Wittering View - Summer 2024

Wittering View

The official magazine of RAF Wittering

Hopefully the sun will have finally put in an appearance by the time you read this edition which is quite literally jam packed with stories and articles.

In this issue you will find an article about the Station Community Day where we showcased all the different projects that have taken place at RAF Wittering and laid out future plans (Page 14).

Our talented Station caterers have enjoyed some great success in competitions including the Salon Culinaire 2024 and the Skills Day at RAF Worthy Down. Read more on page 11.

Meanwhile our Airplay Team scooped a well-deserved award at the recent RAF Benevolent Fund Awards. Find out more about this fantastic achievement on page 21.

To continue with the winning theme, we have the results of the Station Excellence Awards. With so many outstanding entries for the individual and team awards from across the Station, it was a tough choice for the panel. However, I am sure you will agree that the eventual winners were truly worthy (page 16).

As always it has been a busy time for personnel from Support Force. In this issue we have stories about 3 Mobile Catering Squadron, 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, 1Expeditionary Logistics Squadron and 71 (Inspection & Repair) Squadron .

Ooh one last thing – don’t forget to include time in your schedule for the Station’s Wit Fest which is being held on August 7. Keep an eye out for more details which will be released in the coming weeks.

Emma Stacey Media, Engagement & Communications Officer

Foreword

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, it is important to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who took part in that pivotal battle of World War II.

The allied invasion of Normandy was a turning point that helped liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the soldiers, sailors, aviators, and civilians who made that achievement possible through their extraordinary bravery and perseverance.

It is fitting that in this anniversary year, one of those remarkable veterans, 97-year-old Eve Hillier, has finally received long overdue recognition. As Station Commander of RAF Wittering, I was deeply honoured to present Mrs Hillier with her 1939-1945 War Medal for her proud service as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). Moments like this remind us how important it is

to honour the people who have served their country.

At the same time we reflect on the past, we also have reasons to celebrate achievements happening today. I recently had the pleasure of congratulating our RAF Wittering Airplay youth support team on being named Airplay Project of the Year 2024 by the RAF Benevolent Fund. This dedicated team works tirelessly providing vital services for children and young people in our community. Their well-deserved award is a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together as a team with a shared vision and commitment.

At Wittering, we always take time to invest in the future. A large proportion of what we do is supporting the Air Cadets.

Air Cadets attend week-long camps at Wittering, planned and implemented by my Air Cadet Liaison Team throughout the year. We recently hosted Durham and Northumberland Wing ATC for their Easter Camp and more recently South and East Midlands Wing ATC held their annual Wing Field Day on Station. I had the pleasure of visiting the Air Cadets at the various stands, seeing them undertaking leadership tasks, STEM activities or just chilling out eating the free ice cream from the BFBS van (this was their favourite activity by far). At the end of the day, we presented the various Awards to both individuals and Squadrons which clearly demonstrated the hard work they had all put in throughout the course of the event.

From the heroics of D-Day to the selfless efforts of Ms. Hillier, the Airplay team and all those supporting the Air Cadets, we see that while times may change, the virtues of duty, honour and community service remain constant. As we pay tribute to the legacy of D-Day, let us also resolve to uphold those virtues in our own lives and endeavours.

Please

Wg Cdr Nikki Duncaon Station Commander

Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan talking to Air Cadets at the recent Wing Field Day.

Doggy Coffee Morning

Sociable dogs and wellbehaved owners had a brilliant time at RAF Wittering's first Doggy Coffee Morning.

A team of experts from Woodgreen Pets Charity also came along to conduct pet health and wellbeing checks. They offered free advice not just to dog owners but to other pet owners about how to care for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents.

The event, which was held at the Station’s Community Centre, was organised by Louise Sampson of Community Support.

Doggy Coffee Mornings are held on the third Thursday of every month.

Reservists from RAF Wittering-based Reserves Logistics Support Wing (RLSW) have been honing their skills on Exercise CENTURION FORT.

RAF Reserves Train in

Agile Combat Employment Skills

Royal Air Force’s Reservists from RAF Wittering-based Reserves Logistics Support Wing (RLSW) have been honing their skills on Exercise CENTURION FORT.

RSLW provides trained Reservists to support the wider RAF, involving the professions of Driver, Supply, Chef, Engineer, and RAF Police. The Wing comprises three Reserve Squadrons; 501 Sqn based at RAF Brize Norton, 504 Sqn at RAF Wittering and 605 Sqn at RAF Cosford.

Ex CENTURION FORT is a collective exercise to prepare Regular and Reserve personnel serving within the RAF’s Support Force for service in future operating environments in support of Agile Combat Employment (ACE). ACE represents a significant shift in the conduct of air operations, whereby aircraft launch, recover and are maintained from dispersed operating locations in coordination with allies and partners.

The inaugural Reserves Ex CENTURION FORT was expertly delivered over a weekend at RAF Wittering by 504 Squadron’s

Training Team, led by Training Officer, Warrant Officer LangstonJones. Exclusively executed for RAF Reserves the Exercise scenario

involved personnel operating from a tactical harbour area and living in field conditions. The training team conducted enhanced field craft and battle lessons for personnel culminating in a final consolidatory battle exercise.

Senior participant, Squadron Leader Nick White, Officer

Ex

Commanding RLSW said: “This exercise has been a great success in enhancing cohesion between Reservists from different units and specialisations. While challenging, the training was carefully structured to build confidence and optimise capability and preparedness of the Force for future operating constructs such as ACE.”

Squadron Leader Kaye Slater, Officer Commanding 504 Squadron also participated and said: “We all developed new skills and consolidated existing experience during this exercise, and I particularly enjoyed working alongside Reservists from across the Wing. This engaging exercise helped to develop personal resilience and confidence in skills, drills and equipment has increased”.

All RSLW personnel will eventually undertake Ex CENTURION FORT alongside their civilian careers and family commitments to ensure our Reservists are fully prepared to execute their future operational duties.

CENTURION FORT is a collective exercise to prepare Regular and Reserve personnel serving within the RAF’s Support Force.

News In Brief

3MCS News

Following a four-month deployment, personnel from 3 Mobile Catering Squadron have returned home. But what did it take to prepare 240,000 meals?

Ten chefs, 50,000 chicken breasts, 25,000kg of pasta, 6,000 litres of tea and coffee and 1.2 million litres of fresh water!

Cpl Clare Woodley was part of the team that deployed. She said: “It was rewarding to put our training into practice in a real time scenario, gaining valuable experience.

“The uncertainty of deployment without a specific return date was difficult, but the appreciation from the troops for the food we supplied gave us the determination to keep going. It also reminded us of our important role to the overall objective.”

3MCS is part of RAF Global Enablement’s Support Force,

Top Gears

RAF Wittering Station Commander Wing Commander Nikki Duncan welcomed Flt Lt Palmer and Flt Lt Slater when they stopped at the Station during their fundraising cycle challenge.

