Wittering View – Summer 2023

Wittering View

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Editor

Welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of Wittering View

One of the main dilemmas as Editor is finding space for all the articles I receive. This has certainly been the case with this latest issue, however hopefully it also means that you will find something of interest among these pages.

From the official opening of the Station’s new Allotments and the Aviator Lounge Projects (Page 16) to meeting our new HIVE Information Officer who agreed to go under the spotlight in this issue’s In the Hot Seat on page 26. We also have the latest news from Community Support (page 22) and an update from Wittering Airplay.

Looking to the summer, the Tutor Display team has announced the dates for this year’s display season. Turn to page 11 to find out where you can catch them. And if you are looking for a challenge then RAFA Rides is back again this year. The event is taking place at Kendrew Barracks, but you can also take part virtually. See page 10 for more details.

We have a round-up on all the latest news from 504 Squadron on page 20, a piece from the Cottesmore Miliary Wives Choir, which is hoping to recruit new members from Wittering (page 18) and the Mountain Rescue Service is marking its 80th anniversary (page 18).

And last, but by no means least, Wittering played host to the UK Armed Forces Chess Championships, welcoming over 80 competitors along with a Chess Grandmaster (page 19).

So pour yourself a glass of lemonade (recipe on page 26), pull up a chair and enjoy!

Emma Stacey Editor

Foreword

It doesn’t seem that long ago since we were all welcoming in the New Year and now here we are wondering whether we are going to be lucky enough to see a few sunny days this summer.

As a Station, we have continued to meet our commitments to Defence, assist Support Force in maintaining operational readiness, and contribute to the flying output that 6FTS deliver day in day out. Regardless of the challenges we have faced, we have done them collegially as an Airbase and Airwing. A true representation of this is the collective achievements, hard work and determination to deliver the ‘Building the RAF Wittering Community’ Project. I have been really impressed and humbled by the passion and work conducted by the teams involved in a plethora of projects.

Thanks to a few key individuals around the Airbase and Airwing, we have received £250,000 worth of funding from service charities and organisations (with more to come hopefully!) which is being used to improve facilities for personnel and families across RAF Wittering such as the Station Allotments, the refurbishment of the Community Centre, and of course the new lounge at the Aviator Restaurant, which were officially opened by Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall.

The enthusiasm of those involved means that we can look forward to further improvements that will benefit

our whole force community. I am very privileged to meet so many fascinating people in this role and attend some incredible events. One such event was the commemoration of Stalag Luft III Prisoners of War. It was a great honour to meet the families of Flt Lt Alan

Green and Flt Lt Allan Ball, and to hear their stories. The Station was used as a repatriation site for POWs returning home from Germany after World War II and we are fortunate to have some fascinating artefacts in our Heritage Centre.

It is quite clear from the articles in this issue of the Wittering View that there is a lot going on across the Station and we are all incredibly stretched. However, I hope that many of you will get the chance to find some time to unwind with family and friends this summer.

If we’re lucky we might even get some decent weather in which to do it.

I was very much aware that my first six months as RAF Wittering Station Commander would be dynamic, but I do not think I was quite prepared for how quickly six months would also pass.

Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan

The Wittering

Model

The Air Command C2 (Command & Control) Review Programme has chosen the name The Wittering Model for the new way RAF Stations will be structured.

The Air C2 Review Programme is an evolution in the way the RAF is commanded and will change the way the Groups are structured. The mission will not change; it is all about the delivery of air and space power to protect the UK.

Soon, the RAF will be organised like this:

• No 1 Group will be responsible for every operational flying squadron (Combat Air including Air Mobility and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)) as well as our display teams (Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight).

• No 2 Group will be responsible for RAF Stations and non-flying Force Elements.

• No 11 Group, as the Global Air Component Commander, will be responsible for RAF operational commitments.

• No 22 Group will continue to deliver training for the RAF, both on the ground and in the air.

As No 2 Group will have responsibility for every RAF Station, the stations and their lodger Force Element units will have separate chains of command. Station Commanders will focus on people, infrastructure, and services, and will continue to be the face of their stations. Meanwhile, Force Element Commanders will concentrate on their operational and training outputs. This was originally called ‘The Air Base/Air Wing Model;’ Stations are the Air Bases, while Force Elements are the Air Wings.

The new operating model is named ‘The Wittering Model’ because RAF Wittering was the first station to adopt a structure like this. In the early 2000’s RAF Wittering was a Harrier flying station, but the Harrier squadrons were commanded from RAF Cottesmore. The Station Commander at RAF Wittering therefore commanded the Air Base, but not the Air Wings. This happened again when the Grob Tutor squadrons, which were commanded from RAF Cranwell, arrived in February 2015. RAF Wittering adopted a similar model again in June 2021 when command of the Station and the A4 Force, later the Support Force, separated.

This model was later adopted by several other stations, including RAF Brize Norton.

Air Commodore Jason Appleton, the Air Officer with responsibility for the Air C2 Review Programme, said: “It seems only right that the new model for stations should be named this way, because time and again RAF Wittering has been an exemplar for the proactive way it has managed change. Happily, we are seeing the same positive mindset across the span of RAF Stations and newly created Force Elements and Air Wings.”

The Air C2 Review Programme will not change the terms and conditions, or entitlements of our personnel. Changes to reporting chains will only happen if roles move from Station to Force Element and vice versa and this will be

done in a considered way to ensure continuity of reporting. Although reporting chains may be different, people will continue to work towards the same operational outputs and be part of the same community.

RAF Wittering’s Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “I’m very

pleased that Wittering’s name has been chosen for the new operating model; it is an honour. Over the years this Station has built a reputation for being forward thinking and proactive, but that comes with hard mental and physical work which the Air C2 Review Team has recognised.”

Rollout Success for C4I

Over the past three years there have been some significant changes to the technology the station uses.

In 2020 there were several mentions of an overhaul of existing IT at RAF Wittering and across the rest of Air. The My MOD Laptops (MML) rollout was meant to improve the efficiency and functionality of the IT systems. The idea itself was to equip serving personnel with laptops to provide users with a flexible working environment, regardless of their role, rank, or position.

Due to Covid it wasn’t until early 2022 that C4I received a muchneeded advancement of laptops

and the accompanying docking stations, that were distributed to priority personnel. This was a positive step towards modernising the IT systems at Wittering. However, there were delays in the main rollout, and it was unclear whether it would happen within the year. This caused much frustration among the personnel who were waiting to see the benefits of the new technology. Nevertheless, patience paid off, and the shipment of laptops finally arrived, bringing with it a sense of relief.

