Sqn staff paid their respects at the Squadron Memorial on the Whitemoor Nature Reserve. It was at this location in 1941, that nine people lost their lives on an RAF training sortie from 115 Sqn (then based at RAF Marham). The six crew members and three additional staff all lost their lives when their Wellington Bomber crashed into the marshalling yard of the prison. The memorial, hand-built by staff at Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL), is a truly beautiful way to honour the sacrifices made.

115 Sqn paid their respects at the Squadron Memorial during a visit to HMP Whitemoor.

the PEd Flt, entrants had to run a 3km route around the Station. The first male back was Cpl Ian Baker, while Sqn Ldr Sian Ryan received the prize for first female. AS1 Charlotte Baily was awarded the prize for best fancy dress –Santa riding a reindeer! They were presented with their prizes, a tub of chocolates, by Wing Commander Mark Concarr.

The Turkey Trot attracted a great turnout.

RAF Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing

Only 20 minutes’ drive from RAF Wittering and you are in the beautiful 4,200-acre Rutland Water Park, the largest area of reservoir sailing in England. On its south shore is Rutland Sailing Club, the base for the activities of RAF Rutland Sailing Club, collocated with both the RAF Sailing Association (RAFSA) Dinghy and Windsurfing Training Centres. The RAF club membership is open to all RAF Wittering’s serving personnel, civil servants and their immediate family.

Adult non-members can still enjoy RYA accredited training from a friendly and hugely experienced team of RAFSA Royal Yachting Association (RYA) instructors. Force Development Taster Days can also be arranged. For further info see the poster for RAF Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing.

The RAF Sailing Association

Safety Division

What did you do last week at work? Were you outside in the fresh air travelling at speed and helping others in trouble?

The Royal Air Force Sailing Association (RAFSA) is known Servicewide for Windsurfing, Dinghy and Offshore sailing activities. However, there’s a less well known but important RAFSA family member - the Safety Division (SD). It’s a team of dedicated Service and civilian volunteers trained on powerboats to support RAFSA, Inter-Service and high profile civilian waterborne sporting events. These have included the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The SD team use up to four Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, each powered by a 90HP engine, crewed by an experienced coxswain and at least one trained crew member. Crews can attend up to 14 events annually throughout the country,

from Rutland Water to Marazion, Cornwall. Duties include event area patrol - watching for tired or injured participants and capsized or damaged craft. Crews might assist removing people from the water to safety and helping to right or escort vessels back to shore. They might also lay race course markers, complete boat-to-boat crew transfers, or escort competitors safely to race start lines through congested waterways.

Anybody can drive a boat fast - the real skill is safe and considered manoeuvres at low speed, either approaching a casualty or coming alongside a stricken craft. Prepping for a recent RAF Dinghy Championships held at Rutland Water, SD members carried out powerboat manoeuvring and practised rescues. The Championships themselves were a busy couple of days - spotting competitors in trouble and driving in to assist as needed.

The SD boats are financed from Service funds, with practical upkeep down to team members often making small repairs or towing the boats to and from servicing. SD crews are given personal equipment needed to carry out their event duties safely. This includes dry suits, thermal layers, safety helmets and buoyancy aids. If you fancy enjoying some rewarding fun with a friendly team of skilled powerboat enthusiasts, please contact John Williams, RAFSA Safety Boat Rescue Coord, at john. williams629@mod.gov.uk

Tony Barnaby introduces a Service activity that lets you do all this and more during your normal working week.

Members of the RAF Sailing Association Division.

RAF Wittering Success at Cross Country Champs

Six representatives from RAF Wittering attended the RAF Cross Country Championships. This prestigious event, which took place at RAF Halton in January, attracts runners from all corners of the country to compete to become RAF Champion and claim a spot on the RAF team, which competes against the Army and Navy at the Inter-Service Championships.

The conditions were testing, with sub-zero temperatures leading up to the event which meant the ground was rock solid around the sports fields but in the wooded sections were typical XC conditions with ankle deep mud!