The pair cycled unsupported from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association, covering over 1,600 miles and visiting 20 RAF Stations in 20 days.

To date they have managed to raise £5,175 for RAFA beating their original £5,000 target. Donations can still be made via their Just Giving Page – www.justgiving. com/page/top-gears-raf

who provide the vital capabilities required to enable, maintain, and sustain operations around the globe, so that the RAF is ready to fly and fight 24 hours a day.

New Guard Hut

Wittering Infra has installed a purpose-built guard hut at the Chater Road Gate entrance to enhance the overall security of this alternative MEP, while supporting our MPGS and SGF.

The hut comprises of a kitchen area and bathroom facility, while allowing the team the opportunity to relax during a long shift in a Linax treated timber encased structure. This offers flexibility amongst the guard force and a more efficient work force for longer hours. This alternative entrance point has also supported the local community and our whole force personnel leaving station for social activities.

In previous years, the Chater Road Gate entrance would close

in the evening thus offering no access to the service family accommodation, or personnel returning from the local village. This in turn forced personnel to walk on the small, unlit path along the A1 to the main gate – this carried many risks to our whole force. Having a limited work force within the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) and Station Guard Force, meant that extending these hours and having both gates open with no welfare facility was not conducive.

The MPGS has now created a working pattern utilising these additional huts to better support their teams and that of the local community. A much-needed facility with the capacity to grow into a fully functioning MEP to alleviate traffic build up and booking in process.

Bowled Over

After being damaged beyond repair by a fire and a falling tree, the derelict Bowl has finally been replaced with a new car park with 25 car spaces and four motorbike spaces.

This is one of several initiatives across RAF Wittering to improve facilities and quality of life for personnel and families including the refurbishment of the Community Centre and plans to revamp the Golden Lion Bar. The project was completed with VIVO Projects and SACX.

Station Commander Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan welcomes Flt Lt Palmer and Flt Lt Slater at RAF Wittering.

The new guard hut has been installed at the Chater Road Gate.

The Tutor Display is back!

After a successful visit from AOC 22 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Townsend, the Tutor Display Team has been awarded Public Display Authority (PDA) for the 2024 season.

Fight Lieutenant Bob Dewes is conducting his first season as Display Pilot. For details of the 2024 season visit www.raf.mod. uk/display-teams/grob-tutordisplay-team/displays/

Graduates

Wellness Walk

Op Biloxi

Seven vehicles, 10 drivers, 17 days and 3,748 miles through seven countries,

That’s what it takes to support Typhoons on Operation Biloxi, the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania.

A team from No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron at RAF Wittering delivered the

Bus Service

engineering ground support equipment and temporary working shelters, crossing seven countries with demanding road and weather conditions.

Specialist drivers from 2MT Squadron, which is part of RAF Global Enablement’s Support Force, also deployed on Op Biloxi to manage the vehicles and keep the Typhoons airborne by confidently and safely refuelling 140 Expeditionary Air Wing’s Typhoons.

Returning to Wittering

It has been announced that a bus service is being reinstated in Wittering, following years of campaigning by residents in Wittering and surrounding villages.

Personnel and families in Wittering will soon be able to travel to Stamford and

Peterborough via the bus. At the time of going to press we were still waiting for confirmation of the timetable, but the new service was due to begin in early June.

Once available details of the new service will be widely publicised across the Station and village… so watch this space!

It might not have been the best weather but that didn’t stop some Station personnel (and canines) from taking part in RAF Wittering's Wellbeing Walk. After all, that's what a brolly is for!

The benefits of walking range from it being a good cardio exercise that helps to strengthen bones and muscles to helping to reduce stress and improve your mood.

The walk was organised by the Station's People Engagement Champions - Diane Coates and Sophie West.

Congratulations to AS1’s Graeme and Horn in graduating from their Catering apprenticeship from FSTW(A). This achievement gains them the civilian competency of a ‘Production Chef’ and finalises their involvement in their catering apprenticeship.

Station personnel on a rather wet Wellness Walk.

New bus on the block!

Tutor Display pilot Flt Lt Bob Dewes.

Chess Championships Smash Records

The Armed Forces Chess Championships 2024 held at RAF Wittering surpassed all expectations, setting new records for being the largest AFCC tournament ever held.

Astaggering 95 players competed over the four-day event, which kicked off with a grand master simultaneous match on the opening day.

British Rapid-play Champion Grand Master Danny Gormally took on 33 Armed Forces players in the simultaneous exhibition. Gormally won all but two games, losing to Wing Commander Glen Parker and drawing with Warrant Officer 2nd Class Dave Onley. The tournament was formally opened by Air Commodore Simon Strasdin.

The main seven-round tournament saw a total of 319 games played after Wing Commander Mark Concarr made the ceremonial first move. Extracurricular activities included a

social gathering on Saturday night and the annual Blitz competition on Sunday, where Parker retained his title.

When the dust settled on Monday's final round, some surprise results emerged. Officer Cadet William Bradley, at just 19 years old, became the youngest ever Armed Forces Champion after scoring 6.5/7. Richard Millener was the top MOD Civil Service player on 6/7, while Staff Sergeant Ngadi Sherpa (5.5/7) and Able Seaman 1st Class James Kenyon (5.5/7) were the Army and RAF champions respectively. Sergeant Jimmy Blair (4.5/7) was the highest-placed Wittering-based player.

The presentation of prizes was made by the Station Commander, Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan.

Unusually and happily for such a tournament, none of the players finished on no points, with many newcomers pledging to return next year stronger.

The event will move locations next year as the 2025 Championships are planned for the Defence Academy in Shrivenham. Organisers thanked all participants for making the 2024 Wittering edition such a record-breaking success.

Reservist Chefs Serve Dinner Fit For a Duke

Chefs from 504 (City of Nottingham) Sqn helped deliver a special dinner to mark RAuxAF 100th anniversary.

The event, held at RAF Cranwell, celebrated 100 years of volunteer reserve service in the RAF and was attended by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, Air Commodore-in-Chief of the RAuxAF and Guest of Honour.

The occasion was uniquely a RAuxAF occasion, and the threecourse menu was cooked by Part Time Volunteer Reserve chefs from 502 (Ulster) Sqn, 504 (City of Nottingham) Sqn, based at RAF Wittering, and 611 (West Lancashire) Sqn. The guests were accompanied by music from the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force

The RAuxAF is the reserve element of the Royal Air Force whose members contribute their spare time service to the defence of this country. The founder of the Royal Air Force, Lord Trenchard believed the Reserves should

capture a sense of adventure and help in the defence of our country, that spirit was very much in evidence from the earliest days and is alive and well today.

HRH Duke of Gloucester led thanks to the chefs and musicians at the end of a memorable evening to start a year of events and activities commemorating RAuxAF100.

The dinner marked the RAuxAF 100th anniversary.

Chefs from 504 Sqn helped cook the special dinner.

Station Commander Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan presents Sgt Jimmy Blair with the prize for the highest-placed Wittering-based player.