The arrival of the new IT was quickly followed by the recall of over 1,200 Win 7 devices that had been on camp longer than most personnel on this station. These antiquated computers that took longer to load up the internet than it did for your SNEK to remember his war stories, were replaced by the new MODNET laptops. The teams in C4I, including FST (Field Support Teams) and AST (Airfield Support Team), took on the monumental task of installing the docking stations. Each member of the team installed and ensured the new infrastructure to work before moving onto another installation. Over a period of two weeks all Laptop were allocated and docking stations installed. The result of the rollout has been positive, with the new infrastructure now able to meet the ever-changing demands of the station, while providing personnel with the flexibility and improved security, they need to operate from wherever they are in the UK and Overseas.

Due to their efficiency with the rollout, all personnel in the rollout have received the Station Commander Commendation which they received in May at the Honours and Awards Ceremony.

The Airfield Support Team.

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The result of the rollout has been positive, with the new infrastructure now able to meet the ever-changing demands of the station...

504 Sqn

Honorary Air Commodore Appointed New High Sheriff Of Nottinghamshire

The 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore (HAC) has been installed as the new High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, becoming the first Black woman and Kenyan to hold the title.

Air Commodore Veronica Moraa Pickering MBS DL was appointed as the new High Sheriff by the King and will serve in the appointment for one year. Her installation ceremony, which took place at the YMCA Community Village Hall, Newark, was attended by representatives from 504 Sqn, RAF Wittering and Support Force, including Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, Support Force Commander, Group Captain Nick Huntley and Officer Commanding Reserves Logistics Support Wing, Wing Commander Andy Valentine.

Other guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace, the High Commissioner

of Kenya, HE Mr Manoah Esipisu, and Air Cdre Jo Lincoln, who was the Station Commander at RAF Wittering when Air Cdre

Pickering first became the 504 Sqn HAC.

Sqn Ldr Kaye Slater, Officer Commanding of 504 Sqn, said: “It was my great privilege to join Air Commodore Pickering to celebrate her incredible achievement. She is an inspirational and committed ambassador for 504 Squadron who has done so much to promote awareness of the RAF and RAF Reserves among communities in Nottinghamshire. On behalf of the 504 Squadron team, I wish her every success for the year ahead.”

The Band of the RAF College Cranwell played at the event, alongside performances by the YMCA Creative Academy, singer Amninah Hussain and the Gaoto School via video-link from Nairobi, Kenya.

This appointment is the latest honour to be bestowed on Air Cdre Pickering who was awarded the title of Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear in July 2022. The award was presented to her in a ceremony by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier this year.

Air Cdre Pickering, who was born in Kenya and moved to England with her parents in the late 1960s, has been 504 Sqn’s HAC since September 2018. She is also the Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire.

504 Sqn Honorary Air Commodore Veronica Moraa Pickering with representatives from the Royal Air Force. From left to right: Warrant Officer Bali Flora (RAF Recruiting & Selection Community Engagement Team), Wing Commander Andy Valentine (OC Reserve Logs Support Wing), Squadron Leader Kaye Slater (OC 504 Sqn), Group Captain Nick Huntley (Command Support Force), Honorary Air Commodore Veronica Moora Pickering, Air Commodore Jo Lincoln (ACOS Workforce Requirements & Recruiting), Group Captain Paul White (RAuxAF Inspector), Wing Commander Nikki Duncan (RAF Wittering Station Commander), Air Commodore Gavin Hellard (Deputy Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force) and Flight Lieutenant Jill Harrison (OC Supply Flight, 504 Sqn).

504 Sqn Honorary Air Commodore Veronica Moraa Pickering is the new High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.

News In Brief

Charity Spinathon

AS1 De Cono from 1ELS

Charity Committee organised a spinathon event at RAF Wittering's Station Gym earlier this year. Five teams from Supply and MT Sqn set out to ride as many kilometres as possible in an hour.

As a collective, they raised over £80 for The Veterans Charity, The Darby

Society.

New Warrant Officer

93 (Expeditionary Armament) Squadron of the RAF Support Force, which has its headquarters at RAF Wittering, has recently welcomed Warrant Officer Danks onto the Squadron, as the Squadron Warrant Officer.

An RAF Engineer for 24 years, he has previously served on the Squadron from 2018 until 2020 as Flight Sergeant Operations Flight and left on promotion to RAF Honington. He said “My assignment as Warrant Officer Armament Engineering Flight at Honington was very busy; however, with the fantastic team in place we delivered a Service first aircraft weapon maintenance facility, state of the art upgrades to the station shooting range and continued to support the RAF’s Global Enablement Force Elements throughout the COVID pandemic. Having sought out and obtained the only Weapons trade specific Squadron Warrant Officers position, I feel incredibly honoured and motivated to take up my new post."

Warrant Officer Danks, who is based at RAF Marham, has gained experience throughout his career on three different aircraft types, been employed at seven different RAF stations in a multitude of roles, such as fast jet flying squadrons, weapon trials, engineering maintenance areas, instructor and explosive storage area duties. He has deployed on multiple operational tours and has received commendations for his efforts on Operation ELLAMY in 2011 and Operation SHADER in 2019, in addition to receiving the best RAF noncommissioned engineer award in 2022.

Joey Helps the Homeless

A Wittering youngster has raised more than £700 for the homeless.

Five-year-old Joey McInerney decided to help after seeing a homeless man and dog in Stamford.

Mum Hayley, who until recently ran the RAF Wittering’s Tots group, said: “He decided that he wanted to help raise money to buy ‘cosy things’ in his words, for him.”

They set up a JustGiving page, held a cake sale and contacted companies asking for raffle donations. Joey even sold some of his own toys and managed to raise over £700 which they used to make up 25 bags of toiletries and ‘cosy items’.

Joey gave 24 bags to the homeless when he visited the soup kitchen in Peterborough,

Are you up for a challenge?

Personnel at RAF Wittering are being urged to get on their bikes for RAFA Rides 23.

where he also helped other volunteers cooking in the kitchen, and the last bag he took to the man he originally saw in Stamford, along with some dog treats, a hot drink and a sandwich of the man’s choice.