First race of the day was the women’s and RAF Wittering had two entries with Cpl Gemma Holloway (RAFP) leading from start to finish. Closely followed by Sgt Chloe Tyler (Peterborough AFCO)

Countess of Wessex Cup 2023

Eight personnel from across RAF Wittering travelled down to Gibraltar Barracks in Surrey to take part in the postponed Countess of Wessex Cup.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex is the Honorary Air Commodore for RAF Wittering and has formal links to several military bodies. The contest, which was postponed from last year following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, saw RAF Wittering in competition with 5 Rifles, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC), Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM) and the Canadian Lincoln and Welland Regiment.

in 4th position. These high results gave RAF Wittering a second position in the team competition.

Next up were the men with four Wittering entries; Cpl Will Gardener (2MT) having an excellent run finishing 8th, followed by CT Dan Lewis (71Sqn) in 14th, Sgt Nat Freeman (FP Trg Flt) in 24th and CPL Tom Ashford (MESF) in 36th. These fantastic results gave the team a third place in a highly competitive team competition.

Wittering now has six runners selected to represent the RAF at the Interservice Cross Country Championships which was due to be hosted by the Army in February.

Selection are as follows:

• Senior Women – Sgt Chloe Tyler, Cpl Gemma Holloway.

• Senior Men – Cpl Will Gardener.

• Masters Men (40+) – WO Chris Rowlands, CT Dan Lewis, Sgt Nat Freeman.

The location and challenges in the Countess of Wessex Cup change from year to year but always include a series of physically demanding and mental tests.

Hosted by RCAM, the event consisted of six serials, a scored clay pigeon shoot, a timed assault course, an observation challenge, a non-verbal communication challenge, a heritage design competition, where teams had to design a

drum based on one of the other unit’s heritages, and a STEM challenge. The STEM challenge was kept a mystery until the end of the day and consisted of building a raft from barrels and planks and then subsequently racing them in the fresh waters of Hawley Lake, with the results of the previous five serials deciding start position. Despite having a significantly smaller team and being more inexperienced in several of the events compared to a lot of the other units, RAF Wittering finished 3rd after the day’s challenges, and 5th in the raft race, despite losing two barrels along the way.

This was a fantastic effort by all involved, demonstrating good teamwork and resilience development throughout. Following the high-level competition, all teams were hosted by the Gibraltar Barracks Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ mess, with a fantastic curry laid on. This provided an opportunity for some good-natured inter-service and international integration. It also gave the team the chance to meet and interact with Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex.

Air Cdr Richard Fogden (centre) with the RAF Wittering Men’s TeamCT Dan Lewis, Cpl Tom Ashford, Sgt Nat Freeman, Cpl Will Gardener who came third overall.

Cpl Gemma Holloway with Air Cdr Richard Fogden.

RAF Wittering’s Countess of Wessex Cup team.

"

"

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex is the Honorary Air Commodore for RAF Wittering and has formal links to several military bodies.

RAF Wittering’s

Co-Responders Decade

they have clocked up more than 14,000 individual volunteer hours, and have been sent to nearly 3,000 medical incidents.

The RAF Wittering Co-Responder Team celebrated its 10th anniversary at the end of last year following its formation in 2012. The team, which is equipped, trained, and tasked by East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), stood up for its first operational shift in October 2012 and has been supporting the service in saving lives ever since.

No 5131 Bomb Disposal Squadron was the birthplace of Wittering’s Co-Responder Team. In 2011 Chief Technician (then Corporal) Christian Lee

suggested setting up a responder team to Warrant Officer John (Tommy) Tomiczek, as both men had been First Responders at other Stations.

Chief Technician Lee said: “I was surprised that there wasn’t a team as it’s quite a rural area. Tommy agreed to help, and we started talking to EMAS. We said that we would provide the people if they could provide the vehicle, equipment and training – and they agreed. It took a year to organise, but we’ve made a difference to so many lives, it’s been incredible.”

Co-Responders are volunteers with a high level of medical training. Wittering’s team generally covers the southern parts of Lincolnshire and is dispatched to emergencies at the same time as EMAS ambulance crews. With the exception of mental health and maternity cases, they attend most emergency situations.