Station Caterers Shine at Worthy Down Competition

Wittering Station's catering team brought home an impressive haul of medals from the recent culinary competition at Worthy Down against the rest of the RAF. Their outstanding performance showcased the team's talent and dedication.

Corporal Salmon earned a bronze medal in the Senior Chef of the Year category and another bronze for Plated Sweets. Corporal Kilpatrick won a silver medal and the prestigious Best in Class award for Furred Game, along with a silver for Lamb.

The Field Team, comprised of Corporal Gill-Rowe, AS1 Wootton, and AS1 Faulkner, claimed the Best in Class title, outperforming a deployable catering squadron specifically formed to provide deployed catering services.

AS1 Porter-Duffy's Pie earned a silver medal and Best in Class honours. AS1 Thomas, despite being so junior that he was an

AS2 when his paperwork was initially submitted, clinched the silver medal in the Junior Chef of the Year category, outshining more experienced competitors.

In his first competition attempt, AS1 Graeme secured a bronze medal and Best in Class for his Hot Sweet entry, a matcha tea souffle he practiced over 14 times before the judges. The Cook and Serve team of Corporal Martin-Logue, AS1 Vivian, and AS1 Hares won a silver medal.

While AS1 Atkinson won a bronze for Fish, and AS1 Faulkner a bronze for Open Cake, the Chief of the Air Staff's Chef, who works at Chequers full-time, claimed the Best in Class awards in those categories.

Sergeant Jamie McFee and Cpl Mike Salmon dedicated immense time and effort to preparing the team, organising practice sessions and providing invaluable feedback. The team's success is a testament to their leadership and the station's culinary excellence.

Wittering Chefs Excel at Prestigious Culinary Competition

Chefs from RAF Wittering showcased their exceptional culinary skills at the highly acclaimed Salon Culinaire 2024, one of the most prestigious chef competitions in the world.

Cpl Mike Salmon and AS1 Bradley Porter-Duffy, members of the RAF Wittering Catering Flight, challenged themselves to compete against the industry's finest in the intense Mystery Box Challenge.

The Mystery Box Challenge required the duo to create two portions of a two-course meal, consisting of a main dish and dessert, using ingredients from a mystery basket within a tight 60-minute timeframe. The night before the competition, they received the ingredient list and had 12 hours to design their menu.

On the day of the event, held at the ExCeL Centre, Salmon and Porter-Duffy arrived early to prepare their station and ingredients. At precisely 0900hrs, the competition commenced, and the pair sprang into action, skillfully prepping scallops, hake, brownies, and sauces. Their seamless communication and efficient execution ensured

that every dish was prepared to the highest standards.

As the clock ticked down, the chefs presented their main dish to the judges at the 50-minute mark, leaving just enough time to plate the dessert and tidy their station. Both dishes were visually stunning, and the judges appeared impressed as they savoured every bite of the main course.

After a tense wait, the results were announced, and Salmon and Porter-Duffy were awarded a well-deserved bronze medal, narrowly missing the silver. Despite finishing fourth out of 15 teams, they dropped marks only for the size of the protein on the main course.

This experience fuelled the duo's determination for the upcoming RAF Skills Day at MOD Worthy Down.

TEA BREAK TIME

Spot The Difference

Can you spot the 10 differences in these two photographs?

Wordsearch

Which of the Paris Metro stations listed below cannot be found in the grid?

Paris Facts

In honour of the 2024 summer Olympics being held there, did you know many of the following nuggets about Paris? We learned a lot while researching for this.

1. The first recorded settlers in Paris way back in the 3rd century BCE, were a Celtic tribe of fishermen called the Parisii.

2. The Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge in Paris, having been built between 1578 and 1607.

3. Notre Dame’s 20 bells were melted down during the French Revolution to make cannons – except the largest bell, named Emmanuel, which was spared.

4. When the Bastille prison was stormed during the French Revolution there were only seven prisoners inside: four forgers, one Irish “lunatic”, one deviant young aristocrat, and a man who had been convicted of conspiring to kill King Louis XV.

5. In 1800 a Parisian law was passed forbidding women from wearing trousers, unless they had police permits. It was not abolished until 2013!

6. The first ever photograph of a human was taken in Paris. Louis Daguerre accidentally captured a shoeshine and customer while taking a daguerreotype of the Boulevard du Temple in 1838.

7. Gustav Eiffel was granted a permit for the Eiffel Tower to stand for only 20 years. The permit expired in 1909, but it was saved because by then a radio transmission antenna had been attached to the tower.

8. Distances in Paris are marked from “Point Zero”, an octagonal marker outside the Notre Dame cathedral.

9. The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, with 72,735m2 of exhibition space. It contains artworks spanning at least 26 centuries, right up until the 19th century CE.

10. The French Army breeds and maintains a colony of 200 carrier pigeons.

RAF Music Services Annual Formal Inspection 2024

The Principal Director of Music (RAF), Wing Commander Richard Murray, recently carried out the annual inspection of the Regular RAF bands and the RAF Salon Orchestra, reviewing both the ceremonial parade and concert elements of RAF Music.

The RAF Salon Orchestra kick-started proceedings at RAF Northolt with a performance in the rehearsal studio. This featured a selection of radio shorts and examples of the light music they usually play to accompany official dinners, plus two larger works, demonstrating technical variety and scope of various genres of music.

The three Regular bands; Central Band of the RAF, Band of the RAF Regiment and Band of the RAF College, took to their respective parade squares at RAF Northolt and RAF Cranwell to demonstrate a display, each concluding with a Sunset Ceremony. Wg Cdr Richard Murray and Senior Drum Major Warrant Officer Paul Phelan judged the bands on the individual turnout of uniforms, drill and deportment, and the precision of which the military band drill was carried out.

Following the parade elements and highly successful evasion of the inclement weather, the bands had a quick change of uniform from Ceremonial No 9’s (parade uniform) into 9A (concert dress) and reset as a concert band in their respective rehearsal studios. This addition of a 45-minute concert performance is a new and highly successful enhancement to the traditional format, affording the Directors of Music an opportunity to showcase their band in a concert setting, with creative programming and individual soloists/comperes. Station personnel augmented the audience of colleagues and execs from Headquarters RAF Music Services.

Each ensemble presenting in the various formats, exhibited the highest possible standards giving assurance to Wg Cdr Murray, that they enter the extremely busy forthcoming season at peak optimum performance.

Wing Commander Murray takes the salute as the Central Band of the RAF completes its display and Sunset Ceremony.

The RAF Salon Orchestra perform for the Principal Director of Music and invited guests.

The Band of the RAF Regiment perform their concert with mood lighting to enhance the atmospheric music.

The Band of the RAF College march past the Dais at RAF Cranwell.

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John specializes in sandblasted glassware and engraved buttons, while Ian handles the engraving for everything else and manages our website.

We cover most regiments, past and present, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, we can usually make it just for you.