Hayley added: “Joey did such a great job and I'm so very proud that he’s caring and wants to help.”

Last June, over 800 riders joined together from around the world to take part in RAFA Rides 2022. This year the RAF Wittering Cycling Club is putting together a teamThe Golden Lions - for the event. You can sponsor them by visiting their JustGiving page https:// www.justgiving.com/team/ GoldenLions2

Personnel, families, and contractors at RAF Wittering can be part of RAFA Rides 2023, taking place at Kendrew Barracks (formerly RAF Cottesmore) on Saturday 17 June 2023 choosing to complete a bike ride of 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles! The challenge can also be completed virtually.

While a great deal of the Association’s work is for more vulnerable members of our community, serving personnel can benefit also from support. This can be a bedtime story recorded for a child while you are working away from home, online mental wellbeing courses, affordable and nurturing early years childcare on RAF stations or an online forum for those caring for people living with dementia.

Anyone who loves cycling and wants to join riders around the world in supporting the RAF community, can sign up now by visiting https://rides.rafa.org.uk.

WO Danks.

Youngster Joey McInerney with the bags of toiletries he made up for the homeless.

Joey sold some of his own toys.

Rimmer MND and MS

The 1 ELS Spinathon raised over £80 for charity.

Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall, RAF Association ambassador and RAFA Rides founder, crossing the finish line.

Tutor Display Team Dates

The RAF Tutor Display Team has announced the dates for their 2023 season.

Flight Lieutenant David-John Gibbs of 115 Squadron of RAF Wittering, is the display pilot for the 2023 Season, following his successful first season in 2022.

Flt Lt Gibbs is a well-qualified and highly experienced military pilot. He studied Aeronautical Engineering at the Royal Military College of Science before joining the Royal Navy in 1996, where he flew the Sea King helicopter on operational and search-andrescue missions.

Wittering View Now Online

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.

generation of trainee Armament engineers to talk about what life is like within the RAF Support Force.

93 (Expeditionary Armament) Squadron.

The Next Generation

Members of 93(Expeditionary Armament) Squadron recently visited the next

Taking the time and opportunity to present to all instructors too, the trainees at RAF Cosford were briefed on what daily Squadron life is like, as well as opportunities for UK-based and foreign deployments.

Warrant Officer Danks of 93(EA) Sqn, who accompanied the visit, also took along a group of junior aviators who then briefed all trainees on a peer-topeer basis; it was hoped that this informal discussion would give

the best and most valued feedback of what life is like within the Support Force, and on the Squadron.

WO Danks said: ‘One of my primary goals is to make sure that the lived experience on 93(EA) Squadron for all its members is as good as it can be. This starts with getting the right people on the Squadron from the outset. 93(EA) Sqn is a fast-paced organisation situated within a dynamic, equally fast

Members of 93(Expeditionary Armament) Squadron talking to trainee Armament engineers.

paced Force. Dispelling myths and making people aware of the great opportunities that are available at 93(EA) Sqn, and the Force in general is what is hoped will be achieved by this visit to RAF Cosford.”

RAF Tutor Display Team.

Flight Lieutenant David-John Gibbs.

Spot The Difference

Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs?

Wordsearch

Which of the ice cream flavours listed cannot be found in the grid?

Sauce-y Ice Cream Quiz

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, and you might scream at this quiz… but ice cream’s good for a sore throat, right? Just don’t get a brain freeze!

1. True or false, there are ice cream-like foods described as far back as 550 BCE?

2. The first mention of ‘one plate of ice cream’ in England was at a Feast of St George at Windsor in 1671, for which British monarch?

3. The first time that a cone is mentioned as an edible receptacle for ice cream was in which year - 1848, 1868, or 1888?

4. True or false, some US Fighter pilots in World War II used their aircraft to make ice cream?

Just one more thing…

A single cow can produce 29 kg of milk in one day, so if you had only one cow you could open a small ice cream shop selling just over 20 litres of ice cream daily!

5. What is the most popular flavour of ice cream worldwide?

6. The world record for the biggest ice cream cone was set in 2015. It was a 110kg cone topped with 1080 litres of ice cream constructed by the Hennig-Olsen ice cream company in which country?

7. The fruit of the pacay tree tastes like vanilla ice cream. Is it native to South America, Asia, or Africa?

8. True or false, Ben and Jerry’s employees are allowed to take home three tubs of their employer’s ice cream every day?

9. Which nationality were the most avid ice cream eaters in 2022?

10. Persian faludeh is a sorbet made from sugar syrup, rose water and what other ingredient: black sesame, cheese, or vermicelli noodles?

RAF Mountain Rescue Service 80th Anniversary

The Mission Statement of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service (RAF MRS) is: To generate and sustain a world-class high-readiness incident response for Search and Rescue and Aircraft Post Crash Management operations. Capable of self-sustaining all-weather deployment to all regions within the UK and globally in support of MOD aviation and resilience operations.

The Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service (RAF MRS) is a blue light emergency service for the provision of medical aid in the mountains, whether rescuing downed Aircrew, missing Military personnel or Civilians.

Since humble beginnings in 1943 at RAF Llandwrog, North Wales, the MRS has rescued and saved many lives at Aircraft Post Crash and Incident Management (APCIM) callouts and by assisting Civilian MRT counterparts.

Time and equipment may have changed significantly throughout its 80-year history, but the MRS’s people and mindsets haven’t.

The first half of 2023 has been exceptionally busy for RAF MRS. They have provided an accumulation of weeks of

About RAF Mountain Rescue Service (MRS)

RAF MRS is part of the 85 Expeditionary Logistics Wing A4 Force Elements which is headquartered at RAF Wittering. It was founded by Flight Lieutenant (later Squadron Leader) George Graham in 1943. Each RAF Mountain Rescue Team is managed by permanent staff and part-time volunteers from across all three Services.

The three teams are ready for instant deployment across the UK at any time, every day of the year

assistance to civilian MRTs to help with technical rescues, searching for missing people and provided casualty care to numerous people in distress.

A spokesman said: “We have continued training in our primary role of APCIM that has directly contributed to the success of a

to carry out their primary roles of Aircraft Post Crash and Incident Management and Search And Rescue (SAR) of Military Personnel, as well as secondary and tertiary roles including SAR, Military Aid to Civilian Authorities and have, in the past been asked to assist civilian aircraft crash management.