The team is often confronted with serious medical conditions such as breathing difficulties, chest pains, strokes and cardiac arrests. In the last three years

Warrant Officer Dave Hughes is the RAF Wittering Co-Responder Team Leader. He said: “They are all dedicated volunteers who give of their own time; they take their training seriously and conduct themselves with real professionalism. I am proud to serve with this confident, dynamic decision making team who go above and beyond to bring these key skills into the workplace.”

The team has up to 30 CoResponders at any one time, and they come from all three Armed Forces and the Civil Service. The team also includes spouses and military veterans who joined the Co-Responders before retiring. In addition to their training, volunteers give a minimum of 200 clinical hours each year.

Warrant Officer Hughes said: “We receive amazing support from the Station and EMAS, which enables us to help those who are in dire need. Being part of a Co-Responder team transforms our volunteers; they are given new skills, they grow as individuals, and the level of teamwork, which is already strong because of their military training, takes on a whole new dimension.”

Ten years of life-saving emergency medical care has been achieved by Wittering’s team of Co-Responders.

RAF Wittering Co-Responders during a training exercise on Station Safety Day.

Co-Responders are volunteers with a high level of medical training.

RAF Wittering Co-Responders during a training exercise on Station Safety Day.

Night-time training with the Co-Responders in 2022.

RAF Wittering Co-Responder Team Leader, Warrant Officer Dave Hughes.

New Top Team

At RAF Wittering Reserve Squadron

A new Officer Commanding and new squadron Warrant Officer have been appointed to No 504 County of Nottingham Squadron at RAF Wittering.

Squadron Leader Kaye Slater is a former Regular Logistics Officer and a former Part-Time Reservist on 504 Squadron. She has held various challenging posts including an operational tour at the UK Joint Headquarters in Afghanistan supporting the early deployment of military capabilities. 504 Squadron, which is part of the Reserve Logistic Support Wing, recruits, trains and employs RAF chefs, drivers, suppliers and technicians.

Squadron Leader Slater said: “It’s a real honour to command

504 Squadron, but I have to thank my predecessor, Squadron Leader Andy Ham, for leaving the unit in such great shape. I’ve been here a few months now, and the diversity of this unit and the range of capabilities and experience our dedicated Reservists offer Defence is just amazing.”

Warrant Officer Mark Day has been appointed Squadron Warrant Officer for No 504 Squadron. Mr Day first joined the RAF in 1991 as a part-time, reservist gunner with the RAF Regiment, and remained with the Regiment for more than 20 years.

As the Squadron Warrant Officer, he will be responsible for the day to day management of the squadron’s noncommissioned personnel and also for the maintenance of welfare, discipline and standards.

Warrant Officer Day said: “This is not the kind of job that comes up every day, it is a rare honour to be a Squadron Warrant Officer. 504 Squadron has a fine military history and a strong sense of tradition, but we are also a unit that focuses on what Defence needs from us today. It is a great team to be a part of.”

Blue Steel Returns to Wittering

With the closure of RAF Scampton, the Blue Steel missile on display in its Heritage Centre, needed rehousing. The RAF Wittering Heritage Centre made the successful bid and at the end of January it was moved by JARTS to its new home.

From May 1962 until December 1969, RAF Wittering was home to No.139(Jamaica) Sqn and No100 Sqn, operating Handley Page Victor B2 aircraft which were armed with Blue Steel missiles.

The Station Heritage Centre itself is housed in what was once the Blue Steel Maintenance Facility, so it could be said that its latest exhibit has come home.

The Blue Steel missile was the result of a Ministry of Supply memorandum from 1954 which predicted that by 1960 Soviet

air defences would make it impossible for V bombers to attack with nuclear gravity bombs. Avro was selected to produce an air-launched, rocket-propelled nuclear armed standoff missile, which allowed an aircraft to launch the weapon against its target while still outside the range of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).

Measuring 35ft long, with a wingspan of 13ft and weighing 17,000lb, the Blue Steel missile was powered by a twin-chamber, liquid fuelled rocket motor and could reach speeds up to Mach 3. Guided by a state-of-the-art inertial navigation system, the missile could deliver its 1.1 megaton

warhead to within 100m of the pre-defined target point. Blue Steel, which was carried by Handley Page Victors and Avro Vulcans, eventually entered service in 1963, but by this time, improved SAMs greatly eroded the advantages of the design, leaving the V-bombers highly vulnerable. In addition, the RAF estimated that half the missiles would fail to fire and would have to be dropped over their targets, contradicting their purpose of serving as standoff weapons.