RAF Wittering Showcases Community Improvements

RAF Wittering recently hosted a Community Showcase Visit, inviting representatives from several organisations and charities to witness the unveiling of newly upgraded facilities and proposed future projects at the Station.

The event presented the opportunity to formerly open the newly refurbished RAF Wittering Community Centre. Visitors had the chance to see the new garden and tour the modernised space that will serve as a hub for activities, events, and services for station personnel and their families. The project was supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Additionally, a new Wellness Seating Area was officially opened, which will provide an outdoor sanctuary for relaxation with countryside views. The project, managed by Sgt Simon Wheeler, was supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF Families Federation, the Armed Forces Covenant, and the Nuffield Trust.

In attendance were guests from various charities and organisations RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Air Force Association, RAF Families Federation, Armed Forces Covenant, and BFBS. Their presence underscored the

collaborative efforts to enhance the well-being and quality of life for those serving at RAF Wittering.

The Station also showcased a series of ambitious projects in the pipeline aimed at further bolstering the lived experience and recreational opportunities from upgrading the Station Cinema and creating a Retro Gaming and Arcade Centre to a revitalised High and Low Ropes Course and creating an Outdoor Dog Agility Course. Other projects being considered include an improved Astroturf and a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area).

Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, Station Commander of RAF Wittering, expressed gratitude for the support received from the visiting organisations. She said: "The Community Showcase Visit allowed us to highlight the incredible progress we've made in creating a vibrant, supportive environment for our personnel and their loved ones. However, we're even more excited about the future initiatives that will further elevate the experience of personnel at this fantastic station."

The new Wellness Area at RAF Wittering.

The newly-refurbished Community Centre was officially opened.

71 Sqn Repair Historic Aircraft

A historic aircraft has been returned to the skies thanks to the work of personnel from 71 (IR) Squadron Aircraft Repair Flight.

The team from RAF Wittering were deployed to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby back in 2022 to assist with the repair of frame 5, a major structural component on the PS915 Spitfire. The aircraft had been grounded for four years after vibrations and cracks were noticed in the auxiliary gearbox mount on an engine ground run.

Upon further inspection by the team, it was noticed that the existing holes for the mount were located incorrectly, and the Aircraft Repair Flt were tasked to repair the frame.

Utilising drawings for the 1940’s, the team had to draw from multiple information sources to complete the task. Working closely with the BBMF Project Team and Cranfield Aerospace, the team completely stripped and rebuilt frame 5, manufacturing over 40 individual components that make up the entirety of frame 5 with pinpoint accuracy.

Extreme care had to be taken when manufacturing and locating structure where critical engine components were mounted like the engine gearbox take-off shaft and propeller trim cable.

The PS915 was built in Southampton (Eastleigh) in 1945 and delivered to No 6 Maintenance unit at Brize Norton on the April 17. The aircraft was transferred to RAF Benson on April 27, 11 days before VE-Day. After being involved in such operations as the 1948-1949 Berlin Airlift the aircraft became a founding member of the Historic Aircraft Flight, the forerunner of the BBMF in 1957. PS915 currently wears the silver colour scheme of Spitfire PR Mk XIX PS852 of 81 Sqn which was based in Kai Tak, Hong Kong, in 1951-1952.

The team completed this highly anticipated repair in February 2024 returning one of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s fastest and most beloved aircraft to the Air Display Circuit.

RAF Wittering

Station Excellence Awards

This year has seen the reinvigoration of the Station Excellence Awards.

This is a combination of two awards that have been implemented to acknowledge the work of both individuals and teams from across the Station, and have given outstanding service to their Flight, Squadron or the Station, or in the local community, over the course of the year.

It is to formally recognise someone, or team, whose performance has gone above what is normally expected from within their day-to-day role or associated secondary duty.

The Smart Award is for the nominated individual and the Sword of Excellence is for a Team.

A new process was introduced this year to select the winners of the Awards by means of a review panel chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff which consists of numerous civil

service and military personnel from across the unit with a rank range of AS1 to Flight Lieutenant. This is unique and means the award winners are selected by the Station for the Station. The only involvement by the Station Commander, is the endorsement of those who have been chosen, rather than her selection –making these awards, even more special. Once chosen, the individual and team selected for the Awards are presented at an Honours and Awards ceremony.

THE SMART AWARD

This year, RAF Wittering is proud to announce that the winner of The Smart Award is Sgt Patrick Lee. The fact that it is difficult to summarise what Sgt Lee has done for RAF Wittering, and the wider community, is a testament to why he has received the award for 2023/24. However, to name a few things; Sgt Lee created a new working process to ensure policy compliance. This was so successful that other Stations have adopted the process and A4 Supply Chain Management have

subsequently approved the working practice across the Air TLB.

He is a Mental Health Champion and is part of the Mental Health Network undertaking events at Wittering and in the wider RAF. Speaking at forums about his lived experience with mental health to aid others. Outside of the RAF he is also a member of Andy’s Man Club which is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. He also dedicates his time and effort to children in the community helping them to develop their football skills. He runs a Saturday morning coaching session for children aged from three to 11 years old. When he isn’t coaching, he is conducting the extensive administration required to operate a grass roots football club. In addition to this support, he also manages his own Under 8s team.

THE SWORD OF EXCELLENCE

The Station is also proud to announce that the deserving winners of The Sword of Excellence is the Digital Support Flight, headed by Flt Sgt Simon Connor-James.

This January, RAF Wittering were asked to provide an RAF presence at the funeral service of local RAF veteran, Warrant Officer Barry Pullen MBE, a Warrant Officer, and former Station Warrant Officer with 35 years distinguished service. With no immediate serving family and having been retired for a good many years, the initial idea of finding a funeral party at short notice seemed a tall ask. The Station Warrant Officer contacted Flight Sergeant Connor-James in Digital Support Flight and asked if their team had the capacity to support this bespoke request. The answer was an immediate, Yes. At the conclusion of the Service, mourners paid overwhelming tribute to our personnel with one attendee paying the compliment ‘Well done to you all, you absolutely owned it!’. The Royal Air Force and RAF Wittering was once again held in the highest of regard by our local community. As a team, Digital Services Flight steppedup to the mantle, demonstrating courage, leadership, and core values in abundance making RAF Wittering proud.

• If you know of an individual or a team who are deserving of these awards in 2024/25, please contact the Chairperson of the Wittering Award Panel, Flt Lt Emily Nixon.

The Digital Support Flight was awarded The Sword of Excellence for their assistance at the funeral of Warrant Officer Barry Pullen MBE.

Sgt Patrick Lee was the winner of the Smart Award.

RAF Honours 97-Year-Old WWII Veteran in

Surprise Ceremony

In a touching ceremony, 97-year-old Evelyn Hillier was finally awarded the medal she earned but never received for her service in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during and after World War II.

Mrs Hillier, a resident at Barchester's Chater Lodge care home in Stamford, was presented with the 1939-1945 War Medal by Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, RAF Wittering Station Commander. The surprise event was organised after Mrs Hillier mentioned to her family last year that she had never claimed her war medal.