RAF MRS Headquarters is based at RAF Valley which commands and allocates taskings across the teams at RAF Leeming, RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Valley.

US Army Chinook which made a precautionary landing in April. Not only does MRS cover initial casualty care for downed Aircrew, but also crash guard of any aircraft wreckage sites up to the first 72 hours.

“Because of our specialist PPE, such as respirators, and the training we carry out with both military and civilian counterparts in multi-organisation Exercises, RAF MRS is at constant readiness for any military aircraft crash, furthermore, searching for missing military personnel by utilising our Remotely Piloted Aircraft System capability.”

Now in it's 80th year, RAF Mountain Rescue Service will continue to operate as Defence’s only all-weather, ground based Search and Rescue organisation. Through maintaining a one-hour readiness state, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, the MRTs epitomise the MRS motto, ‘Whensoever’.

Now in it’s 80th year, the RAF Mountain Rescue Service, continues to stand by its Mission Statement.

A day out at Vine House Farm Shop & Café

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the family for a few hours or a pit-stop on a day trip, Vine House Farm Shop and Café in Deeping St Nicholas is a great place to head to this summer. Families can explore the large wildlife garden and pond area for free, where they’ll learn about what’s been planted and why. Enjoy a game of hide and seek in the growing willow tunnel and tepee or follow the wildlife trail of facts around the garden. There’s a play area for the children, and the gorgeous wildlife garden is in full bloom and fun to explore.

The Café at Deeping St Nicholas has tasty menus for breakfast and lunch, or try some home made cake with a coffee. You can also pick up some fresh, locally grown produce from their Farm Shop and see the in-store butchery run by Grasmere Farm. The enclosed playground has plenty to do for the under eights, situated next to the outdoor decking so you can relax with a cuppa. Refreshments for dogs are available on the deck too, and their staff love handing out free dog treats! Deeping St Nicholas, Spalding, PE11 3DG

There’s plenty going on at Vine House Farm Shop & Café this Summer!

Enjoy our Wildlife Garden & Pond with nature facts to find, a snake & dragonfly to climb & a willow teepee & tunnel to explore. Learn how we’ve planted our garden with wildlife in mind & look out for our Moorhens on their floating house in the pond. Join one of our farm tours on tractor & trailer - the sunflower fields are included in August! Let off steam in our playground then fill up afterwards with lunch or tea, a hot chocolate or one of our delicious milkshakes. We’ve snacks available all day from our Sunflower Cabin, or enjoy the view from our Café deck.

Commemoration Of World War II Prisoners Of War

RAF Wittering held a special history event to commemorate Stalag Luft III Prisoners of War (POWs).

The event, which was attended by relatives of former Stalag Luft III POWs, featured POW artefacts and was an opportunity for Station personnel to learn about the experiences of POWs.

Stalag Luft III is best known for two escape plots organised by allied POWs, which were later immortalised in the films The Wooden Horse and The Great Escape. This year marks the 80th anniversary of The Wooden Horse escape plot.

Juliet Stockford, whose father Flt Lt Allan Ball DFC became a

prisoner in Stalag Luft III after being shot down over Berlin in August 1943, attended with her son Larry. They brought a selection of artefacts from Allan’s time in the camp.

Larry said: “My grandfather was a Path Finder with 35 Squadron and was at Stalag Luft III from November 1943 to March 1944. He took part in the tunnel excavations as a ‘penguin’, dispersing the tunnel sand around the compound through his trouser pockets.”

Flt Lt Ball was eventually repatriated in March 1944 and upon his return to the UK he lectured at RAF Wittering about his experiences at the camp.

Capt Stuart Green, whose father Flt Lt Alan Green was a POW in Stalag Luft III, was the guest speaker at a special dinner in the evening. He spoke about how his father, a navigator on 218 Sqn, was captured after his aircraft was shot down in June 1942.

After World War II, RAF Wittering was used as a repatriation site for POWs returning from Germany. The Station’s Heritage Centre has a collection of Stalag Luft III artefacts including a knife ‘borrowed’ from the German camp’s kitchen which was used to dig out the escape tunnels.

Flt Lt Alice Bentley, who organised the event, said: “It was a privilege to meet Larry, Juliet, and Stuart and to hear their

moving and inspirational family stories. Preserving and sharing our history through events such as this is vitally important, particularly for each new generation of RAF personnel.”

Wing Commander Nikki Duncan is Station Commander at RAF Wittering. She said: “This kind of event is a reminder of the courage, ingenuity and the sacrifices made by service personnel during World War II. Wittering had a role to play in welcoming these brave men back home. It has been a great honour to meet the families and learn about their fathers’ stories.”

A selection of artefacts that belonged to Prisoner of War, Flt Lt Allan Ball.

Juliet Stockford, whose father Flt Lt Allan Ball DFC was a prisoner in Stalag Luft III.

Flt Lt Allan Ball.

Flt Lt Alan Green was held as a prisoner in Stalag Luft III after being shot down in 1942.

Aviator Lounge Project Launched

The newly refurbished lounge area in RAF Wittering’s Aviator Restaurant has been officially opened.

Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall joined Station personnel and representatives from the various charities and organisations that supported the project to mark the launch of the new facility during the Station’s recent annual formal inspection.

The aim of the project was to create an area where personnel can relax within the Aviator Restaurant. Following consultations with the Station’s Junior Ranks, the feedback was that they wanted an area separate from the main dining space where they could grab a good cup of coffee and watch TV with friends and colleagues in a non-military environment.

Station Allotments Get Green Light

The new lounge area, which has comfortable furniture, USB charging points and not a hint of magnolia in sight, was supported and funded by the Nuffield Trust, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Royal Air Forces Association. The design was created by Blueprint Design Ltd, and work was carried out by Vivo. Warrant Officer Steve Deasley was the project lead.

Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “It was clear that our junior personnel needed a space where they could relax away from the office but also their accommodation. The mental fitness of our personnel is important, and this area offers an environment where they can recharge. We are incredibly grateful to all the charities and organisations that have supported this project. It looks fantastic and I am delighted with the result.”

The RAF Wittering Allotments Project is now looking forward to its first full season after being officially opened by Air Officer Commandering No 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall.

Surrounded by the RAF Wittering Allotment Community and the charities who have funded the project, the allotments were given the ‘thumbs up’ at the recent Annual Formal Inspection.