Despite this, Blue Steel remained the primary British nuclear deterrent until it was officially retired in December 1970, with the UK’s strategic nuclear capacity passing to the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

Warrant Officer Mark Day.

504 Squadron badge.

Squadron Leader Kaye Slater.

Blue Steel on display in its new home at RAF Wittering Heritage Centre.

Blue Steel on Loader.

Blue Steel was delivered by road by JARTS.

Victor aircraft with Blue Steel.

RAF

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

Design Advertising Publishing Print To Advertise in this publication please contact Ken Kemal on 01536 334225 or email ken@lancemedia.co.uk Ken@Lancemediagroup.co.uk

Community News

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.

Facing Life’s Challenges

Life is littered with problems. Often, we doubt our abilities to solve them. Sometimes, there seems to be no solution at all.

In the public sphere, we are plagued by them. Conflict in Europe, a cost-ofliving crisis, striking and its reduction in services to name but a recent few.

On the personal level, we have difficulties at work and problems at home. Difficult tasks are entrusted to us by our superiors. Job done, we come home to face the strains that the Forces lifestyle places on husbands and wives, and between parents and children.

can always look to the people that surround you. You may not have noticed them before. A colleague who at times seems more like a rival, a SSAFA worker whose door remains open despite a mountain of paperwork, even a Chaplain, who you might have dismissed as a mere God-botherer. Help and support, and maybe a little wisdom, is at hand for those brave enough to ask for it.

Deployed Coffee Mornings have returned. Come and meet the team in the CLC+, St George’s Road, along with other deployed families. This is a chance to enjoy a chat over (free) coffee and cake!

The next coffee morning will be held at 10-11am on the 6 April.

Deployed Trips and Activities

– After listening to our families about how some were unable to attend coffee mornings because of work commitments, we decided to hold our first Deployed Pizza Evening in the Community Centre in February. This proved a big hit, after all who doesn’t love pizza, and we feel this will be a great addition to the support we provide our families. The Community Support Team is continually working on a programme of trips and activities throughout the year. If you have any suggestions or ideas for the team, then please let us know (contact details below).

RAF Wittering Station Cinema

Passes – We are now delighted to be able to 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 who have made this possible. The movie schedule can be

SSAFA Support

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/

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 upcoming activities, or if you would like to claim the Families Welfare vouchers as an alternative, please contact Emma Stacey (contact details below).

Free Advice Clinics

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

Some struggles come and go – replaced by something new after a moment’s respite. Others have been with us a very long time. We find ourselves pivoting between the public and the personal, the temporary and the everlasting. To face them all at once is just too much.

We concentrate our efforts in one area and watch them go up in smoke. We spread ourselves thin and fall short of all marks. Sometimes we retreat, dismissing our wounds as scratches and nothing more.

But when trapped in tunnel vision, or overwhelmed by the big picture, it’s important to know that you

is more than happy to receive calls and queries from Wittering residents should you need support. Visit www.rutlandcab. org.uk or tel. 01572 723494.

Facebook

For all the latest information, the team is regularly posting on the Wittering View Facebook page.

And yes, some of us have found shelter from the storms of life. Perhaps all is going well for you. But can you say the same for the person next to you? The one you will call brother, sister, friend, or mate when the kitbags and body armour are in our hands, and we are called to go.

Padre Jesse Holland

Useful Wittering telephone numbers

Service Community Support Officer - WO Neil Paylor - tel. 07976 206569 or email neil. paylor660@mod.gov.uk

Life’s problems can sometimes leave you trapped in tunnel vision.

Community Development Officer (CDO) – Mark Davis –tel. 07976 208806 or email mark. davis955@bc.mod.gov.uk

Community Support Administration Officer – Emma Stacey – tel. 0300 167 0991 or email emma. stacey593@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.