"It is my pleasure to present you with the 1939-1945 War Medal for your service," Wing Commander Duncan told Mrs. Hillier during the ceremony attended by her family members from France and Wales.

Mrs Hillier joined the WAAF in October 1944 at age 17. After basic training near Manchester, she was posted to London before being sent in early 1945 to the frontline fighter airfield RAF North Weald in Epping Forest, Kent. There she cared for famed fighter ace Group Captain Douglas Bader who took command of North Weald after his release from the Colditz Prison of War camp.

During her time at North Weald, Mrs Hillier was asked to take part in an RAF recruitment film that still exists in the BBC archives today. Though she served only three years until her discharge in 1947, Mrs. Hillier says they were "the best three years" of her life.

RAF Wittering was honoured to recognise Mrs Hillier's brave service after a request from family.

RAF Wittering Station Commander Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan presents the medal to Mrs Hillier.

Mrs Hillier with her 1939-1945 War Medal.

EXERCISE

ENERGISE VOLFA

Personnel from RAF Wittering recently deployed to Orleans, France to train with the French Air and Space Force.

Exercise ENERGISE VOLFA saw personnel from Support Force work alongside French Air and Space Force specialists.

During the Exercise, No.2 Mechanical Transport Squadron (2MT Sqn), with support from 5001 Squadron Engineers and No.1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron Fuels Specialists (1 EL Sqn), collaborated with their French counterparts to test Agile Combat Employment, while sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Utilising a Tactical Aviation Refueler, 2MT Sqn were able to test their capability of refuelling RAF Air Assets, allowing aircraft to be refuelled in dispersed and austere environments. By building on the Tactical Aviation refuelling capability, the RAF will remain ready to fly and fight across the globe 24 hours a day.

Squadron Leader Howard Heap, Officer Command of 2MT Sqn said: ‘’Ex ENERGISE VOLFA provided an excellent opportunity for the Support Force to project a small team and an experimental Tactical Aviation Refueller (TAR) into Europe to integrate and operate jointly with like-minded allies. The detachment’s contribution to this Exercise has been outstanding, from their positive integration, rapid adaptation to French fuel systems and the issue of over 500,000 litres of aviation fuel to participating air forces, they have demonstrated the utility of responsive and in this case combined fuel support for NATO.”

Exercise ENERGISE VOLFA, provided the enabling capabilities to support Exercise

VOLFA, which saw the Air Mobility Force deploy an A400M, testing its ability to operate in irregular or austere conditions with minimal support.

Six other allied nations were part of the exercise including

"Support Force personnel once again have shown how adaptable they can be in enabling Operational effects across a wide range of capabilities.

"Spain, Canada, Greece, and Italy, which allows us to build and strengthen our relationships with our colleagues in NATO.

Group Captain William Andrew, Commander Support Force, said: “The importance of working collectively and regularly with our Allies and partners should never be underestimated. Support Force personnel once again have shown how adaptable

they can be in enabling Operational effects across a wide range of capabilities. Exercise VOLFA 24 has strengthened our understanding of differing operating procedures that we can all learn from. Working with different areas of Global Enablement and our French counterparts gives us much to build on for continued success in the future.”

Painting Chronicles Wittering History

Military and aviation artist Mark Whitaker kindly presented the RAF Wittering Heritage Centre with a painting to celebrate the rich history of the station.

The painting depicts moments of RAF Wittering’s history from its earliest days as a Royal Flying Corps aerodrome during the First World War, through to its current role as the home of the Grob Tutor T1 and the RAF’s Expeditionary engineering and Logistics capability.

RAF Wittering Station Commander, Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan, joined by Station Heritage Centre volunteers, accepted the painting on behalf of the Station from artist Mark Whitaker.

The Station Heritage Centre, which has recently been taken over by Flt Lt Sam Walton, from Spt ISM – Airfield Support, is staffed by volunteers made up of service personnel, civil servants, and veterans. It is entirely reliant on donations to maintain its interesting collection of stationrelated memorabilia, which includes four Harrier aircraft variants and a Blue Steel missilethe mainstay of the UK’s nuclear deterrent in the 1960s.

The Heritage Centre offers, by appointment, free tours to military groups and members of the public. Bookings can be made via email to Wittering. Heritage.Centre@gmail.com

Outstanding Leadership Award

Sqn Ldr Kaye Slater, Officer Commanding of 504 (City of Nottingham) Sqn, based at RAF Wittering, has been award the Pooley Sword.

The Pooley Sword, donated by Pooley Swords Ltd, is awarded to RAuxAF Officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.

Sqn Ldr Slater has recently taken command of a multiprofession squadron and, in her short time in command, has worked hard to develop and optimise phase 2 training and collective training, to share best practise with other squadrons and to maximise retention.

The award was presented as part of the RAuxAF100 Honorary Air Commodore’s, Squadron Commander’s and Warrant Officer’s conference at RAF Cranwell.

The Station History painting presented by Mark Whitaker.

Sqn Ldr Slater of 504 Sqn is presented with the Pooley Sword by Air Marshal Paul Lloyd, Deputy Chief of Air Staff.

RAF Wittering Station Commander, Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan, joined by Station Heritage Centre volunteers, accepts the presentation of the Station History painting from artist Mark Whitaker.

Cadets At RAF Wittering

South East Midlands

Wing Field Day

Hundreds of cadets and 200 staff descended on RAF Wittering for the Wing’s Annual Field Day.

This annual event saw teams of 25 Cadets from 31 Squadrons competing across nine competitions: Drill and Uniform, Banner Drill, Cyber Coding, Aviation, Space STEM Challenge, Famex, First Aid, Leadership, L144A1 Shooting.

Alongside the main competitions, an Experience Zone was created, showcasing various careers open to Cadets. RAF Wittering personnel from the Police Flight created an engaging stand, alongside the RAF and Navy Careers Teams and Central Reserves Support Wing Recruitment Team. No 3 Mobile Catering Sqn provided food for the day alongside the BFBS ice cream van, so no-one went hungry! The event was rounded out by a Spitfire Fly-Past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The event, attended by Cmdt RAFAC Air Cdre Tony Keeling, was a huge achievement. Thank you to all personnel from RAF Wittering who contributed to its success.

Durham & Northumberland Wing ATC

Easter Camp

Forty Cadets and eight staff attended RAF Wittering for our station-led Easter ‘Blue’ Camp.

Cadets spent a week at an RAF station to gain an insight into the roles of personnel and be immersed in the RAF life by taking part in a variety of activities that Service Personnel may get to experience.

Visits across station included 5001 Sqn, 71(IR) Sqn, 3 MCS, ATC, 2MT, Fire Section and Police Flight. Enrichment activities included a Padre’s Hour, Fireside chat with

the Station Commander and Station Warrant Officer. External visits to RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell and Defence Animal Training Regiment broadened the Cadets’ awareness of military roles, history, and opportunities. Evening teambuilding activities included cinema, karting and laser force. A day of Adventure Training with the RAF Sailing Club at Rutland Water and a Drill Competition judged by Sgt Hogarth (71 Sqn) rounded out the week.