AVM Marshall congratulated the hard work and commitment to building the allotments, driven by Cpl John Barker who started the allotments project almost three years ago.

Cpl John Barker explained: “I wanted to create the allotments for a few reasons. My son and I love spending time at the allotment at home and I wanted more people to experience the benefits of an allotment community. During and following the pandemic, society was facing the increasing issue of loneliness and I really believed that building an allotment community on camp would help tackle this. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund offered funding exactly for this reason, ‘combatting loneliness,’ which is what initiated building the allotments.”

The allotments have only been made possible by the kind

donations from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund, the RAF Association and the RAF Families Federation.

Cpl James Matthews, who assisted Cpl John Barker in presenting the allotment plans to the charities said: “The charities have collaborated to fund the allotments as they fully support the intent to build the RAF Wittering Community which the whole force can benefit from.”

The project was also supported by Fg Off Caroline Turner. She said: “The allotments have so much potential for community events and Station gatherings. It’s the perfect set up for friends, families, and local community groups to gather, garden and grow food.”

RAF Wittering Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “RAF Wittering’s allotments are a great way to bring people from around the Station together, and it’s exciting to see where it will go. An amazing job by Cpl John Barker and the team to get it up and running, and a huge thank you to the charities who enabled this to happen.”

The newly refurbished lounge.

Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall visiting the new lounge area.

AOC No 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall, officially opens RAF Wittering’s Allotment Project.

Cpl John Barker shows AOC No 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall one of the new green houses on the Station’s allotment.

Annual Formal Inspection

Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall visited RAF Wittering in April for the Station’s annual formal inspection.

AVM Marshall is Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, which includes the RAF Support Force, of which the Station is a part.

All RAF units, from squadrons to stations, have a formal inspection from a senior officer every year. Formal inspections allow units to show the chain of command that they are safe, effective, and able to deliver their specific military capabilities.

During the visit, AVM Marshall met with personnel from the across the Station and was shown a wide range of the work currently being delivered through the Building the RAF Wittering Community Project.

She was then invited to officially open the new Station Allotment and the Aviators’ Lounge, and to meet representatives from the Armed Forces Covenant, Royal Air Forces Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund, and the RAF Families Federation which have provided support for the projects.

AVM Marshall also met with personnel from 504 Squadron, visited 71 (IR) Sqn Hilda B Hewlett Centre for Innovation and presented at the Station’s Honours and Awards Ceremony.

Following her visit, AVM Marshall said: “It was particularly pleasing to engage with so many personnel and to celebrate the collective achievements of the ‘Building the RAF Wittering Community Project’ teams. It was encouraging to hear about the diverse range of projects and initiatives to improve the Station’s welfare facilities and enhance the wellbeing and cohesion of RAF Wittering’s whole force community.”

AVM Marshall presented at the Station’s Honour and Awards Ceremony.

During the Annual Formal Inspection, AVM Marshall met with personnel from 504 Squadron.

AVM Marshall was shown plans for various Station projects.

Hitting the High Notes

Royal events, occasions of Remembrance and high-profile celebrations – the Cottesmore Military Wives Choir (CMWC) has had a fantastic 12 months. The choir is looking for new members from the Wittering area.

Want to have fun, amazing experiences, make new friends and find your singing voice? Then why not join the Cottesmore Military Wives Choir?

Rector Takes

To The Air

A local Rector was given the chance to view his flock from the cockpit of a Tutor aircraft.

Father Aran Beesley, the Rector of the Uffington Group Churches, flew with Squadron Leader Ed Berwick AFC RAF, the Officer Commanding of the University of London Air Sqn, based at Wittering.

The training sortie was flown as a standard continuation training flight for the pilot, but it was too great an opportunity to miss for Father Aran who is the Rector of the Church in Seven Villages near Stamford which comprises Uffington, Tallington, West Deeping, Barholm, Greatford, Braceborough, and Wilsthorpe.

Father Aran is responsible for the pastoral care of more than 2,000 people spread over a vast area of 20 square kilometres.

The flight was a chance to see the Church area from a different angle and provided the opportunity to see how close villages appear when viewed from the air. A lover of travel and theme park rides, Father Aran was soon at home in the cockpit.

On landing Father Aran said: “I am extremely grateful to Wittering for affording me the privilege of seeing all the parishes from the air, and to see it upside down as well as the right way up! We all live so close to each other despite the length of time it normally takes me to drive everywhere.

“It’s also another insight into the lives of all of those that serve in the Armed Forces and helps bring to mind the sacrifices they and their families make to keep us safe.”

We are currently recruiting from Wittering and the local area and all you need is a military connection. No auditions or previous experience required.

Last year we were privileged to sing at Cutts Close Park, Oakham, for the Beacon Lighting event and a concert the next day in celebration of the Queens’s Jubilee. Three of our ladies were also selected to appear on This Morning. Ande was asked to sit on the famous sofa with Philip Scofield and Holly Willoughby and share her memory of meeting the Queen at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

Just a few months later we joined the world in mourning at the death of our wonderful Queen Elizabeth.

Last year major refurbishments of Leicester Cathedral meant the Armed Forces Day Service was conducted as a “Drumhead” ceremony; a traditional battlefield style service, where the drums and standards form the Alter. Sadly, several cases of COVID meant we were unable to sing in person but sent recordings to be played during the service. This years’ service will again be a Drumhead ceremony in Jubilee Square. Do come along with your families and hear us sing at this special service, as well as applauding our marvellous Armed Services and veterans, as they parade through Leicester City centre.

The 10th Anniversary of Military Wives Network was celebrated with a series of concerts across the UK. Cottesmore joined with 15 other MWC choirs at Lincoln Cathedral, to the largest audience in the series. It was such a beautiful setting and feeling the energy of 450 voices raise the roof was amazing!

On Remembrance weekend we took part in The Rutland Festival of Remembrance at Uppingham School, organised by the Lord High Sheriff. It was so successful it will become an annual event. We also sang on Remembrance Sunday at the church of St Peter and St Pauls, Uppingham.

This year we will be singing at both these events and at the concert of Remembrance at Barn Hill Methodist Church in Stamford. Remembrance represents why we join together in song, reflecting on the sacrifices of our armed forces, both past and present. We support each other and form strong bonds of shared experiences. We have ladies of all ages from a wide geographic area and represent all three services.