Padre’s Corner

Deployment Support

Spring Into Action

and flowers and will become a place where wellbeing is at the forefront. Somewhere for everyone not just volunteers. We are also looking at the possibility of starting our own foodbank on Station if there is a need. This will be confidential, and we will look at how this can be achieved. Any ideas would be gratefully received.

It’s Behind You!

We have started recruiting for new committee members and community volunteers - there is always room for some more willing volunteers both service and civilian. We need to start the In-Service Project again as it was so valuable previously supporting service personnel and their families.

Our volunteers engage with the community as well as supporting families in a time of need. They undertake community projects and raise money on Station. The money they raise does not go to the larger charity but is kept for us to use here on Station.

Previously we have purchased white goods, food vouchers, short-term nursery fees –supporting families and service personnel at a time of need. You never know you may need our support in the future.

We have an allotment and hopefully our volunteers will start to grow their vegetables

Previously we had a Wellbeing Friday, where individuals could come to a safe place and be around others while indulging in Lego building. Hopefully by the time you read this we will have started running the sessions again in the Station Church on a fortnightly basis from 1000 -1200hr on a Friday morning.

We have a lot planned but we need support to do this. I understand times are difficult with the increases in the cost of living but if you can spare a few hours to volunteer then we would be extremely grateful.

Maddie and I are available during working hours 08301700hr, and one of us will always be on station. We are also contactable by email or telephone (numbers below). We look forward to seeing you all around the station and in the village.

Paula and Maddie

Paula.finch@ssafa.org.uk, tel. 07825 016853

Maddie.edgar@ssafa.org.uk, tel. 07584 230805

Families enjoyed the fun and music of the Pantomime when The Panto Bus visited Wittering just before Christmas.

The cast performed the pantomime Cinderella for Station personnel and families in the Community Centre. The Panto Bus is provided by The British Forces Foundation and were invited to the Station by the Community Support team. The event was also supported by the Armed Forces Covenant.

Santa Express

Deployed families from RAF Wittering met with Santa and his elves on the Santa Express at Nene Valley Railway.

The families met Santa and then enjoyed a trip on a steam train. A big thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Nene Valley Railway for making our families’ day so special.

Members of RAF Wittering Youth Club organised a tuck shop on the night to help raise funds for youth club activities.

Community Support Admin Officer Emma Stacey said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere, and the show was so good. Everyone had a great time and a big thank you to the cast – Liam, Charlie, Christopher, Sarah, Freya and Kimberley – for an excellent show.”

The Cast of Cinderella.

Santa Express at Nene Valley Railway.

Families met with Santa.

With festivities well and truly behind us, it’s time to look forward to what is happening in the SSAFA world.

The Wellbeing Friday sessions will offer a safe space in the company of others.

Airplay Update

Members of Wittering’s Airplay had a great lead up to Christmas with the planning, budgeting, and organising of a Christmas Ball for the Youth Club Juniors.

Well done to Gracie and Lucy for your help in making it happen. Everyone had a fantastic time.

The Ben Club, Sevens & Eights and Senior groups also had a lot of fun with Christmas crafts, games, and activities.

The Project Tuesday youth committee ran the refreshment stall for the RAF Wittering Community Support pantomime. It proved a great success with the families who came along to the panto. A good job done by all!

Just before Christmas, Airplay members were thinking about children and young people less fortunate than themselves. They, alongside

the Project Tuesday Youth Committee, decided to collect Christmas treat donations from their community for the local food bank. They even used money left over from their Christmas Ball to purchase more donations themselves.

The Airplay members collected a huge amount! Two Project Tuesday members, Station Youth Worker Sharon Pollard, and Community Development Officer Mark Davis visited the Food Bank next to the YMCA Trinity office to drop off the donations which were very well received. Thanks to all who donated plus a special thanks to Daz Thomas for his extremely generous contribution.

Simply Amazing!

The Ben Club had fun with Christmas crafts.

The Christmas Ball was a great success.

A selection of the food that club members collected.

Gracie and Lucy enjoying the Christmas Ball.

Project Tuesday Youth Committee members ran a refreshment stall at the Station Panto.

BREAK TIME Spot The Difference

Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs?