RAF Wittering Win at the

RAF Benevolent Fund Awards

RAF Wittering has won the Airplay Project of the Year category at the RAF Benevolent Fund’s annual awards ceremony.

The RAF Benevolent Fund Awards is now in its 12th year, celebrating the outstanding contributions of the fundraisers, volunteers and partners who support the charity. The 2024 Awards took place on Thursday 25 April at the Sheraton Grand in London and was attended by hundreds of RAF personnel, veterans, and supporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

RAF Wittering won the award for highly active Airplay programme, currently conducting five well-attended sessions per week, including Ben Club (ages 5-8), Juniors, Sevens (an intermediate group), Seniors, and Project Tuesday youth forum. Throughout the year, Wittering played a pivotal role in developing and piloting the new Airplay Young Leaders course.

The young people at RAF Wittering engage with their local community with regular litter picks, attending local Parish council meetings and fundraising at local primary schools.

Airplay is the Fund’s national youth work programme across 24 stations which provides an invaluable service designed to address the unique challenges faced by RAF families, by giving children and young people access to a safe, stimulating programme of activities and some much-needed continuity if and when their family relocates.

Airplay Youth Worker Sharon Pollard said: “It feels amazing to win this Award. I can’t wait to take it back to our young people, they’re going to be so excited. They worked so hard last year. Being an Airplay Youth Worker is the best job – to watch young people grow and support their transitions from one station to the next is so rewarding.”

RAF Wittering Station Commander, Wing Commander Nikki Duncan said: “I am absolutely delighted for our Airplay Team, this is such a well-deserved win. We have an amazing team of people who all work incredibly hard to provide a fantastic service for our children and young people. Huge congratulations to them all.”

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "The Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all of the great work that allows us to continue supporting RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families and making a real improvement to their lives. Many congratulations to all this year's winners including RAF Wittering Airplay for their inspirational enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity, which has been wonderful to see. From everyone at the RAF Benevolent Fund –thank you."

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing practical, financial, and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their families. Last year, the RAF Benevolent Fund reached over 42,000 members of the RAF Family. Find out how you can support the Fund by visiting rafbf.org/get-involved.

© Ollie Dixon

RAF Wittering won Airplay Project of the Year Award.

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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.

Deployment Support

Deployed Coffee Mornings

Come and meet the team in the Costa Coffee Shop (on Station), along with other deployed families. This is a chance to enjoy a chat over (free) coffee and cake! To find out when the next coffee morning is being held check out the Wittering View Facebook page.

Deployed Trips and Activities

The Deployed Evenings in the Community Centre have proved a big hit especially the Indian and Chinese Takeaway nights. They are also an excellent opportunity to meet with other deployed families as well as the Community Support Team. Recent deployed trips included a visit to the Cadbury’s World and Harry Potter Studios, and of course we always look forward to the Santa Express Trip at Christmas.

The team is continually working on a programme of trips and activities throughout the year. We have some exciting trips lined up for 2024 like Whipsnade Zoo, Seaside trip & Burghley Horse Trials, but 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 offering deployed families a Station Cinema Pass. The pass will allow families to be able to watch an unlimited number of movies at the Station cinema for the duration of the Service Personnel’s deployment. A huge thank you to the Station Cinema Team which has made this possible. The movie schedule can be found on the

Padre’s

Corner

Happy Days…

One of the courses I run as a Padre is ‘The Happiness Course’. In it we look at the different types of happiness that exist, such as momentary pleasures, the happiness that comes through achievement, and the happiness that comes from having a meaning and a purpose.

The day always starts with the question, ‘What makes you happy?’. It is always fascinating to hear about the variety of things that those attending talk about, but without doubt the single most popular answer centres around time spent with, or experiences shared with, family and friends and loved ones.

perfect, and we will, inevitably, at some time, hurt or let down those we love, as indeed, those we love will inevitably, at some time, hurt and let us down.

One of the aims of that session is to reflect on how important relationships are to us, and therefore look at how we can protect those relationships, and how we can restore them when hurt or offence, caused or given, meant or unintentional, find their way in.

FORGIVENESS

RAF Wittering Station Cinema, RAF Wittering HIVE or Wittering View Facebook pages. If your son/daughter/partner is currently deployed or is going to be deployed to a qualifying location, and you would like more information about the support we provide along with upcoming activities, please contact Vicki Maylor (contact details below).

SSAFA Support

Wittering has a SSAFA Welfare Officer. If you need their help please contact Paula Finch, tel. 07825 016853 or email paula. finch@ssafa-fhs.org.uk; There is also a 24-hour number that you can call, tel. 0800 058 4690 or visit their website https://www.ssafa.org.uk/

Advice Clinics

Buckles Solicitors offers free 30-minute appointments* on family law matters. Helen Saggers visits the Station every second and fourth Tuesday. You can also arrange an appointment at their Stamford office or via MS Teams. Make an appointment directly with Helen via email Helen.Saggers@buckles-law. co.uk or phone tel. 01780 484538 *Initial 30 minutes is free. Any time over is chargeable based on lawyer’s hourly rate.

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

One of the four sessions covers ‘The Relational Life’, looking at the tension that arises because of our need and desire to have close and intimate relationships. When the relationships are going well, this is a source of great happiness and joy. But as we all know, none of us is

Wittering View and Wittering HIVE Facebook pages.

Community Support Team Contacts

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

HIVE Information Officer –Vicki Maylor – tel. 01780 417541 or email Victoria.maylor100@ mod.gov.uk Community Development Officer – Louise Sampson email Louise.sampson106@mod.gov.uk

Part of our discussion centres around the issue of forgiveness, and how the decision to forgive does not condone the wrong another person has done to us, or try and brush it under the carpet, but instead can free us from being stuck in that moment of hurt or pain, and free us to move forward in our lives.

I know that the teaching I find in the Bible tells me how important forgiveness is, and how, if I have received forgiveness from God, I need to be ready to forgive others. If I know how good it is to be forgiven, even when I know I do not deserve it, why should I withhold it from others. The result, of course, of forgiveness, is restored relationships, and what greater and more precious thing can there be than that.

What makes you happy?

Enjoy the good things you are blessed with, remember to live in the moment and appreciate the blessings you have in your life. And above all nurture, cherish and protect the precious relationships you have, and make the decision to forgive, and therefore restore and renew the bonds of love that make life worth living.

The Reverend (Squadron Leader) Andrew Tucker

Useful Websites www.rafbf.org

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund www.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.

RAF Wittering personnel have been helping with a project in the village to encourage wildlife connectivity.

Station Commander Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan, Officer Commanding Air Ops & Aerodrome Operator

Sqn Ldr Alice Mayor and Service Community Support Officer

Warrant Officer Neil Paylor, were among personnel who joined Amey staff members and staff from local charity The Landyke Trust to plant over 100 trees and whips in the area off Burghley Avenue.