If you would like to come and hear us, book us, or would like to join us, please contact cottesmore@ militarywiveschoirs.org for more information. Practice sessions are held every Tuesday between 7 and 9pm at the Community Hub, Kendrew Barracks.

Cottesmore Military Wives Choir performed at Lincoln Cathedral.

On the This Morning sofa with Phil and Holly.!

Father Aran Beesley enjoyed a flight in a Tutor aircraft with Squadron Leader Ed Berwick, the Officer Commanding of the University of London Air Sqn.

Report by Carol Croft, of 42 (ES) Wing & CMWC member.

Father Aran Beesley prepares for his flight in a Tutor aircraft at RAF Wittering.

Check Mate!

RAF Wittering played host to the 2023 UK Armed Forces Chess Championships in April.

More than 80 competitors attended the event which is held annually at different UK military bases. The tournament is open to all members of the regular Armed Forces, Reserves, MOD Civil Service and Veterans. Several titles were up for grabs including the overall Armed Forces Champion, single Service Champions, MOD Civil Service Champion, and Veterans Champion.

The tournament, last held at RAF Wittering in 2013, is also used to select the British team who will compete in the Annual NATO Chess Championship, taking place this September in Slovenia.

Chess has grown in popularity over recent years, both in the military and the population at large, in part due to popular Netflix drama ‘The Queen's Gambit.’

Chairman of the Armed Forces Chess Association, Flt Lt Ben Woolf said: “Many thanks to all the staff at RAF Wittering who enabled the successful running of our largest Armed Forces Chess Championships to date. All competitors had an excellent time, and we hope to be back next year.”

Chess Grandmaster Keith Arkell was invited as a special guest to

play 33 simultaneous matches in an icebreaker social event before the tournament officially began. He is currently ranked 25th best British chess player.

The trophy winners were: Overall Armed Forces Champion, Warrant Officer 2 Dave Onley; Army Champion, Warrant Officer 2 Dave Onley; Royal Navy Champion, Officer Cadet William Bradley; Royal Air Force Champion, Flight Sergeant Paul Officer; MOD Civil Service Champion, Mr Daniel Wells; the Veteran Champion, Mr Kevin Thurlow; and the Blitz Champion (5 minutes each per game) was Wing Commander Glen Parker.

Tournament organiser

Sergeant Jimmy Blair said: “The tournament was a tremendous success and a big thank you to our guest Chess Grandmaster Keith Arkell. All being well the tournament will be held at RAF Wittering next year, even bigger and better!”

Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, RAF Wittering’s Station Commander, who played the opening move to signify the start of the tournament, said: “RAF Wittering is delighted to have been able to host the UK Armed Forces Chess Championships this year, especially as it has been the most successful to date. We are certainly looking forward to the prospect of being able to invite the competitors back again next year.”

The 2023 Blitz Champion Wg Cdr Glen Parker.

Chess Grandmaster Keith Arkell playing simultaneous matches at the Armed Forces Chess Championships.

Chess Grandmaster Keith Arkell at the Armed Forces Chess Championships.

Adventure Training for Reservist

AS1 Powell of 504 Sqn RAuxAF joined Ex CANARY EXPRESS earlier this year, a Joint Services Adventure Training (JSAT) opportunity in the Canary Islands.

“After landing at the airport in Lanzarote I headed to Puerto Carmen, which was the base marina for our trip, Adventure Training sailing on a 42ft yacht for a week around the Canary Islands.

"The training gave an opportunity for each crew member to further their experience or gain new qualifications. I was the novice amongst the crew, a mix of RAF and Navy personnel, we all faced the challenge of living in close proximity on a small boat for the week.

"On the first morning there was a safety brief and after donning life jackets we set sail for the day. The boat required a bit of maintenance and I volunteered to be sent up the mast to change a light bulb, not something I had ever done before!

"The next day we sailed further north up the coast. The calm seas gave way to choppy waters until we reached a point where there was no land in sight and the confluence of the various tidal waters met. It got a bit more exciting then, there was a force 7 gale, and we saw a pilot whale swim past us, followed by a turtle.

"The rest of the week passed in much the same way, taking it in turns to take the helm, sailing up and down the coast to different marinas.

"I came away with a competent crew certificate, which allows me to help other owners sail their boats. All in all, it was a great experience and it is fantastic that such adventurous training opportunities are always open to Reservists giving us the chance to train alongside our Regular and Reserve colleagues from all three services.”

504 Squadron’s Reservists

Update

Scotland, a tri-Service exercise in St Mawgan and Exercise JOINT HORIZON in Cyprus.

The four flights have been busy during collective duty periods with 16 members of Supply Flight being instrumental to the relocation of the RAF Aerobatic Team from Scampton to Waddington, enabling the Red Arrows to be back in the air some four days ahead of schedule!

We are exceptionally proud that a number of our Reservists have recently received awards. Air Specialist Pete Wootton was recipient of the prestigious Innovation Award at the Caterer of the Year Competition for his outstanding work with 3 Mobile Catering Squadron. Air Specialist Nick Waddick was named in Air Officer Commanding 2 Group’s Team Commendation in recognition of his work supporting the deployed Typhoon Force. Chief Technician Billy Miller was awarded the

Corporal Warren and Air Specialists Machnik and Birch have all mobilised within the MT and Supply Sections at RAF Coningsby supporting the Typhoon Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Chief Technician Billy Miller deployed to RAF St Athen to facilitate the closure of the Engineering component and Air Specialist Wootton has mobilised with 3 Mobile Catering Squadron where over a period of over two years he has been involved in a plethora of high-profile tasks. Chef, Air Specialist Triner has also been busy delivering first-class catering to RAF Wintersports events in Austria, Mountain Rescue exercises in

The Engineering team have worked hard alongside their Regular counterparts on a heavy goods vehicle conversion programme to deliver a new fleet of aircraft refuellers. Our Drivers have been busy with a variety of specialist tasks notably NATO Exercise COBRA WARRIOR. Following superb catering support to Reserve Logistics Support Wing’s Annual Continuous Training event, our Chefs are busy with final preparations for the RAF Skills Culinary Competition.

504 Squadron has bid farewell to several long-serving Reservists who have left on retirement including Chefs Warrant Officer Sweeney Jarvis, Flight Sergeant Craig Morton, Corporal Pete Edan and Air

AS1 Powell on the 42ft yacht sailing round the Canary Islands.

It’s been a busy few months for 504 Squadron with our Reservists being employed across UK and overseas.