Wordsearch

Which of the snowdrop varieties listed below cannot be found in the grid?

Snowdrop Facts

They’re one of the first signs that better weather and brighter days are on the horizon, but how many of these little nuggets of information did you know?

1. The botanical genus name for the snowdrop is Galanthus which translates from Greek as ‘milk flower’.

2. People who like snowdrops are known as galanthophiles.

3. Snowdrops are not native to the UK, and it is not known when they were introduced to the UK.

4. Rare snowdrop varieties can be valuable. A single bulb of the Galanthus plicatus ‘Golden Tears’ was recorded as being sold for £1,850!

5. In most countries it is illegal to collect snowdrops from the wild because they are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) rulings.

6. Some snowdrops are honey scented.

7. During the First World War snowdrops were harvested to make anti-freeze for tanks because they contain their own anti-freeze proteins.

8. There are more than 2,500 recognised varieties of snowdrop.

9. Snowdrop bulbs are toxic, although they contain a substance that is clinically authorised for use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

10. In the name snowdrop, ‘drop’ is from eardrop, an old word for earring.

RAF Families Federation

Can we help?

The RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) based at RAF Wittering is here for ALL Service personnel and families, wherever you are based in the world. The RAFFF provides a completely independent and confidential place to discuss any issue or concern you may have, whether that’s work or home related.

Many of the Team members at the RAFFF have served or are family members and so can often relate to your own experiences. This is often helpful when you want to talk to someone outside of the Chain of Command – and to someone who ‘gets it’ when it comes to life in the RAF.

Top issues 2022

The top three issues raised in 2022 were:

• Accommodation - Centred around the problems encountered with the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) contract. The RAFFF represent you at the highest level within the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Pinnacle, Amey and Vivo to address

the standard of service being provided in maintenance of Service Family Accommodation.

• Health and additional needs

– Dental - The Team monitors the wider situation regarding access to dentistry in the UK where Service families and civilians struggle to find an NHS dentist. New reforms to the dental contract will hopefully allow more patients to access NHS dentists over the next two years. Your lived experience

helps to inform others regarding the difficulties you are currently experiencing with dentistry.

• Education - Wraparound Childcare (WAC) - Many enquiries were received about the eligibility criteria and registration process for the WAC scheme following the announcement of the full UK rollout of WAC in July 2022. The Team continues to engage with the WAC Implementation and Policy Team to represent the

RAF community and ensure that the lived experiences you share with them are considered by policy makers.

Impact of the RAFFF

By contacting the RAFFF, you will also be helping to effect change for others on a much wider scale. The main challenges faced by personnel and families are used as anonymous evidence to influence change for the better, with politicians, the Chain of Command and policy makers in the British Government, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Contact the Team

Simply fill in the online ‘Report an Issue’ form: www.raf-ff.org.uk/ report-an-issue-form in the first instance and a member of the team will get in touch with you.

Subscribe (free) to Envoy magazine (hard copy or digital version) and/or a weekly eBulletin: www.raf-ff.org.uk/publications

Support and Outreach Team member, Ian Todd, talking to RAFP colleagues at RAF Halton’s Drop-In Clinic.

The 2021 v 2022 visual of issues reported to the RAFFF.

Name: Nikki Duncan

Role: Station Commander, RAF Wittering

Marital Status: Married to Scott, with daughter Amelia and Bo the Boxer

In the Seat

1. What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

The people. I love to chat and talk to people. I can’t get told off for chatting now as communication is an integral part of my role as Station Commander.

2. And the least?

I really don’t like telling people off.

3. What is the best advice you have ever received? Be yourself!

4. Describe yourself in six words?

Loud, Yorkshire, excitable, nosey, approachable, impatient.

5. What career would you have followed if you had not pursued your current profession? I would love to have become a professional actor. Drama was a passion of mine growing up and I attended various after-school drama groups. Unfortunately, drama college was too expensive, so I had to come up with an alternative plan.

6. Is there one piece of criticism that sticks in your mind? Talk too much.

7. What would be your first act as world leader? Make renewable energy affordable.

8. Name your desert island essentials? Kindle, Spotify and lots of chocolate!

9. How would you change the MOD? Less red tape.

10. What food would you choose for your last supper? Toad in the Hole (Yorkshire pudding has to feature somewhere in my last supper), gravy, mash potato and a glass of grapefruit squash (boring but I love it).