The aim of the project is to improve wildlife connectivity throughout north Cambridgeshire and Rutland into South Leicestershire. Wild Connectivity is the ability for animals to move freely from place to place.

On the Beat

Project Paves Way for Thriving Wildlife

Planting had previously taken place, but communication was poor, and the Grounds contractor damaged a number

of whips. However, this has now greatly improved with plans to build Bird Boxes and Bat Boxes along with a couple

OP TEMPERER

RAF Wittering’s Police Flt are stand-by support for Op TEMPERER. But what exactly is Op TEMPERER?

Following the attacks in Paris in January 2015, the Prime Minister asked the Home Secretary to work with the police and MoD to ensure that the police were able to call upon significant support from the UK military in the event of a similar incident occurring in the UK, and so, Op TEMPERER was born.

Operation TEMPERER is a government plan to deploy armed troops to support and free up police officers in key locations following a major terrorist attack or major public disorder. It was put into effect for the first time on 22 May 2017 following the bombing of the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

The Armed Forces provide up to 5,100 personnel from across all three services and would use military personnel to guard areas of national interest or critical national infrastructure such as nuclear power stations. Op TEMPERER was last activated in September 2017 when the National Threat Level was raised to CRITICAL in the aftermath of the Parsons Green train bombing, with military personnel utilised to guard critical locations.

WHEN CAN

OP TEMPERER BE CALLED?

Op TEMPERER can only be initiated after a COBRA (Cabinet Office

Briefing Room A) meeting has taken place. This is the mechanism used for minsters and officials from across Whitehall to meet in response to major events and emergencies. Senior ministers, Intelligence and Security agencies and sometimes the Prime Minister will attend these meetings and discuss the required course of action.

WHAT WILL THE RAF POLICE BE REQUIRED TO DO?

To meet the training requirements for the heightened readiness, RAF Police personnel have had to complete several training packages ranging from judgemental assessments to range days. They receive briefs from dedicated Op TEMPERER instructors on what their role will be in assisting the civil police.

Over the course of the next three months, it is up to personnel from RAF Wittering’s Police Flight to take the mantle and provide the response, should it be called. Personnel will work in shifts to ensure that there is someone on a continuous 24/7, 48 hours’ notice to move state should they be called upon. If stood up, personnel would be assisting police with specific tasks, which could include covering guarding tasks to release police firearms officers to deal with terrorist incidents, joint armed patrols and responding to incidents and providing cordons to protect the public.

EX Snowy Venture

Personnel from RAF Wittering embarked on a weeklong Adventurous Training (AT) ski exercise in alpine skinning in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austrian.

The main objective of Ex Snowy Venture was to provide novice skiers with the opportunity to experience an unfamiliar and challenging alpine skiing environment and the completion of the Ski Foundation

of Hedgehog homes for the project. There are also plans to plant wildflowers in the autumn.

The project also includes the creation of a Habitat pile within the woodland, and chippings have been spread along the desire line – an unplanned small trail created by humans and animal traffic - within the wood adding to the nutrients lost from heavy foot fall.

Ongoing work will include a reduction in grass cutting within the wood to allow native species to grow, three areas will be left to become long grass meadow, with plans next year to thin by coppicing selective trees.

Other agencies involved in the work include Wittering Parish Council, Nene River Trust and Natural England.

1 (SF1) distributed training qualification.

On arrival instructors assessed the skiers' abilities, separating them into groups based on experience level. Beginners focused on equipment basics and turning, while intermediates honed techniques on green and blue slopes. The advanced group took on steeper blues, perfecting carving methods.

Each morning started with weather briefs and activity plans. As the week progressed, challenges increased. Beginners were soon tackling longer blue runs, intermediates were defensively skiing reds, and experts skied a black diamond run. Leadership and command skills were developed through the training with all groups practicing navigation and emergency procedures. The expert group successfully descended the resort's most difficult black run.

On the final day, the three groups united for a celebratory final run showcasing their new skills. One member exclaimed: "I felt elated looking up from that black slope, having achieved something I couldn't do a week ago."

After returning ski equipment, the tired but accomplished RAF skiers headed home with invaluable training and memories from their Austrian alpine adventure.

RAF Wittering’s Police Flt are stand-by support for Op TEMPERER.

Station Commander Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan and WO Neil Paylor with staff from Amey and the Landyke Trust who took part in the tree planting.

New Ways to Help

There are now new ways that service personnel and their families can access support from SSAFA…

It’s me again… I am sat here thinking where has the time gone, we are already in in the middle of 2024, everything seems to be moving faster. We have also had some changes at SSAFA as an organisation but also on Station. On Station we have said goodbye to Maddie as she moves on to pastures new and we wish her well on her new adventure. We will be welcoming our new full-time worker in June 2024, full details to follow.

As many of you will know SSAFA won the new RAF contract to provide welcome support to both service personnel and their families. Its important to understand that although an RAF service we are a tri-service organisation so we will support all three services at RAF Wittering. The new contract started on 1 May 24, and this means a change to our title so that we will now be known as Welfare Officers rather than Personal Family Support Workers - our role, however, will not change.

The way you can access the service has also changed slightly. We now have a designated Digital Welfare Hub so you can access the service by email, WhatsApp and text. If you do not want face to face appointments, you can now do so with our designated Digital Welfare Officers. There is a new telephone number for accessing the service both during the day and out of hours which is 0800 058 4690 If you call this number and would like face to face appointments, you will be directed to make an appointment through a link with your station worker.

As always, we are always on the look out for volunteers and committee members to help our community. We had a very successful cake sale recently and we would like to thank everyone who visited us. The money that we raised will be used in our own community to support service personnel and families when they most need it. So please if you feel this is your thing and you can give some time it would be very well received.

I look forward to seeing you around the station.

Have an amazing summer.

Paula SSAFA

Magical Moments

From Harry Potter to Italian Nights, RAF Wittering’s Community Support has been organising lots of different activities and trips for deployed families.

During the Easter holidays our deployed families went on a trip to the Harry Potter Studios. The families enjoyed looking at all the different sets from the movies, and although the spiders gave some of them a fright in the enchanted wood, they all loved the Hogwarts Express and Gringotts Bank.

HIVE Information Officer Vicki Maylor said: “Our families enjoyed seeing Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs with one of our children making a run for it under the barrier and up the stairs before the staff could catch her. They did say she has got further

than anyone before so well done! It was a great day, and we had a lot of tired children and adults on the way home.”

In March they held an Italian evening with pizza and pasta enjoyed by all. The station chefs created a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, and garlic bread and afterwards the children took part in an Easter Egg Hunt. Thankfully the Easter Bunny had kindly made an early visit to RAF Wittering and hidden lots of chocolate for them. A special thank you to Amey for giving Community Support some vouchers so that all the children could take home some chocolate surprises.

Other activities and events have included a Seaside-themed Fish and Chip supper, a deployed coffee morning and a trip to Whipsnade Zoo.