Members of Supply Flight assisted with the relocation of the RAF Aerobatic Team.

AS1 Kathryn Corbett at the Commonwealth Games.

Specialist Andy Blezard, Regiment Gunner Sergeant ‘Jump’ Woolmer and Air Specialist Drivers Nigel Jones and Dawn Lucas-Lickess.

RAF Reservists from 504 Squadron played a role in Ex Cobra Warrior, the UK’s biggest biannual aerial training exercise.

Reservists from six RAuxAF Squadrons, including those from 504 Sqn at RAF Wittering, joined together to support the land focussed element of the exercise. Located in the north of England, battling increasingly challenging weather conditions the team of Reservists planned and executed missions

Exercise COBRA WARRIOR

that supported the Air Land Integration phase.

Their support role involved communicating with the RAF’s Air and Space Warfare Centre, based at RAF Waddington, providing a unique opportunity to be part of missions that

simulated tracking enemy convoys and targeting airstrikes.

Overseeing this element of the exercise was Warrant Officer Braim, Officer Commanding MT Flight 504 Sqn. He said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for Reservists to support the training Exercise as

part of the Whole Force. It has provided the junior ranks with new experiences and challenges and given them an insight into what air power can deliver.”

Reserves Inspector’s Shield and commendation from Air Officer Global Enablement for his dedicated work in setting up Engineering Flight from scratch.

Flight Sergeant Craig Morton and Air Specialist Andy Blezard both received commendations from Commander Support Force for dedicated support to RAF Medical training delivery

and delivery of a complex heritage project respectively.

Air Specialist Kathryn Corbett was awarded our Honorary Air Commodore’s award for a diverse range of commitments ranging from mobilised service during the Commonwealth Games to her innovative work as 504’s publicity rep. Well done everyone!

Aged between 18-54 and fancy doing something more with your spare time? Find out more about paid Reserve vacancies with 504 Squadron call 0345 606 9069 or visit recruitment.raf.mod.uk/ reserves. Scan the QR code for more information.

Personnel from six Reserve Sqns took part in Ex Cobra Warrior 2023.

504 Sqn 6 tonne Man SVs (Support Vehicles) used in the missions.

Engineer Jonathon Ingram supporting the Vehicle Conversion Programme.

JOIN 504 SQN

AS1 Pete Wootton receives the prestigious Innovation Award at the Caterer of the Year Competition.

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.

New HIVE Information Officer

We are delighted to welcome Vicki Maylor as our new HIVE Information Officer. You can find out more about Vicki in our In the Hot Seat feature on page 26. Meanwhile Vicki is here to provide information and support as well as deployment resources. Why not pop in to say hello to Vicki and to find out more about the support on offer or just to have a cup of tea and a natter!

Personnel’s deployment. A huge thank you to the Station cinema team who have 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 upcoming activities please contact Vicki Maylor (contact details below).

SSAFA Support

Wittering has two Personal and Family Support Workers.

Deployment Support

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 June 8.

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 start holding Deployed Evenings in the Community Centre. So far we have had a Pizza night, Chinese Takeaway evening and a Coronation picnic. These have all proved a big hit, after all who doesn’t love pizza or a Chinese, and we feel this is a great addition to the support we provide our families. Future plans include a Fish ‘n’ Chip supper on June 28 and the 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 (See useful numbers).

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

Thank you!

Give thanks for the good things in life.

Being grateful about the positive stuff in our lives can help us deal with the negative, according to Padre Andrew Tucker.

I recently took part in Cuthbert’s Eagle, a 100km walk from Melrose to Lindisfarne, with a group of serving personnel from around the country.

One of the aims of the week was to help those taking part to step away from their busy lives to reflect on where they had come from, consider whether there was any personal baggage that needed to be let go of, and take time to look at whether what was really important in their lives was being given sufficient time and space.

develop an outlook on life where we recognise and give thanks for the good things we have and see and experience.

According to an article in the Harvard Medical School magazine*, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. It stated that ‘gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships’.

We can at times find ourselves in negative and difficult situations. While it is important to acknowledge the reality of the problems we face, it is also important not to allow those issues to overwhelm us and become the sole focus of our attention.

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/

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 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 and RAF Wittering HIVE Facebook page.

Useful Wittering

telephone numbers

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

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

Just to go through this process takes time and space, and what better environment to do this in than the beauty of Northumbria and the Scottish Borders. It was a great week. The group gelled well, the weather was kind, and accommodation was very comfortable – most welcome after a daily walk of 15 miles.

One thing we touched on during the week was the issue of gratitude, giving thanks. Certainly, there were many things to give thanks for in that environment. But it was also about looking back and giving thanks for things in the past, looking wider at the good things we had in our lives at that time, and trying to

One way to do this is to regularly give thanks for the good things in our lives, even in the midst of hard times. Try it! It does help. It doesn’t make the problems go away, but it does enable us to bear them and deal with them in a more positive way. And this isn’t just recent thinking. It’s there in the Bible. St Paul encourages his readers in the early church, 2,000 years ago, to ‘give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’

Thank you for taking time to read this.

With all good wishes. Padre Andrew * Harvard Health Publishing, August 14, 2021.

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

Padre’s Corner

Why volunteer for SSAFA?

Lend a helping hand to benefit service personnel and their families at RAF Wittering.

Since the pandemic when we couldn’t use volunteers, it has been difficult to rebuild the volunteer programme. However, we can now use volunteers again and they are pivotal to the support we can give service personnel and their families at RAF Wittering.

We also need committee members and there are various roles available. We have a new Chairperson, FS Taff Lewis, and we really want to revitalise the project, however we desperately need people to volunteer. There are lots of projects we would like to do, all of which will benefit our local community.

Although a lot of our work goes under the radar it is extremely rewarding. Whatever we fundraise on station is used on station for the benefit of our serving community. We have also supported much-needed projects at the Families Centre.

Committee roles that we have available include:

• Deputy Chairperson

• Deputy Treasurer

• Deputy Secretary

• Volunteer Coordinator

• Deputy Volunteer Coordinator

• Fundraising x 2

• Publicity and Deputy

Coronation Celebrations

Our volunteers do everything from dog walking, to support with attending medical appointments, befriending, support with shopping if required, and grass cutting. All training is provided, and a DBS check is carried out by SSAFA. There are lots of opportunities to support your local community for just a few hours of your time.