11. Who do you most admire in the world? Beyonce – Although I’m not a huge fan of her music, I feel she has worked hard and achieved a great deal in her career, so I admire her for that.

12. Name four people you would like as a dinner guest –and why?

Peter Kay, because he would be very funny and Freddie Flintoff for his hijinks and laughs. Can

Wittering View Now Online

you imagine him and Peter Kay at the same table? I would also have aviator Amelia Earhart so we can chat about her adventures, and finally, Michelle Obama – what a lady, and what a role model for women everywhere. I bet she has some fab stories to tell from the White House!

13. What one piece of music would you like played at your funeral? There She Goes by The La’s.

14. How would you like to be remembered? As someone that made a difference, no matter how small.

You can now read the latest issues of Wittering View, the official magazine for RAF Wittering, by visiting www.rafmags.co.uk

Use this link to read the latest as well as previous issues of your favourite magazine. You can also subscribe for free, as well as keep up to date with other RAF magazine titles. So, check out www.rafmags.co.uk/ subscribe to keep up with the latest news.

TEA TIME BREAK ANSWERS

Which of the snowdrop varieties cannot be found in the grid?

ANSWER: Ketton

Cheesecake-Filled Easter Eggs

Not sure what to do with all those hollow chocolate eggs? This is a quick and easy way to turn them into a special Easter treat.

Ingredients

1 hollow chocolate Easter egg 75g digestive biscuits

25g butter, melted 75g mascarpone 100g soft cheese

2 tbsp icing sugar, sieved 2 tbsp cocoa powder, sieved 100g double cream

Method

1. Separate the Easter egg carefully in half along the seam. One tip is to use a knife which has been dipped in a bowl of hot water to cut through the seam.

2. Put the digestive biscuits into a food bag and bash with a rolling pin. Put the crushed biscuits into a bowl and stir the melted butter into the mixture. Spoon the mixture into the Easter egg halves, packing it down gently with the back of the spoon. Place in the fridge until needed.

3. Mix the mascarpone, soft cheese, cocoa and icing sugar together in bowl with a wooden spoon until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the double cream to soft peaks with an electric whisk. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

4. Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the chilled biscuit bases in the Easter eggs. Use a knife or spatula to level the surfaces. Decorate with mini chocolate eggs or chocolates and then chill for at least two hours or overnight until firm and set.

5. To serve drizzle the cheesecake-filled eggs with caramel or melted chocolate (or anything else you fancy).

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

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: 12 YEARS AND OVER £8.50 3 YEARS AND OVER £7.50. UNDER 3 YEARS FREE FAMILY TICKET - £28.00

VISIT DAPHNE'S TEA ROOM FOR LUNCHES, CAKES, DRINKS & ICECREAMS.

OPENING TIMES ARE TUESDAY - SUNDAY 10.00AM - 4.00PM (LAST ADMISSION 3PM) TEAROOM OPEN TILL 4.00PM

*Offer is available to UK Armed Forces Personnel in the Army, Navy or RAF, also to those who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. Retirees remain eligible 12 months from date of retirement. UK only, 18+. Offer only available on selected homes and developments, subject to lenders approval. Offer can be used in conjunction with other selected offers/incentives. Please speak to a Sales Executive for more information. Valid until 31st December 2025. Subject to lender’s approval, exclusions, T&Cs. For full terms and conditions please visit https://allison-homes.co.uk/armed-forces-package/

In our relaxed and comfortable surroundings we offer classic and modern cuts, luxury hot towel steam shaves, ears nose and glabella waxing, along with beard trims. We stock Italian Prorazo and Edwin Jagger shaving products, razors and stands.

We also stock Apothecary 87 beard care, Dapper Dan and Slick Gorilla hair products. We have an american police car chair for our children's cuts. Our fridge is always stocked with water, soft drinks and beer - all complimentary. Dogs are most welcome, we have a jar of bonio's on the table ready!

Cutting-Edge Hair Styles