SSAFA now has a Dedicated Digital Hub so support can be accessed via text, Whatsapp and email.

RAF Wittering Airplay

The rainy weather hasn’t stopped us having fun here at Airplay and our weekly sessions have been well attended. With Pancake Day and Easter, our young people enjoyed lots of food themed activities. We are lucky to have a fully working kitchen in our youth house so our members can really get stuck in. I’m not sure how many yummy treats made it home.

Our young people were invited to get involved at the Astra VR showcase in the cinema one evening.

They had a great time checking out all the tech and the VR was a big hit! Many thanks to Daz Thomas and the team.

Ben Club and Junior Youth Club have been getting crafty making fab Mother’s Day gifts and other amazing creations, and we also had an ‘Design an Easter Egg’ competition, check out our happy winners.

Project Tuesday, our Youth Forum, has recently joined the Wittering Parish Council and were excited to go along to their first meeting in January. They enjoyed learning about how new housing and building projects happening in the wider community would affect them locally. And that

many decisions made now have long-term implications for future generations. Thanks to Wittering Parish Council for letting us get involved.

We were excited to be nominated for the RAF Benevolent Fund Airplay Project of the Year. The team headed down to London for the awards ceremony and was absolutely thrilled when we won!!! (Full story on page 21).

We are now busy planning four weeks of exciting Summer activities and are really looking forward to the holidays.

For more information about Airplay, their activities and youth sessions, please contact Station Youth Worker – Sharon Pollard via email Sharon.pollard@ ymcatrinity.org.uk

TEA TIME BREAK ANSWERS

Going for Gold

Name: Flt Lt Benjamin Lowe

Role: SO3 Functional Safety

Marital Status: Single

Two members of RAF Wittering Archery Club organised a 24hour Archery Shoot to raise money for charity.

Cpl Stu Hart and Cpl Rob Stephen, Supply Specialists of 1EL Squadron based at RAF Wittering, and proud members of the Station’s Archery Club, managed to raise £225 which will be shared between Mindspace Stamford and Rainbows Hospice for children and young people.

The idea for the 24hr continuous shoot popped up in conversation one day with the idea of firing between 2,000-3,000 arrows within the designated time.

Given the substantial endurance required for this event, the pair trained for two months to make sure they were ready for the day of the shoot.

In the Seat

1.

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

Knowing that I have an impact on the safety of all personnel at RAF Wittering and that persons working in dangerous and challenging roles, go home safe, to their loved ones at the end of each day, is a massive positive.

2. And the least?

Promoting safety reporting and trying to get people to buy into that culture.

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

Don’t worry about what other people think, make a plan, fail fast and recover quicker.

4. Describe yourself in six words?

Passionate, joker, focused, straight forward, confident and sarcastic.

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

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

Being too familiar with senior ranks.

7. What would be your first act as world leader?

Change the criminal prosecution process. Make it harsher and make sure people serve their full sentences.

8. Name your desert island essentials? Fridge, comfy bed and tools.

9. How would you change the MOD?

Change the promotion system, rewrite policy so that it gives a definitive answer (not interpretations). Write contracts so they benefit us and not the companies we use.

10. What food would you choose for your last supper?

Mash potato, Steak and grilled veg.

11.

Who do you most admire in the world?

My parents, for putting up with me!

12.

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

Kelly Jones – I’m a huge Stereophonics fan; Mark Hammill – Star Wars fan; Michael Jordan – Last Dance; Michael J Fox – Love Back to the Future.

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

Welsh National anthem –The one from when Wales beat England 30-3 in the Six Nations Or John Denver, Take me Home.

14. How would you like to be remembered? Just a good person, who made people smile. Or a massive hand grenade, either way I’d be happy!

Station padre, Rev (Sqn Ldr) Andrew Tucker, himself an active archer, was the first of many to encourage Cpl Hart and Cpl Stephen as the initial arrows were shot. The pair had lots of visitors to support them throughout the 24-hours including Station Commander, Wg Cdr Nikki Duncan, Officer Commanding 85 Wing, Wg Cdr Christian Ben and the SWO, Warrant Officer Daz Rose. They were also joined in the final hour by colleagues from 1 EL Sqn.

Some visitors even had a short lesson hosted by the events participants. Although this may have reduced the overall number of arrows shot, Cpl Hart and Cpl Stephen felt it helped to break the time up.

The first 1,000 arrows were shot by 1300hr with the 2,000th arrow shot at 1900 hrs and by the time the pair had shot the 3,000th arrow – their initial target – they still had 10 hours of the challenge left to go. In the end the pair smashed their target and shot an incredible 5,098 arrows - the equivalent of 3.54 arrows shot per minute - pulled the equivalent of 40 tonnes and walked 70km during the 24-hour challenge.

Cpl Stephen said: “A thank you must go out to all who helped in the Range Safety role and all of the supporters through the day."

Culinary Corner

Tandoori Salmon & Waldorf Salad

As we continue our series featuring recipes from talented caterers at RAF Wittering, AS1 Ryan Waters shares his Tandoori Salmon and Waldorf Salad dish.

Ingredients Salmon

• 1tbsp Lemon Juice

• 1tsp Paprika

• 3tbsp Coriander Powder

• 2tsp Honey

• 1tsp Garam Masala

• 1 Green Chilli

• 3 Garlic Cloves

• 50g Fresh Ginger

• 100ml Greek Yogurt

• 2 Salmon Fillets.

Waldorf Salad

• 50g Walnuts

• 1 Lemon

• 2tsp Lemon/Lime Juice

• 100g Mayo

• 2tbsp Greek Yogurt

• ½ tbsp Dijon Mustard

• 100g Red Grapes, halved

• 1 Apple, ½ cut into matchsticks,

½ fine diced. (Tip: Place prepared apples into lemon water to prevent browning).

• 1 Celery Stick,

½ thinly sliced, ½ fine diced

• Celery Leaves, picked from the stalk

• 1 Little Gem Lettuce.

Method

1. Blitz the green chilli, garlic, coriander, and ginger. Combine with the spices, honey, lemon juice and yogurt to make a marinade and rub into the salmon fillets. Leave to infuse for around 20 minutes.

2. Place the salmon into a pre heated oven for 15 minutes at 160°C. Other cooking methods can be used for the salmon such as grilling, pan frying, barbecuing and air frying.

3. To make the Waldorf dressing, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard and lemon juice together, season to taste.

4. Mix the fine diced apple and celery with the dressing.

5. Remove the leaves from the lettuce to create boats.

6. Cut the lemon in half, removing both ends and using a dry pan char one of the surfaces.

7. Use the lettuce leaves as a base, fill with the Waldorf dressing and arrange the apple matchsticks, celery slices, grapes, celery leaves and walnuts on top.

8. Place the salmon alongside with the charred lemon.

AS1 Ryan Waters

Tandoori Salmon & Waldorf Salad .

Pen and Pencil artist

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