We need you – what have you got to lose? All applications are completed online on the SSAFA website www.ssafa.org. uk. If you want to find out more, please contact us or FS Lewis on his email address Darren. Lewis255@mod.gov.uk

Remember our service is confidential, outside of the chain of command and nonjudgemental and available to all service personnel and their families at RAF Wittering.

The office is covered every day, however we may be attending meetings or on visits, so please call us for an appointment or email and we will respond as soon as possible.

Paula.finch@ssafa.org.uk

07825 016853

Mon-Fri 08.30-17.00

Maddie.edgar@ssafa.org.uk

07584 230805

Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00

Tel- 03000 111 723 (24hrs a day) weekends and BH

Email- psswsRAF@ssafa.org.uk

Thanks, hope to see you around the station soon.

Paula and Maddie

SSAFA Team RAF Wittering

Takeaway Fun!

Chocolate and Chinese food was in abundance at the Deployed Families’ Takeaway Night.

Organised by the Community Support Team, the evening kicked off with some crafting and an Easter Egg Hunt, followed by lots of prawn crackers, chow mein and chips.

We can report it was all very yummy.

RAF Wittering personnel and families enjoyed fun and games at a special event to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

The Coronation Picnic was organised by the Community Support team, and activities included coronation-themed arts and crafts and a fun cricket game, along with a bouncy castle and inflatables game.

A big thank you to the Junior Ranks Welfare Committee for providing the bouncy castle, inflatables and the music, the Station Warrant Officer for his DJ-ing skills, the Station Adjutant for his cricketing knowledge and 3 MCS for turning up with an amazing selection of cakes!

Fun and games at the Coronation Celebratinon.

Coronation arts and crafts.

Lucas with his successful Easter egg haul.

Egg-cellent Party

The Easter Bunny dropped off some chocolate eggs at RAF Wittering’s Tots Group for their Easter party.

The event, which was also a farewell party to group leader Hayley McInerney, was held in the Station’s Community Centre. Partygoers enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, games and lots of yummy food.

Good luck and thank you to Hayley.

Airplay Update

Wittering Airplay has had a very busy few months.

The team was excited to be shortlisted for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Funds Airplay Project of The Year. We had an amazing time at the awards ceremony in London.

Our Youth Forum, Project Tuesday, have been helping us to recruit new staff and did a fabulous job on the interview panel. An excellent opportunity to learn new life skills.

We are currently running a six-week Young Leader course. This is another great opportunity with young people taking part in sessions around Mental Health First Aid, Role Models, Safeguarding and What Makes A Good Leader and more.

Joe Silva recently won the Inter Airplay FIFA tournament. Well done for bringing it home Joe!!

Feels like a long time ago now bit we held a Design an Easter Egg competition and had some fabulous entries. Congratulations to the two winners - Ella Cain (9) and Indie Goodchild (6).

Other exciting projects our members have been involved with include creating some digital content for Wittering’s turn on Airplay Connect and our youth club juniors came together to repurpose jars into beautiful tealights for our youth house garden. Some of our Year 6 members have also been working hard to keep our park clean.

We are currently planning for our summer holiday activities so look out for more details to follow soon.

Wittering Tots Group’s Easter party.

Easter craft.

Youth Club Junior members create tealight jars.

Designs from the Easter Egg Competition.

Joe Silva won the Interplay Airplay FIFA tournament.

Name: Vicki Maylor

Role: HIVE Information

Officer

Marital Status: Married to John for 19 years with three amazing children

In the Seat

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

Meeting new people, chatting (anyone who knows me will be nodding here) and being able to help. I’ve always loved helping people and in my old job I was always called the soft one. Any sob story and I would be changing the rules for them!

2. And the least?

Nothing so far, I’m new so they are going easy on me.

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

Listen to every little thing your children tell you when they are small, if you don’t listen to the small stuff when they are little then they won’t come to you with the big stuff when they are older as to them it was always big stuff.

4. Describe yourself in six words?

Chilled, compassionate, protective, kind-hearted, friendly, caring.

5. What career would you have followed if you had not pursued your current profession?

A career in the Police within Child Protection.

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

I was told not to speak in my accent while answering the phone. I was 17, it was my first job and my telephone accent wasn’t the best.

7. What would be your first act as world leader? Sort out the world’s finances. People shouldn’t be going hungry and starving to death while others are multi billionaires.

8 Name your desert island essentials? Skin care products and Netflix.

9. How would you change the MOD?

Speaking from experience I wish I could make the deployments go so much faster for both sides.

10. What food would you choose for your last supper? Chicken & Chorizo Jambalya and Garlic Bread or Tikka Massala, followed by Vanilla Ice Cream & Warm Chocolate Brownie and a glass of Dandelion & Burdock.

11. Who do you most admire in the world? My family.

Perfect Lemonade

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

David Jason in the character of Del Boy - I think he is just amazing, so funny and a British treasure.

Arnold Schwarzenegger - I grew up watching all of his films.

Freddie Mercury - He really needs no explanation, he is an absolute icon.

Samuel L Jackson – The court scene in the movie ‘A Time to Kill’ with the two lawyers is the most powerful scene ever.

13. What one piece of music would you like played at your funeral?

‘I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing’ by Aerosmith. We played it at my Dad’s and it was just the right song.

14. How would you like to be remembered?

By my three children, knowing I was always there for them.

TEA TIME BREAK ANSWERS

QUIZ ANSWERS

What can be more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than a glass of freshly made lemonade?

Ingredients

250mg of sugar

250ml of water (for the simple syrup)

4 - 6 lemons

500ml - 750ml of cold water to dilute

Method

1. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir so that the sugar dissolves completely and remove from heat.

2. While the water is heating for the simple syrup, juice your lemons. Depending on the size of the lemons, this should be enough for 250ml of lemon juice.

3. Pour the juice and the simple syrup sugar water into a serving pitcher. Add 500 - 750ml of cold water and taste. Add more water if you would like it to be more diluted (worth noting that when you add ice, it will naturally dilute the lemonade). If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add more lemon juice to it.

4. Refrigerate for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with ice and sliced lemons.

1. True.

2. Charles II.

3. 1888.

4. True. Some B-17 crews did too!

5. Vanilla.

6. Norway.

7. South America.

8. True.

9. New Zealanders, they averaged 28.4 litres each.

10. Vermicelli noodles.

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